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NCAA Hoops Stock Market: Clemson's rising; Ohio State's tumbling

By Jeff Greer | January 9, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Every week from now until the Tournament, we'll identify which teams, players and coaches are rising and falling in college basketball. With what seems like an upset a night, our NCAA hoops stock market might fluctuate more than the real one. Rising 1. Clemson -- Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest have formed a triumvirate of contenders from the ACC, but don't sleep on the Tigers. Oliver Purnell has his team off to another hot start, but don't expect this year's Clemson to fade. Wins against Temple and Alabama and at Illinois, South Carolina and Miami (Fla.) are all solid victories. Plus, Purnell's club has top-30 efficiency on both ends of the floor--a formula for...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arkansas, Clemson TIgers, Louisville, NCAA Basketball, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers, SEC, Washington State

End of the Bench

By David Thiessen | January 8, 2009 | Project Spurs

This is the first article in a new feature here at ProjectSpurs that takes a look at some of the forgotten Spurs of years past. As the name suggests, I'll be focusing on players who found themselves occupying the end of the bench. I've always found the 12th man interesting, and hopefully I'll be able to uncover some fascinating players. I welcome any suggestions for players to profile.This whole feature was inspired by one very tall man, Charles Goodrich Nevitt, or Chuck as he was more commonly known. Some of you may remember Nevitt, who is the fifth tallest NBA player ever at 7'5'', from his time in the NBA from 1982-1994. Most of you, however, probably have no idea who Nevitt is. I came upon Nevitt accidentally one day while perusing Basketball-Reference and looking at Spurs teams from the 90's. While looking at the 1993-1994 team, I noticed one of the...

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Jets End of the Season Awards

By Joe Caporoso | January 8, 2009 | The Cockpit

The 2009 End of the Year Awards for the New York Jets, which for the second year in a row can be given out in early January because the team missed the playoffs: Team MVP: Leon Washington - The most under-used player on the team and arguably the NFL. Washington had 448 rushing yards on only 76 carries (5.9 YPC), 47 receptions for 355 yards, averaged 25.6 yards per kick return, 10.4 yards per punt return, and had 9 total touchdowns, 4 of which were on plays of 40 yards or more. Offensive MVP: Thomas Jones - A fairly easy choice since he racked up 15 total touchdowns, over 1300 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards. He more than made up for a disappointing 2007 season, although much credit goes to the offensive line and Tony Richardson. Defensive MVP: Darrelle Revis - Turning into a legit lockdown corner and also made...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: AFC, AFC East, Jets, New York Jets, NFL

Rolling the Thunder

By Scott Henneboehle | January 8, 2009 | Wolves Watch

After finding themselves on the losing end of lopsided games earlier this season, the Wolves were able to blow a team out of the water in what was as dominant of a performance as they've had since their 26 point victory over Detroit way back on Nov. 23. With the 42 point victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, the young Wolves have now reached double digits in the win column and have reason to feel really good about the way they're playing right now.Randy Foye was brilliant again in this most recent victory, but what should really excite fans is the way Kevin Love has been playing during this winning streak. He's still only seeing around 20 minutes a night, which really isn't too surprising given his lack of experience and the matchup problems that are created by his size, but the fundamental aspects of the game that...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

Baldelli, Smoltz agree to terms

By bottomlinesox | January 8, 2009 | The Bottom Line

We haven't seen all the details, but here's what Chad Finn is reporting at The Globe: "Smoltz, 41, will sign a $5 million guaranteed deal with Boston that includes the possibility of earning another $5 million in bonuses. The Smoltz deal was expected to be finalized later today according to a source familiar with the negotiations, the AP reported. The Red Sox did not announce terms of Baldelli's contract, but a baseball source told the Globe that he will receive $500,000 guaranteed, and can earn another $1.75 million in bonuses solely for remaining on the active roster -- in other words, his salary would be $2.25 million if he remains on the active roster all season. On top of that, the 27-year-old also has significant bonuses based on plate appearances that could elevate the value of the contract to as high as $7.5 million, though that number is attainable only...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, John Smoltz, Rocco Baldelli, Tampa Bay Rays

After Back-to-Back Setbacks Against Wings, Hawks Take Out Frustrations on Flames, Coyotes

By Rob Mitros | January 8, 2009 | The Blackhawk Report

The Blackhawks' Matt Walker showing the Coyotes' Ed Jovanovski what happens when you don't leggo of his Eggo. (AP Photo)

The Blackhawks went into the home-and-home series against the Detroit Red Wings riding high, as well as a franchise-record nine-game winning streak. Two games later, including one in front of a national audience, the Blackhawks were brought back down to earth by the division-leading Red Wings in convincing fashion. Not only that, the Blackhawks lost All-Star forward Patrick Kane due to a high ankle sprain. It should have been a recipe for a losing streak. However, despite losing Kane, the Hawks have maintained their focus and have turned in back-to-back strong performances in their last two games.In their second game of 2009, the Hawks played host to the only team in the NHL that plays in a "Saddledome" and employs the player with the NHL's funnest name to say (Dion Phaneuf...I could say that name all day) That's right, those funny Flames from Calgary had the pleasure of playing a...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Ed Jovanovski, Matt Walker, Nashville Predators, Patrick Kane, Phoenix Coyotes

KC Chiefs Fanatic, Royal Blues, Rays Review and The No-Look Pass join MVN

By Cory Humes | January 8, 2009 | Company Blog

A New Year's resolution of mine is to put this company blog to better use in keeping our community up to date on interesting work being done around MVN. Every day I'm amazed by the unique perspectives of our bloggers and the thoughtful posts that are created. We have the honor of working with some truly talented individuals.I'd like to kick things off by welcoming four folks who have transitioned their blogs to MVN in 2009:Chris Kolb blogs about the Kansas City Chiefs at KC Chiefs Fanatic.Minda Haas blogs about the Kansas City Royals at Royal Blues.Justin Shin blogs about the Tampa Bay Rays at Rays Review.Rey Moralde blogs about the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers at The No-Look Pass.A big thank you goes out to Chris, Minda, Justin and Rey for choosing to blog with Most Valuable Network. I need to recognize the hundreds of other writers who have...

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Ovechkin Only All Star; Blessing in Disguise?

By Gregg Kanner | January 8, 2009 | Capitals Corner

Further proving that the NHL is doing well DESPITE the leadership of Gary Bettman, not only was Alex Ovechkin not voted as a starter in the all star game, but he ends up being the only Capital selected on the entire Eastern Conference roster. Let's examine this from an objective view. The Caps have the 2nd best record in the East and are closer to first place Boston than to 3rd place Philly. The Caps have arguably the most exciting team in the East. The Caps have the best puck moving defenseman in all of the NHL and the defending goal champ among blueliners. The fact that Mike Green and Nick Backstrom are not on the roster is a travesty. Alex Semin deserves to be there, but due to his injury issues, I can understand him not making it. All in all, we could have our coach behind the bench...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: boudreau, Green, Nicklas Backstrom, ovechkin, Semin, Washington Capitals

NCAA Hoops Stock Market: Clemson's rising; Ohio State's tumbling

By Jeff Greer | January 9, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arkansas, Clemson TIgers, Louisville, NCAA Basketball, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers, SEC, Washington State

Big Blue 101's Jon Eiseman Previews Giants-Eagles; Addresses Brandon Jacobs' Health

By Brandon Rosage | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Following the news that Giants RB Brandon Jacobs is ready to start in Sunday's playoff matchup with the Eagles, Big Blue 101's Jon Eiseman spoke out about leftover concerns with Jacobs' productivity, as well as Brian Westbrook's ability to match him on the ground. Eiseman weighed in on Tom Coughlin's stated strategy for Sunday and took on criticism that the Eagles are making a run akin to New York's championship run of last year, on top of criticism that this season's Giants look eerily similar to the underachieving 2007 Dallas Cowboys. The audio interview serves as a companion to today's feature "MVN Previews the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs" at NFL Outsider....

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, Brandon Jacobs, Brian Westbrook, New York Giants, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles

Fantasy Baseball 2009: Chicago Cubs Sign OF Milton Bradley

By Brad Berreman | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Milton Bradley - Evan Brunell/MVN

The Chicago Cubs signed OF/DH Milton Bradley to a three-year, $30 million deal this week. The switch-hitting Bradley is expected to play RF for the Cubs, with Kosuke Fukudome shifting to CF. Bradley spent 2008 with the Texas Rangers, and led the American League in on-base percentage at .436. He also set career highs with 22 HR and 77 RBI as well as total bases with 233. Bradley also tied his career high with a .321 batting average. He should fit well into was is a pretty good Cubs lineup. The issues with Bradley start with his personality. The Cubs will be his fourth team in as many seasons, so it seems he tends to wear out his welcome. He has had on-field issues with fans and umpires during his career. The second, and bigger in my opinion, issue with Bradley is health. He never spent any time on the DL...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Chicago Cubs, Fantasy, Milton Bradley, MLB

Best of MVN: Murray Chass on Selig, Bonds, Clemens

By Staff Report | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Bud Selig - mookiefl/Flickr.com

On weekdays we highlight posts from Most Valuable Network that are considered to be a cut above the rest. This work is the best of MVN, the posts that made us think -- and we want to make sure you see it, too. Consider nominating a post for recognition via e-mail. Murray Chass, formerly of The New York Times, joins Ed Berliner to talk about Bud Selig's Hall of Fame chances, Barry Bonds' free agency and Roger Clemens' conviction in the court of public opinion. From Cold Hard Sports: Despite his many critics, there are a number of good reasons Bud Selig should be considered for the Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to see how Selig's involvement in two past issues will affect his potential induction. *** Big Al and Greg Eno chat about the resignation of Rob Parker from The Detroit News, the reappearance of Matt Millen...

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NBA Top 10: Best Point Guards Under 26

By Joe Boikess | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Tony Parker - HalfCrazyGirl/flickr.com

The NBA is full of special young talent, especially at the point guard position. Although point guard is typically the hardest position for younger players to truly excel at, these guys have had little to no trouble at all taking the reins of their respective teams this season. Here's my top 10 point guards aged 26 or younger.10. Rodney Stuckey (22) - Stuckey entered the season as Detroit's third guard, but that all changed after the team traded away Chauncey Billups to bring in Allen Iverson. Iverson didn't work out at first playing the point, so Michael Curry moved A.I. to the two and inserted the 6-foot-5 Stuckey at the starting point guard. The move has paid off, as Detroit is now 13-3 with him in the starting lineup, and Stuckey is averaging more than 17 points and shooting over 50 percent from the field as a starter.9. Nate Robinson...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

BC's Firing of Jeff Jagodzinski is Right Move

By Evan | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(320,255,478244,"http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css")}catch(ex){}}()A poll on FOXSPORTS.com shows that 75 percent of respondents (over 130,000 votes cast) believe that Boston College football head coach Jeff Jagodzinski should not be fired, the reasoning being "coaches interview for other jobs all the time." (For the record, Jagodzinski was indeed fired after interviewing for the New York Jets' head coaching job without discussing it first with his current employers.)Let's stop here for a second and review the reasoning why Jagodzinski should not be fired. "Coaches interview for other jobs all the time."Come again?Look, I don't begrudge Jagodzinski for looking to move up the ladder into a pro coaching job with the New York Jets, but the amount of movement in college and pro football of coaches is getting ridiculous. A contract means nothing anymore. In baseball, a contract is a contract. You don't see Joe Torre bolting the New York Yankees midseason...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: NCAA

MVN Previews the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs

By Staff Report | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Four teams down, seven to go until one squad is left standing as champions of Super Bowl XLIII. To preview the games on tap for this weekend's Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, NFL Outsider talked to four NFL bloggers to get their takes and predictions on the matchups:Baltimore at Tennessee (4:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Titans and the Ravens will renew a heated playoff rivalry that stems back to the early part of this century. Many of the key players and coaches who participated in the rivalry's heyday have moved on, but some faces such as Jeff Fisher, Jevon Kearse and Ray Lewis haven't changed. For the Titans, their goals will be to turn rookie QB extraordinaire Joe Flacco into a less-than-average Joe and to prevent the Ravens' playmaking defense from creating scoring opportunities (that means avoiding Ed Reed at all costs!). My take: the Titans will emerge victorious...

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Fantasy Baseball: Evaluating Hitters

By Jeff Freels | January 7, 2009 | MVN Outsider

It's not just chicks who dig the long ball -- fantasy baseball managers get all gaga over them too. They like them for entirely different reasons, but, sadly, since this blog is about fantasy baseball and not ladies with "long legs and brains," I will confine myself to that group which I know best. For those of you now in the mood for some estrogenic stimulation, head over to the Babes Love Baseball blog for a healthy dose.As I was saying, fantasy leaguers have a fondness for home runs that approaches the pathological. This is due to the fact that a home run helps us in four of the major scoring categories: home runs (duh!), RBIs, runs and batting average. Additionally, if there was a category for sexiness, home runs would be worth a touchdown while everything else was worth a free throw (OK, strikeouts would be worth a safety).But...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Alex Gordon, Fantasy, MLB

And Every Cowboy Sings a Sad, Sad Song

By Mike Scioscia's tragic illness | January 5, 2009

No, I didn't miss Andruw Jones restructuring his deal to get the hell out of Dodge(rtown). After a long weekend away and a short coma at the shock of not having to see that fat sack of crap in a Dodgers uniform in 2009, I'm back and beyond thrilled. That said, I'm not going to dwell on it too much right now - he's not officially been dumped yet, everyone else in the world has...

16 recommendations | 11 Comments

Hells Bells in Los Angeles?

By Mike Scioscia's tragic illness | January 7, 2009

Not that this isn't an idea that hasn't already been kicked around for months, but Yahoo's Tim Brown says that the Dodgers have actually acted upon it... The Los Angeles Dodgers have offered Trevor Hoffman a one-year contract with a club option for 2010, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Hoffman, the all-time saves leader, also has discussed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, and is likely to have received a formal offer...

8 recommendations | 7 Comments

Cardinals: One Cannibal Short

By Fresh (WC) | January 6, 2009

Another Cardinal has headed up the Mississippi to join everyone's least-favorite pack of suck-ass losers, the Chicago Cubs. I know by now this is late news, but I spent Monday pondering this:Was he picked up to combat Chicago's soaring crime statistics ? Have Chicago's dentists secretly negotiated this deal for a chance to gaze in awe at his wolf like incisors ?Either way, it appears Redbird management is trending away from even reasonably priced contracts....

7 recommendations | 6 Comments

NBA Great Debates: Which Team is More Likely to Dethrone Boston: Orlando or Cleveland?

By Staff Report | January 7, 2009

NBA Outsider's Amar Panchmatia and Joe Boikess debate the issue: Which team is more likely to dethrone the Boston Celtics: the Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic? Amar Panchmatia argues in favor of Cleveland: Orlando forward Rashard Lewis recently referred to the Magic as "that other team" whenever there is a conversation about the league's top teams. But although Orlando's 26-8 start is as legitimate as it gets -- and their depth, veteran leadership, and discipline...

6 recommendations | 2 Comments