Shaq WILL Comeback Next Year

Have we seen the last of Shaq? I seriously doubt it after listening Shaq today...

"A little bit of both. Business-wise, I felt that the Boston organization and the people of Boston treated me very, very well. I could have gotten a little minor surgery and then been out for nine months, but then we would have been in the same situation again, everybody sitting around waiting for me. So, I thought it was great business to let Danny [Ainge] go out and get some younger talent."

Added O'Neal: "I didn't want to let the people of Boston down two years in a row."

Asked if he's 100 percent certain that he will stay retired, Shaq coyly replied: "For now, yes (WEEI)."

If that wasn't enough here is what Ainge had to say...

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge isn't sure if Shaq's done playing in the NBA.

"Oh, I don't know," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "I don't know. I would not say that. I mean, hopefully Shaq can get his body healthy and then reconsider."

Ainge then added, "I can tell you that even if he's still out when we start next year, he's a guy I'll be making a phone call to at some time during the season. But I believe what he's saying now is real (ESPN)."

Is it just me or does this sound like a perfect situation for a comeback?

Sit back and think about it. The Celtics are a top seed next year in the East. It's KG's Allen's, and Jermaine's last year with the Celtics. The last run for the old guys. Just before the playoffs start. Suddenly like a hurricane Big Old Shaq comes through the door to give them the final piece. One last time for an era that is ending. Playoffs start... Old vs. Young. Sounds like a movie right? Shaq loves movies. What a better way for him to go out, and trust me that's just how Shaq thinks (plus it sounds like Ainge is on board).

I just think with all the "not wanting to let down Boston again", and how he "really enjoyed his time here", listening to all of that makes me think he is coming back. Sure, you can point out that I bought into Sheed coming back, but there is a difference here. The Celtics LIKE Shaq.

All People Named Mike Brown Suck

Yesterday I wrote about how the Bengals' Mike Brown is a stubburn douche, that is probably the worst owner in the NFL (yes, over Al Davis). Well today there is word that Mike Brown (the NBA one) is close to being the next coach of the Lakers.

"Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown has emerged as the favorite to succeed Phil Jackson as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.

Brown and the Lakers have already exchanged contract figures, with a deal potentially being struck as early as Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard (ESPN)."

This is amazing. If watching the Lakers fall apart in the playoffs wasn't fun enough now we get to watch this wind bag destroy any hope of them making another run. Sure, he won coach of the year in 2009, but if you ever watched the Cavs in the playoffs you would know the difference between him and a guy like Doc Rivers. If they hire Brown I guarantee there will be a fallout between him and Kobe within a year, that the Lakers will not make it past the 2nd round of any playoffs as long as he is the coach. He is straight up one of the worst coaches in the NBA.

Jeter Not Being A Very Good Captain?

"Yankees manager Joe Girardi appears to be walking on egg shells when the discussion turns to where Derek Jeter bats in the lineup. It is the most delicate of issues since the franchise icon is off to a lackluster start (.250) as he moves methodically toward the coveted 3,000-hit plateau. The problem is the Yankees may be a better offensive team with Jeter batting down in the batting order. As Jeter continues to struggle, Girardi will soon have a big decision on his hands (ESPN)."

Personally I think the media is blowing this out of proportion. It's not like Jeter is terrible right now (.250 BA) and it is really early in the season to be moving the face of your franchise. Still, I see where they are coming from. If Jeter doesn't raise is OBP (.310), and the Yankees do have a lot of options with guys like Swisher, Granderson, Cano (who all have a higher OBP).

All I know is this situation will get ugly whether it's this year or the next, and the Yankees are going to have to deal with it at some point. The best thing Jeter could do as the "captain" is to meet with the coach and drop himself down the order, if the situation gets to the point where it needs to happen. This will take the pressure off the coach, and make it a lot less tense in the locker room.

Red Sox @ A's Preview

The Red Sox got shutout last night and now they have to face yet another lefty, and this one hasn't let up a run in 17 straight innings. Not exactly what this lineups needed, but it's their own damn fault.

The Red Sox are 0-7 on the road for the first time in franchise history, due largely to a .179 team batting average away from Fenway Park. Now they are in a pitchers ballpark, and have a bunch of guys (look at you Mr. Crawford) that couldn't hit a softball.

Buchholz hasn't pitched well this season (0-2 with a 6.60 ERA), but he also hasn't gotten any run support (in 3 games the Sox have scored 5 runs). I think Buchholz is going to have a great game tonight, but I hope there is a way the Sox can figure out how to score some runs, but today there is just too many things not going their way to pick them. Gio is on fire (2-0 0.47 ERA), and the Sox struggle against lefties.

Here is the Sox lineup for today...

J.D. Drew RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Kevin Youkilis DH
Jed Lowrie 3B
Marco Scutaro SS
Carl Crawford LF
Jason Varitek C
Jacoby Ellsbury CF

A's win 3-1
Player of the Game: Gio Gonzalez
Game starts at 3:35pm

10 Bold Predictions About The 2011 Red Sox

There is poop to write about today, so here is 10 bold predictions about your 2011 Boston Red Sox...

1. Adrian Gonzalez will his 48 HRs this year, and knock in over 110 RBIs.
2. Jon Lester will win 20 games.
3. Dan Wheeler will have a bigger role in the bullpen then Bobby Jenks by the end of the year.
4. Jed Lowrie will be the starting SS by the end of the year.
5. Ellsbury will hit more then 10 HRs in the season for the first time in his career.
6. Red Sox will win the AL East.
7. Lackey will have over a 4.00 ERA again this year, but will have 15+ wins.
8. Youk will have 25+ HRs and 100+ RBIs.
9. Crawford and Ellsbury will combine for over 100 SBs.
10. Kalish will start more games in RF then Cameron/Drew combined.

BMack's MLB Playoff Prediction

Not getting a lot of press up here with the Sox out, but the playoffs do start today. Here is how I see them playing out.

AL:

Twins vs. Yankees: Yankees in 4
Rangers vs. Rays: Rays in 5

Rays vs. Yankees: Rays in 7

NL:

Braves vs. Giants: Giants in 5
Reds vs. Phillies: Phillies in 3

Phillies vs. Giants: Phillies in 6

World Series:

Phillies vs. Rays: Phillies in 6

Why Not?

Why not watch a video that made me lose faith in humanity?

Tosh.0
Guess What Happens Next - Bad Mom Strips for Kids
www.comedycentral.com
Web Redemption 2 Girls, 1 Cup Reaction Demi Moore Picture

Speechless.

I Think Wade Is Leaving Miami

Most people think Wade is staying in Miami, but I am not so sure. He has said that his heart is in Miami, but looking at his comments I got something different out of it...

"I'm not putting no pressure on myself," Wade said. "I think I put myself in a great situation three years ago to sign this deal to make sure that my team stays competitive. We've got some work to do, the front office has to do it, and there's no pressure on me. I've said where my heart is, and I think any player that's thinking about wanting to come to Miami, they know where my heart is. You just have to see things being done and accomplished."

I believe that he loves Miami, but I also think this was a bit of a heads up that he wants more talent around him. Maybe he will make Miami sweat awhile, and see if they do anything to the roster. I don't think Miami does much, and Wade moves on.

Anyone who watched that series knows that if Wade had anything around him they would be awesome, but they don't and I think Wade wants to win. So, bye-bye Miami, who doesn't deserve him since they can't even get fans to show up for playoff games.

BMack's Final NFL Mock Draft

So the draft starts Thursday. Here is how I see the first round playing out...

1. STL: Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
DP was right all along, and Bradford is definitely going to be the #1 pick. I still don't like it, and think he is highly overrated, but St. Louis is sold on getting a QB, and he is the best one on paper.

2. Det: Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
Personally if the I was the Lions I would do everything I could to try to trade down here. Suh is good, but he has injury concerns, and I think the Lions really need to fix that offensive line, so Stafford doesn't get killed.

3. TB: Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
Tampa has to rebuild that defense, and there is no way easier way to do that then have a good DT. Taking health into consideration there is a very good chance McCoy has a much longer and better career then Suh.

4. Wash: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
It is pretty simple. You have a franchise QB now, and you have to protect him. I don't think he is the best player on the board, but he fills a need.

5. KC: Eric Berry S, Tennessee
In my opinion the best player in the draft. He is a steal at 5, and even though this is very early to pick a saftey I think this guy is a game changer.

6. Sea: Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
They could go QB, but I don't think they will be all that pumped to draft Clausen this high. If you can't protect your QB then it really doesn't matter who is behind the center. Seattle has a long way to go to rebuild, so they build from the lines out.

7. Clev: Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
I really think the Browns are going to trade out of this pick, and try to grab more picks later int he draft. If they don't then they will try to bolster their offensive line. Another option could be Spiller, but I just think this is too early.

8. Oak: Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
Dez Bryant is a name, and the Raiders love big names. Some think Clausen could go here, but with so much money tied into Jarmarcus I just can't see them draft another QB this high.

9. Buff: Jimmy Clausen QB, Notre Dame
If he falls past here he could free fall for awhile. Scary pick since Buffalo has a shitty offensive line, but they need a franchise QB, and at least Clausen would give them hope.

10. Jax: Rolando McClain ILB, Alabama
Jacksonville's defense hasn't been as good in recent years, but this is by far the best LB in the draft, so it is a smart safe pick.

11. Den: Earl Thomas S, Texas
Dawkins is another year older, and the Broncos have to be thinking long term after trading Marshall. Thomas is a great saftey, and will get to learn from one of the bests.

12. MIA: Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
Miami needs a pass rusher, and Morgan can fill that need right away. Parcells' love having a great front on defense, so this pick shouldn't shock anyone.

13. SF: Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
SF needs a starting tackle, and Davis could fit that mold.

14. Sea: C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson
He has fallen this far, and Seattle takes advantage. This guy is electric, and could really spark an offense. I question if he is a #1 back, but when he falls to #14 you just can't pass on him any further.

15. NYG: Joe Haden CB, Florida
Our writer Beerman gets a boner over this one, with his Florida fag coming to NYG, but it's a good pick. He is the best corner in the draft, and we have seen the Giants get lit up through the air.

16. TEN: Jason Pierre-Paul DE, South Florida
The kid is raw, but could be the next "freak". Titans need to fix that defense, and if this guy can capitalize on his abilities it could be a steal.

17. SF: Sergio Kindle DE/OLB, Texas
After taking care of the offensive line SF changes it's focus to getting some pressure on the QB.

18. PIT: Maurkice Pouncey C/G, Florida
Dream scenerio: Clausen falls, and DP has to deal with him on Pitt. It won't happen, but it's fun to dream. The Steelers problem for the past 2 years has been that offensive line. This guy can play all over the line, and that could be great news for the Steelers.

19. ATL: Everson Griffen DE, USC
The Falcons primary needs on defense are pass-rush ability and size to defend the run and Griffen offers plenty in both of those areas.

20. HOU: Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
Another team that just gets lit up through the air. Wilson is very solid, and Houston just needs more talent back there.

21. CIN: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
Thank god, now he won't go to the Patriots. He is solid, and will give the Bengals another option on offense. Palmer will love a guy with hands like this.

22. NE: Brandon Graham DE, Michigan
Patriots need to get young at the LB position, so this is the obvious pick, but the Patriots have surprised us before, and they are not usually very high on taking linebacker early (other then Mayo).

23. GB: Mike Iupati G, Idaho
You have to protect Rodger, and even though they were a lot better near the end of the year, they are getting old and you just have to build some depth here.

24. Phi: Dan Williams DT, Tennessee
The Eagles have other needs, but this guy has fallen way too far, adn eventually you have to draft the best talent. Williams is a great player, and if he somehow fell this far it would be a steal.

25. Balt: Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama
Most people think Balt will go WR here, but I am not so sure after picking up Boldin and Stallworth. Jackson might end up being the best CB to go in this draft.

26. ARI: Sean Weatherspoon OLB, Missouri
They need more talent at the LB position. They would love to go with a ILB, but there isn't anyone worth taking here, so they go with the next best thing.

27. DAL: Taylor Mays S, USC
A guy who is just like Roy Williams, perfect.

28. SD: Terrence Cody DT, Alabama
Sure it's a reach, but guys like this don't come around often. He is huge, and can make that whole defense better just by taking up space.

29. NYJ: Demaryius Thomas WR, Georgia Tech
Just another weapon for Sanchez. They have had the best offseason on paper, and a pick like this will only make the expectations higher.

30. MIN: Ryan Mathews RB, Fresno State
Gives them another option with Peterson now that Taylor is gone.

31. IND: Jared Odrick DT, Penn State
Not very good up the middle, and this guy could ease that pain. Still, it would be wierd if the Colts were ever good on defense.

32. NO: Jerry Hughes DE/OLB, TCU
Saints lost Scott Fujita this offseason and this quickly fills that whole.

2010 MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers

2009 Record: 95-67

Key Transactions

Acquired Pos.
Reed Johnson OF
Jamey Carroll IF
Alfredo Amezaga IF/OF
Luis Ayala RP
Russ Ortiz SP
Angel Berroa SS
Brian Giles OF
Josh Towers SP

Departed Pos.
Jon Garland SP
Randy Wolf SP
Orlando Hudson 2B
Juan Pierre CF
Eric Milton SP
Guillermo Mota RP
Will Ohman RP
Juan Castro SS
Jason Schmidt SP
Jim Thome PH

Hitting:

C - Martin
1st - Loney
2nd - Belliard/Carroll
3rd - Blake/DeWitt
SS - Furcal
LF - Manny
CF - Kemp
RF - Ethier

Say what you want about Juan Pierre and Orlando Hudson, but they did make this offense better. I am not impressed by this lineup, and though I have faith in Torre I don't see this team being able to put up a lot of run. Unless...Manny starts playing like he did when he first came to the Dodgers. After Manny got back from his steroid suspense he has not been the same player. Whether it is age, lack of steroids, or something is amiss in Manny's little world, the Dodgers have to figure it out and get him back on track. Casey Blake and Ronnie Belliard are getting old, Martin and Loney are terrible, so this offense is really banking on guys like Either, Manny and Kemp to carry them. Still, the biggest problem with this team is depth, if one of their stars goes down this team will fall apart fast.

Pitching:

SP - Billingsley
SP - Kershaw
SP - Kuroda
SP - Padilla
SP - Stults/McDonald
CL - Broxton

Billingsley and Kershaw are two good young pitchers, but after that Kuroda is probably the only guy I trust. Padilla's engine has to be running on fumes, plus he is always a drink away from disappearing or killing someone, so I don't put much stock in him. Overall it isn't a bad rotation, but they are going to need to be stellar to carry this lineup. Their bullpen is very solid, and is actually one of their main strengths.

Overall:

I thought the Dodgers had a terrible offseason, and they will pay for it this year. Manny isn't going to be the player he once was, and for the Dodgers to do anything this year they need him step up. I don't think he does, and I think a couple injuries sends this team into a tailspin.

2010 Predicted Record: 81-81

BMack's NFL Mock Draft #1

It is very early and things will change, but here is how I see things going as of today...

1. STL: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
I know there are some injury concerns here, but when healthy this guy is a game changer. The Rams need a lot of help, but since I think Vick is going to the Rams, it is time to work on that defense.

2. Det: Gerald McCoy, DT, OU
McCoy could go #1, he is one of the best players in the draft, and the Lions need to get tougher up the middle.

3. TB: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
In my opinion Berry is the best player in the draft. Yes, this is very high for a safety, but you can't pass on this kind of talent, plus the Bucs got toasted through the air last year.

4. Wash: Jimmy Clausen, QB, ND
Campbell's time in Washington is over. Clausen gets the nod over Bradford, because of the pro system that he played in. I know Notre Dame was a let down while he was there, but this kid is the real deal.

5. KC: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Want a better defense? Get good cornerbacks. Haden has the chance to be something special. He is the clear #1 corner, and KC just can't pass on that.

6. Sea: Sam Bradford, QB, OU
The Hasselbeck era is ending in Seattle, and if Bradford is still there they will jump on him.

7. Cle: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Morgan can get pressure on the QB. He is more polished then Jason Pierre-Paul, and the Browns need a sure thing.

8. Oak: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
It doesn't matter who you have under center if you can't protect the QB. The Raiders need to be smart here and not go with a skill player. Build from the inside out, but it is the Raiders, so who fucking knows.

9. Buff: Dez Bryant, WR, OK State
Owens and Evans could be gone. Bryant is the best WR in the draft, so this is an easy pick for the Bills.

10. Den: Everson Griffen, DE, USC
The Broncos are so pissed Bryant is gone. Without another top reviver around the Broncos stay logical, and Griffen is a great fit for a 4-3 defense.

11. Jax: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF
The Jags have to get more pressure on the QB, Pierre-Paul is a little raw, but the sky is the limit with this kid, so he can't fall any further.

12. Mia: Ronaldo McClain, LB, Bama
Dolphins need an ILB and McClain is a beat. A steal this late in the draft (in my opinion).

13. SF: Russell Okung, OT, OK State
A lot of people think the 49ers will go Spiller here, but I am not sold. They go with the safe pick, and start rebuilding that line.

14. Sea: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Seattle should go with an OL here, but with Spiller still on the board this is a chance to setup your whole offense for the future (since they already took Bradford).

15. NYG: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St.
The Giants got toasted through the air last year. Wilson is fast, and in the right system could turn into a very serviceable CB.

16. SF: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
If the 49ers can stop him from being a douchebag he is one of the most talented kids in this draft. The 49ers can't let him fall any further.

17. Tenn: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Titans need to get stronger up the middle. Price can be very disruptive, and you know how the Titans love that.

18. Pitt: Mike Iupati
Big Ben can't keep taking hits, and that running game is not what it once was. Smart pick, since it is time to rebuild that front.

19. Atl: Kareem Jackson, CB, Bama
Another team that really needs to get better at protecting against the pass.


20. Hou: Taylor Mays, S, USC
They would have loved to get a top corner, but too many are off the board. Mays can be a game changer, and for a team that is so close to being good he could be the difference.

21. Cin: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
OchoCinco isn't going to be around forever, and Palmer could use more weapons. He is a big body (6-3) and could open up the field for #85.

22. NE: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
Patriots need to get young at the LB position, so this is the obvious pick, but the Patriots have surprised us before, and they are not usually very high on taking linebacker early (other then Mayo).

23. GB: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
If this offense could protect Aaron Rodgers they will be one of the best in the league. That can start with this pick.

24. Phi: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Mizzou
He can play inside or out, and Philly needs to get younger/better at the LB position. Plus it is kind of awesome to have a Witherspoon and Weatherspoon on the same defense.

25. Balt: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
The Ravens can stop the run, but if you spread them out they can be very vulnerable. This pick helps that.

26. Ari: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
With Dansby likely gone the Cardinals look to soften the blow. He gives them lots of options on defense, and that's never a bad thing.

27. Dal: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Dallas OL did not look good in the playoffs, and they have to protect Romo, and make that running game better. Bulaga is a steal this late in the draft.

28. SD: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
With LT gone, and Spoles being a glorified 3rd down back, the Chargers look to the future. He has the speed, but is he healthy enough?

29. NYJ: Arrelious Benn: WR, Illinois
Jets defense is already great, so it is all about getting Mark Sanchez more weapons.

30. Min: Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida
Favre almost died in that last playoff game, so the Vikings do the logical thing and try to fix that.

31. Ind: Dan Williams, DT, Tenn
The Colts have trouble against the runs every year. Williams should never have fallen this far, and the Colts take advantage.

32. NO: Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn. St.
Saints love speed. Bowman isn't the biggest guy, but he has a motor, and did I say the Saints love speed?

BMack's NFL Picks

DP already broke the games down for you guys, so here are my picks...

Saints over Vikings 27-24 (Favre pick ends the game)

Colts Over Jets 24-10

BMack's NFL Playoff Picks: Round 1

Jets @ Bengals 4:30pm Saturday:

Winner: Jets 20-17

Eagles @ Cowboys 8pm Saturday:

Winner: Eagles 27-21

Ravens @ Patriots 1pm Sunday:

Winner: Patriots 27-17

Packers @ Cardinals 4:40pm Sunday:

Packers 34-21

I Got A Feeling Parody

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Chris Johnson Going For NFL Rushing Record

"The Tennessee Titans may try to get Chris Johnson the single season rushing record on Sunday, especially if his teammates have a say. Johnson needs 234 yards to eclipse the record of 2,105, but for now the goal may be 2,000 yards. After all, you can't just hope for 234 yards any given game.

But they play the lowly Seahawks and, as Titans WR Kenny Britt told the Tennessean, "We know when his name goes in the history books, ours does too." So the players may be pushing Johnson to aim for the record, but Seattle coach Jim Mora was more realistic: "That's a lot of yards for one game (ESPN)."

It will be hard to get 234 yards, but with how bad the Seahawks have been playing anything is possible. At least this gives Titans fans a reason to watch. Also, it will be interesting to see how Vince Young bounces back after an awful game against the Chargers.

Prediction: Johnson falls 50 yards short of the record, but Titans win in a blowout.

A's Join Chase For Chapman

"As Jorge Arangure, Jr. wrote Monday, Aroldis Chapman is likely to lose as much as $3 million in taxes now that he's almost certain to not receive any pay for the year 2009.

Had Chapman signed a week ago and received his signing bonus, only his salary would have been taxable because he would not have actually worked in the U.S. until 2010. Now he will have signed and worked in the same year, which would cost him $2-3 million in taxes if he were to accept an offer similar to the one made by the Boston Red Sox of $15 million.

With just three days remaining in the year, it's highly unlikely that the necessary paperwork could be processed in time, even if the lefty were to sign a contract today.

Could the Athletics land Chapman by the new year? The San Francisco Chronicle reports today that the Oakland Athletics are in the "thick of the bidding" for the Cuban defector (ESPN)."

Before this news came out Boston was the only known offer. I have a hard time believing that the A's will out bid the Red Sox for Chapman, so I am still confident that he will make his way to Boston. The only team I could see swooping in and stealing him would be the Yankees, but so far there has been little news about them being in contact with the Cuban prospect...

Rangers Sign Rich Harden

"According to an Associated Press report, right-hander Rich Harden has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers that guarantees him $7.5 million. Harden, in whom the Red Sox were supposedly interested, went 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA with the Cubs last season and has battled injuries throughout his career. The Rangers cleared room for Harden by trading Kevin Millwood to the Orioles on Wednesday (WEEI)."

The Sox were looking at this guy, but the Rangers jumped on him quickly. I love this move by the Rangers. It is only a 1 year deal, so if he falls apart again it will only hurt them in the short term. The Rangers have a ton of young talent coming up (Smoak, Holland, Feliz, ect), so this is a good move to get a veteran in there. I will be somewhat bold and say the Rangers are a playoff team next year. I love the moves they are making, and seem to have that nice mix of prospects and veterans that every team strives for.

BMack's MLB Playoff Predictions

NL

Rockies vs. Phillies: Phillies in 4

Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Cardinals in 5

Phillies vs. Cardinals: Phillies in 6


AL

Red Sox vs. Angels: Red Sox in 4

Yankees vs. Twins: Yankees in 4

Red Sox vs. Yankees: Red Sox in 7

World Series: Red Sox vs. Phillies: Red Sox in 5

BMack's NFL Predictions

Well DP put out his, so I got to put out mine...

AFC
AFC East: New England Patriots (12-4)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
AFC West: San Diego Chargers (11-5)

WC: New York Jets (9-7)
Tennessee Tians (10-6)

Playoffs:
Colts over Jets
Titans over Chargers

Patriots over Colts
Steelers over Titans

Patriots over Steelers

NFC
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (12-4)
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

WC:
New Orleans Saints (10-6)
New York Giants (10-6)

Playoffs:
Falcons over Giants
Saints over Seahawks

Packers over Saints
Eagles over Falcons

Packers over Eagles

Superbowl:
Patriots over Packers

Smoltz Clears Waivers

"John Smoltz, the veteran righthander who was designated for assignment Friday after eight underwhelming starts with the Red Sox, has cleared waivers, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. Smoltz, who won 210 games and saved 154 during his stellar 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, was just 2-5 with an 8.33 earned-run average for the Sox. He was designated for assignment after allowing nine hits and eight earned runs in 3.1 innings during the Red Sox' 13-6 loss to the Yankees Thursday night.

The Red Sox have until this Sunday to release Smoltz, trade him, or send him to the minors. If he is sent to the minors, it probably would be to prepare him to work out of the bullpen in September. He is due to remainder of the $5.5 million, one-year deal he signed in January. There has been speculation that other clubs would be interested in signing the 42-year-old once he cleared waivers, among them the LA Dodgers and Texas Rangers (Boston.com)."

I said it before and I'll say it again, call me crazy, but I think Smoltz is coming back to the Sox. I know there are other teams out there that he could start for, and trust me it makes sense. Still, i think he has too much pride, and doesn't want to leave the Sox this way. I expect him to take the trip to the minors, and start working out as a reliever, so that in September when the rosters expand he can get another shot to prove the Sox right about signing him. I could be way off, but I truly believe that will happen...