Batting Champion Suspended

Performance enhancing drugs strikes again in Major League Baseball. The biggest bugaboo in professional sports strikes agian, this time hitting the defending National League batting champion. A year after leading the NL in hitting, going .333 last year with 205 hits and 58 steals, Miami Marlins 2nd baseman Dee Gordon has been suspended for PED use. The suspension will cost Dee Gordon 80 games, will cost him about $1.65 million in salary during the suspension and makes him ineligible for the postseason, should the Marlins make it to the playoffs. He tested positive for exogenous testosterone and clostebol Oh and of an interesting note, this comes as the first season as Barry Bonds as the hitting coach of the Marlins.

The fact that this happens with Bonds as the hitting coach I'm sure has nothing to do at all with this suspensions, but because he's the Marlins hitting coach and a Marlins player gets suspended for PED use, of course people are going to start making the connection. I'm sure Bonds had nothing to do with it, people just like to talk, you know how the sports world reacts to things like this.

Gordon went to he media after the suspension was announced: "Though I did not do so knowingly, I have been informed that test results showed I ingested something that contained prohibited substances. The hardest part about this is feeling that I have let down my teammates, the organization and the fans," Gordon said. "I have been careful to avoid products that could contain something banned by MLB and the 20+ tests that I have taken and passed throughout my career prove this. I made a mistake and I accept the consequences." (ESPN)

I give Gordon full marks for accepting this suspension like a pro. This comes, like I said, the year after Gorodn won the NL batting title. Gordon is playing in the first year of a new five-year, $50 million deal with Miami in January. This does come as a bit of a surprise to find out that Dee Gordon of all people was caught using steroids. Prior to last year, Gordon had hit above .300 only once in his career, that was hitting .304 in his rookie year. Then he has a big year last year. I don't thin steroids had anything to do with it, I just think he was able to fully find his game and be able to hit at the big league level and with regularity.

I will give baseball a little credit here. They have started to really show the rest of the league, and the baseball world for that matter, that its not just the sluggers who are getting nailed for steroids use. It shows that if anybody gets caught using they will be punished. Its telling people that it doesn't matter who you are or how well your playing, if you get caught using steroids, your going to get punished for it. Simple as that. One of the big things for me is how well will Gordon react and be received when he comes back. He's eligable to return to the Miami lineup on July 28, which will be the Marlins' 102nd game of the year. Can he still be productive at the plate and in the field when he comes back? I think he should be OK and he can keep his nose clean and stay of trouble. He'll be just fine.

NHL 2nd Round Preview

First round is in the books in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We started with sixteen teams, now were down to eight. Every series in the opening round went at least five games. Both the Kings and Blackhawks were bounced in the opening round, meaning we will have a new Stanley Cup Champion in 2016. The Rangers fail to get out of the first round for the first time since 2011, while the Islanders won their first playoff series since 1993 and in as dramatic a fashion as possible. St. Louis finally got over the hump in the first round, getting revenge against the Blackhawks from two years ago. This marks the first series win for the Blues since 2012. But now the 2nd round is set and we are ready to go.

First up is the Atlantic matchup as the wild card New York Islanders head back to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay is coming of a five game series win in the opening round against the Detroit Red Wings. This marks the 2nd year in a row the Lightning advanced to the second round after beating the Red Wings in the opening round. Tampa Bay is now 10-7 lifetime in playoff series and are looking to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2nd year in a row. As for the Islanders, this marks the 1st time since 1993 that they have won a playoff series. They defeated the Florida Panthers in six games. The Islanders are looking to get back to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1993 and are now 168-110 lifetime in the playoffs. This is the second playoff meeting for these teams; their only previous series was in the 2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, which Tampa Bay won in five games. New York won two of the three games in this year's regular season series.

Here's the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 27 New York Islanders 7:00 p.m. Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
April 30 New York Islanders 3:00 p.m. Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
May 3 Tampa Bay Lightning 7:00 p.m. New York Islanders Barclays Center
May 6 Tampa Bay Lightning 7:00 p.m. New York Islanders Barclays Center
May 8 New York Islanders TBD Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
May 10 Tampa Bay Lightning TBD New York Islanders Barclays Center
May 12 New York Islanders TBD Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena

Here's how we see this series going!
Pick:
Solly: Lightning in 7
Steve: Islanders in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Lightning in 5

Next up is the Presidents Trophy Winning Washington Capitals playing the Metro Division rival the Pittsburgh Penguins. Washington comes in after disposing of the Philadelphia Flyers in six games in the opening round, making this the 2nd straight year the Capitals have gotten to the 2nd round. Here is where Washington struggles, as the Capitals haven't gotten past this round since 1998. Washington is now 15-25 lifetime in playoff series. As for Pittsburgh, they come in having disposed of the New York Rangers in five games, making this the 2nd time in three years that the Pens have gotten past round one. Pittsburgh is looking to make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2013. Pittsburgh is now 168-148 lifetime in the playoffs. This is the ninth playoff meeting for these teams, with Pittsburgh having won seven of the eight previous series. Their most recent meeting was in the 2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals, which Pittsburgh won in seven games. Pittsburgh won three of the five games in this year's regular season series.

Here's the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 28 Pittsburgh Penguins 8:00 p.m. Washington Capitals Verizon Center
April 30 Pittsburgh Penguins 8:00 p.m. Washington Capitals Verizon Center
May 2 Washington Capitals 8:00 p.m. Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
May 4 Washington Capitals 8:00 p.m. Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
May 7 Pittsburgh Penguins TBD Washington Capitals Verizon Center
May 10 Washington Capitals TBD Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
May 12 Pittsburgh Penguins TBD Washington Capitals Verizon Center

Here's how we see this series going!
Pick:
Solly: Capitals in 7
Steve: Penguins in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Capitals in 7

Moving over to the Western Conference we have the Dallas Stars taking on the St. Louis Blues. Dallas got here by knocking off the Minnesota Wild in six games. This marks the first time since 2008 that Dallas has made the 2nd round and also the first time for Dallas trying to get to the conference finals since that same year. Dallas post season record now stands at 80-73. As for the Blues, they got here by knocking off the defending cup champions the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games. This marks the first time since 2012 the Blues are playing in the 2nd round and St. Louis is trying to get to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2001. St Louis is now 184-168 lifetime in the post season. This is the thirteenth playoff meeting for these teams; the two teams have split the twelve previous series. They last met in the 2001 Western Conference Semifinals, which St. Louis won in a four-game sweep. St. Louis won four of the five games in this year's regular season series.

Here's the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 29 St. Louis Blues 8:00 p.m. Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
May 1 St. Louis Blues 3:00 p.m. Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
May 3 Dallas Stars 8:00 p.m. St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
May 5 Dallas Stars 8:00 p.m. St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
May 7 St. Louis Blues TBD Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
May 9 Dallas Stars TBD St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
May 11 St. Louis Blues TBD Dallas Stars American Airlines Center

Here's how we see this series going!
Pick:
Solly: Blues in 7
Steve: Blues in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Blues in 7

Last but not least we have the San Jose Sharks taking on the Nashville Predators. Nashville is coming off a huge first round upset, beating the Anaheim Ducks in seven games. This marks just the 3rd time in franchise history that the Predators are playing in the 2nd round. They have never made it to the Western Conference Finals in the team's history. Nashville is now 25-36 lifetime in the post season. As for the Sharks, they got here by disposing of the Los Angeles Kings in five games in the Opening Round. This marks the first time since 2012 that San Jose is in the 2nd round, and they haven't made it to the Western Conference Finals since 2011. San Jose is now 87-94 lifetime in the playoffs. This is the third playoff meeting for these teams, with San Jose winning both previous series. They last met in the 2007 Western Conference Quarterfinals, which San Jose won in five games. Nashville won two of the three games in this year's regular season series.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 29 Nashville Predators 10:30 p.m. San Jose Sharks SAP Center
May 1 Nashville Predators 8:00 p.m. San Jose Sharks SAP Center
May 3 San Jose Sharks 9:00 p.m. Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
May 5 San Jose Sharks 9:00 p.m. Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
May 7 Nashville Predators TBD San Jose Sharks SAP Center
May 9 San Jose Sharks TBD Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
May 12 Nashville Predators TBD San Jose Sharks SAP Center

Here's how we see this series going!
Pick:
Solly: Sharks in 7
Steve: Sharks in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Sharks in 5

John Tavares Makes Statement

Playoff time is the time of year where fans, management and everybody else involved with a pro sports team expects there best players to play that way. During the early part of the regular season, Islanders captain John Tavares looked like he was an average player. Something he is not, as any Islanders fan or observer will tell you. But during the start of the year, he looked average. Now, a day after helping get the Islanders to the 2nd round of the playoffs for the 1st time in twenty three years, he has proven he's anything but average.

When the Islanders started the rebuilding process, it became clear that Tavares was going to be the key guy that this team was going to be built around. Three playoff appearances in the last four years have held make that statement hold up, as Tavares has been the unquestioned leader, and best player on this team, during that stretch of time. Management has now gotten the right pieces, at least for the moment anyway, to build around their star player and they are starting to reap the benifits. Look at last year for an example. Tavares was the 2nd leading scorer in the entire league, behind only Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars. He finished 3rd in voting for the Hart Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the NHL, behind only Alex Ovechkin and Carey Price (who won the award last year). The inclination was there that this kid was bound to be a very big star in this league and this game. So your thinking after a year like that and almost getting them past the Capitals in the opening round of last years playoffs, that Tavares was ready to turn the corner and become an elite player in this sport.

Didn't exactly look that way when the year started.

He started off the 2015-16 season looking like an average player, something that nay observer will tell you John Tavares is not. Tavares struggled through a brutal first half of the regular season, notching just 34 points in 44 games. He had no jump to his game when the season started. Then all of a sudden, the light switch was flipped on for the Captain. He was put together with Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo for the stretch run during the regular season, which seemed to really get him going. He ended the year with an eight game point streak, collecting 16 points during those eight games. You started to see JT returning to form. Then the playoffs started and Tavares took off

He finished the series against the Panthers with nine points on five goals and four assists. None bigger than the two goal performance in the Isles 2-1 double overtime win in the series deciding 6th game. Which by the way was the 2nd straight double overtime game the Islanders played, the first time that's ever happened in the teams history. Tavares was all over the place in the series, which shows that he's really started to raise his game to an elite level. Don't believe me? Look at the two goals he scored in game six.

New York showed no life at times during this 6th game. They're down 1-0 with less than a minute left. Puck gets sent towards the net, Roberto Luongo, the Panthers goalie, makes the save but leaves a rebound right next to him. Luongo lost sight of it, but Tavares didn't. He found the puck and whacked it in on the backhand to tie the game at one and force extra hockey. Then in double overtime, Tavares did this:



It sent the Barclays Center into complete pandemonium and the Islanders to the 2nd round for the first time since 93. That goal has vaulted John Tavares into rarefied air. It was his statement saying that yes I'ma  big deal in this league, yes I'm the best player on this Islanders team and yes I have arrived.

JT has now showed the rest of the league what Islanders fans have known for quite a while now. He is one of the premiere players in the game of hockey and will be for a long time to come

Yankees Flat Out Sick Bullpen

Last December, the New York Yankees pulled off one of the biggest trades of the off season. The Yankees sent over to the Reds four minor league players, right-handed pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis, and infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda. In return for those four guys, the Bombers got one of the best closers in the game in Aroldis Chapamn. With him coming out of the pen in the Bronxs, along with Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, they make one of the greatest three headed combinations in history. Only thing is Chapman has to miss the first month of the year to to a suspension for off the field issues. So that brings up questions as to what the Yankees are going to do. And to make matters worse, Andrew Miller had that little injury scare with his wrist at the end of training camp. There had been question marks going into the year.

Well we're ten games into the regular season, and guess what, this bullpen is more than fine. They're flat out scary.

First thought to run through the heads of baseball fans was great Millers hurt and Chapman is out a month, this can't be good. Well they haven't skipped a beat. Just look at the numbers of the four best relievers in the Yankees pen right now. Dellin Betances (5 IP, 12 SO, 0 ER) and Andrew Miller (4 IP, 9 SO, 0 ER), have lead the charge, followed by Johnny Barbato (6 IP, 9 SO, 0 ER) and Chasen Shreve (4.1 IP, 2 SO, 0 ER). When you have four relievers who haven't allowed a run yet in 19.1 innings of combined work, all while striking out 32 opposing hitters. That's scary numbers. Nobody has been getting a hit of these New York Relievers, who have been the best in the pen in all of baseball in the first ten games of the year.

If that's not dominance enough, look at what the back of the pen did Sunday in the 4-3 win at home against Seattle at the Stadium. Betances came in for the 8th inning, faced three batters. Got all three out via the strikeout. Andrew Miller came in for the 9th. Same thing. Three batters, three outs all via the strikeout. That is a level of dominance that so few teams can find on the mound now a days.

I know its ten games into the season, but still its something that is wort noting. Now, think how scary this team is going to be when Aroldis Chapman is eligible to come back into the mix. He's set to possibly return to the Yankees lineup on May 9th, which could really strike fear into the hearts of opposing hitters. Lets not forget that Chapman is known for a four-seam fastball that averages 100.3 mph, and a hard slider that averages 88.5 mph. He throws hard and keeps hitters off balance. The guy, when he's on his game, can flat out dominate like so few who have ever stepped foot on a Major League pitching mound.

There is one thing that crossed my mind over the last 24 hours. What are you going to do with Chapman when he does come back? I know the Yankees really want to get usage out of him, and for good reason. At the same time, don't force trying to push him back into the pen right away. If Betances and Miller are still going good with Aroldis comes back, stick with it as long as you can. Run with it until you can't run with it any longer.

I can tell you this much. When Chapman comes back, and with him Miller and Betances all going and going well, this Yankees team is going to be a very tough team to face. They could be really, really good this year!

NFL Schedules Announced

The countdown is on. Five mere months from now the National Football League will start the 2016 regular season. There's a lot to look forward to this upcoming football season and we're here to help you figure it all out. There will be a total of 256 games played during the regular season, so there's going to be plenty of football to watch come this fall. Listed below are going to be the schedules for the New York Jets, New York Giants and the most intriguing games to watch around the league this year.

First up here's the schedule for the New York Giants:

1. September 11 4:25 p.m. EDT at Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium Fox
2. September 18 1:00 p.m. EDT New Orleans Saints MetLife Stadium Fox
3. September 25 1:00 p.m. EDT Washington Redskins MetLife Stadium Fox
4. October 3 8:30 p.m. EDT at Minnesota Vikings U.S. Bank Stadium ESPN
5. October 9 8:30 p.m. EDT at Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field NBC
6. October 16 1:00 p.m. EDT Baltimore Ravens MetLife Stadium CBS
7. October 23 9:30 a.m. EDT at Los Angeles Rams Twickenham Stadium (London, England) NFLN
8. Bye
9. November 6 1:00 p.m. EST Philadelphia Eagles MetLife Stadium Fox
10. November 14 8:30 p.m. EST Cincinnati Bengals MetLife Stadium ESPN
11. November 20 1:00 p.m. EST Chicago Bears MetLife Stadium Fox
12. November 27 1:00 p.m. EST at Cleveland Browns FirstEnergy Stadium Fox
13. December 4 4:25 p.m. EST at Pittsburgh Steelers Heinz Field Fox
14. December 11 8:30 p.m. EST Dallas Cowboys MetLife Stadium NBC
15. December 18 1:00 p.m. EST Detroit Lions MetLife Stadium Fox
16. December 22 8:25 p.m. EST at Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field NBC/NFLN/Twitter
17. January 1 1:00 p.m. EST at Washington Redskins FedEx Field Fox

A lot to look forward to if your a Giants fan. They do play the Rams, but don't get to go to LA, instead making the trip to London. As it looks right now, the Giants are going to have a totally re-tooled defense, which  could get even better between now and the start of the year. The two biggest tests early in the year for that D is going to be week two against the Saints and week five against the Packers. To go along with that, there is the intrigue of playing the AFC North, which again is going to be a tough test.. Should be a good year to watch if your a Giants fan. The big question is, can this team get back to, or even pass, the .500 mark this season?

Now here's a look at the schedule for the other tenants at Metlife Stadium, the New York Jets:

1. September 11 1:00 p.m. EDT Cincinnati Bengals MetLife Stadium CBS
2. September 15 8:25 p.m. EDT at Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson Stadium CBS/NFLN/Twitter
3. September 25 4:25 p.m. EDT at Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium CBS
4. October 2 1:00 p.m. EDT Seattle Seahawks MetLife Stadium Fox
5. October 9 1:00 p.m. EDT at Pittsburgh Steelers Heinz Field CBS
6. October 17 8:30 p.m. EDT at Arizona Cardinals University of Phoenix Stadium ESPN
7. October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Baltimore Ravens MetLife Stadium CBS
8. October 30 1:00 p.m. EDT at Cleveland Browns FirstEnergy Stadium CBS
9. November 6 1:00 p.m. EST at Miami Dolphins New Miami Stadium CBS
10. November 13 1:00 p.m. EST Los Angeles Rams MetLife Stadium Fox
11. Bye
12. November 27 8:30 p.m. EST New England Patriots MetLife Stadium NBC
13. December 5 8:30 p.m. EST Indianapolis Colts MetLife Stadium ESPN
14. December 11 4:05 p.m. EST at San Francisco 49ers Levi's Stadium CBS
15. December 17 8:25 p.m. EST Miami Dolphins MetLife Stadium NFLN
16. December 24 1:00 p.m. EST at New England Patriots Gillette Stadium CBS
17. January 1 1:00 p.m. EST Buffalo Bills MetLife Stadium CBS

Much like the schedule with the Giants, the division games with the Jets are going to be a lot of fun to watch. What's worth noting is that there are a few nire prime time games for the Jets this year. And with good reason, they went 10-6 last year and could be considered to be a contender in the AFC this year. To make this schedule interesting for the Jets are playing both the AFC and NFC Wests this year plus the AFC North. It should be a lot of fun to watch this year.

Intriguing Games:
There's plenty of other entertaining games on the schedule this year aside from the local football teams. First there's the International Series, three of the games will be played in London, England and the fourth will be played in Mexico City, Mexico. The Jacksonville Jaguars will play host to the Indianapolis Colts on October 2 at Wembley Stadium, marking the fourth of at least eight consecutive years in which the Jaguars will host a game in London. On October 23, in the first-ever NFL game at Twickenham Stadium also in London, the Los Angeles Rams will host the New York Giants. The Cincinnati Bengals will host the Washington Redskins on October 30 at Wembley Stadium in London. Finally, on Monday, November 21, the Oakland Raiders will host the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, in the first-ever Monday night game to be played outside of the United States and the second regular-season contest to be held in Mexico (the first being the 2005 Fútbol Americano contest).

Of Course, there's the Thanksgiving games, which this year will see the Detroit Lions will host the Minnesota Vikings, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Washington Redskins, and the evening game, the Indianapolis Colts will host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now for the big matchups. The first game of the year is last year's Super Bowl rematch, Carolina at Denver. The Bengals and Sttlers face off for the first time since the AFC Wild Card game in Pittsburgh Week Two, a lock that no doubt will see the Bengals get booed quite loudly in the building that day.  Week two also sees the return of Pro Football to Los Angeles as the Rams play their home opener against Seattle. Week Four will have the battle of Washington QB's as RGIII leads the Browns into DC to take on Kirk Cousins and the Redskins. There's the rematch of last year's NFC title game in week eight as the Panthers host the Cardinals. We get a Super Bowl 49 rematch in week ten as the Patriots play host to the Seahawks.

So there will be plenty of must watch games in the NFL in 2016!

Stanley Cup Playoffs Opening Round Preview

It's that time of year again. Six long months and 1,230 regular season games around the league, we have reached the chase. The Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived and there are sixteen teams left standing. All have the same goal in mind. Carrying Lord Stanley's Cup over their heads in two months. The journey to that point starts right now. Eight matchups in the opening round begin Wednesday night. Looking at the field, there were a few surprises that are still standing. The Florida Panthers win the division for just the 2nd time in franchise history, and are making their 5th playoff appearance ever. Washington dominated from start to finish, winning the Presidents Trophy for the 2nd time ever and collected the 2nd most points in a season in franchise history (they won the trophy with 121 points in 2010). Anaheim won the division after starting the season off 1-7-2. Detroit has made the playoffs for the 25th consecutive season. Oh and this marks the first time since the 1969-70 season that there will be no teams from Canada playing in the playoffs. All sixteen teams fighting for the Cup are from the United States.

Enough of the rif raff, lets get down to business. Here's what the opening round looks like for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We start with the Eastern Conference.

First up is the Presidents Trophy Winning Washington Capitals, taking on the 2nd Wild Card seeded Philadelphia Flyers. The Washington Capitals earned the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's best regular season team. Washington collected 120 points, the 2nd most ever in franchise history (behind the 2010 Capitals won eanred 121 points and the Presidents Trophy that year as well). This marks the 8th time in the last nine seasons that the Capitals have made the playoffs and the 2nd time in the last four years the Caps have won the division. Washington faces a Philadelphia Flyers team that finished as the second wild-card seed. This marks the 2nd time in the last four seasons that Philadelphia has made the playoffs. Philly is looking for its first win in the opening round since 2012. This is the fifth meeting between these teams in the playoffs. Both teams splitting the four previous series. They last met in the 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, which Philadelphia won in seven games. These teams split this year's four-game regular season series.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 14 Philadelphia Flyers 7:00 p.m Washington Capitals Verizon Center
April 16 Philadelphia Flyers 7:00 p.m Washington Capitals Verizon Center
April 18 Washington Capitals 7:00 p.m Philadelphia Flyers Wells Fargo Center
April 20 Washington Capitals 7:00 p.m Philadelphia Flyers Wells Fargo Center
April 22 Philadelphia Flyers TBD Washington Capitals Verizon Center
April 24 Washington Capitals TBD Philadelphia Flyers Wells Fargo Center
April 27 Philadelphia Flyers TBD Washington Capitals Verizon Center

This series should be good and their's quite a bit riding on it. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Capitals in 5
Steve: Capitals in 5
3rd Mic Dan: Flyers in 7

The other Metropolitan Division Matchup will have the 2nd seed Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the 3rd seed New York Rangers. The Pittsburgh Penguins finished second in the Metropolitan Division, earning 104 points. This marks the 10th year in a row that the Penguins have reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pittsburgh is looking to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2013. As for the Rangers, they earned 101 points in the regular season to finish third in the Metropolitan. This now marks the 6th year in a row that the Rangers are playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, having reached at least the Eastern Conference Finals the last two years. This marks the 2nd year in a row the Rangers hit the 100 point mark, as they won the Presidents Trophy with 113 last year. Finishing 3rd this year was the lowest finish for the Rangers since 2011. This marks the seventh meeting between these teams, and the third meeting in three consecutive seasons, with Pittsburgh losing the last two but winning four of the six overall. They last met in last year's Eastern Conference First Round, which the Rangers won in five games. Pittsburgh won three of the four games during this year’s regular season series.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 13 New York Rangers 8:00 p.m Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
April 16 New York Rangers 3:00 p.m Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
April 19 Pittsburgh Penguins 7:00 p.m New York Rangers Madison Square Garden
April 21 Pittsburgh Penguins TBD New York Rangers Madison Square Garden
April 23 New York Rangers TBD Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center
April 25 Pittsburgh Penguins TBD New York Rangers Madison Square Garden
April 27 New York Rangers TBD Pittsburgh Penguins Consol Energy Center

The Penguins and Rangers usually play pretty spirited hockey each time they hook up. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Penguins in 7
Steve: Penguins in 5

Next Up in the Atlantic Division its the Division Winning Florida Panthers taking on the Wild Card Winning New York Islanders. Florida Panthers finished first in the Atlantic Division, earning 103 points. It marks the 2nd time ever that the Panthers have won the division, their first division title coming in their last playoff appearance in 2012. In fact, this is just the 5th time that the Panthers have ever made the playoffs, the team only winning two series ever (both coming in their miracle run in 1996). Those 103 points are the most the Panthers have ever collected in a single season. As for the Islanders, they finished as the Eastern Conference's first wild-card, earning 100 points. This is the 2nd straight year the Islanders have earned 100 or more points, the first time they've done that since 1981 and 1982. New York has made the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row, something they haven't done since 2003 and 2004. This is the first meeting between these two teams in the playoffs. Florida won two of the three games during this year’s regular season series. This will be the first time that a Stanley Cup playoff series will be played at the Barclays Center. The series contains the two teams with the longest playoff win drought in the league (the Islanders have not won a series since 1993, and the Panthers since 1996).

Here's the date and times for every game in this series:
April 14 New York Islanders 8:00 p.m Florida Panthers BB&T Center
April 15 New York Islanders 8:00 p.m Florida Panthers BB&T Center
April 17 Florida Panthers 7:30 p.m New York Islanders Barclays Center
April 20 Florida Panthers 8:00 p.m New York Islanders Barclays Center
April 22 New York Islanders TBD Florida Panthers BB&T Center
April 24 Florida Panthers TBD New York Islanders Barclays Center
April 26 New York Islanders TBD Florida Panthers BB&T Center

Its a battle of playoff futility in this series, both teams are trying to get out of playoff slumps. Florida hasn't won a round in the playoffs since their cup run in 1996, while the Islanders haven't won since 1993, so both teams are due for a win. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Islanders in 6
Steve: Islanders in 5
3rd Mic Dan: Panthers in 6

Finally we have the other Atlantic Division Matchup as the 2nd seed Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the 3rd seed Detroit Red Wings. The Tampa Bay Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division, earning 97 points. This marks the 3rd year in a row for the Lightning in the playoffs, as they are the defending Eastern Conference Champions. This is the 3rd year in a row the Lightning finished 2nd in their division and won 46 games this year, the same exact number that they did two years ago. The 46 wins is the 4th time ever Tampa has won that many games in a season, and three of the last four have resulted in long playoff runs. As for the Red Wings, they earned 93 points, which was good enough to finish third in the Atlantic. For a record 25th straight year, the Red Wings are playing in the playoffs, having not missed the playoffs since the 1989-90 season. Detroit hasn't faired too well the last six years, having not gotten out of the 2nd round since 2009. This is the second meeting between these teams, with the only other meeting between the teams was in last year's Eastern Conference Quarterfinals which Tampa Bay won in seven games. The teams split their four game regular season series this year.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 13 Detroit Red Wings 7:00 p.m Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
April 15 Detroit Red Wings 7:00 p.m Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
April 17 Tampa Bay Lightning 7:00 p.m Detroit Red Wings Joe Louis Arena
April 19 Tampa Bay Lightning 7:00 p.m Detroit Red Wings Joe Louis Arena
April 21 Detroit Red Wings TBD Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena
April 24 Tampa Bay Lightning TBD Detroit Red Wings Joe Louis Arena
April 26 Detroit Red Wings TBD Tampa Bay Lightning Amalie Arena

This series should be fun to watch. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Lightning in 7
Steve: Red Wings in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Red Wings in 7

Now on to the Western Conference.

First up its the West top seed, the Central Division Winning Dallas Stars taking on the 2nd Wild Card Seeded Minnesota Wild. Dallas comes into the playoffs as the top team in the West, picking up 109 points during the regular season. This marks the 2nd time in the last three years that Dallas has made the playoffs, but the Stars haven't won a round in the post season since 2008. The 50 wins they picked up this year are the most they've earned since 2007, and the division title the Stars have was their first since the 2006 season. As for Minnesota, the finished as the Western Conference's second wild-card seed, earning 87 points. This marks the 4th straight year for the Wild in the post season. Minnesota has only made it past the 2nd round once in their history, tat coming back in 2003. This 38 wins was the lowest win total in a full season for the Wild since 2012. This is the first meeting between these two teams. Dallas won four of the five games during this year's regular season series.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 14 Minnesota Wild 9:30 p.m Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
April 16 Minnesota Wild 8:00 p.m Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
April 18 Dallas Stars 8:30 p.m Minnesota Wild Xcel Energy Center
April 20 Dallas Stars 9:30 p.m Minnesota Wild Xcel Energy Center
April 22 Minnesota Wild TBD Dallas Stars American Airlines Center
April 24 Dallas Stars TBD Minnesota Wild Xcel Energy Center
April 26 Minnesota Wild TBD Dallas Stars American Airlines Center

This should be an interesting series. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Stars in 5
Steve: Stars in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Stars in 5

Next in the Central Division matchups is the 2nd seeded St. Louis Blues taking on the 3rd seeded Chicago Blackhawks. St. Louis finished second in the Central Division earning 107 points, the 3rd year in a row the Blues have hit the 100 point mark during the regular season. This marks the 5th straight year the Blues have made the playoffs, but St. Louis hasn't made it out of the 1st round in the last three tries. In fact, the Blues are searching for their first deep playoff run since 2001. Chicago, meanwhile, earned 103 points to finish third in the Central. Chicago is the defending Stanley Cup Champions, having won three cups in the last six years. Chicago has made the playoffs every year since 2008. Chicago hasn't had a one and done playoff run since 2012. This is the twelfth playoff meeting between these two rivals with Chicago winning eight of the eleven previous series. Their most recent meeting was the 2014 Western Conference Quarterfinals, which Chicago won in six games. St. Louis won three of the five games during this year's regular season series.

Here's the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 13 Chicago Blackhawks 9:30 p.m St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
April 15 Chicago Blackhawks 8:00 p.m St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
April 17 St. Louis Blues 3:00 p.m Chicago Blackhawks United Center
April 19 St. Louis Blues 9:30 p.m Chicago Blackhawks United Center
April 21 Chicago Blackhawks TBD St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center
April 23 St. Louis Blues TBD Chicago Blackhawks United Center
April 25 Chicago Blackhawks TBD St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center

St. Louis is going into this series looking for revenge. Chicago bounced the Blues two years ago, this after the Blues went up two games to none in that series. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Blackhawks in 7
Steve: Blackhawks in 7
3rd Mic Dan: Blackhawks in 6

Next up is the Pacific Division Winning Anaheim Ducks taking on the Wild Card Winning Nashville Predators. The Anaheim Ducks finished first in the Pacific Division, earning 103 points.This marks the 4th year in a row that the Ducks have come away with the division title. Last season they were the best team in the Western Conference. This will mark the 11th time ever that the Ducks are playing post season hockey. As for Nashville, they finished as the Western Conference's first wild-card, earning 96 points. This marks the 2nd year in a row that the Predators have made the playoffs, after missing the two years prior. Nashville is looking for its first series win in the post season since 2012. This is the second meeting between these teams in the playoffs. Last time these two teams met was the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals, which Nashville won in six games. Nashville won two of the three games during this year's regular season series.

Here are the dates and times for every game in this series:
April 15 Nashville Predators 10:30 p.m Anaheim Ducks Honda Center
April 17 Nashville Predators 10:30 p.m Anaheim Ducks Honda Center
April 19 Anaheim Ducks 9:30 p.m Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
April 21 Anaheim Ducks 8:00 p.m Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
April 23 Nashville Predators TBD Anaheim Ducks Honda Center
April 25 Anaheim Ducks TBD Nashville Predators Bridgestone Arena
April 27 Nashville Predators TBD Anaheim Ducks Honda Center

This should be a good series, with most catagories favoring the Ducks. Here's our predictions for this series:

Solly: Ducks in 6
Steve: Ducks in 6
3rd Mic Dan: Ducks in 5

The Final Matchup in the Pacific Division is the 2nd seeded Los Angeles Kings taking on the 3rd seeded San Jose Sharks. The Los Angeles Kings finished second in the Pacific Division, earning 102 points. This marks the 6th playoff appearance in the last seven years for Los Angeles, a team that missed the post season a year ago. That was coming after making three straight Western Conference Finals appearances. LA's 102 points are the most they've collected in a season since the 1990-91 season. Meanwhile, San Jose earned 98 points to finish third in the Pacific. Since the lockout year of 2004-05, San Jose has missed the playoffs only once, that being last year. One of the biggest knocks against the Sharks is their inability to make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, always falling short in the Western Conference Finals. This is the fourth meeting between these two teams, with Los Angeles winning two of the three previous meetings. They last met in the 2014 Western Conference Quarterfinals, which Los Angeles came back from a 3–0 deficit to defeat the Sharks in seven games. San Jose won three of the five games during this year's regular season series.

Here's the date and times of the games in this series:
April 14 San Jose Sharks 10:30 p.m Los Angeles Kings Staples Center
April 16 San Jose Sharks 10:30 p.m Los Angeles Kings Staples Center
April 18 Los Angeles Kings 10:30 p.m San Jose Sharks SAP Center
April 20 Los Angeles Kings 10:30 p.m San Jose Sharks SAP Center
April 22 San Jose Sharks TBD Los Angeles Kings Staples Center
April 24 Los Angeles Kings TBD San Jose Sharks SAP Center
April 26 San Jose Sharks TBD Los Angeles Kings Staples Center

The battle of California should be fun to watch. Here's our Predictions:

Solly: Kings in 7
Steve: Kings in 7
3rd Mic Dan: Sharks in 7

So there you have it, the predictions for the opening round of the playoffs!

(Note: All predictions were made BEFORE the start of the playoffs)

Injuries Pile Up In Brooklyn

Its spring time in the NHL. Playoffs start in a week, with almost every playoff spot locked up around the league. One of those playoff teams happens to be the New York Islanders. This marks the first time since the 2002-03 and the 2003-04 seasons that the team has made the playoffs in back to back seasons. When you get down to this time of the year, and you already have the playoff spot locked up, most teams would like to have two things happen, in an ideal setting. One is go into the playoffs hot. The other is go into the playoffs fully healthy. Only one of those things has been happening with the Islanders heading into the final two games of the regular season.

The Islanders have played well the last two weeks,. They just swept the Rangers in the regular season series, with their win last night. That makes it three straight wins and five wins in their last six games. But this little run that the Islanders have been on has come at a price. You can add another name to the long growing list of Islanders players on the injury list. Anders Lee got hit in the leg in the first period of last nights Rangers game. Johnny Boychuck took the shot that hit Lee in the leg. He tried to tough it out and keep playing, he is a hockey player after all. Once the period ended, Lee was in so much pain he didn't come back to finish the game out. After getting his leg checked out it was revealed that it was a broken left fibula, thus ending the young forward's season. Lee had 36 points on 15 goals and 21 assists through 80 games this year. This adds a big blow to the Islanders offense and another name that you can chalk to the injury list.

Lee (leg) joins Matt Martin (Shoulder day to day could be back this weekend), Brian Strait (Upper Body could be back by playoffs), Jean-Francois Berube (Lower Body could be ready by playoffs), Cal Clutterbuck (Lower Body is day to day), Mikhail Grabovski (Concussion, hasn't started skating yet no timetable), Travis Hamonic (Knee may miss the rest of the year again), Jaroslav Halak (Groin, could be back by 2nd round should the Islanders get there). This team looks more like the walking wonder more than anything going into the final two games of the year.

One of things that people sited last year in the playoffs was the injury to Hamonic in the series against Washington. Not having their best defender is one of the reasons people felt they lost that series. Now there's a lot more going on. Halak has been out since the start of March and the Islanders have been holding the fort down with Greiss in net.But I think his inexperience come the start of the playoffs next week is going to end up hurting them. Lets not mix the facts up here, Greiss has played great this year, going 23-11-4 with the 1 shutout on the year. The only thing that has me worried about this situation, at least as far as goalies go, is how well Greiss can play in the playoffs. Because out of him, John Gibson (the 4th stringer) and Berube, who will be back by the playoffs (we hope), Greiss is the Islanders best bet to carry them till Halak gets back.

Without Hamonic, I'm a little worried that the team will see a repeat of last year, which was another quick playoff exit. Some felt the team was pushed around without their best defender, and that might happen again if he isn't healthy. Then there's the banged up forward crop. Martin and Clutterbuck will be back by playoff time, which means that 4th line will be back and causing as much havok as possible. Lee not playing could be a difference, because, despite the fact that he hasn't quite put up the scoring numbers he did last year, he still a physical role. He's a power forward who makes the sight lines tough on goalies. Now its not there.


The Islanders are thin at the forward spot a little heading towards the playoffs, which could be a bad thing depending on who they're playing. If its the Panthers, then I'd give the Islanders more hope. For that to happen the Islanders would have to lose out and the Rangers pass them again in the standings. If things stay the way they are right now, its the Penguins, which would be a rematch of the 2013 playoffs. Either way, the Islanders had better find a way to make this work, otherwise its another quick playoff exit.

Wildcats Win Wild Title Game

You of the big reasons that people love watching sports is you never know what's going to happen. A hero can come from out of nowhere and make a big play at the right time, when it's needed most. Last night, in the National Championship game in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a new hero emerged. His name was Kris Jenkins and he may have hit the biggest shot of his life to this point. His game winning buzzer beater gave Villanova it's second National Championship in school history, as they defeated North Carolina 77-74 in one of the most dramatic games in history. This game will go down as one of the most dramatic, and tightly contested games ever played for a national title.

The first half saw neither team taking a lead larger than five points in the first 19 minutes. In the last minute of the half, North Carolina briefly went up by seven, and had the chance to go up by nine. However, Villanova's Josh Hart blocked a layup attempt, which led to a Phil Booth jump shot at the other end, cutting the deficit to 39–34 as the clock expired.

At the break, Joel Berry II of the Tar Heels led all players with 15 points. Despite entering the game ranked only 294th out of all 351 Division I teams in three-point shooting, North Carolina hit seven of their nine three-point attempt in the first half. However, the Tar Heels hit just 32% of their two-point attempts. Villanova led points in the paint by a 18–12 margin, having connected on 65% on their two-point shots. The Tar Heels led in fast break points by a 10–2 margin and collected five offensive rebounds compared to one for Villanova. Villanova's Kris Jenkins played just four minutes in the half after getting into early foul trouble. After the break, Villanova went on a 13–2 run and reclaimed the lead.

With 6:13 left in the second half, Ryan Arcidiacono of the Wildcats hit a three to give his team a lead of six. By 4:47 to go, Villanova was up by a game-high 10 points, leading 67–57. However, North Carolina fought back with two straight baskets. With 1:38 remaining, Villanova led 70–64 before Marcus Paige of the Tar Heels cut the lead to three. After a Villanova turnover, Brice Johnson hit a bank shot to cut the Wildcats' lead to one point. Phil Booth of the Wildcats was fouled by Isaiah Hicks with 35.7 seconds left. He hit both free throws to regain a three point lead. Paige missed a layup attempt on the ensuing possession, but North Carolina got the rebound and Paige made a reverse layup to cut the lead back to one. Villanova's Josh Hart was then fouled and hit both free throws. Down three, North Carolina tied the game on an "unbelievable" double-clutch three-pointer by Paige with 4.7 seconds remaining.

Just in case you missed any of it, here's what the final seconds looked like of this basketball game:


After the game, North Carolina Coach Roy Williams would remark "he turned a broken play into a great play." Villanova then called a time-out to set up the final play. With under two seconds, Arcidiacono passed to Jenkins who hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating three-point shot. "Kris Jenkins lives for that moment," remarked his coach Jay Wright.

Marcus Paige finished with a game-high 21 points and a game-high 6 assists for North Carolina. Joel Berry added 20 points for the Tar Heels and Brice Johnson added 14 points while collecting a game-high eight rebounds. Phil Booth came off the bench to lead Villanova with a career-high 20 points. Ryan Arcidiacono played out of his mind, scoring 16 huge points, and then you had Kris Jenkins, who added 14, and Hart had 12 points and 8 rebounds. As a team, Villanova finished 28 of 48 from the field (58%) and 8 of 14 from three (57%). North Carolina made 11 of 17 three-point attempts (65%) and was 27 of 63 overall (43%). The Tar Heels won the rebounding battle 33-23, including 14 offense rebounds to just 2 for Villanova. The teams combined for just 21 turnovers.

After the two blowouts you saw during the final four games on Saturday, you figured we would maybe see the same thing here, but that wasn't the case at all. This game had all the drama you would want from a championship game. Lead changes, big defense, and above all else, clutch shooting at the end of the night. When you think of some of the great National Championship games, you think of games like Memphis and Kansas in 2008, Georgetown and UNC in 1982, the 1985 game between Villanova and Georgetwon and the 1983 title game between N.C. State and Houston. This one however between UNC and Villanova may go down in the books as the greatest of all time.

Congratulations to the Villanova Wildcats for winning their 2nd National Championship in school history!

NCAA National Championship Game Preview

It's Time. We started this crazy dance a month ago with 64 teams. All of them with an eye on the prize, to become the National Champions of College Basketball. We saw upsets all over the floor, individual players had superhuman performances, and everything in between. Now, after all of that, we have two teams left standing. When all is said and done, after the smoke has cleared and the horn sounds at the end of forty minutes of play, we will have oursleves a new Champion in College Basketball.

Roy Williams will send out his North Carolina Tar Heels against Jay Wright's Villanova Wildcats. After a 27-4 regular season and winning the 2016 Big East regular season title, they fell just short in the Big East Tournament. However the record was good enough to land them in the big dances, as. they were named the number two seed in the South Region. Villanova kicked off the tournament with a 86-56 victory over UNC Asheville. They followed that up by routed Iowa 87-68 to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009. Villanova then squared off with Miami, blasting the Hurricanes 92-69. Villanova capped off the Elite Eight by beating the top seeded Kansas 64-59 to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2009. Once there, Villanova had the biggest blowout in Final Four history beating Oklahoma 95-51 to advance to the National Championship Game for the first time since their 1985 miracle national championship run.

As for North Carolina, they went 25–6 during the regular season, claiming the ACC Regular Season Title. North Carolina beat Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, and Virginia en route to the ACC Tournament Championship. With a performance like that, it was no surprise they were named the top seed in the East Region of the Tournament. North Carolina kicked off the Tournament with a 83-67 win over Florida Gulf Coast. The Tar Heels followed it up with a win over Providence 85-66 to advance to the Sweet 16. Once there, UNC rolled to a 101-86 victory over Indiana. In the Elite Eight, North Carolina beat fellow ACC foe Notre Dame 88-74 to advance to the Final Four for the 19th time, the most in NCAA history. North Carolina kept right on rolling along, beating Syracuse 83-66 to make their 10th appearance in the National Title game becoming one of only four schools to do so along with Duke who has 11 title game appearances, and UCLA and Kentucky who both have 12 national title game appearances, in hopes of winning their sixth national title.

These two teams never faced each other during the regular season. So that's how we got to where we are tonight, Lets see how these two clubs stack up.

Both teams have their strengths. North Carolina dominated the paint like it was nobody's business against the Orange on Saturday. Sure, they may not have been able to hit many shots from 3-point range (they did go 4-17 from behind the arc). They made up for it by play in the paint, where the Heels scored almost as many points in the paint as Cuse did as an entire team. North Carolina scored 50 points in the paint and defeated Syracuse by an 83-66 margin. In that game, as well as almost the entire tournament, North Carolina is led by its size and strength down low in Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks and Joel James. Those four guys have been causing massive problems for opposing teams all season long, especially so come tournament time. UNC has been averaging about 88 points a game in the big dance, which shows that their size does pay off. There defense is nothing to sleep on either. Don't believe me? Just as Syracuse.

Villanova is no pushover, they have a good team just the same. Nova had a great defense, as they held Buddy Heild to just nine points in the Final Four. Heild had been averaging 29.9 points a game in the tournament going into that Final Four matchup. Villanova has plenty of talent, and the Wildcats were clearly at their best against the Sooners. Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins and Ryan Arcidiacono punished Oklahoma throughout the game. Hart had 23 points and was able to make contested shots throughout the game. Jenkins was right behind with 18 points, while Arcidiacono scored 15 points and handled the ball with expertise throughout. Nova has talent on both ends of the floor. Holding Heild to that low point total speaks volumes as to how good their team defense is. Not only can they defend, but they can score too. Villanova has scored at least 86 points in four of its five games, and UNC's three-point defense may not be ready or able to deal with a team shooting 49.0 percent from downtown in the tournament.

There's no doubt that this is going to be a battle from start to finish. A very close game will be played out on the floor in Houston. Nova is going to fight and battle from start to finish, and being able to shoot 71.4% from the field is going to be a big help. But play in the paint is going to be critical and that's where the Tar Heels have the edge. North Carolina's ability to score underneath and keep opponents from asserting themselves will make the difference.

Pick: North Carolina Tar Heels

2016 MLB Season Preview

It's that time of year again. The weather is getting warm, the grass is green, it must be spring time. That means one thing. BASEBALL IS BACK. Opening day has arrived, with all 30 teams ready for the grind of a 162 game regular season. All teams are gunning for the World Series Trophy, which is currently being held by the Kansas City Royals. We have a few new faces in new places, such as Dusty Baker in Washington, Andy Green in San Diego, Don Mattingly leaves Los Angeles for Miami and gets replaced in LA Dave Roberts and Scott Servais takes over in Seattle. Then we have the new rule changes. Rule 6.01(j) delineates criteria for a legal slide while trying to break up a double play, which is defined as making contact with the ground before reaching the base, being able to and attempting to reach the base with a hand or foot, being able to and attempting to remain on the base at the completion of the slide (except at home plate) and not changing his path for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. This is intended to protect infielders while still allowing for aggressive baserunning. This came about thanks to Chase Utley and Ruben Tejada in last years playoffs. The second rule change limits managers and coaches visits to the mound to 30 seconds and shortens between innings break times by 30 seconds to match television commercial breaks. This will help speed things up a little bit around the league.

The time for small talk has ended. We have waited long enough, here's how we see the 2016 Major League Baseball Season going down.

Solly:
AL East: Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central: Kansas City Royals
AL West: Houston Astros
AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox
AL Wild Card: Seattle Mariners
NL East: New York Mets
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Wild Card: St. Louis Cardinals
NL Wild Card: San Francisco

Steve:
AL East: New York Yankees
AL Central: Kansas City Royals
AL West: Houston Astros
AL Wild Card: Toronto Blue Jays
AL Wild Card: Detroit Tigers
NL East: Washington Nationals
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
NL West: San Francisco Giants
NL Wild Card: St. Louis Cardinals
NL Wild Card: New York Mets

3rd Mic Dan:
AL East: Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central: Cleveland Indians
AL West: Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card: Houston Astros
AL Wild Card: Kansas City Royals
NL East: New York Mets
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Wild Card: San Francisco Giants
NL Wild Card: Pittsburgh Pirates

So there you have it, our predictions for the 2016 Major League Baseball Season

NCAA Final Four Preview

It makes for a fun month doesn't it? March madness always finds a way to get people to tune in to see what, or who, is going to be the newest cinderella team in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. This crazy dance started with 64 teams three weeks ago. Now here we sit, the final weekend of the College Basketball season, and we have four teams left standing. North Carolina, Oklahoma, Syracuse or Villanova will be the one team holding the national championship high over there heads. Before we break down the games themselves, lets look at a few other numbers to throw at you.

This marks the first time since 2010 that we've had only one top seed in the final four (North Carolina this year). Syracuse is the 10 seed, the first time ever that a 10 seed has gotten here. Syracuse makes its 6th apperance in the final four (first final four appearance since 2013). North Carolina tastes the final four for the 19th time ever (first time since their national title win in 2009). Villanova playing in the final four for the 5th time (first time since 2009). Oklahoma is playing in its 5th final four as well (first time since 2002). That's some of the raw numbers, now lets see how these teams matchup against each other.

North Carolina is the only top seed left in the big dance. They come in with a 32-6 record on the year, beating Florida Gulf Coast, Providence, Indiana and Notre Dame to get to where they are now. They were the top team in the ACC during the regular season and haven't played a close game at all in the tournament. Brice Johnson, Joel Berry II, Marcus Paige, and Justin Jackson have been carrying this team this year, making people realize why this team has been so dominating all season long. North Carolina had been one of the deepest, most dominating teams all year long, thus deserving a seat at the table. This marks the 19th time that North Carolina has made the final four.

As for the Syracuse Orange, they had a different route to the final four. This marks the 6th final four appearance by the Orange in the final four, their first since 2013. Syracuse got here by beatind Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Gonzaga and Virginia They have become the first 10th seed ever to make the final four. The Orange come in with a 23-13 record, getting here on the strength of wins over Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Gonzaga, and a huge 68-62 over No. 1 Virginia. Syracuse dropped both of its games against North Carolina this season, losing 84-73 on Jan. 9 and 75-70 on Feb. 29.

Pick:
Solly: North Carolina
Steve: Syracuse
3rd Mic Dan: Syracuse
Jeff: North Carolina

The other final four Matchup has Villanova taking on Oklahoma. Oklahoma has made the Final Four for the 5th time in school history, last one coming in 2002. They got to the dance by going 29-5 during the regular season and 16-2 in conference. To get here, Villanova had to get through UNC Asheville, Iowa, Miami, and Kansas.

Oklahoma has gotten here for the 5th time as well, this being their first trip since 2009. To get here, the Sooners had to get through the regular season by going 25-7 on the year and 12-6 in conference. Once in the tournament, the Sooners had to get past CSU Bakersfield, VCU, Texas A&M and Oregon in order to face Nova for the right to play for a National Title. Part of what makes this game so interesting is the fact that both teams, on defense, hold the opposition to a .408 shooting percentage from the floor.

Pick:
Solly: Villanova
Steve: Oaklahoma
3rd Mic Dan: Oklahoma
Jeff: Oaklahoma