Washington's $80 million Man!!!!

At this point in time the Redskin faithful need to recognize that "their team" is RG3.  My concern for their franchise is not having their player get hurt.  He needs to develop the "ability" to become a better pocket passer.  If not, in the future he will get smashed and, it will take the Redskins another 4 years to rebuild.  In general, they have a good defense.  They need more of a solid leadership role from Griffin.  Griffin needs to take command of that team and, decide that they won't be losers anymore in the NFC east.  With all the $ this cat makes he needs to bring more to the table.  Overall, Washington's return on investment with RG3 has not been what it should be to this point.  BTW good win against the Bears today.         Paul E. Spors 10-21-2013 

COLTS BEAT BRONCOS....BIG win****2013

Well, what I can tell you is that I didn't expect my Colts to pull it out.  OK call it a lack of faith in Andrew Luck and, crew.  However, after watching them get handled by the Chargers last week I was worried.  Robert Mathis may have had the game of his life.  The Colts ruffed up Peyton like I haven't seen all year.  I was very happy with the way the Indy fans cheered and, paid respects to him before the game.  And, then at kickoff went crazy and, it was game time.  My suspicion is that this is a prequel to a playoff matchup of some kind.  Hopefully, the Colts will play them at home. 

I would like to see the Colts get better at running the ball/time management.  You can not let the clock stop and, open up opportunities for great quarterbacks like Manning.  Next time he will get you; if you can't close that door properly.  Don't get me wrong. They did a good job.  But, not a suffocating job so that the Broncos steam was taken out of their sails with 5 minutes left.  Particularly, in this game the Colts should have "locked-up" this game by that point. 

I couldn't ask for a better defensive effort from the crew.  Blue jerseys were everywhere.  The "d" line pushed hard and gave Peyton relatively little time to operate.

Broncos looked like the Broncos usually do this year.  The looked like the team to beat.  Eric Decker is a beast making some crazy circus catches.  Best of luck to the Broncos the rest of the year and, in particular to my favorite NFL player all-time Peyton Manning. 


Paul E. Spors
10-21-2013

World Series Bound St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox

Both teams are really hot right now.  Hence, why they got "here".  Game 1 is on Wednesday.  I believe that the St. Louis Cardinals will win it.  Both, have had great years. It will be exciting to see two teams that are so aggressive with base running and, swinging the bat.  Hedged up against great pitching by guys like Wacha and Lester.  Boston having the best record in baseball this year seems to be a worthy opponent for all of the marbles.

I think that the St. Louis Cardinals will win in 6 games.  They will rely on their best pitching of the year and, a hungry team that hasn't gotten a lot of news headlines this year.

Paul E. Spors
10-20-2013

Denver Broncos VS. Indy's Colts ***** 10-20-2013

After the big fiasco with Jim Irsay this week; Peyton Manning will be ready.  I believe this game to be of great importance to the Colts.  After losing all respect last week against San Diego they must make a statement tonight.  I don't believe they have to win; but they must show.  They have to show that they can hang with the best.  If they lose by 10 or less I believe that to be a respectable showing.  I'd love for them to come out and, beat the Broncos.  That would be huge for my Colts.  However, I've seen this Manning guy play before he's pretty good. 

I expect Manning to clock manage very, very well.  That is why the Colts must put up touchdowns every drive.  If they don't they are in big trouble. Expect Manning to lead the Broncos with 40 minutes in time of possession.  It is pretty clear that both of these teams are playoff bound.  With that in mind; is this a preview of what we could see come January. 

Final score Broncos 40 Colts 23 

*Colts fans you had better cheer your guy on. Even though he's on another team now.  Don't be like Houston and, jeer the main reason you so much success. 

Paul E. Spors
10-20-2013

Detroit Tigers (2013) Not That Hungry***

Particularly, concerning the ALCS (against the Red Sox) the Tigers looked tired & old. Their hitting was atrocious.  I almost figured they were lucky to beat the A's in the divisional series.  The last month of the season was a big indicator to me that they would not make the World Series.  It was almost liked they played a new season since then but, the "team" was without Fielder and Cabrera. 

You can't have Fielder go such a very long time without an RBI.  Also, Cabrera proved to be a huge liability in the field with his injury.  They just all around looked sluggish.  The Red Sox looked like they were hungrier and, had the drive to do whatever it takes to get to the Fall Classic.  They took more risks and, they usually paid off.  Not to mention that Leyland can't manage a bullpen to save his life.  In Game 6 you have to have Scherzer go the distance.  BIG MISTAKE.....BIG 


*Better luck next year Tigers!!!


Paul E. Spors
10/20/2013

***Pre-Season Picks to Win Super Bowl in 2014

Below I have ranked the teams with their (clearly) pre-season odds of winning the Super Bowl.  I will start with my favorite to win and, then detail a little bit about why I think they (each team) has a serious shot at the SB. 

The Denver Broncos--- I believe that they have odds @ (3-1).  Peyton will have tons of fire power. The team is largely intact from last year.  They also acquired a couple great players on "d".  If they do not win it; it will be because Peyton throws an interception and, loses a playoff game.  In all of Peyton's greatness he still loses big games.  No, truly "GREAT" qb has been given so many opportunities and, come away with so little.  Yes, I understand he won a SB already.  But, often he finds a way to lose the big ones.

The San Francisco 49ers-----I believe that they have odds @ (5-1).  As long as Kaepernick(?) is healthy I think they can go a long way.  His mobility makes me nervous & excited to see how they do this year.  They have lost almost no players at all.  Strangely, enough for being as great as they appear to be; they may not win their division.

The New England Patriots------I believe that they have odds @ (6-1).  Tom Brady, Belichick, they always find a way to be in the hunt.  They just do.  Tom Brady always seems to "will" the game no matter what the circumstances are.  Downside on the Patriots is a  young and, inexperienced receiving corp that could drop balls in a playoff run.

The Seattle Seahawks-------I believe that they have odds @ (9-1).  They have beefed up some serious players that are young.  This team has only upside.  This team could easily be talked about for the next 4 years for SB contention.  I take them as the fourth best odds b/c their inexperience could be suspect come playoff time.   

It will be interesting to revisit this particular blog come January and, see how the season has panned out.  I will be shocked if these teams don't make the playoffs.  I think there is a really good shot that these could be the NFC and, AFC championship matchups. 

Paul E. Spors
7-28-2013 

MLB Baseball's "OTHER" problem****

Actually the NBA also in a way has this problem.  The problem that they play way too many games.  Particularly in baseball that they play 7 consecutive nights sometimes; is a problem. I believe that the game is too accessible to the average fan.  Hence, the true demand for baseball drops.  Why buy a ticket today when I can go...tomorrow.  Not only that; from May to about October its like this.  If you can't see your team all the time then maybe people will pay more for their tickets. 

The teams that are average or, below average tend to also be affected more by too much accessibility.  The idea for this specific blog came from me looking into buying Detroit Tigers tickets.  Supposedly, the Tigers have one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball.  Scherzer, Verlander, and, Sanchez and I can get a ticket for $7.00 (granted in the upper deck).  This is crazy to me.  Now as a fan; I'm happy the tickets are $7 but, my first thought was....I'll wait.  If in two weeks they still have 40 tickets in the section I want; I'll buy them then.  If they played less games this ticket is $14.50 and still gets sold.  It makes me wonder what management of these pro-MLB teams really think of the product on the field.  Even if they really and, truly back it hard; demand for these games must be crazily affected by the enormously large number of games played. 

My idea for the MLB to counteract this problem is this.  Play half as many games from start of season to the third week of June.  Play the same of number of games (as currently played) from the 3rd week of June to the first week of August.  All of August play at most 4 games a week.  Then play September as currently set up. So as to create a push to the playoffs.  Or, expand playoff structure so 2 more teams make the playoffs in each bracket.  This playoff expansion can cut the regular season off at Sept. 20th and, then hype the playoffs. Make even more $ in the playoffs due to jersey sales and, increased ticket prices etc. With 2 more teams making the playoffs in AL & NL the quality of play will not be a detriment.  And, since they played less games (in Aug) will hopefully be healthier for a great showdown to finish the season with excitement and, higher ticket prices for owners. 

Paul E. Spors
7-28-2013     

CHOKING GF by MTSU player(s)

Wow, the fact that we have come to this is amazing.  I recommend that you view this article in conjunction with my post.  These (3) dudes appear to be redshirt sophomores.  Which is funny cuz they don't even start.  This is my official plee to NFL teams and, all collegiate sporting teams (particularly b-ball and football).  Please, look into a person's background and viability as being "college" material before letting them be on the "team".  I don't believe for 1 second that this is a racial thing; however I do believe it to be a morality thing.  Maybe, just maybe if we as a nation started profiling players before (or even during) looking at their stats. as to their moral past; we could promote our sport(s) better.  Going further, I do not believe that by looking at moral fitness that quality of play on field/court will be influenced one bit.  In fact, I believe that it will enhance it.  It will bring better ambassadors to the sport(s) arena (not intended to be a pun).  Particularly, basketball and football are team games.  In general, they do not live and die by any 1 player on their team.  Keeping this in mind; I think teams everywhere should be very selective about who they use to represent their school/team.  From now on....I promise that I will think of Middle Tennessee State as..."Isn't that where they had those dudes who choked they girl!?"

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/middle-tennessee-state-player-jd-jones-seen-choking-woman-on-tape-while-teammates-watch-072213

Paul E. Spors
7-23-2013

Ryan Braun Suspension****

It seems strange to me that Ryan Braun is the first domino to fall in the most recent round of drug abuse/misuse in the MLB.  First of all, my gut suspicion says that there are many (2-3) other big name guys that are "active" on rosters involved with this story.  Ryan Braun and, A-Rod are both the 2 names that keep coming up on this list of drug abuse.  Where are the guys that hit homers and, are offensive power houses for their teams?  Now let me be clear; I am not accusing any "one" player at this point.  But, I find it very, very convenient that Braun and A-Rod are the guys that the media and, MLB keep pointing to.  Its ok to point the finger at them b/c everybody knows that when you do steroids you start to play poorly or, have an injury to your thumb. 

On a side note; Why is Joe Girardi talking about how the game has cleaned up?  Really!? They (MLB) went like 15 years (something like 6-7 for darn certain) of knowing that this was going on and, did "NOTHING".  They had no problem taking that money from fans while Barry blasted it 500 feet.  We had no idea what was going on! Really!?  As far as I'm concerned Girardi in a very strange way....I think the game is as dirty as ever.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why baseball's popularity over the last 20 years in general has dropped.  Moms want their kids to play soccer b/c they don't want them to do steroids.  Don't worry when the NFL (due to safety issues/concussions) and MLB (due to steroids) can't get kids to play on the school yard; soccer will be there to pick up the pieces. 

Paul E. Spors
7-23-2013

Take Away His Cape!

Max Scherzer finally gets a loss.  As far as, I'm concerned so far he is the biggest story of the 2013 baseball season.  Giving up four runs and, not getting enough run support from an explosive offensive unit caused this loss.  It is almost a foregone conclusion that proportionately he will be the best pitcher this year and, we aren't even to the All-Star break yet.  The one big question I have is....At the end of the 2014 season will the Tigers be able to afford this type of an arm.  Or, can we get Verlander back to "out of this world" type pitching to the put the Tigers into real serious contention again. 

Along, with getting pitching straight and, riding Scherzer hard.  The Tigers should be able to make the playoffs and, make a deep run.  I am excited to see how Scherzer does the rest of the year and, ultimately see how he finishes his contract.   Are we looking at the next Yankee? 

Paul E. Spors

7-14-2013 

LeBron VS JORDAN

First, of all let me say that there is no way in "H" that LeBron is leaving Miami.  They're crazy if you think; he thought about this for one second.  The Heat are poised to be "THE" title contender for next year.  Onto, my point...Every era has their legends.  When I was 10 y.o. I didn't think it was possible to have anybody be better than Jordan.  I think that it is time; if you haven't already to visit or, revisit the...."IS LEBRON BETTER THAN JORDAN?" question.  At this point in time of being the same age LeBron and Jordan have the same number of titles. 
Admittedly, when LeBron, Bosh, and D-wade went to Miami in that super ridiculous media conference and, they said not 5, not 6, 7 championships....I laughed.  And, I laughed real hard.  Now no one can predict the future.  And, Erik Spoelstra is not Phil Jackson.  Albeit, that I do like Spoelstra.  The following are some questions that you should ponder.....
1. What would it look like if LeBron developed a "kill" mentality that Jordan had? (B/c currently I don't think he has it in him or, rather hasn't developed it.) 
2. Who is better defensively Jordan or LeBron?
3.  What would LeBron have looked like/been like had he been on the Bulls instead of Jordan and, vice versa?

I don't think for one second that someone would dispute LeBron being a better passer than Jordan.  As far as, question 3 is concerned....I believe Jordan had a much better team around him than LeBron ever thought of.  So the question continues is LeBron better than Jordan? 

Paul E. Spors
7-14-2013

Tiger VS. Twins Sun. 6-16-2013

Doug Fister taking the mound today in Minnesota the AL central stays a tightly contested race.  Fister plunking a league leading 12 batters still has a great ERA and, needs hitters to hit well for him.  Hopefully, with a  win the Tigers can extend their 4 game lead in the central.  This would put the Twins about 7.5 out of first place which would be very helpful to keep them out of the race early.  The Tigers currently have the best batting average and, on-base-percentage.  However, their biggest curse is not being able to string hits together.  Having the kind of firepower that they do; it has proven to be fairly disappointing to this point in the season.  Paul E. Spors 6-16-2013

BRUINS WIN GAME #2 Stanley Cup****

Games 1 & 2 of the Stanley Cup have proven to be quite entertaining.  Game 1 was the most watched first game of "the Cup" since 1997.  This is the first time in 61 years that Game 1 and 2 went to OT.  As always goalie play was critical tonight with Tuuka Rast on the winning side for the Bruins.  Daniel Paille went on to score the winning goal in OT.  The Bruins also put their sticks where their mouth was/is putting behind them game 1.  The Blackhawks and the Bruins this year are proving to me that hockey is better than ever and, that the extra attention is deserved.  Buckle up b/c we are in for a great series still coming.  Paul E. Spors 6-16-13

Tiger "OFF" his game!!!!

On holes 2 through 6 on Saturday's play for Tiger he got 3 bogeys.  For this weekend he has 16 bogeys.  Tiger is on "par" for his worst play as a professional golfer.  Despite being ranked #1 in the world; almost with certainty will end the weekend not winning another major.  It has now been five years since he has won a major.  The big question that I have is....Since he hasn't won in so long; how long can he hold onto the #1 golfer in the world title?  Is there a new Tiger on the horizon?  Or, Will we see Tiger take the reigns and, show the world his real capabilities AGAIN?????? Paul E. Spors 6-16-2013

Detroit Red Wings closing in on a PLAYOFF Birth

In the last two games of the season the Redwings need 1 point to clinch a berth.  Despite the Redwings clearly having a down year; they still have a shot.  A shot that I personally thought was gone about 2 months ago.  I think their outstanding stick-2-it-ness should be commended regardless of a berth or not.  Hopefully they make the playoffs and, do well.  4-26-2013 Paul E. Spors

Manti Te'o

Mr. Te'O is an absolute steal in the draft now.  If you need a player at this position.  The draft is such a crapshoot in the first place.  It is a big mistake to go get him now; after the first day.  Yeah, he has downside but, everyone does.  Look at the other players that were drafted before him.  These teams are absolutely stupid if they don't draft him now.  PAUL E. Spors   4-25-2013

Underdogs in the tournament ....NOT so MUCH ***

Maybe I was the only one who was anticipating many more of the underdogs winning in the first round.  The main underdogs to win so far are 3 of the 12 seeds.  The only exception to not win was Akron who played VCU.  VCU appears to be very dangerous and, Michigan had better be ready to play.  They look like a team to be reckoned with.  Their defense and, offensive penetration look solid as well as spectacular.  Maybe just maybe we will see a few more upsets this afternoon.  The main potential I see left today are Minnesota over UCLA and, Colorado over Illinois.  However, to some degree they wouldn't be considered upsets b/c of how close they are in seeding.  Anything outside of these would be considered a "real" upset though.  Get ready for a wild weekend.  The great teams are just getting ready to fight for there lives.  I'd like see Indiana, MSU, VCU and, Louisville keep rolling.  They play great ball and, provide great entertainment.

Paul E. Spors
3-22-2013

NCAA Bracket Busting!!!!

This college basketball season has proved to be the outlier of all outlying years.  Some have described the parity amongst the NCAA division 1 as freakish, scary, and, even unbelievable.  Entering the tournament with no clear cut number 1 that is certain to make the final four this should be a tournament for the ages.  The one question that I am most curious about is...."Is this the year that the lowest seeded team (of all time) will win the tournament?"
The lowest seeded team to win the NCAA tourney to this point is Villanova in 1985.  They were an 8 seed. With so much instability amongst the top ranked teams; there is plenty of room for  a deep run from teams like Creighton, Gonzaga, and, Belmont.  It is quite possible that we may have too many Cinderellas at the dance.  With that in mind it might be possible for a very low seed to win "it".
Among all of the excellent to good middle bracket teams.  The really excellent teams like IU have not been able to seperate from the pack.  IU lost 3 of its last 6.  Kansas and Louisville have both lost 3 in the row in the not too distant past.  Since the brackets came out today we will have to wait a couple of days to let the games begin.  But, come Wednesday....."Let's get it on."

Paul E. Spors
3-17-2013

New England Pats....& their OFF SEASON

Last month Tom Brady and, the Pats agreed to a 3 year $27 million deal.  According to Michael Silver (a Yahoo Sports Expert!)  says that Brady should be very upset by them not resigning Wes Welker and, letting him go to the Broncos.  I'd have to say not so fast. First, over the last 10 years what NFL franchise systematically and, consistently has made great moves to stay on top?  ANSWER:  The New England Patriots.  Yes, they may be giving Brady more pressure to compete with less talent.  However, they know he can handle it.  As any other employee in the country... He gets paid.  Put that pressure on him...Welcome to America. Second, they just signed Danny Amendola in a very Pats like move.  They got a guy with slightly less production wanting less money and, a longer term contract.  A real "VALUE" move like they are known to do.  Another point to be made is....Who knows the needs of the NE Patriots football team best?  My guess is the GM and Bill Belichick.  Maybe they know something about their team that analysts do not.  (i.e. injuries, attitudes of players, and, work ethic)  Maybe, just maybe Welker got dealt b/c of a bad work ethic last year.  Now granted this is complete speculation but, its tough to argue with a franchise that consistently knows what it needs to do to stay on top of the AFC East almost every single year.

Paul E. Spors
3-14-2013  

Tony Gonzalez (NOT RETIRING) ????

One of the most certain first ballot hall of famers and, arguably the best tight end ever (Tony Gonzalez).  Has informed "officially" the Atlanta Falcons that he will return for 1 last year.  It will be nice to see him 1 last time before he packs it up.  Yes, he is older/old but, the guy is still amazing and in great shape.  I am glad to see this happen.  Hopefully, at Christmas we will be looking at one of his best years ever and, a playoff run for the Falcons and, Mr. Gonzalez.

Paul E. Spors
3-12-2013