2016 MLB Playoffs

October is winding down, and one half of the World Series picture, has been fully developed. The Cleveland Indians have punched their ticket, with a resounding 4-1 series win, over the Blue Jays. It's only the 6th Pennant, in franchise history, the last coming in 1997. The Indians haven't won a World Series, since 1948. Cleveland fans have waited 60+ years, for a World Series title, after falling short in 1995 and 97. The Indians dominated the series with Toronto, and now they will have a few days to rest, before hosting games 1, and 2, of the World Series. The question remains, who will they face?

In THIS CORNER, the mighty Dodgers. 21 Pennants, and 6 World Series Titles. It has been almost 30 years, since their last Championship, in 1988. Seems like quite a while, until you consider their opponents 108 year, World Series drought. That said, it might surprise some people, to know that the Cubs have actually won 16 Pennants. The last one however, was all the way back in 1945. 71 years, is a long, LONG time, for a fan base to wait. Which is why Cubs fans, are among the most loyal fans, in all of sports. With the series tied at 2 a piece, we can expect more nail biting, playoff caliber baseball, tonight, and this weekend.

Whatever happens, over the next 2 weeks, one thing is clear. Whoever wins the 2016 World Series, will finally have a King Kong sized monkey, removed from their collective backs. Someone is going to win a World Series, for the first time in 28 years, or 68 years, or 108 years. Lots of 8s in play here. One of the three remaining fan bases, will celebrate like never before, simply because huge portions of each fan base, hasn't been alive, to celebrate a Championship. The drought will end for one fan base, while the other two will once again sing the sad song, "Wait til next year."

Change is GOOD! Sure, it would be great, if our St. Louis Cardinals, were in the playoff mix. We've been incredibly spoiled, in this town, with a special baseball team. In their absence, the rest of the Baseball World, is being treated to some really exciting playoff action, and we will see 1 of 3 cities, party like never before. There's going to be a GREAT story, no matter who wins.

Time to Chime In. Which team will finally exorcise their demons, and realize a World Series Championship?
1) Cleveland Indians 2) Los Angeles Dodgers 3) Chicago Cubs

Chime In with The SPortz Yak

#SPzY

SPortz Yak Week 4 BCS Power Rankings

Week 4 BCS Power Rankings

It was a very interesting weekend, in NCAA College Football. Quite a bit of movement in the Top 10, and a few surprises, in the BCS power rankings. Here's how I see it.

Alabama moved to 3-0, with their first win over Ole Miss, in three years. It was a tremendous football game, and it's possible, while scoring 43 points in the loss, that Ole Miss exposed some chinks in the mighty Alabama armor. Still, #1 wins, and I see them as #1, without question, at this point.

Speaking of exposed, (#2)FSU was absolutely dismantled by (#10)Louisville. The truth is, FSU could be in even bigger trouble, in the weeks ahead, with Miami, Clemson, and Florida, still on their schedule. Surely, another loss ends their BCS hopes for good. That said, I could also see them right back in the BCS picture, with just the one loss, if they can run the table. FSU is in trouble. I don't think they'll be in the Tourney, without some big time help. Louisville on the other hand, is averaging 65 points per game, and they look ridiculously good through 3 weeks. I think their strength of schedule hurts them a little bit, moving forward, but they do have a couple of "signature" games left to play. One with Clemson, on 10/1, and another with Houston, 11/17. For my money, they made the biggest power jump this week, up from #10, to #6, and they looked strong. I still think the reality is, Louisville must win out, to be in the BCS tourney.

Ohio St, went into Oklahoma, and pounded them, solidifying the #2 spot for me this week. The problem I see with Ohio St., is also strength of schedule. One loss, would most likely squash their BCS hopes. I don't think Wisconsin will be a Top 10, or even 15 team, by the time OSU gets them, but Nebraska should probably be ranked, by the time OSU sees them, which could give them another "signature" win down the line, if they can get it. Then of course, they close out the season with Michigan St., Michigan, and a potential Conference Championship Game. So as long as they keep winning, the Buckeyes will be in the middle of the BCS picture.

Speaking of Michigan, they stayed undefeated, with a good win over Colorado. I'm moving them up a spot, to #3. They will have plenty of opportunities to stay right in the playoff mix, but they could also find themselves on the outside, looking in, if they aren't able to successfully navigate a very tough, Big 10 Schedule.

I've got Houston at #4. They have looked so impressive this season, and I think they definitely deserve to be in the BSC conversation. However, Houston could also win out, and not necessarily make the BCS tourney, again due to strength of schedule. Louisville seems to be their toughest remaining obstacle, but they cannot afford to lose a single game to anyone, if they want any shot at a BCS Championship appearance.

Then there's Clemson. I struggled with this team, because they're undefeated, but they honestly haven't played the most inspiring football. The Auburn win was big, but they still have so much work to do, to stay relevant in the BCS equation. Clemson doesn't strike me as a team that gets into the dance, with a loss. They have that proverbial "trap game," with Georgia Tech this Thursday, but I believe we'll know exactly who Clemson really is, when they run into Louisville, in 2 weeks.

Rounding out my Top 10 this week, I have Stanford at #7. They put a whipping on a tough USC team, that I think should still be a Bowl team at season's end. Losses to Alabama and Stanford, have USC waving the, "Yeah but we didn't play any cupcakes," banner. Hang in there USC. You might still get to a Bowl game. There is a long way to go out west, but Stanford's strength of schedule, makes them a bonafide BCS contender, if they can win out.

#8 Washington, is another PAC 12 team, with a huge upside. Strength of schedule makes them a legit contender as well, as long as they keep winning games. I think the PAC 12 is going to send at least one team to the final 4, unless attrition simply cancels them all out. Washington looks like they could have the talent to win the conference, but after 3 weeks, only 2 PAC 12 teams, have 2 losses. This conference is going to eat itself alive, but I believe one team comes out of there.

I kept FSU in the top 10, but just barely. Obviously they're a talented team, but that loss yesterday, may very well be the spark, that ignites their demise. I think they need to win out, to stay in the BCS hunt. Based on their schedule, I gave them another week in the Top 10. I've already said, I could see them right in the mix at the end, but only if they win out.

Finally this week, I'm going with Michigan St., at #10. Only 2-0, but an impressive road win over Notre Dame. Yes, the Irish are struggling, but Sparty still beat them at home. Move over Wisconsin, the Green Machine is moving up the ranks. Of course, if you don't want to move over, you can flip the script on them this weekend. I think Wisconsin and Michigan St. are almost the same animal. We'll see who that "Big Dog" is, on Saturday.

There you have it. The SPortz Yak Week 4, BCS Power Rankings! Agree? Disagree?
Let Me Know!!

Thanks for reading and supporting The SPortz Yak!
#SPzY

Nothing Controversial About It

There is no reason, to hit the Panic Button. There is no Goalie Controversy. There is only a tired guy, who needed a couple days off. Consider how many consecutive games, Brian Elliott has started, and how many minutes he has played, this post season. The Blues have played 17 games, in their current playoff run. Brian Elliott, has started every game, before tonight.

I'm not sure what the season record was, for consecutive starts, but when you're looking at 17 consecutive starts for Elliott, over a 3 week period, it stands to reason, maybe let the other guy get a start, after a fairly lack luster performance in Game 3. I don't think this creates a Goalie controversy. I think it simply makes good sense, to let your number 1 guy, get some air.

So as we prepare for Game 4, of these Western Conference Finals, I think the biggest problem facing the Blues, is the lack of offense. It doesn't matter which guy starts, if we can't score any goals. The Blues best players, need to be their best players, and they need to play with a little more urgency tonight.

Could someone please put some quality shots on net? Could someone force the action, and maybe draw a penalty. Can we please give our Power Play, an opportunity? There is no controversy about one thing. This team needs a goal, and they need it NOW!

Time for Game 4. The Blues just need to play some inspired hockey tonight.

#SPzY

"The Turnaround"

The Cleveland Cavaliers began the 2014-15 season, with extremely high hopes, because they finally had the greatest player on the planet, back in the fold. The entire city, in fact, the entire region, was rejoicing in the triumphant return of one LeBron Raymone James, to his roots. Cleveland was not only willing to forgive, "The Decision," but they were also primed and ready, to finish what was left undone five seasons ago. Cleveland was ready to "Witness" an NBA Championship!

Then, the season began. Even with their vaunted superstar back in maroon and gold, the team that went 33 - 49 a year ago, and saw the ouster of Coach Mike Brown, was once again, looking like yesterday's garbage. Under new coach David Blatt, they were barely playing .500 basketball, and acting like a bunch of individuals, who could not grasp the team concept. They just couldn't get it together. Night after night, the Cavs sputtered, and all the sports "Talk," was of "Mass team dissension." "Kevin Love wants out." "King James only signed a 2 year deal, so if this continues, where would he "Take his talents," next?" "David Blatt has already lost control of the team." "Who is really in charge around here, Blatt, or James?" The confusion and disarray, just went on and on and on...

They were going down in flames, and there seemed to be no end in sight. Had LeBron made a huge mistake, by "Coming Home?" Even yours truly, The SPortz Yak​, thought they were a bit of a joke back in December. Many believed that the addition of James, instantly made the Cavs an Eastern Conference juggernaut, but the way they were playing, I gave them little to no chance, to even make the playoffs.

Then of course, on Jan. 13th, there was, "The Shove," which I jokingly called, "The LeShove." Across the land, people were clamoring for Blatt's head on a platter. "He's not a leader." "He can't handle the egos." "He doesn't have the respect of his players." The consensus about a month ago, was that his days were numbered in Cleveland. I didn't believe it was a huge deal, as I have seen players step between Coaches, and Officials, plenty of times in the NBA, as well as in other sports. Still, things had sunk about as low as they could go, in Cleveland.

At that point, the Cavs were 19 - 20, and seemed destined to struggle all season. They could not gel as a unit, and it became more and more difficult, for them to even compete. There was frustration around every corner. If Cleveland's favorite son, wasn't their savior, and if David Blatt wasn't the right fit, in that first chair on the bench, then what would become of Cleveland's beloved Cavs? If I may steal a line from the great Packer's QB, Aaron Rodgers, "R-E-L-A-X" Cleveland.

Since that Jan. 13 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Cavs have gone on a 13 - 1 run. They currently stand at 32 - 21, good enough for 5th overall in the Eastern Conference. With 29 games remaining, they now appear to be firing on all cylinders, and preparing for the post season. No disrespect to the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls, but some believe they're once again, the favorites to win the East. I think favorites might be a bit overzealous, but if they can stay healthy, this team currently looks like it can definitely make a deep playoff run.

So here's the million dollar question. If the Cavs don't win the Eastern Conference, and go on to the NBA Finals, is the season a bust? Or do we chalk up the first 40 games, and/or, an early playoff exit, to "growing pains?" Have the Cavs saved David Blatt's job, even if they don't win the East, or the Championship? Was his job ever really in jeopardy?

Obviously, there is still a lot of season to play, but suffice it to say, reports of the Cavs demise, have been greatly exaggerated. They're starting to figure it out, and the supporting cast is learning how to play together. Kevin Love is averaging 17 points, and 10 rebounds, per game. J.R. Smith, is putting up 12 points, and 3 assists, and Kyrie Irving is absolutely lighting it up, dropping in 22, with 51/2 dimes. These Cavs are Rolling.

Their next run is tomorrow night, Feb. 11th. They will play host to the 22 - 29 Miami Heat. A team struggling in it's own right, but still eyeing the playoffs. Chris Bosh(21 pts/7rbs), and Dwayne Wade(21pts/5asst), would like nothing better, than to walk into LeBron's new, old house, and shut him, and the Cavs down. They already knocked them off 101 - 91, back on Christmas Day, in Miami, and they're confident that they are every bit as strong as anyone else in the Conference. The Cavs fully intend to hold serve tomorrow night, in front of the hometown faithful. It should be one for the ages, tomorrow night in Cleveland Ohio.

Tomorrow

Heat

@

Cavaliers

7:00 PM

#SPzY

#LetsGetBetter
#NBA

Just Keep Writing... Just Keep Writing.

I'm officially fascinated by Author, Dean Koontz, who was featured today, on CBS This Morning. Listening to him talk about his writing, reminded me of how critical I always am, of my own writing. He used the term, "self doubt," when talking about his "perfectionist" ways. He said, "I can't move on to the next page, until the last one is perfect." He also talks about his ability to write, as a "gift that he was given."  I've always felt that way too. Not everyone has the ability to tell a story, and/or use words, in great ways. The man has written over 100 books. I've written 0. Clearly, his gift is greater than mine. Or else, he's simply taken greater advantage of his gift, than I have. Perhaps the latter, is more accurate.

Truthfully, I'm feeling a bit ashamed of myself, after watching his story this morning. It's not  the starting part I struggle with... it's the FINISHING part, that keeps me from ever putting a whole book together. I never feel the story is good enough for human consumption, and I shoot it down myself, before anyone else ever sees it. I wish I could ask him, how he gets past that.

I think that may be my biggest problem of all. I write for a while, then I decide I don't like it, so I stop writing....... I tend to forget, I'm not writing for just me, but for other people. I am so critical of myself, I talk myself right out of publishing some things I have written. Again, I need to learn how to get past that.

I have found one recurring theme, among all successful writers. They ALL say, "You MUST keep writing." It's like what the great Philosopher, "Dory," said in Finding Nemo. "Just keep swimiming. Just keep Swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming... What do we do we swim, swim."


Sooo...  BACK TO WORK!! I must keep writing. Be on the lookout for new articles on the #NFLPlayoffs, and the #stlblues, from The SPortz Yak, and Thank You for your continued support!

#SPzY
#LetsGetBetter

BEAT IT KROENKE!

I'm not angry. I'm not even sad. I expected nothing less from Stan Kroenke. Today, I am more hacked off, for the simple fact that St. Louis could have had the Jags, or the Panthers, or the Texans, when expansion last happened. We could have had our own team, with roots planted firmly in our red, Missouri clay. We could have built a unique bond with our own franchise, to live and die with, similar to the fan bases in Green Bay, and Kansas City. Instead, we rented the sorry ass Rams for 20 years. I believe the intentions were good, in the beginning. I think the move was GREAT for St. Louis. It was a town longing for the #NFL. We were willing to put up with a really bad team, as long as we had football on Sundays again. It's amusing how people forget... The Rams were terrible when they came to St. Louis. That is why LA ran them out of town, in the first place. Nobody in LA was going to watch them play, because they were simply awful, and they couldn't even fill the Coliseum. I remember how empty that place was back in the early 90s. See current 2014 Miami Dolphins home games, for a mental reference.

Then, the unthinkable happened. The Rams got good! Really good! It was AWESOME! We got to watch the best team in football, right here in St. Louis, and we got to have an amazing parade down Market Street, which I was smack in the middle of, after winning Super Bowl 34. For the first time ever, St. Louis was truly relevant in the NFL.

If they were going to stay here, it was right then, that they should have built a new stadium. Or done some major renovations to the Dome. It could have been done back then, because you still had "Old Busch," which could have been used for home games, while they made improvements, or rebuilt the stadium, or built a new stadium. They could have extended the lease, and had one of the top tier stadiums in the NFL, which was always in the terms of the original lease. Again, its funny how people forget these things. Obviously, that never happened, and here we are today. It's difficult not to deduce, that this plan was in the works for years, and it became crystal clear with Kroenke's big announcement yesterday. This ownership, never intended to stay in St. Louis.

Some might say, the writing has been on the wall since Georgia died, because this owner does not care about St. Louis, or even the NFL. He cares about Money. He's a business man. Owning a football team, in his world, is like stacking up hotels on Boardwalk, for the rest of us. It's all about money.

So let Stan move his team back to LA. They're almost impossible to watch anyway, so I'm actually okay with them leaving town. I'm just that tired, of watching their pathetic brand of football every Sunday. At least the Big Red, The "Cardiac Cardinals," competed a little bit. This team can't even get to .500. I wonder how long LA will put up with losing? Even with a fancy new stadium, the shine will eventually wear off. There is WAY too much to do out there, for people to pack the house for 10 straight years of losing football. Sure, there will be excitement for a while, but unless the product improves drastically, people in LA will once again, become disinterested in Stan's product. Then what happens? Another relocation?

Honestly, I feel almost indifferent about the big announcement yesterday. I didn't want to believe it, because sometimes you just hope that business people, also care about the communities. You hope they care about sports, if they're going to get involved in team ownership. Stan Kroenke cares about dollars. He played his Monopoly game very well, and St. Louis, was just another piece of property, to be bought, and sold. Excuse me, sold out. It's hard to blame the Rams Organization as a whole, but when they leave, I will no longer be a Rams fan. In fact, I won't even be a fan in "Lame Duck" 2015. I wasn't a Rams fan before they moved to St. Louis, so it won't be them that I will miss. I will miss the NFL, and I hope they will take another shot on this city in the future.

As for the Rams, I will simply say, Thanks for the memories. Thanks for stopping by. Appreciate the Greatest Show On Turf years tremendously. Looks like you've worn out your welcome. Time for you to go home now. Good riddance Mr. Kroenke. You don't deserve to walk around this town sharing a name with "The Man" anyway.

#SPzY

The Developing NFL Playoff Picture

As the #NFL regular season winds down, there is still plenty to be decided, in Week 16. The developing playoff picture will become a little more clear, with the conclusion of each game today. As we prepare for the early games, here's what we know.

We know the #Patriots #Broncos & #Colts, are all divison winners, in the #AFC. Only the jumbled AFC North, remains in doubt. The #Bengals, #Steelers, and #Ravens, all believe they can win the division!

AFC

Division Leaders	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
[y] Patriots	11	3	0	3-1	8-2
[y] Broncos	11	3	0	5-0	9-1
[y] Colts	10	4	0	5-0	8-3
Bengals	9	4	1	3-2	6-4

Wild Card	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Steelers	9	5	0	3-2	7-3
Ravens	9	5	0	2-3	5-5

In The Hunt	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Chargers	9	6	0	2-3	6-5
Chiefs	8	6	0	2-3	6-4
Bills	8	6	0	3-2	4-6
Texans	7	7	0	3-2	6-4
Dolphins	7	7	0	3-2	6-5
Browns	7	7	0	2-3	4-7

• [x] Clinched Playoff Berth

• [y] Clinched Division Title
• [z] Clinched First-Round Bye
• [*] Clinched Homefield Advantage in Playoffs

We also know the Buccaneers, and #Bears, can play spoiler, in the #NFC, making things rough on the #Packers,and #Lions, if they can manage to hold serve at home. We know the #Redskins have already pushed the #Eagles to the brink of elimination, with a 27 - 24 Saturday afternoon victory at home. We know the #Chargers are still alive, with a stunning, come back win over the 49ers last night, 38-35, in Overtime.

NFC

Division Leaders	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
[x] Cardinals	11	3	0	3-1	8-2
[x] Lions	10	4	0	4-0	8-2
Cowboys	10	4	0	3-2	7-4
Saints	6	8	0	2-2	5-5

Wild Card	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Seahawks	10	4	0	3-1	8-2
Packers	10	4	0	4-1	7-3

In The Hunt	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Eagles	9	6	0	3-2	5-6
Panthers	5	8	1	3-2	5-6
Falcons	5	9	0	4-0	5-5

• [x] Clinched Playoff Berth

• [y] Clinched Division Title
• [z] Clinched First-Round Bye
• [*] Clinched Homefield Advantage in Playoffs

We know that for the #Seahawks, #Cardinals, #Packers, and #Cowboys, the playoffs have already started. Everyone is playing for division supremacy, and for those coveted, home playoff games. Destiny will be discussed heavily today, and in the final week of the regular season. In the words of the late Al Davis, "Just Win Baby!" Win and you're in.

Finally, we know that Week 16 in the NFL, will lead to speculations of change, in many organizations. Who will be looking for new coaches? Who will be looking to add players? Who will draft first, in 2015? Will it be the #Raiders? #Buccaneers? Perhaps the #Titans?

Stay Tuned, and watch the playoff picture, and a lot of other NFL questions, come into focus!


#SPzY