I always wondered what the big deal was with this fantasy sports thing that everyone was so obsessed with, I am happy and proud to say I now understand! I went in with hesitation, questions, and also the notion that I was going to crash and burn. To my utter most surprise I am doing pretty good, and also have become obsessed myself! I am constantly checking to see how all my players did in the games and how they are doing health wise during the week to make sure I have all my aces in!
For a guy who just graduated college and has lost most if his interests, (primarily drinking with the bros) this is a dream come true! This is an excuse for us to text, call, taunt, and keep in touch with each other on a regular basis, and to see each other on the weekend to watch the games over a few cold tall boys! I honestly questioned what the hell I was going to do with my life post college, but I am proud to say that I have found a great hobby, fantasy sports! Thank god, and I am looking forward to the rest of this football season to watch the games, hang with my bros, and most of all get better at this whole fantasy thing! I have been saved, thank you fantasy sports!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Proud to be an American
The past few years, as far as being an American goes have been trying to say the least (in my mind.) Whether we were imperializing other countries, or digging ourselves deeper and deeper into debt it has been rough. I try to follow politics and develop my own views on what is happening, but when it comes down to it I still feel left in the dark. I shutter to think what other countries think of us at this point, but watching the women's World Cup today gave me hope for a new beginning.
The cheering, the happy faces, the excitement, it all made me forget for a solid 120 minutes of the ridiculous position we are in as a country. I almost forgot that we are trillions of dollars in debt, we are in a pointless war, and most of all the we have become what some have referred to as "global bullies." As I watched Alex Morgan, and Hope solo battle Japan in a great match, I really began to feel proud that we had made it this far, and played as well as we had. People fell, they were helped up. Questionable calls were made, no heated arguments were yelled. For the first time in I don't know how long I watched american citizens in another country make me proud to say I live in the United States of America. granted we didn't win, but honestly I could not be more proud. Great job girls, way to show that the US does still have class. Proud to be an american.
The cheering, the happy faces, the excitement, it all made me forget for a solid 120 minutes of the ridiculous position we are in as a country. I almost forgot that we are trillions of dollars in debt, we are in a pointless war, and most of all the we have become what some have referred to as "global bullies." As I watched Alex Morgan, and Hope solo battle Japan in a great match, I really began to feel proud that we had made it this far, and played as well as we had. People fell, they were helped up. Questionable calls were made, no heated arguments were yelled. For the first time in I don't know how long I watched american citizens in another country make me proud to say I live in the United States of America. granted we didn't win, but honestly I could not be more proud. Great job girls, way to show that the US does still have class. Proud to be an american.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Who is the real problem?
As I sit and wait with the rest of the many NFL fans to see what will come of this lock out I really began to wonder, what is the cause of all this? I don't mean the actual cause of this particular lock out, but who is responsible for money being so important in pro sports? I know, this sounds stupid to think about, almost idiotic if you will, but I remember a time when athletes played sports for the love of the game, not the fame.
I look at this from a couple perspectives. First and most obvious you have sponsorship, which plays probably the largest role in the importance of money in almost anything these days. Sure you can get a signing bonus, or paid a ridiculous amount of money to play for a professional sports team, but what everyone is really waiting for is a endorsement by Pepsi, or Nike, or Sketchers (Danny Woodhead, and Sketchers... really?)
There is also the variable of how incredibly obsessed people have become with sports. Now let me clarify I am not bashing anyone who is in love with sports, because truth be told I am guilty as charged. But lets look at this from a influence perspective. There are more people that watch sports than a lot of other things, and most of all there are more people that spend money on sports than a lot of other things. The price of a ticket to go to a NBA, MLB, or NFL game is astronomical, especially when you think of the price of buying a beer, or hot dog when you get there. I can count at least five people I know that do not have health insurance, and would rather pay to have ESPN on in their house than be able to go to a hospital and not pay an arm and a leg. Of course these players are getting paid stupid amounts of money to play sports, why wouldn't you pay someone that amount when you have millions of people addicted to an all around expensive hobby, passion or whatever you want to call it. There are millions of people who could give a rat's yee-hoo about what is going on in our government, because it's football season (again I am one of these people.) Is this sad, is this wrong? I guess it depends who you talk to, but it is undeniable that it is ironic.
This is something I honestly have not fully wrapped my head around, and just thinking about the fact that this lock out is soon to be over gets me more excited than a 5th grader who just popped his 1st boner. But I really do think about the real problem, and if there ever will be another time when players play sports for the love, not the skrilla Furthermore, who is responsible for all of this? Is it a problem? Is it just something we accept? All questions I wish I could answer, but in reality... who knows?
I look at this from a couple perspectives. First and most obvious you have sponsorship, which plays probably the largest role in the importance of money in almost anything these days. Sure you can get a signing bonus, or paid a ridiculous amount of money to play for a professional sports team, but what everyone is really waiting for is a endorsement by Pepsi, or Nike, or Sketchers (Danny Woodhead, and Sketchers... really?)
There is also the variable of how incredibly obsessed people have become with sports. Now let me clarify I am not bashing anyone who is in love with sports, because truth be told I am guilty as charged. But lets look at this from a influence perspective. There are more people that watch sports than a lot of other things, and most of all there are more people that spend money on sports than a lot of other things. The price of a ticket to go to a NBA, MLB, or NFL game is astronomical, especially when you think of the price of buying a beer, or hot dog when you get there. I can count at least five people I know that do not have health insurance, and would rather pay to have ESPN on in their house than be able to go to a hospital and not pay an arm and a leg. Of course these players are getting paid stupid amounts of money to play sports, why wouldn't you pay someone that amount when you have millions of people addicted to an all around expensive hobby, passion or whatever you want to call it. There are millions of people who could give a rat's yee-hoo about what is going on in our government, because it's football season (again I am one of these people.) Is this sad, is this wrong? I guess it depends who you talk to, but it is undeniable that it is ironic.
This is something I honestly have not fully wrapped my head around, and just thinking about the fact that this lock out is soon to be over gets me more excited than a 5th grader who just popped his 1st boner. But I really do think about the real problem, and if there ever will be another time when players play sports for the love, not the skrilla Furthermore, who is responsible for all of this? Is it a problem? Is it just something we accept? All questions I wish I could answer, but in reality... who knows?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Jumping on the wagon.
Call me what you want, but I am completely guilty of joining this online "blogging community," that I not too long ago was bashing like Muslim at a hot dog convention. None the less I have nothing to do with my free time, drinking beer four days a week has lost it's glory, and I am too poor to keep buying bigger pants.
I listen to sports radio all day at work, and have ESPN on when I am at home so I figure I might as well utilize all this information that I am constantly absorbing into something purposeful, so here goes nothing.
I figure I am going to post about what is going on in the sports community whether it be Mark Cuban being an idiot, how incredibly hot Erin Andrews is, or the Superbowl. I decided to start on this fantasy sports thing too, so there will be what I hope to be positive weekly updates also (knock on wood.)
That being said, I am going to begin this experiment with a detailed guide to what will be my fantasy football roster this season. But, before I go any further I want to say that this is a first for me and if I seem to sound like I really have no idea what I am doing, it's most likely because I really don't.
1.) QB
If I had the ability to pick any quarterback I would first have to go with Aaron Rodgers, and I will tell you why. After sifting through online fantasy cheat sheets I have no reasons to doubt why Rodgers will shine this coming season more than he has the past three. With over 3900 yards passing, 28 TD's, and 11 interception's in the 2010 season he has a bit of an improvement to make after looking at his 2009 season. He has an arsenal of receiver's which he has to choose from in 2011 including Randall Cobb, and Jermichael Finley which I guarantee will prove to be clutch. If the GB offensive line can perform like they have in the past few seasons and provide Rodgers with supreme protection , there is no doubt in my mind he will reign.
2.) RB
Picking a good tailback in fantasy football probably has to be one of the most difficult pick's you can make. There are a number of things you have to think about, and me being a rookie to this I tried to research the best I could. After reading numerous blogs and online stats I decided to go with Adrian Peterson, which could be a very good or bad decision. Despite the disappointing season for the Viking's in 2010 Peterson still proved to be the lone light among darkness for Minnesota. Finishing the year with over 1200 yards and double digit TD's (for the 4th year in a row,) he also increased his avg. yards per carry to 4.6. With explosive speed and brut strength Peterson still proves to be almost unstoppable on the field. The only downside to Peterson is his low number of receptions, but it's hard to complain with only one fumble and in 2010, and averaging 87 yards per game over the past four seasons. I am praying to the Beer god's that this man can stay healthy, cause if he can I am in business.
3.) WR
When I thought to pick a good wide receiver I didn't think of anyone else but Calvin Johnson. A bright spot on the Detroit offense, he has only progressed since his induction into the league in 2007 from Georgia Tech. With over 1200 yards last year, it is exciting to think the damage he could do this year. He is fast, strong, and has amazing hands, and if Matthew Stafford can play to his potential there is no telling what they can accomplish.
4.) TE
When you think of a strong, fast stud of a tight end, it is hard not to mention Antonio Gates. Only playing 10 games in the 2010 season he still managed to be a leader in receiving yards, and also had 9 TD's. In 2009 he gathered a career high 1157 yards over 79 passes. He is consistent, and as mentioned before a stud. Great hands. Great player.
5.) K
One of the most underrated positions in fantasy football, it is important to make a wise decision when making this pick. I fully admit I totally went off online recommendations being that I really don't pay that much attention to kicker's. I chose Sebastian Janikowski being that he is a well known name and has proven to be a reliable over the years.
6.) RET
Again on this I was kind of lost, but I decided to look up some stats and saw that in the 2010 NFL combine Jacoby Ford ran a 4.26 40, and then went on to read that it was the fastest anyone had ran it in the combine that year. He's got good hands and did I mention that he is lightening fast? Sold.
7.) DEF
This was a hard one, and I fully admit I am a Green Bay fan, so of course I went with my gut (and bias) and chose the GB defense. They have huge size and speed and not to mention picked up even more of it in the off season acquiring Ricky Elmore who was one of the Pac-10's leading edge rushers, and also DJ Smith from Appalachian State who was given the Buck Buchanan award usually awarded to FCS's best defensive player. Call me biased or call me smart, either way I am stoked to see what this year holds for GB's defense.
8.) DL
Having been a fan of the NFL for some years now, I knew exactly who I wanted to pick for a defensive linemen. Julius Peppers is a freak, and I am not the only one who thinks so. Being dubbed "the freak of nature" by fellow team mates of the Bears he has un-holy strength and size, and a nose for the ball. At 6 ft 7in and 283 pounds it is hard to contain this mammoth beast. Year in and year out I see him dominate, and despite him getting older I think he will still own this coming year. Good pick? I'm thinking yes.
9.) LB
I watched an interview with Ray Lewis last season, and the reporter asked him who he thinks emulates him the best out of anyone in the league, and with no hesitation he replied, "Patrick Willis." This kid is the real deal when it comes to inside linebackers. In 2010 he had 101 tackles (6 solo) while managing to play through the season with various injuries including a game with his right hand in a cast against SD. He is respected by anyone who has played against him, and also by those who have had the privilege to watch him. In his first four seasons he has been voted to the Pro Bowl each year, along side only one other person in the 49er's history who has ever had that privilege, Ronnie Lott. He has incredible vision, and can play sideline to sideline with no hesitation. MONEY.
10.) SS
I really didn't know that much about safety's, so I turned to various online stat's and forum's to help guide me in this decision, but I have a feeling I made a good one. LaRon Landry from what I have read is a STUD. During college at LSU he made a huge impact collecting numerous interceptions, and solo tackles every year, and since entering the league in 2007 he has done the same for the Redskins. He suffered a season ending injury in week 15 of 2010, but with him healthy in 2011 I predict the redskins to have a killer secondary.
Okay, that's it. I researched, and to be honest guessed a lot, but hey I figure there is always Beer if all else fails on Sunday. Cheers all!
I listen to sports radio all day at work, and have ESPN on when I am at home so I figure I might as well utilize all this information that I am constantly absorbing into something purposeful, so here goes nothing.
I figure I am going to post about what is going on in the sports community whether it be Mark Cuban being an idiot, how incredibly hot Erin Andrews is, or the Superbowl. I decided to start on this fantasy sports thing too, so there will be what I hope to be positive weekly updates also (knock on wood.)
That being said, I am going to begin this experiment with a detailed guide to what will be my fantasy football roster this season. But, before I go any further I want to say that this is a first for me and if I seem to sound like I really have no idea what I am doing, it's most likely because I really don't.
1.) QB
If I had the ability to pick any quarterback I would first have to go with Aaron Rodgers, and I will tell you why. After sifting through online fantasy cheat sheets I have no reasons to doubt why Rodgers will shine this coming season more than he has the past three. With over 3900 yards passing, 28 TD's, and 11 interception's in the 2010 season he has a bit of an improvement to make after looking at his 2009 season. He has an arsenal of receiver's which he has to choose from in 2011 including Randall Cobb, and Jermichael Finley which I guarantee will prove to be clutch. If the GB offensive line can perform like they have in the past few seasons and provide Rodgers with supreme protection , there is no doubt in my mind he will reign.
2.) RB
Picking a good tailback in fantasy football probably has to be one of the most difficult pick's you can make. There are a number of things you have to think about, and me being a rookie to this I tried to research the best I could. After reading numerous blogs and online stats I decided to go with Adrian Peterson, which could be a very good or bad decision. Despite the disappointing season for the Viking's in 2010 Peterson still proved to be the lone light among darkness for Minnesota. Finishing the year with over 1200 yards and double digit TD's (for the 4th year in a row,) he also increased his avg. yards per carry to 4.6. With explosive speed and brut strength Peterson still proves to be almost unstoppable on the field. The only downside to Peterson is his low number of receptions, but it's hard to complain with only one fumble and in 2010, and averaging 87 yards per game over the past four seasons. I am praying to the Beer god's that this man can stay healthy, cause if he can I am in business.
3.) WR
When I thought to pick a good wide receiver I didn't think of anyone else but Calvin Johnson. A bright spot on the Detroit offense, he has only progressed since his induction into the league in 2007 from Georgia Tech. With over 1200 yards last year, it is exciting to think the damage he could do this year. He is fast, strong, and has amazing hands, and if Matthew Stafford can play to his potential there is no telling what they can accomplish.
4.) TE
When you think of a strong, fast stud of a tight end, it is hard not to mention Antonio Gates. Only playing 10 games in the 2010 season he still managed to be a leader in receiving yards, and also had 9 TD's. In 2009 he gathered a career high 1157 yards over 79 passes. He is consistent, and as mentioned before a stud. Great hands. Great player.
5.) K
One of the most underrated positions in fantasy football, it is important to make a wise decision when making this pick. I fully admit I totally went off online recommendations being that I really don't pay that much attention to kicker's. I chose Sebastian Janikowski being that he is a well known name and has proven to be a reliable over the years.
6.) RET
Again on this I was kind of lost, but I decided to look up some stats and saw that in the 2010 NFL combine Jacoby Ford ran a 4.26 40, and then went on to read that it was the fastest anyone had ran it in the combine that year. He's got good hands and did I mention that he is lightening fast? Sold.
7.) DEF
This was a hard one, and I fully admit I am a Green Bay fan, so of course I went with my gut (and bias) and chose the GB defense. They have huge size and speed and not to mention picked up even more of it in the off season acquiring Ricky Elmore who was one of the Pac-10's leading edge rushers, and also DJ Smith from Appalachian State who was given the Buck Buchanan award usually awarded to FCS's best defensive player. Call me biased or call me smart, either way I am stoked to see what this year holds for GB's defense.
8.) DL
Having been a fan of the NFL for some years now, I knew exactly who I wanted to pick for a defensive linemen. Julius Peppers is a freak, and I am not the only one who thinks so. Being dubbed "the freak of nature" by fellow team mates of the Bears he has un-holy strength and size, and a nose for the ball. At 6 ft 7in and 283 pounds it is hard to contain this mammoth beast. Year in and year out I see him dominate, and despite him getting older I think he will still own this coming year. Good pick? I'm thinking yes.
9.) LB
I watched an interview with Ray Lewis last season, and the reporter asked him who he thinks emulates him the best out of anyone in the league, and with no hesitation he replied, "Patrick Willis." This kid is the real deal when it comes to inside linebackers. In 2010 he had 101 tackles (6 solo) while managing to play through the season with various injuries including a game with his right hand in a cast against SD. He is respected by anyone who has played against him, and also by those who have had the privilege to watch him. In his first four seasons he has been voted to the Pro Bowl each year, along side only one other person in the 49er's history who has ever had that privilege, Ronnie Lott. He has incredible vision, and can play sideline to sideline with no hesitation. MONEY.
10.) SS
I really didn't know that much about safety's, so I turned to various online stat's and forum's to help guide me in this decision, but I have a feeling I made a good one. LaRon Landry from what I have read is a STUD. During college at LSU he made a huge impact collecting numerous interceptions, and solo tackles every year, and since entering the league in 2007 he has done the same for the Redskins. He suffered a season ending injury in week 15 of 2010, but with him healthy in 2011 I predict the redskins to have a killer secondary.
Okay, that's it. I researched, and to be honest guessed a lot, but hey I figure there is always Beer if all else fails on Sunday. Cheers all!
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