Men’s Hockey Quarterfinals Predictions

With all the preliminary games finished over the weekend and today’s four play-in games complete, the matchups are lined up for tomorrow’s quarterfinals in Men’s Ice Hockey.  As much as I enjoyed watching the prelim games, now’s when shit gets real.  Prelim heroes like TJ Oshie, Phil Kessel, Drew Doughty, and Alexander Radulov won’t be remembered for squat if their respective teams fail to do anything moving forward.  The matchups aren’t what most fans expected as there were some upsets in today’s games, but it doesn’t mean that tomorrow won’t be a day full of some great hockey.  Let’s take a look:

Sweden/Slovenia – Sweden is playing banged up with injuries to Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Sedin, and Johan Franzen.  If not for the play of Henrik Lundqvist, the Swedes wouldn’t have held on to the number one seed in the tournament.   Slovenia (wherever that is), is comprised of the Kings Anze Koptiar, and 24 guys you’ve never heard of.  They pulled an upset win over Austria this morning to get in the quarterfinals.

Prediction:   With all due respect to Slovenia, they probably couldn’t beat a Swedish Elite team, no less a team that still boasts Erik Karlsson, Alexander Steen, and Daniel Alfredsson (among others).

Final - Sweden 5 Slovenia 1

United States/Czech Republic – No team has been better on the ice than the USA, outscoring their opponents 14-4 in the prelims.  Phil Kessel has led the way, leading all Olympic scorers with seven points.  The Czech’s offense has been inconsistent throughout the tournament, getting shutout by Switzerland and then pouring on five goals against Slovakia. 

Prediction:  Seasoned vets like Jaromir Jagr and Petr Nedved will do their best to give Jonathan Quick a run for his money, but the Czech defense won't be able to keep up with the American speed and pressure.   

Final – USA 4 Czech Republic 2

Canada/Latvia – Heading into the Olympics, the Canadians were gold medal favorites, but they’ve yet to put it together offensively.  Sidney Crosby only has two points so far and the coaching staff hasn’t committed to any actual lines.  Latvia pulled the biggest upset of the tournament by beating the Swiss (their lone win).

Prediction:  There was a lot of talk about the Swiss giving the Canadians some trouble in the quarterfinals.  With the Swiss eliminated, Canada’s been handed a tune-up game before heading into the semifinals.

Final – Canada 6 Latvia 0

Finland/Russia – In the first two games of the prelims, the Fins were an offensive machine scoring 14 goals.  Then injuries set in, most notably Aleksander Barkov and their offense was lost.  The host country Russians have arguably the most talented roster in the tournament but have struggled putting pucks in the net which resulted in two overtime games (a victory against Slovakia and a loss to the United States).

Prediction:   Even if the Russians should get it together, they’re facing one of the better defensive teams with the best goaltending trio in the tournament.  It’s an upset in the making.

Final – Finland 3 Russia 2

On A Side Note:  Today is my brother Joe's birthday.  He's an amazing brother as well as father, son, and husband.  He's the reason I go to Long Island to see some of the best future NHLer's play.  I love him to death.

Jay Platt can be reached at gimmeasign@gmail.com.  Follow Jay on Twitter @JayPlatt.  It’s a third person-free zone…

Orioles Sign Ubaldo Jimenez

The Baltimore Orioles finally made a significant offseason move today by inking free agent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $48 million contract. Jimenez went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA last season for the Cleveland Indians, including going 4-0 with a 1.09 during the month of September.

Jay’s Take:  I’m really not sure what to make of this deal.  If it was a one, maybe two, year deal it would be the ideal low-risk, high-reward signing.  Jimenez has high-level stuff except he lacks consistency; especially when it comes to his control.  He’s averaged roughly four walks per nine innings pitched throughout his career.  Also, while he went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA last season, in 2012 he went 9-17 with a 5.40.  It’s hard to know which pitcher you’re getting.  I know some fans that like this deal will look at his 2010 season where he went 19-7 with a 2.88, but I’m not putting stock in what a pitcher did four years ago.  What he did the past two seasons is what matters to me more.

I think if Jimenez can repeat what he did last season or maybe be a little better (he will have one of the league’s best defenses behind him), the Orioles can compete for the AL East.  He should be slotted behind Chris Tillman and in front of Wei-Yen Chen.  The rest of the rotation will be a competition between Miguel Gonzalez, Bud Norris, Zach Britton, Kevin Gausman, and the newly signed Suk-Min Yoon.  This pitching staff will have depth, something it lacked last year (which is what was the O’s demise).

I’m just really hung up on the length of the contract.  I can’t remember the last time Baltimore gave a pitcher a deal more than three years (I’m thinking it was Scott Erickson).  I don’t have an issue with a pitchers contract that exceeds three years, but it needs to be an elite pitcher.  Jimenez isn’t that guy.  This deal reminds me of deals past like Erickson and Albert Belle.  Both of them bit the Orioles in the ass.  Although the first two years of this contact can help the Birds, the last two could hang them.  Personally I would have rather seen AJ Burnett in Baltimore for a year or two while Gausman, Dylan Bundy, and Eduardo Rodriguez further develop until they’re ready to work their way into the rotation.

I can be reached via email at gimmeasign@gmail.com.  Follow me on Twitter @JayPlatt.

Kevin Durant and Nicknames...

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant has had many nicknames over his illustrious NBA career.  He's been known as "KD" (obviously), "The Second Coming", "The Durantula", "K-Smoove", and "The Slim Reaper" (my personal favorite).  Well now he's decided he doesn't want to go by any of those names.  He prefers to go by "The Servant".

"I like to serve everybody. My teammates. Ushers at the game. The fans...I know it's kinda weird to make your own nickname, but I like that one better,"

Well it's a good thing you're not allowed to make up your own nickname (ask George Costanza), because this might be one of the worst nicknames of all-time; for obvious reasons.  Sure, I'm positive if announcers start referring to him as "The Servant" during broadcasts, Thunder ratings will go up in the Deep South, but it's just wrong on all kinds of levels.

I know there are some clowns out there who can't wait to refer Durant as "The Servant".  Don't do it.  Nothing good will come from it and you'll probably get your ass kicked if taken out of context (or not taken out of context).

As poor of a choice as "The Servant" is, it has me thinking.  I need a nickname (aside from asshole, dipshit, and dickweed).  From now on I'd prefer to go by "The Obnoxious Whitie".  If "The Slim Reaper" can do it, why can't I?  I think this has legs.

Follow "The Obnoxious Whitie" on Twitter @JayPlatt...

America's New Tag Line...

America is the Richie Incognito of the world...

That is all.  Except my Twitter plug @JayPlatt

Quick Takes – Valentine’s Day Edition

Hey suckers!  By suckers I’m talking about those who are buying all kinds of cards, candy, roses, those stupid candy hearts, with campy phrases and take like shit, just to make your valentine happy.  Valentine’s Day is for suckers.  Don’t think I’m being bitter here, I’m naturally an asshole.  I just think if you need a day to show someone special in your life that you care about them you’re a piece of shit. 

Okay…  Now that I got that off my chest, let’s talk some sports.

Jeff Carter – As an American, I’m pulling for USA gold in hockey, but today’s Canada/Austria game was rad.  If you missed it, Carter scored three consecutive goals in twelve minutes, giving him a natural hat trick.  It was the first time this happened since 1988 in Calgary when some guy who’s name I can’t locate (I heard it on the broadcast and spent an hour looking for online), netted three in a row .  The last time a Canadian did it was 58 years ago when Paul Knox had his natural hat trick, ironically, over Austria.  Too bad Carter didn’t do that here in Philly.

Before Carter fans get on me, he had ONE great season with the Flyers.  The rest of his seasons were decent.

Richie Incognito –   Why is this guy still in the headlines?  Everyone knows he bullied Jonathan Martin.  He’s that kind of guy.  I mean, come on, look at him.  Homeboy looks like Baby Huey.  This is the same asshole in high school who would give dudes wedgies, snap towels in the locker room, and other high school forms of homoeroticism.  Do you want to know the best way to make him go away?  Ignore him!  He loves the attention!  Pay no mind to him and his fat ass will drift into the sunet.

Hendrik Zetterberg – So it was announced today that Zetterberg will miss the remainder of the Olympics, and probably some time when the NHL reconvenes, due to a herniated disk in his back.  I’ve got a serious fucking problem with this situation.  If he knew his back was bothering him before the Olympic break (which he did), why the hell did he to go to Sochi?!?  I get the whole Ra! Ra! patriotism nonsense, but his allegiance should ally with the Detroit Red Wings, not the Swedish Olympic Team.  The Wings are in a dogfight for the wildcard this season and they have no one on their team who could replace Zetterberg should he be out long term.

More importantly, why the hell did the Red Wings give him the green light to go to?  He has already missed 12 games this season because of his wonky back.  Maybe the Wings are getting what they deserve should Zetterberg miss significant time, but you bet your ass Gary Bettman is going to be looking into this before he makes his final decision if NHLers will participate in the 2018 Olympics.

USA/Russia Prediction – Team USA has a big game tomorrow against the Russians.  The Russians are the host country and a big favorite to take home the gold.  The Americans are no push over themselves, so this should be a good game.  I’m calling 4-2 ‘Mercan’s, the fourth goal is an empty netter.  Book it.

Jim Fregosi – On sad note, former MLB manager Jim Fregosi passed away after having a stroke.  Fregosi was in baseball for 53 years, including managing the Phillies, Angels, White Sox, and Blue Jays.  He holds a special place in my heart because he was the manager of the 1993 Phillies, my favorite Phillies team.  Our condolences go out to his family as they grieve this loss.

Have a great weekend.  Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do (which isn’t much).  For the suckers out there who picked up some grocery store roses and a box of Russell Stover, I hope you get a blowie (but you probably won’t).  I can be found on Twitter @JayPlatt.  Go USA!

Jeter to Retire at End of 2014

An end of an era is on the horizon as Yankees captain Derek Jeter announced this will be his final season.   Jeter is one of the most clutch players in the history of the league, posting an astounding .321 batting average in his seven World Series appearances.  Entering 2014, Jeter’s resume includes a Rookie of the Year Award, 13 All-Star nods, 5 Gold Gloves, and 5 World Series rings.  His next stop, no doubt, will be Cooperstown.

Jay’s Take:  In no way do I like the Yankees.  In fact it’s quite the opposite, but I’ve always been a fan of Jeter.  I know there are anti-Jeter guys who say he was overrated, protected, etc.  That’s bullshit.  He was a leader on the field, always came through in the clutch, and proved an athlete could be a role model for today’s youth (fuck you Charles Barkley).  A few years ago I was at a charity event and unlike the other players who were there (it was a Yankees event), who just signed whatever item was placed in front of them, Derek (yeah, we're on a first name basis), took a minute to talk to every kid in line (ARod on the other hand was a total dick).  It gave me a new respect for the guy (that and the countless supermodels he nailed).

In saying all this, I hate when athletes announce they’re going to retire in advance of their actual retirement.  I know on the surface it appears to be for the fans to say one last goodbye (word on the street is tickets for the last Yankees home game this season are going for over $1,000), but in my cynical mind it’s nothing but masturbation of ones ego.  Farewell tours should be saved for shitty bands like KISS and Motley Crue, not professional athletes.

I’d also like to see a player of Jeter’s status go out on a high note.  He only played 17 games last season and in those 17 games he was awful.  Sure he was coming back from a serious ankle injury, but he should have called it quits once the ankle snapped.  I have a bad feeling this season's going to look like the days when Willie Mays was on the Mets or Hank Aaron was on the Brewers.  As great as both of those players were, they ended up retiring as has-beens who didn’t know when to hang up the cleats.  

Talk to me Jeter fans.  I know you're out there.  Drop a comment or hit me up at gimmeasign@gmail.com and we'll chat.  Follow me on Twitter @JayPlatt.

Burnett Chooses Philly

Reports out of Arkansas (rather bizarre source), are that free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett has signed a one-year, $16 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.  This comes after Burnett said he would only pitch in Pittsburgh, then retired, then unretired, then wanted to test the free agent market.

Jay’s Take – The fact that the initial report is coming out of Arkansas, made me initially doubt this report.  They can’t even pronounce their state correctly; no less use a computer to report baseball rumors out of Eastern Pennsylvania, but it appears to be legit (been confirmed by the Philadelphia Inquirer and other media outlets).

I was hoping Burnett was going to sign with the Orioles (he said he wanted to play close to home and he lives just outside of Baltimore), but I’m not surprised since Baltimore has done jack shit this offseason (aside from telling players they didn’t pass a physical).  In saying that, I’m not upset he’s here in Philly.  It’s a good pickup for them.  Burnett’s not going to blow you away, but he’s a seasoned veteran, who can go deep into a game.

With the addition of Burnett, the Fightins’ head into the season with a rotation of Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Miguel Gonzalez (he’s a Cuban guy), Burnett, and Kyle Kendrick.  Well on paper at least.  A report this morning came out that Hamels won’t be ready for the start of the season due to a wonky shoulder.  That news isn’t bueno.  Burnett is a middle of the rotation pitcher.  He’s not Hamels.

What’s your take?  Hit me up at gimmeasign@gmail.com and let your voice be heard.  Follow me on Twitter @JayPlatt.  Just because…

Tracy McGrady to Attempt A Comeback. Well Sort Of...

Former NBA player Tracy McGrady has announced he is making a comeback.  No, he's not taking his wonky vertebrae back to the hardcourt.  Instead he's eyeballing the pitchers mound.  McGrady is currently working with Roger Clemens and will attempt a baseball career by trying out with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League.  T-Mac says he as always loved baseball, played it as a kid, and it's a dream of a lifetime.

Jay's Take:  To be honest, I'm torn.  I think it's pretty hysterical that a former seven-time NBA All-Star, with a bad back, really thinks he can try and start up a baseball career at 36 years-old; especially in the Atlantic League.  Anyone who follows baseball knows the Atlantic League is just a gimmick.  They'll sign any former athlete to put asses in the seats (some notable former Atlantic League players are Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, John Rocker, and Tim Raines).  It's about a legitimate of a league as Celebrity Boxing or the Puppy Bowl.

On the other hand I find it to be sad.  T-Mac is so desperate to be back in the public eye he's willing to embarrass himself by thinking he's a baseball player (which I really think he believes).  If he really wants to take the mound, he should just go to an MLB fantasy camp like every other pushing 40-something, not thinking he's a two-sport star with a real shot (no matter how slim it is), to have a baseball career.

What's you're take?  Are you going to shell out some coin to see Tracy McGrady try and be a pitcher?  For comedy sake, I will.  Drop me a line at gimmeasign@gmail.com and let me know.  Follow me on Twitter @JayPlatt and you'll hear about my comeback announcement (professional bowler?).