Across The Pond--Espana Style!!

Spain Preview - who will take the biggest step forward? WWBD Bets on Vettel.

Breaking: Sebastian Vettel pips Alonso in practice for F1's Spanish Grand Prix

• Red Bull driver edges out Ferrari's local hero and Mark Webber

• Lewis Hamilton sixth after spinning his Mercedes

This weekend’s Formula 1 Gran Premio de España 2013 in Barcelona signals the start of the first European section of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and it will be a crucial race for every team on the grid.

This is where everyone will be bringing their big updates. Those that are up front, such as Red Bull, hope to move further ahead. Others who are a little behind, such as Lotus, Ferrari and Mercedes, will hope to be closing the gap. McLaren hope to scale their own technical mountain with major revisions here. And further back the smaller teams each have their respective hopes pinned on modifications that have been in the pipeline since the racing began in Melbourne.

Last year Pastor Maldonado and Williams stunned the F1 world with a beautiful victory over Fernando Alonso and Ferrari, but can we expect a similar sort of upset this year? Williams have a big update that they expect will put the FW34 closer to the front.

"We are working with a package for Spain and we expect it to be better,” chief race engineer Xevi Pujolar says. “While we could see the problem in the first races, from one place to another it was not exactly the same. So we have been catching up and trying to get the best for Barcelona.

"At the moment we think that it's going in the right direction, even though it is not going as fast as we would like. But all the parts we brought to the car we've run them, so that's good."

The odds favour Red Bull and their immediate competitors, however. But that doesn’t mean that the Milton Keynes team are getting complacent, even though Sebastian Vettel won in Malaysia and dominated in Bahrain.

"Ferrari are strong, Lotus have a good car, and the Mercedes certainly over a single lap is very strong," says team principal Christian Horner. "The rest are a step behind. It's close, it's tight and I'm sure it's going to move around from circuit to circuit as we head back to Europe.”

 

Fernando Alonso has also won a race, but remains low-key ahead of his home Grand Prix as aero chief Nikolas Tombazis says that Ferrari’s opening performances rate only six out of 10. At Lotus, meanwhile, it remains to be seen what effect the resignation of technical director James Allison will have in the short term, as long-serving Nick Chester moves up into that role.

Lewis Hamilton had a solid pole position here last year for McLaren before fuel issues intervened, and is optimistic that Mercedes can be a factor.

“It feels like a long time since Bahrain so we're all looking forward to getting to Barcelona and starting to get into the routine of the European season,” the 2008 champion says. “The short break has been good however, and I've had the chance to catch up with family and friends, and also spend some time at the factory with the guys, working on our efforts to improve.

“We've been boosted by the results that we've had at the start of the season and to come away from the first four races with two third and two fifth places feels like a real achievement. I'm feeling very comfortable in the car now and we know the areas that we need to improve so a lot of effort is being put in to close that gap to the front-runners. Barcelona should be a good test as we know the circuit so well having completed most of the pre-season test programme there. The weekend should be a good benchmark of the progress we have made since then.”

McLaren feel the same, and this really is a crucial event for them which will demonstrate whether they have started to get the best from the troubled MP4-28.

“It’s been difficult for the team to make consistent progress through the first four races, but I think returning to a circuit where we undertook two of the pre-season tests will give us a useful benchmark of our progress so far,” a cautious Jenson Button says.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the importance of the weekend’s upgrades; but, as with every upgrade, they’re simply part of the series of continuous improvement that is made across the season. As always, there’ll be elements of it that work, elements that perhaps work in a different way to what we’d anticipated, and elements that don’t work, or perhaps require further work. That’s life in modern Formula One. So I’m pragmatic about what we’ll discover. Of course, I’m hopeful that it’ll move us a step closer towards the destination.”

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh is hoping for a less frenetic race between his drivers here, after they made their peace in the aftermath of their tough scrap in Bahrain.

“As with last year, form at the start of the season is still somewhat volatile and unpredictable,” he suggests. “Last year’s Spanish Grand Prix saw an unexpected but worthy winner in Pastor Maldonado, and while it would be difficult to see another left-field runner emerging as a contender for victory, the formbook is still hard to read.

“We are pushing ahead to develop MP4-28, and will be hoping for a productive weekend that will allow us to gather a useful data set for the races ahead.”

Sauber have revised aerodynamics to boost the C32’s thus-far disappointing form, while Caterham have the rest of the major update that looked so promising in Bahrain. They expect big things from it.

The 4.655-kilometre Circuit de Catalunya features 16 corners, the majority of which are right-handers which put the left-front tyre under the greatest strain. But the rears also take a beating coping with the demands of strong traction exiting the slower corners. Throw in the abrasive surface and the tendency towards high ambient temperatures, high lateral loads around 4g, with spikes of 5 under braking into Turns 1 and 10, and tyre wear is always high.

Pirelli are bringing their orange hard compound and white medium compound tyres, but in a change from previous 2013 races the former will be closer to the 2012 tyre with the aim of opening up even more possibilities for strategy.

Teams will also get an extra set of prototype hard tyres for free practice to encourage them to run throughout the sessions instead of opting to conserve tyres for the rest of the race weekend. These are a specially-created compound with the emphasis on durability and to distinguish them they won’t have any colour markings.

“We’re introducing a revised version of our hard tyre in Spain, which is closer in characteristics to the 2012 tyre,” Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery explains. “This new tyre gives us a wider working temperature window - although it delivers a little bit less in terms of pure performance - but it should allow the teams to envisage an even wider variety of race strategies than before in combination with the other compounds, which remain unchanged this year. This is a decision that we’ve come to having looked at the data from the first four races, with the aim of further improving the spectacle of Formula One. In fact this is almost a tradition with us now, as we also introduced a revised version of the hard tyre for the Spanish Grand Prix in 2011, which was our first year in the sport.

“We’d expect the medium tyre to still be significantly faster and this is the one that the teams are likely to qualify on, whereas the hard is likely to be the preferred race tyre.

“As for the extra sets of prototype hard compound tyres for free practice, we wanted to encourage all the teams to run as much as possible right from the start, especially with the rookie drivers, to give fans the spectacle they deserve to see.”

In a change to 2012, the track will feature two DRS zones. The first is between Turns 9 and 10, with the detection point midway between 8 and 9. The second is on the start-finish straight, with detection between Turns 15 and 16. In the only other circuit revision since last year, the leading edges of the co

Sebastian Vettel, the championship leader, was fastest in practice at the Circuit de Catalunya on Friday afternoon, the Red Bull driver pushing the local hero Fernando Alonso and his Ferrari into second place.

They were followed by Mark Webber, Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton, who spun his Mercedes early on.

Alonso and the Red Bulls were the most impressive cars on show. Webber was the first to go top before he was overtaken by Alonso. Webber went back to the top of the timings after the teams switched to the softer medium tyres but then his Red Bull team-mate Vettel did for both the Australian and the Spaniard as just 0.083sec covered the leading three cars.

Tyres once again dominated proceedings. Paul Di Resta had problems with his left rear and had to park his Force India on the grass but was still 10th.

In the morning practice session, Alonso posted the quickest time ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Massa. But the damp and cool conditions reminded many of testing here in February, when little meaningful work could be done in preparation for the start of the season in Melbourne and Malaysia.

Alonso pipped his team-mate by 0.203sec. He had been the fastest driver earlier on but then fell down the table as conditions got better.

Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne finished third, ahead of Romain Grosjean (Lotus), Adrian Sutil (Force India) and Hamilton.mbination kerbs on the apices of Turns 13, 14 and 15 have been chamfered to remove a step.

 

Across the Pond- Dear Mr. Lerner

Totally saw that coming!! Looks like.... Nope!!  I'm not even going to say it!! You can't make me. I'm not going to jinx the squad. Norwich City is Saturday. Totally focusing on that and not even thinking relegation safety....Negative.

Saturday is just another game.  Seriously...No really.  Who cares really about Saturday.

Let's talk about today right? Who's with me? Christian Benteke is what this post should be titled.   Please please please Randy Lerner keep Benteke.

Randy, you've already pretty much ruined the prestige and legacy of one of my beloved sports teams don't ruin another one. Do us all a favor please: sell the club or open up your checkbook and pay for these guys.

Benteke is the best player that is worn Clarett and Blue for a minimum of ten years, and surely from an attacking perspective. I mean who is the last Striker even close to Benteke? I know I've never seen one like him.  Darren Bent has been a bust. Gabby has been great at times, but nobody has been like Benteke....Nobody.  Benteke is our Savior. Benteke is the one. Benteke is the type of player that you build this team around and puts us on top of the table.  Do you want to see him become a Gunner? A Spur? Maybe Man City or Chelsea or somewhere outside of England? Well I suppose that would be better then any of the teams I just mentioned, but the bottom line is Benteke is a player we just have to hang on to.

Lambert did incredibly today and would've loved to be in the dressing room at halftime to hear what he told these players to come out and net four goals.

What a win and what a great day to be a Villain...I'm proud of you Lads!!

Across The Pond: For The Love Of God!!

No More Chances You Villains--(12 PM PST)

Premier League Preview: Aston Villa - Sunderland

The Wearsiders are looking to avoid defeat at Villa Park for the fourth season in a row while Paul Lambert's side must improve at home to ensure Premier League survival

Analysis by Agent Q

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert may opt to stick with the same team that lost to Manchester United last time out. Joe Bennett (ankle) picked up an injury during the defeat at Old Trafford but should be fit to face the Black Cats, if not Ciaran Clark could fill in at left-back. 

Karim El Ahmadi could come into the team after a decent performance against the Red Devils, expect either Charles N'Zogbia or Andreas Weimann to make way if he does with Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood continuing in the centre of midfield.

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio welcomes back the duo of Phil Bardsley and Craig Gardner for the trip to Villa Park. Bardsley has recovered from an ankle knock which kept him out of the win against Everton last week and he should replace Jack Colback at right-back. 

Gardner, meanwhile, has returned from a two-game suspension after picking up his 10th booking of the season at Chelsea three weeks ago. Di Canio will still be without long-term absentees Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown (both knee) as well as Steven Fletcher (ankle). 

            

                                           Did You Know?

• Aston Villa have the second worst defence in the Premier League this season, conceding 63 goals, only Reading (65) have conceded more.

• Paul Lambert's side have taken seven points out of a possible 21 at Villa Park in 2013.

• Christian Benteke (pictured above) has scored 19 goals for Villa in all competitions this season, including four in his last six Premier League games.

• Sunderland haven't been beaten at Villa Park since the 2008-09 season when goals from John Carew and Ashley Young won the game for the Villans.

• The Black Cats have been revitalised under Paolo Di Canio, taking six points from their last three games after going nine games previously without a win.

• Striker Danny Graham has yet to score for Sunderland following his £5 million move from Swansea City in January.

Aston Villa need a win here, if they don't it could be catastrophic in terms of their survival in the Premier League given Wigan's game in hand. They were outplayed against Manchester United but they didn't seem to be wasting much energy against the Champions, they know this is the game they may define their season. Sunderland will be brimming with confidence and will look to take advantage of any nerves Villa show, which should see them get the win at Villa Park.

Messi Monday--In Living Color

Messi Goals: 1, Season Total: 44 

Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Barcelona: The World’s Best Player’s magic in vain as Basques deny Blaugrana at the death. 

Majestic Goal of the Weekend by the Jedi:

 


The Argentine superstar turned the game on its head following his introduction but a late goal from the Basque midfielder means that the title will not be decided this weekend Messi was let loose after the break and after equalizing with a sublime individual effort he assisted Alexis Sanchez for what looked like the winner until Ander Herrera levelled the game in the final minute of normal time.

Messi was quickly introduced in place of Xavi and while Barca instantly looked a better team, Pedro and Alexis were both unable to beat Iraizoz from inside the area.

But in the 67th minute Messi provided a majestic moment of individual brilliance as he wriggled between three players, ducking inside and out, before caressing the ball into the bottom corner to equalize.

What Would Bernie Kosar Do at #6?

#3-Dion Jordan (Oregon) 6’6, 248 lbs.(4.60 40)




 
So I just watch Dion Jordan’s gamefilm again and got to say, it’s incredibly difficult not to be overly impressed. Anybody his size has his speed can make an immediate impact. The NFL is a copycat league and the new flavor of the month is going pass rusher, pass rusher, pass rusher!! It has really been the formula for the most recent successful teams. The Julian Peterson comparables are justified.

Realistically I don't think Jordan will be available at the Brown’s pick. I actually predict he goes Top 3.

Regardless, he’s coming in at #3 on Bernie's Wish List. Let's grab some popcorn and look at the scouting report:

Overview

Jordan arrived in Eugene as a top-10 nationally rated tight end prospect from the southern suburbs of Phoenix -- despite missing the end of his senior season after an accidental home fire left him with second or third-degree burns over almost half of his body. Oregon coaches actually wanted him to play receiver initially, but his continued growth through his first two seasons in Eugene pushed him first to tight end and then to the defensive side of the ball.

He showed promise after moving across the line during spring 2010 practices, playing in 13 games and starting one at defensive end (5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) as a redshirt sophomore. But the move really bore fruit when he earned first-team All-PAC 12 honors in 2011 as a 12-game starter at his hybrid defensive end/linebacker position (42 tackles, 13 for loss, team-high 7.5 sacks). Jordan continued working at his drop end, outside linebacker spot in 2012, recording 44 total tackles, 10.5 going for a loss, including five sacks. The Duck forced three fumbles and intercepted one pass. He only played in 11 full games after missing parts or the entirety of three others with a shoulder injury. It has been reported Jordan will miss the Senior Bowl to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Analysis

Strengths

Tall end/linebacker hybrid with excellent length. Definitely not contact-shy, extends his long arms to land a strong punch on blockers, can disengage to chase plays from behind or grab ballcarriers coming into his area. Also willing to mix it up when challenged. Long strides allow him to cover ground quickly when closing or after his strong get-off with his hand down, but also shows enough bend and short-area quickness to avoid linemen. Lines up against slot receivers and tight ends, managing to stay with them in the open field in spite of his size. Flashes quickness and bend to beat tackles around the corner, can counter with an inside rush or spin move. Also quick enough to flatten down the line to make plays on inside runs. Willing to stick his shoulder into a lead blocker to free up other defenders.

Weaknesses

Might be an end/linebacker ‘tweener for some teams due to his tall, lean frame. Must improve upper-body strength to get off blocks and gain leverage against NFL-caliber linemen. His height will make it more difficult for him to get low to stop ballcarriers’ momentum or corral them in the open field. Inconsistent working through initial contact to chase plays and finding the ball in the backfield. Susceptible to cut blocks in space, must learn to see and beat them with his hands. Can get knocked off his pass rush route by a strong punch.

NFL Comparison

Julian Peterson

Bottom Line

Jordan's 2012 season ended on a down note, aggravating a shoulder injury during the team's bowl game. He will miss the Senior Bowl and part of the draft process because of it, but Jordan offers a unique blend of comfort in space, length, and pass rush ability. His box scores may not appeal to everyone, but Jordan was frequently asked to cover receivers or tight ends after lining up in the slot opposite them. His future appears to be at strongside linebacker in a four man front, with the ability to rush the passer, or as an outside linebacker in a three-man front.

                         

What Would Bernie Kosar Do at #6?

#4-Dee Milliner (Alabama) 6’0, 201 lbs.(4.37 40)

 

Okay let's talk about Dee. He makes it in at #4 on our list. “Why is he #4 Q? You love Dee Milliner!! You have a man crush on Dee Milliner...Why #4?”.

Great question. He was #1 probably as recently as yesterday but then this Twitter machine blew up and all of this news came out that he’s had four surgeries, and that's a tad scary to me and why he's slipping a little bit.

I wouldn't mind if Cleveland snagged him. Joe Haden was hurt too remember? Joe Haden ran a terrible 40 at the combine remember? Browns need a Haden partner.

I don’t buy all this nonsense that I see in some of these “experts” that make mock drafts claim that smart teams don't draft corners in the Top 10. All I have ask you is knowing what you know now about Darrell Revis would you have drafted him in the Top 10? Rhetorical...of course you would.

Milliner is probably the best CB I've seen in a few years and will come in right away and be an impact player with pro bowler potential. He shows incredible anticipation, incredible physical ability, and the kid is not scared to light you up.

I don't like damaged goods but I've never made it a secret that I love guys that play for Alabama. Most come into the NFL as T-Rich did last year and seemed to have less adjustments from the college level. Millner looks the part and I’d love to see this kid I would lin a Browns uniform.

Let’s check out the scouting report:

Overview

Milliner’s accomplishments during the Tide’s march to the 2011 BCS Championship weren’t well-known across the country because of the star power surrounding him on defense. With Dre Kirkpatrick earning national honors at one cornerback spot and fellow All-Americans linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Mark Barron also getting selected in the first round of the 2012 draft, it’s easy to see why Milliner wasn’t a household name. Now that Kirkpatrick, Menzie, and Barron are off to the NFL, Milliner was forced to be a lynchpin as the veteran in Alabama’s secondary.

Those following recruiting on a regular basis know Milliner well, as he was everyone’s All-American coming out of high school and ranked among the best cornerbacks and top 20 overall prospects in the country because of his elite combination of size and athleticism. Alabama head coach Nick Saban kept his word on any promise he might have made to Milliner on playing time in his true freshman season, as DeMarcus (nicknamed “Dee”) got into every game and started 11 on a loaded defense while also contributing on special teams. He was named to the Freshman All-SEC squad for his efforts (55 tackles, one interception, seven pass breakups). Though he only started six games in 2011, he played consistently as the outside cornerback against pass-happy teams as senior DeQuan Menzie moved inside to the slot. When he got onto the field, Milliner made the most of his opportunities, intercepting three passes (one which he took in for a touchdown against rival Auburn) and breaking up nine others.

During his outstanding junior season, Milliner recorded 54 tackles, two interceptions, and a stunning 22 passes defensed on his way to a unanimous selection to the first-team All-American and All-SEC teams. He helped anchor the secondary for another National Championship season for the Tide, recording two passes defensed as he covered standout Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert in the BCS Championship game.

Analysis

Strengths

Owns sufficient height, length, and upper-body strength to fight with pro receivers over the middle or down the sideline. Capable of getting a solid punch at the line of scrimmage in press and the quick feet to stay with his man down the field after contact. Lines up receivers in the open field for the big hit. Displays the hip fluidity to open up to stay with deep routes or drop into his zone, while also possessing the foot quickness to stop-start on cut-off routes and on attempted double-moves. Very fluid hips, changes directions easily and clicks his feels to drive on the ball in a flash. Straight-line speed is also impressive, and will use it to hustle across the field when he’s uncovered. Also translates to closing speed when playing off his man or attacking plays in the backfield. Makes the easy interception, but also has the vertical and strong hands to win jump balls against larger receivers. Keeps outside leverage in the run game, forcing plays inside. Violent hand help him rip off receiver blocks. Knows defensive concepts, and playing for Saban gives him a huge step up in more advanced pattern-reading principles. Directs linebackers on combination coverage outside. Flashes the physicality to wrap up ball carriers and drive them to the ground.

Weaknesses

Stout running backs and physical receivers can run through his tackles, and he has a tendency to leave his feet and lunge. He should continue to get stronger, but needs to break down more consistently to get leverage. Dives at the feet of ballcarriers regularly, can be eluded in space. Doesn’t always land heavy hands on his man at the line of scrimmage when required, but his recovery speed usually makes up for it. Played on a loaded defense, pro quarterbacks will challenge his coverage at the next level. Like all Saban cornerbacks, he was not taught or asked to backpedal in college, and will need to develop new technique and footwork. Can lose track of the ball in the air and will mistime his plays on the ball.

NFL Comparison

Carlos Rogers

Bottom Line

Overshadowed by his high-profile teammates like fellow corner Dre Kirkpatrick over the span of two seasons, Milliner has made plays when given the chance (six interceptions, 38 pass break-ups in three years starting). He is ready to use his pro-ready size, athleticism and change-of-direction ability to become a household name in the NFL after winning back-to-back BCS Championships at Alabama. Milliner’s role grew extensively as a junior, and he showed the skills to be a first-round pick in the NFL.

Across The Pond

Does it Get Any Better Than This?
WWBD Bets: Bayern Munich: -109





Barca have been imperious over the last half decade. Should they win this year’s Champions League it would be their third in five years. They’ve dazzled with their dizzying short-passing game and in the process re-invented the way the sport can be played. They’ve stocked the Spanish national team, which won the European Championship, the World Cup and then the Euro again with its Barca spine. They’ve nurtured and let blossom perhaps the greatest player ever in Lionel Messi. They have won six trophies in a single season and were victorious in 14 out of the 19 competitions they entered during the four seasons Pep Guardiola was in charge from 2008-09 through 2011-12.

Like Bayern, Barca ran away with their domestic league this year, reclaiming the title from their arch-rivals – Real Madrid in Barca’s case and Borussia Dortmund in Bayern’s. But whereas Bayern is very much maturing into an all-time great side, Barca appears to no longer find itself on the right side of the growth curve. Attacking masterminds Xavi and Andres Iniesta have shown no signs of wear, even though the former is now 33, and neither, of course, has Messi. But striker David Villa (31) is no longer the infallible finisher he once was and the club has no other reliable goalscorers – behind Messi’s 57, only Villa (14) and Cesc Fabregas (13) have scored more than nine goals. Right back Dani Alves, once a terror to opponents when overlapping Messi, has fallen off somewhat as well. And the back line, which was never exactly a stronghold, is now a full-on liability.

Bayern, meanwhile, only ever seem to get stronger. With several world class players in every line – Mario Mandzukic or Mario Gomez up front; Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller or Arjen Robben on the wings; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Javi Martinez in midfield; Philipp Lahm at right back; Manuel Neuer in goal – and a stocked bench, they are better equipped to handle the rigors of the congested schedule of modern football than any other club. And in addition to possessing superior depth, they are more versatile than Barca. As we’ve seen several times this year, Barca comes unstuck when its vaunted death-by-thousand-paper-cuts passing game isn’t working. Bayern has a great many weapons, and can score in different ways – on the wings, through the middle, over the top.

And Bayern has arguably been the best team in the Champions League over the last year and a half. They were unlucky not to win last year’s edition, going down to Chelsea on a late equalizer and penalties in the final, when they were plainly the best team in the tournament. And while they haven’t been perfect this year either – they lost to BATE Borisov in the group stage and let Arsenal win 2-0 in the second leg of the round of 16 after taking away a 3-1 lead from the first leg in London – they never looked in any danger of being eliminated.

The honest observer has to concede that Bayern has played the continent’s best football all year. And Tuesday – in conjunction with their second leg against Barca next Wednesday – might be remembered as the date that they officially ascended to the throne.

The Mac Chronicles--Grant Brisbee

Diamondbacks/Giants series preview

By Grant Brisbeeon Apr 22 2013@mccoveychron

It's week three, and there have been some developments. Zack Greinke was injured in some sort of Wild Kingdom-style mating ritual, and the Dodgers aren't hitting. When the Rockies don't play the Giants, they're 13-2, which is why they're in first place with the best record in baseball. The Padres weren't supposed to be an impressive team, and they sure haven't looked like one. The Giants have seen all those teams this year, and they're 8-1 in the division. We can act like we're super-informed about the state of the NL West.

Before the season started, I pegged the Diamondbacks as the Team to Beat. We have 18 games of information now, which is 18 more games than we used to have. Progress! And the Diamondbacks have been okay, playing coy with us when it comes to just how good they are. The bullpen looks good. The rotation has had ups and downs, sorta like the Giants. Miguel Montero is going through some weird Brandon Belt thing, which is funny when it happens to him.

And I have no idea how good they should be yet. Well, no one has any idea how good any of these teams should be yet, but the Diamondbacks are especially mysterious. Did you know that after having Adam Eaton, Justin Upton, Chris Young, Cody Ross, Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra, and A.J. Pollock on the roster at some point in the offseason, the outfielder who has started the most games in left is some dude named Alfredo Marte? That's like having a bag of illegal fireworks before you leave for a Fourth of July party, but then holding a sparkler an hour later and wondering what in the hell went wrong.

But if the Diamondbacks aren't exactly thriving like the Rockies just yet, they're doing well enough. They're 10-8, and they're scoring more runs than they're allowing. Which brings us back to that part about them being the team to beat, and turns this series preview into something of a comment starter:

Are the Diamondbacks the team to beat?

Sure. With pool cues if possible. But I mean in the NL West standings, too. If you chose the Dodgers before the season, does a month or two sans Greinke make a difference to you? Are you convinced by the Rockies' hot start? Are you sticking with the Padres because you're literally Tony Gwynn and/or wearing a butt-brown jumpsuit right now? Or if you were with the Diamondbacks before the season, are you still convinced they'll be the biggest obstacle for the Giants.

I guess it doesn't have to be one team. It's not a zero-sum deal, and the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies can all irritate the Giants equally over the next five months. But I'm still sticking by the Diamondbacks as the Team to Beat. Reasons:

• They have Cody Ross
• He'll tell them what to do
• Yooo-hooo! Cody! Over here! Notice me, please!

Other, possibly more applicable reasons:

• They have a pitching staff as deep as anyone in the league, even if they lack the sexy Clayton Kershaw-type ace
• Eventually it won't be Alfredo Marte starting in left
• I guess Aaron Hill really is this good now? Guess it's time to double-down on the Luann jokes
• Didi Gregorius is a career .387 hitter in the majors, and statistics help us understand the game better

But mostly the pitching. I can't tell if I've been overrating the Diamondbacks for the last two years, or if they've been underperforming. Probably both. But the overall point stands: The Diamondbacks scare me as much, if not more, than the Dodgers. Certainly more than the Rockies at this point, though it's possible we'll all be convinced by July.

As such, this should be an important series, or at least as important as one can get in April. If I had to choose -- gun to my head -- I'd prefer that the Giants took this series, perhaps even sweeping it.

Hitter to watch
That would be Paul Goldschmidt. Specifically I'd like to watch him as he gets slumpy shoulders when he finds out that Tim Lincecum isn't pitching this series.

There's also Cody Ross, now that he's healthy. When Andres Torres left, I wrote a weepy post about why you should throw your panties on the field when he returned with the Mets. There was not a similar post about Juan Uribe when he returned with the Dodgers. Ross kind of splits the difference. Good enough for a standing ovation, but you can't give the panty-winging treatment to divisional rivals. You just can't.

Pitcher to watch
Ian Kennedy is like the Paul Goldschmidt of pitchers.

Split	W	L	ERA	GS	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	SO
(Against) San Francisco Giants	6	2	2.38	13	90.2	66	24	5	27	81

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com

Just kills the Giants. The weirdest thing about Kennedy: He's 28. Seems like that happened pretty quickly. I still think of him as a young pitcher, but he used to be Tim Lincecum's Friday-night matchup in Washington/USC games. Kennedy is two months younger than Matt Cain.

No point. Just that he's a Brett Pill All-Star: a guy who isn't nearly young as you think.

(Also, he's the same age as Brett Pill.)

Prediction
Goldschmidt still hits a homer off Lincecum, who isn't pitching in this series.

What Would Bernie Kosar Do at #6?

#5-Tavon Austin WR (West Virginia) 5’8,174 lbs.(4.34 40)

He makes it number five only because I think it is a reach to select Tavon here and I don't quite sure each worthy of this pick. Although this guy is one of the most explosive guys I’ve seen in this draft, he would instantly make our offense better. Don’t ignore also that examining all the successful NFL teams they all seem to utilize a speedster in the slot and this guy would fit perfectly and from what I've read about Chudinski’s offensive vision. I do think beyond a shadow of a doubt he is the top wide receiver in the draft, but I had of Patterson here if you would've asked me 90 days ago before the combine Corderelle was by far my favorite player and the guy I wanted the Browns to draft at 6. But when you look at the Browns and you look at our wide receiver corps you see young, raw and talented WR. Josh Gordon (whom I believe will be a true #1 WR), Greg Little, and Travis Benjamin. Three guys in my opinion that the jury is still out on. Maybe and probably, the team has Benjamin pegged for the slot role, and that would make sense. Maybe Travis Benjamin is that guy... BUT is Travis Benjamin Tavon Austin? No I don't think so...Not by a long shot. Tavon isn’t AJ Green, nor is he Julio Jones, but as the game has shifted to the slot WR being an essential role in the pass happy league, his draft stock in my opinion is a Top 10 overall pick.

Let’s check out the scouting reports:

Overview

The Mountaineers have had a dangerous spread offense since Rich Rodriguez led the team, but have moved from a run-based system (ranked third in the FBS in rushing in 2007) to a pass-based spread (ranked sixth nationally in passing in 2011, 10th in 2012). A huge part of the offensive success the Mountaineers have enjoyed over the last two seasons is due to the talent of Austin. A small but quick and elusive playmaker, Austin's role and impact grew seemingly by the week during his senior season, as he went from a slot returner and returner to a fully fledged Swiss-Army knife, including lining up in the backfield and taking handoffs,

The two-time Maryland high school player of the year set all kinds of state career and single-season records, a large share of which (34 touchdowns, 2,660 rushing yards -- that's 12.2 yards a carry) as a senior. WVU coaches couldn't wait to get him on the field, playing him in all 13 games and starting him in four. He caught 15 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while racking up 476 kick return yards (including taking the opening kickoff against Connecticut 98 yards for a score). Big East coaches named him second-team all-conference in 2010 as he became a larger part of the passing game (58-787, 8 TD) and rushing attack (15-159, TD), but kicked him up to first team as a receiver (101-1,186, 8 TD) and returner (36 attempts for 938 yards, two TD on kickoffs; 19-268 on punts, ranked sixth in the FBS with a 14.1 yard average) after an excellent junior season. He led the FBS in all-purpose yards once his 182 rushing yards (one TD) were added in, and finished 2011 with 390 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in the team's 70-33 blowout win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Austin burst into Heisman contention during his senior season with a 572 all-purpose yard (second most in FBS history) performance against Oklahoma on national television. Austin's full repertoire was on display, as he caught 4 passes for 82 yards, rushed 21 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns, and 146 kick return yards. His senior season saw him total career highs in y.f.s. (1932), all receiving categories (112-1289-12 TDs), and rushing (72-643-3 TDs), as well as 978 return yards and two touchdowns. His dominating play saw him finish eighth in Heisman voting, win the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player), and garner a first-team All-America as an All-Purpose player.

Analysis

Strengths

Slot receiver possessing elite acceleration with the ball in his hands, takes advantage of available lanes to explode for big gains. Shows excellent vision both as a runner out of the backfield, as a returner, and as a receiver with the ball in his hands. Almost unstoppable at continue on for additional yardage. Not a frail receiver; plays tough, has some upper-body thickness, and bounces up quickly from hits. Varies the speed of his route, lulls defenders to sleep and takes off to create space on out routes or over the middle. Tough to grab after the catch in zone coverage. Flashes the hands to adjust to wide or high passes, as well as tracking balls over his shoulder. Also goes down to grab low throws. Displays excellent balance to tightrope the sideline. Often used on fly sweeps, using his elite quickness and acceleration to cut inside or get the corner for big plays. Finds space as a kickoff returner to use his speed, will head straight upfield and can spin off tackles in the open field to maximize the return. Can make the first man miss on punt returns and has the vision to slalom between players to the sideline or up the middle. Very difficult to track down from behind. Wins at every level of the field despite his size, and has been somewhat underutilized deep. Improved as a blocker, and will body up on bigger players.

Weaknesses

Limited to the slot on most plays; lacks the size and strength most scouts prefer outside, or even as a kick returner. Hands are good, but not exceptional; will let some hot passes through his small hands and into his chest. Gets a lot of his yardage on shallow crosses, quick throws outside, and the fly sweep/"touch pass." Might not have the chance to get the sideline as often at the next level, forcing him to lower the shoulder and get what's available to him inside. Must prove he can hang onto the ball after taking big hits from NFL defenders. Will hesitate on punt and kick returns at times instead of immediately accelerating or trusting his blocking, and can get tripped up easily on contact. Incredible balance and stop/start ability, but he might not have elite straight line speed.

NFL Comparison

Randall Cobb

Bottom Line

Don't blink when Austin has the ball in his hands, as his elite acceleration helped him finish second in the country in all-purpose yards as a senior and lead the FBS as a junior. Don't be surprised if he turns out to be a first round pick or the first wide receiver off the board, as he is a huge playmaker on offense and special teams in the NFL despite the slight build that scared scouts away from other WVU offensive stars in the past.

Walter's Brown Draft Prediction

MLB bets for Sunday: take Erik Bedard and Houston (pretty sure I threw up in my mouth as I typed that).

NFL Draft 

        So Walter Football claims that the Browns are set on trading down with either the Dolphins or Bills.  Doing this obviously would sacrifice the only true guratanteed pro-bowler (assuming he'd even be available at six), Bama CB Dee Millner.

         So at 12th pick, the Browns are "slated" to draft CB Xavier Rhodes from Florida State.  I understand all of this is speculative and not supported by any ounce of fact, and personally we'd be disgusted if Cleveland plays the "trade down" game.  Let's take a look at Xavier Rhodes:

Three MLB Bets Today:

•  Phillies +101
•  Astros +108
•  Brewers -114

 
 
Padres/Giants series preview

By Grant Brisbee

 

Thad Weber is an excellent Padre name.

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. The rest of your life is filled with Padres games. You've made some bad choices in your life.

The Padres have always seemed like the younger sibling with a chip on their shoulder. Everyone else gets more attention, and it bugs them. They want the Dodgers to hate them as much as they hate the Dodgers, but that rivalry is taken. They want the Giants to hate them as much as they hate the Giants, but that rivalry is taken. So the Padres drift off, alone in the cosmos, looking for someone to hate them back. Like the A's, but without the whole territorial-rights thing.

Except now they're getting weird. They're the kid in the back of the class who doesn't say a word, and maybe they'll snap when they're 45 with three kids, or maybe they'll bring a butterfly knife to school tomorrow. And they will snap. The evidence suggests its happening already.

The first crack in the facade came with the crack in Zack Greinke's collarbone. Large human Carlos Quentin took issue with a hit-by-pitch, and played bumper cars with Greinke, breaking the expensive left-hander and making Dodger fans mad. Mad? Seething. Irate. And the Padres' fan base got super-defensive and counter-angry. That's probably a natural response when angry people are pointing fingers at the players on your team. But it was still impressive.

Then Padres CEO Tom Garfinkel tried to smooth things over by saying, quote:

Greinke was like Rain Man, and that, you know, the guy has social anxiety disorder, which is basically like autism or whatever, so, pffft, it wasn't Quentin's fault.

/makes hands-up, shruggy, whatdoyouwantmetodo gesture

Which was really strange for a front-office type. Remember how Sabean made those unfortunate comments toward Scott Cousins? This was much, much stranger.

Not saying we should be worried about them just yet. But they're getting weird. Just keep an eye on them. If the Swinging Friar starts walking around with a fake severed head ... make sure it's a fake severed head.

As for the baseball stuff, I have no idea how to read the Padres. If all their pitchers were healthy, they would be a sleeper pick in the division. As is, I can't go that far. They have Jason Marquis in the rotation, which is very Padres. They also have Edinson Volquez, who was a lot more amusing before you realize that's who Tim Lincecum turned into. And they also have Clayton Richard and Eric Stults, who are the same person, and that guy is probably going to get tired after throwing 360 innings this year. They also have Jesus Guzman hitting cleanup, which would be hilarious if Guzman didn't regularly kill the Giants.

An aside: Guzman would be a pretty good fit on the Giants' roster, right? A lefty-masher who could spot in left and at first? I know there are some problems with that.

Right, right. He's not a perfect player. Just saying. When it comes to the free players the Giants have given away over the past couple years-- Matt Downs, Kevin Frandsen, et cetera -- Guzman fits the Giants' needs pretty well right now.

Or course, it doesn't matter how well the Padres are supposed to play. What matters is that they're always annoying. They just swept the Dodgers, you know. That's because they're as annoying to the Dodgers as they are to us.

And maybe that's the thing they should take solace in. They might not have that same kind of reciprocal hatred the Giants and Dodgers have, but they get to annoy the holy crap out of two teams. Dodgers fans and Giants fans all go, "Aw, jeez, not the Padres again" because Padres games mean low scoring, annoying games. Games that the Padres often win by error, sac fly, or subpoena.

That has to be worth something to the Padres and their fans. Cheer up, Padres. Being eternally annoyed with a team is almost like hatred. It's almost like hatred. Maybe it will grow into something more.

Hitter to watch
Signs that Chase Headley is going to go off this series:

1. He is on my fantasy team

2. I did not put him in my weekly fantasy lineup because I didn't know he was going to be activated

Signs that Chase Headley is going to be terrible this year:

1. He is on my fantasy team

So this is like losing the battle but winning the war. If the goal is to make Headley bad, I've done my part for the year. But anything he does for the next three days is my fault. I have Daniel Descalso starting in his place. This is going to be ugly.

I know this violates my don't-talk-about-your-fantasy-team edict, but it's interesting when I do it.

Pitcher to watch
Edinson Volquez is 0-3 with a 11.68 ERA. He has allowed 28 runners in 12 innings. You are a cynic at heart, even after watching everything go right in two of the past three years. You know what those struggles mean when it comes to facing the Giants at AT&T Park. My guess: 6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 7 K.

Prediction
At least one of the series previews you read today will include the name "Archi Cianfrocco."

Evan Almighty: atmlb.com/13smTAm

— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2013

Evan Gattis went for $2.50 in the OPRL NL-Only Auction. My ceiling was $2.00. Probably should have stepped up and spent the extra $0.50 huh?

First things first!!! A wager:

MLB Action: WWBD is taking Hamels and the Phillies @ +103 today.   

Across the Pond 

Ah, yes, it is that time of year. The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place in the scenic Gulf nation this weekend, and just like every other freaking year, this week has been all about talks of cancelling the Grand Prix due to security threats, and the Bahrain cabinet has just brought forth a proposal to send you to jail for 5 years and impose a $20,000 fine for insulting the King, flag, nation of Bahrain, blah, blah, blah.  Why Formula 1, which is a multi-billion dollar racing association continues to keep this track on the circuit is beyond me.  Remember in 2011, the race was cancelled at the last minute after 35 people were killed when Bahrain’s ruling Sunni party crushed a pro-Democracy uprising.  Maybe next year Eccelstone should just add Juarez.

That all being said, nothing, not even a nation on the brink of civil war is bigger than the sport of Formula 1, yes there is a Grand Prix this weekend, and yes if it is anything like Shanghai last week we are in for a treat.  I could go homer here and say my boy Fernando Alonso and Team Ferrari are going back to back weeks, but I’m not.  Sebastian Vettel you assume? A nice safe bet from the best driver on the planet? Nope.  Something smells rotten with Team Red Bull, and I just don’t like the ROI value with Vettel.

After closely examining the race last week, and at length staring at dude’s pedigree, we are going on a limb, albeit a small one and taking last week’s second place finisher, and everyone’s favorite Fin.  That’s right, Kimi Räikkönen is our play at 7/2 odds.  Bet it!!

Footy:

Some massive fixtures in the EPL as the season winds down. The value plays we’ve plugged into the computer

Saturday: West Brom to win +115

Sunday:  The Heavyweight games:

Chelsea @ Liverpool : Draw +210

Manchester City @ Tottenham: Draw +210

                Aston Villa takes on Man United on Monday, and I know not to ever bet on my own team, especially inside Old Trafford, but Villa so desperately need at least one point to seal not being relegated to the 2^nd Division, I say take the Draw bet at +450 odds.