2011 BCS Rankings Update: Week 14

The seventh BCS rankings of the year came out Sunday. This ranking is important because it decides which if a school makes a BCS bowl game or not and which two schools goes to the BCS National Title Game. I don't really like the BCS because it doesn't give every team a chance to compete for a National Title. I would prefer a 16 team playoff, that way if you lose you can still compete for the National Title. This was a lot more calm the only ranked teams that lost, lost to teams that were ranked. The only Top 10 team to lose was #3 Arkansas to #1 LSU which was expected. This past week was one of my favorite, because most the rivals play and it is a lot of fun to watch. 

1. LSU Tigers 12-0 (8-0)
Next Game: vs. Georgia (SEC Championship Game in Atlanta).
Last Game: vs. Arkansas, W 41-17.

Last Week Rank: 1st  ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: This week they beat a very good Arkansas team. Now they have beaten 7 ranked teams. They have only let opponents score an average of 10.6 points per game. They have to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game this week which will be slightly tricky. All LSU has to do is win and they earn a trip to the BCS National Championship. They are clearly the favorite now to win it all. My Rank: 1st

2. Alabama Crimson Tide 11-1 (1-1)

Next Game: Bowl Game.
Last Game: @ Auburn, W 42-14.

Last Week Rank: 2nd ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: They toke care of arch rival Auburn pretty easily. They are only letting opponents score an average of 8.8 points per game. They have Heisman candidate Trent Richardson is a beast running the football. Richardson has 1583 rushing yards which is 4th and 20 TDs which is 5th most in the nation. Even if the lost to LSU, since Oklahoma State lost and that they don't have any games left they should earn a trip to the National Title. They are a really good team and could give LSU a run for their money again in the possible rematch in the National Title Game. My Rank: 2nd

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys 10-1 (7-1)

Next Game: vs. Oklahoma.
Last Game: @ Iowa State, L 31-37 in 2 OTs.

Last Week Rank: 4th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Fiesta / BCS Title

More Information: Oklahoma State was stunned by Iowa State 2 weeks ago in double overtimes.  Still they have a great offense averaging 49.8 PPG which is 2nd best in the nation. They have the best WR in the nation in  Justin Blackmon. He is tied for the 3rd most TD catches in the nation with 15 TDs catches and is 11th in the nation in yards with 1241. They have Oklahoma in this week. This is basically is a Big 12 Championship Game because the winner wins the Big 12 and goes to the Fiesta Bowl. They are really tested already haven beaten Texas and Texas A&M on the road. With that loss they might have lost their chance for a National Title, but maybe if they beat Oklahoma by a lot they could jump Alabama into the Title Game. My Rank: 4th

4. Stanford Cardinals 11-1 (8-1)

Next Game: Bowl Game.

Last Game: vs. Notre Dame, W 28-14.

Last Week Rank: 6th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl:  Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They beat Notre Dame pretty easily to finish the season 11-1. Andrew Luck is still a really good QB. He has 35 TDs and almost 3200 passing yards. Luck's 35 TDs is good for 4th most in the nation. Since Oregon won their game Stanford as to wait for their bowl game and not play in the Pac-12 Championship Game. They most likely will get a invite to the Sugar or Fiesta Bowl which is still a great season. I still have question on how good they are based on a bad Oregon beat them. My Rank: 5th

 5. Virginia Tech Hokies 11-1 (7-1)

Next Game: vs. Clemson (ACC Championship Game in Charlotte).
Last Game: @ Virginia., W 38-0.
Last Week Rank: 5th ↔
Projected BCS Bowl: Orange

More Information: They took care of Virginia to wrap up the ACC Coastal Division. which means they will probably win the ACC Coastal Division again. They have a really good RB in David Wilson. He has 1595 yards which is the 3rd most in the nation. They only lost to Clemson at home is was a bad loss. Virginia Tech has won 7 in a row since losing and Clemson had lost 3 of the last 4. I think Virginia Tech should handle Clemson this time and win the ACC and earn a trip back to the Orange Bowl. I think that Virginia Tech is better than Stanford or Oklahoma State because of the way they have played recently. My Rank: 3rd

6. Houston Cougars 12-0 (8-0)
Next Game: vs. Southern Mississippi (Conference USA Championship Game).
Last Game: @ Tulsa, W 48-16.
Last Week Rank: 8th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Any one besides the Title Game

 More Information: Houston has a great offense averaging 52.7 Ponits Per Game which is top in the nation. Case Keenum is in the Heisman talk. He leads the nation with 41 TDs and 4726 Passing Yards. They are the only undefeated team besides LSU. They should get invited to Sugar or Fiesta Bowl, as long as they win this week. They toke care of Tulsa to win the C-USA West. They will play Southern Miss for the C-USA Title. Houston is a really could team that should make a BCS Bowl, but I don't know if they would win. My Rank: 6th

7. Boise State Broncos 10-1 (5-1)
Next Game: vs. New Mexico.
Last Game: vs. Wyoming, W 36-14.
Last Week Rank: 7th ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: Can't make one

More Information: They beat Wyoming to improve to 5-1 in conference. They can't make a BCS Bowl because even if TCU loses their last game, Boise State can't win because they lost to TCU. Houston who is undefeated should now take Boise State's place in a BCS Bowl.  Boise State is still a really good team, that could compete with most schools in the country. Kellen Moore is very accurate with 38 TDs which is 3rd in the nation and only 7 INTs. He also has a 73.1% Completion Percentage which is 3rd in the nation. My Rank: 7th

8. Arkansas Razorbacks 10-2 (6-2)

Next Game: Bowl Game.
Last Game: @ LSU L 41-17.

Last Week Rank: 3rd ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Unlikely to make one

More Information: They lost to LSU which lost most likely lost their chance for a BCS Bowl.  Even being ranked 8th now and only only having 2 loses, Arkansas can't make a BCS Bowl if LSU wins. The reason is if LSU beats Georgia, LSU would play Alabama in the Title Game and because only 2 team can make it per conference and Arkansas would be left out. Wilson has 3422 Passing Yards which is 11th most in the nation. They beat Auburn and Texas A&M both strong wins. They are still a really really good team at 10-2. My Rank: 8th

9. Oregon Ducks 10-2 (8-1)
Next Game: vs. UCLA (Pac-12 Championship Game).
Last Game: vs. Oregon State, W 49-21.
Last Week Rank: 10th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Rose

More Information: They toke care of business beating arch rival Oregon State by 28. They have 2 losses one to LSU and the other to USC. Still Oregon's offensive is amazing again averaging 45.9 PPG. LaMichael James the best RB in the nation probably. They get UCLA this week in the Pac-12 Championship Game which should be easy since USC is ineligible. If they win then they will face the Big 10 Champion in the Rose Bowl. Now that they lost again they lost chance to make it back to the National Championship. My Rank: 9th

10. Oklahoma Sooners 9-2 (6-2)

Next Game: @ Oklahoma State.
Last Game: vs. Iowa State, W 26-6.

Last Week Rank: 9th ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Fiesta / Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They have to go to Oklahoma State this week which be very hard since it is like a Big 12 Championship Game. Since Oklahoma State loss, if they can win at Oklahoma State, they will win the Big 12 and earn a bid to the Fiesta Bowl.  If they lose and have 3 losses, I don't think they will make a BCS Bowl but they might. They still have the possibly best QB in the nation in  Landry Jones. Jones has 4052 passing yards go for 4th most in the nation. They also have a very good offense averaging 43.0 PPG. I think Oregon is still better because Oklahoma lost to easier teams.My Rank: 10th

New MLB CBA Agreement

The old Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in MLB was set to expire on December 1st. Players and owners got the new one signed Tuesday. The deal is good through the 2016 season. We didn't miss any games and the old CBA didn't even expire. With the agreement MLB will become the first professional major league to start blood testing on human growth hormone which is a big jump. An initial positive test for HGH would result in a 50-game suspension. The other big change is the each league will have 5 teams make the playoffs. There will still be three division champions, but now there will be 2 wild cards. The two wild cards will play a 1 game playoff after the regular season to see who advances to the Divisional round and plays the team with the best record. Other changes include players will be required to play in the All-Star Game unless injured or excused. Some players recently have been skipped it to get extra rest. Instant replay will be expanded to include decisions on foul lines and traps. This is a really big step for the MLB because they are finally accepting instant replay. I wish they would also include plays at the bases, but I glad they are finally add more replays. This rule is subject to an agreement with umpires. Players, managers and coaches may not use smokeless tobacco products during televised interviews and may not carry them in their uniforms. Players arrested for DWI will be required to undergo mandatory evaluation. These rules will help keep MLB safer from troubles with these in the past. Players will start wearing improved batting helmets manufactured by Rawlings by 2013. Players safety is also very imporant to the game. One other big change is starting in 2013 the Houston Astros will in the AL West. In 2013, there will 15 teams in each league and inter league play everyday. Also teams will be allowed to have 26 active players for day-night doubleheader. On the economics, the threshold for the luxury tax on payrolls will be left at $178 million in each of the next two seasons, the threshold rises to $189 million for 2014-16. And there is a new market disqualification test as an incentive for clubs to increase revenue, preventing teams from large markets from receiving revenue-sharing proceeds. By the end of the labor deal in 2016, teams in the 15 largest markets will no longer be allowed to receive revenue-sharing funds, regardless of their TV contracts or attendance. According to the source, the 15 teams that will be ineligible for revenue sharing by 2016 are the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Angels, Cubs, White Sox, Phillies, Red Sox, Rangers, Braves, Nationals, Blue Jays, Astros, Giants and Athletics. The A's will be eligible for revenue sharing until their stadium situation is resolved. The minimum salary reaches the $500,000 mark in 2014. There also will be a new "competitive balance lottery" that gives small-market teams extra selections in the amateur draft, and those draft picks can be traded.

Major league free agent compensation will be completely revised in 2013, with a team having to offer its former players who became free agents the average of the top 125 contracts, currently about $12.4 million to receive draft-pick compensation if a player signs with a new team. It eliminates the statistical formula that had been in place since the 1981 strike settlement. In addition, the portion of players with 2-3 years of major league service who are eligible for salary arbitration will rise from 17 percent to 22 percent starting in 2013. The amateur draft range will be from $4.5 million to $11.5 million next year. For players taken in the 11th round and beyond, teams may give them signing bonuses up to $100,000 without it counting against the new threshold. For international amateur signings from nations such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, a luxury tax will begin with the July 2012-June 2013 signing season on amounts over $2.9 million. This deal ensures baseball will have 21 consecutive years of labor peace since the end of the 1994-95 strike. This all makes me really happy, that we don't have to worry about missing games.

Recap of the 2011 MLB Awards

The MLB Awards are announced after the MLB Postseason. They were announced the past 3 weeks and the last one of announced on Tuesday. I will go through each award and say what I think. I will talk about the MVPs, Cy Youngs, Rookie of the Years, Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers.

NL MVP: The NL MVP was won by Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. He helped his team win the NL Central and make it to the NLCS. Braun received 20 of the 32 first place votes and 388 points. Matt Kemp, Prince Fielder, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols finished 2nd-5th. Braun was the first Brewer since Yount in 1989 to win the MVP. Braun hit .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. Kemp batted .324 with 39 homers, 126 RBIs and 40 steals. Braun deserved the award and most likely won it because his team made the playoffs and Kemp's Dodgers didn't.

AL MVP: The AL MVP was won by Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers. He helped his team win the AL Central and make it to the ALCS. Verlander received 13 of the 28 first place votes and 280 points. Verlander is the first MVP Pitcher since 1992 when Dennis Eckersley won it. Verlander was the first Tigers since Willie Hernandez in 1984. Verlander was just so dominate this year. Verlander won the AL Pitching Triple Crown (24 wins, 2.40 ERA and 250 Strikeouts). He also led the AL in WHIP with a 0.92 and most innings pitched. He also had a no-hitter in May which was his second of his career. Jacoby Ellsbury, Jose Bautista, Curtis Granderson, Miguel Cabrera came in 2nd-5th. Since no hitter stood way this year and his Triple Crown these help Verlander win.

NL Cy Young: The NL Cy Young was won by Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kershaw received 27 of the 32 first place votes and 207 points. He won the NL Pitching Triple Crown with 21 wins, 2.28 ERA and 248 Strikeouts. He is the first Dodgers since 2003 to win NL Cy Young. Kershaw also led the NL in WHIP with a 0.98. He beat out Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee of the Phillies to win the award. Ian Kennedy and Cole Hamles finished 4th and 5th for the award. He was easily the best pitcher in the NL since he won the Triple Crown, but I don't think anyone saw him winning this award at the beginning of the year.

AL Cy Young: The AL Cy Young was won by Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers. He helped his team win the AL Central and make it to the ALCS. Verlander received 28 of the 28 first place votes and 160 points. Verlander is the 21st unanimous Cy Young. Verlander won the AL Pitching Triple Crown (24 wins, 2.40 ERA and 250 Strikeouts). He also led the AL in WHIP with a 0.92 and most innings pitched. He also had a no-hitter in May which was his second of his career. Jered Weaver, James Shields, CC Sabathia and Jose Valverde placed 2nd-5th. Verlander dominated and no one else came close to how good he was in 2011.

NL Rookie of the Year: The NL Rookie of the Year was won by Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves. Kimbrel received 32 of the 32 first place votes and 160 points. Freddie Freeman his teammate and Vance Worley finished 2nd and 3rd. It is the first time since 1989 that 2 teammates got 1st and 2nd since the Cubs did it. Kimbrel set a new Major League rookie record with 46 saves. He limited opponents to a .178 batting average and 127 strikeouts in just 77 innings. He averaged 14.84 strikeouts per nine innings. Kimbrel to join Carlos Marmol, Eric Gagne and Billy Wagner as the only pitchers to record at least 14 strikeouts per nine innings and notch at least 30 saves in the same season. He was a really great this year and can be a dominate closer for the future.

AL Rookie of the Year: The AL Rookie of the Year was won by Jeremy Hellickson of the Tampa Bay Rays. Hellickson received 17 of the 28 first place votes and 102 points. Hellickson went undefeated in five consecutive starts against AL East opponents in September as the Rays earned the AL Wild Card. Mark Trumbo, Eric Hosmer and Ivan Nova placed 2nd-4th. Hellickson led all rookies in ERA with a 2.95, 189 innings pitched, 29 games started, with 20 quality starts, opponents' batting average of .210 and tied for second in wins with 13. He was a really great this year and can be a great starter for the Rays in future with James Shields.

NL Silver Sluggers:

C: Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves:

Brian McCann won the Silver Sluggers award for the 5th time. McCann ended the season with a .270 batting average, 24 home runs, 71 RBIs and a .817 OPS. He led all MLB catchers in home runs and ranked second in OPS to Montero. I completely agree with the award choice.

1B: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers:

Prince Fielder won the Silver Sluggers award for the 2nd time. Fielder had the edge over Albert Pujols in home runs 38 to 37, RBIs 120 to 99, OPS .981 to .906 and total bases 322 to 313. Fielder finished second in the NL in homers, RBIs, walks and on-base percentage. He also was the only player in the Majors to start all 162 games. I completely agree with the award choice.

2B: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds:

Brandon Phillips won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. He led NL second basemen with a .300 batting average, 183 hits, 279 total bases, 94 runs scored and 38 doubles. Only Rickie Weeks had more home runs than Phillips 20 to 18 or a better OPS .818 to .810. Neil Walker had more RBIs (83 to 82. Jamey Carroll had a better on-base percentage .355 to .352. I agree with the award choice.

3B: Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs:  

Aramis Ramirez won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. His .306 was seventh best in the NL and 173 hits and 288 total bases both ranked 10th in the NL. Also Ramirez posted his sixth season with at least 30 doubles and 25 home runs this year.  I agree with the award choice.

SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies:

Troy Tulowitzki won the Silver Sluggers award for the 2nd time. He hit .302 with 30 home runs and a career-best 105 RBIs this season. The Jose Reyes had a better batting average at .337, but Tulowitzki posted a .916 OPS compared to the .877 of Reyes. He also had 68 extra-base hits vs. 54 by Reyes in the same number of at-bats. I agree with the award choice.

OF: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers:  

Ryan Braun won the Silver Sluggers award for the 4th time. He was the NL MVP so easily won this award. Braun led the NL with a .994 OPS and .597 slugging %, and finished second with a .332 batting average, 336 total bases and 109 runs scored. He ranked fourth with 111 RBIs and tied for sixth with 33 home runs. I completely agree with the award choice.

OF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers: 

Matt Kemp won the Silver Sluggers award for the 2nd time.Kemp batted .324 third in the NL. He had 39 home runs and 126 RBIs which were most in the NL. He also had a NL best in runs scored with 115 and total bases with 353. I agree with the award choice.

OF: Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks:

Justin Upton won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. He hit .289 with 39 doubles, 31 homers and 88 RBIs. He stole 21 bases in 30 attempts. He was tied for 9th most in HRs and tied for 2nd in doubles. I agree with the award choice.

P: Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks:

Daniel Hudson won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. He all Major League pitchers by hitting .277 with three doubles, a home run and 14 RBIs and was good with runners in scoring position, hitting .389. I agree with the award choice.

AL Silver Sluggers:

C: Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers: 

Alex Avila won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. Aliva hit 19 homers which was tied for 5th for AL catchers. He had 33 doubles which was 2nd most for AL catchers and 82 R.B.Is which was first among AL catchers. His batting average was .295 among which was also 2nd most for AL catchers. I disagree with the award choice, I believe Mike Napoli should have won. Napoli had more HRs, a better batting average and on-base % and less strikeouts. 

1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox: 

Adrian Gonzalez won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. Gonzalez led the league with 213 hits. He batted .338 2nd best in AL and 117 RBIs 3rd most int the AL. He also hit 27 homers and 45 doubles which were 6th most in the AL. I agree with the award choice.

2B: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees:

Robinson Cano won the Silver Sluggers award for the 3rd time. Cano batted .302 with 104 runs scored, 46 doubles, 28 homers and 118 RBIs. He was 2nd in the AL in R.B.I.s and 3rd in doubles. I completely agree with the award choice.

3B: Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers: 

Adrian Beltre won the Silver Sluggers award for the 3rd time. Beltre hit .296 with 32 home runs and 105 RBIs. His .540 slugging % and .870 OPS were the highest of any AL player at third base. I completely agree with the award choice.

SS: Asdurbal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians:

Asdurbal Cabrera won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. Cabrera led all AL shortstops with 92 RBIs while tied the lead with 165 hits and finishing second with home runs, doubles and runs scored. His .792 OPS was third best. I agree with the award choice.

OF: Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees:

Curtis Granderson won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. Granderson hit .262 with 136 runs scored, 26 doubles, 41 homers, 119 RBIs. He led the Majors in runs scored, ranked second in home runs and tied for second in extra-base hits with 81. Granderson stole 25 bases to become the only player in MLB history to record at least 40 homers, 10 triples and 25 steals in a single season. I agree with the award choice.

OF: Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays:

Jose Bautista won the Silver Sluggers award for the 2nd time. He hit .301 with 103 RBIs while posting a MLB leading 43 home runs and 132 walks. He also led the ALin slugging % with a .608 and OPS with a 1.056. I completely agree with the award choice.

OF: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox:

Jacoby Ellsbury won the Silver Sluggers award for the 1st time. He hit .321 with 32 homers, 105 RBIs, a .928 OPS. He had 5th best batting average in the AL and tied for 5th most R.B.I.s. He had an AL-leading 364 total bases and 39 stolen bases. I agree with the award choice.

DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox:

David Ortiz won the Silver Sluggers award for the 5th time. He hit .309 with 29 homers, 96 RBIs and a .953 OPS this year. His OPS was 4th best in the AL and batting average was 6th best. I completely agree with the award choice.

NL Gold Gloves:

C: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals:

Yadier Molina won the Golden Glove award for the 4th time. He finished second among NL catchers in innings with 1,150, sixth in assists with 67, fourth in fielding % with a .995 and fourth in percentage of runners caught stealing with a 29.2 %. I completely agree with the award choice.

1B: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds:

Joey Votto won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. Votto, ranked third in the NL with a .996 fielding % and only committed six errors this season. I agree with the award choice.

2B: Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds:

Brandon Phillips won the Golden Glove award for the 3rd time. He had a .992 fielding % that ranked him fifth in the MLB among second basemen. He committed only six errors out of 721 total chances. According to Fangraphs, Phillips' ultimate zone rating (UZR) was the fourth-best in the MLB at 11.4. I agree with the award choice.

3B: Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies:

Placido Polanco won the Golden Glove award for the 3rd time. Polanco made eight errors for a .977 fielding % this season. He also had 259 assists to led NL third baseman. His fielding % also led NL third baseman. I agree with the award choice. 

SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies:

Troy Tulowitzki won the Golden Glove award for the 2nd time. He had only six errors this season. His .991 fielding % led NL Shortstops and his error were least among NL Shortstops. Also was apart of 98 double plays which was most among NL Shortstops. I agree with the award choice.

LF: Gerardo Parra, Arizona Diamondbacks:

Gerardo Parra won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. Parra had 12 outfield assists, tying him for the NL lead. He finished the year with a .993 fielding %, and with two errors in 281 total chances. He also turned 5 double plays. His doubles plays and assists lead NL Left fielders.  

CF: Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers:

Matt Kemp won the Golden Glove award for the 2nd time. He had a .986 fielding %, with 11 assists and 5 double plays. His assists and double plays lead NL center fielders. I agree with the award choice.

RF: Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers:

Andre Ethier won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He had a perfect fielding %. Ethier had 8 assists. His assists were 7th most among NL right fielders. I disagree with the award choice. I think Carlos Beltran should have won the award. He had only 1 error, 2 more assists and 3 double plays.

P: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers:

Clayton Kershaw won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He had a perfect fielding %. He had 38 assists which is 5th most among NL pitchers. He also help turn 2 double plays. I agree with the award choice.

AL Gold Gloves:

C: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles:

Matt Wieters won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He committed five errors, only allowed one passed ball and threw out 37 percent of would-be basestealers. He also had .995 fielding % which was tied for the best among AL catchers. He helped turn 14 double plays also tied for most among AL catchers. His caught stealing % was best among AL catchers. I agree with the award choice.  

1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox: 

Adrian Gonzalez won the Golden Glove award for the 3rd time. Gonzalez finished second among AL first baseman with a .997 fielding percentage while leading in games, starts, innings and assists. He made just four errors. He also led AL first baseman with 125 assists. I agree with the award choice.    

2B: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox: 

Dustin Pedroia won the Golden Glove award for the 2nd time. Pedroia ranked second in the AL in putouts. He ranked third in total chances and in assists and fourth in double plays turned. His .990 fielding % was 2nd among AL second baseman. I agree with the award choice.   

3B: Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers:

Adrian Beltre won the Golden Glove award for the 3rd time. Beltre ranked second in the AL in fielding percentage among third basemen and third in range factor, with 2.76 chances per nine innings. His .965 fielding % was second best among AL third baseman. I agree with the award choice.   

SS: Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels:

Erick Aybar won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He had .980 fielding %, tied for third among AL shortstops. He committed just 13 errors in 659 total chances. He tied for the AL lead by being involved in 102 double plays. He had 406 assists which is 4th most among AL Shortstops. I agree with the award choice.   

LF: Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals: 

Alex Gordon won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time.  He led MLB this year with 20 outfield assists, half of which cut down a runner at the plate. His .991 fielding % led AL left fielders. He also led AL left fielders in putouts. I completely agree with the award choice.

CF: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox:

Jacoby Ellsbury won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He didn't make any errors in 394 total chances. Ellsbury led AL center fielders in starts, innings and putouts. He also had 6 outfield assists. I agree with the award choice.   

RF: Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles:

Nick Markakis won the Golden Glove award for the 1st time. He finished the season with a perfect fielding %. He had 14 outfield assists which was 3rd most among AL right fielders. He also helped turn 3 double plays. I agree with the award choice.  

P: Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox:

Mark Buehrle won the Golden Glove award for the 3rd time. He had 40 assists, which ranked second among AL pitchers. He finished fourth with six pickoffs. He was also was fourth in total chances with 56 and 10th in fielding%, with his one error leaving him at .982. He tied for fourth among AL pitchers by assisting on four double plays. I agree with the award choice.    

2011 BCS Rankings Update: Week 13

The sixth BCS rankings of the year came out Sunday. This ranking is important because it decides which if a school makes a BCS bowl game or not and which two schools goes to the BCS National Title Game. I don't really like the BCS because it doesn't give every team a chance to compete for a National Title. I would prefer a 16 team playoff, that way if you lose you can still compete for the National Title. This was very unexplainable what happened. Undefeated Oklahoma State went to Iowa State and lost. Oregon lost at home to USC, their first home loss since 2008. Oklahoma went into Baylor and lost. Also Clemson went into North Carolina State and lost bad. We had 3 of 5 Top 5 team lose only the second time in the BCS history first time since 2001. We are down to just LSU and Houston who are perfect. Also we might be headed for the first BCS National Championship to include 2 teams from one conference. 

1. LSU Tigers 11-0 (7-0)
Next Game: vs. Arkansas.
Last Game: @ Mississippi, W 52-3.

Last Week Rank: 1st  ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: This week they played Mississippi. They really good again. They have beaten 6 ranked teams which makes them look very good. They have only let opponents score an average of 10.0 points per game. Arkansas at home this will be very hard. Also they have to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game which will be tricky. LSU continues to win, they are clearly the favorite now to win it all. My Rank: 1st

2. Alabama Crimson Tide 10-1 (6-1)

Next Game: @ Auburn.
Last Game: vs. Georgia Southern, W 45-21.

Last Week Rank: 3rd ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: They took care of Georgia Southern. Still, they are only letting opponents score an average of 8.4 points per game. They have Heisman candidate Trent Richardson is a beast running the football. Richardson has 1380 rushing yards which is 4th and 20 TDs which is 5th most in the nation. Even if the lost to LSU, since Oklahoma State lost this week they probably are headed back to the National Title. They are a really good team and could give LSU a run for their money again in the possible rematch in the National Title Game. My Rank: 2nd

3. Arkansas Razorbacks 10-1 (6-1)

Next Game: @ LSU.
Last Game: vs. Mississippi, W 44-17.

Last Week Rank: 6th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title / Unlikely to make one

More Information: Arkansas took care of Mississippi. They only loss was at Alabama. Tyler Wilson has been quite good. Wilson has 3215 Passing Yards which is 12th most in the nation. They beat Auburn and Texas A&M both strong wins. I don't think they can win at LSU in this week. If they can some how beat LSU they will be win the SEC West if they are ranked ahead of LSU and Alabama and then should be able to beat Georgia which then they would play Alabama again for the National Title. I doubt that will LSU will lose. Even being ranked 3rd now and if they lose to LSU and only only having 2 loses, Arkansas can't make a BCS Bowl. The reason is if Alabama wins Bama would play LSU in the Title Game and because only 2 team can make it per conference and Arkansas would be left out. They are still a really really good team. My Rank: 3rd


4. Oklahoma State Cowboys 10-1 (7-1)

Next Game: vs. Oklahoma.
Last Game: @ Iowa State, L 31-37 in 2 OTs.

Last Week Rank: 2nd ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Fiesta / BCS Title

More Information: Oklahoma State was stunned by Iowa State this week in double overtimes. With that loss they might have lost their chance for a National Title. Still they have a great offense averaging 49.8 PPG which is 2nd best in the nation. They have the best WR in the nation in  Justin Blackmon. He is tied for the most TD catches in the nation with 15 TDs catches and is 6th in the nation in yards with 1241. They have Oklahoma in 2 weeks so they have double the time to prepare. They are really tested already haven beaten Texas and Texas A&M on the road. If Arkansas could beat LSU and Alabama loses to Auburn and they can win their game then maybe they could play for the National Title, but it is a long shot. My Rank: 5th

 5. Virginia Tech Hokies 10-1 (6-1)

Next Game: @ Virginia.
Last Game: vs. North Carolina, W 24-21.
Last Week Rank: 8th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Orange /  BCS Title

More Information: They took care of North Carolina which means they will probably win the ACC Coastal Division again. They have a really good RB in David Wilson. He has 1442 yards which is the 3rd most in the nation. They only lost to Clemson at home is was a bad loss. They win the ACC Coastal Division as long as they beat Virginia this week which will be hard. If they beat Virginia they will faceClemson again for the ACC Title which since Clemson lost they should be able to win this time. They are a very solid team that could win the ACC and earn a Orange Bowl bid. Their is a chance where Arkansas beats LSU and Alabama loses to Auburn and Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State and they would still have to win their 2 games and jump everyone in front which would be a miracle if that all could happen. I think they are better than Oklahoma State because of who they lost to. My Rank: 4th

6. Stanford Cardinals 10-1 (8-1)

Next Game: vs. Notre Dame.

Last Game: vs. California, W 31-28.

Last Week Rank: 9th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl:  Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: Stanford toke care of California to finished Pac-12 play 8-1. They have Notre Dame at home which shouldn't be too hard. Andrew Luck is still a really good QB. He has 31 TDs and over 2900 passing yards. If they can beat Notre Dame they should still get a BCS Bowl bid, but they lost their chance for the BCS Title Game. With Oregon State can find a way to beat Oregon, Stanford wins the North and should win the Pac-12 Championship Game and make it to the Rose Bowl. I highly doubt Oregon State can beat Oregon. They are still a good team that can play. My Rank: 6th

7. Boise State Broncos 9-1 (4-1)
Next Game: vs. Wyoming.
Last Game: @ San Diego State, W 52-35.
Last Week Rank: 10th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Can't make one

More Information: They beat San Diego State to improve to 4-1 in conference. They can't make a BCS Bowl because even if TCU loses their last game Boise State can't win because they lost to TCU. Houston should now take Boise State's place in a BCS Bowl since Houston is undefeated.  Boise State is still a really good team, that could compete with most schools in the country. Kellen Moore is very accurate with 35 TDs which is 2nd in the nation and only 6 INTs. He also has a 73.8% Completion Percentage which is 2nd in the nation. My Rank: 8th

8. Houston Cougars 11-0 (7-0)
Next Game: @ Tulsa.
Last Game: vs. San Diego State, W 52-35.
Last Week Rank: 11th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Any one besides the Title Game

 More Information: Houston has a great offense averaging 53.1 Ponits Per Game which is top in the nation. Case Keenum is in the Heisman talk. He leads the nation with 38 TDs and 4269 Passing Yards. They are the only undefeated team besides LSU. They should get invited to Sugar or Fiesta Bowl, as long as they win their last 2 games. They have to go to Tulsa which will be hard. Houston has to win because Tulsa is also 7-0 in conference so they can win the C-USA West Division. Then they will play Southern Miss most likely and should win. Houston is a really could team that should make a BCS Bowl, but I don't know if they would win. My Rank: 7th

9. Oklahoma Sooners 8-2 (5-2)

Next Game: vs. Iowa State.
Last Game: @ Baylor, L 38-45.

Last Week Rank: 5th ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Fiesta / Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They got shocked again by Baylor. Now they have 2 loses. They have Iowa State this week which should be easy. They do face Oklahoma State on the road in 2 weeks which be very hard. Since Oklahoma State loss, if they can win at Oklahoma State, they will win the Big 12 and earn a bid to the Fiesta Bowl.  If they lose and have 3 losses, I don't think they will make a BCS Bowl but they might. They still have the possibly best QB in the nation in  Landry Jones. I think Oregon is still better because Oklahoma lost to easier teams.My Rank: 10th

10. Oregon Ducks 9-2 (7-1)

Next Game: vs. Oregon State.
Last Game: vs. USC, L 35-38.
Last Week Rank: 4th ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Rose

More Information: Oregon lost to USC at home 38 to 35 on a missed field goal at the end of the game. Now they have 2 losses the only other to LSU. Still Oregon's offensive is amazing again averaging 45.6 PPG. LaMichael James the best RB in the nation probably. They will the North as long as they beat Oregon State which should be easy. Then they have to play who ever wins the South for the Pac-12. If they win then they will face the Big 10 Champion in the Rose Bowl. Now that they lost again they lost chance to make it back to the National Championship. My Rank: 9th

Mike Krzyzewski Breaks Division 1 Record For Coaching Wins

Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K.) broke the record for most Division 1 coaching wins Tuesday. Bob Knight previously had the record at 902 wins. Coach K. got his 903rd win by beating Michigan State 74 to 69. Bob Knight actually coached Coach K. when he played for Army in 1966-1969. Coach K. might be the best college basketball coach of all-time now. One reason is the Knight had a 70.9% winning percentage and Coach K. has a 76.1% winning percentage. Also now he has the most wins all-time now. I think that Coach K. is second now only to John Wooden who won 80.4% of his game, won 664 and an amazing 10 National Championship with UCLA from 1964-1975 with the help of Kareem Abdul-Jabber, Sidney Wicks and Bill Walton. Also Wooden has 10 National Titles and 12 Final Fours which Coach K. only has 4 National Titles and 11 Final Fours. Coach K. coached at Army from 1975-1980 and at Duke from 1980 to now. He is also the current coach of the USA Men's National Basketball team. He is 79-23 in the NCAA Tournament with a 77.4% winning percentage. He is in 2 Hall of Fames in the Basketball Hall of Fame an inductee of 2001 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame an inductee of 2006. Since coaching at Duke he has won 323 ACC wins and 13 ACC Tournament, 12 ACC Regular Season Championships, a 5-time ACC Coach of the Years and a 3-time College Coach of the Year. He has helped Duke win 4 National Championships in 1991, 1992, 2001 and 2010. He has gone to 8 National Championship Games, 11 Final Fours, 12 Elite Eights, 20 Sweet Sixteens and 27 NCAA Tournaments Appearances. He has also help USA win a Gold Medal at the Olympic in 2008 and a Gold Medal at the FIBA World Championship at 2010. He should be able to help USA win another Gold Medal at the Olympic next summer. Coach K. is still has long time he can coach for and he could get maybe to 1100 or 1200 wins. All he would have to do is coach a winning team for the next 10 to 20 years.

2011 BCS Rankings Update: Week 12

The fifth BCS rankings of the year came out Sunday. This ranking is important because it decides which if a school makes a BCS bowl game or not and which two schools goes to the BCS National Title Game. I don't really like the BCS because it doesn't give every team a chance to compete for a National Title. I would prefer a 16 team playoff, that way if you lose you can still compete for the National Title. This week in College Football another 7 ranked teams lost. 2 teams in the Top 10 lost, but 2 of the teams lost to other Top 10 teams. There are only 3 undefeated teams left, LSU, Oklahoma State and Houston after Boise State and Stanford lost.

1. LSU Tigers 10-0 (6-0)
Next Game: @ Mississippi.
Last Game: vs. Western Kentucky, W 42-9.

Last Week Rank: 1st  ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: This week they played Western Kentucky. They really good again. They have beaten 6 ranked teams which makes them look very good. They have only let opponents score an average of 10.7 points per game. Mississippi shouldn't be hard, but Arkansas at home in 2 weeks we be a real hard. Also they have to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game which will be tricky. LSU is clearly the favorite now to win it all. My Rank: 1st

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys 10-0 (7-0)
 Next Game: @ Iowa State.
Last Game: @ Texas Tech, W 66-6.

Last Week Rank: 2nd ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: BCS Title

More Information: Since LSU knocked off Alabama last week, Oklahoma State is now the 2nd best team in the nation. They have a great offense averaging 51.7 PPG which is 2nd best in the nation. They have the best WR in the nation in  Justin Blackmon. He is tied for the most TD catches in the nation with 14 TDs catches and is 5th in the nation in yards with 1142. They toke care off Texas Tech easily winning 66-6. They have Iowa State this week who shouldn't be hard. They have to play one loss Oklahoma later on in the season in 3 weeks. They are really tested already haven beaten Texas and Texas A&M on the road. They have no conference title game they have to win which helps them stay unbeaten easier. If they do win out they should face LSU in the National Title Game. My Rank: 2nd

3. Alabama Crimson Tide 9-1 (6-1)

Next Game: vs. Georgia Southern
Last Game: @ Mississippi State, W 24-7.

Last Week Rank: 3rd ↔

Projected BCS Bowl: Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They took care of Mississippi State. Still, they are only letting opponents score an average of 7.1 points per game. They have Heisman candidate Trent Richardson is a beast running the football. Richardson has 1205 rushing yards which is 7th and 18 TDs which is 5th most in the nation. Since they lost to LSU, they probably lost their chance for a National Title, but they are somewhat easy schedule left and they should get to a BCS Bowl easy. They are a really good team, if LSU or Oklahoma State maybe they could get to the BCS Title Game.  My Rank: 3rd

4. Oregon Ducks 9-1 (7-0)

Next Game: vs. USC.
Last Game: @ Stanford, W 53-30.
Last Week Rank: 7th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Rose

More Information: Oregon's offensive is amazing again averaging 46.7 PPG. Their only loss was to LSU the first game of the year. LaMichael James the best RB in the nation probably. They played Stanford on the road this week. They were just to fast for Stanford, they also forced Stanford to have 5 turnovers and 3 in the 4th quarter. If they win the next 2 games, they win the North and should handle who ever wins the South and win the Pac-12 to make it to the Rose Bowl. I think Alabama is a better team, but if Oklahoma State would to lose I think Oregon who would be the Pac-12 Champions would be a better fit for the National Title Game than Alabama who didn't win their conference. My Rank: 4th

5. Oklahoma Sooners 8-1 (5-1)

Next Game: @ Baylor
Last Game: vs. Texas A&M, W 41-25.

Last Week Rank: 6th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Fiesta / Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They had a bye week this week they have to go to Baylor this week. Oklahoma was upset at home vs. Texas Tech for their only loss of the season. They are still a really good team, but they lost their chance to go the BCS National Title Game. They have the possible best QB in the nation in  Landry Jones. They beat a quite good Texas A&M team this week. They do face Oklahoma State on the road to end the season which be very hard. If they can win at Oklahoma State, they will win the Big 12 and earn a bid to the Fiesta Bowl. They still can make it to another BCS Bowl with they only lose to Oklahoma State at the end of the season. My Rank: 6th

6. Arkansas Razorbacks 9-1 (5-1)

Next Game: vs. Mississippi.
Last Game: vs. Tennessee , W 49-7.

Last Week Rank: 8th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: Arkansas took care of Tennessee. They only loss was at Alabama since Alabama lost that is why Arkansas is most likely 6th now. Tyler Wilson has been quite good. Wilson has 2850 Passing Yards which is 12th most in the nation. They beat Auburn and Texas A&M both strong wins. I don't think they can win at LSU in 2 weeks. If they can some how beat LSU they will be win the SEC West if they are ranked ahead of LSU and Alabama and then win the SEC maybe, but I doubt that will LSU will lose. They are good and can still make a BCS Bowl, but need more help to move up higher even with Boise State losing this week. My Rank: 5th

7. Clemson Tigers 9-1 (6-1)

Next Game: vs. Wake Forest
Last Game: vs. Wake Forest, L 17-31.

Last Week Rank: 9th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Orange / Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They played Wake Forest this week. Since they won they clinched the ACC Atlantic. Tajh Boyd has 3017 Passing Yards which is 9th in the nation. They only lost to Georgia Tech is was a bad loss. They did go into Virginia Tech and win the first ACC teams to win in Lane Stadium since 2009. Since they won the ACC Atlantic Division, most likely they will have to beat Virginia Tech again to win the ACC again and they might not get lucky and win again. All and all they are a very solid team that could win the ACC and earn a Orange Bowl bid. If they loss to Virginia Tech I doubt they would be invited to a BCS Bowl Game. My Rank: 8th

8. Virginia Tech Hokies 9-1 (5-1)

Next Game: vs. North Carolina.
Last Game: @ Georgia Tech, W 37-26.
Last Week Rank: 10th ↑

Projected BCS Bowl: Orange / Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: They took care of Georgia Tech which means they will probably win the ACC Coastal Division again. They have a really good RB in David Wilson. He has 1360 yards which is the most in the nation. They only lost to Clemson at home is was a bad loss. They win the ACC Coastal Division as long as they beat UNC and Virginia. They might have to face Clemson again for the ACC Title which will be tricky. They are a very solid team that could win the ACC and earn a Orange Bowl bid. If Clemson or someone else I doubt they would be invited to a BCS Bowl Game. My Rank: 9th

9. Stanford Cardinals 9-1 (7-1)

Next Game: vs. California

Last Game: vs. Oregon, L 30-53.

Last Week Rank: 4th ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Any one besides the Title Game

More Information: Stanford just didn't look good vs. Oregon. They lost the football 5 times and 3 times at the end of the game to make it look worse. Oregon was just to fast. Andrew Luck is still a really good QB. He has 29 TDs and over 2600 passing yards. If they can beat California and Notre Dame they should still get a BCS Bowl bid, but they lost their chance to win the Pac-12 North and any chance for the BCS Title Game. They are still a good team that can play. My Rank: 9th

10. Boise State Broncos 8-1 (3-1)
Next Game: @ San Diego State.
Last Game: vs. TCU, L 35-36.
Last Week Rank: 5th ↓

Projected BCS Bowl: Unlikely to make one

More Information: Oh, Boise State was this the same story last year Boise State could go to a BCS Bowl but loses because of a missed field goal. TCU scored a TD in the final minutes and decided to go for 2 and did successfully. They went down the field and missed a game winning field goal has time expired. That loss was shocking only their 3rd loss at home since 1999. Boise State is still a really good team, but since they loss to TCU, TCU should win the MWC and that means Boise State can't make a BCS Bowl. Still Kellen Moore is very accurate with 31 TDs which is 2nd in the nation and only 5 INTs. He also has a 74.1% Completion Percentage which is 4th in the nation. Houston should now take Boise State's place in a BCS Bowl. My Rank: 11th