THE DOUBLE PLAY HAT TRICK

Wednesday June 19th, 2013
Josh Inglis



Josh Hamilton hit a new low (professionally) Tuesday night as he hit into three double plays, struck out twice and stranded three runners in scoring position over five plate appearances.  Needing only 20 pitches to accomplish this feat also added to the unimpressiveness of the day's performance. 

The Angels could have used some help as they fell to the Mariners 3-2 in 10 innings at home and currently sit 11 games out of first place in the AL West and eight games back of the Wild card.  Their 31-40 record gives them only a 4.5 game lead over the last place Houston Astros.

Having signed a five year $125 million dollar contract  with a no-trade clause back in December the former MVP is currently slashing an anemic .213/.269/.657.  To say Hamilton has disappointed so far would be like saying the New England Patriots could use some tight end help heading into the season. Hamilton, who owns a career .296 AVG, has not seen his average surpass .230 the entire 2013 season.

Check out the 33000 fans react to Hamilton's third double play HERE


Here are some bullet points regarding the uneasiness that has begun Josh Hamilton's Angel's career

• Started the season going 1 for 20 in his first four games
• Is currently striking out in 27 percent of his plate appearances.
• Only had 5 extra-base hits in April.
• Has hit two or more extra-base hits in a game only three times all year. 
• Recorded only 10 multi-hit games over 69 games played.
• From this time last year has hit 12 fewer homeruns and is .117 points below in batting average
• St Louis catcher Yadier Molina is reaching base at 50.9% rate better than Hamilton.
• Currently the owner of a 0.4 WARP (ouch)

Josh Inglis is a former Sunday Sun delivery boy who gets told on a regular basis to shave his moustache. He currently lives in Taiwan with his fiancee and dog.

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HAVE GLOVE NO LOVE

At least he isn't wearing a glove
photo credit : sportspickle.com

Josh Inglis

Wednesday May 29th, 2013

@B2BSJinglis

Here's the disclaimer
Baseball games are meant to be watched. You need to pay attention to every pitch because nobody deserves to be hurt while at a sporting event.  However, by watching the game instead of checking twitter you can decrease your chances of sustaining an injury. 




Here's the scenario;

You and your friends scored some tickets to the game this weekend

Sweet

Ok better make sure you have everything you need before you lock the front door.

Tickets.......check

ID..........check (don't want to be a 30 year old who can't get served alcohol)

Retro team jersey..................check

Ample money for over priced concessions........check

empty bladder.........check

That should be everything right?

Oh, what about that old glove of yours that hasn't seen any action since last summer when you had to play right field on your buddy's mixed slo-pitch team?

Having been replaced in a defensive substitution after you "lost the ball in the sun" during the 5th inning, by a girl nonetheless, was something you were still trying to come to terms with. 

Yeah, you decide you will bring the glove just in case an opportunity presents itself and you can prove to your buddy that you should be on the roster instead of Janet.

Damn you Janet.

Things were going pretty good there until our subject decided to bring his glove to the ball game.  Classic mistake and one that is all too common.

As a man there are a few unwritten rules that other men will judge you by.  Here are some of the more important ones.

• Always pour everyone a glass from a fresh pitcher of beer before your own.
• Make sure you aren't the only guy that didn't buy a round.
• Make sure you have adequate propane for a barbecue and if not, go to any extent in order to get more.
• How you treat your dog.
• Whether or not you bring your baseball glove to a baseball game.

Now before you tell me your exception to the rule lets go over some grey (gray) areas

If your goal is to be THIS GUY then by all means bring your Rawlings to the ball park, but most of us aren't ever going to make it to BP let alone beg players to throw us a ball during warm ups.

If you have tickets in the first row and suffer from a lack of coordination or if you have short arms and wouldn't be able to reach a foul ground ball without the help of a glove then its probably  a good idea. 

If you are taking your young child to the diamond for his or her first game and think by bringing your glove you will be better prepared to save your child's life from a foul liner, maybe you should get higher seats or just not bring your kid.

If you are old enough to vote and do manage to grab a homerun ball you must and I stress must, do an extremely creative dance that makes you look like an adolescent

If you use your glove to save the life of a police officer

If you get your hands on Homerun Derby tickets during All Star weekend for seats in the outfield bleachers, a glove will not be frowned upon.

If you find yourself with outfield seats in the year 2024 and Miguel Cabrera is looking for homerun number 763 then it is also acceptable.




Now I know I just dumped a whole pile of steaming supercilious judgement onto your exciting trip to the stadium , and for that I am truly sorry.  So here is my way of making it up to you.

Here is a list of other possible ways to impress your friends at the game and also justify the fact that you are DVR'ing the game even though you are watching it in person.

• Snatch the fly ball in the Popcorn bag

• The barehanded catch

• The barehanded catch while holding your baby

• The barehanded catch while holding someone else's baby

• The no look catch while talking on your cellphone

• NOT THIS (not bad parenting IMO just bad catching)

• Dans votre chapeau

• Lift your child to dangerous heights to cover more ground (child's glove is mandatory)

• Attempt to grab the ball with your eggs

• Attempt to catch the ball in your $15 beer

Here are the best of the best.  Consider these and adjust your rankings accordingly.  There are some sweet gloved grabs in this video just to prove I don't discriminate.  However you have to admit that the gloveless grabs are a step above the rest.

Josh Inglis is an asthmatic adult who still giggles when someone says the word bird.  He currently lives in Taiwan with his fiance and his dog Tupac.

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2013 NFL ROOKIE RUNNING BACK RANKINGS

photo credit: isportsweb.com

Josh Inglis
Thursday, May 23rd 2013
@B2BSJinglis


26 Running backs were chosen this year at the 2013 NFL draft. The difference between the first player selected (Giovani Bernard 37th) and the last player (Michael Cox 253rd) is very obvious. Bernard is expected to be in a time share for Cincinnati this year and he projects to take over in 2014 and Cox projects to be a practice squad attendee.  There are chances, all be them small ones,  to find fantasy production even in the later rounds of the draft.  Just because you don't have a top pick doesn't mean you can't find a running back that will give you a top 24 return.

In 2012 Alfred Morris was taken in the 6th round by the Redskins. Then back track all the way to 2007 and Ahmad Bradshaw was the last running back taken at pick 250.

Alright I am going to confess something to you.  I thought I would have been able to find more talented running backs that were drafted late to help prove my point but I seem to have been mistaken. That blew up in my face somewhat and I am too proud to delete those last sentences.  So let's change our point of view here.

Take two.

It's important to hit on the talented backs that were drafted in the early and mid-rounds in order to add to your fantasy roster.  Yes,  I am aware that Arian Foster was undrafted but if your plan is to find the next Foster well that's just wishful thinking.

The theme in this year's draft seems to be that the more talented runners have landed in crowded back fields while the mediocre talents have an easier chance at getting the ball. The rankings are based on how I would choose my players in a rookie only draft.   Read it, dissect it, argue it or forget about it. It's your choice.

Rookie Quarterback Rankings HERE

*the numbers inside the parenthesis represent the players' current ADP (Average Draft Position)

(rookie draft ADP/ Dynasty Start Up ADP/ Redraft ADP)

TIER 1
 

1. Le’Veon Bell PIT (4.9/15.7/111)

Bell might not be the most talented back in this year's draft class, but his situation couldn't be more ideal for his owners. The 6'1'' 244 ilbs bowling ball from Michigan State has already been praised by Steelers' OC Todd Haley,  "..He looks like a workhorse back. He's not a guy that you'd shy away from giving it to him 30 times a game"

It's not too often you can draft a guaranteed three down back in today's NFL but the Steelers' second round pick in 2013 is the exception.  Bell has sticky hands for a man of his size.  He caught 67 balls for 434 yards in his final two years at Michigan State.  He isn't going to put up Doug Martin numbers in year one but he shouldn't have a problem totaling 1400 yards and scoring 8 to 10 times.

There isn't a safer pick at the running back position in this draft. I like Bell as a legit RB2 this year with the chance of punching into the top 12 for 2014.  With a great opportunity, an offensive system that suits his physical traits and having a coaching staff that is confident in his ability to lead the Steelers' running game, Le'Veon Bell is my number one running back in rookie drafts.
 

2. Giovani Bernard CIN (4.4/14/80)

Bernard may be in a complementary role in his first season in Cincinnati, but he has far more talent and athleticism than Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis.  However, being fed a "steady amount of screen passes" in rookie minicamp the Bengals want to get the UNC draft pick in open space and let him use his elite skills to create plays.

Bernard will most likely cede goal line carries as long as the Lawfirm is in the picture but should push him for the majority of the carries at some point in 2013.  It's very probable that this time next year we could be arguing who is a better RB1, Giovani Bernard or Matt Forte. 

If you are an owner of BJGE and have a top 3 pick, let's hope you can land Bernard.  The 37th pick in 2013 should be the man in Cincinnati for the next 5 years and if you want to own a piece of Giovani I suggest you buy him now before he impresses the fantasy community too much and it costs you more than a first rounder in order to land him. 
 

3. Montee Ball DEN (5.4/ 15.9/96)

With the possibility of starting week one for an extremely talented Bronco's offense, Ball's price is well worth it.  At first look the Denver backfield looks crowded,  but the Denver Post is reporting that the Bronco's will most likely release Willis McGahee due to his age and cost.  This move will create the opportunity to have Ball as the lead back and Ronnie Hillman as the change of pace runner.

Head coach John Fox has a reputation for not trusting rookies with the ball, but with the Wisconsin workhorse only fumbling twice in 924 college carries and being able to pass protect, Montee Ball is far ahead of most NFL rookie running backs in terms of pro readiness. He also holds the record for most all purpose touchdowns in the NCAA.

Ball is a high upside RB2 in all formats, but I can't blame an owner for drafting, Lacy, Bell or Bernard due to Ball's high mileage (almost 1000 college carries).
 

4. Eddie Lacy GB (4.8/15 /62)

Viewed by many as the top back in this year's draft, Lacy fell to the end of the second round due to the fact that teams were worried about his injury history and that he has a "fused" big toe.  Lacy is looking to prove the doubters wrong this year as he will be handed the keys to the back field in Green Bay. 

Green Bay scored the 5th most points in the NFL in 2012 while only averaging 106 rushing yards a game, good for 20th in the league. Lacy should have no problem staying in front of fellow rookie Johnathan Franklin and DuJuan Harris and is a good bet to reach 1000 yards on the ground and find the end zone possibly 8-12 times.

Lacy will be a great RB2 in year one. He is currently coming off the board as RB24 in redrafts and is being drafted, on average, as the 10th running back in dynasty start ups. Needless to say, many others also see Lacy as a future RB1. Owners of the 61st overall pick should check in on the prices of Franklin and Harris throughout the year.  If Lacy is dominating touches early in the year maybe offering a Franklin owner a 3rd round and/or a late pick for Harris is  a good idea.  I would be very happy owning the backfield of an offense as potent as Green Bay's.

TIER 2

5. Zac Stacy STL (19/35/153)

Now that Steven Jackson has departed St Louis, the running back picture has become quite murky. At the top of the ugliness are second year players Isiah Pead and Daryl Richardson. Pead has only 10 professional carries to his name and Richardson averaged 4.8 YPC on 98 carries in 2012. With only two years of NFL experience between the three players expect the back that does the best in pass protection to carve out the larger role.

Having already played in the SEC, the most difficult division in the NCAA, scouts have said that Stacy has Trent Richardson (5'11'' 224 ilbs) power in his "petit" 5'8'' 210 ilbs frame (check out that French masculine noun conjugation). He led the SEC in YPC in 2011 (5.94) ahead of Trent Richardson, Vick Ballard and Marcus Lattimore. The 160th overall pick in this year's draft is a tackle braking machine that has great vision but also has the strength to move piles. He has a real chance to be the Rams' starter at some point this year and should be a solid fantasy option in years ahead. Stacy should be a decent RB2 in 2014 with the young Rams' offense beginning to establish an identity.

6. Johnathan Franklin GB (13.8/27.3 /138)

One of the more talked about backs in this tier, Franklin could be fantasy gold or just an Eddie Lacy back up depending on who you ask. The ideal situation would be to get both of these backs, but with their ADPs in rookie drafts too near each other it looks like the only way you could accomplish that would be through a trade.

Franklin doesn't project to be an every down runner but could earn the third down role in Green Bay. He might also be the primary return man as Randall Cobb concentrates on his receiving duties.

With so many targets in the Packers' passing game and a world class quarterback don't expect Franklin to be checked down to as often as other 3rd down running backs. An easy comparison would be to Atlanta's Jacquizz Rodgers. For me, however,  the inconsistencies of a pass catching running back are too much too handle, even in PPR formats.

Lacy won't fall out of the top 7 picks and Franklin shouldn't drop out of the top 15 picks.  Honestly I would rather have Lacy at 7 than Franklin at 15. I'd prefer Zac Stacy over  Franklin but I sometimes drink too much. If Lacy is injured at all this year you should be able to trade the former Bruin for a high first round pick, a top RB2 or a low end WR1.
 

7.  Christine Michael SEA (23/37/179)

Size (5'10''), speed (4.54 forty), elusiveness, power, explosion and said to have the most talent at the running back position in this year's draft, Christine Michael is a very popular "sleeper" pick. If, it wasn't for character concerns (he did miss two interviews at the combine due to his NyQuil ingestion) he would have gone higher than the 62nd pick.

You are going to need to have a bench spot reserved for the former Aggie as Michael isn't expected to pass second year man Robert Turbin anytime soon due to the fact he can't hold his own in pass protection. If you have room on your bench to roster the Texas A&M star for the 2013 season, than the rewards for 2014 could be astronomical. He could absolutely dominate at the NFL level but he is going to have to work hard, stay out of trouble and wait patiently for his chance.

8. Marcus Lattimore SF (13.2/27.6/154)

Here is a quick rundown on Lattimore's injury history.  He suffered an ACL tear in his left knee in 2011.  He returned in 2012, a few steps slower, only to tear his right ACL, PCL and LCL in what might be the second hardest injury to watch next to Kevin Ware's leg break at the NCAA tournament this year.

Selected by the 49'ers in the 5th round of this year's draft, Lattimore will almost certainly red shirt for the entire year.  This means if you draft him in fantasy you are going to need a bench spot or an IR spot available for the whole season.  With plenty of bodies in the San Fransisco running back depth chart (Gore, Hunter, James and Dixon) the Niners will be able to bring the former Gamecock along as slowly as they please. This situation does not excite me in the least.

My opinion is that an athlete may find it difficult to return to football after almost having their leg separated from his knee joint, let alone compete at the highest level .  Call me crazy but I will not be spending a high draft pick on a player with Lattimores's injury history.

TIER 3
 

9.  Denard Robinson JAC (41/54/203)
*ranked as a WR in most formats

If you saw "shoelace" over his 4 year career at Michigan then you know this man has serious skills. He has 4.43 speed and understands football from a quarterback's point of view. Jacksonville GM Dave Caldwell says the Jaguars intend to give the former Wolverine 10 to 15 touches a game on top of returning duties. The coaching staff is willing to find ways to put the ball in his hands as they have already lined him up in the backfield at running back, as a wide receiver and under center in a wild cat package during rookie minicamp.

With MJD entering a contract year and coming off Lisfranc surgery, the 135th pick in this year's draft looks like Jones' preferred handcuff going into training camp. There is a high ceiling with this choice and with an organization starved for game changing talent Denard Robinson should receive plenty of chances to reward his fantasy owners in year one and beyond.  He is a smart pick in the bottom half of the running back ranks.

10.  Latavius Murray OAK  (48/57/213) 

Sometimes you have to choose opportunity over talent. I'm not saying Murray isn't talented, he did run a 4.38 forty at 6'2'' and 223 ilbs, but the chance to start is worth the prospective add.

I have been on both sides of the Darren Mcfadden argument. I had him in 2010 for the 1600 plus yards from scrimmage and 10 total TDs. I also had him last year where he averaged 18 carries a game for an embarrassing 3.3 YPC over a 12 game span. I will never target him until he proves he can do something to make me forget about the misery. Run DMC has only played in 71.25 % of his games over the course of his 5 year professional career.

With Mcfadden's constant absence, my money is on someone other than him starting at least one game this year for the silver and black. The Raiders' depth chart currently reads:

1. Darren Mcfadden
2. Rashad Jennings
3. Latavius Murray

I'm choosing the rookie Murray to be DMC's primary backup and potential spot starter for year one. Who knows how the season ends up, but with DMC in a contract year anything could happen. The best case scenario for a  Murray owner is that he is starting in Oakland in 2014. You can't make those claims for other running backs being drafted this late.

11.  Andre Ellington ARI (34/48/177)

Although Arizona drafted Ellington 47 picks after Stepfan Taylor its Ellington who holds the most value in fantasy. Ranked as the 3rd highest running back in the draft by rotoworld's Josh Norris, the Clemson product is dangerous in the open field and offers big play ability which can't be said about the other running backs ahead of him on the depth chart.

The Cardinals O-line was the worst in football last year and it doesn't project to be any better this year, but this is a rookie draft and tangibles like O-line strength and depth chart rankings shouldn't be the main reasons why you don't select the most talented player available. Ellington was drafted at 3.05 in my rookie draft between Latavius Murray (3.03) and Joseph Randle (3.08). This is a case of talent over situation. He could see touches this year but it may take until the second half of the season. Keep an eye on him during training camp and throughout the season if he goes undrafted in your league.

12.  Mike Gillislee MIA (37/49/191)

Much like Knile Davis' situation in Kansas City, Gillislee has the chance to be the immediate back up going into training camp.  Daniel Thomas has averaged under 3.6 YPC over a large 256 carry sample size in two disappointing seasons for the fish. Thomas could lose his current backup role with a solid showing in camp by the rookie from Florida. 

With Lamar Miller having only carried the ball 51 times in his professional career, Mike Gillislee deserves a flier pick just based on Miami's uncertainty at the position.  The 164th pick in this year's draft, Gillislee has a better opportunity than most but lacks the overall skill set that will make him a fantasy commodity, but being able to pass protect as a rookie will go a long way in cementing his role as the number two running back for the Dolphins.

I like this pick as a Lamar Miller owner, or as a chance to start building the Miami backfield cheaply. I recently drafted Gillislee in my 53 man Dynasty league with pick 4.03.  Just after Denard Robinson and 7 picks before Knile Davis.  Hopefully Lamar Miller comes out flat and we can buy him on the cheap and monopolize the dolphins' running game.

13.  Joseph Randle DAL (27/45/178)

Already on the shelf due to a recent thumb surgery, Randle is another mediocre talent in a promising opportunity. Owner Jerry Jones expects him to be the primary backup for the brittle DeMarco Murray but with his inability to pass protect and having constantly seen soft defenses while at Oklahoma Ol' Jerry needs to think this one over.

Demarco Murray owners need to invest here but I feel that Randle is going too high to justify the pick. Maybe the Murray owners need to trade with the Randle owners while DeMarco Murray's stock is high (RB13 ADP in redraft)

TIER 4

14.  Stepfan Taylor ARI (40.8/53/181)

Taylor's 4.76 forty timed ranked him 27th or 33 running backs at the combine. Arizona has three other more talented runners on the roster including projected starter Rashard Mendenhall, second year man Ryan Williams and fellow rookie Andre Ellington.  To make matters worse, Arizona's offensive line is projected to be ranked 31st of 32 NFL teams by Evan Silva of rotoworld.

New coach Bruce Arians has already said he "doesn't prefer a running back by committee." and he also added he "likes guys who can play every down". If these things are true it could be very difficult for Taylor to show that he deserves a piece of the backfield pie. Being slow and buried on the depth chart are obvious reasons to look elsewhere. The ceiling is not very high on this pick and when you are choosing talent this late you should be looking for someone with high upside. That isn't Taylor.

15.  Knile Davis KCC (40.6/54.5/193)

This from an NFL scout about Knile Davis after his combine.

"He's so soft and timid. I've never seen a guy fumble like him where people just breathe on him and he drops the ball. Doesn't play to that timed speed at all (4.37). You think injuries have taken their toll, but he can still run fast so it's nothing to do with injury. On the field he just doesn't have it."

Davis also missed the entire 2011 season with a fractured ankle and then only carried the ball 112 times the following season in 2012.

Now for the good news. At 5'10'' 227 ilbs and an unofficial 4.30, the former Arkansas running back measures very well. His situation is more than ideal as he has the chance to be the immediate back up to Jamaal Charles with only herniated Shaun Draughn and 2nd year runner Cyrus Gray to beat out.

Davis has decent value as trade bait to a Charles owner but other than that he doesn't project well in the NFL. Draft him and then trade him before people realize he is only slightly better than Jackie Battle.

 

16.  Chris Thompson WAS (65/61/NA)
 

Projected as a change of pace back at best, the 5'7'' 192 ilbs fourth round draft pick is coming off an October ACL tear that makes his attendance for the start of training camp questionable. Washington Redskins coach  Mike Shanahan thinks Thompson is a first or second round talent but due to his injury, teams decided to pass on the Florida State Graduate. If the ACL tear doesn't scare you, how about a broken back in 2011?  Also he probably needs to beat out 2011 4th round Roy Helu Jr. just to secure a roster spot. Chris Thompson looks like a long shot to produce fantasy numbers in any format.  He currently went undrafted in my 12 team 53 man roster rookie draft.  But hey, Mike Shanahan has made magic happen before.  

17.  Kenjon Barner CAR (50/60/218)
 

The 182nd overall pick taken out of Oregon was added to the Panthers' mess of a backfield.  Both Jonathan Stewert and DeAngelo Williams have restructured their contracts in order to stay on the squad. 

With Wiliams entering his age 30 season and Stewart coming off a miserable and injured 2012, Kenjon Barner projects to be a third down back in the NFL at best.  He sits at 5'9'' and is currently under 200 ilbs. He might not see the field in year one due to depth problems.    

18.  Spencer Ware SEA (56/71/NA)
 

A big man at 5'10'' and 218 ilbs the Seahawks plan to use their sixth-round pick at full back and maybe short yardage.  Ware is buried heavily in the 'Hawks' depth chart.  He is behind Lynch, Turbin and fellow rookie Christine Michael at running back and he is even behind 2011 pro bowler Michael Robinson at full back.

Spencer Ware should not be owned even in NFC-only leagues.

Josh Inglis  teaches young children and has recently just realized that he doesn't have gap power at the plate.  He blogs and operates backtobacksports.com.  He currently lives in Taiwan.

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2013 NFL ROOKIE QUARTERBACK RANKINGS

bigcatcountry.com

Tyler Wilson has a chance to outperform the competition in 2013

Josh Inglis

Saturday May 18, 2018

@B2BSJinglis

The 2013 QB draft class is a sad group of individuals. It’s so sad that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback coach Frank Scelfo has said that Blaine Gabbert would be the first quarterback chosen if he were in the draft this year.

There might not be a week one starter in the whole lot.  If you expected to find your franchise quarterback in this year’s group then you didn’t do your homework.

Just because there is no top end talent like RG3 or Andrew Luck, doesn’t mean that there aren’t players on this list that can’t improve your fake teams.  There might even be one or two in the group that make a significant fantasy impact down the road.  So without further adieu I present my 2013 QB Rookie Rankings.

*the numbers inside the parenthesis represent the players current ADP (Average Draft Position)

(rookie draft ADP/ Dynasty Start Up ADP/ Redraft ADP)

Quarterbacks

TIER 1
 

1. EJ Manuel BUF (20/31/174)

There’s a lot to like about EJ in Buffalo. He has a new coach who can tailor an offensive system around the strengths of his players (hello option?), the support of his GM to start in week 1, CJ spiller, 3 time 1000 yard receiver Stevie Johnson and a plethora of young receiving talent that includes USC standout Robert Woods. Before we get ahead of ourselves let’s remember that this man is a serious project and might be watching Kevin Kolb run the offense come September.  New coach Doug Marrone has already pointed out that Manuel needs to work on his footwork and mechanics.  We haven’t even seen him in a collapsing pocket yet.

On the plus side I like the fact that he is starting to build chemistry with his fellow rookie receivers Woods, Goodwin and Rogers at rookie camp.  This receiving core could surprise people this year and looking ahead, Manuel might have the ability to throw to two 1000 yard receivers in the same year.

He was ranked the 6^th quarterback by Scouts Inc before the draft. The Bills cited his deep accuracy (49.2 percent of passes over 20 yards in 2012) and his ability to make plays with his arm while on the run (55.8 percent completion while on the move in 2013) as reasons for taking the former Seminole with the 16^th overall pick. They believe that he can be their franchise quarterback. 

I like him as a QB 3 with great upside or a low end QB 2 in dynasty formats and will let someone else take him in a redraft.  This is not 2012 people. Don’t over value new quarterbacks because of the ridiculousness that happened last year (RG3, Luck, Wilson and Tannehill).

If he falls to you late in your rookie draft take a shot on him and maybe this year or next year, you can swap him for a higher pick or a better starter. I like him in the third round of a rookie draft.

2. Geno Smith NYJ (22/34/180)

On paper Smith looks like a bargain at 39^th overall.

2012 stats

71.2 completion percentage,

42:6 TD:INT ratio

Led the nation in passing TDs with 42

Was sacked only 19 times in 13 games

So why wasn’t Geno selected earlier? Because apparently, “he fails to realize he doesn’t know everything”

When I think of Geno I think of Willie Beaman from Any Given Sunday. 

My name is Geno…………..Smith ya

I keep the ladies ………in bliss ya

And all my fans……………big ups ya

You gunna defeat me?...........Mark Sanchez

With reports out that describe Smith as being a “Diva”, “a spoiled pampered brat” and having trouble “in working through adversity” I say good luck to you in New York.  This one could end badly. How Tim Tebow made it out of New York alive is beyond me. That media is relentless.

It’s as simple as winning though.  If Mark Sanchez is released and the starting gig is handed to Geno, no one is going to care about his attitude if he is winning ball games. He will have every chance to show he deserved to be the 2^nd quarterback taken in the draft. 

He has the most talent out of the 2013 QB class and could put up decent fantasy production, but looking at his supporting cast (Ivory, Holmes, Hill, Kerley) his upside is limited.  He will not be a top 10 quarterback this year and maybe never.  Also, like Manuel, feel free to draft him with a future plan to turn him into something more than you originally invested.

TIER 2

3.  Tyler Wilson OAK (46/67/230)

This is one of my favorite quarterbacks in the draft.  I’m more in love with his opportunity and toughness than his above average skill set.  Coaches love tough quarterbacks and Wilson was the toughest in the draft.  If you can’t stand in the pocket or move around and step up, you are not going to make it in the NFL (hello Blaine Gabbert). Reports are out that he has looked good at minicamp. Wilson has a chance to unseat Matt Flynn and start in week 1. 

Anytime you hear the word gunslinger associated with a quarterback, there are obvious fantasy rewards to be had. Wilson may never be a top 8 QB, but he could surprise many this year and produce fantasy numbers similar to Ben Roethlisberger or Carson Palmer in 2012.  He has enough weapons in Oak to put up 25 TD seasons and maybe go for 3800 plus yards. It may not happen this year, but sometime in the near future is a possibility. Keep an eye on Tyler Wilson during OTAs and the preseason.

4.  Zac Dysert DEN (58/181/NA)

A top 3 quarterback in some circles, Dysert fell all the way to the 234^th pick in this year’s draft. The former ReHawk has a big arm and stands firm in the pocket. He could push for number 2 duties behind Peyton Manning if he can pass second year man Brock Osweiler (also someone to watch). The backup spot behind an aging and brittle quarterback and on a team as loaded offensively as the Broncos are exciting tangibles.  Dysert is a good dynasty draft pick because he realistically has a chance to lead a top 3 offense.  Manning owners need to invest and also people with quarterback youth and depth problems should jump on board.  It may take a year or two but the return on Dysert could be very profitable.

5.  Mike Glennon TB (54/73/NA)

Glennon stands at 6’7’’and has a powerful arm that is also accurate.  Ron Jaworski says he is “built like an oak tree”.  It’s also no secret that Tampa Bay is not very high on Josh Freeman and Dan Orlovsky (both only have one year left on their contracts). It’s somewhat possible that Glennon could be starting for the Bucs in 2014. 

Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams give the 73^rd overall pick lots of potent weapons to choose from.  The man who filled Russell Wilson’s shoes at North Carolina State is worth holding onto for a year because he might be starting in week 1 in 2014.  Glennon is a smart pick late in rookie drafts and dynasty start up drafts and has a very similar situation to Zach Dysert in Denver.  Use the wait and see approach here as the return could be exponential. Think Russell Wilson.

6.  Matt Barkley PHI (37/52/209)

When NFL guru Greg Cosell says that Mark Sanchez was a better prospect coming out of USC than Barkley, immediately his career might be in trouble.  Barkley has great grades on accuracy, intelligence and leadership but has a girl’s arm when it comes to throwing deep balls or passes outside the numbers. Guys who can’t throw deep in the NFL usually don’t project well statistically but can still win ball games.  Just ask Andy Dalton. Luckily for him however, Chip Kelly’s offense calls for short quick accurate passes and with Michael Vick holding the ball for too long, the USC grad might get a shot in the new system down the road. 

This guy is not going to lead you to any fantasy championships but you might be able to trade him to a Michael Vick owner.

TIER 3

 

7.  Ryan Nassib NYG (56/89/208)

“Borderline starting talent”, comparisons to Andy Dalton and mediocre arm strength mean one thing in the fantasy world, irrelevance. If his own College coach didn’t want to take him neither should you.  If you feel that Eli Manning needs a hand cuff, by all means take the man.  I prefer Wilson.

8.  Tyler Bray KCC (65/79/NA)

Undrafted due to maturity problems, Bray projects as a developmental third quarterback on the Chiefs.  Bray even went undrafted in the Bray Family Football Dynasty League.

This quarterback draft class is getting depressing and we are still not at the bottom.

9.  Landry Jones PIT (69/80/NA)

Could see time if Ben goes down but does not have the talent to push for the starting position.  He is only a Big Ben hand cuff at best. Not even tradable and shouldn’t be drafted even in 53 man roster leagues.

TIER 4
 

10.  Matt Scott JAC(72/67/NA)

Undrafted in the NFL and should be undrafted in all formats of Fantasy Football, unless you are trying to assemble the entire Jaguars offense.  If that’s the case, don’t forget to take back up FB and former ATL no. 3 quarterback Will Ta’ufo’ou.

Josh Inglis is on the wrong side of 30. He wishes he was 6 inches taller and had hair he could comb.  He writes and operates backtobacksports.com. He currently lives in Taiwan.

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GAME 7 "HEROICS"

yowmingchen on youtube

Josh Inglis
Friday, May 17 2013
@B2BSJinglis

As a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, it's been a tough past week.  I haven't really talked about it.  I have, however been trying to find something that can make the hurting stop.

After posting the last home run fail by 朱鴻森 I was told about more greatness from the same source. 

This time back track to the year 2009, game 7 of the CPBL Championships.

Here is the run down

With his team down by three in the top of the eighth and looking at a 1 and 2 count, Mr.朱 took a little too much time practicing his cut outside the box and the home plate umpire said "play ball" (or some equivalent in  Mandarin).  Let's just say 朱鴻森 wasn't quite ready for the pitch.




I have also been told that Mr. 朱 was later kicked off the team. 
The reason for the banishment explained by my fiance (she's local)

"Because the bad people tell him to lose the game. It's illegal in Taiwan.  You don't know?"

Apparently there was a bad game fixing scandal that rocked the 4 team league and almost caused the it to fold.  It really looks like he could have found a better way to throw a game, but that's just me.

Thanks again to Andy Shen for his great memory

Josh Inglis is a bald 30 year old man who hit his first home run at the age of 28.  He is currently in his prime.

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Drive for Show Putt for Dough

photo courtesy of willowgolf.com.au

Josh Inglis
Saturday April 27th 2013

I love golf.  I have loved golf since I was a pre-pubescent Cleveland Indians fan.  From my Nana's living room or patio I could watch players attempt the 186 yard 12th hole par three on the Georgetown golf course.  Then after twilight, I could  go and try my own luck with the hole or just walk the course and find balls.  I never had the money to be part of the clubhouse elite, but I would use my paper route money as a kid to go shoot a round or three throughout the summer months. 

I guess it was around the time I was a teenager I found out just how God Damn difficult and frustrating the game of golf can be.  Even today, I still have no problems putting the ball 50 plus times a round.  That's a smooth 2.8 putts per hole. Fairways no problem.  You can upgrade your driver to hit the ball more accurately off the tee, but you can't buy a putter to help you drop those stupid 4 to 6 footers.

Here's an example, I was golfing with some good friends whose handicaps are around 13 to 18.  I was also golfing with my buddy Jake who went to school on a golf scholarship.  Off the tee he was long but inconsistent so I just assumed our scores would be a little similar as I was hitting the fairway.  Never really paying much attention to his strokes around, and on the green.  Back at the clubhouse I was embarrassed to see that he had beaten me by something like 17 strokes.  I asked how he had managed that? He replied "Drive for show putt for dough."

You need to putt well to win.  This isn't breaking news.  But I was curious to see just how well the top golfers, on tour, are at putting.  I wasn't expecting to see the top 10 players all inside the top 25 in putting but I also wasn't expecting to see how inconsistent other areas of their games were.  

Below you will find stats I found at pgatour.com.  Also, I have added Body Mass Index (BMI) just for my own amusement.  I know there are many problems with BMI but with only height and weight at my disposal I didn't really have the ability to give these guys a full body analysis (probably could have worded that last sentence better).  I only did the top ten players because, truthfully, I don't want to do more.  It's early in the season but Snedeker has already played 31 rounds of golf.  I wont play 31 rounds in the next 5 years. I think that's enough of a population to analyze.

DD= driving distance
DA% = driving accuracy
GIR% = greens in regulation percentage
SGP = strokes gained - putting
BMI = body mass index

the numbers are the rankings vs all the other players on tour

'Strokes Gained-Putting measures a players performance relative to his fellow competitors in a given tournament. This analysis offers the most accurate portrayal of a player's overall putting performance'

http://www.pgatour.com/stats/academicdata/shotlink.html


Tiger Woods 6'1" 185 ilbs  BMI= 24.1  
 DD = 30th  DA% = 152nd  GIR% = 59th  SGP = 1st
FedEx Cup rank = 1 st

Brandt Snedeker  6'1" 185 ilbs   BMI= 24.1 
DD = 143rd  DA% = 11th  GIR% = 9th  SGP  = 25th 
FedEx Cup rank = 2nd 

Matt Kuchar 6'5" 195 ilbs  BMI= 23.1
DD = 129th   DA% = 137th  GIR% = 104th  SGP  = 36th
FedEx Cup rank = 3rd 

Kevin Streelman 5'10" 175ilbs  BMI = 25.1
 DD =  79th   DA% = 20th   GIR% =  40th  SGP = 43rd
Fed Ex Cup rank = 4th

Adam Scott  6'0" 180 ilbs  BMI= 24.1
DD = 8th   DA% = 153rd  GIR% =  70th  SGP = 77th
FedEx Cup rank = 5th

Graeme McDowell 5'11'' 168 ilbs   BMI= 23.4
DD = 152nd   DA% = 8th  GIR% = 161st  SGP  =9th
FedEx Cup rank = 6th

Phil Mickelson  6'3'' 200ilbs  BMI=  25
DD = 62nd  DA% = 160th  GIR% =  20th SGP  = 46th
FedEx Cup rank = 7th

Dustin Johnson  6'4" 190 ilbs  BMI = 23.1  
DD = 5th   DA% = 182nd  GIR% = 43rd  SGP  = 33rd
FedEx Cup rank 8th

Steve Stricker 6' 0" 190ilbs    BMI = 25.8
DD =  151st   DA% = 17th  GIR% = 2nd  SGP  =  12th
FedEx Cup rank 9th 

Russell Henley  6'0" 180 ilbs   BMI = 24.1
DD =  62nd   DA% = 39th  GIR% =  69th  SGP  = 18th
FedEx Cup rank 10th

Ok, lets see what we can get from this information

• BMI ranges from 23.1 to 25.8 (Stricker pushing the scales) proving you should be in somewhat good shape to compete in a professional sport.  I know earth shattering stuff.
• DD- Driving distance ranges from 5th overall (Johnson) to 152nd overall (McDowell) giving a 147 position ranking difference within the best golfers.  I guess driving distance doesn't make a whole lot of difference in the long run.
• DA% - Driving accuracy percentage has a low of 11th (Snedeker) and a high of 182nd (Johnson).  That's 171 position difference in rankings.  Woods is the number one golfer in the world and he hits the fairways at a 55.71% clip. Also, Johnson is the fifth longest player, on average, off the tee at 302.8 but only hits 49.51% of his fairways.  Driving accuracy, arguably, might be the least important of these stats in order to be successful.
• GIR% - Greens in regulation percentage goes as low as 2nd overall  (Stricker) to a high of 161 overall (McDowell)  158 position differences.  Seems as "important" as driving distance.
• SGP - Strokes gained - putting. Currently the best player on tour leads everyone in this category ranking 1st overall.  The worst in this group is Adam Scott at 77th overall. Giving a difference of 76 ranks.  Also if we take Scott out of the ranks, the next person with the worst SGP is Mickelson at at 46th overall creating a difference of only 45 ranks.  

Basically all the information above tells us what we already knew.  You need to putt well in order to get the CREAM. However I was very surprised to see how poorly some golfers were in other important categories like hitting a ball far onto the fairway from the tee.  

Nobody gets excited when you make 5 footers. Nike isn't going to make a commercial featuring people making gimmes. I would still rather crush a ball from the blocks for 300 plus yards than be consistent at short putts.  I guess there in lies the reason I have never been or maybe will never be, a good golfer. But man......nothing beats golf.

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