Well Aware

Yes, I am fully aware that my blogging here is done. I have seen two since this one. My more active one can be found at www.sportingnews.com under the profile of HField07.

Any last comments or requests, please post here.

Predictions Gallore

Week 3

Carolina over Tampa Bay **

Jon Gruden and Chris Simms may have garnered the presidential treatment and knowledge, but this team seems to have faded quickly over the offseason. Cadillac Williams has yet to show a strong game and has had a nagging injury that has hurt production. Look for the Carolina defense to emerge victorius in this one as they allude to their former selves.

Chicago over Minnesota *

I guess this is my most surprising pick. People have to be saying, "Did you not see Chester Taylor these past two weeks?" The truth is, I have been too busy watching the most dominant defense in Chicago at work. And hell, throw in the fact that Rex Grossman has the highest rating in the league, and I have no reason to think Minnesota should impress me enough to think otherwise.

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati *

A very tough pick. Being a Bengal fan of 12 years consists of patience and knowing when you'll lose. The game is at Pittsburgh, which I believe will be something good for the Steelers. They need the home crowd behind "Big" Ben and now they have it. Pro bowler, Shayne Graham will have a tough time kicking in the unpredictable winds on the river and with this game most assuredly to be a close one, he could be the final factor in their loss.

Detroit over Green Bay **

Brett Favre may have shown how he can beat the Saints up early last week. But, he also has shown how quickly he can lose the lead and give the Saints an impressive 2-0 start. Green Bay and Detroit are two teams who would have trouble playing Hofstra. One of the big factors, Ahman Green has been hurting this week and Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado are gone.

Indianapolis over Jacksonville *

This isn't upset week by no means. And even though Jacksonville beating Indy wouldn't be a total upset, this is still Indianapolis we're talking about. Peyton Manning at full health with an A+ receiving corps looks better than a B team Stellers with a hurting Roethlisberger. Rashean Mathis won't see the ball twice this game, unless it is being shot by him toward Marvin Harrisson's hands in the endzone.

New York over Buffalo ***

This was a tough call. New York has shown a sturdy offense and that Pennington is looking well. They also beat up New England in a close loss. (But so did Buffalo a week earlier.) The teams in this division are all starting to look like they have a chance. But, when it comes down to "Who will crumble first?", I have to believe JP Losman is ahead of Pennington here.

Miami over Tennessee ***

This is just what the doctor prescribed Daunte Culpepper. Playing a team that has a quarterback who captured a 1.3 QB rating after 2 weeks. Kerry Collins still may be able to start in the NFL... but I think the Texans already have a quarterback.

Washington over Houston***

I was smart enough at the start of the season to know that Washington being the big team this year was a myth. We saw this in 2001, Danny Snyder buys up free agency, makes some big moves... and then Washington bites dust. However, they may find victory aginst the woeful Texans. Houston lost their starting left tackle (Charles Spencer) this week and are having troubles running the ball. Washington is fortunate enough to be getting Clinton Portis back.

Baltimore over Cleveland ***

Unfortunately the week of Cincinnati's away game against Pittsburgh, an undefeated Baltimore team will battle a weakling Cleveland team. Yet, I don't give this game 4 stars for Baltimore. Charlie Frye is developing better each pass, Reuben Droughns is due to break out, and Jamal Lewis's days of 300 yard games against Cleveland are well past. If you pick an upset this week, this is it. If you want to play it safe, go Baltimore for a smooth ride to victory.

New York over Seattle **

This would be a sure New York thing, had they not have 3 receivers and Jeremy Shockey listed as probable for the game Sunday. Seattle has had trouble in their opening two games and this will be their first big test of the year. Eli Manning will show up, step up to the plate, and knock one deep Peyton style.

Philadelphia over San Francisco ****

If Philly wants to be taken seriousley as a playoff contender this year, they have to prove they can beat the little teams first. Donovan McNabb has been a steal for fantasy owners everywhere, but with a revamped Nolan defense, San Francisco is looking to show how the Niners do things on coast.

Arizona over St. Louis **

Arizona should shine brighter than the sun in July this game. Kurt Warner is pumped to play the lack luster secondary the Rams offer. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin can have career days with a well strategized offense this week. St.Louis impressed the world with an opneing win versus Denver, but field goals aren't going to be good enough to beat this offense.

Denver over New England ***

These two teams are easily two of the most over rated teams this year. Jake Plummer never had an arm, so why credit him with one? It was never the offensive scheme of Gary Kubiak, they were good runners. And The defense has Champ Bailey... that's it. Im well aware that John Lynch graces this team, but he is only affective when he actually catches a receiver or runner. I also know of that dangerous linebacking squad, but they just seemed more impressive last year. Fortunately, they are playing the equally over rated Patriots. New England struggled the opening two weeks against Buffalo and New York. Also, I'm surprised if Tom Brady knows any of his receivers yet as Troy Brown is their only return this year. The lack of chemistry and the deteriorating defense will be their downfall and make Denver look like football Gods again.

Note: If Corey Dillon left Cincinnati in an uproar playing behind Rudi Johnson, why isn't he threatened by Laurence Maroney? Maybe he has realised his value in the NFL is about as high as Ki-Jana Carter's or Napolean Kaufman's.

Atlanta over New Orleans *

This is the most surprising match up of 2-0's this week. The only thing that keeps me guessing about the winner is this is the Saints triumphant return home to a raging cajun crowd. The Saints lack what every other 2-0 team possesse on both sides of the ball. Their only hope may be that Morten Andersen breaks a hip and leaves the Falcons with Michael "Miss 'em all" Koenan kicking.

alright, a little late on posting these so it is much more pointless then my next post after this. Enjoy my 12-4 week

My predictions for week 2. I was hesitant to post just for the fact that week 1 made every NFL analyst look like they chose their games during a seizure. A surprising week 1 may lead to a predictable week 2 however. Here ya go

Miami over Buffalo **

I think we saw the Dolphins prove that they can keep up with a team like Pittsburgh and Buffalo is definitely no Pitt. and hey, do you remmeber the last time culpepper had back to back 2 INT weeks? neither do i.

Carolina over Minnesota *

Dan Morgan may be out, but Carolina has won the second game of the year 5 straight seasons.

Cincinnati over Cleveland

Chad Johnson will be covered by Gary Baxter. Rudi Johnson will face some generally weak linebackers. Carson Palmer will be facing last years worst sacking team so the pressure is off. Can you give me reasons for Cleveland winning?

Chicago over Detroit ***

Detroit may have looked impressive defensively against Seattle by the score of 6-9, but the fact is Hasselback had one helluva game last week. Chicago's defense will have no problem attacking the fledgling offense of Detroit and Mike Martz.

Indianapolis over Houston ****

Houston showed they can score last week... on the opening drive. The problem with this? Indianapolis scores every quarter, any down, anytime.

New Orleans over Green Bay *

Green Bay has put too much trust into Ahman Green. He is coming back from some serious injury time the past couple seasons and has lost backups Tony Fisher, Samkon Gado, and Najeh Davenport in the past year. Oh and Brett Favre will be behind center today with two rookie guards blocking for him. Anymore reason needed?

New York over Philadelphia **

Alright, Philly is strong. I know this. Donte Stallworth was under rated in New Orleans, but is he already over rated in Philly? And let us not forget the team who won the division last year and only got stronger in the offseason.

Baltimore over Oakland ***

If Baltimore beat up a playoff team in Tampa Bay and anyone is doubting them repeating what San Diego did last week, you may need to have your head examined. I, by no means, like Jamal Lewis. But it is obvious he is no slouch at running back just because he wasnt up to par before.

Atlanta over Tampa Bay *

This one should be a no brainer, but Cadillac shoul be somewhere around 80% for this game. That automatically puts pressure on the Falcons run D. However, will it match the pressure Kerney and Abraham will be putting on young gun, Chris Simms?

Seattle over Arizona ***

Arizona is excited over their win in the opener. But wait, it came to San Francisco. So stop the parties and worry about your NFC champions in Seattle. The biggest worry for either team is a 2-0 start by St.Louis so you should see a strong match even if Seattle is the definitive winner for most.

St.Louis over San Francisco ***

San Francisco showed us that Alex Smith's woes as a rookie are fading. However they showed us that playing Arizona in a 3 point game isnt a thing of 2005... and losing is still an option it seems. Vernon Davis is impressive, but Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, and lets not forget Tory Holt, they are that much more impressive. Frank Gore was the fantasy all star of the week at running back for some leagues, but in all seriousness can he repeat?

Denver over Kansas City **

KC was supposed to be a powerhouse this season. Instead their offensive line is getting torn, their quarterback is watching Damon Huard throw balls off target, and Larry Johnson just had an average game against one of the worst run D's in the league. Denver opened up with a loss, but even Jake Plummer should be able to chalk up a W against this team right now. The sad thing is looking at the starters for the teams this week this actually appears as more of a defensive matchup.

New York over New England *

Let me hear about how crazy this pick is. Come on, lets hear it. But who is Tom Brady throwing to? Their only hope is running over a good 3-4 defense with the duo of Maroney and Dillon. I don't see it happening. Chad comes back to get at least 250 through the air today.

San Diego over Tennessee ***

San Diego has lost Drew Brees, ok, but they still have LT, Merriman, Neal, and Gates. Tennesse has Kerry Collins.

Dallas over Washington **

So the Cowboys lost in Week 1. What does it mnatter. With the addition of TO, playing Jacksonville is still a tough game. People need to realise a team with TO isnt destined for 16-0 and one loss can come in the opener. Also, Portis is a no go for week 2.

Jacksonville over Pittsburgh *

Roethlisberger will sit most likely. Jacksonvilles D is said to be over rated by some columnists, I say its just the thing to shake up the Super Bowl champs

Speed Reads

So I venture off to nfl.com and find the question de' joure on page one. Which of these NFC quarterbacks is under the most pressure? Followed with the options Michael Vick, Brett Favre, Chris Simms, and Rex Grossman. So let's look at some quick looks on each player on why or why not they'd be the most pressured. In reverse order...

4) Chris Simms, Tampa Bay - If the pressure bar could go under zero this is exactly where his would land. Chris Simms is looking at the backups of Bruce Gradkowski, the pre-season wonder, Tim Rattay, the 49ers dropout which says a lot for his credibility as a good passer, and the injured Luke McCown. He is inheriting a nice receiving corps with starters Michael Clayton (1,100 yards 2 years ago) and Joey Galloway (10 touchdowns last year) with former back to back 1,000 yard receiver, David Boston, in the slot. He should have no problem with a healthy offense eclipsing the 3,000 yard mark or the 20 touchdown mark. The only pressures may be 1) Making the playoffs again and not slumping in his second starting season, and 2) Living up to the expectations of the pedigree as Phil Simms son.

3) Michael Vick, Atlanta - This man barely slipped to number 3 and may be 30th in the league for pressure. The pressure really all is in making the playoffs and being a successful leader and passer in the NFL, neither of which has been accomplished. It is safe to say the defence got this team where they have been in the past 4 years and Vick was lucky enough to be at the helm when he signed a 10 year, $130 million contract extension 2 years ago. That is reason one though for his reasons not to worry. No team will front you a $30 million signing bonus and put Matt Schaub ahead of you on the depth chart. On top of it, number 7 is one of the most charismatic quarterbacks in the league and he does it with little time in front of the camera crews. Vick may not see 3,000 yards this season or ever reach a 60% completion rate, but with the money invested in this stud he isn't going anywhere.

2) Rex Grossman, Chicago - Alright, here is some actual pressures. Bring up a guy who has started 7 games in 3 years, has been struck by nagging injuries throughout his fledgling career, and watched his team draft a quarterback last season [Kyle Orton] and sign a hot free agent this year [Brian Griese]... and finally you have pressure. On top of all of that rippling through his mind every snap, his receivers are of the lack luster variety with an aging Panther, and a set of young unaccomplished players. His one hope is that the defence pounces down again this year and can keep him at number one.

1) Brett Favre, Green Bay - Who else could it have been? Brett Favre is striking the ripe age of 37 in October, and has a former first rounder breathing down his back [Aaron Rodgers]. The aging and experienced Favre has almost nothing going for him right now. He is quickly becoming the new Doug Flutie, has made the media faux pas of saying this was the best Packer team he had worked with ever, has no one to throw to but Donald Driver, and is tiring out Packer fans with his increasing number of interceptions and decreasing number of comebacks and big wins. What does he have going for him you ask? A nice pension is all I can see in his near future.

Inside Look: Football

Carson Back On Late Night

This particular Carson is bringing in more of a fan base then Johnny ever could have. Carson Palmer has brought hope back to a city that had watched losers in 14 consecutive seasons. His precision, accuracy, and leadership have opponents on the ropes and Bengal fans in astonishment.

The cool Palmer threw for 32 touchdowns last season along with the top QB rating in the league (101.1). The new found glory and trust placed in his arm has washed away all misery brought in by the failing campaign of Akili Smith in 2001.

Even with the early accolades and recognition as a top player, people still want to question his integrity. The questions that surround him are attributed solely to former Steeler defender, Kimo Von Oelhoffen. On a 64 yard explosion in the sky on the first drive of the playoffs, Carson found himself clenching the turf after the "hit heard around the world". It was a shot to the knees that would tear not only his knee up, but the glue that held the team together through 11 wins.

Cincinnati fans quickly canceled their loan applications to buy skybox season tickets for the next ten years and went home sporting some yellow and black. It was all just a fluke... right?

I think the question now is, who dared ever to question the resiliency of Carson?

The media has been exploding over every little detail of his offseason. Included was the overly exaggerated sparring between him and coach, Marvin Lewis, over playing the preseason early. But Palmer has done what any great player would do, and he takes it all in stride.

The fear of putting him in action this preseason was quickly diluted by his three touchdown performance against Green Bay. The stadium held it's breath on the first hit Palmer took on the night. Almost as astounding as his quick recovery though, was the way he reflected his 2005 season that night when he got up and continued marching downfield.

Palmer says, "I definitely have a long way to go to get where I need to be". But if he truly believes that 9 of 14 with 140 yards was far off from his potential form, then Dan Marino may be taking a seat to Palmer by the end of number 9's career.

Maybe it does surprise a few writers and fans alike. Coming back from serious knee surgery only 7 months later is well ahead of the average man. To Palmer and coach Lewis, this is how they expected the recovery to go. "I can't say I'm all that surprised", mentioned Lewis after the 48-17 rout, "Maybe he was a little sharper than you'd expect, but we've seen him working every day for six months". (Hey let's not forget the 16 games last year either)

With only one more preseason game until things get serious, Palmer can take a break. He has shown he can play tough and can expect to throw for a series in the finale. Look forward to another season where he continually puts up top numbers and makes Peyton Manning realise their is some competition for Pro Bowl starter in the AFC. Make room for Carson.

Who's Hott!

The Cardinal-Pope Connection

Ok, let us start with my absence before this one. A little quick hiatus never hurt anyone, but hey, it's football season now. What made you think I would miss this?...

No, not your ordinary [Leonard] Pope and Cardinal connection concocted by head coach, Denny Green.

This 6' 8 phenom straight out of Georgia U was the tight end steal in this years draft. A surprise drop, in my book, going in the third round. Listed as tight end number 3 in the Card's powerhouse offense, he is looking to quickly move up the echelon of success to number one. Tight Ends coach, Carl Hargrave says, "[Leonard] is on a fast track right now".

Weighing in at 257, this mass of muscle and determination has had no lack of early achievements. He is wowing Denny in the camps and was hastily tagged with the role of ball hawk in the red zone. Kurt Warner should have no troubles finding the novice talent.

His knack for coming through in big games will help the struggling Cardinals who have lost 11 games in the last two seasons by 7 or less points. His monstrous frame can be just the thing to relieve Neil Rackers (K) from being forced to kick another 42 times this year. It also will allow the Cardinals to locate a score valuing more than 3 points.

For now he is enjoying the last days of preseason. He brought down his first pro touchdown on Friday at Soldier Field. He overshadowed fellow competitors for the tight end job in the 7 point win against the stunning Bears defense that devowered defenses all year at home. This being the same defense who gave up the fewest points on their own turf in a single NFL season.

It came on a route he was no tyro to as they had ran it many times in practice. Coach Green had worries that Pope would have trouble finding both feet in bounds but he managed well against the intimidating Chicago defenders. Pope commented afterwards, "The coaches really emphasized trying to get my feet down, so when I caught the ball I made sure I did".

His impact on the most potent offense in the NFL is expected early as he is outplaying Adam Bergen and Eric Edwards physically on the practice and game field. The tandem of three young ends jousting for position has brought out the best in each. It is clear that Pope is executing everything expected of him and more to a finer degree then his generally unknown (soon to be) predecessors.

If he wins the starting spot he will join the most dangerous one-two in the league, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Not to mention the power and agility Edgerrin James has added to the backfield.

The quarterback this season looks to be the aging yet precise, Kurt Warner. He [Kurt] is no stranger to the offensive atmosphere of dumping it off to the tight end as he has had former pro bowler Jeremy Shockey and receiving stud Ernie Conwell to dish it to thorughout his starting years.

This writer isn't promising Rookie of the Year statistics or performances comparable to Ozzie Newsome or Ben Coates. What I am saying is you can expect him to deliver an astounding promise of undeveloped skills that are getting better each week under the guidance of Hargrave and Keith Rowen (Offensive Coordinator). Here is to the Pro Bowler of the future!

Player Profile

Hanley Ramirez

The almost sole leader of the college aged Florida Marlin batting squad is getting a minor amount of recognition for his heavy batting performance thus far. He is a shoe in for the rookie of the year in the NL if he continues at this pace. Last season he played a lowly two games in Boston. As of now he is batting a Florida high .340 average. He also is leading the NLin batting average.

The Marlins may be as big of a long shot as a long shot can get, but with players like Ramirez they are building a foundation for future Marlin championships. His lead off ability is comparable to Derek Jeter with a little more speed and a little less power.

He is easily on track for a 200 hit season replacing the likes of Juan Pierre who did it in 2 of 3 Marlin seasons. Under Juan's leadership they defeated the Yankees and surprised everyone with their second championship. But, for now they are the dismay of the NL East and the MLB. A player like Hanley is their lone hope to build a team around. Get on base quick and score from there is a philosophy they must cling to.

With over three fourths of the season to come, we'll see whether or not Ramirez is a consistent force on base and at the plate. The youth movement got him a job but he'll need a few veterans surrounding him before they can do anything with this squad.

What's this!?

A New Age

So while scurrying across the web on a routine sports search i find an interesting article. In it is a wonderful bashing of an article written by Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times. Aaron Gleeman never yields or relents the unforgiving assault on Bill.

Anyway, halfway through it I stumble across a famous statistician aficionado named Branch Rickey. The man made something very similar to a baseball system that I had created during the past year or so in my part time. It devised simple constants in baseball into a useful and accurate structure.

His article from a 1954 issue of LIFE magazine inspired me to almost completely revamp my old setup and produce a revised version. It made some interesting points that had me redoing the formula soon after.

The new version heavily favored Albert Pujols as expected in its trial run but seemed to get out other errors the original system made time and time again. It completely did away with that aging scheme and had me entering a new era of statistical ranking.

Below, the new formula can be seen in its entirety.

{R/ H+BB+HBP} +
{SB / H+BB+HBP} +
{(D*2)+(T*3)+(HR*4) / AB} +
{BB-SO / AB+BB+HBP}

These four elements combined equal out a final figure that gives the player his Statistical Quotient (SQ).

EDIT!!! Soon after writing and discovering this I tried it out on some of the all-time greats. Naturally I wanted to see where Bonds and Ruth came out at. During its first trial run I realised that to have the OBP as a multiple was ridiculously unfair. The system had to be changed. The other way (R times OBP divided by 100) would have beeen great only for single seasons but would heavily favor people who played longer. So now it has been fixed and cleared up.

Reaching For October

Diamondbacks Last Forever

Or maybe they don't. This isn't the same team that bull rushed opponents 5 years ago with Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez pounding fastballs hard and heavy and homeruns deep and often.

While Gonzalez still is on the potential NL West Winners lineup, he is at best a shadow of his former self. A 20 homerun year would be a step up for the aging fielder. As of now it is Chad Tracy leading the batting squad hitting .297 and 7 balls over the fence so far. Tracy also leads the team in extra base hits, RBIs, and is 5th in the Major Leagues with 14 doubles.

Their former Dodger master, Shawn Green, is lacking any actual technique or any solid play so far and surprisingly never received any steroid accusations. The slugger didnt hit over 30 homeruns since steroid testing began which is startling considering 3 of 4 40 homerun seasons previous to it. But, although his power may be gone, he still has a good enough eye to get on base with an NL second best .338 average. Along with Green, their bench is a pretty solid squad of power, experience, and poise

The batting does seem solid enough to overrun the Padres. The pitching isn't exactly weak either. The D' Backs are holding one of the few undefeated pitchers left in Brandon Webb. Webb stands at a perfect 6-0 record. It also positions him at a second place spot in the wins column. Meanwhile, El Duque struggles at a 2-4, 6.98 ERA start and may lose all credibility as a solid starter.

'Zona may have a tough road to the playoffs this time. Their back to back losing seasons are still hot on the minds of fans and the division consists of 4 almost equivolent teams record wise that should make August and September interesting.

My Pick... D' Backs miss it by 3 and a half games.

Inside Look: Football

Bush Lite

Why should the league cater to unproven athletes? Reggie Bush is leading a crusade looking to defy 30 year precedent in the NFL. The agile prodigy of SoCal wants to overturn the rule stating running backs must wear a number that falls between 20 and 49.

So what is the number? His lucky 5 he beared during his college days only 5 months ago. It is apparent Bush thinks he has made such an impact in his short career that rules should be eradicated to how he sees fit. While it may be a miniscule change, no one player should be granted such a power.

The Rules Committee will ultimately decide the fate of Number 5's career. If he dons the number, one would wonder what Edgerrin James will say. Edge made a carbon copy inquiry just a few years ago while in Indianapolis. His request was denied despite his fecund production on and off the field.

Bush has yet to prove he has what it takes. He may follow the road of Ron Dayne, Rashaan Salaam, or Mike Rozier and flop. Hopefully the rules committee follows suit with the precedented decision and rule in favor of the original standard.

Game Of The Week

Philadelphia Phillies @ Cincinnati Reds

An 8-4 routing of the Reds has the Phillies flame-broiled with success. This ousting debuted the "Colossal" Cole Hamels on the mound. Despite the staggering amount of balls, he held the Reds to a no-hitter 4.2 innings into it.

A bases loaded situation in the second gave a scare to the Phils. Hamels then difused the fire by taking out the final batter. Hamels commented previously, "I believe in setting goals high and heading straight at them." With only 6 games above Single A, this was the largest goal thinkable and he devastated those who opposed his call to the majors.

Felipe lopez broke up the no-hitter with a deep center dropper just barely missed by Shane Victorino. The hit lead to no runs scored.

Pat Burrell got wailed in the elbow in the 6th. The Phillies loaded the bases up and pinch hitted for Hamels. He would finish with 7 strike outs. Abraham Nunez unsuccessfully batted and lead to Ryan Madson's entrance. Madson gave up two homeruns seconds after leaving the bullpen to Austin Kearns and Edwin Encarnacion (his 6th).

The tie game had the crowd in an uproar with Madson still pitching. An RBI single by Chase Utley in the 7th broke the deadlock and Carlos Ruiz added another run with an 8th inning sacrifice fly. The Phillies continued rallying over the Reds pitching staff. Bobby Abreu got in off a wild pitch and Victorino hit a two run shot on the next at bat. Rick Fox would end the inning shortly after balking David Bell home.

The 8-4 lead was enough to defeat the Reds after their two run roll in the 9th. Tom Gordon captured his 11th save by controlling another bases loaded scoring attempt with a couple of outs left.

Utley and Victorino combined for 5 hits and 3 RBIs. Shane looks to hold a strong bench spot after Aaron Rowand returns from his trip to the 15 day DL. The rainy milieu didn't ruin a parade of hits by Philly. This game contributes an 11th win of the last 12 games for Philadelphia.

Who's Hot!?

I'm No Fanatic, But They Got Something Special

Looking for entertainment? Don't look any further than the hottest team in baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies have won 10 of 11 games. Outside of a 4-13 loss with a parade of center field hits by the Mets, Philly has been all but unstoppable.

In the duration of the streak, Jon Lieber aquired his first two wins. They have been playing to crowds of over 20,000 on a regular basis and wowing the fan base (outside of two dismal 6,000 crowds at Floria). The pitching was given a spiritual lift after the forgettable 9-14 start (starting pitchers went 7-11).

The Phils subscribe to a team philosophy more so over the "star player" ways of New York and Boston. The coalition of 7 regular starters marks the squad with a well-knit, tight structure. They prove their theory with the lack of production by their foremost all-star hitter, Bobby Abreu. The Dominican wonder is showing slim traces of his former performances with 4 HR and a .269 average.

As of now, the team is relying heavily on sophomore Ryan Howard to pull through and play consistent. The team is lacking any bench power to go in place of starters. However, Shane Victorino may capture more time with the recent breaking of Aaron Rowand's nose. The center fielder boasts a bench best .296 batting average (only 8 hits, so no excitement garnered just yet).

Rest assure, this team will descend come June. They must play in uniform with their May performance. The pitching crew doesn't accomodate any veritable Cy Young's to bolster a pennant contention. The lack of depth in the roster may prove to be costly come October.

Player Profile

This Little Birdie Is Flying High

Troy Glaus is anything but your proverbial "ugly duckling". This Blue Jay is flying high. For him, the ground is clear with all bird watchers in New York, Boston, and St. Louis. He jacked his 231st dinger on Thursday against Kirk Saarloos only 2 innings preceding his first off Saarloos.

The 10 million dollar stud leads a third place Toronto squad in a close race. The team can capture its first division title since 1993 with Glaus at the helm.

The three time all-star's numbers have since fallen slightly, but he still ranks among the top third-basemen in the majors. He has accomplished many outstanding feats early in his career. Being a two time silver slugger and former World Series MVP, he carries weight around the locker room and is transcending the Jays toward post-season success.

Troy is a 6' 5 phenom who often is overlooked because of his lack to get on base enough. A career .358 OBP hasn't been enough to precede elite batters. With his third team in three years, his value also drops along with his inconsistency.

To be a top notch clutch hitter is something of value. Unfortunately, Glaus can fall short in this category. If only he lived in a world of left handed pitchers. On the year he is hitting 16 for 31 against the left handers but isn't having as much success going deep against them.

He most assuredly can live up to another all-star caliber performance and play at 3rd for a strong AL team. Toronto is inching closer each day to the wild card spot. With Hideki Matsui's recent bite in left field, they can pass the pin stripes out early and clinch it. Here's looking up to the skies and eyeing Glaus's success.