NextGen Sports

Off Goes the Training Wheels

2010-07-24T12:28:00.000-04:00

Here at NextGen Sports, it is not our primary job to report on just the NFL. We leave the the world of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees to the ESPN family of networks, among other broadcasting giants. So, we decided to blend College Football and the NFL in our Training Camp Preview.

This week, we’ll focus on the NFC North, starting from the worst team and ending with the division champions. Today, we’ll have the Lions, followed by the Bears, Packers and finally, the Vikings.

Player Watch-

One of the main attractions of training camp is that the players from fans' favorite college teams try to play their way into the big-time. As they attempt to play their way towards NFL stardom, we look at who could be on the rise under coach Jim Schwartz.

Suh disrupting a Chase Daniel pass.

Ndamukong Suh – An obvious choice. Detroit received a gift at second overall, after Sam Bradford went to the Rams. Last season at Nebraska, Suh’s play was off the charts. Honestly,dominance does not even apply because the 6 foot 4 inch 307 pound defensive tackle eclipsed the word completely. He will start alongside veteran Corey Williams, anchoring a much improved defense. Of course, Suh (right) has to be a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

Jahvid Best – The speedster was Detroit’s second first round selection, and he should replace injured starter from last season, Kevin Smith. The former California Golden Bear star running back possesses breakaway speed and above average elusiveness. Best looks to start the entire 2010 season, complementing emerging quarterback Matthew Stafford, but be wary of Best’s injury-filled past. Around the league, NFL executives wonder if he can stay healthy for 16 games.

Marquee Matchups

Outside linebacker – Ernie Sims was traded to Philadelphia, and the Lions need a viable option opposite Julian Peterson. The likely candidate for the job is Zack Follett, the second year linebacker from California. Last season, he impressed coaches with his tenacious play, moving from the practice squad to an important part of the special teams unit. If Follett falters, expect Jordon Dizon, one of the longest tenured Lions, to start.

Cornerback – The Lions front office revamped a unit that was picked apart often last season. Detroit traded for Chris Houston, a three year starter in Atlanta, and they signed former Rams starting cornerback Jonathan Wade via free agency. Jim Schwartz likes Houston’s ability to play man coverage, but he thought Wade was the best cornerback in offseason workouts. Look for third round pick Amari Spievey to possibly steal a starting cornerback spot from Houston or Wade, come mid-season. The Iowa product is too talented to be left on the bench, except for passing situations only. Veteran Dre’ Bly was signed in the offseason, as well. He has clearly lost a step, but Bly’s ball skills are unmatched. He should an excellent fourth cornerback.

Strong Safety –Obviously, Louis Delmas will anchor the secondary at free safety, but the Lions lack a strong safety to bolster the run defense along with cover tight ends. Last year’s starter Ko Simpson is not an option. He suffered a knee injury early in November of 2009, and ensuing microfracture surgery will severely limit him early on. Therefore, Detroit looks to one of two veterans safeties, Jonathan Hefney or C.C. Brown. Neither exhibits the ability to excel in all the responsibilities of the position, but unless the Lions acquire another safety, Hefney or Brown will have to start the season.

Individual Spotlight

Campbell looks to make his way onto the Lions roster, in 2010

Caleb Campbell – Initially selected in the 7^th round last season, Campell was not allowed to sign his three year contract with the Lions. The Army product was forced into service duty, which was part of a military rule, and he was not allowed to play professional football in 2009. Yet, the rule was later suspended, allowing Campbell to become an unrestricted free agent before the 2010 season. The Lions immediately signed the young linebacker to a one year deal.

Although he won’t play on defense this upcoming year, Campbell looks to mirror the path of Zack Follett. I expect Campbell to contribute on the practice squad and later on the scout team for Detroit. The following season, however, should be more interesting. Granted, Campbell impresses coaches coupled with the Lions shaky linebacking core, he could really contribute down the road. Remember, Julian Peterson is nearing the end of his NFL career, after over a decade of professional football. It would be quite a spectacle to see Campbell as his replacement.

-Daniel Radov

NFL Time, At Last

2010-07-23T15:28:00.034-04:00

A huge part of sports is coaching, and because we cover the future of sports here at NextGenSports.net, it’s only fitting that we let you know about the future of coaching. Over the next few weeks, we’ll chronicle the best young coaches in the “Big 6” U.S. sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball).

We discussed Brad Stevens a few weeks ago as the best young coach in college basketball, this week we'll shift drastically to the biggest and most popular league in America, the NFL. To qualify, coaches must have less than 5 years of head coaching experience and must be under 50 years old. Without further ado, the best young coach in the NFL is......

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens: 47 Years old
As the NFL’s coaching atmosphere continues to experience an influx of young talent, John Harbaugh (left) is a perfect example of a young coach doing a fine job with his team. Hired as the Ravens’ head coach after being the Eagles’ special teams coordinator and later defensive backs coach, Harbaugh had a fair share of doubt coming his way from Ravens fans, most of them citing a lack of leadership experience. After having Brian Billick lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2001 and turning them into a yearly contender, the naysayers wanted a bigger-name coach at the helm, and expected Harbaugh to have a short, uneventful stint with the Ravens.

In his first year taking over a team that had an extremely talented defense with an offense, of course, that was a bottom-dweller in the NFL, Harbaugh led the team to an 11-5 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. While this type of success isn’t completely atypical for rookie coaches, Harbaugh became the first coach in the NFL’s history to win 2 playoff games with a rookie quarterback (Joe Flacco). Throughout the season, he won over fans with his charisma during press conferences, and the brother of former Ravens QB Jim Harbaugh impressed his players with his blue-collar attitude towards preparation for Sundays. He instituted intense, two-a-day practices during training camp and, while Billick would let his stars mostly have their own way, Harbaugh treated each player equally, neglecting to offer any special privileges. Needless to say, the team started to jell from both offense and defense.

After a 9-7 season in 2009 that could have easily been 11-5 or 12-4 if not for a couple of stupid penalties or missed field goals, the Ravens came out in the Wild Card round, and they stomped all over the New England Patriots 33-14. Tom Brady netted a career-low passer rating of 49.1, unable to bring his back following a 24-0 hole. Baltimore lost the subsequent week to Indianapolis.

Ultimately, Harbaugh has established himself as one of the NFL’s best coaches. With three playoff wins in just two seasons, he is poised to continue that success with a 2010 Ravens squad that has added several weapons on both sides of the ball. Just remember, one Super Bowl win, and Harbaugh will forever surpass mentor Andy Reid. The current Eagles' coach is just 1-4 in NFC Championship Games along with 0-1 on Super Bowl Sunday, in which the sole appearance was a 20-17 loss to the mighty Patriots.

-Edgar Walker

Run, Reggie, Run

2010-07-22T21:55:00.053-04:00

Bush (above) pictured with the Heisman Trophy in 2005.

Well, it's official. The 2005 Heisman Trophy no longer belongs to one of the most electrifying players in college football history, Reggie Bush. The NCAA and Heisman Trust made quite clear to the national media, USC, and Bush himself, that he hopped a clearly marked boundary in the world of prep and collegiate athletes: accepting extra benefits from agents and "handlers".

An eight month official NCAA investigation concluded this past week, with the final statement that Bush's award for being the best player in the country will be nullified in the record books. Though he will be able to keep his own trophy, USC will give back their's and also remove all mementos and images pertaining to Bush on campus. Over his tenure in Southern California, Bush and his family allegedly accepted up to $100,000 dollars worth of limousine rides, high price vacations, and paid rent from handlers; all under the table and all violations as well. These efforts were in attempt to woo the San Diego product to sign with their agencies before he left for the NFL. Once Bush took the money, he gave up his status as an amateur, and became a paid professional.

In the end, though, Reggie has "outrun" the NCAA, just as he did to hapless defenders back in college. He and his family still did not have to pay a cent for most expenses throughout his collegiate career, and now he is making millions in the NFL. The folks who will really take the hit from the situation's fallout are the USC athletic program, and all others across the country who might have, at one time or another, paid an athlete. USC had to vacate all wins from their 2004 and 2005 (Years Bush was playing), including their 04 BCS Championship. All of a sudden now, the issue with professional agents from the NFL in the college football landscape has been thrust to the forefront of the sports world. It seems like every day we hear of a new player or school under official investigation for rule infractions, almost always concerning agents and handlers.

This past Monday, former Florida standout offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey was accused that he accepted around $100,000 from an agent before the Gators' appearance in the Sugar Bowl. Though Pouncey ferverently denied ever being in contact with an agent, photo evidence from a nightclub proved otherwise. Maurkice and his brother Mike, another Florida lineman and NFL talent, were shot hanging with an agent's alleged "runner" (a person who gets close to an athlete while in high school/college and tries to coax them to their employer's company through gifts and other expendables). Florida is now in danger of losing their Sugar Bowl victory from last year. Does that sound familiar USC? It is illegal if a college athlete performs in a sporting event after being paid or given extravagant gifts from an agent. Whether or not the school knows this happened, it must suffer the consequences the ineligible athlete created.

Continuing the recent string of NCAA probes, a group of players was questioned about their attendance of a lavish South Beach party earlier in the summer hosted by a NFL player agent. North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and wide receiver Greg Little both were in attendance, as well as South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders and Alabama defensive end Marcel Dareus. The NCAA was eager to know about who paid for the players' transportation to Miami, as well as who picked up the check for their hotel and food. Unless something unprecedented happens, we could see all four of these players begin next year suspended.

Agents and runners in the college game are an infection. Plain and simple. Alabama coach Nick Saban put it best when questioned about the situation his own player, Dareus, is in, saying how these handlers bring about an "entrapment of young people at a very difficult time in their lives." It will be almost impossible for the NCAA by themselves to stop agents in the college ranks. As long as there is money, and players willing to take it, this corruption will continue. If the NFL got involved with controlling their own envoys more rigorously we might not hear as many stories related to illegal player benefits anymore. Former NFL executive Joe Mendes is a counselor employed by SEC schools who works with players and their families on how to avoid falling into trouble with agents and runners. Even if more programs like Mendes's were held throughout the country, you couldn't ensure that players will make the right decision. Its tough to do that when money is offered to you after you've seen so little for so long.

-John Stoller

A Rising European Golf Power?

2010-07-20T17:07:00.027-04:00

Golf and South Africa are synonymous. The now iconic phrase, "You drive for show and putt for dough" was coined by countryman, Bobby Locke. In fact, he was the original face of South African golf, winning four British Open Championships and popularizing the sport in a once football obsessed country. Fast forward half a century, Gary Player has risen to legendary status among the golfing world. Of course, he was the first man to approach the gentlemen's sport of golf with a physical mindset. Player emphasized the necessity of working out on a constant basis to overcome his 5 foot 7 inch frame, Plus, Ernie Els is a three-time Major Champion, Louis Oosthuizen just demolished the field at St. Andrews' last week, and Tim Clark won the Players' Championship. Moreover, South Africa boasts the 2008 Masters winner Trevor Immelman, the talented, yet streaky Rory Sabbitini and a rising star in Charl Schwartzel.

In short, Locke led South Africa into a golf craze by building courses. He knew that the beauty alone would entice people around the country, specifically the affluent population, to seriously play golf. Not to mention, Locke was cool. South Africans looked up to him as a sign that an everyday citizen could thrive on the world stage.

Oddly enough, Germany has been mired in a national campaign against golf for decades. The country, as a whole, not only has viewed the sport as elitist, but also as innately insulting to one's masculinity. Dylan Bawden, an English teaching professional, now works at a golf club in Hamburg, Germany, and he recounts one student who was afraid to tell his friends about his love of golf.

I guess such a mentality makes a bit of sense in Germany. The country carries a blue-collar label, and all citizens are committed to work. Golf is viewed as leisure. Certainly, you don't need to be in peak physical condition, and the sport lacks face-to-face competition. Soccer, on the other hand, plays to the competitive nature of the German people, and, coupled with the fact that the country is so successful, it is incredibly popular.

There is hope for golf in Germany, however. It comes in the form of a 25 year old, and his name is Martin Kaymer (left). Nearly 6 feet tall, the Dusseldorf native practically drips with golf savvy. Kaymer won his first professional tournament at only age 19. Nevertheless, he had not cemented his status as a major champion contender until this year. Yes, he had finished in the top 10 at the PGA Championship in 2009, but Kaymer, to that point, had not truly battled against the world's toughest courses in the most grueling of conditions.

Clearly, all question have been answered surrounding the German star, as Kaymer enters Whistling Straits for the last major championship of 2010. Battling with winds up to 40 miles per hour, he finished tied for 7th at the British Open. He showed that his tied for 8th finish at Pebble Beach was no fluke. Moreover, Kaymer exhibited the ability to drive ball well, regardless of the circumstances. How he fares off the tee this August will determine his success. Don't forget, the Whistling Straits is designed after the links courses of Great Britain and Ireland. Kaymer, therefore, will surely be familiar with nuances of the course.

If Kaymer were to capture the PGA championship, Germany could emerge as a home to professional golfers overnight. The country is filled with unrefined talent, and, in the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, one moment might change everything.

-Daniel Radov

Hughes Clues

2010-07-19T23:07:00.007-04:00

Much ignored in wake of the deaths of both Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner is the success of the Yankees' pitching rotation. Of course, CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte have produced as always, but Phil Hughes (right) has emerged to infuse youth into the staff.

He grew up in California, just minutes away from Angels Stadium. Hughes, the son of a Vietnam War veteran, was instilled with the values of hard work from a young age. Heading into his sophomore season in high school, unfortunately, he rode the bench. Hughes was small, scrawny kid, and the consensus of coaches believed that his future was certainly not in baseball. All such opinions changed during that spring, however. Hughes grew six inches, and he would go on to lead his high school team for the next three seasons.

In 2004, Hughes entered the draft as a surefire first round pick, and the Angels had the 12th overall pick. With this in mind, Hughes’s dad had told Anaheim's front office that his son would sign immediately following his selection. The Angels, on the other hand, decided to draft star college pitcher Jered Weaver from Long Beach State. Needless to say, the entire Hughes family was crushed.

The 6 foot 5 inch pitcher dropped to the New York Yankees at number 23 in the first round. Although the family was noted Red Sox fans, Hughes signed with the club soon after.

In his first three professional seasons, he excelled in the minor leagues, to say the least. Averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, Hughes drew comparisons to fellow Yankee great, Roger Clemens. Added New York slugger Jason Giambi in 2006, “He's young, but that fastball, it's late. I don't care what the radar gun says, it seems like it's on top of you. He's got good stuff."

Come 2007, Hughes was producing on the major league level as a starting pitcher. Yes, his ERA was 4.46, but the power right hander struck out 7 batters per nine innings. His walk totals weren’t too high, as well, especially for a then-21 year old rookie. Nevertheless, Hughes began the subsequent year in the minor leagues. He again made his way into the Yankees’ rotation by September, but various injuries caused Hughes to struggle in 2008. He walked almost as many batters as he struck out, and the Mission Viejo native had an ERA upwards of six. At season’s end, the Yankees decided to send Hughes to the Arizona Fall League for extra repetition.

Hughes found a role on the major league roster in 2009. He was responsible for the 8th inning, acting as a bridge to Mariano Rivera. Obviously, Hughes did his job well enough. The Yankees went on to win their 27th World Series Championship, but the once hailed prospect failed to dominate big league hitters. In short, Hughes seemed to not be living up to his hype.

All questions were answered this season. Hughes found himself as the team’s number five starter on Opening Day, and he has relished the role. Through 91 games, the former setup man is 11-2 with a 3.65 ERA. Hughes, furthermore, was named to the American League All-Star team. The game itself this year was played in Anaheim, just minutes away from Hughes's hometown. Granted, the best indicator of his dominance is that Hughes has totaled more strikeouts than hits allowed in 2010.

So, why has Hughes suddenly broken out in his sixth year of professional baseball? Well, the answer is maturity, in my opinion. At 24 year old, he has learned to truly pitch to hitters, manipulating them with his pitches. In terms of pitching repertoire, nothing has changed. Hughes’s location might be a bit improved, yet his trio of fastball, curveball and changeup had always been tough to handle. In the words of manager Joe Girardi, “He has become a man.”

-Hamzah Raza

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: LSU Tigers

2010-07-18T14:18:00.001-04:00

LSU Tigers

2009 Record: 9-4

Highest/Final Ranking: 4/17

Bowl: Capital One Bowl, Lost 17-19

They're getting restless in Baton Rouge. After winning the 2007 National Championship, Coach Les Miles and LSU have yet to get another 10 win season or bowl victory. The Fighting Tigers and their fan base are yearning for another try at a National Championship after two relatively "down" years. This year in a weakened SEC they should first concentrate on winning the conference. With a strong recruiting class coming in, and returning talent on both sides of the ball, the Bayoux Bengals should absolutely be in the conversation with Alabama for the SEC West.

The Tigers have possibly more unearthed potential on offense than any other team in the country. Sophomore converted wide receivers Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle were Rivals.com top ten blue chips coming out of high school, and the gems of LSU's 2009 recruiting class. Both are former quarterbacks who have size (Shepard is 6'1", Randle is 6'3") and explosive playmaking ability. Shepard, in particular, can also kick return and play tailback as well. NFL scouts are already projecting Randle and Shepard as future high first round picks. The cornerstone of this very talented receiving corps is veteran Terrance Toliver. The 6'5" senior was LSU's second leading receiver last year, catching 53 passes for 3 touchdowns and 735 yards. Look for Toliver to be one of the SEC's leading pass catchers by years end thanks to his crisp route running and physical stature. The Bayoux Bengals' ground game will be headed up by the former prep Parade All-American Michael Ford. Ford will be a redshirt freshman this year, and is fast and exciting to watch. Keep an eye on five star recruit and true freshman Spencer Ware though. A 5'11", 225 pound power back, Ware might be used in goal line situations and on third downs.

The talent of the Tigers' offense will shine through only if junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson (right) is able to step up his game this upcoming season. Last year, the 6'5" Jefferson was brought along slowly but was efficient, throwing for 2166 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. New wide receiver coach Billy Gonzalez will not only be counted on to manage the high pedigree pass catchers LSU has, but also add life to a Tigers' passing game that finished 97th in the FBS last year. The offensive line protecting Jefferson has been shifted around by coordinator Gary Crowton to compensate for player departures. This unit is anchored by senior Joseph Barksdale, while talented sophomore Alex Hurst has used a strong showing in the spring game to be the leading candidate at right tackle.

The Bayoux Bengals defense doesn't lack star power, but might not be as effective as it should be this year. Leading the squad is one of the best players in the nation, cornerback Patrick Peterson (above). Standing at 6'1" and weighing 220 pounds, Peterson can play physical on a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage or tackle a running back in the open field. His 4.2 hand timed 40 yard dash proves that he has blazing speed to accompany his strength. Also, Peterson has ball skills and soft hands, as his 2 interceptions and 15 passes defended from last year show. NFL Scouts stoutly believe he is the best defensive back in all of college football, and a future top 5 draft selection. The rest of the LSU secondary are speed merchants, too. The junior cornerback opposite of Peterson, Ron Brooks ran a 4.23 40. The safeties Jai Eugene and Brandon Tyler are both veterans who will assure that nobody will be passing over the top of the LSU defense. The Tigers' front seven isn't nearly as deep or skilled as the secondary. Middle linebacker and All-America candidate Kelvin Sheppard might be the only bright spot in a depleted linebacking corps and defensive line. Three of the four starters on the defensive line have departed, as well as two of Sheppard's partners at middle linebacker. The 6'3", 239 pound Sheppard will have to be the vocal leader of an inexperienced group, and try to keep them organized.

Les Miles in his first five years as the head man in Baton Rouge has already placed himself third on LSU's all time wins list with 51. Now, with an offense littered with young stars ready to break out and a defense that has talent but little experience, to get this group to working as a unit could be his most challenging job yet. If Miles is able to get LSU out of a difficult month of September undefeated, with games against North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and West Virginia, the Tigers could very well find themselves in the nation's top ten once again and ready for another run at college football glory.

-John Stoller

Some Buried Pirate Treasure

2010-07-17T12:14:00.000-04:00

If you are a Pittsburgh Pirates’ fan, you already know that the pitching in the City of Champions has recently, well, been terrible. As a whole, the staff is easily the worst in the league, in my opinion. Considering that the Pirates haven’t had a winning record since the early 90’s, many people have been wondering what can be done to fix this glaring weakness on the team. The answer, in the short team, is bleak, but very promising in the years to come.

The Pirates need to find their defacto ace of the staff, and currently, Zach Duke (left) is not the answer. He has a 5.49 ERA, which is the worst of any headline starter in all of baseball, and the Clifton, TX native has really struggled with runners on base. In such cases, Duke’s entire mindset on the mound completely has shifted to anxiety. On a positive note, his progress, thus far, has to be a bonus for the Pittsburgh organization. He was drafted in 2001 in the 20th round, 594th overall, so expectations were initially nonexistent.

Coming in 2010, Ross Ohlendorf, the team’s number two starter, was supposed to dazzle. The potential is certainly there, but such national hype has not been met by results this season. Although he has struck out more batters per 9 innings than last year, Ohlendorf has walked 3.74 batters per 9 innings, among the worst marks in the entire national league. Furthermore, opponents are batting near .300 against the Pirates’ second best pitcher. The only potential hope for Ohlendorf is that he will eventually figure out the science of pitching. I mean, he graduated from Princeton with a near perfect GPA. If anyone can learn how to succeed in the major leagues, the man would be Ohlendorf.

Regarding the future of the pitching staff, Pirates’ general manager Neal Huntington first looks to right hander Brad Lincoln (right). Ranked among the best prospects in Pittsburgh’s organization, he should be in the major leagues by the end of 2010. I love his fastball that touches 95 miles per hour with movement, and his curveball can be tough to handle. Lincoln needs to refine his changeup more to truly excel in the major leagues, yet his ability to throw strikes is always a bonus. He is often compared to star Rangers’ pitcher Cliff Lee, in terms of mindset on the mound.

Further down the road, expect to see Zack Von Rosenberg and Colton Cain in Pittsburgh’s starting rotation. The 19 year old Von Rosenberg does not have overpowering stuff on the mound, yet his skills are polished to the point where scouts believe he could be in the major leagues by next season. Cain, on the other hand, is a power pitching left-hander. If he can really develop both his curveball and changeup to complement a wicked fastball, the Pirates’ 8th round selection last year should excel in the major leagues.

For now, Pirates fans will have to endure their 18th consecutive losing season, a feat in which no one take pride. I guess Paul Maholm, who has been the team’s best pitcher all year, will continue to anchor a staff that contends with many Triple-A affiliates.

-Zach Parnes

Who's Next ... Klay Thompson

2010-07-17T12:11:00.002-04:00

Klay Thompson

Height/Weight: 6'6"/200 lbs

Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

School: Washington State

Year: Junior

Klay Thompson is best 20 point per game scorer you've probably never heard of. One would think that the talented son of a former NBA number one overall draft pick (Mychal Thompson) would have a bigger following from scouts and fans around the country, but that's not the case. The tall wingman hailing from Los Angeles is low-key, quiet, and lets his explosive game do the talking. At Washington State, he is lighting up the conference with his well rounded skill set, and drawing comparisons in the process to former Player of the Year, Evan Turner.

Thompson was unanimously ranked by scouting powers Rivals and Scout as a 4 star recruit coming out of Santa Margarita Catholic High. As a prep senior, the wingman averaged 21 points per game and lead his school to a California Division III state championship. The accolades began to come in fast in furious for Thompson: EA Sports Second Team All America, Divison III State Player of the Year, and League MVP. With so much attention from the media, you would imagine that Thompson's skills would demand the attention of major college hoops programs far and wide. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Michigan was the only storied power to offer him a scholarship, while Washington State, Pepperdine, and Notre Dame tried to get in the mix for the Los Angeles product as well. Thompson didn't have too much to choose from, but in the end Washington State was the pick. Being a Cougar would give him a premier role on the team and an opportunity to shine in the Pac-10.

As a freshman, Thompson started very strong and carried his momentum throughout the season. He was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, averaging 12.5 points per game while starting all 33 contests. His sophomore year, though, Thompson took his game to another level. He averaged 19.6 points and 5 rebounds a game, while having several simply dominant performances against the opposition. Thompson dropped 43 points on San Diego during a November home game, and 28 against Cal, just to name a few. Performances like these landed him a spot on the All Pac-10 first team.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Thompson seems to be primed for another dominant stretch. This summer he showed off his game at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron Ohio, impressing many pro scouts and even King James himself. Thompson's a natural scorer, and can shoot the three as well as he can drive the lane. As mentioned before, everything about his game screams "Evan Turner", because of both their abilities to lead an offense at the "point forward" position. Even though Thompson only averaged 2 assists a game this past season, that doesn't reflect how good he was facilitating the Cougars attack. He drew almost all the pressure from opposing defenses, and was not exactly surrounded by elite talent to finish opportunities he created. Despite not being the best athlete, Thompson's ball skills allow him to slip through defenders. On the defensive side of the ball, he is stellar, always staying in front of his man and rarely letting them get wide open.

Scouts now view Klay Thompson as a potential top ten draft pick if he's able to carry the momentum from this summer into the upcoming year. Though not mentioned on many Pre-Season All American Teams, here at NextGen Sports we believe Thompson will crack the first or second team by year's end, and perhaps make a strong case for National Player of the Year in the process.

Link: Klay Thompson posterizes hapless Eastern Washington defender.

-John Stoller

Jimbo Fisher Ready to Revive FSU

2010-07-17T12:09:00.004-04:00

In 1976, a middle aged coach from the mountains of West Virginia descended upon Tallahassee. He carried a 42-26 career record, yet was best remembered throughout the nation as a true gentleman. This legend of a man was Bobby Bowden.

He arrived at Florida State University, looking to ignite a program that had won just four games in the previous three years. In the next 34 season, Bowden would emerge as one of college football’s greatest coaches of all time. The Alabama native won two national championship in 1993 and 1999, and numerous former Seminoles have went on to excel in the NFL, including Deion Sanders, Anquan Boldin, and Fred Biletnikoff.

Last season, however, was a disappointment. The Seminoles stumbled to a 7-6 record, with a 4-4 record in the weak ACC. Furthermore, Bowden had wins vacated after the NCAA found that Florida State had used ineligible players in the past. At season’s end, he decided to step from the heading coaching position, and, as a result, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher (above, right) was named head coach.

Evidently, history is repeating itself in Tallahassee. Fisher, who also has West Virginia ties, will look to revive Florida State into a national football contender once again. He has gotten off to a great start, delivering the fifth best recruiting class in the entire country.

With a bevy of linebackers entering the football program, expect the defense to improve in 2010. The combination of Christian Jones, Jeff Luc, Telvin Smith, Holmes Onwukaife, and Nigel Terrell should bolster a unit that lacked athleticism last season. Jones, in particular, was ranked as the best inside linebacker in the entire country, and Luc was the top overall outside linebacker, as well.

To provide a new voice on the defensive side of the ball, Fisher decided to hire Mark Stoops as the defensive coordinator. He replaces Mickey Andrews, who had held the position for 26 years. Stoops had previously been the defensive coordinator under his older brother Mike Stoops at the University of Arizona. The Wildcats last year allowed the second fewest yards per contest in the entire Pac-10.

Offensively, Fisher looks to freshmen Kenny Shaw, Christian Green, and De’ Joshua Johnson to produce immediately in Tallahassee. Regarding Shaw, he lacks elite speed, capable of only running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, but the Orlando native’s skills are quite refined. He is the best route runner of this Florida State wide receiver group.

Johnson, like Shaw, is a four star recruit. He, however, failed to academically qualify for Florida State, and the 5 foot 11 inch wide receiver will play two years in Junior College, before entering the Seminole program. When eligible, Johnson is electrifying in the open field, reminding many of a young Donte Stallworth.

That being said, I believe that Florida State has a very good chance at the ACC title in 2010. Christian Ponder should have a Heisman-type season for the Seminoles under center, and with the conference in such disarray, Jimbo Fisher’s team could squeak its way into a BCS Bowl Game.

-Justin Silberman

The Next Star in Dodger Blue

2010-07-15T22:49:00.013-04:00

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in flux. Owner Frank McCourt went through an incredibly ugly divorce, which cost the team over $200 million. It was for this reason that the Dodgers spent little money on free agents in the off season. Come July, McCourt finds himself in even more financial trouble, and the Dodgers have neglected to seriously consider trading for an additional, expensive asset. As a result, general manger Ned Colletti looks to his farm system to bolster an already talent ball club in the hunt for first place in the National League West.

Here is a look at a few potential gems playing in the Dodgers' organization:

DEE GORDON, SS
His father is three-time All Star Tom Gordon, so he definitely has the family name to live up to, but Dee Gordon (above, right) doesn't seem to be bothered. He continues to impress since his selection in the fourth round of the 2008 draft. Ranked as the 36th best prospect in baseball, the Seminole Community College graduate can best be compared to his idol, fellow shortstop Jimmy Rollins. At 5 feet 11 inches and just 150 pounds, Gordon earned Midwest League MVP honors last year for Single-A Great Lakes, tripling 12 times and stealing 73 bases. In 2010, he has excelled in the lead off spot for Double-A Chattanooga. Gordon has already stolen 33 bases in a half season's work.

Recently, Gordon hit in the number two spot in the All- Star Futures’ Game in Anaheim. He picked up a hit and later scored for the United States' team. If all goes as planned, Gordon should find himself playing regularly in Chavez Ravine sometime next season, likely as a mid-season call-up. At such a point in time, the organization must decide on the future of current shortstop Rafael Furcal.

ETHAN MARTIN, P
Martin, who was also ranked as a top-50 prospect in baseball, has been plagued by injury in a short professional career. Drafted in the first round in 2008, he first saw action in the following season, registering a 10.8 K/9 ratio. Clearly, Martin is a power pitcher, using a mid-nineties fastball coupled with a knee-dropping curveball to dominate hitters. With Class-A Inland this season, Martin has already won nine games, in which he held opposing batters to a .240 average. As his command improves, expect Martin to help headline the Dodgers' pitching rotation. He could form an overpowering trio alongside Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley. The Toccoa, Georgia native, however, could supplement an already solid bullpen for Joe Torre's team at the earliest case scenario.

JOSH LINDBLOM, P
He was a second round draft pick by the Dodgers in the 2008 amateur draft. At 6 feet 5 inches, Lindblom scares hitters on the mound. Add in a mid-nineties fastball along with a solid splitter, and one receives the 2010 Dodgers Spring Training Player of the Year. Nevertheless, he had somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde season in 2009. As a starter with Chattanooga, he disappointed with a 3-5 record and a 4.71 ERA. Following a mid season promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque, however, Lindbloom saw his ERA drop to 2.54, working primarily as a reliever out of the bullpen. In my opinion, a solid ending to 2010 in the minor leagues, and he will likely taste a bit of September action with the Dodgers. Lindbloom should battle for the middle reliever position next season in Los Angeles.

Other players of note:
Chris Withrow, P- Flaunting a high-nineties fastball and sharp curveball, Withrow must overcome apparent homesickness if he wants to move through the minors. Despite an ERA of 3.00 at home games this season, he has been god awful on the road with an ERA of a whopping 15.82
Scott Elbert, SP - Since being drafted in 2004, he has been a starter in the Dodgers’ farm system. Elbert boasts a filthy curveball and reliable fastball. The problem is command, which really didn’t hold up in his three stints in the majors over the past three years, leading to a 6.84 ERA. If all goes as planned, he could provide a strong arm out of the pen in the 2011 season.

-Billy Ford

Best High School Basketball Factories

2010-07-14T17:02:00.001-04:00

As NBA Free Agency has dominated the headlines in the summer months of baseball, we, at NextGenSports, decided to turn out attention to the high basketball season. In recent years of McDonalds’ All-Americans and constant scouting, the high school level t has become a star-driven brand of basketball. Nevertheless, we wanted to get back to the roots of the next NBA stars around the country, looking at the schools themselves. Starting from 10 and making our way to number one, we will be profiling the best high school basketball teams in the land. Look for #9 coming soon…

Number 10: Montverde Academy, Montverde, Florida

2009-2010 record: 23-5

Coach: Kevin Sutton

Last season, expectations were high once again. Yes, star center Ruslan Pateev had graduated, and he has attended Arizona State on a basketball scholarship. More important, however, James Bell (right) returned for his senior season. The 6 foot 5 inch point guard was considered one of the best shooters in the country. Bell skyrocketed up national prospect rankings towards the end of last season, excelling specifically against fellow powerhouse Findlay Prep. Scouts loved the Orlando native’s prowess in the paint, as well. He utilized his size often to overpower smaller guards, similar to Denver Nuggets’ guard, Chauncey Billups.

At forward, Jamail Jones did it all. He was extremely versatile, able to play shooting guard, small forward and power forward. Jones possessed a unique maturity about the game of basketball, and he recognized the importance of shot selection. Therefore, he was a guy who will always have a high field goal percentage. After committing to Marquette, Jones had been compared to former Golden Eagles’ star and current Jazz swingman Wes Matthews. Personally, the Georgia product considers himself in the mold of Carmelo Anthony.

Anyone close to the Maryland program cannot wait for Montverde swing man Haukur Palsson. Born in Iceland, he is not very athletic, but what Palsson lacks in natural ability is compensated in the competitive department. The incoming college freshman will undoubtedly bring his best every night, which shall be crucial to the team’s success.

Opposing teams often struggled again Montverde especially when Palsson and Jones were effective consistently, opening the court up to James Bell throughout the game. Then the star point guard was open to issue serious damage.

If we look at the entire basketball program, the list of famous alumni is rather short. The reasoning lies within the school, where, Montverde Academy did not start building a high profile, national powerhouse until the early 2000s. Without future a due, here is the short list:

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is arguably the most well-known product. He left Montverde and starred at UCLA for coach Ben Howland. In Westwood, the African prince established himself as a defensive specialist. Drafted in 2^nd round by the Milwaukee Bucks, Mbah a Moute quickly worked himself into the starting lineup with his tenacious play.

Solomon Alabi, the former center from Florida State, was recently drafted with the 50^th pick by the Dallas Mavericks, but later traded to the Toronto Raptors. In Tallahassee, Alabi exceeded expectations, and he was projected to be a lottery pick early into his sophomore campaign. Health issues, however, caused his stock to fall dramatically.

LD Williams emerged as a leader and defensive specialist at Wake Forest last season.

-Will Baldwin

College Football Countdown: Quarterback 'Diaper Dandies'

2010-07-14T15:40:00.003-04:00

As we continue to examine the top up-and-coming college football teams to look out for this fall in our "College Football Countdown Team Spotlight" series, the crew at NextGenSports.net will bring you information on the top freshmen to look out for not only this year, but throughout their college careers.

The series will be broken down into positions, and for our first edition, Edgar Walker will discuss the top 10 quarterbacks in the incoming class. A highlight video will be included with each player if available. Remember that these are the 10 players who will make the most impact over their college careers, not necessarily a ranking of how good they are. Multiple QBs are unfortunate enough to be behind other top recruits or already-established signal callers on their team's depth charts.

#10: James Franklin, Missouri-

Right when you take a look at him, you'll instantly think Franklin (left) knows what he's doing. With a 6-foot-3, 215 pound frame, the Lake Dallas HS (Texas) product has great size and has a nice feel for the QB position to go along with it. He runs a 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and can make a whole lot of something out of nothing if his passing options break down. In addition to the foot speed, he's got a big arm, which will be perfect for the Big 12. After drawing interest from Baylor, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, LSU and Nebraska, Franklin picked Mizzou in the March after his junior season.

Touchdown Pass

55-yard scramble

#9: Bryan Bennett, Oregon-

While he's rated a bit lower on several recruiting sites, I'd like to bump Bennett up from the 15-25 range to the top 10. With Jermaine Masoli being kicked off the team, the Ducks' QB spot is up for grabs, and Bennett could win it with a strong summer. Another 6'3" guy, Bennett bests Franklin's 40 time, as he clocks in with a 4.6-second time. While he's got the invaluable speed for Oregon's offense, the Encino (CA) native sees the field very well and with some strong receivers, he could blow up the stat sheet both in the air and on the ground. With 25 passing touchdowns and only 5 interceptions last season in a very tough league, Bennett should be up to the challenges the Pac-10 throws at him.

Game Highlights (58-0 win)

#8: Barry Brunetti, West Virginia-

Brunetti is an interesting case. I've seen him ranked in the top 5 of some QB rankings, and as low as the mid-thirties in others. You can say what you want about his size (barely 6 feet), but you have to agree that he has all the tools to be a great college quarterback. A big-time threat both on the ground and in the air, Brunetti could be the second coming of Pat White for the Mountaineers. The main difference is that Brunetti is a much, much better passer. Scary, huh? He's built a bit like a running back, which helps him avoid injuries and break off big runs in the open field. He should be a force to be reckoned with in Morgantown for the next four years.

Highlight Reel

#7: Scotty Young, Texas Tech-

If you just take a look at his high school stats from the last two seasons, you can tell that Young was a prospect whose scouting report Mike Leach salivated all over before he was terminated in Lubbock. With 8,962 passing yards, 129 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions in his junior and senior seasons, the former Ryan High School QB looks like the heir apparent to Taylor Potts. With one year of Potts left, the Red Raiders may redshirt Young to preserve his four years of eligibility and have him learn the prolific system for a year before taking over the starting job. And just for what it's worth, he runs a 4.8-second 40-yard dash.

Highlight Reel

#6: Paul Jones, Penn State-

Jones' toughest competition in college may have already started, as rising sophomore Kevin Newsome and fellow blue-chip prospect Robert Bolden are both gunning for the Nittany Lions' starting spot with Jones this season. Coming in at a nice 6'3" and 226 pounds, Jones has the size and build of an NFL quarterback and the big arm that comes with it. Boasting what could be the biggest arm of the class and great accuracy to boot, the only knock on Jones is that he's not much of a dual threat. The pass-only quarterback is a dying breed among major college programs, but Jones should be good enough to overcome that hurdle.

Highlight Reel

#5: Brett Nottingham, Stanford-

Nottingham is a bit like Tim Tebow as a quarterback, but I have this peculiar suspicion that ESPN won't say the name "Nottingham" over 1,000 times in a telecast like they did with the former Heisman winner. He's 6'4" and possesses great passing accuracy. Also a Divison 1 baseball prospect, Nottingham is a top-notch athlete, as his 4.7-second time in the forty would suggest. After committing to UCLA during the Fall, the Monte Vista High School (CA) product changed his mind in January, after deciding that his athletic pedigree and 3.9 GPA would be better suited in Palo Alto than Westwood.

6 TDs in One Game

Season Highlights

#4: Devin Gardner, Michigan-

Devin Gardner is the ultimate dual-threat quarterback. Not only can he run the ball better and faster than most of the running backs in the class (4.5-second forty time), Gardner's as legitimate of a passer as they come. With a tall 6'4" frame, instant comparisons to Terrelle Pryor emerge. Gardner is a great leader on the field and has a great feel for passing the football. He'll undoubtedly face some tough competition from Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson for the starting job, but it's possible he could feature in a custom-made formation or just be the outright starter on a Michigan offense that gets much scarier with Gardner behind center.

Playoff Highlights

Rushing Mix

Junior Season Highlights

#3: Connor Wood, Texas-

Why is it that the rich just keep getting richer? After graduating campus legend Colt McCoy, the Longhorns add a blue chip recruit in Wood to battle rising sophomore Garrett Gilbert for the starting spot. Wood has the ability to win the job, as he combines great physical gifts with a ton of maturity, both of which are always evident on the field at all times. While being 6'4" and over 210 pounds may suggest that he's a slow, immobile pocket passer, Wood has great scrambling ability and can keep a defense guessing.

Highlight Reel

#2: Philip Sims, Alabama-

As for the rich getting richer, this is just flat out unfair. After winning the BCS Championship last season and returning most of their weapons this year, the Crimson Tide land the consensus #2 quarterback in this class. The all-time leader in passing yards in Virginia high school history, Sims is the complete package. He's built like a linebacker and can throw the ball like a young Peyton Manning. The only knock on the Chesapeake (VA) native is that he doesn't scramble as well as people might like for a guy who runs a 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Regardless, he'll be a stud once Greg McElroy graduates.
Highlight Reel

#1: Jake Heaps, BYU-
Now for what everyone's been waiting for. The top quarterback (right) in this freshman class, a guy who's been there from the start and hasn't lost his place in the process, is going to....BYU? Heaps is a polished quarterback already, and can make any pass, no matter the degree of difficulty, look like a pass any QB could complete. His accuracy is unheralded and he has outstanding poise under center. With questions lingering about when he'll complete his Mormon mission and whether a freshman will be ready to step into the veteran-friendly BYU offense and succeed, Heaps does have his doubters. Despite these questions, Heaps is just too good not to succeed as a Cougar. 2009 Highlights

Best of the Rest:

-Jesse Scroggins, USC

-Blake Bell, Oklahoma

-Tyler Bray, Tennessee

-Zach Lee, LSU

-Robert Bolden, Penn State

-Edgar Walker

New Talent, No Problem.

2010-07-13T16:30:00.010-04:00

This season, the Boston Red Sox have been plagued by injuries, to say the least. Thus, the Red Sox organization has relied on emerging prospects from the farm system, specifically outfielders Darnell McDonald and Daniel Nava (right) as well as pitcher Felix Doubront. Perhaps, the best indicator of their combined success was during interleague play, in which the newcomers led Boston to a 13-5 record.

Expectations were initially high for Darnell McDonald. As a high school sensation, the Colorado native was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles in 1997. In the minor leagues, he struggled mightily in both AA Bowie and AAA Ottawa, failing to hit over .300 for an entire season. McDonald, however, rebounded to debut with the Orioles in 2004. In 17 games, he batted just .156. After being released by Baltimore, McDonald had trouble finding a home in stints with both the Reds and Twins.

He did not even join the Red Sox organization, in fact, until the baseball season had already begun. General manager Theo Epstein signed the veteran outfielder to provide depth following Jacoby Ellsbury being placed on the disabled list. On April 20th, McDonald made his first appearance with the Red Sox as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. Down by two runs to the Texas Rangers with two outs and a runner on second base, McDonald hit a game-tying home run. He then blasted a ball off the wall in the next inning to win the game, edging the Rangers, 7-6. Look for McDonald’s playing time to decrease with the return of Ellsbury, Jeremy Hermida, and Mike Cameron. Nevertheless, he has shown consistency at the plate, and the 31 year old possesses a knack to contribute off the bench. If not on the Red Sox in 2011, expect him to stay in the major leagues as a proven fill-in producer.

Before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Red Sox in 2007, Daniel Nava played in the independent league. With extremely small crowds and poor salaries, such was not the ideal setting for a young outfielder. The Pawtucket Red Sox, however, were a different story. Abound with future stars, Nava played up to form, batting .294 with hit 8 home runs in his first minor league season. Notoriety later arrived for the native of Redwood City, California after he hit a walk-off grand slam, on the only pitch of his first MLB at-bat, against the Philadelphia Phillies. Daily production was the next step for Nava, which he again achieved. In 24 games this season, he hit.300 with one home run, 16 RBIs, and most notably, 10 doubles. Unfortunately, Nava’s future with the organization is rather bleak. At 27 years old, he is reaching the prime of his baseball career in an organization littered with talented outfielders. Unless Mike Cameron severely deteriorates, Nava will likely not be on the Red Sox next season.

Ranked among the Red Sox’s best prospects in 2010, Felix Doubront’s success is not a surprise. He has excelled on every minor league level since signing with the organization at 17 years old, and the Venezuelan is currently the youngest player on Boston’s active roster at age 22. This season, Doubront has made two starts in replace of injured All-Star pitcher Clay Buchholz. In a June 18th clash with the Dodgers, he picked up the win in five innings of work. Doubront gave up just three runs. Against the Tampa Rays on July 6th, he went five and two-thirds innings, allowing 2 runs, but unfortunately, the 6 foot 2 inch left hander got the loss.

Blessed with a deceptive fastball, a solid changeup, and a potentially dangerous, he looks to start regularly for the Red Sox down the road. Doubront’s best asset is his control, and he locates all of his pitches extremely well. The only concern for the former undrafted free agent is health. Doubront missed much of 2007 with injuries, including a hernia operation.

In my opinion, much credit for the success of this trio and the entire ball club needs to be given to manager Terry Francona. He does such a fabulous job in acclimating young players to the Boston environment. Theo Epstein should not be forgotten, as well. Year after year, the Red Sox general manager continues to build on an already loaded farm system. Next up, on the diamond of Fenway Park should be first baseman Lars Anderson. At 6 foot 4 inches with elite power, he could be David Ortiz’s replacement at the DH spot.

-Henry Lee

MLB Mid-Season Awards

2010-07-12T08:26:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe we are actually at the half-way point of the 2010 baseball season. This has been a first half unlike any other, featuring an unprecedented two perfect games and two no hitters. Pitching in baseball is back, and unlike in past years where we have lacked 20 game winners throughout the league, by the September we might have five already. That's not all though: we have a player who has a legit shot for the first triple crown since Carl Yastrzemski, and a rookie that got almost as much hype as LeBron James's free agency period. Anyway, without further ado here are our Mid-Season MLB awards at NextGen Sports.

John's Mid-Season Awards

American League MVP: Miguel Cabrera. Though Josh Hamilton, Vlad Guerrero, Justin Morneau, and Robinson Cano are all having monster years, Miggy gets the slight edge. He is tied for the AL's highest batting average (.346), second in homers (22) and the leader in RBI (77). Also if the season ended today, he would also be pacing the league in slugging percentage and OPS. Cabrera is a real threat for the triple crown, and invaluable to the Tigers' lineup.

National League MVP: Joey Votto. Yes, I know it might be blasphemous to put a NL Central first baseman not named Pujols here, but Votto deserves it. The soft spoken Reds slugger is changing Cincinnati's recent baseball losing culture and one of the main reasons why his team is leading the division. He is tied for first in the Senior Circuit with 22 dingers and sixth in RBI with 60. Votto is also sporting a very respectable .314 batting average and leading the league in on base percentage.

American League Cy Young: Jon Lester. Lester has been the constant on a Red Sox team that has struggled with injury and inconsistency throughout the year. The hard throwing lefty is on pace for a career year, with 11 wins, 124 strikeouts, and a 2.78 ERA. Though he doesn't lead the American League in any specific pitching category, he is in the top six in almost every one.

National League Cy Young: Adam Wainwright. This pick might be a mild surprise to some people, considering Josh Johnson and Ubaldo Jimenez are getting most of the hype for this award. Wainwright, though, has been quietly one of the best pitchers in baseball all season with his 13 wins and miniscule 2.11 ERA. Looking at statistics specifically, he is in the top 3 in almost every major pitching category, except strikeouts where he ranks fourth with 127.

American League Rookie of the Year: Brennan Boesch. Boesch has just been on fire since he was called up in April by the Tigers. The 25 year old is batting .345 with 12 home runs and 49 RBI. You would be hard pressed to find many other outfielders, especially rookies, who are outputting that type of production.

National League Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward. J Hey has exceeded the hype he had coming into the season. With 11 homers and 45 RBI before he went on the 15 day Disable List, Heyward was on pace to duplicate numbers that we saw Albert Pujols put up in his rookie year. Coming of his injury stint after the All Star Break, expect him to be well rested and just as productive as before with his first place Braves team.

American League Manager of the Year: Ron Washington. Coming off a very tough offseason where he failed a drug test that showed cocaine in his system, Washington has bounced back in a big way, leading his team to first place in the AL West. With the Rangers finally having quality pitchers, and Josh Hamilton's and Vlad Guerrero's offensive resurgences, credit must be given to Washington

National League Manager of the Year: Bud Black. Black might have one of the lesser talented teams in the National League, but that doesn't make much of a difference to him, as he's lead the San Diego Padres to first place in the NL West and one of the best records in baseball. Despite having Adrian Gonzalez, Black literally has no offense to post runs nightly, and a largely unproven yet talented pitching staff (Featuring Mat Latos, Jon Garland, and Clayton Richard). Black has created a winning environment in San Diego, a town that has never had one in baseball.

Daniel's Mid-Season Awards

American League MVP: Miguel Cabrera. Maybe he should speak to children about the negative effects of alcohol. Since he went through a rehabilitation program last off season, Cabrera has evolved into the American League's best hitter. It is a fallacy that the first baseman will not start in the All-Star Game. Cabrera has literally dragged the Tigers into contention for the AL Central, and he looks to be Triple Crown contender, a feat not achieved since 1967.

National League MVP: Joey Votto. His statistics are ridiculous. Votto ranks among the top 6 National League players in every relevant offensive category. Most impressive, the Canadian first baseman has an OPS over 1.000, which sits in the baseball stratosphere alongside Babe Ruth's career mark of 1.164. Votto, furthermore, plays Gold Glove-caliber defense. I know this award has become synonymous with Albert Pujols, but Votto is the sole reason why Cincinnati remains in first place in the NL Central.

American League Cy Young: David Price. Drafted first overall in 2008, he has skyrocketed from heralded rookie to top of the line starter. Price, in my opinion, is the clear cut choice, having the most wins and the lowest ERA in the American League. Expect the former Vanderbilt star to start the All-Star Game for Joe Girardi's squad.

National League Cy Young: Ubaldo Jimenez. To be mentioned in the same sentence as Bob Gibson's mythical 1968 season, you have to pretty special. Jimenez certainly qualifies for the discussion, sporting a 15-1 record with an ERA of just 2.20. Clearly, the 26 year old. has shaken off the label as a talented yet wild hurler in 2010, developing improved mechanics to think around hitters. In all honesty, if Jimenez continues to dominate, more people may compare him to Denny McClain in 1968. The Tigers' star pitcher won 31 games that season.

American League Rookie of the Year: Neftali Feliz. He entered the major leagues with high expectations. To relieve a bit of pressure, manager Ron Washington penciled the organization's top prospect in the closer role. 23 saves later, and the decision looks to be the spot on. All season, Feliz has anchored an inconsistent bullpen, earning himself an All-Star appearance.

National League Rookie of the Year: Mike Leake. Oddly enough, Stephen Strasburg was not the best selection in the 2009 MLB Draft. Leake, who skipped the minor leagues entirely, now fronts the Reds' rotation. To date, he is 6-1 with a 3.53 ERA, while playing in the launching pad of Great American Ballpark. The largest contributor to Leake's success is refined mechanics, which allow the former Arizona State star to pick his spots in the strike zone.

American League Manager of the Year: Terry Francona. Perhaps the choice is quite obvious. The Red Sox have the 3rd best record in the American League. Yet, Francona has managed to win without 7 of 9 opening day starters. He has helped mature Clay Buchholz into a star pitcher, and his laid-back atmosphere allows young players to thrive in fill-in situations. I predict that once Beckett, Pedroia, Youkillis, and Victor Martinez return to the team, Boston looks to contend for the AL East crown.

National League Manager of the Year: Bobby Cox. In his last season as a professional manager, he leads a first place Atlanta Braves team. Cox brought Jason Heyward along nicely, and his presence clearly factored into the right fielder's great first half. Additional credit should be relayed for the rebirth of Troy Glaus at the plate, and the breakout performance by second baseman Martin Prado. Nevertheless, Cox's biggest strength is managing pitching rotations. 2010 is no different, as the Braves look dangerous come playoff time, armed with a talented trio of Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, and Derek Lowe.

-John Stoller, Daniel Radov

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: UNC Tar Heels

2010-07-11T12:47:00.006-04:00

UNC Tar Heels

2009 Record: 8-5

Highest/Final Ranking: 18/unranked

Bowl: Meineke Car Care Bowl, lost 19-17

Ever since Butch Davis was hired to coach the North Carolina football team, the program's recruiting and overall record have made very noticeable progressions. The team has strung together back to back 8 win seasons, the first time that has happened since 1997-98. Known more for its basketball than football, UNC looks this year to crack the top 10 in the AP Rankings and conquer the ACC. At NextGen Sports we see the Tar Heels winning the ACC Coastal division in 2010, a bold prediction considering they will have to compete with the likes of Georgia Tech, Miami, and Virginia Tech to do just that.

The Tar Heel's defense is it's greatest strength, and will most likely rank among the best in the nation. Their defensive line is arguably the prize piece, consisting of two future NFL first rounders in end Robert Quinn and tackle Marvin Austin (both pictured above). Quinn, standing at 6'5" and weighing 260 pounds, is built like an elite pass rusher and plays the part as well. The junior, who posted 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, proved to be as disruptive to opposing offenses as any other player in the country. NFL scouts are already looking at Quinn as a potential top five selection in next year's draft. The 300 pound Marvin Austin is a hulking presence in the middle of the defensive line. He is unusually quick for a big guy, and can get off blocks with great speed to either sack the quarterback or stuff the run. If Austin can build off his successful junior campaign he should be without a doubt one of the premier interior lineman in all of college football.

The future NFL talents for the Tar Heels' defense don't just end on its front line. Senior linebackers Bruce Carter (below) and Quan Sturdivant are both seen as preseason All-Americans, and with very good reason. They are explosive, fast, and physical athletes who also have innate abilities to get to the football. Sturdivant, specifically, is the vocal leader of the defense and one of the country's most versatile outside linebackers; being able to pressure the quarterback, stop the run, and drop back in coverage. The Heels' secondary is loaded with experience and talent, featuring All-ACC selections safety Deunta Williams and corner back Kendric Burney (right). Williams and Burney, paired with their fellow seniors, cornerback Charles Brown and strong safety Da'Norris Searcy, form one of the best secondaries in the college ranks.

The Tar Heels' success this upcoming fall will rely on their offense, returning 10 starters. If veteran quarterback TJ Yates is able to limit his turnovers, unlike in 2009 where he threw 15 picks, UNC should find the end zone much more often. Redshirt freshman Bryan Renner is ready to step into the starting role if Yates continues to struggle. The running game should be in fine shape, with Shaun Draughn coming back from injury and Ryan Houston now with experience under his belt. The two backs should form a potent 1-2 punch, combining Draughn's speed with Houston's power. Yates should have plenty of targets to throw to, with senior Greg Little as the offense's primary receiver. Sophomores Jhernie Boyd and Erik Highsmith are both expected to develop and build off the experience they gained as freshman. The offensive line, marred by injuries last season, will be headed up by talented guards Alan Pelc and Jonathan Cooper. UNC's offense might not be the strongest unit in the ACC, but should be able to produce solid numbers if injuries are avoided and Yates keeps his cool under center.

Linebacker Bruce Carter last spring, addressing him and his teammates decisions to return to school: "We had a goal in mind, to win a national championship. We basically came back for that reason. To go out on top is the ultimate goal." The Tar Heels are driven this year, and for that precise reason. Butch Davis was able to convince players like Carter, Robert Quinn, Marvin Austin, Quan Sturdivant, and Deunta Williams to pass up opportunities to become early round NFL draft picks and return to school for another run at college football glory. Key match ups that could make or break 2010 for the Tar Heels are a trip to Atlanta to play LSU September 4th, a home game against Georgia Tech September 18th, and a late November clash against Virginia Tech in Chapel Hill.

-John Stoller

Striking Oil

2010-07-11T11:20:00.003-04:00

A debate by the moniker of “Taylor or Tyler” took form in hockey circles at the midway point of the National Hockey League’s season, when NHL Central Scouting ranked prospects Taylor Hall (right) and Tyler Seguin as the one-two punch for the 2010 draft, alternating ranks throughout the year.

What was most intriguing was when Hall, of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Windsor Spitfires, was ranked number two behind the Plymouth Whalers’ Seguin, ranked number one at the midway point of the season. Both players brought game-breaking abilities to the table, but in different forms throughout their major junior hockey careers.

Who would be drafted first overall?

It was Taylor over Tyler.

Why?

Hall dominated the league as a member of the talent-laden and Memorial Cup winning Spitfires. The team included other first-round picks Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks, 2010) and Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators, 2009) along with other successful prospects Luke Pither and Eric Wellwood (Philadelphia Flyers).

Hall took the OHL by storm with 280 points in 183 games throughout three seasons. He was a consistent force up front that not only could snipe from distance on a regular basis, but draw attention away from his linemates to set up beautiful plays. Hall finished with 34 more assists than goals in his tremendous OHL career.

The Edmonton Oilers were looking for just that sort of gamebreaker to headline their new generation.

The Oilers finished dead last in the NHL standings last season, giving them the best shot at getting the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. The lottery ended in their favor, allowing them to draft an absolute gamebreaker, Taylor Hall, to headline a new force that could resemble the Oilers of the 80s once this group matures.

Edmonton saw it fit to start building the team by stockpiling standout amateur players such as Canadian Junior hockey hero Jordan Eberle, dangle specialist Linus Omark and the broadcaster’s worst nightmare, Swedish power forward Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Defensive prospects Alex Petry and Alex Plante as well as goaltending prospect Olivier Roy (that hockey famous last name should sound familiar to you) round out the Oilers’ top prospects.

All of these players are tremendously well-rounded in their skillsets, and most are only a few years away from breaking into the NHL. Expect Hall, Omark and Eberle to have a good chance to make the team next season.

That balance is absolutely key to the Oilers’ successes in the future. Hall, as well as the rest of the prospects, will have the opportunity to work with seasoned veterans on the below-average Oilers team. Once GM Steve Tambellini clears out some veteran contracts that are strapping the team and the prospects mature, I believe he will pursue some high-priced veteran help on the blueline to give the Oilers a real chance at the Cup. Their forward core is absolutely set with this stockpile of offensive firepower, headlined by Hall himself.

The Edmonton Oilers have had a rough go of it with their hockey fortunes since the great era of the 80s, but with this plethora of promising prospects, the Oilers will be back and seriously contending for the Stanley Cup within the decade. Count on it.

-Jordan Kuhns (guest writer)

Zoning On In

2010-07-11T10:49:00.014-04:00

Sean Miller (left) made it work at Xavier. In five years, he lead the Musketeers to three A-10 regular season championships and one A-10 tournament championship. He also took Xavier to the NCAA tournament four times, including an elite eight appearance as the three seed. Following the 2009 season, Miller emerged as a candidate to replace coach Russ Pennell at Arizona. He initially declined when offered the position but eventually changed his mind, having never set foot on the Wildcats' school campus.

For decades, coach Lute Olson embodied the entire University of Arizona basketball program. He had entered in 1983 from the University of Iowa, and the Wilcats were among the nation's worst basketball programs. In just three seasons, Olson led Arizona to prominence, winning the Pac-10 Regular Season Championship in 1986. The Wildcats, two years later, spent much of the season ranked number one in the country, and in the NCAA Tournament, Olson navigated through his old foe the Iowa Hawkeyes to earn the University its first ever Final Four appearance.

Success became expected in Tucson over Olson's tenure. They continued to dominate Pac-10 play, and Arizona returned to the Final Four in 1994. The Wilcats, however, returned home without a national championship. In 1997, Arizona entered the NCAA Tournament seeded fourth. Olson & Company overcame double digit deficits in opening round matchups against both 13th seeded South Alabama and 12th seed College of Charleston. Led by future NBA All-Star point guard Mike Bibby, the Wildcats then proceeded to beat three number one seeds, an NCAA Tournament record, and coupled with fellow guard Miles Simon, Arizona trounced the University of Kentucky to capture their first national title. Simon was later named the Final Four's Most Oustanding Player.

The program returned to the Final Four in 2001. The Wildcats eventualy lost in the national championship game to Duke, 82-72. Prior to Olson's unexpected retirement before 2008 season, he had reached the NCAA Tournament 28 times in total, in which 25 appearances were part of a then-active consecutive streak. Known as one of college basketball's most adept minds at developing young talent, Arizona became known as "Point Guard University," and notable basketball alumni include Bibby, maligned Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, Suns shooting guard Jason Richardson, and perennial NBA 6th Man of the Year Jason Terry.

Prior to Miller, the head coaching position was in flux. Initially tapped to succeed Olson, Kevin O'Neil struggled in the midst of elite talent. The team was incredibly inconsistent, losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In the subsequent season, Russ Pennell managed to squeak into the NCAA Tournament, in which the Wildcats ultimately fell to Louisville in the Sweet 16.

With 11 underclassmen, Miller's first season in Tucson was tumultuous, to say the least. Arizona finished the season 16-15, and 10-8 in the Pac-10. Nevertheless, the future shines bright in 2010-11. Leading scorer and leading rebounder sophomore Derrick Williams returns, in which he looks to build on solid freshman campaign. Furthermore, sharp shooting junior Jamelle Horne should provide another consistent scoring option for the Wildcats. He averaged 9.4 points-per-game.
Expect Arizona to return to the NCAA Tournament in under Miller this season. With a weak Pac-10 Conference, crippled by Tim Floyd's departure at USC and Quincy Pondexter's graduation from the University of Washington, the Wildcats look to be a major player alongside the California Golden Bears to win the entire conference.

-Josh Neighbors

Anaheim Soon-To-Be Mighty Ducks?

2010-07-09T20:47:00.006-04:00

Each June, the most inept NHL teams gather to select hockey's next superstars. It is often a time of hope, where a team can be elevated to greatness following a successful draft. Perhaps, the best example of such a building blueprint is the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks. Chicago selected current team captain Jonathan Toews third overall in 2006 and star winger Patrick Kane first overall in the the following draft.

Beyond Edmonton's selection of Taylor Hall, which looks to be an almost guaranteed success, Anaheim emerged from the NHL draft as a significantly improved hockey team. The Ducks found Canadian defensemen Cam Fowler (right) sitting in their laps at number 12 overall. The former OHL star's demeanor both on and off the ice is reminiscent of former Duck captain Scott Niedermeyer. In my opinion, it seems to be only a question of time before Fowler assumes the duty of team captain, hopefully leading Anaheim back to the playoffs.

With the 29th overall selection, Anaheim then took Emerson Etem, an American. He will provide added depth to a seasonded group of Ducks' right wingers. Currently, Etem projects as a possible third liner behind stars Corey Perry and savvy veteran Teemu Selanne. Look for the American to drastically improve in his rookie season, especially under the tutelage of Selanne. Both right wingers have similar builds at 6 feet and approximately 195 pounds.

The Florida Panthers also really excelled in this draft. I loved the selection of Erik Gudbranson at number three overall. The Canadian defenseman possesses the innate body coupled with a unique tandem of physicality and speed on the ice to contribute immediately in the NHL. Gudbranson is not as skilled offensively, so do not expect the next Mike Green in a Panthers uniform.

Remember, Florida picked up Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden in the first round, as well. Selected 16th overall, Bjudgstad is the the nephew of former NHL player Scott Bjugstad, and the University of Minnesota star looks to be a dangerous power forward for years to come. Howden, on the other hand, is not as innately skilled. Nicknamed the "energizer bunny," his scrappy playing style likens him to Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm.

-Brian Tenerowicz

Utterly Despicable

2010-07-09T00:51:00.004-04:00

Tonight, I sit on my couch watching LeBron James. He shuffles in his chair nervously opposite Jim Gray. The self-proclaimed "King" is leaving Cleveland, and James cannot bear to tell his devoted fans in Ohio. Tears seem to be held back when the two-time NBA MVP addresses his seven previous years with the Cavaliers. He loves he thrill in front of his hometown crowd.

Ultimately, James decides to move on to Miami for a better chance at capturing titles alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The choice, for lack of a better word, is unselfish. The notion of a legacy for James is not to be compared to Jordan, Kobe, Magic or Bird. Winning as a team is truly all that matters, yet the Akron native is hammered.

Among Cleveland fans, I understand their feelings to an extent. Arguably the world's greatest basketball player is leaving, likely forever. Suddenly, a camera flashed to fans burning James' jersey, and I was stunned. A man of such integrity and class, who wanted to return to Cleveland, and he constantly begged Chris Bosh to join him as a Cavalier, but the former Toronto Raptor star did not comply. Eventually, LeBron James was tipped over the edge, forcefully at first.

I would have gone to sleep on a Friday morning bitter. The fans of Cleveland again responded with such immaturity, revoking memories of beer bottles on the field of Paul Brown Stadium. The clock inches towards midnight when SportsCenter cuts to a letter sent by Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert (above) to the fanbase.

Just to give the readers some background on Gilbert, here is a man who bowed down almost literally to LeBron. Following the 2nd round loss to Cleveland, he fires coach Mike Brown, hoping to lure Phil Jackson for James. To then show James that he was serious about surrounding him with All-Star talent, Gilbert fires General Manager Danny Ferry. Clearly, this is an owner committed to his superstar capturing a title in Cleveland.

Here is a copy of the letter: Dear Cleveland, all of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers supporters wherever you may be tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several-day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight: "I personally guarantee that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win an NBA Championship before the self-titled former 'king' wins one."

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our homegrown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland. Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day...

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue...

Dan Gilbert

Could someone please comment on this post, if you are not incredibly angered after reading this letter. Gilbert first proclaims that James is narcissistic and arrogant. By turning down $30 million more to play in Miami, this statement seems to be devoid of any possible logic. Moreover, James exhibits in the move to the Heat that being the alpha-male on a championship team is not essential. In other words, the six time All-Star has an ego problem, but will accept a lesser role just to win. Does that make any sense?

Gilbert goes on to deny completely that James is truly the 'King?' Fine, except what weight does such a statement carry, knowing a banner that spans an entire city building reads, "Witness," with James' picture. Don't forget, who is in charge of approving this type of marketing campaign frenzy? Yes, that again would be Gilbert.

His next, most ambitious claim asserts Cleveland will win an NBA Championship before LeBron triumphs in Miami. Well, Gilbert wants to sell tickets, so this statement can be viewed as a marketing ploy. Nevertheless, Mr. Gilbert, I wanted to know who on your roster now allows you to win a championship? James is gone, and your starting lineup is Mo Williams at point guard, Delonte West at shooting guard, Antawn Jamison at small forward, J.J. Hickson at power forward and Anderson Varejao at center. How will you win with this nucleus if your team didn't get the job done with the same unit coupled with the two-time reigning MVP? Boston and Orlando will not suddenly self-destruct at the heels of that Cavaliers' team.

To this point, the letter illustrates Gilbert as a hypocritical sore loser, but of course the team's majority owner is not finished. He proceeds to blame the failures of the entire franchise and, on a grander scale, of the entire city's championship drought on James. As if the Cleveland Indians's debacle in 1997 was caused by the presence of LeBron, and the entire city was stricken with a disease of failing because of James.

What I really do not understand is how LeBron James is a loser if he lead the Cavaliers to two consecutive 60 win seasons, and in the prior year, he single handedly dragged Cleveland to the NBA Finals in 2007. Remember, James his team's final 25 points to defeat the Detroit Pistons to advance from the Conference Finals. To this day, not a soul could characterize his performance as belonging to a loser.

Perhaps the best evidence against Gilbert's most radical statement is trading for Mo Williams and later Shaquille O'Neal. Both players were brought in to fix problems in previous playoff appearances. Williams was brought in to defend elite point guards, after Tony Parker torched Cleveland in the NBA Finals, and Shaq was obtained to defend Dwight Howard. Of course, Gilbert correctly assessed n 2008 that the Magic center was why the Cavaliers lost in six games. James, on the other hand, played terrificly throughout the entire playoffs. He was consistent, while his teammates faltered.

Watch out, new coach Byron Scott and current General Manager Chris Grant. Dan Gilbert is on the prowl.

-Daniel Radov

The Ultimate Bulldog

2010-07-08T16:09:00.000-04:00

A huge part of sports is coaching, and because we cover the future of sports here at NextGenSports.net, it’s only fitting that we let you know about the future of coaching. Over the next few weeks, we’ll chronicle the best young coaches in the “Big 6” U.S. sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball).

We start the series with college basketball, where to qualify, the coach must be under 45 years old and have less than 5 years of Division 1 experience. Coaches in BCS conferences are not considered because, in theory, they’re already big-time coaches, and no longer the future of the sport.

Without further ado, the best young coach in college basketball is…

Brad Stevens, 33 Years Old, Butler Bulldogs

The facts: 89-15 Record in 3 seasons, 3 Horizon League Championships, 1 National Championship Appearance

In my humble opinion, Brad Stevens (right) is the future of college basketball coaching, Stevens is a guy who quit his job to be an assistant coach in the Butler program and worked his way up the Bulldogs’ coaching ladder until he was promoted to the head position after Todd Lickliter went on to Iowa. Stevens not only kept the Bulldogs competitive on the national stage, but made them dominant. Appearing in a national championship is no small feat, and I don’t think there’s a person who can make a legitimate argument saying Brad Stevens wasn’t a key factor in that run. His gameplans were incredible, his substitutions were effective and the way he was able to utilize his main weapons of Shelvin Mack and Gordon Hayward were all coaching moves that are hard to top.

Unlike his coaching predecessors with Butler (Thad Matta and Todd Lickliter), Stevens did not dash to the Big Ten for the big money. Now we get back to the point about the future of college coaching. Stevens was promoted from within and stayed with the team when he could’ve capitalized on some big-time coaching offers. With other schools seeing the fame Butler gained from this run, they will want to keep their coaches around, making the mid-major teams with great coaches much more competitive. With this, we’ll see the Missouri Valley and Colonial Athletic Association type schools compete with the BCS conferences and make college basketball a much more interesting, exciting, and profitable sport.

Brad Stevens was a key in an incredible run for Butler, and he may turn out to be a trend-setter in college basketball.

Best of the rest:

-Mike Lonergan, Vermont

-Josh Pastner, Memphis

-Chuck Drisell, The Citadel

-Mike Huguenin, Wright State

The All-Star Should Have Beens

2010-07-08T00:39:00.004-04:00

Update: Due to injuries, Latos, Hernandez, Bosch and Gonzalez all have very good chances to play in the 2010 All-Star Game. The reasoning behind why these players didn't get in starts an argument over the game itself, namely is the Mid-Summer Classic for the fans, in which the most popular players should play, or is it a reward for baseball's best players in the 1st half of the season.

In the Mid-Summers classic, the combination of fan voting and managers' player picks annually produces rather agreeable final rosters. Not this year. Several of baseball's best young player's were looked over in the selection process by both America's popular vote, and AL and NL managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel. Manuel made perhaps the most puzzling All Star pick of the past five years by picking Brave's 29 year old infield utility man Omar Infante. Sure, the Venezuelan batted a solid .309, but showed now production otherwise (1 home run, 22 RBI). He isn't exactly a Gold Glove contender in the field either, most attributed to the wide variety of positions he plays, ranging across the infield and outfield. Girardi made sure the American League had an arguable pick as well: veteran right hander Fausto Carmona. Carmona, the Indian's ace, had a 19 win season back in 2007 but since then has failed to produce at a high level. This year, his record stands at 7-7 with a decent 3.69 ERA. These are decent numbers but by no means worthy of an All Star trip.

Here at NextGen, we picked four players (all under the age of 26) who were snubbed from the All Star rosters. This could be attributed to them being newer players to the league and the priority veterans get occasionally over youths. Either way, these are players who Girardi and Manuel will wish they had the opportunity to coach in this game in years down the road.

American League

Felix Hernandez: King Felix's record, standing at 6-5, probably isn't worthy of making the Mid-Summer classic in itself. When one looks beyond the wins and losses, they will see a strikeout total at 116 that ranks third in the American League. His 3.03 ERA isn't shabby, and the three complete games he's pitched is good enough for second in the league. The Mariner's ace, in his last eight starts, has given up two earned runs or less. One of these outing was a two-hit complete game versus Girardi's Yankees. If this doesn't make an All Star manager pick a guy I don't know what will. He should absolutely be in over Carmona.

Brennan Boesch: The 25 year old Tiger's outfielder has been on a tear since being called up in April. He is batting .345 with 12 homers and 46 RBI (better numbers than Brave's phenom and All Star Jason Heyward). The fact about Boesch is that he is only a rookie, and perhaps should have gotten consideration to make the squad over the Blue Jays' Vernon Wells.

National League

Carlos Gonzalez: Gonzalez is having a monster year in his first season of full playing time. The Rockies' 24 year old outfielder has 14 home runs, 52 RBI, and 12 stolen bases, while sporting of .295. He is a legitimate threat to join the elite club of 30 home run, 30 steal players if he continues playing at this pace. Gonzalez still has a chance to make the All-Star game through the Fan's "Final Vote" this week. He absolutely deserves to make the National League squad over Marlon Byrd, Matt Holliday, Michael Bourn, and Infante (All of whom made the cut).

Mat Latos: Overcoming a rough start to the season, Latos has been electric in his second year in the big leagues. He is the ace of a San Diego Padres' staff that leads the league in ERA. He has a record of 9-4 with a very impressive ERA of 2.62. Latos also leads the entire MLB in opponent batting average, keeping the opposition hitting a miniscule .193.

-John Stoller

LeBron's Decision?

2010-07-08T00:37:00.001-04:00

The Year of the Pitcher, Flaw or For Real on the Farm?

2010-07-06T22:46:00.001-04:00

As we approach the All-Star break, the baseball season has been dominated with chatter that 2010 is the "Year of the Pitcher." Four pitchers have thrown no-hitters, and both Roy Halladay and Dallas Braden tossed perfect games. In baseball's history, there have been just 20 'perfectos.' Of those 20, ten percent have come in the first half of this season.

The consenus of baseball minds points to the banning of amphetamines as the culprit. The drug, which is designed to give players added endurance and stamina, has been part of hitters' routines for decades but was often shown a blind eye by fellow players. I contend, however, that drugs, as a pure element of the game, are much more evident in minor league baseball, where players struggle to pay their monthly expenses.

Down on the farm, every player obsesses over the promotion to the major leagues. Therefore, he looks to impress team scouts each game, and whatever potential advantage to impress evaluators will be seized. Common sense would then point to a drug program throughout minor league baseball that is incredibly more stringent than in the major leagues. Unfortunately, this not the case, in fact, drug testing is weakest in the minor leagues. Major League Baseball, who governs over the minor leagues, refuses to allocate additional funds, believing that little money should be distributed to ensure the integrity of an often ignored league.

On the surface, Commissioner (right) Bud Selig's plan is logical. With smaller crowds, less expensive ballparks and little media coverage, a poor drug testing program doesn't really matter because frankly, no one will care. The notion, nevertheless, that these minor league players will become the next great major leaguers is not even part of the thought process. If Selig were to start with a strict policy early on, players would be scared into not using drugs as often. Thus, they would arrive in the big leagues without an upper hand against competition, and the average veteran would keep his job for a longer period of time. Clearly, the MLBPA would be in favor of keeping its wily, old veterans. They are the players who often best resonate with fan bases in the major leagues, plus most veterans act as the faces of baseball. Just imagine if the Yankees brought up some amphetamines and HGH crazed shortstop with 40 HR power and could hit .350 each year. Derek Jeter, the face of the entire franchise, could lose his job.

The most obvious support in favor of banning minor leaguers from drugs lies in the statistics. This season, only Edinson Volquez was found to be using performance-enhancing drugs. He blamed the positive test on a drug used to help with rehabilitation from injury. In the minor leagues, 36 players tested positive for this year. As previously mentioned, the program is hardly effective in the ranks of A, AA, and AAA, so the players found guilty are only those careless enough to actually get caught. The true numbers of cheaters is incredibly larger.

Being a lifelong baseball fan, as well, I wonder how someone truly finds themself bigger than the game of baseball. Look at Pete Rose or Mark McGwire. Each should be in the Hall-of-Fame based solely on baseball merits, yet they each broke the laws of baseball. If there is one player I even think to respect throughout the entire era, Andy Pettitte is the only name that would come to mind. He openly came out to admit the truth, saying he used HGH.

That being said, there is no true excuse for disrupting the integrity of baseball, a sport with over a century of history. Players, such as Williams, Gehrig, Robinson, and Mays, were all beloved for their efforts on the field, and the general public wanted to emulate them. Regarding participants in the era of performance-enhancing drug, I just want to forget them.

-Justin Silberman

Welcome to the Big Time, Tomas Berdych

2010-07-05T16:18:00.004-04:00

Every year during the tennis Grand Slam season, an electric new talent usually comes under the radar of the tennis world. This year was no different. Joining the likes of the Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who exploded onto the scene in last August’s US Open, is Tomas Berdych. The towering Czech recently upset both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to reach the Wimbledon final before losing to Rafael Nadal.

Background Information: Berdych was born on September 17^th,1985 in the Czech Republic. In 2002, Tomas turned pro and began playing ATP tournaments. However, it took him two years before he won his first singles title in Palermo, Italy. Standing an impressive 6’ 5”, Tomas is a nightmare for opponents at the net and is almost impossible to lob. He is right handed and plays a two handed backhand. Possibly his most lethal tool is his forehand, which he whips around to the ball with the great power. Berdych does not utilize a lot of top spin or slices in his game, which his greatest weakness (his second serve) reflects.

Wimbledon 2010: This year’s Wimbledon was the coming out party for Tomas Berdych. Beginning the tournament as the 12^th seed, he easily made it to the third round, beating two un-impressive early round opponents. However he hit a speed bump soon after when he played Denis Istomin into a deciding fifth set. Thanks to his technically sound game, Berdych was able to pull out the win. Next, he took down German Daniel Brands in the fourth round to set up a historic matchup in the quarterfinals against the 6 time Wimbledon champion and arguably the best player in tennis history: Roger Federer. Obviously, the 1^st seeded Federer was the overwhelming favorite going into the match, but Berdych wasn’t fazed. He shocked the world, beating Federer in four sets. Tomas’s height and physical condition proved to be a key factor. Using his lanky frame and leverage, he was able to generate serves up to 138 miles per hour consistently throughout the match. After beating Federer, most people counted out Berdych as they had before. Tomas proved the tennis world wrong again in the semifinals by beating the 3^rd seeded Novak Djokovic in dominant fashion. Unfortunately for Berdych, his Cinderella run came to an end Sunday as Rafael Nadal beat him in 3 sets.

Berdych’s Future: So what do we take from Berdych’s magnificent run at the All-England Club? In my opinion, this is the start of something big for him. His win over Roger Federer dropped Fed into the 3^rd spot in the ATP World Rankings. This is the first time since November 10^th, 2003 that Federer hasn’t been in the top two spots in the world. The impact on his win against Federer not only boosted his ranking, making him number 8 in the world, but it also makes one think: Is the reign of Roger Federer’s Grand Slam dominance over? This is the second straight Grand Slam where Federer has lost in the quarterfinals. Look for the 24 year old Rafael Nadal to take up Federer’s mantle of tennis dominance. Even if the fiery Spaniard begins to rule tennis as Federer did, expect that there may still be room at the top of the tennis world for Tomas Berdych. I see Berdych making deep runs in the upcoming tournaments this summer, including the US Open.

-Tucker Mitchell (guest writer)

Strasburg, Harper, and Who?

2010-07-05T11:48:00.020-04:00

We are pleased to announce here at NextGenSports, the addition of Edgar Walker. His experience within the world of blogging will be a welcomed addition to our staff. -Daniel and; John

With the 2010 MLB Draft having come and gone, we saw the arrival of Bryce Harper, one of baseball’s most hyped players ever not named Strasburg, get selected with the first overall pick by the Washington Nationals. Granted, several of the stars of tomorrow were drafted, some of whom may have been in the Draft’s first 10 selections, yet several All-Stars will have been drafted in the 48th round as an afterthought for almost every MLB team. With fans of every team always interested in what young guns they could acquire through the draft, here’s a first look at the top 5 college players whose names will be called by Bud Selig next June.

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
2010 Stats: .394 BA, 26 HR, 85 RBI, .530 OBP, .813 SLUG, 14 SB
Anthony Rendon (left) is one of those prospects that comes around once in a decade. Unfortunately for him, the last two drafts have had two prospects (Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg) who come around once in a lifetime, so he won’t have quite the amount of hype they did. Having established what would be an incredible three or four season college career in two seasons, Rendon has already pulled in some major hardware, including being Collegiate Baseball’s Freshman of the Year in 2009 and Baseball America Player of the Year in this recent 2010 campaign.
Boasting incredible power and a great approach at the plate, Rendon will be the best hitter in this class without question. With above-average fielding skills, and slightly above-average speed, the two-time All-American is the complete package. Regarding Rendon, some scouts said they’d take him over Bryce Harper if they were both in this 2011 class. The Houston native will be expected to get to the Majors quickly and stay there.

2. Gerrit Cole, RH SP, UCLA
2010 Stats: 11-4, 3.37 ERA, 123 IP, 153 Ks
After turning down millions from the Yankees when they drafted him as the 30th overall pick in 2008, Cole has made the most of his time at UCLA, and his decision looks to be the right one. He skyrocketed up draft boards in the last two seasons.

With stuff that is good enough for the major leagues right now, part of Cole's appeal is his maturity on the mound. An organization will not need to spend much time refining his skills. The Newport Beach has a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90s, and when thrown in the strike-zone, his slider is as good as any in this draft class. Often overlooked, Cole's change-up will be weapon on the next level.

In my opinion, if Cole dominates for another season with the Bruins, he should be the highest-ranked starting pitcher in a class already with incredible talent and depth at the position. Just remember, his agent is Scott Boras, which might force certain small markets teams to shy away from Cole.

3. Matt Purke, LH SP, TCU
2010 Stats: 16-0, 3.02 ERA, 116.1 IP, 142 Ks
Matt Purke is another player who turned down first round money to play in college, and like Cole, the decision is looking like a very good one. Purke is draft-eligible after his sophomore season because of his age, and with the freshman season he has had, it would be shocking for Purke not to be the first left-hander off the board.Baseball America ranked him as the best high school prospect in the 2009 draft, in which he decided not to sign with the Texas Rangers after being drafted 14th overall

The Texas native wears his hat sideways, usually dons glasses on the mound, and to top it all off, he throws a fastball that is easily in the low 90s. Add a great breaking ball that is killer when it backdoors righties, and you have a great pitching prospect. There are questions about his change-up, but he showed improvement in his command of it this season.

4. Taylor Jungmann, RH SP, Texas
2010 Stats: 8-3, 2.03 ERA, 120 IP, 129 Ks
While he didn’t experience the astronomical success fellow top prospects Rendon and Purke had in their freshman seasons, Jungmann has proven himself to be one of the best prospects in this class. He pitches for one of the most storied programs in college baseball, proving that he has the ability to succeed in high-pressure situations. As a likely top 10 pick, he’ll be feeling that type of pressure every time he takes the mound.

With a fastball that touches 95 complimented by a top-notch slider and an above-average changeup, Jungmann has the stuff to succeed. The only questions about him are his mechanics and consistency. At times he can get unbalanced during his delivery, and because of that, may lose some control and walk a few batters. He avoided a lot of that this season, as evidenced by his stellar 2.03 ERA, which should be considered even more impressive because of the talented Big 12 opposition he had to face.

5. Sonny Gray, RH SP, Vanderbilt
2010 Stats: 10-5, 3.48 ERA, 108.2 IP, 113 Ks
Sonny Gray is perhaps the draft class' most interesting prospect. Being only 5’11”, he doesn’t look like the textbook pitcher, at least in terms of size. Despite being smallish, his fastball packs some serious punch, consistently hitting 95 on the gun. With a nasty slider and an evolving changeup, Gray draws a ton of Roy Oswalt comparisons.He’s very fast to the plate, and because of that, slows down the running game a lot. Don't forget, Gray is a force at the plate, and he was a highly-rated quarterback prospect out of high school. He could be the best athlete in this group of top-ranked pitchers.

Best of the rest (in no particular order):
Levi Michael, 2B/OF, UNC
Brett Mooneyham, LH SP, Stanford
Harold Martinez, 3B, Miami
Jordan Cooper, LH SP, Wichita State
Danny Hultzen, LH SP, Virginia
Alex Dickerson, 1B/OF, Indiana
Jackie Bradley, OF, South Carolina
John Stilson, RH RP, Texas A&M
Anthony Meo, RH SP, Coastal Carolina

-Edgar Walker