It's time

I'm glad my blog has achieved more than most blogs ever will. But unfortunately, times have changed, and i have officially decided to end www.czsportsnews.blogspot.com. It will still be up, but no more posts. I haven't had the time to post anything, and i missed some very important sports moments of possibly the year. But don't worry! This may not be the last of me, as i hope some time in the future i can start a blog that reflects on not sports, but just about everything. Thanks for reading my blog!

CARDINALS WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!

Celebrate!

The Cardinals win Game 7 of the World Series! This game was a little bit less exciting the Game six, but this still didn't disappoint. David Freese was the MVP, without question. He had a hitting streak, and hit the Walk-Off in Game 6. The Cardinals could have missed the playoffs if The Atlanta Braves didn't go into their slump. As for the Texas Rangers, this is the second straight year they fell short. All they can do is improve their roster, and try next season. However, congrats to all the teams who did make the playoffs, and especially the Brewers and the Diamondbacks. They weren't very good a season ago, and making the playoffs shows that they won't lay at the bottom. 

Happy Belated Birthday to my blog!

I forgot my blog's birthday was October 25th. Since it is the 28th, now its a belated birthday. Also, the blog is nearing 6000 pageviews! A Double Whammy!

Indy 500 Winner Dan Wheldon dies after car crash

Dan Wheldon, the Indy 500 winner, passed away after a horrific 15 car pile-up at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Drivers did become concerned after some cars reached speeds over 220 miles an hour. In addition, the field of cars was 34, larger than other races. Dario Franchitti won the championship, but that was completely overshadowed by the crash. J.R. Hildebrand, the driver who lost the Indy 500 to Wheldon, was also hospitalized with a concussion. Will Power, who was Dario Franchitti's greatest contender, was also involved in the crash. This was the last race for Danica Patrick, who will be moving to the Nationwide Series in NASCAR full-time and a few Sprint Cup races. Wheldon will be remembered in IndyCar and elsewhere in the sports world.

MLB Postseason

The NLCS and ALCS are set! The Brewers defeated the Diamondbacks 3-2 in extra innings. Nyjer Morgan drove in the game-winning run in the 10th inning, moving the Brewers into the NLCS. They will take on the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated Roy Halladay 1-0. Ryan Howard struggled, and went down with an injury after he grounded out to end the game.Chris Carpenter was phenomenal, giving up a few hits only. In the AL, the Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees, and will take on the Texas Rangers. Here are the brackets and my predictions

DETROIT 2, TEXAS 4 (games)

MILWAUKEE 4, ST. LOUIS 3

MLB Playoff Clinchers

The Tampa Bay Rays clinch the AL Wild-card spot! The Red Sox lost 4-3 to the Baltimore Orioles. Evan Longoria had 2 home runs as the Rays beat the Yankees 8-7. At the beginning of September, the Rays were 9 games behind the Red Sox. But after the Red Sox's slump, the Rays tool advantage of that.

In the NL, the Braves blow an 8and a half game lead of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Braves lost to the Phillies when Hunter Pence drove in the game-winning run. This is just as disappointing as the Red Sox, as no one could have predicted the Cardinals or the Rays would overtake the wildcard leaders. But congrats to both teams, as they look to reach the World Series. 

Fantasy Week 3 Recap and Fantasy Winners+Losers

I know i didn't do Week 2. So I'll make it up and do Week 3! So let's go review the best games of Week 3

Buffalo Bills 34, New England Patriots 31


The Bills and the Lions are the two teams that have come back from a horrid season to be undefeated. No one would have predicted the Bills would have started the season undefeated. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the leader of this team, and young talent is with him. The Bill's defense was good too, intercepting Tom Brady 4 times. Brady had 4 just all of last season.

Fantasy Winners: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Wes Welker, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski
Fantasy Losers: None

Carolina Panthers 16, Jacksonville Jaguars 10


Blaine Gabbert got his first start, but it wasn't in the best condition. During the second quarter, rain poured down, and made the field slippery, and really muddy. But he played well despite all the mess with 139 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. But Cam Newton shined again, throwing the game-winning TD to Greg Olsen, the former Chicago Bear.

Fantasy Winners: Greg Olsen, Cam Newton, Maurice Jones-Drew
Fantasy losers: None

Detroit Lions 26, Minnesota Vikings 23


The Detroit Lions keep rolling, winning all 4 preseason games and the first 3 regular season games. The Minnesota Vikings dominate the first half, but have blown it all as they lost all 3 games they played. The Vikings should be using Adrian Peterson more often, as he is incredibly strong, fast, agile, and powerful.

Fantasy Winners: Calvin Johnson Jr., Matthew Stafford
Fantasy losers: Adrian Peterson

Dallas Cowboys 18, Washington Redskins 16


Tony Romo had a punctured lung after the 49ers game. He played well against the Redskins, despite all the bad snaps. He had 255 yards and an interception. Most of this game was field goals, besides 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Winners: Sean Lee, Felix Jones
Fantasy Losers: None

The Bills on a tear?!

Ok, somethings wrong here. How on earth are the Buffalo Bills (Yes, the Buffalo Bills) 3-0? It almost defies football (no offense). Beating New England really makes a statement. This young team came from the dumps to leading the AFC East. Ryan Fitzpatrick emerged in week 1, and hasn't faded since. The Bills might make their first playoff push in over a decade.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

MLB Playoff clinchers

3 teams have recently clinched their divisions, and a spot in the playoffs. Let's look at how each team reached this point

Arizona Diamondbacks- Last season they had the 3rd-worst record in MLB. Now they rocketed to the top of the standings, clinching over last year's World Champions, the San Francisco Giants. Some players were key to this run, including possible Cy Young winner Ian Kennedy. Kennedy had 20 wins, a 2.88 ERA,194 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP. Justin Upton was a force on offense, leading his team in AVG, HR, Runs, and OPS.

Milwaukee Brewers- Last season they had a losing record and were third in the division. This year, they are officially on top. However, one of their big powerhouses, Prince Fielder, says he doesn't want to return to Milwaukee. But Ryan Braun seems to be staying, as he will look to hit 30+ home runs again. Acquiring Zack Greinke from the Royals was the smartes thing they've done for the 2011 campaign. Also, their home games have been dominant as well. 

                                     

Texas Rangers- Losing Cliff Lee seemed to be a big blow to the Rangers. It seemed to have the opposite effect. C.J. Wilson has emerged, with a 2.97 ERA, 16 wins, and 206 strikeouts. The trio of Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Josh Hamilton are dominant, each leading their team in some way. The Rangers hope to reach the World Series again, but this time, they plan on winning it. 

                                                 

NASCAR

Tony Stewart wins the first race of the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway! Tony Stewart had some struggles during the regular season, but now he has shown that he did not wear off or waste a Chase spot. Kevin Harvick is now 1st in the points, after he finished 2nd. Tony Stewart is now 2nd in the points, and Carl Edwards is 3rd in the points. Kurt Busch is 4th after finishing 6th. Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin dropped out of the top 10 after issues during the race.

NFL Week One Recap +Fantasy Winners+ Disappointments

Let's recap the best games from Week 1.

Buffalo 41, Kansas City 7


Who would have thought the Buffalo Bills would blow out a team that made the playoffs? Ryan Fitzpatrick and Scott Chandler connected a few times and scored unexpected amounts of fantasy points. If the Bills continue to play like this, the New York Jets and the New England Patriots better watch out.

Fantasy Winners: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Scott Chandler
Fantasy Losers: Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe
Arizona 28, Carolina 21


We couldn't wait to see Cam Newton play for the first time. And boy, did he show some talent, throwing for 422 yards and 2 touchdowns. He scored 30+ points in my fantasy league, and Steve Smith put up big numbers as well. But this was overshadowed, as Kevin Kolb led the Cardinals to victory.
Fantasy Winners:Can Newton, Steve Smith
Fantasy Losers: Larry Fitzgerald, DeAngelo WIlliams
New England 38, Miami 24


Both Tom Brady and Chad Henne had very big nights. Brady put up 517 yards, 4 TD's, and Henne had 416 and 2 TD's. Wes Welker had a record night, tying the longest reception in the NFL, 99 yards and he scored twice.
Fantasy Winners: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Chad Henne
Fantasy Losers: New England Defense, Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins Defense

Houston 34, Indianapolis 7


It was a blowout for the Peyton Manning-less Colts. Houston took the advantage of the opportunity, and it was a big one. Even though the Texans were without Arian Foster, Ben Tate carried the load, with 24 carries for 116 yards. Andre Johnson had 7 catches for 95 yards.
Fantasy Winners: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson
Fantasy losers: Joseph Addai

Kevin Harvick wins the last race of the regular season!

The NASCAR season comes to a close, with Kevin Harvick winning at Richmond. The Chase field is now set, in this order
1st. Kyle Busch
1st. Kevin Harvick
3rd. Jeff Gordon
4th. Matt Kenseth
5th. Jimmie Johnson
5th. Carl Edwards
5th. Kurt Busch
5th. Ryan Newman
9th. Tony Stewart
9th. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
WC1- Brad Keselowski
WC2- Denny Hamlin
WATCH TO SEE IF SOMEONE ELSE WINS BESIDES JIMMIE JOHNSON!!!

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers- Having won a game already, Green Bay is looking like champs. They did lose Cullen Jenkins on defense, and they only re-signed 3 players. But change wasn't necessary for the reigning Super Bowl Champions, as they look to defend that feat. Record- 13-3

Detroit Lions- The Lions were dismal in the first decade of the 2000's. But now the future looks bright, as Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson Jr., Jahvid Best, and Ndamukong Suh look to bring the Lions from the bottom up. Being able to draft Nick Fairley in the draft was Christmas for the Lions. They did go 4-0 in the pre-season. If Stafford can stay healthy, watch out for the hungry Lions. Record- 9-7

Chicago Bears- Nothing much to say here. Just hope Jay Cutler can minimize his interceptions and Matt Forte can carry the ball far. Record- 8-8

Minnesota Vikings- Wow, someone younger at QB this season. Donovan McNabb has seen 3 places in the past 3 seasons. Adrian Peterson is the leader of this offense, and Jared Allen on defense. But there is no one to help them out, so the Vikings may miss the playoffs this season. Record- 6-11

Fantasy Football!

Well, I drafted players for my fantasy team, and I have to say, its really good considering that I've never done fantasy before! So here is my players for both offense and defense.

OFFENSE:

DEFENSE:

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles- Acquiring many good players over the offseason led many people to dub them as the "Dream Team," with the acquisitions of Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Vince Young, Jason Babin, Ronnie Brown, and Steve Smith. The Eagles hope that getting all of these players will rocket the to the top of their division. Record-13-3

Dallas Cowboys- Last season was a disappointment, as the Cowboys were not able to play in the Super Bowl, which was hosted in Dallas. But with Jason Garrett at the helm, look for the Cowboys to forget last season and focus on this season. Record- 10-6

New York Giants- Remember when Eli Manning said he felt that he belonged in the same group as Tom Brady is in? Well, he's not even close. But that doesn't mean he isn't good, as he did defeat Tom Brady and the Patriots in 2008. However, the arrow isn't pointing up or down, so the G-men remain in the middle of the NFC East. Record 9-7

Washington Redskins- Mike Shanahan decided Rex Grossman should start in Week one. Grossman does think the Redskins will win the East, but I think they are far from it. Tim Hightower looks promising, and Santana Moss remains talented at the #1 receiver spot. But the only place the arrow pointing is up, but not by much. Record-6-10

NEXT TIME: NFC NORTH

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers- The Chargers have high expectations yet they cannot live up to that. Philip Rivers is the unofficial leader, with wideout Vincent Jackson his primary target. The Chargers weren't very active during the offseason, acquiring only 4 different players. They did lose running back Darren Sproles, and now look to Ryan Mathews for the rushing game. Record- 9-7

Denver Broncos- The Broncos need to find the star player to build around. Kyle Orton, and Knowshon Moreno are good offensive players, but not people to build your team around. Elvis Dumervil had an injury last season, so look for im to go after the QB. They did get Ty Warren from free agency, but they need more as this division is about equal with each other. Record- 7-9

Kansas City- They had a miracle season last year, coming from the dumps to the division title. Now I think they're back in the dumps. Acquiring Steve Breaston added some offense to help Dwayne Bowe, but nothing new has happened in the Kansas City camp. Record 7-9

Oakland Raiders- Everything is pointing upwards, as the Raiders look to improve. They did draft Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft. The Raiders may not replicate their 8-8 season last season, but they will make an effort to get as close as possible to that. Record 6-10

NEXT TIM: NFC EAST

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans- Matt Schaub looks to lead the Texans past the Indianapolis Colts, and this season, I think they can. With Pro Bowlers Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, look for the Texans to move past the Colts. On the downside, Arian Foster tweeted that he had an MRI and will be out for a few weeks. Record- 11-5

Indianapolis Colts- I predict Manning will be back at Week 3. Kerry Collins may not be able to jump-start the Colts, so i predict they will lose both games (not saying they suck or anything...). When Manning comes back, it might be too late. Record 10-6

Tennessee Titans- Chris Johnson doesn't look to be on the field week one. So the offense will be down, and look for the Titans to lose big on yardage. However, the future looks bright, with Jake Locker coming in, and young receivers Kenny Britt and Nate Washington. Record 6-10

Jacksonville Jaguars- Once they figure out who starts at QB, the only direction for the Jaguars is up. Maurice Jones-Drew is the only superstar on the team, so they need to figure out how to build around him. The Jaguars are stuck on the bottom again. And don't look for them to be ahead of any other team in the division. Record- 4-12

NEXT TIME: AFC WEST

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco is a rising NFL superstar, and with the additions of Lee Evans and Ricky Williams, the Ravens look sharp. However, they did lose Willis McGahee, and Todd Heap, and the defence isn't getting any younger. Record 11-5

Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben Roethlisberger looks to take the Steelers to another Super Bowl. Adding Jerricho Cotchery adds some offense, but nothing else has changed much. The AFC is getting tougher, and the Steelers should look to improve the offensive line, and add more players that can contribute significantly. Record: 9-7

Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy seems to be the answer. With Mohamed Massaquoi back and practicing, this season looks bright for the Browns. They weren't extremely active during the offseason, but they did give a new contract to future Hall of Famer LT Joe Thomas. Look for the Browns to improve significantly. Record- 7-9

Cincinnati Bengals- Last season was a disaster for them. With Carson Palmer "retired," rookie Andy Dalton steps in. But nothing new has come around for the Bengals, so look for them to have another disastrous season. Record- 2-14

Next Time: AFC SOUTH

BK does it again

No. Not Burger King. Brad Keselowski, that is, winning at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ever since Brad broke his ankle during a practice session, he has been red hot, never finishing lower than 3rd in the past four races, also with 2 wins. He has more combined wins this season than Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch total. That's pretty impressive. Brad is almost 100% assured of a Chase spot, and Denny Hamlin holds the #2 wild card spot.

Other News:
NFL- Wes Welker left the Patriots and Lions game with a neck injury. The Lions took an opportunity to pounce, and seized the moment, winning 34-10

NFL Regular Season PREVIEW

So what should we expect from each team in the regular season, and what they should do? We break down each division and list teams in the order I believe they will finish.

AFC East
New England Patriots- Again. Obviously, the Patriots are not stopping now, and with the additions of Chad Ochocinco, re-signing Logan Mankin and Matt Light. And the Patriots drafted Ryan Mallet, to seek back-up QB or to rest players before the next game. Record-12-4

New York Jets- Getting Nnamdi Asomugha would give the Jets the best secondary in the league. Unfortunately, he went to Philadelphia. They did mange to sign Plaxico Burress, who was released from jail after spending 22 months in jail. They also signed Aaron Maybin, to help with defense after Shaun Ellis went to New England. Record-10-6

Miami Dolphins- They need to find a QB. Chad Henne is a decent QB, but is he the long-term solution? They also signed Matt Moore, who struggled with the Carolina Panthers. Either one of them should give the ball to one of their star players, Brandon Marshall. Record-5-11

Buffalo Bills- The Bills haven't see much outside of last place. They need to find the one player to build around, which none of the players seem to be able to answer that call. After dealing Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens, they dont have threats to the outside. All they can hope to see light from is C.J. Spiller, but he was a disappointment last season.  Record-2-14


NEXT TIME: AFC NORTH