Red Sox Getting Healthier

According to multiple reports, Boston DH David Ortiz will return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against Texas. Ortiz has been out since Aug. 14 with right heel bursitis.



Ellsbury came back last night, and you could see the difference in the offense. Now with the Red Sox getting Ortiz back this lineup can get back to normal. Sure they are still missing Youk, but that is something they can overcome. As of today the Red Sox are tied with the Yankees for first place in the AL East. That win last night over Texas was really impressive. They did it will Lackey on the hill and without Ortiz or Youk. Texas is a team that really scares me, but hopefully the Sox have found their rhythm against them.

2011 NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



The Packers didn't really add anything this offseason, but they are getting a lot of people back from injury, so it's kind of like they did. Grant, and Finely will be ready to start the season and that could be a big addition. It will be interesting to see how Grant bounces back from his knee injury, but if he can be what he was before the injury this offense could be the best in the league. Obviously, Rodgers had his breakout year last year, and Jennings had over 1,200 years and 12 TDs. If that wasn't enough they have Driver, Nelson, and the surprising return of James Jones. With the return of Jones the Packers might have the best receiving core in the NFL. Bottom line is that this team is going to score points. My only worries would be keeping Rodgers from getting another concussion, and their run game. If they can't run it could leave the door open for teams to make comebacks against them. Grant and Starks will try to lead the RB core.



Defense:



The Packers defense is built around two players cornerback Charles Woodson and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews played with a fractured bone in his leg last year and still had 13.5 sacks. Woodson is unbelievable covering the slot receiver/tight end. They like to put him at the corner of the defensive lines (up close), because he is also very good on the blitz. The one concern with him is his age. Woodson is now 34 years old (35 in October) and at some point he is going to slow down. Packers have long rumored when he does they will move him to safety. The rest of the defense is solid. Tramon Williams came out of no where and showed he can be a very good corner, and 2010 undrafted rookie Sam Shields seems like he might have been a find. Nick Collins stabilizes the defensive backfield from the safety spot. Frank Zombo, and A.J. Hawk round out the linebacking core. They have Raji on their defensive line, but if I had to say where they had the weak spot it would be there.



Overall:



The Packers didn't really make any free agent pickups, but then again they really didn't have to. They will have a target on their back all season after winning it all, but if Rodgers is healthy this team will be a threat for another Super Bowl.



2011 Record: 12-4

Colts Add Kerry Collins

The Colts have signed 38-year-old Kerry Collins. This is an insurance move in case Peyton Manning isn't ready for the start of the season. I guess it's an OK signing, Collins has a decent arm and obviously has been playing this game for awhile, so maybe he could get them through a game or two. My thinking is though if it's anything more then that then the Colts are going no where. Collins is washed up, and is nothing but a stopgap option at this point. Then again he is probably still a better option then Curtis Painter.

Jim Thome Returning To White Sox?

"The White Sox were one of several teams putting a claim in for Thome, reports Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun Times. The White Sox could be trying to block a claim by the Indians or seeking another lefty bat in place of the unproductive Adam Dunn (ESPN)."



Wow, how far has Adam Dunn fallen that a 40 year old Jim Thome is a better option. Guillen always said he regretted letting Thome go, and why wouldn't he? His piece of shit DH (Dunn) is hitting .167 with 11 HRs and 40 RBIs. Thome has better stats (.253 12 HRs 40 RBI) and he has had 162 less at bats.



The White Sox aren't the only teams that are interested in Thome. The Red Sox, Rangers, Angels, Tigers, Indians and Yankees are alll rumored to be interested. I would love for the Sox to be able to make a deal for them, but they are so far down the waiver list I doubt they will even get a chance.

God Hates The Giants (UPDATED)

We already had reports that Umenyiora is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and will most likely miss at least week 1 of the regular season. Now they get word that cornerback Terrell Thomas tore his right ACL will likely miss the entire season. Rookie Prince Amukamara is currently out with a broken left foot, and Bruce Johnson was lost for the year early in training camp after rupturing his Achilles. You add that to the loss of Steve Smith, and the fact you're QB is a huge douchebag and is hopped up on angel dust, and it sounds like it's going to be a long year for the G-Men.



If you listen closely you can actually hear our friend Scott Beer screaming.





***UPDATED***



The New York Giants' Brian Witherspoon learned TODAY that he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He will also be out for the year.

Red Sox @ Rangers Preview

There is a good chance the Red Sox will play the Rangers in the playoffs, and if that doesn't scare the shit out of you, well... it should. The Sox are 0-4 against the Rangers this year and have been outscored a total of 30 to 11. I mean these games haven't even been close. Sure there are excuses. The first 3 wins came in the beginning of the season when the Sox started out something like 0-8, and now they are playing without Youk, Ellsbury, and Ortiz (Ellsbury back today). Still, the Rangers do scare me.



At least the Sox have John Lackey on the hill tonight (just puked all over my computer). He will be facing Colby Lewis, who is having a nice year for himself. He is 11-8 with a 3.83 ERA, and a 1.74 ERA over his last 3 starts.



There is reason to be optimistic about Lackey has six wins and a 3.93 ERA in eight starts since July 9, but then one remember that he is 1-4 with a 9.92 ERA in his last eight outings versus Texas.



Sorry fellow Red Sox fans it's going to be another long night.



Rangers win 8-4

Player of the Game: Young

Game starts at 8:05pm

Did You Feel That?

So, I am sitting at my computer still thinking about that odd picture I posted below, and suddently I started swaying back and forth. I guess we just got hit with an earthquake. It took place in Virginia and I just felt it in Copley (Boston). Kinda crazy, well that gave me an excuse not to work for the next 20-30 mins.

Why Not?

I usually write a little cheeky line that some how incorporates "Why Not" into it, but not today. Today someone needs to explain this fucking picture to me. I have wasted a good hour of my work day staring at it, and I can't seem to get it out of my mind. Why are they throwing uncooked chickens in the air? Is this a wedding thing in some weird country? I don't think so, because they look American to me. Then what the fuck could it be? Did someone just think this was funny? I haven't been this confused since that picture of Vader in the Ocean with a Brita. Why does that women look so pumped about throwing this chicken? Why does they guy not look nearly as pleased?



I am supposed to be looking up backup for fucking mutual funds or something and all I can think about is why the fuck would someone take time out of their wedding to throw uncooked chickens in the air. It just doesn't make any sense.



WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE??????



I need to stop there is blood trickling out of my nose, and people in my office are starting to talk about me.



Please for the love of God some one explain this picture.

2011 NFL Preview: Detroit Lions

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



This team will live or die with Matthew Stafford. He has yet to stay healthy, but when he is on the field you can see that he could be something special. Calvin Johnson might be the best WR in the league, but without someone to throw him the ball that doesn't matter much. Nate Burleson is across from Johnson, and he is a good fit as he can stretch the field. My problem with this team (other then the health of Stafford) is their offensive line. The reason Stafford keeps getting hurt is they don't protect him. On top of that it stops the Lions from developing their ground game. Jahvid Best, Maurice Morris and Jerome Harrison are good enough to give this team a solid group, but you have to wonder if they will even get a chance if this offensive line is as poor as I think it is.



Defense:



Ndamukong Suh is a beast and if Nick Fairley ends up being something special this might be one of the best defensive lines the NFL. It's not just those two though Kyle Vanden Bosch is solid, and Cliff Avril racked up 8.5 sacks last year (not to mention Corey Williams). This is a great core that will make life hard for QBs. There isn't a lot of talent behind the defensive line though. DeAndre Levy is decent, but other then that there is nothing to get pumped about. I think this defense will have a very up and down year.



Overall:



Every year I want to say that "this is the year for the Lions". It's kind of getting annoying. I really do like them, and I hope they do well. If Stafford stays healthy, and that offensive line figures out a way to keep him off the turf they could have a very solid year.



2011 Record: 9-7

Ellsbury Back Today

Jacoby Ellsbury, sidelined since getting hit on the back by a pitch in Kansas City, is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Rangers. Thank Christ, because this is getting kind of ridiculous. Our injury lineup is looking better then our actually starting lineup, but with Ellsbury back at least it gives them somewhat of a normal lineup.



Also, it sounds like Ortiz could be back later this week. He is supposed to take batting practice and be evaluated today. And not that anyone cares, but JD Drew started his rehab assignment and is supposed to rejoin the Red Sox Sept 1st.

2011 Preview: AFC South

Here is how we see the AFC South playing out...



1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4

2. Houston Texans: 8-8

3. Tennessee Titans: 7-9

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11

Red Sox @ Rangers Preview

The Red Sox make their way back to Texas for the first time since April. They are hoping it goes a lot better this time. The Rangers outscored the Red Sox 26-11 and hit 11 homers during a three-game sweep in Arlington to open this season. Tonight we see if the Red Sox can have better luck with Bedard going against CJ Wilson.



It's really a terrible time for the Red Sox to have to go down to Texas. Youk, Ellsbury, and Ortiz all might not be playing and let's be honest the Sox need all the offense they can get. To make matters worse Wilson has dominated the Red Sox going 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in four career starts against Boston.



Bedard has been good for the Red Sox and is yet to give up more then 3 runs in any start. That could change tonight, as Bedard is winless in his last seven starts against Texas.



I don't like this matchup and I think it could be a long night for the Red Sox.



Texas wins 6-3

Player of the Game: Kinsler

Game starts at 8:05pm

Why Not?

I guess monday's could be worse.

2011 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



When Peyton Manning gets back on the field is a big concern for the Colts. There are rumors he could miss the first few games on the season. He has never missed a game, and to be honest I would be shocked if he is out week 1. Still, this team really needs to find a way to stay healthy. Tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez all missed a lot of time last year. Peyton is one of the best ever, but he can't do it by himself, so these guys needs to be on the field. Obviously Waynes is one of the best in the game, and with Peyton at the helm this team will always score points.



Defense:



The offense isn't the only ones who had injury problems. The defense had a ton also. Dwight Freeney and Gary Brackett are still in their primes and are the most important part of this defense. They don't have a lot of really good skill plays in the defensive backfield, so getting pressure on the QB is of the utmost importance. This defense will do what it usually does, have trouble stopping the run, and bank of that fact that they can cause a couple turnovers every game.



Overall:



The Manning injury scares me, but if he is able to play this could be a good team. Remember the last time this team was all healthy they started the season 14-0. Before last season the Colts had one 12 games for 7 straight seasons. Plus, with a lockout I think teams that have more guys returning have a better chance.



2011 Record: 12-4

Zach Randolph Back To His Jail Blazers Ways

"At 12:30 a.m. this morning, detectives with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s homicide and violent crimes unit served the warrant at Randolph’s home, at 1425 SW Turner Road. Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. James Rhodes said Randolph was home at the time police served the warrant.



Rhodes said the search warrant came as part of a drug-related assault that occurred at the home early Saturday morning.



A man who was at the home told police he was assaulted with a pool cue by multiple people; Randolph was at home at the time of the incident, Rhodes said, but was not a suspect in the assault.

KGW.com reports that the man who was assaulted identified himself as a drug dealer.



James Beasley, 26, told KGW News that he went to the West Linn home of former Portland Trail Blazer Zach Randolph to sell marijuana and when there was a disagreement over price, he was beat by men with a pool stick (CBS Sports)."



It's only been 4 months since the Grizzlies have Randolph that 4 year $70 million dollar extension, and they might be regretting that a bit right now. He wasn't involved in the beating, but he was there. Plus, it's obvious that he is involved in smoking weed, which is usually not a very good sign. Randolph was so good in the playoffs that we all wanted to believe that he had changed his way, but at the very least he is still hanging out with people he shouldn't be, and if I was a Grizzlies fan I would be very nervous about where this could go.

Buchholz Injury Update

"Clay Buchholz told WEEI.com prior to the Red Sox' 6-1 win over the Royals Sunday that he may be on the verge of throwing for the first time since performing a July 25 bullpen session.



Buchholz explained that he is schedule to be re-evaluated when the Red Sox return home, Friday, and if everything goes as planned he will be cleared to do some light tossing."



Even when he is cleared it is said he will take a month to be ready to pitch in the majors. That would be right around playoff time. Francona has said before that the best case scenario is that he might be able to pitch out of the pen. I don't know if I would even want him doing that, so my expectations is that we have seen the last of Clay this year.

Red Sox @ Royals Preview

The Red Sox offense has struggled of late, and scoring runs becomes even more difficult with Kevin Youkilis joining David Ortiz on the DL. Yet, playing the last place Royals have a way of helping ease those pains. Still, last night's game was no picnic and I feel tonight's won't be either.



Two lefties faceoff as Andrew Miller goes against Jeff Francis. This is most likely Miller's last start of the season, so one hopes he can make the most of it. Overall on the season he is 4-1, but his 5.40 ERA is what cost him his spot in the rotation. Miller had a rough time of it against the Royals earlier this year giving seven runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings, although the Sox ended up winning that game.



Jeff Francis is 0-3 with a 4.80 ERA in his last five starts at home, and 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA over his last three starts overall. If there was a time for the Sox to break out of their offensive slump this would seem to be the guy to do it against.



On paper this should be a high scoring game, but with the Red Sox hurting, and the Royals being a terrible I think this will be another low scoring (kind of), hard fought, close game.



Red Sox win 5-4

Player of the Game: Pedroia

Game starts at 8:10pm

Why Not?

Why not watch a Georgetown vs. China brawl?

Osi Umenyiora To Have Surgery

News just keeps getting better and better for the Giants...



Giants has announced that Umenyiora is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday, and the recovery is expected to take three to four weeks.



Ohhhhh so that's why no one wanted to give up a first round pick. Sounds like he will most likely miss at least week 1 of the regular season. I guess in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of a deal, but this team just can't seem to catch a break. Steve Smith is gone, they made basically no major pickups, Eli Manning is off his rocker doing angel dust and calling himself Tom Brady, and now your best pass rusher is not only pissed off at the entire franchise, but hurt as well.



Yuck.

2011 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



If Chris Johnson would just end his holdout I would actually be a fan of this offense. They are still a "ground and pound team" (No homo), but the addition of Matt Hasselbeck gives them a stable QB that knows how to win football games. Plus, Hasselbeck is a great mentor for Jake Locker (my favorite QB out of the draft). Kenny Britt has been unstoppable at times, but several run-ins with the law make you wonder how much football he will actually be playing this year. Nate Washington, Justin Gage are decent but nothing special. Then again, this will be the first time they will have a QB that can throw down field with accuracy, so maybe they will be better then people think.



Defense:



Jason Jones is a beast, and the comeback of Derrick Morgan from an ACL injury will be key to this defensive unit. They picked up Barrett Ruud, who should eat up some tackles, and drafted Akeem Ayers who I am very high on. They have some good vets in the defensive backfield with Michael Griffin and Chris Hope and corner Cortland Finnegan, plus second-year Alterraun Verner. All and all they are an up and coming defense, but nothing that is going to be overly special. Unless these young guys turn really good really quick.



Overall:



This holdout with Johnson worries me. Even if he comes back, I feel like he will pull a hamstring or something. That seems to happen every time a guy holds out. I like where this team is going, but it won't be to the playoffs this year.



2011 Record: 7-9