The Mets of '09

There goes another 5 years off of my life, but who really cares. The biggest problems that face the Mets of next year in a new ballpark are quit compelling.

The bullpen is bullshit.

The starting lineup should be OK

The closer role needs to be filled.

Reserves need to be addressed immediately if not sooner.

Here are my proposals:

1st Base: Give Delgado his team option for 2009 and go from there. I honestly believe he had a problem with his swing, and he found the fix by himself. Pay him.

2nd Base: Luis Castillo is signed for the next few years, Hopefully he can actually show up and play 125 games next year.

3rd Base: David Wright. 'Nough Said.

SS: Jose Reyes. Please see David Wright.

Right Field: Ryan Church deserves a shot. The concussions were not his fault, except that he is a hard nosed player. I'll take those any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Center Field: Carlos Beltran. I would like to see 30 HR's and 130 RBI's from him next year.

Left Field: Endy Chavez. I just can't help but remember that catch. One of the greatest off all time. Oh... and he comes to the field ready to play every day.

Catcher: Brian Schneider. Solid defensive catcher. Ability to knock in some runs. I love this guy as a player. Good clubhouse guy as well.

Starters:

Johan Santana. Even without much support this year he may deserve a vote or two for 2008 Cy Young Award.

John Maine. Good pitcher. Solid command. I hope he can stay healthy.

Mike Pelfrey. Showed good poise and composure during the second half of the season. You can see why he was a #1 pick.

Oliver Perez: He showed up in a big way after only 3 days rest against the Marlins. In the number 4 spot how much trouble could he get in?

Pedro Martinez: There is nothing more powerful than a pitcher that feels he has left a few quality starts on the diamond. Just ask Randy Johnson. I know he has one more solid year left in him.

Relievers: Ouch. This is without a doubt the softest part of the roster. Let's see if I can't figure something out.

Heilman: See ya!!.... just like so many of your pitches that you made this year. Bye bye Captain Chaos.

Luis Ayala: After his brilliant performance as a closer after Wagner went down, I want him with me.

Jonathon Niese: This kid has some great stuff. Start him off in the pen then work him into the rotation.

Juan Cruz: If the Diamondbacks are stupid enough to let him go, pick him up and walk away. He has an explosive arm, and can chew up innings like a weed whacker.

Kyle Farnsworth: He is only 33 and still throws in the mid to upper 90's. Get him in here and do it now.

Ryan Dempster: Please see Cub's success. If they do not sign him, the Mets should.

I know that there are a few good arms in the organization that can do a better job than those that have come before them. The farm system cannot really be that bad...can they?

Reserves:

Adam Dunn: He wants $10mil per year, offer him $8 and see what happens. 40 HR's and 100RBI's cannot go un-noticed. If Delgado doesn't work out, Adam will.

Craig Cousell. He is a solid pro off of the bench. If I owned a team, I would sign him first.

Kevin Millar: Loose clubhouse and a will to win. Oh....he also has a World Series Ring.

Damion Easley: Solid pro, has occasional power. He can and will play anywhere.

Gustavo Molina: He is a good catcher. I don't have much more than that to say.

The other two spots should be fairly easy to fill. If the Mets stick with me, they can have a great first campaign at CitiField.

Only 153 days till pitcher and catchers report......... I love this game.

1st Quarter 2008 NFL Power Rankings.

Hello all, we are at the close of the first quarter of the 2008 NFL Season, and I wanted to list the power rankings as I see them right now. I will only be updating these rankings on a quarterly basis. I hope you enjoy.

1. Tennessee Titans: Don't ask me how, but the Titans are not only winning, they are crushing their opponents.

2. Buffalo Bills: Trent Edwards is not only a smart QB, he has a very nice NFL arm. Their team defense is not all that bad either.

3. New York Giants: There is no question in my mind that Eli has total control of this team, and that's exactly what Giant's fans want. He is ready for this tough division. 11 wins is almost a good bet.

4. Dallas Cowboys: I am sure that after the next four games the 'Boys will plummet. T.O. has obviously never heard of the term politically correct. If Narcissus were still alive, he would have some serious competition. THERE IS NO "I" IN TEAM. A light schedule may get them into the playoffs, but Jerry Jones will have 25 million reasons to dump his sorry ass before too long.

5. Tampa Bay Bucs: Even with Brian Griese as their starter, they look really, really good.

6. Denver Broncos: Jay Cutler is a stud with a cannon of an arm. The rest of the Bronco's schedule does not look too imposing. We shall see how smart Shanahan really is.

7. Carolina Panthers: As of right now, they are running and passing on all cylinders.

8. Washington Redskins: Campbell looks good, Portis looks good. The defense looks good. Let's see what happens from here.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Injuries will determine how well this team does. As of right now, they look good.

10. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers defense has been compromised with the loss of Merriman, but Rivers and LT look just fine.

11. Baltimore Ravens: My Aunt Millie could be at quarterback, and this very strong defensive team would still win the game.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers: I love Mike Tomlin as a coach, he brings fire and passion to every game. So far so good for the men from the 'Burgh, let's see if this can continue.

13. Chicago Bears: Is Orton a championship quarterback, I'm not sure, but I thought the same thing about Trent Dilfer.

14. New Orleans Saints: This team intrigues me, but let's see if they can get the job done over the long haul.

15. Green Bay Packers: Let's hope the injury to Aaron Rodgers is not serious. If it is, good night Irene.

16. Atlanta Falcons: Lucky for the Falcons Ryan is a smart quarterback. He might just make a few games interesting this year if he has the time to pass the ball.

17. Phoenix Cardinals: I have high hopes for this team this season. Buffalo, Dallas and Carolina are their next three games. Make or break time.

18. New York Jets: The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Jets. Favre is a bit sore, and they can soak up the team chemistry that was created this weekend after a tough Monday Night loss. The next three games for the Jets are very winnable, they have to hold serve to make a difference in the AFC.

19. San Francisco 49ers: Please don't ask me how they have two wins. The next three games are against New England, Philly and the Giants. Thank God I am not the team's trainer.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: I thought they would be better than 2-2 at this point, but that's why they play the games.

21. New England Patriots: They are right on schedule for a 7-9 season. That's only if they can win the games they are supposed to.

22. Miami Dolphins: This is a bad football team, let's see if Chad can endure the pain.

23. Seattle Seahawks: This is one team I expect to rise in the ratings over the course of the season. Has anyone seen Shaun Alexander???

24. Minnesota Vikings: Between Peterson and the defense, I think the Vikes will make a run in the not too distant future.

25. Indianapolis Colts: Their current record is the only reason they are so low....for now.

26. Oakland Raiders: With so many early first round draft choices they have had over the past several years, they should be a juggernaut. But then there is Al Davis. "A commitment waiting to happen".

27. Cleveland Browns: A question to Coach Crennel, could your team be any worse with Brady Quinn? I doubt it.

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Coach Edwards, what ever you do, do not look at the upcoming schedule for your team. It's like watching the drill before the dentist puts it in your mouth. Yes...it's that bad.

29. Cincinnati Bengals: Coach Lewis, take the advice I just gave to Coach Edwards. You have nothing in your arsenal that can touch what is in front of you with regard to schedule. If I were you, I would not send a Christmas card to the Commissioner's Office this year.

30. Houston Texans: This is another team that I expect to rise in the coming weeks. They are a well coached young team. It's a matter of time before success will come your way.

31. Detroit Lions: Now that Matt Millen is gone, I hope the Ford family can bring in someone that actually knows how to run a football team. Too much talent to suck this badly.

32. St. Louis Rams: I just don't know what else to say but, man this team blows: Trent Green over Marc Bulger as your starting QB. Does he even know what day it is? Is he even allowed to eat whole foods yet?

There you have it. The first quarter of the season is over. The next quarter should be a lot of fun.

Has anyone seen my beer?

Someone has made a special request

It seems as though there are a couple of disgruntled readers out there. They are angry with me for spending so much time picking on the failures of financial institutions this past week. That being said I will address some of the stories that he/she wants discussed.

USC losing in Corvallis: I would write about this, but it is the 3rd time the Trojans have lost there, so I did not feel it worth my time to write about. I am also a little sick of the pollsters just giving the number 1 ranking to USC because they are USC. Last time I checked Georgia started the season at #1 and has yet to lose a ball game.

The NY METS: There is no story as of yet here either. There are still three games left in the season, there is a major storm beating the crap out of the east coast, and it may be a while before the Mets can actually play their games. The Met's bullpen is absolutely awful, and it is led by Captain Chaos himself Aaron Heilman. Perhaps an extras day off will help the tired arms, we shall see.

The Yankees are out of the playoffs: Who cares. I can't stand the Yankees. While I hold their history as a team in the highest regard, I believe as long as the Steinbrenner family has control, all things will stay the same, and they will continue to buy themselves championships.

As a sidebar, I promised that if you want to say something, you shall be heard. I also said at the start of my blog that you can expect nothing but passion with regard to my writing and responses to any comments made.

I have published all of the comments made about my previous story, but to Mr. Anonymous (pussy). The term (CE Blows) was a play on the word CEO's. If you had at least as much intelligence as a handball, you would have figured that out.

One thing I can't control are the morons that post a comment. I do however appreciate you taking the time to read my blog.

Oh....and to Mr. Anonymous (pussy), the one that called me a "stupid fuck" do you kiss your mother with that mouth?

Take care and be well.

I promise, my last fiancial post.......

There are two comments out there one on the latest post, I spy, and Oh by the way. I am quite sure these morons work for AIG. How can I tell???? First off, they did not proof read their comments. Their should be an apostrophe in Mutual's, but alas there is not. Just another point as to how incompetent their staff is. Oh, and with regard to the I have AIG envy. I was not going to even qualify that remark, but the idiot must have wrote this response thinking that the bailout plan was going to be a slam dunk on Thursday.

The only thing I have is a hate for idiots. Salesmen should never be in charge of a major corporation unless they have more than enough business acumen to fill a thimble.

With regard to my employer, the funny thing is that they are currently at an all time high with regard to sales thanks to the Laurel and Hardy show that is now airing on Wall St. So as usual, I appreciate your concern for my well being, but I am doing quite well. While all of the (CE Blows) on the street are going to see that their collective golden parachutes are going to be missing a few important strings, perhaps they can watch Bear Grylls and figure out a way to land safely. If they need a reference, maybe they should consult Latrell Spreewell. He couldn't seem to find a way to get by on $6 million a year.

Oh, if you are going to post a comment to my blog in the future, could you please mix in an owner's manual and post to the correct story that you have something to say about. I feel as though I am cleaning up after my three year old kid. At least I love my kid and don't care about the mess they make. It isn't going to cost the U.S. taxpayers $700 Billion.


Ahhhh....the beauty of being right.

I Spy With My Little Eye......

I was fortunate enough to attend this past Monday night's football game between the Jets and the Chargers. Yes, I know I am a loyal and lifelong Jet fan, I know they lost badly, but I have to say that it was an experience of a lifetime. The sellout crowd was energetic, they too were loyal. Although I wore my Curtis Martin Jersey to the game, I did not feel like neither my nor my fiance's safety were in jeopardy.

Sure, I caught some boos, some jeers and some thanks for coming serenades, but in the end I learned a lot about my beloved team.

There were times that the Jet's run defense looked awesome, the passing defense......not so much. The Brett Favre led offense looked, at times, great as well. If the Jets would have run for more than 50 yards, it might have been a better/closer contest.

I still feel strongly about the Jet's chances about getting to the playoffs, only now, it is due to the fact that the rest of the AFC looks a little weak. The Broncos look tough, the Bills look awesome, the Ravens are good, but still a little too old. We shall see about the Titans, and the Colts are due to make a comeback.

I also strongly believe that it is time for "Mangenius" to let Brett take control of the game. He is going to make some mistakes, but I believe that those occurrences will be far fewer than his successes.

Mark my words....if the Jets are 7-4 after week 12 of the season, they will make the playoffs. Is this a guarantee???? Absolutely not, it is an educated statement.

To the Charger fans that let me play catch with them after the game in the parking lot, and took the time to stop and make small talk with me......Thank you for showing me that we are all brothers, and our only difference is the colors of our favorite team's jerseys. I shall never forget that night for the rest of my days.

Oh....to the male fans out there. I would be remiss if I did not mention that the Charger Cheerleaders are way hotter in person than they appear in pictures. I apologize to the female readers, and of course my awesome fiance'. I love you dearest, and thanks for a great birthday present.

Ahhhh.......................... the beauty of the gridiron faithful.

Oh, just one more thing.....

My first day in my upper division Managerial Finance class included the statement "The goal of management is to "maximize shareholder equity".

Below are some comments regarding the shareholder equity along with the explanation as to why the FED lifted it's skirt and bailed out AIG. Enjoy the reading........HA HA HA!!!!!

Given that AIG had a market cap of 10B today, how is paying 85B for 80% a good deal? Oh, and let's not forget that they were offered a private buyout and turned it down. And 80% of their insurance business is outside the US. If the biggest investment banks didn't want to put money into this zombie, why on earth should the Fed?

If it really were such a sweet deal, a private loan would have been arranged relatively easily- that one could not be arranged strongly suggests that the loan is a losing proposition.


What truly puzzles me is how the creditors take a haircut without a bankruptcy declaration. If the creditors don't take a haircut, then this is just another bailout of bondholders. And, where in line does the Fed stand in the creditor queue?

It's because there is something profoundly, fundamentally wrong with how we operate in this country. Economy: We're doing it wrong. Maybe, the weird amalgam of capitalist rhetoric, government intervention, constant bullshit from politicians and pundits, stagnation for most people, bankruptcy for too many, incredible and growing wealth for a very few, maybe we need to get off that treadmill. And maybe these bailouts are both a symptom of the problem and an opportunity to rethink how we do things.

Scrapping together 85b on short order, in the current environment, may well be beyond the grasp of most any institution but the Fed at the moment.


As for the worth of AIG, my understanding is that the reason they need the bridge loan is that they're not going to be able to liquidate their (from what I understand substantial) assets soon enough to cover the increased capital requirements necessitated by the downgrading of their credit rating.

AIG agreed to accept $85 billion in government financing in exchange for warrants representing 79.9% of shares. The $85b isn’t payment for the shares - rather, it’s a loan, which accrues interest at Libor + 850 basis points (currently totaling over 11%).

So the good news is, AIG will definitely survive, and they have plenty of assets to sell to repay the loans. The bad news is that current shareholders will be substantially diluted.

From the FED:

The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday, with the full support of the Treasury Department, authorized the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to lend up to $85 billion to the American International Group (AIG) under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act. The secured loan has terms and conditions designed to protect the interests of the U.S. government and taxpayers.
The Board determined that, in current circumstances, a disorderly failure of AIG could add to already significant levels of financial market fragility and lead to substantially higher borrowing costs, reduced household wealth and materially weaker economic performance.
The purpose of this liquidity facility is to assist AIG in meeting its obligations as they come due. This loan will facilitate a process under which AIG will sell certain of its businesses in an orderly manner, with the least possible disruption to the overall economy.
The AIG facility has a 24-month term. Interest will accrue on the outstanding balance at a rate of three-month Libor plus 850 basis points. AIG will be permitted to draw up to $85 billion under the facility.
The interests of taxpayers are protected by key terms of the loan. The loan is collateralized by all the assets of AIG, and of its primary non-regulated subsidiaries. These assets include the stock of substantially all of the regulated subsidiaries. The loan is expected to be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the firm's assets. The U.S. government will receive a 79.9% equity interest in AIG and has the right to (veto the payment of dividends to common and preferred shareholders. )

Ahhhh... the beauty of the American taxpayers taking large one where the sun doesn't shine.

My Point Made Through the Ignorance of a Response

Please, I beg you please read the comment posted to the blog about AIG and how it has crapped the bed. Yet another mental midget within the AIG "BRAIN TRUST". More like brainless trust has made a completely idiotic statement. At last you can see what I am talking about for yourselves.

Psychology is a beautiful science because it takes a good look at what is going on inside the brain when we make or decisions as human beings.

Our wonderful mystery guest copied and pasted a news wire synopsis of what AIG is currently going through. I really do appreciate that, but I believe that some lower level employee on the corporate food chain wrote/sent this. It looks like they think that AIG can explain away it's incompetent managerial and executive team's shortcomings.

Here is the million dollar question....why aren't the real powerhouse insurance companies experiencing the same cancer that AIG is? New York Life, MET LIFE, John Hancock et. al.? Please don't try to insult my intelligence and say that you are getting to big. That's not what you tell your loyal employees. It's the old, we've had a good year, but not quite good enough. Perhaps you are still trying to dig yourselves out of previous holes you've been in (please see Wall St. Journal Archives). AIG could have it's own episode of Judge Judy with the crap they've been involved with in the not so distant past.

Perhaps it is because the real insurance companies run their businesses in a respectful manner. Instead of looking for the quick buck, they actually care about their policy and share holders.

On any given day in the current market, "REAL" Insurance Companies have enough market and reserve capitalization to cover all of the face values of their "in effect insurance policies". Apparently, AIG decided it would stick their collective toes into a highly speculative, high risk mortgage lending product. That's fine, you gambled with other people's money and lost really really badly. Now that the US Gov't has bailed out AIG with $85 billion dollars worth of taxpayers money, how does AIG expect the public to forgive them for SCREWING up so damned badly?

Oh....and by the way, the interest rate on the $85 billion loan, if I am not mistaken, is in excess of 11%. If the government thinks you are a collective bunch of fuck ups based on that interest rate, why shouldn't the public.

Oh, by the way, the poster of the comment did not speak as to why the SR. VP of Investment Investment Advisory Services did not proof read their own bio.....it figures. No big picture, no short term picture, just sell. I wish AIG were a really bad joke, but unfortunately, they are real. What a shame.

P.S. If AIG is OK, why were there massive lines in Southeast Asia looking to cash in their policies.

Ahhhhh........the beauty of once bitten, twice shy.

The Strength to Go Bankrupt

>>>>>>>Or Crap the Bed

I love it when I don't have to write a word on my blog. It saves me from getting carpel tunnel syndrome for just a while longer. While I am sure that most of you have noticed that Wall St. had a really bad day yesterday, some of the corporations that trade on the NYSE had a much worse day.

You might ask how does this fit into the world of sports? I say it's very simple. If you look to the international soccer league, you will find that there jerseys display the AIG insignia. If you go to most any MLB Park, you will find the sign above hanging on the walls of many of them.

I just wanted to throw my two cents in regarding this two bit piece of manure of a company such as AIG (aka. Assholes In General). There corporate officers have near zero business acumen, all they want their people to do is sell. There are other employees that have nothing better to do than sell their souls just to squeak by as a mediocre businessperson at best. I am including a story from today that was on the news wires. Please read and enjoy.

AIG gets NY state help to hold off cash crunch.

A complex asset swap brokered by New York state officials will give embattled American International Group a $20 billion lifeline, but the insurer's longer term rescue plan will depend on additional funding. JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs are exploring putting together a syndicated $70 billion to $75 billion credit facility for AIG, among other options.

The banks' efforts are supported by the Federal Reserve, which AIG appealed to for assistance late on Sunday. AIG turned to the Fed after unsuccessful negotiations with several private equity firms and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

AIG's troubles, much like those of some of its Wall Street peers, stem from guarantees it wrote on mortgage-linked derivatives that have left it with a total of $18 billion in losses over the past three quarters.

AIG in recent days has explored a wide range of options to shore up capital and avoid rating cuts, but two of the leading raters downgraded AIG, anyway.

Oh, by the way, this is how he writes.

Bruce Levitus :

(Sr VP/ Managing Director for Investment Advisory Services at AIG Advisor Group Bruce Levitus: "I am working a hiring the best VP of Quality Assurance possible. Bringing back the master of V2Aa")

Yes, that's correct, he can't even proofread his own bio and objectives. AWESOME!!!!! Please let me put all my money in whichever company he is running. I always thought UMass Amherst was a good school. HA HA!

In summation, if Warren Buffet (a highly speculative investor doesn't even want to get involved) that can't be good long term. I believe that business and profits should not be derived from hard working people that put their trust in some financial advisor that only cares about lining his or her own pockets. Their clients have kids they need to put through college just like they do. I can't say I am broken hearted about the near collapse of AIG, but I would be upset if a legitimate and caring company were to go down. There are far too few of them in this world.

Ahhh...The beauty of poetic justice, and the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution.

Shea..... Goodbye My Friend

I wouldn't normally be so emotional about the tearing down of an old and decrepit stadium, but this is different. I have to say that with only 6 more games, and hopefully the playoffs, the field that I adored as a child and actually had a chance to pitch on while I was in high school, will soon be nothing more than a memory. Excuse me, memories.

This is the place where I found my first love, baseball. This is the place where I experienced joy and jubilation (the 7th game of the '86 World Series). This is the place where so many of my personal dreams began. It will sure be hard to say goodbye.

The not so good memories will forever remain in my mind as well, such as the '00 world series, Larry "Chipper" Jones named his 3rd child after the field because of his great successes there as an arch rival.

The broadcasters of yesteryear, Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner. No matter how bad the Mets were, you always knew that they were rooting for the home team.

Let's not forget the many concerts held there. The Jets used t0 call Shea their home as well. No matter how many faults the stadium had, it was still a place for history, and that, no one can ever take from us.

Goodbye to Shea Stadium, I will not forget you as long I live.

Ahhhh the beauty of a long standing relic having the chance to rest in peace.

Deep down inside, we are all the same

With the presidential election just 54 days away, I wanted to speak my mind regarding the candidates for the job. There have been a ton of negative things said between the candidates, I guess we should consider that the norm. I hope that we as a nation, the richest, most powerful nation on the planet, can see past the crap, and make an intelligent decision as to who the next leader of our country should be.

Please don't base your decision on the candidate's color, race or religion. After all, we as a nation are guaranteed those choices to do as we please by those that have come before us. I have listed above three different shoe and apparel companies. You may ask yourself why? Well to be perfectly honest with you, I felt that it was the best way to try to tie my message in with an athletic connotation.


When we buy our shoes, why do we buy them? We should buy them because they fit the best. I felt that to be a compelling argument as to who we should choose as our next commander in chief.


We should pick the candidate that fits us as a country the best. We shouldn't choose Reebok because that's what Allan Iverson wears, we shouldn't choose Nike because that's what Lebron wears, nor should we choose Adidas because that's what Steve Nash wears. We need to pick the right candidate because they will fit and perform for us the best. Please keep that in mind when you cast your ballot. The decision we make will stay with us for the next four years.

Ahhhh...the beauty the best country in the universe.

2008 NFL Season Preview and Picks

This year is going to be quite interesting in the NFL. I believe that there is going to be an unparalleled level of parity in the league this year. I do not believe that there is a clear cut juggernaut, nor is there a 1-15 in the league. We shall see. I have thrown my hat into the ring with my prediction for the upcoming season.

AFC East:

New York Jets: (10-6) Division winner. Yes Brett is in town, but I believe that the off season acquisitions on both sides of the ball will lead them to the playoffs.

New England Patriots: (8-8). The Pats are getting long in the tooth and they have to make back to back trips to the West Coast twice this season. If Cassell has to take any more than a game or two worth of snaps, the team is in for a long season after a terrible loss.

Buffalo Bills: (6-10). I may be a game or so off here, but the bills are a QB short of being a great team.

Miami Dolphins: (4-12). Again, I may be a game off either way, but my questions is...can the "Porcelain Prince" Chad Pennington last the whole season.

AFC North:

Pittsburgh Steelers: (10-6). The Steelers will have a good team, but I think there may be a surprise loss or two during the course of the season.

Bengals: (7-9). There is a bunch of off the field crap, that once again will take a strangle hold on the Bengals. They also have a pretty tough schedule.

Ravens: (6-10). As usual, the Ravens do not have a true starting QB. Flacco will be good in a year or so, he has a laser of an arm, but for now, he will be scrambling to save his life on a weekly basis. You don't just go and replace a Jonathon Ogden.

Browns: (5-11): I know that the Browns are coming off of a 10-6 season, but last years schedule was much easier than this years. I just don't think the Browns can run as much as they need to to sustain that many beat'em up drag'em out games. Maybe next year.

AFC South:

Jacksonville Jaguars: (12-4): The Jaguars have paid their dues. It is time for them to step to the forefront, and make a statement. I believe that they are a serious SB XLIII contender.

Colts: (10-6): I know Peyton Manning is a sure fire Hall of Famer, but I am worried about the condition of his knee and whether or not he can take a hit and not get hurt again. I hope I am wrong.

Titans: (9-7): Here is another case where I may be off by a game or two either way, but I am just not completely sold on the Titans offense just yet.

Texans: (7-9): There is no question in my mind that this is the toughest division in the NFL. I am so waiting for the Texans to break out and have a playoff worthy campaign, I am going to have to wait until Peyton retires I guess.

AFC West:

Chargers: (11-5). No doubt the class of the division. This team has a real chance with the Norv Turner driven offense to light up the scoreboard. Merriman's health is not a major concern with regard to the team's success.

Broncos: (8-8). They may go 9-7, but they will not be much better than that. They certainly do not have the fire power to over take the Chargers.

Chiefs: (6-10). This could be he last go 'round for Herm in KC. It certainly is not his fault, but the Chiefs fans are longing for a winner.

Raiders: (5-11). Jamarcus Russell will be better, so will the rest of the offense. The defense is also improved, I just wish the Raiders would have traded out of the 4th spot in the draft to accumulate more draft picks. They have way too many holes to fill to bank on just one spectacular runner.

NFC East:

Cowboys: (11-5): I think winning two fewer games this year may actually be good for the Cowboys. This division is going to be tough, and I hope Romo is ready to finish the job this year.

Giants: (9-7): Everyone will be gunning for the World Champs. This division is brutal, and you can never replace a Hall of Fame and All Pro Defensive End tandem. Eli will have to put up huge numbers to keep the G-Men in some games this year.

Eagles: (8-8): I just don't think they are as tough as people think they are. We will see how Donovan holds up this year.

Redskins: (7-9): First year coach Jim Zorn is more than capable to handle the stress and pressure that comes along with following up a legend of a coach. This is the only prediction where I feel like I may be way off, let's see.

NFC North:

Bears: (9-7): Orton is better than Grossman, the defense still has Urlacher. They may have a pretty good running game. We shall see if the stars align for Da' Bears.

Lions: (8-8): Finally, the Lions achieve mediocrity. It has been a long time coming, but I think the playoffs are right around the corner for this franchise.

Vikings: (6-10): The division has gotten better, and I think that Jackson, while an excellent athlete, is not ready just yet to win the big/close games.

Packers: (5-11): It is going to be a long cold winter in the land of the cheese heads. I hope, almost pray that I am wrong. Aaron Rodgers deserves better.

NFC South:

Buccaneers: (11-5): I think the Bucs can make a run this year, we will just have to see how far they can go.

Saints: (10-6): Another year of strife, another year without a smash mouth running game. Reggie is a great East/West runner, I just wish he would grow a pair and run between the tackles.

Panthers: (5-11): Head coach John Fox is on the hot seat to be sure. They may win seven games, but they are still a couple of french fries short of a Happy Meal.

Falcons: (3-13): I am sure Mat Ryan will do a good job at QB eventually, it just won't be this year.

NFC West:

Cardinals: (10-6): This is a record that the redbirds should have had last year, but they fell short in a couple of key games (please see 49er game et al). I think it is time for the Cardinals to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Seahawks: (9-7): I am sure future hall of fame coach Holmgren would like to end his career with another ring, but I am worried about Hasselback's back.........wow, pun intended, his back is giving him a hassle.

Rams: (5-11): Man this team is in trouble. I love the running game, but every other phase of the game for this team is awful.

49er's: (5-11): The only suit head coach Mike Nolan should be worried about is the one he is going to wear to his next interview.

Playoffs:

AFC: Chargers, Jets, Jaguars, Colts, Steelers, Titans

NFC: Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, Cards, Seahawks, Giants

Super Bowl XXIII: Cowboys vs. Jaguars.

Super Bowl Champions: Jaguars

Ahhhh....the beauty of the gridiron.

Good luck to all, and let's see some twins!!!!!