Archive for December, 2012
Chick Of The Week: Olivia Munn
Posted by KDog13 on December 30, 2012
Posted in Chick Of The Week | Tagged: Chick Of The Week, Olivia Munn | Leave a Comment »
Betting Tip: College Basketball
Posted by KDog13 on December 30, 2012
Well, I’m 0-1 on my betting tips after Bowling Green blew a decent point lead with only minutes left. That’s alright though because you win some, and you lose some.
My Pick: Northern Iowa +8 (-110, via Topbet)
Despite a 7-5 record, Northern Iowa Panthers is a better team than it might appear. Now will they make big dance, probably not, being that they are in a tough Missouri Valley Conference. But, they’ve had a tough schedule, and fared better than expected in my eyes. They have played several ranked teams, or past ranked teams such as Louisville, Memphis, and UNLV. Minus the UNLV game, they lost by only 5 points to Memphis & Louisville. Now they face off against Wichita State Shockers, a team I actually really like. Although they haven’t been world beaters, they can shock this year. People forget though, Wichita State have been without top scorer Carl Hall since after the Tennessee game. Granted they won both games, he still is a big factor as to why they have the potential to be dancing this year. I really think Wichita State wins this game, especially being at home, but if you look at their margin or victory, and Northern Iowa’s margin of defeats…it’s only by a few points. Now, styles make matchups, but I think Northern Iowa has been so good this year at being competitive, that Wichita State won’t be able to blow them out. Take the +8 here, as I think it’s one too many points for Wichita State to cover.
Posted in Betting Tip | Tagged: Betting Tip, Northern Iowa Panthers, Wichita State Shockers | Leave a Comment »
UFC 155 Results: Velasquez defeats Dos Santos; Recaptures UFC Heavyweight belt
Posted by KDog13 on December 30, 2012
Main Card:
Cain Velasquez def. Junior Dos Santos by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-43, 50-44)
Jim Miller def. Joe Lauzon by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Constantinos Philippou def. Tim Boetsch by TKO (punches) Round 3 (2:11)
Yushin Okami def. Alan Belcher by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Derek Brunson def. Chris Leben by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card:
Eddie Wineland def. Brad Pickett by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Erik Perez def. Byron Bloodworth by TKO (strikes) Round 1 (3:50)
Jamie Varner def. Melvin Guillard by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
Myles Jury def. Michael Johnson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Todd Duffee def. Philip De Fries by TKO (punches) Round 1 (2:04)
Max Holloway def. Leonard Garcia by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
John Moraga def. Chris Cariaso by submission (guillotine choke) Round 3 (1:11)
Posted in UFC/MMA | Tagged: UFC, MMA, Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Chris Leben, Dana White, Strikeforce, Yushin Okami, Alan Belcher, Jim Miller, Ronaldo Souza, Tim Boetsch, Joe Lauzon, Results, Facebook, FX, Jamie Varner, Derek Brunson, Costa Philippou, UFC Results | Leave a Comment »
UFC 155: Dos Santos vs Velasquez II Predictions
Posted by KDog13 on December 29, 2012
Main Card Breakdown:
Well, I’ve analyzed the main card previously, so I’ll try to make this breakdown short and to the point. This main event could not be any better to cap off the year. Seriously, two of the very best mma practitioners will collide for a second time. This time, and at least I believe so, they will make it out of the first round. I actually think it will last up until the third. Now, Velasquez’s biggest chance in this fight is to use his wrestling but I don’t think people realize how good Dos Santos is at defending the takedown. Also he now holds a black belt in jui-jitsu. Although he hasn’t used all of his mma skills, doesn’t mean being on the ground is his weakness. I actually think Dos Santos will take care of business here, and finally put away Velasquez in the 3rd round.
I’m going back and forth with our Co-Main event, and it’s a fight I just wouldn’t touch if you are a betting person. It depends what fighters show up because the very best Miller will utilize his wrestling, and strong submission game to a tee. If the wrong Miller shows up, he will take a beating standing up. There is one thing though about Miller, is that the man keeps coming forward, and will not give up. As for Lauzon, will we see the guy who’s striking game, sets up the quick submissions or the guy who doesn’t pace himself, and runs out of juice in the later rounds. Granted he beat Jamie Varner in the third round, he paced himself better than the example I’m referring to is against George Sotiropoulos. Miller will probably be able to take Lauzon down, but I’m thinking Lauzon trained stop that to a degree. I think we are in for a hell of a fight, with Lauzon edging it out, barely.
I really like Costa Philippou here, but I don’t understand why he is the favorite. His striking game is very sharp, and he utilizes his wrestling very well. Boetsch is very similar in ways, which is why we are in for a brawl here. I do not believe this fight will end early, but I think Philippou paces himself so well in fights, he will be the fresher man in the third round. That’s when he will put Boetsch away, and pull off the upset in terms of rankings.
This fight is tearing me apart, and it’s actually pretty similar to that of Jim Miller vs Joe Lauzon. Yushin Okami’s gameplan will be like always, and that’s to get this one to ground where he can grind you away for an entire round. He did that to Boetsch for two rounds, but he couldn’t close out that fight. Belcher is very well rounded, but it his weakness is takedown defense. Now I’m sure he is fully prepared for it, and if Okami can’t take him down, Belcher will capitalize on the feet. I think Belcher has the ability to put him away, but Okami is a game fighter, and I don’t think he will go away. Belcher via decision.
Our First fight to start the card off features the Strikeforce crossover Derek Brunson against fan favorite Chris Leben. Now, Leben was suspended for a year, so ring rust might be a factor, but he looked really in shape at the weigh in’s. This fight is simple, Brunson is not going to strike with him, and try to take Leben down. If Leben can stuff some early shots, Brunson is going night night real early. I’m really surprised “Jacare” knocked him out, and Leben hits way harder. This will not end well for Brunson in my opinion.
Posted in UFC/MMA | Tagged: UFC, MMA, Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Chris Leben, Dana White, Strikeforce, Yushin Okami, Alan Belcher, Jim Miller, Ronaldo Souza, Tim Boetsch, Joe Lauzon, Facebook, FX, Jamie Varner, Derek Brunson, Costa Philippou | Leave a Comment »
MMA: Top 5 Fighters of 2012
Posted by KDog13 on December 29, 2012
As another mma year wraps up, I’ll look back at who were the best fighters of 2012. The one thing that effects this though is the injury bug this year. Normally fighters have around 3 fights a year, but that was dampened. Also I’m not only referring to the UFC, but other organizations such as Strikeforce, and Bellator have had this issue as well.
5. Nick Newell (XFC)
Known as the one-armed fighter, Newell has had a fairy tale of a year. Defying odds, he is not only undefeated in his young career but now a champion in XFC. He became the XFC lightweight champion this December defeating Eric Reynolds, to cap off a 3-0 year in 2012. Now some fans may have never heard of him, but he is the real deal, even with only one arm. It’s a matter of time until one the upper tier mma organizations give him a shot.
4. Andrey Koreshkov (Bellator)
At 21, with a record of 8-0, the Russian came to the United States to fight under Bellator. The expectations were high, and he certainly was able to live up the hype. Koreshkov went 5-0 in 2012, finishing 3 of his opponents. Perhaps his biggest wins were his last two against the DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis, and former Bellator welterweight champion Lyman Good. Not only did Koreshkov go 5-0 as stated above, but he did not appear to be in trouble in any of his fights. Koreshkov will look to build off a successful 2012 campaign in 2013, where he will fight the winner of Ben Askren vs Karl Amoussou for the belt.
3. Matt Brown (UFC)
Talk about a year, Brown arguably went from almost being cut in the UFC, to putting together a 4 fight win streak in 2012. With a 12-11 record to start the year, a win streak like this would have been unimaginable. But, it happened as Brown defeated the likes of Chris Cope, Stephen Thompson, Luis Ramos, and most notably Mike Swick. Three of those wins by knockout to boot. Expect Brown to get another high-profile fight in 2013.
Author: Lawscientist
2. Ben Henderson (UFC)
Ben Henderson has been on a rise like no other since 2011, and was able to keep it going in 2012. Henderson went 3-0, capturing the UFC Lightweight belt, and was able to successfully defend it twice. Now, although his two fights with Frankie Edgar were labeled as controversial, he was able to put that behind him dominating Nate Diaz from start to finish. Henderson will likely be fighting Gilbert Melendez in 2013, which could further cement his legacy in the UFC.
1. Ronda Rousey (UFC)
What a year for Ronda Rousey, and although she fought only twice, her accomplishments were ever so numerous. Rousey is a talent, and not only does her mouth excite, but her submission game is ridiculously amazing. Rousey went 2-0 this year, including capturing the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship in what was voted as the submission of the year. Rousey’s accomplishments don’t stop there, as she broke barriers being the first women signed to the UFC. She also is going to headline UFC 157, where she will defend her newly acquired UFC belt. Literally, Rousey not only elevated women’s mma in a single year, but took it to the extreme by getting into the UFC. Rousey is the fighter of the year in my books, for sure.
Posted in UFC/MMA | Tagged: Andrey Koreshkov, Bellator, Ben Askren, Ben Henderson, Chris Cope, Dana White, DREAM, Eric Reynolds, Frankie Edgar, Karl Amoussou, Luis Ramos, Lyman Good, Marius Zaromskis, Matt Brown, Mike Swick, MMA, Nate Diaz, Nick Newell, Ronda Rousey, Stephen Thompson, Strikeforce, UFC, XFC | Leave a Comment »
Betting Tip: College Basketball
Posted by KDog13 on December 28, 2012
I like to parlay rather than do single bets, but after you swing and miss so many times, it’s almost better to just stick with doing single bets. I have a lock for today in college basketball, and although they are the favorite, it’s not by that much.
By Greenstrat (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
My Pick: Bowling Green (-150, via Topbet)
Now, I can’t say I’ve followed this team the entire year. But, I have of late since they have been playing some upper tier schools. They have fared quiet well in those matchups, and since losing three in a row early in the season, they look like a different team. They are 5-3 since then, and have a very nice defensive game to them. Last week they took South Florida to triple OT, where they lost by three. They would of won too, if not for Victor Rudd’s game tying 3-pointer with only 3.8 seconds left in regulation. Rudd also went bananas scoring 29 points. Now, the opponent Bowling Green will be facing is the 2-8 North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Granted the Fighting Sioux has played a pretty decent schedule, and most of their games were on the road, they have only been able to beat two non DI schools. I expect the trend to continue, and although it’s on their home court, that just means it might be a closer game. Bowling Green is the better team here, and should win in a low scoring game.
Posted in Betting Tip, NCAA Basketball | Tagged: Betting Tip, Bowling Green, Bowling Green Falcons, College Basketball, Michigan St, NCAAB, North Dakota, North Dakota Fighting Sioux, South Florida, Topbet, Victor Rudd | Leave a Comment »
Chick Of The Day Special: Sofia Vergara
Posted by KDog13 on December 28, 2012
Tom Sorensen [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Posted in Chick Of The Day | Tagged: Chick Of The Day, Sofia Vergara | Leave a Comment »
UFC 155: Analyzing the main card
Posted by KDog13 on December 27, 2012
On December 29th, the UFC has given us a card to end the year off with a bang. Two of the baddest men on the planet will collide in a rematch, with the belt on the line. Junior Dos Santos looks to defend his belt for the second time, and Cain Velasquez looks to get back the belt he once held. This is a fight, that you don’t want to miss! These men are regarded as two of the best fighters in the heavyweight division, and although the first fight ended quickly, redemption is on the mind of Cain Velasquez. Don’t Blink!
Junior Dos Santos
By Flickr User Fotos Gov/Ba [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Junior Dos Santos vs Cain Velasquez
As I previewed above, this fight is going to be an awesome one. Anytime heavyweights step into the octagon, it is exciting. But the fact that these are the two very best heavyweight fighters, makes it just that much better. And I know these men have already squared off, but the fact that it ended so quickly, left a poor taste in my mouth of how good this fight could be. Now I’m not discrediting Junior Dos Santos because we all know he carries one of the heaviest hands in mma, period. But, Velasquez just standing in front of Dos Santos, and not shooting for a takedown, didn’t seem right. Apparently he was hurt, something with his ACL, but everyone isn’t 100% when they fight. Nagging injuries, and the daily pains of training, make it hard to step into that octagon perfectly fine. Well, not to get off subject, I’m more interested if Velasquez implements his wrestling in this fight, and also if Junior Dos Santos can stuff Velasquez’s attempts to get this one to the ground. Either way this fight is going deliver because heavyweights rarely fail to excite.
Joe Lauzon
By Stephen McGinnis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Jim Miller vs Joe Lauzon
An interesting Co-Main Event to say the least, although the original fight was Gray Maynard vs Joe Lauzon. Either way, Miller is a top 10 lightweight, so it’s not like Lauzon got an easy replacement or anything. Miller has been one of these guys in a stacked lightweight division that has hung around contendership. The problem though is of late, and not capitalizing on fights that would get him that opportunity to fight for the belt. Miller is primarily a wrestler with a really good submission game, and I wonder what gameplan he is going to implement in this fight. I don’t think he can lay on Lauzon, even if he takes him down, so it should be interesting. As for Lauzon, this is a big fight to launch himself into being a lightweight contender. When Lauzon fights, it’s almost guaranteed to be exciting, he is just that type of fighter. Armed with one of the best submission games, and a pretty underrated striking game…Lauzon is pretty well rounded. Don’t be surprised to see him pull guard against Miller either because we all know how quick he can latch onto a limb, and take it home. This fight is definitely going to be a war!
Tim Boetsch vs Costa Philippou
Although this fight was originally supposed to be Tim Boetsch vs Chris Weidman, I actually like this better. I am a Weidman fan as well, but I think Costa Philippou has earned a big fight like this. Currently on a 4 fight win streak, Philippou has shown nothing but improvement in his stand up and wrestling. As for Boetsch, the drop down to middleweight was the best decision he’s ever made in his fight career. Since dropping down, Boetsch is 4-0, which includes big wins over Yushin Okami, and Hector Lombard. Now, Boetsch is gunning for a title shot, and with another win, he will be knocking at the door. For Philippou, this is his chance to get a name on his record, as well as prove that he is a top middleweight.
Alan Belcher
By East718 at en.wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia) [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
Yushin Okami vs Alan Belcher
A long awaited rematch, as both men made their UFC debut’s against each other at UFC 62. That was back in 2006, and 6 years later, they will meet again. They are Different, and more complete fighters then they were before, and this one should be a good one. Yushin Okami is armed with one of the better jabs in mma, as well as well as one of the best top games. Okami can take you down, and smother you on the top for an entire round. As for Alan Belcher, he is one of the more talented grapplers in the UFC. But make no mistake, the man can strike as well. This fight is very interesting because Okami is going to try and take Belcher down, there is no question about that. If Belcher can shrug it off, Okami might be in trouble on the feet. But, if Okami can get it to the ground, he will have to watch out for Belcher’s guard because it is a dangerous one. Should be an awesome fight though!
Chris Leben (Well not really)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/welovethedark/220584884/sizes/m/in/photostream/
Chris Leben vs Derek Brunson
This is yet again, another replacement fight on the main card, which just shows you what type of year it’s been for the UFC. Nevertheless this is an intriguing fight, as Chris Leben makes his Octagon return after being suspended for a year. Leben known to many fans as a real life zombie, will have to shake off the rust, and prove to the fans that is iron chin, and heavy hands are in tact. As for Derek Brunson, this is a big fight in his career. Labeled as a prospect and future talent, Brunson has hit a rough patch in his young career. Two consecutive losses, although one is controversial, the other against “Jacare” Souza was not. Brunson was knocked out cold for the first time in his career. Brunson is a wrestler, with a pretty good submission game, and we can clearly see what his gameplan will be. I’m not sure we will see too much striking from Brunson, especially if he wants to be awake the entire fight. Can the Strikeforce crossover, pull off the upset, maybe. But, this is one should be a fun one regardless.
Posted in UFC/MMA | Tagged: UFC, MMA, Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Chris Leben, Dana White, Strikeforce, Yushin Okami, Gray Maynard, Alan Belcher, Hector Lombard, Jim Miller, Ronaldo Souza, Tim Boetsch, Joe Lauzon, Chris Weidman, Derek Brunson, UFC 155, Costa Philippou, Jacare | Leave a Comment »
MLB: My All Free Agent Remaining Team
Posted by KDog13 on December 26, 2012
Infielders:
Catcher; Jesus Flores – In a shallow list of available catchers, I like Flores the best. Now his last two season have been abysmal, and that is due to injuries as well as never grabbing the starting catching job. Before that, Flores had looked like a promising catcher for the young Washington Nationals. It is doubtful he will be a starter anywhere, but with the options I got to pick, I’d much rather go with a guy with potential still rather than the swing for all or nothing players.
First Baseman; Adam LaRoche – An easy choice here as Adam LaRoche is a pretty solid option to start first base for most clubs. He is pretty consistent in terms of a seasons production, usually hitting over 20 homers, knocking in 80 RBI’s, and batting around .270. His glove is not all that bad either, and if you ask me, he is a starter for a good portion of clubs out there.
Second Baseman; Freddy Sanchez – Although Sanchez had missed all of last season, and most of 2011, he definitely has one of the better bats out of the available second baseman. If Sanchez can stay healthy, he is a solid bat in any lineup as he will hover around a .300 average. Health is a big factor here, but he is a steal if that is not a question.
(EDIT) Shortstop; Alex Gonzalez - I was jockeying between Gonzalez and Jason Bartlett but I went the guy who can provide some pop, and is a better fielder. Bartlett is a mystery on the field sometimes, and although is a decent hitter, that’s not worth it to me. Gonzalez has had a rough last two season, and although he is getting up there with age, he can be serviceable. I’m not sure he will be starting anywhere though.
Third Baseman; Chone Figgins – Now this pick is strictly on hope that a change of location is what he needs to get back to his old form. It doesn’t help that he is older as well, but the old Figgins was a solid crafty player. Now Jose Lopez might be the better pick at third, but I’m just going to stick with the veteran, and that a change of scenery is what he needs to get back some of the player we once knew.
Outfielders:
Left Field; Delmon Young – While Young doesn’t have the biggest pop in his bat, he can be a very serviceable batter who hovers around a .270-.280 average. He also is an everyday outfielder unlike most of the other left fielders out there, who are not much more than role players at this point. Now if Delmon Young can sign with an American League East team, and play against the Yankees, he might be an all star this year. For some reason, he seems to own them, ALA Mark Reynolds last year.
Center Field; Michael Bourn – Without a doubt, and probably one of the easiest choices I’ve had to make. Bourn is a solid player, and his speed is something that you just can’t buy. Although his average might not be all there, he can still reach base other ways which makes him an asset at the top of any lineup. His speed also helps his game in the outfield as he covers a large portion of the outfield.
Right Field; Scott Hairston – While I’m not really focusing on his arm or his suspect defense here obviously, I’m looking at his bat more so. He has some of the best pop in baseball, and I’ll take that in my lineup. I’ve shunned some picks because they are mostly all or nothing players, but Hairston has never got to be that everyday outfielder he wants to be. I would like to see what he could do in a full season given the opportunity.
Starting Pitchers:
Kyle Lohse – It seems like as he got older, he got better…like wine. Lohse arguably had his best season, and is a main reason why the Cardinals made the playoffs. Now the question is, can he put up the same numbers? His career obviously wouldn’t indicate that, and someone might overpay for him, but he’s a solid number 2 or 3 starter on any squad.
Shaun Marcum – Although he was hurt for some of the season, he managed to pitch halfway decent. Marcum has also been a pretty consistent pitcher, and has a career 3.76 ERA to show. Now he may not be a number 2 type pitcher, but he still is good enough to be a number 3 or 4 starter. A 57-36 career record is not all that bad to boot either.
Tim Stauffer – In 2011 as a full-time starter, he put pretty serviceable numbers. Granted though, pitching in Petco Park can help any pitcher. Stauffer was 9-12 for the Padres, with an ERA of 3.73. But, Stauffer only got one start last season before getting injured, and missing the entire season. If he can stay healthy, he could be a very good back end starter.
Jair Jurrjens – He really should be higher on this list but last season was just absurdly bad. But then again, every pitcher has a bad year, and hopefully this is the worse one. Jurrjens has great potential and has preformed very well in the past, especially in 2009, and 2011. Both years his ERA’s were stellar, and had double-digit wins. Now if he can put this season in the past, he is a solid starter.
Joe Saunders – Now, I’m not the biggest Saunders fan, and I will admit I’m an Arizona Diamondbacks fan. When he pitched, you just never knew what you were gonna get out of him. He can either be unexpectedly dominant in games, or just a flat out dud. He hovers around a 4 ERA every year, so if he is a 5th starter and will spot you some solid games here and there, he definitely is worthy of being a back end stater of a staff.
Relief Pitchers:
Closer; Rafael Soriano – I think we all saw how good Soriano was taking over for Mariano Rivera, and I’m sure he wants to be a closer again given his success. He certainly has also earned not only a closer gig, but a pretty hefty contract. Now, there are decent closer’s available, but Soriano is more consistent than any of them, and I’m thinking his price is the only thing keeping him from being on a team right now.
Setup Man; Takashi Saito – Strange pick you might be thinking? Probably, but Saito has some nasty stuff in his arsenal, and although he hasn’t been in the MLB for that long, he definitely has proven he can hang. He is 43 though, and last season he was injured about the entire season, which is a concern. I’d still take the chance on Saito, I mean C’Mon, his career ERA is 2.34….Nuff Said.
Left Hand Specialist; Rich Hill – Health is another big one here because ever since this man has converted to the bullpen, he has been dominant. If only he could make it through a season, we could actually see the potential he has to improve a bullpen because he’s been flawless since he converted from a starter to a relief pitcher. We will see if any team takes a chance on him, it could turn into a solid pickup.
The Rest of the Bullpen;
LaTroy Hawkins – Often under looked, Hawkins can actually be a pretty good pitcher to have in the bullpen. It’s strange though with him, you’ll either get a really dominant season out of him or a really sub-par season. I’d take a chance on him though.
Francisco Rodriguez – Although last season was not his best, he is still is among the best available pitchers. Now I don’t know about being a closer or a setup man any more, I think he still can be worthwhile to have in the bullpen. Now I’m not sure of his asking price, but I don’t think at this point in his career, he should be asking for much. I also think he needs to accept whatever role he gets, and his closer days might be a thing of the past.
John Rauch – Not really a world beater, but definitely a decent pitcher to have in your bullpen. You’d think he’d be more dominant though given his height, and when he releases the ball how much less of a distance that is to the mound. It’s an advantage, but he just doesn’t have the stuff to make it work. I’d still pick him up though, he has his moments.
Mark Lowe – I really like him as a long reliever, and a spot starter here an there. He definitely was a great pickup for the Yankees, and served his role really well. I think he might be looking for a starting role again, but he had success in the bullpen, and should stick to it.
Posted in Baseball | Tagged: Baseball, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, MLB, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Michael Bourn, Mark Lowe, Adam LaRoche, Jason Bartlett, Joe Saunders, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Rodriguez, LaTroy Hawkins, Free Agents, Rafael Soriano, John Rauch, Scott Hairston, Rich Hill, Takashi Saito, Jair Jurrjens, Tim Stauffer, Kyle Lohse, Delmon Young, Jesus Flores, Freddy Sanchez, Chone Figgins | Leave a Comment »
Chick Of The Week Bonus: Some Hot Santa Helpers
Posted by KDog13 on December 24, 2012
Posted in Chick Of The Week | Tagged: Chick Of The Week, Merry Christmas, Santa Helpers | Leave a Comment »
