Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Baseball Playoff race...

What can I say about the baseball race right now? Boston had a four game lead, and they were looking like they were going to run away with the eastern division. But, here come the Yankees. Last night Boston split their double header with Toronto. Curt Shilling didn't look too good on the mound, and he will be back on Sunday pitching against Randy Johnson. In September Randy has had only four loses in the last 10 years... It is looking bleak for the Red Sox to continue their trip to the playoffs. I am hoping and praying that they will beat the Yankees this weekend, and push them out of the playoffs. It will prove that a $220 million payroll doesn't buy you anything in the majors.

Then I look at the central, and I see that the White Sox had a 15 game lead. Yes, 15 game lead, but now it is down to two games. Cleveland has been the best team in baseball since the all-star break, and they keep hanging around. The scary part is that no one really predicted them to be in the playoffs, and they probably have the strongest pitching staff in the American League. If Chicago White Sox don't make the playoffs, it will be one of the worst downfalls in the history of baseball. I am praying that the Indians come in as a wild card team, Boston wins the East and Chicago holds on to their lead.

The winner from the American League will depend on whose pitching holds up. Boston has great offense and if their pitching comes through, I can see them making it to at least the championship series of the American League playoffs. I don't think that Boston will repeat as champs bc they are hurt. You have one of their best pitchers in Shilling, who isn't playing well over the last eight games he has pitched, and folks won't be back till next year as their closer. His presence will be missed during the playoffs. I would really like to see the Cleveland Indians make a run for the World Series because they have good pitching, defense and offense. Lets just see if it can all keep coming together through the playoffs.

From the National League, I am a big fan of the Braves since 1988. I remember when sit came sliding home to win a game against the Pirates in 1991. Braves always find a way to win the east, but somehow can't win the world series, except for one year. They have won the east 14 years in a row! Bobby Cox is doing a great job with managing 15 rookies. Andrew Jones is by far a great candidate for the MVP, but Pujols is definitely going to win the MVP award. He is just so amazing to watch. I got to see him play in May when I went to a Cardinals game in St. Louis. Albert just has this awe about him, and he is just a tremendous athlete. If Andrew hast to lose it to him, it will be well worth it.

Houston's pitching is just been amazing the last two months. Roger Clemons and Andy Pettitte have been amazing as well as Roy Oswalt. These three pitchers will keep the Astros in the running to win the East. I really hope that it is the Cardinals vs Braves in the NL championship, and the Braves win! That way I can rub it in to all my lovely friends in Missouri! Go Braves!!!

I am really looking forward to watching baseball this weekend. All the tight races will have me hooked! I will be cheering for the Braves and Red Sox all the way.. If it turns out they both play each other, I will cheer for the Braves!!

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Okra Strut!!

Hey everyone!

So this weekend I am heading to my town of Irmo, SC. We are having our annual Okra Strut. Friday night is the street dance with live music and fun.. I used to go every year when it was in the parking lot of the Kroger grocery store. I haven't been to the street dance for many years. Those were the days of the 1980's with the big hair and funky clothes.. I remember those days of crimping my hair or putting my hair in a pony tail on the side of the head.

On Saturaday's I would go and watch the parade, and I would try to fetch all the candy being thrown from the participants. People running for elections would come and walk in the parade to try to gain votes.. It used to be held in the Irmo HS parking lot, but it has since moved to several places throughout Irmo.

On Saturaday morning, I am going with one of my best friends. We are going to walk the 1.5 or so from her house and venture into the parking lot of Irmo Village Center to see the different vendors appearing this year.. I will probably get a sample of fried okra.. I know it sounds gross, but it is really great.. After hanging out for about two hours, we are going to walk back to her house. I tell you that I need to get some good exercise in.. It will be nice and toasty, but it will be well worth it..

So for those of you who live nearby, I would encourage you to stop by in Irmo and visit. The Okra Strut will be open from 9:30 (parade) till 5pm on Saturday, and Friday night for the Street Dance. Hope ya'll have a great weekend!

NFL Picks for Week 3

I have been sick for the last week, so I am all rested and ready to post my predictions for this week in nfl.. This past weekend I predicted that Carolina would beat NE, and they did! I am so excited about Carolina right now. NE has a tough road ahead of them. Pittsburgh is a great team. Parker is carrying that offense pretty good for a new comer! They haven't missed a step! If Pittsburg continues to concentrate on the run, and only throw like 15 passes a game, then they will run all over NE. NE is badly hurt and it showed on Sunday.. It won't get any easier with them on the road again.

Pitttsburg 27 NE 17

For those that know me, I am a huge Packers fan. At the moment, their defense is struggling. They lost at home where they used to be unbeatable. I am worried about the Packers, and they are facing Tampa Bay at home. Cadallic Williams has rushed for 276 yards in two games, and he is looking really good. That's fifth in NFL history for a running back in his first two career starts. I am still hoping that Green Bay kicks their defense in gear and plays this week. They are ashamed to be 0-2, and they will come out with their heads on straight and beat Tampa Bay at home. They will show some integrity this week. With the defense struggling, it will come down to a field goal in the end with Green Bay winning..

GB 24 Tampa Bay 21

The other team I think is a disappointing is the Minnesota Vikings. They are also 0-2, and it is really shocking to see how bad they are looking. They look lost and without any rhythm. They will come back in game 3 with a vengence. They will be able to beat New Orleans. Even though I think that Aaron Brooks is a great quarterback, I don't think they will be able to win this week in Minnesota. Their offense is struggling at the moment, but so are the Vikings. This game is a toss up. Even tough Minnesota is favored by 6.5 right now, I don't think they will be able to beat the line. It will be a field goal kind of game, with Minnesota winning the battle. It will be 15-9 win by Minnesota, and people will be thankful when the game is over bc there won't be any kind of offense by either team.

Final score Minnesota 15 NO 9

The game that I will be watching this week is Cincinnatti vs. Chicago. Chicago is coming off a victory, but the Cincinnatti is a very hot team. Will they still be hot after this game in Chicago? I think they will be. Palmer is showing signs of a very good quarterback who can handle pressure, and he looks like Troy Aikman. I am very excited about this matchup because this game will put the doubters to rest. Bangels will be 3-0 after this game, and their offense will continue to make waves in the NFL.

Cincinatti 28 Bears 17

The other two games to watch are Seattle vs. Cardinals and Carolina vs. Miami. Seattle is coming off an impressive win over Atlanta, and they looked really good. Seattle will continue to win this week, and Green's chance to show that the Cardinals have improved will be short lived. Final score 21-10

Carolina is coming off one of their biggest wins in their history over New England. They looked really good and impressive on defense. Even though Jake didn't look his best, he will come back strong against Miami. Steve Smith will be very important on Sunday, and he will be running like the wind.

Carolina wins 24 Miami 10

Those are my picks.. If you want disagree, please do!

Friday, September 02, 2005

Predictions for this weekend's game

As I watch Steve Spurrier unveil his offensive scheme against UCF tonight, I am prone to make a couple of my predictions for this weekend in football.. Some people may think I'm crazy, but that is my middle name..

So here are a couple of my predictions:

1) UGA will lose at home against Boise St. They are 46-7 over the last four years, and they have key returners on their #10 ranked defense. Georgia lost some key players since last year, and it will be a very close game on Saturday. I think that Boise will win by a field goal over UGA. No one is predicting this one..

2) I think that Pitt will beat Norte Dame, but it will be interesting to see how Norte Dame's offense will improve with their new coach.. I think Coach Weiss will make things interesting.. Pitt's offense is stellar, and it will be all Pitt, but ND will show some character. Pitt will win by 10, but not much than that..

3)Ohio State is looking very sharp this year, but I think they shouldn't look past Miami (Oh). They could be the shocking team on Saturday, but I think that Ohio State will pull it out in the end.

4) Clemson vs. Texas A&M: Although I am a huge Carolina fan, I pull for Clemson when they don't play each other.. However, even though I am pulling for the Tigers, I don't think they will win again A&M. I went to Missouri for my undergrad, and I saw what A&M did to us.. I think this could be their year to win the Big 12, but Texas will stand in their way. A&M will beat Clemson on Saturday, but it will be close.. They win by a field goal, during the last couple of minutes. Tiger fans will be ready to cheer them on, but it won't help them win the game.

I know some of you may not agree with me, which is fine! Bring on the comments.. All I can say is that if I am wrong, I will admit it on Monday night when I get back from Chicago! Go Cocks and Go Missouri Tigers!!