tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40917587469315724252023-11-15T23:11:29.256-08:00Max2theMaxMax O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-60000566659225694182014-12-31T18:24:00.002-08:002014-12-31T18:27:52.054-08:00The Best and Worst Movies of 2014 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Top 5 Movies of 2014 that I have seen obviously</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u>The </u></b></span></span></span><b><u>Imitation Game</u></b>- This movie was great. I usually
don't like "talking" movies but this movie, was fantastic. Benedict
Cumberbatch was great as Alan Turing, you could see Turing's struggles to first
break the enigma code and then deal with his sexuality being discovered and the
problems that stemmed from that.It was also very interesting, to find out why
the machine was called Christopher, stemming from his childhood crush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cumberbatch was not the only good actor in
this movie. I thought that his "wife" Joan Clarke, played by Keira
Knightly also put in a great performance, she was sympathetic with him when he
was discovered as being gay, she did not abandon him in that hard time. The
crossword puzzle scene with Keira Knigthly is one of the best scenes of the
year. I don't know who the child actor was who played Alan Turing as a kid but
he was also great, you could see and sort of relate to the struggle of him
being different and falling in love with his friend Christopher who was the
only one who was nice to him. Alan Leech the actor that played John Carincross,
hid the fact that he was a spy so well for the entire movie, you would think he
could actually be a spy in real life, if he quit acting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">2. </span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Guardians of the Galaxy</u></b>- Marvel Can’t Fail. This
movie had characters that I did not know much about but are household names
now. Prior to the movie I was interested to see how Vin Diesel would take 3
words, “I am Groot” to mean the billions of words in the English language to
put into a sentence. Bradley Cooper also did a phenomenal job tip toeing the
line for Rocket. Rocket is a type of character that if Bradley Cooper screwed
it up and made Rocket too much of a cheesy cartoon character, the movie would
have tremendously suffered, but Bradley Cooper made Rocket, funny but also a
deeper character than just laughs. I don’t watch Parks and Rec, so I did not
know about Chris Pratt, before this role. Chris Pratt was awesome as, Peter
Quill/Starlord. Pratt made this role his own; he got into great shape and
brought humor that tremendously helped the movie. Zoe Saldana is better green
than blue, fact. She brought a level of female badassness (just made up a word,
I don’t care) that the movie needed, in a world really full of men dominating
the movie. Dave Bautista is a wrestler that’s all I knew him from prior to this
movie. I knew since he was a WWE Superstar, he would be fine in the action
scenes because that’s his job to act fighting in the WWE. However, like the
rest of his cast mates he can act and was funny. He can act, unlike some other
WWE superstars in the past, and he seems like a smart, good guy. The soundtrack
is one of the best in the last decade of movies. I constantly listen to it. The
after credits scene is not the coolest but it is far and away the most
entertaining after credits scene Marvel has ever done. Peter Serafinowicz’s
line, “What a bunch of a-holes” is easily one of the best lines of 2014, for
the pure delivery of it and the humor behind it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dancing Baby Groot is also really awesome!! I must have seen this movie 4 or 5 times after it came out in theaters. </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">3. </span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u>
</u></b></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>22 Jump Street-</u></b> I loved the first one, 21 Jump
Street, and everybody knows comedy sequels are hard to get right, well Jonah
Hill, Channing Tatum and the rest of the cast got this one right. This movie
was hilarious, the plot was completely different than 21 Jump Street, which
some comedy sequels struggle with. The dynamic that Channing Tatum and Jonah
Hill have with each other, is part of why these movies are so great. The movie
is just a laugh fest from start to finish. They stay current with the current
trends, in the clothing, something most movies don’t, wearing a Odd Future
sweatshirt at one point. Ice Cube is also pretty funny in this movie, his
office being shaped like an ice cube, was pretty funny. The “My name Jeff” line
starts the movie off on the right foot, that it keeps walking on until the end.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">4.</span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Captain America: The Winter Soldier-</u></b> Marvel
again hits the right notes throughout this movie. This movie differed
tremendously from Guardians of the Galaxy, which was great, because it was
funny but also had good action. This was an action movie more than a comedy
with action. Chris Pine, as he was in the previous Captain America film was great.
The entire cast was great. Since I was little kid, I loved Falcon as a
character, so to see him being brought to the big screen made me ecstatic,
especially when Anthony Mackie did a great job with the character. Sebastian
Stan also did a great job, as The Winter Soldier. Marvel can do political
thrillers as well as action movies that’s what this movie showed. As Marvel
always does, with everything being connected the events of this movie happen in
the same universe as every other movie/tv show in the Marvel universe to create
one big fantastic universe. Robert Redford was really evil but played the
character of Alexander Pierce, fantastically. I enjoyed seeing GSP or George
St.Pierre one of the best UFC fighters ever, play Batroc the Leaper. The scene
on the boat with GSP and Chris Pine was a great fight scene that I’m sure they
practiced a lot. Hailey Atwell was great as Sharon Carter, which even builds
the excitement towards Agent Carter the upcoming tv show on ABC about Sharon
Carter. Frank Grillo was really cool then he was really bad and in the future
as the bad guy Cross Bones, he will be really deadly and slightly scary, which
I can’t wait for. Standard Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Fury was a great
character in this movie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Million Dollar Arm</u></b>- I liked this movie, because
the two pitchers were relatable, thanks to good acting. Jon Hamm was pretty
good, relatable as a man that is struggling with his business, and finds a
solution in a foreign land. It is a sports movie, which I love. I liked Lake Bell’s
performance as Jon Hamm’s neighbor and friend. The fact that it was a true
story was very interesting and made me search for their stories, with the
person I saw the movie with after the movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Top 4 Worst Movies of 2014 </u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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</u></b></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>The Theory of Everything</u></b>- This movie really
sucked. It was insanely boring. The acting was not laughable but it was not as
good as some other movies this year. The plot was boring. Why make a movie
about Stephen Hawking? I can summarize the entire movie in one sentence, Steven
Hawking is a really smart college kid, he goes to a lecture that changes life,
he gets ALS, he marries his girlfriend, he does a lot of research, makes
scientific breakthroughs, he writes a famous book, his wife cheats on him with
a church choir director, he gets married to his nurse, and finally he makes a big
speech. I just saved you 2 and a half hours of your life you won’t ever get
back, in 30 seconds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>A Million Ways to Die in the West-</u></b> I had very
high hopes for this movie before going to see it. However, the movie did not
deliver, Seth McFarlane is awesome but he missed the mark on this movie. The
funniest parts of this movie were in the trailer. The funniest part in the
movie not in the trailer, when Jamie Foxx has a cameo as his character Django.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>The Lego Movie-</u></b> This movie was okay, not the
worst but not the best either. That song is really annoying, and this movie is
decent. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u>
</u></b></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u>Lucy</u></b>- The concept of this movie was stupid, you
need a “magic drug” to use 100% of your brain, that is not true, humans already
use 100% of their brain with no magic drug. The action was decent but the entire
movie got lost in the inaccuracy of the major plot. <o:p></o:p></div>
Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-12105824304152968432014-11-18T05:24:00.001-08:002014-11-18T05:25:51.717-08:00Yankees 2015 offseason Preview, Predictions <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeErqFQbDocBHNQSrpe13LAip6bQjOlwhUpdyzTnaObUbRLUAoF-bfAdWjuk8yAuxmOq-ix-uXBgXOStR7b8Ezmu3QNIb3F6KvZlsPZpNyryFDQ3aaO1XRJQwblPJ_khZEmJC3mBwK5g/s1600/image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeErqFQbDocBHNQSrpe13LAip6bQjOlwhUpdyzTnaObUbRLUAoF-bfAdWjuk8yAuxmOq-ix-uXBgXOStR7b8Ezmu3QNIb3F6KvZlsPZpNyryFDQ3aaO1XRJQwblPJ_khZEmJC3mBwK5g/s1600/image.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 2014 MLB season is over. The San Francisco Giants are
the World Champions after defeating the Kansas City Royals in 7 games, full of
drama, and great play on both sides. The World Series MVP was Madison Bumgarner
the pitcher for the Giants who was 2-0 in the World Series with one save, 17
strikeouts and one earned run. The Atlanta Braves have traded Jason Heyward and
pitcher Jason Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Shelby Miller and
Tyrell Jenkins. The Miami Marlins have agreed to a 13 year $325 million dollar
deal that will keep him in Miami until 2027, his age 38 season. That deal is
the largest in baseball history averaging $25 million per season. Former Yankee
Russell Martin has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for five years and $82
million. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Yankees finished the
season, legendary shortstop Derek Jeter’s last season in second place in the AL
East 12.0 games back of the division leading Baltimore Orioles. They were also
4.0 games back of the second wild card spot. This coming after the Yankees
spent $500 million dollars in the offseason before this season. This is the
first time the New York Yankees have missed the postseason in consecutive years
since 1992 and 1993. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Yankees free
agents going into the offseason are closer David Robertson, starter Hiroki
Kuroda, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, shortstop Stephen Drew, third basemen Chase
Headley, and pitchers Chris Capuano, Andrew Miller and Rich Hill, Brandon
McCarthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If I were Brian Cashman I would resign Chase Headley, David
Robertson, and Brandon McCarthy. I would resign Chase Headley to a 3 year, $6
million deal, after the Yankees acquired him in a trade with the Padres for
Yangervis Solarte and minor leaguer Rafael de Paula. Chase Headley would be a
back up third basemen behind returning third basemen Alex Rodriguez. Chase
Headley would also play third base while Alex Rodriguez is the DH. I would
resign David Robertson for a maximum of 3 years and $14 million before set up
man Delin Betances is ready to take over the helm. One of the biggest surprises
of the Yankees season was the success of Brandon McCarthy after acquiring him
from the Diamondbacks for Vidal Nuno. After the trade Brandon McCarthy was 7-5
with a 2.89 ERA. After starting the season 3-10 with a 5.01 ERA. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This offseason other than resigning I do not expect the
Yankees to sign many people if any, especially after spending $500 million last
offseason. If I was the Yankees would sign Asdrubal Cabrera to a 4 year, $5
million deal to play shortstop and replace Derek Jeter. I would not sign a
pitcher, because I think the rotation will be fine in 2014 with the rotation of
Masahiro Tanaka as the ace, followed by Michael Pineda, Brandon McCarthy, Shane
Greene, and then C.C. Sabathia. I think they should take a flyer on John
Axford, Jason Motte and Craig Breslow to help the middle of the bullpen. I
would give each of them a 1 year $2 million deal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Yankees will have a better year but will still fall just
short of the postseason after a good effort, The Yankees will finish in second
in the AL East finishing 2 games behind the Baltimore Orioles and finish in 3<sup>rd</sup>
in the AL Wild Card 3.5 games back from the second wild card spot. They will be
stuck in the same position next year trying to rebuild and be one of the best
teams in baseball again, while thec ross town rival Mets are trending up. I
think that the Yankees will continue to deal with injury problems having Carlos
Beltran missing 100 games with a broken hand, a sprained right ankle and a mild
left knee sprain. Alex Rodriguez will miss 20 games with a high elbow
strain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Projected Lineup for Opening Day 2015: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jaccoby Ellsbury LF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Brett Gardner CF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 3. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Asdrubal Cabrera SS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 4. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Alex Rodriguez 3B<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 5. </span></span>Martin Prado 2B<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> 6. </span>Brian McCann C<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 7. </span></span>Mark Teixeira 1B <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
8. Chase Headley DH <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> 9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carlos Beltran RF<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
Projected Rotation for 2015:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Masahiro Tanaka<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Michael Pineda<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Brandon McCarthy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Shane Greene<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->C.C. Sabathia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Projected Bullpen for 2015:<o:p></o:p></div>
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MR: John Axford<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MR: Jason Motte<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MR: Craig Breslow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LR: Jacob Lindgren<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LR: Adam Warren<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SU:Delin Betances<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CL: David Robertson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Bench: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->John Ryan Murphy C<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Brendan Ryan UTL INF<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jose Pirela INF<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nyjer Morgan OF <o:p></o:p></div>
Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-63767909588540030732014-10-19T17:32:00.001-07:002014-10-19T19:29:56.026-07:00The Case For And Against Notre Dame in the Playoff <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ranked number seven in the AP poll today after the heartbreaking loss to Florida State last night. The Irish were in the game all the way to the final whistle and won the game before the touchdown was called back for offensive pass interference. So, here is the case of the one loss Irish to be in the Inaugural College Football Playoff. The key to this scenario of the Irish making the playoff, is if they win out, win every one of their remaining games. They, in my opinion will make the playoff, or should make the playoff. The Irish have had a bottom heavy schedule this year, starting with Florida State last night, the rest of their schedule includes trips to Tempe to play the Arizona State Sun Devils and to the LA Coliseum to face off against the USC Trojans. The computers are out, no more one deserving one loss teams being left out, humans are in. If Notre Dame finishes the year 11-1, they will make the college football playoff because even in losing to arguably the best team in the country with the best quarterback in the country in Jameis Winston, they hung in the entire game and executed perfectly. If I was on the selection committee I would put the Irish in because, they did not get blown out as everybody expected they played tough, football for all four quarters, only losing by three. The three of the six teams ahead of them have one loss, given they play in the top five conferences and Notre Dame is an independent, they have the advantage, that should not be against Notre Dame. In my opinion the case against Notre Dame of they have not played anybody yet, is false every team they have played this year omitting Syracuse, Rice, and North Carolina were good teams this year or were supposed to be good teams this year and started the land slide after the loss to Notre Dame. People can make the argument that they barely beat UNC and Stanford, those are valid arguments but in my mind a win is a win; of course it is more impressive to blow out a big name team like a Stanford and get a really big win. However, that is not the way it works sometimes; sometimes the best teams are the ones, that just win, not putting up a lot of points but wins. If the college football playoff was eight teams instead of four the Irish would be a lock and everybody would be saying that, however, it is four, so people have to view it as the best four teams in the country that the selection committee sees. I think the Irish will be in that top four because, they will take this upcoming bye week and get back to business, win out and play well in all those games. Everett Golson played really well in the loss throwing three touchdowns and only two interceptions, (one on the final play of the game). For some reason I can't shake the feeling that this will be like the 2007 New York Giants and the Patriots that year. With the Giants losing a nail bitter to the Patriots and then coming back to win the Super Bowl. In many ways the differences between the two events outweigh the similarities, but the best team in football and then coming back to play them in the playoffs and winning it all. The Irish have not even made the playoff yet, and might not even make it so to compare them to a team that won the Super Bowl is ridiculous but the losing to the best team in a tight game makes me feel this way. For all these reasons if Notre Dame wins out the selection committee will put Notre Dame into the playoff.<br />
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<b><u>The Case Against Notre Dame Into the Playoff</u></b><br />
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The case against Notre Dame into the playoff is the one loss. The only team in the top four is Alabama, whose one loss is against the number three team in the country Ole Miss. Notre Dame would also not make the playoff because<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they are not in one of the power five
conferences. The selection committee would also not put ND into the playoff
because of their one loss. If every other team in the top four has only one
loss to an SEC team or another team in the top four the Irish won’t make it.
There is also the selection committee’s possible bias against ND, would make
Notre Dame miss out on the playoff. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stanford's loss this weekend also hurts Notre Dame's chances, as they now have three losses. Another way Notre Dame would not make the
playoff if they lose another game. If they lose another game and finish 10-2,
they have virtually no chance to make the playoff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Prediction:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
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My prediction is that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will win out finishing 11-1 and making the inaugural college football playoff.<br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-5686232711455337252014-09-02T08:34:00.005-07:002014-09-21T18:11:43.385-07:00Notre Dame 2014 Season Preview <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2014 offseason was a one of many turnover and change. Both the offensive coordinator Chuck Martin and the defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, took head coaching jobs at UConn and Miami (OH). They have been replaced by Brian VanGorder as the defensive coordinator and Mike Denbrock as the offensive coordinator. The Irish lost 8 players to the NFL;OT and Captain Zack Martin to the Dallas Cowboys, DL Stephon Tuitt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, TE Troy Niklas to the Arizona Cardinals, DL Louis Nix III to the Houston Texans, OG Chris Watt to the San Diego Chargers, LB Prince Shembo to the Atlanta Falcons, CB Bennett Jackson to the New York Giants, and WR TJ Jones to the Detroit Lions. As well as those 8, Notre Dame had 5 undrafted free agents. This is the first year of the College Football Playoff,where the four "best" teams in the country will be in the playoff. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are coming off a 9-4 season which saw them win at Yankee Stadium in the Pinstripe Bowl over Rutgers. This year Everett Golson is back after serving a one year suspension for academic reason. During the offseason Notre Dame had to suspend 5 players while the investigation into academic dishonesty is ongoing. As well the Thursday before the week one game vs Rice, which they managed to win 48-17, defensive captain Austin Collinsworth hurt his knee and missed the game.<br />
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<b><u>Schedule:</u></b><br />
Rice-48-17, Notre Dame wins<br />
Michigan- Under the lights, I think Notre Dame will win 30-27.<br />
Purdue- 45-7, Notre Dame wins.<br />
at Syracuse- This game is being played at a Metlife Stadium in New Jersey; I think Notre Dame will win 45-3.<br />
Stanford- I think this game might be a worse loss for Notre Dame if it was in Stanford but it is not so it will be 30-27 Stanford wins. <br />
North Carolina-I think Notre Dame gets back to it's winning ways in this game winning 27-3.<br />
at Florida State- This could possibly be a trap game, and as ND Fan I hope it is especially if Florida State has a loss by then, but I think Florida State will win 50-3, if FSU does not have a loss however the score will be 25-23, Notre Dame pulls the upset. <br />
at Navy- Notre Dame will win beat Navy 35-3.<br />
at Arizona State- This will be Notre Dame's trap game and they will put it out at the end 23-20.<br />
Northwestern- Notre Dame will pull it off coming out of their trap game which saw them losing by a touchdown at halftime, they win 55-7. <br />
Louisville- Notre Dame will beat Bobby Petrino's Louisville Cardinals 40-14.<br />
at USC- Notre Dame will beat Steve Sarkisian's Trojans in the Coliseum by a score of 35-29. <br />
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Notre Dame will finish the regular season with a record of either 11-1 or 10-2. If they have one loss I think they will make the inaugural college football playoff, losing to Florida State in the Rose bowl. If they have two losses I think they will play in the Orange Bowl against Duke and win by a touchdown, 21-14. <br />
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Brian Kelly might be copying Lou Holtz after they beat Duke or they will be moving towards next season after losing in the first round of the inaugural college football playoff.<br />
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Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-9663304544134678772014-06-28T21:19:00.001-07:002014-07-01T08:34:21.448-07:00Knicks offseason preview and predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Knicks have not made the 2013-14 playoffs they had a terrible season with injuries and still managed to almost make the playoffs, testament to them and the luck of the three ball going in. The season was chock full of terrible events. The most memorable were Mike Woodson not calling a timeout when the Knicks were down to get the ball to midcourt, allowing the time to tick of clock when they went up the court. As well as the now infamous "I believe I can fly" Andrea Bargnani failed dunk; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9dX6IhU2tM and the Andrea Bargnani shooting the ball with the knicks up with the clock ticking down; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7b5wHb6htM.THe Knicks hired Phil Jackson, the NBA legendary coach with 11 NBA titles, coaching and playing.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">What has happened so far this offseason:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Knicks traded fired head coach Mike Woodson and hired former Laker and Thunder Derek Fisher. They also traded center Tyson Chandler,and point guard Raymond Felton for point guards Jose Calderon, Shane Larkin, center Samuel Dalembert, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and the 34th and 51st pick in the draft. They used those picks on Wichita State power forward Cleanthony Early, the "Greek Freak"'s brother shooting guard Thanasis Antetokounmpo from the Delaware 87ers in the NBA D-League. After watching a video from Draftexpress I posted on facebook a scouting report of Cleathony Early. <span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">H</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">e looks like he is big and strong, and can muscle his way into the paint. I also like the hustle back on D, his scoring looks good,but if he could develop an outside game, he would improve, his h</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #37404e;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">andle needs to be closer into his body, it won't survive so far out in the NBA. He looks good at spot up jumpers but all the highlights are when he has tons of space, NBA defenders do not usually give tons of space, so he needs to work on his outside and step back and spot up game with defenders in his face, pressuring him,not letting him get an inch.Cleanthony only had 0.8 blocks per game, last year, that needs to improve tremendously, he needs to get smarter with the shots he takes, needs improvement on playing vs the big men in the paint, he needs to improve his awareness and stop standing around watching when his man does not have the ball. Early needs to work on getting out of double teams and not forcing shots when double teamed; he has bad court vision, and peace of mind to develop a play before it happens.He suffers from lackluster passing at times, and that is putting it nicely.Cleanthony needs to have a more consistent shot, take his time, not shoot it as soon as he gets it, get set, he's only 207 needs to bulk up to 215 to push in the paint.He is already 23 years old, which could be a concern, he needs to take less stand up jumpers and incorporate more step back jumpers, he needs to adjust to the NBA three as he had trouble toeing the line in college. Overall he looks good not great in his highlights and atrocious in his lowlights. I was more impressed by Thanaisis Antekumpo's highlights. He averaged 11.7 ppg last year in Delaware. He is good in transition because of his size. The first highlight of him, he grabs the rebound dribbles all the way up the court and then takes off for the one handed slam in the paint.Upon a second viewing of that he could've passed it to his teammate who was wide open in the corner but I will take the dunk, as long as he is not a ball hog.He succeeds in taking advantage of the defense giving him space and slashing it with a good first step to the basket for a layup or dunk. He plays well above the rim and getting the ball to go in when he is right under the basket.He has a high motor so his ceiling on defense his high. He had 1.3 steals per game last year. As a result of his long arms, he can deflect inbounds passes easily. He can get back on defense if his team turns the ball over or a simple change of possession and swat the ball away. He is a big energy guy that can come off the bench and provide the Knicks with a shot in the arm when they are down late in a game. He also plays very hard, which I like in a player. One highlight shows him pressuring the ball hander to lose control before getting it back and getting it past Thanasis and then Thanasis getting back to the ball and blocking the shot; forcing a turnover. He can sometimes struggle on the offensive glass. He is very good at the little things that do not appear on sportscenter or the box scores, like boxing people out, or hustling down the ball to save a turnover etc.. One thing that can be negative and positive about him, is he shows a lot of emotion, when he dunks the ball or forces a turnover he gets amped up about it. His mechanics are not consistent. Sometimes he shoots the ball while on the way down. He is a shoot first ask questions later type of player so when he is not square and with the right mechanics he does not take two seconds to fix it, he immediately puts one up. He struggles mightely shooting off the dribble, out of his 67 jumpers last year only two were off the dribble. He is lacking in basketball IQ. Thanasis does not get his teammates involved enough. He forces plays which result in turnovers. Per 40 minutes he averages 3.3 turnovers. He does not create well in Iso or pick and roll situations. His ball handle in poor, which leads to turning the ball over 25% of the time in iso and pick and roll situations. The Knicks drafted two, "long term projects" in my mind, which is what second drafts usually are. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #37404e;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The perceived attitude of the Knicks was to scrap this upcoming season and wait till 2015 when NBA MVP Kevin Durant is on the market. However, with taking on 5 more million dollars in the Chandler to the Mavs trade they look like they will not do that. I think the Knicks might sign one or two more players to the veterans minimum and come off the bench to provide good minutes but I think it is highly unlikely that they will get enough free cap space to sign premier free agent Lebron James. I think Lebron will go to join Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins in Cleveland. I think New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony will join Joakim Noah and Derek Rose in Chicago. Phil Jackson is a genius and I'm sure he will all have it work out but I think they are done for next season and will settle for a lottery pick. I think in 2015 the Knicks will sign Kevin Durant and Chris Bosh. I think they will sign Chris Bosh because in Miami he is the third fiddle per say. The chain of command goes Lebron James-Dwayne Wade then Chris Bosh. However if he is a Knick, especially if Carmelo leaves he will be the first fiddle, and it makes sense for the Knicks too because Amare Stoudemire's contract is up at the same time and unless they are crazy, they will let him walk. I also think that the Knicks will work out a way to get Kobe Bryant to the Knicks because I think Kobe wants to win one last championship with Phil Jackson. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-8146314103916164042014-06-15T20:50:00.001-07:002014-06-28T16:02:16.114-07:00United States World Cup 2014 Preview and Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa the United States got past the group stage but lost to Ghana in the next round for the second straight World Cup. The United States soccer federation then fired head coach Bob Bradley and hired former West German star and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsman, who immediately instituted a new coaching style, hopefully for the better. Then, was the World Cup Draw, the US was grouped in group G.Group G is the United States, Portugal headed by Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Rinaldo, Ghana who knocked the United States out of the World Cup and Germany headed by Bastian Schweinsteigger who plays for top German club Bayern Munich. As if the United States being grouped in the "Group of Death" was not enough they also have the highest number of miles traveled out of any of the 2014 World Cup teams, going from Natal where the game time temperature is suppossed to be 86 degrees to Manaus in the middle of the rainforest, back to Reciefe which is south of Natal. Below is a map of Brazil, with the host cities marked.<br />
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<b><u>Group G</u></b>:<br />
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The United States opens against Ghana, the bottom left in Natal, then they go against, Portugal in Manaus, top right, lastly they go against Jurgen Klinsmann's former country Germany, top left. This group is commonly referred to as the "Group of Death" with many pundits announcing the United States not making it out of the group, but the greatest United States soccer player of all time Landon Donovan said "It's the group of death because we are in it too". Which I agree with because I think even though soccer is not as big in the States as the other countries and the US does not have such an illustrious history as the rest of the countries in Group G, they have shown they can play and beat good teams, in a friendly last year the United States beat Germany, and great defense even caused the German keeper to have a mishap and an own goal to occur.<br />
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<u><b>Portugal:</b></u><br />
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I think Portugal is beatable because I do not believe there is enough people around Cristiano Ronaldo for them to succeed. When Rinaldo for example, has a bad game they will probably lose. Portugal is ranked 4th in the world, but because of what I just said I do not think they will make it out of the group stage, so prepare for changes after this World Cup, probably because the coach always gets blamed, in the form of a managerial change.<br />
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<b><u>Germany:</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xyEXgz4wTu85g-SOSGIwHt0FFeq0BYmmm1eVbw269-Er2OtXbHxdRM7pZLyVUfK0aPrtkNEihm2WIYb4NH3-BWbCKq4M_-qIeI-iRtJ-FJZVOkECTZuq_ddEnmm3neExrzAzEVuyUqg/s1600/lahm_1673234c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xyEXgz4wTu85g-SOSGIwHt0FFeq0BYmmm1eVbw269-Er2OtXbHxdRM7pZLyVUfK0aPrtkNEihm2WIYb4NH3-BWbCKq4M_-qIeI-iRtJ-FJZVOkECTZuq_ddEnmm3neExrzAzEVuyUqg/s1600/lahm_1673234c.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a>(credit A.J. Levine for the help)</div>
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The German team is the team I am most scared about in the Group of Death, they are filled with EPL and Bundesliga players, most of them play for top German club Bayern Munich, one of the best teams in the World. In the FIFA world rankings the Germans are ranked number two behind 2010 champions Spain. I think Miroslav Klose, Mezut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski will have the best tournaments for the German team. If the Germans are holding up the World Cup trophy in a month, it would not entirely shock me. <br />
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<b><u>Ghana: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiek1zCXjrvJN3BufMqUdo_vazdialmBjeTFrhszka3HTEbzZVpwmGEQIand-9TvGXDuqykrmaJkniqLww0Pi5tWlz6uH-5tqHDCOsGTnyBd3jUoxP4KTj2Ol8Ocq6iq-VJCjQ68J0Pw/s1600/Kevin-prince-boateng-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiek1zCXjrvJN3BufMqUdo_vazdialmBjeTFrhszka3HTEbzZVpwmGEQIand-9TvGXDuqykrmaJkniqLww0Pi5tWlz6uH-5tqHDCOsGTnyBd3jUoxP4KTj2Ol8Ocq6iq-VJCjQ68J0Pw/s1600/Kevin-prince-boateng-006.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dang United States killers are back. The Ghanaian National team includes players from various different teams in the world, including Juventus, Orlando Pirates, and Schalke 04. I believe Ghana will not get out of the group and they will lose to the United States of America in the first game.<br />
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<b><u>United States: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwQHREGBnWXe7zNIwTlr7gXgzYynEU2Q-WycVX90hvE1WS0tK6ogGQzZZaSRcSMu4dzSZGE7YCkVL6w0KgAtXjDbuV3zSoUmfXBljhq2wm1gKBKmYzCB-XppNt7yrydgACZCZF3rcN2Q/s1600/1396508841000-04-02-2014-Julian-Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwQHREGBnWXe7zNIwTlr7gXgzYynEU2Q-WycVX90hvE1WS0tK6ogGQzZZaSRcSMu4dzSZGE7YCkVL6w0KgAtXjDbuV3zSoUmfXBljhq2wm1gKBKmYzCB-XppNt7yrydgACZCZF3rcN2Q/s1600/1396508841000-04-02-2014-Julian-Green.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Underdogs from the United States of America. I am American so I am biased for this part, I think the United States will finally bury their demons and beat Ghana, I also think they will make it out of the group. The Americans will lose in the quarter finals to Argentina. The United States has players ranging from the MLS at home, to the EPL, to other European leagues. I believe the results in the group stage for the States will be, the names after the scores denote the game winning goal scorer, or general goal scorer<br />
US 3-1 Ghana, Mix Diskerud<br />
US 1-1 Portugal, Clint Dempsey<br />
US 1-4 Germany, Jozy Altidore<br />
I think the United States will only get as far as Clint Dempsey can bring them, he is taking over for legend Landon Donovan, but Clint Dempsey is not a young inexperienced player by any stretch of the imagination, he is a hell of a player. I do not like however that Jurgen Klinsmann publicly stated them winning the world cup was "Just not realistic". I hate that because even if that is true and they are gonna be a colossal failure this year, they should not believe that they should believe that they are the best team in the world, and they can beat anybody they are up against. <br />
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<b><u>The United States 23 man roster going to Brazil:</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Goalies: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfDN8KeqgV3oo__87eVKNMgMB7e9ZorLBHOCfr0r4QIK7-YsigA6Gk0bFxn1g_WBRVESuub8m970wLewVEz_pZy4-ceXSGXUqrlUygh1bd_VUJy4D1nQFUjyNSndGspHR65qoTs4pG1w/s1600/t-ho.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfDN8KeqgV3oo__87eVKNMgMB7e9ZorLBHOCfr0r4QIK7-YsigA6Gk0bFxn1g_WBRVESuub8m970wLewVEz_pZy4-ceXSGXUqrlUygh1bd_VUJy4D1nQFUjyNSndGspHR65qoTs4pG1w/s1600/t-ho.jpeg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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#1- Tim Howard-Everton FC, England<br />
#12-Brad Guzan-Aston Villa FC, England<br />
#22-Nick Rimando-Real Salt Lake, United States<br />
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<b><u>Defenders: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcl78q_L6XkhYpHM-KC88DtO2SITFLlIoZvaYllhMpCoTdErOfhqvqFXWi07RQFZmviajyZLGbGe25htte6jvZudmUyhPvDQcwDPHodBhNj8E_IbFsjTTX_hZd3ssNzPheSMhaKICr4LY/s1600/MattBeslerUSMNT-ISIPhotos.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcl78q_L6XkhYpHM-KC88DtO2SITFLlIoZvaYllhMpCoTdErOfhqvqFXWi07RQFZmviajyZLGbGe25htte6jvZudmUyhPvDQcwDPHodBhNj8E_IbFsjTTX_hZd3ssNzPheSMhaKICr4LY/s1600/MattBeslerUSMNT-ISIPhotos.com_.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
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#2- Deandre Yedlin- Seattle Sounders FC, United States<br />
#3-Omar Gonzalez- LA Galaxy, United States<br />
#5-Matt Besler- Sporting Kansas City, United States<br />
#6-John Brooks- Hertha BSC, Germany<br />
#7- Damarcus Beasley- Puebla, Mexico<br />
#20-Geoff Cameron-Stoke City, England<br />
#21-Timothy Chandler- Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany<br />
#23-Fabian Johnson- Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany<br />
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<b><u>Midfielders: </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfibA5IB9mTygQzx_sseDEMr5WWNkI1zLrbzzGX7Uwqc04FBhGceKfRAMQfFkwIrn4x6SeCg5b1zm9TTdLeHmTXSe_vmwOiu5zK36G56ywdPog8ZZYHTPAj_ZrdawF6vwrFZb_AnSuPvU/s1600/150403257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfibA5IB9mTygQzx_sseDEMr5WWNkI1zLrbzzGX7Uwqc04FBhGceKfRAMQfFkwIrn4x6SeCg5b1zm9TTdLeHmTXSe_vmwOiu5zK36G56ywdPog8ZZYHTPAj_ZrdawF6vwrFZb_AnSuPvU/s1600/150403257.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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#4-Michael Bradley- Toronto FC, Canada (part of the United States, MLS league)<br />
#10-Mikkel (Mix) Diskerud- Rosenborg, Norway<br />
#11- Alejandro Bedoya- Nantes, France<br />
#13- Jermaine Jones- Besikitas, Turkey<br />
#14-Brad Davis- Houston Dynamo, United States<br />
#15-Kyle Beckerman- Real Salt Lake, United States<br />
#16-Julian Green-Bayern Munich, Germany<br />
#19-Graham Zusi- Sporting Kansas City, United States<br />
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<b><u>Forwards:</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG0fAqpmy-cxJZDTZDF88hZ9Z9vU__KlEXOTp87sxIgc6E7hX9yzmczzR5UB_nquba9IJsuA-e9TumvPE-BZudZJ5gkT4b4SYvBQuuJMS2cdtOY3puHjy_jAHdFlffYl8LsIuaDTUrPI/s1600/url-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG0fAqpmy-cxJZDTZDF88hZ9Z9vU__KlEXOTp87sxIgc6E7hX9yzmczzR5UB_nquba9IJsuA-e9TumvPE-BZudZJ5gkT4b4SYvBQuuJMS2cdtOY3puHjy_jAHdFlffYl8LsIuaDTUrPI/s1600/url-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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#8-Clint Dempsey (C)- Seattle Sounders FC, United States<br />
#9-Aron Johannson- Az Alkmaar, Norway<br />
#17-Jozy Altidore- Sunderland FC, England<br />
#18-Chris Wondolowski- San Jose Earthquakes, United States<br />
<br />Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-20121156043623282582014-06-15T18:45:00.001-07:002014-07-16T19:37:03.083-07:00New York Rangers 2014 Offseason Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfv9aLwXOq1PeFJESMPi48yVuI-bm20mePHZsShWpYphI-n5msk-6tmxpvBLALQ3yg23ytiMMDQfNlHj2K05SbO9fYN2miucCUyax9OdV_rK584zt02mKFxJTzXL2egnrlC8tMhzbdr0/s1600/rangers-v-pittsburgh-penguins-stanley-cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfv9aLwXOq1PeFJESMPi48yVuI-bm20mePHZsShWpYphI-n5msk-6tmxpvBLALQ3yg23ytiMMDQfNlHj2K05SbO9fYN2miucCUyax9OdV_rK584zt02mKFxJTzXL2egnrlC8tMhzbdr0/s1600/rangers-v-pittsburgh-penguins-stanley-cup.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was wrong, I'm sorry I really thought the Rangers were the team of destiny and they would end their 20 year drought and win the cup; I really did. From the outside looking in a 4-1 series win looks like the series was not even close especially when the series was 3-0; however that was not the case; 3 out of the 5 games went to OT and 2 of them went to double OT. If the Rangers got a bounce here or there and a call here or there, I could be writing about how happy I am that the Rangers lifted the cup etc.. But, That is not the reality of the situation, the reality is the Rangers did not get the bounces or the calls, and lost the series to frankly, a better team. The Rangers hit the post more times than I care to count in the total 6 overtimes, in 3 games, but that is life. I will stop dwelling on that and actually talk about what this article is about, which you know from the title. For certain stretches in the postseason the Rangers could have changed their name to the Henrik Lundqvist's because he played brilliantly, while other players cough cough Rick Nash did not show up. The Rangers will buyout Center Brad Richards, because of the retirement cap penalty and the lack of the quality of play in comparison to the amount of money he is making.<br />
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<u><b>Free Agent Situation: </b></u><br />
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The Rangers have five restricted free agents and another seven unrestricted free agents, some of which I think they should resign and some of which I do not think they should resign. The UFA's are Brian Boyle, Benoit Pouliot, Dominic Moore, Daniel Carcillo, Anton Stralman and Raphael Diaz. Out of that crop I would resign Dom Moore to a three year deal worth 1.5 million dollars and Brian Boyle to a one year deal worth 1 million dollars. Now to the RFA's, Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello, Justin Falk, and John Moore. I think it would be very very unwise of Rangers GM Glen Sather to let Mats Zuccarello walk. I would resign Zuccarello to a 5 year deal worth 6 million dollars because of his improvement from a player only to be used in a shootout to one of the Rangers best players, far and away. I would also resign Kreider, Brassard and John Moore because I think Chris Kreider will only improve with time, and Brassard is also a good center man. John Moore is also a good 3rd D-Line pairing. The Rangers also should sign former captain Ryan Callahan to a 4 year 3 million dollar deal, they also should sign Paul Stastny from the Colorado Avalanche using the money from the buyout of Brad Richards for a 3 year, $1,250,000.00 deal.<br />
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<b><u>Possible Trades:</u></b><br />
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If the Rangers want to be back where they were this year in the Stanley Cup finals they need to find a trade partner for Rick Nash, who had a terrible postseason scoring two goals in 26 games, needless to say that is not going to cut it. I would trade a first round pick and Rick Nash to the Ottawa Senators for Jason Spezza. However, Spezza has said he has 16 teams he does not want to go to but did not release the list, if the Rangers are one of those 16 i would call up the San Jose Sharks inquiring about center big bad Joe Thornton. A possible trade scenario would be Rick Nash and John Moore for Joe Thornton. I think this would be mutually beneficial to both teams because I think Rick Nash would be on the west coast and re find his game with Joe Pavelski and I think Joe Thornton could center the Rangers 3rd line, and checking line with Derek Dorsett at Left Wing and Dominic Moore at right wing. I say that because Joe Thornton is skilled but he would not fit on a speedy line like a line with the likes of Carl Hagelin, Marty St.Louis and Mats Zuccarello.<br />
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<b><u>Possible Draft Picks:</u></b><br />
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The 2014 NHL Draft is on June 27th and 28th, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rangers do not have a 2014 First round pick because it is in the possession of the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Callahan-St.Louis trade. The Rangers do however have the 59th overall pick, a second round pick. As a result, big name, big impact in 2014-15, and probably 2015-16 players will be off the board. So, the Rangers can pick a center out of Dexter School in Massachusetts, who has committed to Harvard for the 2015-16 season, named Ryan Donato, whose father was a Ranger, and is now the Head Coach at Harvard University. They could also get a defenseman named Alex Peters, out of the Plymouth Whalers. He had three goals this year. The last person they could possibly get is Luke Phillip a center out of the Kootenay Ice in the WHL. He had 31 goals and 77 points this year for the Ice. </div>
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<b><u>Hartford WolfPack and who will be called up in 2014-15:</u></b></div>
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The Hartford WolfPack had a bad year, not making the playoffs. I think the Rangers could once they get rid of Daniel Carcillo call up Dylan Mcilrath, who is basically the same player, a fighter. They could also call up J.T. Miller, who I enjoy watching very much and is a good player, and Ryan Bourque. </div>
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I believe the Rangers can and will get back to the cup next year if they do all these things mentioned in the article. </div>
Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-31185964628824032372014-06-05T14:24:00.001-07:002014-06-05T15:09:44.789-07:00Rangers vs. Kings Stanley Cup Final Preview and Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The New York Rangers have made it to the Stanley cup finals for the first time in 20 years, 1994, where they beat the Vancouver Canucks, ending their 54 year drought. They will play the Los Angeles Kings. The last time the Rangers and Kings met in the postseason was 1981, when the Rangers won the series 3-1.The Kings had more points than the Rangers so Games 1 and 2 will be at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Which means, Games 3 and 4 will be at MSG, and 5(if necessary) will be back in LA, 6 (if necessary) in NY, 7 (if necessary) in LA.</div>
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<b><u>Rangers Road to the Final</u></b>:</div>
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The Rangers started the season in terrible fashion, getting blown out in San Jose and Anaheim part of a Garden Renovation road trip, which saw them start 3-6, and eventually 6-7, before they came home, goalie Henrik Lundqvist became himself again, finishing with a record of 45-31-6. Which was good for 96 points. They also finished with the best road record in Rangers history, 25-14-2. The Rangers finished 2nd in the Metropolitan Division behind the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the trade deadline, GM Glen Sather and Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman pulled off the first ever captain for captain swap in NHL history, sending Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Martin St.Louis, who was upset with Steve Yzerman about being left off the Team Canada Sochi Olympic team. The Rangers played the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the 2014 playoffs winning in 7 games. The next series they played the Pittsburgh Penguins, who took a 3-1 series lead after the Rangers had an abysmal 25 turnover performance in a 4-2 loss, bringing it back to Pittsburgh with a chance for the Pens to close out the series. Then, on the flight to Pittsburgh, tragically Rangers winger Martin St.Louis got a message on his phone that his mother France had died at age 63, so he immediately went back to Montreal to be with his family, he decided that she would have wanted him to play, so he played, and the Rangers rallied around that, winning the next 3 games, including game 7 to win, the series. Next up was the Montreal Canadiens who beat the Boston Bruins, in 7 games; Game 1 of that series was eventful because the Rangers won 7-2 and Chris Kreider accidentally hurt Canadiens starting goalie Carey Price. That led to the Canadiens Brandon Prust, a former New York Ranger, hitting Derek Stepan up high, and breaking his jaw in game 3, which the Canadiens won. The next day Brandon Prust would get suspended for 2 games, with the Rangers up 2-1 in the series. That same game, after the hit, Derek Dorsett fought Brandon Prust standing up for Stepan, and when the referee was escorting Daniel Carcillo who was also in the melee to the penalty box, Carcillo gave the ref a little shove, and was thrown out of the game. As a result of the NHL Rule against touching officials, he was suspended 10 games. The Rangers went on to win game 4, to go back to Montreal with a chance to close it out. In game 5, the Rangers took an early penalty which set the tone for the rest of the game, in which the Rangers lost 7-4, even tying it up at 4-4 at one point in the game. Game 6 was back at the Garden where the New York Rangers, from a beautiful feed from Brian Boyle to Dominic Moore and a typical great game from Henrik Lundqvist won 1-0 to be crowned the Eastern Conference champions for the first time since 1994.</div>
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<b><u>LA Kings Road to the Final:</u></b></div>
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The Los Angeles Kings came into the 2014 playoffs, with a 46-28-8 record, good for 100 points. The Los Angeles Kings like the New York Rangers pulled off a deadline deal, with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Marian Gaborik, a noted goal scorer, who some thought was over the hill. In the playoffs the Kings,looked as if they were dead in the first round, being down 3-0 to the San Jose Sharks before they pulled off the comeback. In the 2nd round the Los Angeles Kings played the Anaheim Ducks, in a tight back and forth series that went the distance, and was NHL legend Teemu Selanne's (RW, Ducks); last game. The Kings then had to play the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks, in a really tight, really back and forth, and mostly really physical series, that went the distance, with two great teams, and two great goalies. In Game 7 Alec Martinez, put one past Corey Crawford in OT to send the Kings to the Cup, to try to win their 2nd cup in 3 years.</div>
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<b><u>What the New York Rangers Have to do to win the cup</u></b>:</div>
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The New York Rangers have to keep playing their game, keep the pressure on the Kings. The Rangers key is their speed if they can just outrun the Kings, if they can outrun the Kings they can get breakaways, if they get breakaways, they can score. The New York Rangers have Carl Hagelin, and Chris Kreider, two very fast skaters, that can tear up the Kings defense. The Rangers also can not just rest on Henrik Lundqvist, he is human too, if they just rest on him, they are toast. They also need to not make extra passes when they have shots, the more shots they get the better. Henrik Lundqvist also has to be Henrik Lundqvist, not a shadow of himself, if he can do that the Rangers have a legitimate shot at winning the Stanley Cup. </div>
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<b><u>What the LA Kings have to do to win the cup:</u></b></div>
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The Los Angeles Kings have to keep the pressure on the Rangers and try to wear them out physically. The Kings have to get bodies in front of Henrik Lundqvist, and grab every rebound he gives up and put them back in. The Kings can not be in the mindset of we have a cup already, we just beat the champs, job is done, let's just relax, if they do that the Rangers will jump all over them and this will quickly turn into a quick series, no pun intended. The Kings have to just wear down the Rangers physically, every time the Rangers get the puck they have to be looking to protect themselves from a hit. The Kings also need the line of Marian Gaborik- Anze Kopitar- Dustin Brown, to continue to be their best line and Gaborik to continue to step up. </div>
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<b><u>The Rangers will win the cup if.</u></b>... the 4th line continues to be the Rangers best line and if Rick Nash breaks out of his slump and catches fire. </div>
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<b><u>The Kings will win the cup if.</u></b>...... They continue to get production from all the lines, and they just continue to physically wear down the Rangers. </div>
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Predictions:</div>
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In this section I will predict every game winning goal scorer, how long the series will go, and what the scores will be, so here we go!</div>
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Game 1: 3-2 Kings win in OT, Justin Williams, 1-0</div>
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Game 2: 4-2 Rangers win, Dan Girardi, 1-1</div>
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Game 3: 2-1 Rangers win 2OT, Martin St.Louis 2-1</div>
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Game 4: 5-1 Kings win, Marian Gaborik, 2-2</div>
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Game 5: 2-1 Kings win OT, Anze Kopitar, 3-2</div>
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Game 6: 2-0 Rangers win, Ryan Mcdonagh, 3-3</div>
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Game 7: 1-0 Rangers win 3OT, Brian Boyle 4-3</div>
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The Rangers will capture their first Stanley Cup since 1994 and second since 1940. Henrik Lundqvist will add a Stanley cup to his trophy collection at home, which includes a 2006 Olympic gold medal from Torino, where he won it with Team Sweden, and a Vesina trophy from 2012</div>
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Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-29857923104470597432013-05-25T19:15:00.003-07:002013-07-02T07:29:54.620-07:00The season is over, and the offseason plan <div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Rangers have been eliminated from
the 2013 playoffs by the Boston Bruins in game 5 of their series. After the
expectations were cup, there will be major changes, the Rangers will most
likely fire head coach John Tortorella and buyout Brad Richards, who they
signed in the 2011 offseason on a 9 year, $60 million contract,he is currently
in year 2 of that deal. Needless to say he has not been living up to that deal.
In my opinion, the Rangers should sign Ryan Clowe to a 2 or 3 year deal, for
about 10,000,000 per year. They should also sign Jaromir Jagr to a 1 year deal
worth $52,000 or the veterans minimum, and Jarome Inginla, to a
$20,000,000 contract, for 3 years. In the draft they should try to pick up Max
Domi son of former NHL enforcer Tie Domi. Instead of buying him out the Rangers
should trade Brad Richards to (in my crazy completely not true wishful thinking
mind) the Colorado Avalanche for Seth Jones, but in reality they should maybe
trade him for a 2nd or 3rd round pick and maybe a prospect from somewhere.
However, I have now realized the entire article I have been neglecting the
salary cap, the Rangers only have $13,555,833 in salary cap space, and after
playing around with capgeek’s salary cap calculator the salary cap space is
only 7,826,131. That is after I resigned, Carl Hagelin, Mats Zucarello, Ryan
Clowe, Derek Stepan, and Ryan Mcdonaugh. I also signed Bobby Ryan, called up JT
Miller, Dylan Mcilrath and Ryan Bourque, who is the son of Hall of Famer Ray
Bourque. I also traded Aaron Asham and demoted Michael Del Zotto. So after all
of that the Rangers would have $9,751,131 in salary cap space. The Rangers NEED
to free up more than 9,751,131 in cap space because Henrik Lundqvist, Brian
Boyle, Ryan Callahan, Darrell Powe, Michael Del Zotto, Marty Biron, Ryan
Bourque, Stu Bickel, Anton Stralman and Dan Girardi are all free agents, and
they will all demand top dollar. I think the Rangers can get Lundqvist and
Callahan cheap, because they like being rangers and for the better of the team
will sign cheap, but Del Zotto is probably going to demand top 5 defensmen
money, and so is Dan Girardi, I would be fine with letting Bickel go, but we
need Biron. Marty Biron, is a starting NHL goaltender who is just behind one of
the best goalies in the NHL. They should resign Bourque too, who will probably
ask for a few million dollars, depending on how he plays next year and if he is
called up or not etc… As well, Malkin is a free agent and he is going to demand
lots of money and the Sedins’ will as well, and Stasny will probably demand
upwards of $15,000,000. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly believe
the Rangers will not win a cup unless something serious happens aka James Dolan
sells the team, I understand that will not happen but I would love for it to
happen. </span></div>
Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-38032244656901408082013-05-14T06:31:00.003-07:002013-05-24T08:09:33.708-07:00Bobby Holik Takes the Time to talk Favorite Moments On and Off the Ice<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Bobby Holik Takes the Time to Talk
Favorite Moments On and Off the Ice</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">By Max O’Neill</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A wish came true when Bobby Holik answered my tweet a
while back and agreed to an interview; unfortunately, things came up and we had
to wait till April 6<sup>th</sup>, 2013. It is safe to say it was well worth
the wait. We talked about a range of things for over half an hour, including
concussions, stadiums, movies, his favorite memories and players in the league.
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mr. Holik told me something that was very surprising - he
stated that his favorite memory was not winning the Stanley Cup - it was in
fact just lacing up the skates with his teammates, grabbing his stick, and
jumping on the ice while surrounded by the crowds cheers or jeers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the end of the lockout he has been
working with young players in various leagues, such as the Ontario Hockey
League (OHL). He told me one player from every team that were the nicest
players he had the opportunity to work with: Marian Hossa from the Atlanta
Thrashers now Winnipeg Jets, Brian Leetch from the New York Rangers, Patrick
Elias, Martin Brodeur and Bruce Driver from the New Jersey Devils, and Ron Francis
from the Hartford Whalers. His favorite arenas to play in were both the
Montreal Forum and the Bell Centre and Madison Square Garden. He also said he
did not like the atmosphere in the Nassau Memorial Coliseum, but who can blame
him?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Holik
said something that drove home the differences between injury diagnosis while
playing back in the 80’s and 90’s and even the early 2000s and playing now; it
was that he probably sustained a concussion but did not want to lose his job. So,
even if he felt dizzy, he would just man up and keep playing. Thankfully, he
did not mention that he still has residual effects from suffering head trauma.
However, there are many players in all sports who still do. For me this brings
up memories from the summer of 2011 when three enforcers died: Derek
“Boogeyman” Boogard, Wade Belak and Rick Rypien. Those three players had a
combined 2078 penalty minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Holik
and I both do not like the staged fighting where players ask other players, “Dude
you wanna go?” or “Yo, you want to dance?” when they are not actually mad at
each other, they just know that it will ignite their teams for a possible comeback
and fire up the crowd. He does not believe this kind of staged fighting adds anything to the game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Playing
for the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils on both sides of the Hudson
River Rivalry was something Holik enjoyed immensely. Probably because of the
hatred between the two side’s fans and that sometimes the games have playoff
implications. He thought that all of the trades at the 2013 trade deadline
added veteran depth and he liked the Jaromir Jagr to Boston trade. He also said
it is too early to know which trade was the best and helped out the teams the
most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">He
is a big war history buff, so his favorite movies are military history movies.
He has seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Argo</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zero Dark Thirty</i> recently. He also said
that becoming an American citizen was a great experience. He said that at first
when he was retired he still looked at the game as a player, but he has
developed his view into looking at it like a broadcaster. Overall, I think he
is a very nice man and I am thankful that he let me interview him to get some
experience under my belt. </span></div>
Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-79386696047477203492013-04-16T19:07:00.001-07:002013-04-16T19:08:35.664-07:00Sports matter little<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are certain times in life when sports are trumped by things in the outside world whether they be natural disaster or an act of terror like yesterday. It is ironic then that a horrible act of terror occured at a sporting event, a celebrated one at that too. So, when i heard about the bombings I, to be honest did not understand the severity of it and just sort of said whatever, I have homework to do, I will pay attention to it later. Well, it is later and i thank g-d do not know anybody in Boston, and the stories are just gruesomer by the minute! I have been to Boston once with my camp, Camp Mah Kee Nack and it was a lot of fun, very nice city and to think that, it will forever be changed is crazy. We as a nation have to come together and find out all the facts, rebuild and TRY to live normally again. It was the first time in my life that i turned on ESPN and Mike and Mike were talking about that rather than anything else. I was very young when 9/11 happened but i believe is similar in the fact that there was a ton of injuries and (knock on wood) only a few deaths. One of the people who died was named Martin Richard, this kid was 8 years old, in third grade, as a 9th grader i realize that was a long time ago, this kid could've been the greatest baseball player of all time or find a cure for cancer!!! He was doing the most innocent thing imaginable eating an ice cream cone!!!!!!!! This was a senseless act of violence on for many the happiest days in their lives conquering 26 miles, it is defintely something i cant do!! But instead because some Anti-American decided to drop bombs everywhere is ruined and it is a fact that you never get over the death of a child, so i hope that haunts whoever did this' dreams forever! We all have our speculations about who did it, neo-nazi, muslims, etc.. but right now we know nothing so unless you are family/friends with the person who did it or is the person who did it please do not speculate!! It will just make things worse. If you have any info please call 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or for the police department <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_LblPH" style="display: inline-block; width: 200px;">617.343.4200. </span>Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-35511620904905769602013-01-22T06:35:00.001-08:002013-01-22T06:35:03.144-08:00Rangers 0-2-0 Start to the 2013 NHL season<br />
By: Max O'Neill<br />
<br />The Rangers have started the 2013 shortened season 0-2-0. The Rangers did not fare well during the last lockout shortned season; in that season the Rangers lost in the second round. That statistic does not mean anything, however, this team is a cup favorite, but right now they look like they need work. Starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has given up seven goals in two games. He gave up three in the first game and four in the second, before getting subbed out for backup goalie, Marty Biron. During the offseason the Rangers aquired Rick Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets. After that aquisition the Rangers were imediatly crowned cup favorites because experts thought he was the scoring prowess the Rangers needed. The team looks discombobulated at times and awkward. The one bright light in the last two games is that the team looked better in the third period of Sunday's game. Rangers fans hope that the Rangers, who play next on Wensday, will end January on a five game winning streak, which would mean they ended January 5-2-0. The boys in blue will be fine if they do that. There are 47 games left, and as any sports fan knows, anything can happen once playoffs start. In order for the Rangers, to live up to expectations Henrik Lundqvist needs to return to his Vesnia form, not the form he currently is in. The Kings proved last year that a team does not need to be the number one seed to win the cup; so if the Rangers do not get it, they will be fine. The Rangers will, hopefully, finish the year as the three seed and have a 28-15-5 record. Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-22522367333438558362012-11-29T10:37:00.002-08:002012-11-29T10:37:53.033-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The NHL Lockout is a very complex and upsetting thing. The major players are Gary Bettman, Bill Daly, Donald Fehr and the players. This lockout is the leagues third under Gary Bettman. Donald Fehr is known for being the MLB PA, players association, head when the MLB lost an entire season in 1994-95. There has been much uproar with social media sites blowing up over this lockout. There is a ton of memes and parody's of songs on YouTube about the lockout. I think somebody, a fan should some how get into the negotiations and tell the two sides the truth, that they are fighting over money when they already make a ton of money while some fans can't even make ends meet. I think the players are also in the wrong because they are supposed to be playing for the love of the game not the money. This lockout is tremendously hurting the buisness that get a lot of buisness on game nights near the arenas. This is just adding to the bigger problem in sports today, last year, the NBA and NFL both locked out it's players. In 2004, the last NHL lockout, the entire season was canceled. The 2004 lockout was a major step back for the league because the NHL was at it's peak the New York Rangers were a good team, so they generated a lot of money in a big market and then when the lockout happened a lot of fans lost interest. As well, after the lockout the NY Rangers were a terrible team. Last year, the NY Rangers were also a very good team, the Rangers got within two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, the championship. This season also might end some legends careers, it might end Teemu Selanne of the Anaheim Ducks, Jaromir Jagr of the Dallas Stars and Martin Brodeur ( I would be happy about this) of the New Jersey Devils' careers. I do not understand why the NHL is not urging to get a deal done because one of their superstars, money makers, Alex Ovechkin said that he would stay in his home country Russia if the NHL does not get a deal done. One parody on YouTube that i like suggested a "Fan Lockout:" meaning when they get a deal done, for two weeks after the deal is done not wear any NHL paraphernalia, and not buy tickets or anything. The reasoning is if they don't have any money to fight over they cant fight. The link for that will be provided at the bottom of the article. A recent devlopment was that Gary Bettman suggested a two week moratorium, or break from negotiations, that was ripped tremendously by players. Brad Richards of the New York Rangers even going as far as to say "(I'm) very frustrated. I didn't expect for it to go this long. I don't think there's any need for it to be this long. We've been going for a while and then for Gary to come up with a comment about another two weeks off, is mind-boggling, to be honest with you". He also said, "I don't know what good that's going to do, I don't know what the tactic is. We want to get to the table; we feel we're close. ... We've indicated to them in the last meeting and ... it seems like they don't want to listen to that. They want to create this other view that we're so far apart." Players are keeping busy in a plethora of ways. For example, Alex Ovechkin is playing for Dynamo Moscow of the KHL. The KHL is getting a majority of the NHL players because, it is Russia's version of the NHL. Brad Richards and a lot of other players kept busy a few weeks ago by playing in "Operation Hat Trick." "Operation Hat Trick" was a special charity game benifiting victims of Hurricane Sandy. The likes of Brad Richards, Henrik Lundqvist, Aaron Asham, Martin Brodeur, Scott Hartnell, Steven Stamkos and more played in this game in Atlantic City. Overall, I am very sceptical of the likelyhood of a season happening. Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-38732919805105796352012-10-26T19:30:00.003-07:002012-10-26T19:30:36.766-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2NPJx-Ua7LjzT363P0r03YSPEHARCpTpbAJ70TEx-WSdysuum0skdMCYHT8JU0smiAljbvaliB-GvFsYlgIfpYxPca1qpAHbHLauP_JPIE_dG4WYs-UsKjRmlv6zcXU0oV7CA2EjhXM/s1600/tim-tebow-tebowing-trademarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2NPJx-Ua7LjzT363P0r03YSPEHARCpTpbAJ70TEx-WSdysuum0skdMCYHT8JU0smiAljbvaliB-GvFsYlgIfpYxPca1qpAHbHLauP_JPIE_dG4WYs-UsKjRmlv6zcXU0oV7CA2EjhXM/s320/tim-tebow-tebowing-trademarked.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Religion in Sports<br />
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I do not know why but in Spanish today I was bored and i randomly thought about how i could write a great article on religion in sports. Well, with the explanation out of the way here it goes! I think religion will always be associated with sports. In Sports you constantly hear things about religion. In Sports people constantly say Football's a religion in this town!". I do not know if this only me or other people have it but i take pride in the Jewish athletes and their success. Ryan Braun is one of my favorite players in the MLB for the sole reason he's Jewish. When he was proven not guilty of taking steroids i was really happy because that was a successful Jewish athlete that "beat the system". Forgive the non politically correctness of that statement. Tim Tebow is by far the most famous athlete to be very religious. He is pictured above praying before a game, better known as "Tebowing". One famous religious line that was spun for sports purposes was the line in the beginning of the Torah/Bible "In the beginning". That line was changed to "In the Big Inning". That was refferenced twice that i have seen in pop culture, "The Yankles" and "Jews and Baseball: A True American Love Story". That is the only times i have ever seen a religious line twisted in pop culture. I think Sports need religion and Religion needs sports. Religion will always be part of sports. Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091758746931572425.post-17477884159326554712012-09-25T06:22:00.001-07:002012-09-25T06:36:36.241-07:00Notre Dame Football 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSESa-NJoG_-xmDauYa4mDR7jzN1krVtlMzTiEk1vhmFW_4K4rwhiJ4yi02mrSV1mRXZqD7p2URsR80JEJ5p2bjpIl5JHmZex6KV9TfgXPnj729V6qwouLe8AKg-knrezim1Djf8gC0Q/s1600/linebacker-manti-teo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSESa-NJoG_-xmDauYa4mDR7jzN1krVtlMzTiEk1vhmFW_4K4rwhiJ4yi02mrSV1mRXZqD7p2URsR80JEJ5p2bjpIl5JHmZex6KV9TfgXPnj729V6qwouLe8AKg-knrezim1Djf8gC0Q/s320/linebacker-manti-teo.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
At the beginning of the year Notre Dame was getting called out even before the season began. They were getting called out because they had one of the toughest schedules in the country. They had to go to a tough stadium in Michigan State, in week 3 then in week 4 come home for a tough Michigan team that has beat them every year since 2009. Next they have a bye week before they play the Miami Hurricanes in a neutral site game(Chicago). After that they play Stanford, at Oklahoma, at BC, and to end the season in California against rival USC. I however, have faith in my team every year and we won the 1st game of the season 50-10 vs. Navy in Dublin, Ireland. Then, in week 2 we beat Purdue 20-17 behind the game winning drive from veteran QB Tommy Reese. In week 3 we beat Michigan State in a hostile enviorment, 20-3. That game was a big win for Manti Te'o, an All American linebacker, because the during the week leading up to the game his grandma and girlfriend both died less than 24 hours apart. Last week, we beat rival Michigan 13-6. In that game the Irish defense and captain Manti Te'o forced Denard Robinson to 4 interceptions and 1 fumble. As i mentioned before we have a much needed bye week this week in which Manti Te'o is going to go home and be with his family. I think we could battle through and beat Miami next week to improve to 5-0 and maybe 5th in the AP polls. I think we will end the season with a BCS bowl, mabye the Sugar or Rose Bowl. Max O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02853091927196914176noreply@blogger.com0