The Eye of the HurricaneDij : CBSSports.com Blogs

2012 N.L. Central Outlook & Projected Standings

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:19:27 EDT

*Projected records in parenthesis.

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74) - Only the Cardinals can lose Albert Pujols and still be the favorites in their division. Still, Beltran and Berkman? What is this, the 2004 Astros? Yeah, their window of opportunity may not be open too much longer. Their pitching is key to sustained success with Adam Wainwright coming back.

Cincinnati Reds (85-77) - Mat Latos bolsters their rotation and Sean Marshall bolsters their bullpen, though I still question if Joey Votto has enough protection in that lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers (84-78) - The starting pitching remains solid but their offense has been depleted. As much as I love Aramis Ramirez, he can't replace Prince Fielder. This isn't 2006. Yuneisky Betancourt could also prove to be a bigger loss than they realize. Milwaukee is going with Alex Gonzalez at shortstop in 2012, who is an upgrade over Betancourt defensively but a zero offensively. Though at his age, you have to wonder how much longer he'll be a plus defensively. Most importantly, how will Ryan Braun respond to his rather adventurous offseason?

2012 A.L. Central Outlook & Projected Standings

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:23:09 EDT

*Projected records in parenthesis.

1) Detroit Tigers (92-70) - Even without Victor Martinez, Prince Fielder + Miguel Cabrera + Justin Verlander = instant favorites in the division, and I don't believe anyone finishes fewer than ten games of them. My only concern here is defense. Can Miggy still play 3B?

2) Cleveland Indians (82-80) - Full seasons from Ubaldo Jimenez and Jason Kipnis will do wonders for this up-and-coming team, though at this point, you have to wonder if this team would be better off without injury-prone veterans Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner. Bobby Abreu would have helped their outfield/DH situation. Hopefully they can re-open trade talks. Abreu may have lost a step, but he can still play.

3) Kansas City Royals (81-81) - They've always had good hitting prospects, and now they've added a potential ace in Jonathan Sanchez, if only he can limit his walks. Obviously they hope the 2010 version of Sanchez shows up as opposed to the 2011 one.

2012 A.L. West Outlook & Projected Standings

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:46:50 EDT

1) Texas Rangers (93-69) - The Angels made all the headlines this offseason, but Texas is still the team to beat in this division until someone else proves otherwise. Look for Elvis Andrus and Mitch Moreland to be the next Rangers to break out here in 2012. The key question: Is Yu Darvish worthy of the hype or is just another Daisuke Matsuzaka? If he gives them #3 stuff in his first year I think Texas will be satisfied.

2) Los Angeles Angels (89-73) - They made a big splash by signing Pujols and Weaver/Haren/Wilson is a top notch 1-2-3, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. It takes time for new players to develop clubhouse chemistry. We all remember how Miguel Cabrera's first season with the Tigers went. For one, Pujols won't have as much protection with the Angels as he did in St. Louis. 2011 was the first time in his career he failed to drive in 100 runs, perhaps a sign of decline? Second, there are some question marks at the back end of the rotation. And it's easy to forget that C.J. Wilson is already 31 in spite of the fact that he only has two major league seasons of experience as a starter. For those reasons, I was screaming for the Cubs not to sign him given his price tag.

Offseason Trade Idea: Nuggets/Hornets

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:19:03 EDT

Denver gets - Jarrett Jack

New Orleans gets - Chris Andersen, Jordan Hamilton, and a 2013 1st round pick

From the Nuggets' perspective: Jarrett Jack is in the midst of a career year this year, though granted it's on a bad team, and it looks as if he has many good years ahead of him. While he doesn't exactly ooze upside, he's a do-it-all guard that George Karl should take a liking to. He'll also pass as a shooter more than the aging Andre Miller, who will be a free agent at season's end. Birdman Andersen is slowly fading from Denver's rotation as the team looks for more scoring and to get a little bit younger in the frontcourt.

From the Hornets' perspective: Jack is going to be a free agent after the 2013 season and is unlikely to resign with the rebuilding Hornets. You might as well get something for him, and this would be a solid haul in return. In this deal, Birdman would be returning to his other former team. While Birdman isn't the most talented guy, he will put forth a full effort and his presence would mean that the cash-strapped Hornets won't have to pay the extra money to re-sign lethargic veterans Carl Landry and Chris Kaman. You get the sense that Landry's heart isn't into it playing for such a bad team, while Kaman's efforts have been questioned his whole career. The rookie Hamilton, who has no place on a Denver team that has contender aspirations right now, could give New Orleans a needed scoring option off the bench.

HDij39's Annual Top 50 NBA Players List - Year 4

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:50:01 EST

...Better than ESPN's, if that's really saying much.

*Last year's ranking in parenthesis

1 ) Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks (5)

2 ) LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat (3) (Sorry, but I just can't rank him #1 after last year's finals performance)

Corey Maggette: Can He Assume Leadership in CHA?

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:30:34 EST

The lone NBA franchise without a Playoff win to its record (they got swept by Orlando in their lone Playoff appearance in 2010), the Bobcats are clearly rebuilding having dealt both Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace. It will be up to new addition Corey Maggette to provide a veteran presence in a youth movement that so far includes Kemba Walker (my pick for Rookie of the Year), Gerald Henderson, and Bismack Biyombo. A well-traveled veteran, Maggette, 32, has long had a reputation of being a selfish scorer and is still looking to shake his loser label. Even though he had a down year statisically last year in Milwaukee, I thought Maggette played some of the most meaningfull basketball of his career in 2010-11. His attacking style had a positive effect on a jump-shooting Bucks team, as the team clearly played their best basketball when he was starting. However, Maggette is not a Scott Skiles-type of player and was a victim of Skiles' incosistent rotations. Maggette averaged 12.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game overall last season.

NBA Free Agency Update (12/24/11)

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:56:08 EST

Point Guard:

Aaron Brooks, Phoenix Suns (restricted) - Signed in China

J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted) - Signed with Minnesota

Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat (restricted) - Re-signed

Trade Idea: Redick for Varejao

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:33:23 EST

Cleveland gets: J.J. Redick, Daniel Orton

Orlando gets: Anderson Varejao, Luke Harangody

From the Cavs' perspective - Cleveland is clearly rebuilding, so it doesn't make a great deal of sense to hang on to the rest of the LeBron regime (notably Varejao and Boobie Gibson). Varejao has three years left on a big contract and doesn't have much of a place in the Cavs' future. Redick would give them a decent shooting guard option who doesn't have too asinine of a contract. Plus, he's a fellow Dukee that will help ease the transition of #1 pick Kyrie Irving.

From the Magic's perspective - This trade would return Varejao to the team that originally drafted him. Orlando is too much of a jump-shooting team and is still in need of frontcourt help for Dwight Howard. Big Baby will provide inside scoring help for Dwight, while Varejao provides help on DEFENSE. He would fill the shoes left by Marcin Gortat, who was traded last December.

HurricaneDij's 2011-12 NBA Preview

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:21:12 EST

Alright, let's do this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtXDeCd_URc

While we missed basketball, I think most of us can live without LeBron and Carmelo running their mouths.

*Playoff teams bolded

NBA Free Agency Update (12/17/11)

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:45:49 EST

Obviously it comes a little later this year...

Point Guard:

Aaron Brooks, Phoenix Suns (restricted) - Signed in China

J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted) - Signed with Minnesota

Chicago Cubs 2011 Review & Offseason Outlook

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:42:18 EDT

OK, so our team finished with 90 losses, even after yours truly had predicted them to win 87 games and finish 2nd in the division in 2011. But is anyone really surprised that we sucked this bad? Probably not, as the Cubs over the last few seasons have primarily been made up of lethargic and unmotivated older players. 2011 marked the year that long-time GM Jim Hendry got fired. Fans have been calling for his head for some time, but with the Cubs' payroll situation in 2011, the fact of the matter is that there was only so much Hendry could do. He did not deserve to be fired. Yes, you could argue that Hendry was responsible for the high payroll, but it was a similar high payroll the Cubs had during their division title years of 2007 and 2008 and on much of the same players. the fact that Hendry was fired by the Cubs, yet Ed Wade still has a job down in Houston has my head spinning. At the same time, Hendry has been the GM for close to a decade and maybe it was time for a change.

Top 20 NBA Free Agents Overall

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:20:56 EDT

Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies (restricted)

Jason Richardson, SG, Orlando Magic (unrestricted)

David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets (unrestricted)

Nene, C, Denver Nuggets (unrestricted)

Top 10 Free Agent Centers for 2011

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:29:26 EDT

This is looking like the best crop of free agent centers we've had in quite some time.

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (restricted) - A solid, all-around center in this league. He's not a superstar, but doesn't really have any defined weaknesses, either. He'll make an All-Star game one of these years. Tough to see Memphis letting him get away.

Nene, Denver Nuggets (unrestricted) - The latest Denver player to bitch about his contract situation, Nene and the Nuggets could not agree to an extension prior to the CBA deadline, so he elected to opt out. Wants to return to Denver, but at what cost?

Tyson Chandler, Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted) - Enjoyed a bounce-back year with the Mavs, though you wonder if he'll return to his old, injury-prone ways if he leaves Dallas. Buyer beware.

Any way you look at it, LeBron James is culprit.

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:00:23 EDT

Reading Antawn Jamison's opinion on how the players are more united than they were during the first lockout in 1998, it became quite clear to me. The players just don't get it. Wise up, Antawn: Your former teammate LeBron James did this to us. Had LeBron not chosen to ride Wade's jock and had signed anywhere but Miami, I guarantee we would have gotten a deal done by now. Because we have superstars like James and Wade forming alliances, it's difficult for small markets to compete, and it forces the owners to take a tougher stance on the new CBA. In recent years, the smaller market teams had needed to pay asinine money to mid-tier players like John Salmons in order to attract talent. Granted that Salmons will flourish in his return to Sacramento (Milwaukee was able to unload that big contract they signed just last year), he is by no means a superstar signee, and he won't lead your team to a championship. I guess this is what happens when prima donnas like James, Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and a few others have this much power over the league.

Top 10 Free Agent Power Forwards for 2011

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:31:23 EDT

David West, New Orleans Hornets (unrestricted) - Has indeed opted out of his contract. Would have made $7.5 million next season in New Orleans. He's probably played in his last All-Star game. He's 31 and coming off a season-ending knee injury. Probably should have opted in.

Carl Landry, New Orleans Hornets (unrestricted) - A versailte big man that will succeed in any role given to him, be it as a starter or off the bench.

Kris Humphries, New Jersey Nets (unrestricted) - A double-double threat that lacks a defined offensive skill set. Should return to New Jersey.

Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets (unrestricted) - Still defends well, though if you take that away, he's an average player across the board. Wants to return to Denver, though if you're the Nuggets, you've got to consider losing at least one of either Martin or J.R. Smith and moving on to the next regime.

Top 10 Free Agent Small Forwards for 2011

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 3:49:30 EDT

Jeff Green, Boston Celtics (restricted) - Last December, I was mocked when I said Green wasn't the right fit for the Thunder in the long-term. Who's laughing now? He still has star talent, but struggled fitting in with his new teammates after the trade. Let's face it, though. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce aren't getting any younger, so Green seems to be the right fit going forward.

Thaddeus Young, Phildelphia 76ers (restricted) - He's not a star, but he's versatile, he's athletic, and he's smart. Who wouldn't want Thaddeus Young on their team?

Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons (unrestricted) - Still a top-tier defender, but he's kind of yesterday's news. If you're team is rebuilding and headed in a different direction, Prince is not for you, but if you're team is contending and looking to take the next step, he could prove to be a quality addition.

Top 10 Free Agent Shooting Guards for 2011

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 3:41:13 EDT

Jason Richardson, Orlando Magic (unrestricted) - Has refined his game nicely with age. Is better than his 13.9 PPG Orlando scoring average indicates as he was limited by a crowded Orlando wing rotation.

Jamal Crawford, Atlanta Hawks (unrestricted) - Was lethal in the Playoffs, averaging 20.5 points off the bench in the first round. Be sure he's not starting for you, though, where he's prone to making bad decisions.

Vince Carter, Phoenix Suns (unrestricted) - The Suns are unlikely to pick up his 2011-12 option. Last year, he looked like he aged five years in one.

Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets (restricted) - The UCLA product does a little bit of everything (12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 42.3% 3FG) and defends his position well. Will likely return to Denver.

Top 5 Free Agent Point Guards for 2011

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:52:06 EST

It's that time of the year again, folks - Free agency, and HurricaneDij's annual position-by-position free agent rankings. While this year's class isn't as talented (or as ego-driven) as last year's class, there's still some quality talent to be had in free agency here in 2011, even though the point guard list is as weak as it's ever been this year. But with point guard being the deepest position in the NBA today, it looks as if all the good ones have already been locked up.

Here's to hoping there's no lockout.

Aaron Brooks, Phoenix Suns (restricted) - He took a step or two back in 10-11 after a breakout 09-10. Considering the Suns gave up a first rounder for him, you'd think they would bring him back.

J.J. Barea, Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted) - Probably isn't starter material, but he'll provide an offensive spark off the bench for any given team, be it in Dallas or anywhere else.

2011 Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason Outlook

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:24:20 EDT

From back-to-back 60-win seasons to a 60-loss campaign, 2010-11 was a rough season in Cleveland. Even in this tough season, however, the pride of the Cleveland fan base showed its true colors, as the team continued to sell out games even without LeBron. The Cavs were spoiled by the media during the LeBron years, and now the team and its fans are unfairly paying the price for it. One thing is for sure, though - The Cavaliers' franchise will be better off for going through the LeBron years than it was before LeBron arrived.

I've said before the trade deadline that the Cavs shouldn't trade Mo Williams, but wow, I never imagined them getting this kind of package for Williams. The team acquired Baron Davis AND the Clippers' first rounder in exchange for Williams and Jamario Moon. That's highway robbery right there. When it comes to rebuilding, you're almost better off going the Cleveland way than the Denver way - by stockpiling draft picks. The Nuggets, on the other hand, look like they're going to be stuck in the middle for years to come.

Complete Indiana Pacers 2011 Offseason Outlook

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:38:34 EDT

After years of carrying high salaries on mediocre players such as T.J. Ford, Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, and several others, the cap relief is finally here. It's not enough just to make the Playoffs and giving the Bulls a fight in each game. The Pacers still have a lot of work to do. As it stands, the Pacers are still a soft basketball team, a major pet peeve of mine. I actually get a kick out of the Chicago fans that think we're physical. Take away Dahntay Jones, and the Pacers are the softest team in the NBA. Shoot, we're probably the softest team WITH Jones. The Pacers lack the killer instinct to put teams away. You saw that in Game 1 when we blew that 10-point lead with three minutes to go, and again in Game 4 when we nearly blew a 16-point 4th quarter lead.

Mavs/Heat Rematch - Should Be Exciting

Sat, 28 May 2011 15:55:17 EDT

So, the Mavs and Heat are set to meet in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006 - the year I graduated, and a year in my life for the most part I wish never happened. I still think that series five years ago was fixed to a certain extent with the free throw discrepency and the Stackhouse suspension.

Honestly, I've hated the Heat even before LeBron arrived. They've become living proof that sometimes it's just move convienient to be lucky than good, and it's really been that way for most of the last decade. No matter how incompetent their front office is (they really were about to sign Eddy Curry for this year's Playoff run), because they reside in South Beach, they are able to attract all the big names. They were bad enough in 2008 (15-67) that it allowed them to clear their entire cap space, which helped them land their big three.

Mavs still lack that second scorer...

Sun, 01 May 2011 2:01:33 EDT

...And that leaves me to wonder if there'd be a way for Dallas to pry J-Rich away from Orlando this offseason. I see Richardson being the perfect fit for the Mavs, as they haven't had a good second scorer in - well, ever. And I still question if he's the right fit in Orlando. If you're Dallas, a key question would be if they would rather have Jason Terry or Jason Richardson. I would go with Richardson, as Terry is still a man without a position and is still inconsistent as a result. He lacks the playmaking skills of a point and not big enough to play the two. The Mavs have a kid in Roddy Beaubois waiting in the wings, and would fill Terry's shoes nicely if he could finally get healthy. Imagine this Mavs rotation:

Center - Chandler, Haywood, Mahinmi

Trade Ideas For the Upcoming NBA Offseason

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:12:52 EDT

Trade Idea #1 - Cavs/Bucks

Milwaukee gets: Antawn Jamison

Cleveland gets: Corey Maggette, Ersan Ilyasova

Analysis - I've said all along that the Cavs should wait until this summer to move Jamison, and what do you know? Look at what his expiring contract could possibly give them. One of the bigger disappointments in the NBA this season, Milwaukee needs to cut salary, and adding Jamison's expiring deal would be a good way to do so. The potential emergence of Chris-Douglas-Roberts could make Maggette expenable, who didn't seem to be a Scott Skiles-favorite anyway, even though the Bucks played their best basketball when Maggette was starting. For Cleveland, Maggette would give them the scoring theat they've been missing on the wing since, you know, a certain player left last summer.

HurricaneDij's Annual Pre-Playoffs Power Rankings

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:15:47 EDT

Chicago Bulls

San Antonio Spurs

Miami Cheat

Dallas Mavericks - Tyson Chandler has enjoyed a resurgance year this year. Taking the starting job from Brandan Haywood and never giving it back, Chandler has averaged 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season.

NBA Players: Dan Gadzuric

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 1:03:43 EDT

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 240

Age: 33

Contract Status: 1 year, $7,243,750 A native of Den Haag, Holland, a Dutchman, Gadzuric was a four-year collegiate at UCLA, including averages of 11.7 points and 7.7 rebounds his senior year (2001-02). He was drafted 34th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2002 draft. With the Bucks having made the Eastern Conference Finals just two seasons earlier, expectations were still relatively high in Milwaukee for the 2002-03 season, and Gadzuric wasn't expected much playing time as a rookie. Though after a first round exit at the hands of the New Jersey Nets in the 2003 Playoffs, the team heading into rebuilding mode. Sam Cassell was traded to Minnesota, and Gary Payton left as a free agent to sign with the Lakers.

2011 A.L. Central Preview

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:16:40 EDT

*Projected records in parenthesis.

1) Minnesota Twins (90-72) - Oh, what might have been. If Justin Morneau had been healthy the last two postseasons, might they have given the Yankees a battle? Delmon Young enjoyed a breakout season in 2010, but given that .333 OBP, expect him to take a step back. It's scary to think what this team could do if Morneau is healthy and if Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer return to their 2009 levels.

2) Detroit Tigers (87-75) - With Victor Martinez providing some protection, look for Miguel Cabrera to produce that first 40-homer, MVP season. Yes, there are still some question marks at the back end of the rotation, but this team will be improved.

3) Chicago White Sox (85-77) - Adam Dunn could hit 45 homers playing his home games at the Cell, but these outfield bats scare me. Rios is famous for having bad seasons, Quentin is an inconsistent mess, and Pierre is useless if he's not hitting for a decent average (since he hardly ever walks). The Sox need Gordon Beckham to emerge if they're going to win this division. Personally, I can't help but to mock that Chicago columnist that picked them to win 94 games. Ozzie's ego is too big for them to win that many games. Yes, I know he won in 2005, but that was moreso due to some bold offseason moves by Kenny Williams that paid off huge for them.

2011 N.L. Central Preview

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:10:45 EDT

*Projected records in parenthesis.

Cincinnati Reds (88-74) - Led by MVP Joey Votto, the reigning Central champs are still the most complete team in the division. While their starting rotation doesn't "wow" anybody, it's pretty steady. Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan are also an underrated catcher tandem.

Chicago Cubs (87-75) - Biased pick? Maybe, but out of the question? No. If big bats Carlos Pena, Aramis Ramirez, and Alfonso Soriano can bounce back from bad seasons, we have as good a chance as anybody in this division. If we could get 25 homers and a .280 average each from Soriano and Ramirez, it would definitely put us in a good spot. However, as I've also said last year, this is still a very old team. Temper your expectations.

2011 N.L. West Preview

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:21:19 EDT

*Projected records in parenthesis.

1) San Francisco Giants (87-75) - Their rotation hasn't gotten any weaker, so they should be right back in the thick of things. I do have one concern for them, though - With Tejada at short, Sandoval at third, and Huff at first, their infield defense could get shaky.

2) Colorado Rockies (86-76) - Carlos Gonzalez got a little lucky last year in BABIP, so expect him to take a slight step back. He's still a beast, though. They might just take this division if Todd Helton can bounce back at age 37. A big if, though.

3) Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) - It was addition by subtraction for the offense with the departures of strikeout machines Mark Reynolds and Adam LaRoche. The offense is now led by the likes of Justin Upton, Kelly Johnson, and Chris Young, with support from previously-productive veterans and bounce-back candidates in Xavier Nady and Melvin Mora. Along with and unheralded rotation that includes Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, and Joe Saunders, this is probably my surprise pick of the year.

Beasley's Best Value is Trade Value

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:56:02 EST

The Minnesota Timberwolves - If you like empty stats, this is your team. I've said all along that I'd be a complete travesty if Kevin Love made the All-Star team over LaMarcus Aldridge, but when it came down to it Love's 20-15 stats were just too sexy for $tern to leave him off. While he can knock down the occasional three, Love gets a big chunk of his points on putbacks.

Minnesota's problem is that a Love/Michael Beasley froncourt will always be one of the worst defensive froncourts in the league. With Beasley, what you see is what you're going to get. He's a good-but-not-great small forward option that will be lucky to make one All-Star team in his career (Glenn Robinson-esqe). He'll score for you and get his share of empty rebounding numbers, but he won't do much else and lacks intangibles.

HurricaneDij39's NBA Trivia (2011 Edition)

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:55:05 EST

NOTE: Some of these questions were recycled from last years questions.

1) In 1995 upon Michael Jordan's return, the Bulls bowed out to Shaq and the Orlando Magic. They did, however, pull of an upset in the first round that year. What team did the Bulls eliminate?

2) In 2003, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Dirk, Nash, and Micheal Finley, nearly blew a 3-0 lead before taking their first round matchup in 7 games. Which team came oh so close to pulling off a historic comeback?

3) Utah's Earl Watson, a former second round pick, is now on his sixth NBA team, primarily as a backup point guard. In what year was he drafted?