Pete Rose Makes No Sense

I have never seen a guy contradict himself more in a matter of minutes in my life. These clips were taken from a recent interview conducted with baseball hit king, Pete Rose, covering topics such as his ban from baseball, Ryan Howard, and baseball writers everywhere. The most interesting segments came from his take on Barry Bonds and performance enhancing drugs. Based on his comments from these two clips, Rose has no issue with Bonds one minute and feels "his friend" should not be held accountable for his actions. However, at the same time, Pete Rose also states that the spike in power numbers in the 90's to the early 2000's all of a sudden was abnormal and "obviously due to guys doing illegal stuff." Rose says that McGwire blasting 70 in 98, when he had never hit more then 52 in a season before and that he only recorded 1,000 non home run related hits through out his career, or that Sosa putting up 3 60 long ball campaigns after being a skinny speedster, were clearly thanks to steroid use and their drug use created those enhanced numbers that otherwise would not have taken place. Oh yeah, Mr. honesty goes on to pretty much say in a beating around the bush sorta way that Bonds sending 73 balls over the fence in 2001, after never having even reached 50 before, should be treated in the same respect or lack there of as McGwire and Sosa.

I have always felt Pete Rose is one of the games best 10 players ever for reasons that could go on for days. This has led me to support his Hall of Fame candidacy despite his admission to betting on the sport. While my feelings on him have not wavered, interviews like this, that include contradictory comments and opinions that could not be characterized by any other word then stupid, make it difficult to remain on the Rose bandwagon. You're killing me Charlie Hustle!

The Best Duo's in NBA History

Now that two of the NBA's greatest duos (Stockon-Malone, Jordan-Pippen) are enshrined in the Hall of Fame and a new potentially legendary tandem has been formed in Miami (LeBron-Wade). I decided to compile a top 10 list of the NBA's best 1-2 punches.

10. Julius Erving and Moses Malone, Philadelphia 76ers- "Fo', Fo', Fo'" Uttered MVP Moses Malone when asked how the 65-17 Sixers would fare in the 1983 play-offs. Malone nearly kept his word, completing a 12-1 run in the play-offs by blanking Magic Johnson and the Lakers in the Finals.

9. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons- Arguably the greatest back-court of all time. Thomas and Dumars lead the "Bad Boy" Pistons to five straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances, 3 Finals appearances, and back-to-back championships in 89 and 90. Both players went from the court to the office after their respective careers were finished. Dumars went on to be one of the best executives in the NBA. The same cannot be said for Thomas.

8. Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robinson- Before he was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alcindor teamed up with veteran Oscar Robertson making two Finals appearances and winning one championship in 71' with a league best 66 wins and a 12-2 record in the play-offs.

7. Tim Duncan and David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs- Robinson's injury in 1997 was a blessing in disguise as the Spurs were able to draft Duncan 1st overall and form the Twin Towers. With Duncan and Robinson the Spurs won 2 titles and never missed the play-offs.

6. Karl Malone and John Stockton, Utah Jazz- Stockton the NBA's all-time leader in assists and steals, and Malone who ranks second in scoring played 18 seasons together. Their pick and roll was one of the most lethal plays in league history. They are the only two players on this list to never win a title, but they did have to play a tandem ranked a little higher on this list, twice.

5. Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, Boston Celtics- Two parts of the greatest front-court in NBA history. Bird and McHale won 3 titles with 5 Finals appearances and appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals seven times.

4. Bill Russell and Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics- The first dynamic duo in NBA history. Russell and Cousy dominated a young NBA, winning 6 titles together, their last five were consecutive. 

3. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant- If it wasn't for their massive ego's they probably could have won about 5 or 6 titles together and Kobe Bryant would be trying to close in on Bill Russel right now. But they were still damn good. They were the two best players in the league and dominated the early 2000s with a 3-peat and 4 Finals appearances. During the 2001 season they each averaged 28ppg and later that year completed the most dominant post season run in league history (15-1).  

2. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers- This union saw immediate success winning the NBA title their very first season together, Magic's rookie season. They won a total of 5 NBA titles with 8 Finals appearances during the 80's.

1. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls- The best duo in the history of anything.  Jordan and Pippen ruled the 90's leading the Bulls to two 3-peats, 6 titles and a 6-0 record in the Finals vs. five different opponents. The first season of their second 3-peat they lead Chicago to the best record in NBA history (72-10)

After 41 Years In Baseball Sweet Lou Walks Away.

As a player for the team he was most associated with during his playing days, the New York Yankees. 

(4 AL Pennants, 2 World Series Titles)

Piniella managed the Yankees from 1986-1988. 

(224-193 .537 win %)

After taking a year off Sweet Lou took over in Cincinnati with the Reds.

(255-231 .525 win %, 1990 World Series Title)

Piniella's spent most of his managerial career, 1993-2002 as the skipper of the Seattle Mariners.

(840-711.542 win %)

After leaving Seattle following the 2001 ALCS Lou went home to Tampa to take over as the head man of the the team then known as the Devil Rays. This was by far his least successful stay of his entire career as a player or manager. Despite that fact some of the carry over Rays have said Piniella taught them about winning before they actually did it following his departure. 

(200-285 .412 win %)

Pictured here in one of his many outbursts during his last job, manager of the Chicago Cubs, the one he is now leaving upon his retirement. Piniella hoped to break the Cubbies 100+ year title curse upon his arrival in 2007. He was not so lucky, however, became the first Cubs skipper since the franchises last championship, 1908, to lead the team to back to back post-seasons. 

(316-292 .520 win %) 

Lou Piniella as a player: BAL, CLE, KC, NYY (1,705 HITS, 102 HR, 766 RBI, .291 AVG,) 

Lou Piniella as a manager: NYY, CIN, SEA, TB, CHI (1,835 W - 1,712 L, 1995 & 2001 AL Manager of the Year, 2008 NL Manager of the Year)

HALL OF FAME....? 

Goodbye Baseball, Hello COOPERSTOWN!

* Re-post due to MLB copy right laws pulling my initial video during MLB all star weekend, its debut broadcast. * 

NBA Summer Power Rankings

 With the bulk of the historic 2010 free agency signed, I bring you a 1-10 late summer power ranking.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

They kept everyone they needed to from their 2010 title run, including Phil Jackson. Although Farmar left, Blake is a major upgrade. Matt Barnes is a great addition. If Bynum can recover from surgery and stay healthy, expect a breakout season. They have the best sixth man, post player, and two of the leagues premiere perimeter defenders. Los Angeles is still top to bottom, the most talented team in the league (Yes, more talented than the Miami Heat). Oh, and of course there's Kobe Bryant.

2. Orlando Magic

Although Barnes left for Hollywood, Quentin Richardson will make one of the leagues best 3 point attacks even stronger. Keeping Reddick was good for continuity. Grabbing another Dukie in Chris Duhon added depth at the point and they have best defensive player in the league in Dwight Howard. If he can develop any semblance of a post game, no other big man will touch him. Orlando has all the pieces to win a title and have proven they can reach the Finals. But as the once laughable Eastern Conference grows stronger, Orlando will need offensive consistency from Howard if they want to make another run at it.

3. Miami Heat- This is the highest I will rank a team that has yet to even play a preseason game. With the new big 3 formed a dynasty is immanent in South Beach. Though I don't think they are a shoe-in for the title this year and.. you know what? Fuck off. I don't feel like talking about the Heat.

4. Boston Celtics- When you cross the city line on I-93 there should be a sign that reads "Welcome to Boston, the NBA's favorite retirement home." Yes I know we were all too quick to write off Boston because of their aging nucleus. There was nothing wrong with signing the two aging O'Neals (Jermaine and Shaquille). Great signings actually, adding tremendous depth to one of the leagues best front courts, especially with Perk out. I won't write them off, but another trip to the Finals is unlikely, their age showed in game 7 of the Finals, they just ran out of fuel.

5. Dallas Mavericks- The best Western Conference team outside of Los Angeles. As expected, Dirk Nowitzki stayed in Dallas and Mark Cuban did his best to make sure he was accommodated with an excellent supporting cast by adding Tyson Chandler to the roster. As expected, they'll likely have a high 50 win season and blow it in the play-offs.

6. Chicago Bulls- They didn't win the grand prize in free agency, but they are still going to make noise in the East. All-Star Carlos Boozer and rising star Joakim Noah will be a post presence that will be tough to contend with. Derrick Rose is in good company with former Jazz guards Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver. If rookie coach Tom Thibodeau lives up to exceptions, this might be the best Chicago team since '98 when they won the title with that other guy.

7. Portland Trail Blazers- We've all been waiting for a break out year from the Blazers and this could be it. With tremendous young talent like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldrige accompanied by seasoned verterns Andre Miller and Marcus Camby I expect Portland to be one of the West's elite, and maybe even challenge L.A....and no, I didn't mention Greg Oden, intentionally.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Kevin Durant is a bona-fide superstar after his 2010 campaign, finishing a distant second behind LeBron for the MVP. Russell Westbrook is a great sidekick and already one of the leagues best floor generals. Last season they gave the Lakers their toughest series in the West. Adding Cole Aldrich will give them the down low presence they need.

9. San Antonio Spurs- The Spurs looked primed for traditional deep play-off run until they were blanked by arch-rival Phoenix in the second round last season. Expect the Spurs 50 win season streak to continue. They had a good draft grabbing OK State star James Anderson and picking up Tiago Splitter, Europe's top player. If their big 3 can stay healthy they can make one last run at it, because no matter how old Tim Duncan is, he's a winner.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon "Iverson" Jennings will be an all-star this season or the next. Jennings, Michael Redd and John Salmons will make one of the most dangerous offensive back-courts in the NBA. They took Atlanta to 7 games missing Redd and Andrew Bogut, who had his best season yet averaging 17 points 11 rebounds and nearly 3 blocks. They might not have the experience to get past teams like the Celtics or Magic in the East, but I like to look at the Milwaukee Bucks as the Portland Trail Blazers of the East, they are on the rise and will challenge the contenders soon enough.

Modano Good or Bad? The Buzz-saw Says Good!

Before I get to my thoughts on the entire off-season to this point I want to clear something up about a high profile yet somewhat controversial signing. Mike Modano was rumored to either be retiring or returning to his hometown, Michigan, immediately following his last game until the moment he texted that he was signing. However, during Modano’s decision making process, much to my surprise, the opinion on if Detroit should bring him into the fold was mostly split. Most loved the cache Modano’s resume carried, others scanned the roster and saw him as a perfect fit or as another mentoring figure, another group reflected back on his time as a member of the Illitch family Little Caesars youth team over 20 years ago. Despite all that there was a very loud and often vocal following that screamed the 40 of his age, his declining production, and the feeling that his addition would slow down the progress of young players such as Daren Helm. While literally all of those points are valid and whether brought with knowledge or not do carry some merit, I just keep going back to one main point, this is the Red Wing way.

Detroit, one of the most successful franchises in sports over the last 20+ years and arguably one of the top three best in the history of hockey has made a habit of getting more then predicted out of old supposed washed up veterans. This can be traced all the way back to their first of the 4 recent cups, 1997. In that season, only two years removed from a historic runner up Vezina Trophy season for Osgood, the Wings handed the keys to their cadillac to the aging and plummeting Mike Vernon. The former Flame and soon to be hall of famer led Detroit to their first Stanley Cup title since 1955, his second ring. Not only that, Vernon captured the Conn Smythe trophy that post-season compiling an eye popping 1.76 GAA in the playoffs.

This trend would continue into the turn of the century. The famous or infamous, depending on your team affiliation, summer of 2001 saw Detroit run a press conference gauntlet that would have made George Steinbrenner blush. The winged wheel brought in perhaps 3 of the best at their respective positions in NHL history that particular summer. Dominik Hasek, Luc Robitaille, and Modano’s former teammate, Brett Hull, walked through the doors to “The Joe.” While Hasek was still widely believed to be the best goalie in the league at the time, Robitaille and Hull were already seen as grizzled vets who had nothing left in the tank and only added due to a strong friendship with Steve Yzerman. Those labels did nothing but act as motivation for two legends who had something to prove. In Robitaille’s case he was embarking on a quest for the allusive ring, he only had appeared in 1 prior finals and lost. Hull on the other hand was coming off of back to back finals appearances and scoring the game winner off of Hasek to capture his first title in 1999 (sorry Sabres fans). Ken Holland and the Detroit brass did not blink an eye at adding either player, both had not been offered deals by their incumbent club. Now of course who knows what would have become of their signings had they been picked up by say the Panthers, they landed in the best possible location. An immediate championship was won thanks to the “Hall of Fame Squad” as the 3 new legends felt right at home with some of greats already in Hockeytown. The reason they were able to keep their careers going while in Detroit is simple, they left their egos at the door and as a wise man, The Rock, once said they knew their roles and shut their mouths. Robitaille played as a fourth line forward and Hull eventually just became a mentor to Datsyuk and Zetterberg as they matured.

Acquisitions like those in one off-season will never happen again in the salary cap NHL, however, if those additions of this same front office were not questioned going in, then why is this one now? The 2010-2011 Red Wings could win another cup, I’m not predicting it, or they could put together another season like last year in which Detroit hockey fans wiped sweat from their brow upon clinching the franchises 19th straight post-season birth. Either way, Modano is a fabulous signing and will be right at home. No extra pressure will come along with him. This is not a mission 16 W scenario, the U.S. career leading scorer will be relaxed as he has nothing left to prove in his illustrious career. Mike Modano, who came into the league as Minnesota North Star and then became the best player in Dallas history, has already played on 3 Stanley Cup finalists, earned a ring thanks to Hulls foot being in the crease, and registered the individual landmark of 500 goals, he has 557. So he will not be chasing a necessary ring or even attempt to bump his numbers up for enshrinement, Modano is already a champion and a sure fire hall of famer. All Mike Modano will be asked to do is bolster scoring on the third line, mentor young players, something he has said he will cherish doing, and increase ticket sales. As I see it check, check, check. A homecoming always will put butts in the seats (especially in a hockey hotbed), even though he has not recorded a 70+ point campaign since 2006, he has consistently put up an average of about 45 each of the past 3 seasons on significantly less games and shots, and was already humbled once when he lost the C on his sweater a few years back with the Stars. Mike Modano has always had a great reputation as a tremendous teammate and other then a celebrity marriage has shown no signs of being a distraction anywhere. If he could handle losing his captainship in the franchise he put on the map, I highly doubt he wll complain about any role given to him on the darling Detroit Red Wings.

Last year Helm and Valterri Filppula each spent time as the teams third line center and would have done the same had Modano not been brought in again this season. Production wise Helm recorded 24 points and Filppula put the biscuit in the basket 11 times sending 35 total points on the stat sheet. While those are certainly adequate numbers for players in their roles and ages, they are relatively similar to what Modano did, last season the former Star put up 30 in only 59 games. If you go back two seasons, Mike recorded 46 and three back, blasted 57 points. While Modano will most likely not sniff 60 ever again his ceiling is far higher, even at his age, then even the two young studs. Jiri Hudler, who is returning after a season in the KHL netted 57 points his last NHL regular season, the exact same total as Modano’s best recent year, however, Hudler only put up 42 the year before, more comparable to a Modano Red Wing projection.

On top of everything else, Modano did not let money be an issue, he agreed to a 1 year 1.25 million dollar deal. He most likely would have commanded more from either Chicago or San Jose, the two other teams in the rumor mill. The potential bonuses of an extra $500,000 will also only be added to the 2011-2012 salary cap if earned, not for next season. Every member of the Red Wings from the current captain and fellow legend Nicklas Lidstrom, general manager Ken Holland, head coach Mike Babcock, and owner Mike Illitch spent time recruiting Modano as if they were Texas trying to land a 5 star high school senior. Every guy I mentioned will be in the Hall of Fame one day, if they all agreed and knew how important the Modano signing could be to this coming season then who are we to argue? I love this signing and knew this was the best possible move to make this summer all along. More importantly I am pleased Mike Modano decided to take his talents to Hockeytown instead of retiring and also appreciate he did so without broadcasting it in a VS network one hour special. I can not wait to see Willa Ford cheering on the new number 90 from a luxury box in every arena possible.

The Good, The Bad, And Some Ugly; 2010 MLB Trade Winners & Losers

I know this is a couple weeks late, oh well I have been busy. I now bring you the winners and losers of this seasons MLB trade deadline. This will include trades made from opening day to this point in the season, pre non waiver deadline deals, as well as the few transactions that have taken place off of waivers. Adam Dunn is still a member of the Washington Nationals as I type this post.

Winners

Texas Rangers: The Rangers did not officially find themselves a new ownership group until all of the their wheeling and dealing was complete, Nolan Ryan's group shockingly beat out Mark Cuban despite similar offers (sense the sarcasm). This franchise has only a handful of playoff appearances, has not been in the post-season since the turn of the century, and is one of only three organizations to have never appeared in a World Series, however, this season it seems Texas means business. This team has had a great offense for many years coupled with average, power, and even some speed. The defense has also improved each season the last few years. It truly seems like there is a core group led by Michael Young, Elvis Andrus, and Josh Hamilton that could take the reigns from LA as the class of the AL West. Key additions of former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, a guy who has stepped up in pennant races in the past, as well as the underrated Jorge Cantu can do nothing but help. Despite his high ERA in Texas, Lee was a great move for obvious reasons and Cantu can provide a nice spark either off the bench or in spot starts at either 3B or 1B. He is a former 30 home run guy and despite lacking the high average the Ranger power bats have, the Ballpark in Arlington can only add to his production. On top of Lee and Cantu the then brassless Rangers also acquired Cristian Guzman from the Nats. Guzman like Cantu is versatile and can play stellar defense at either 2B or SS. Spark plugs like these guys represent key pieces that every champion has on the roster. In my humble opinion Texas for the first time ever had the best season in terms of trades in all of baseball.

New York Yankees: The Yanks continue to land in their annual spot as a winner in this category. New York used the deep pockets to their advantage yet again. They made their late Boss proud by adding one of the biggest names of the rumor mill to their already fearsome lineup, Lance Berkman. The longest tenure Astro joins former teammate Andy Pettitte in the Bronx as Andy seeks his 6th ring and Lance guns for his first. Berkman has 6 100+ RBI campaigns under his belt and can do nothing but help the Yanks score runs. He was brought in to mostly be the full time DH but can still flash some leather at 1B if necessary. Despite being on the wrong end of a sweep, Lance also brings what the best franchise in pro sports history covets the most, playoff experience, he was the best player on the 2005 NL Pennant winning Houston Astros. Aside from Berkman's big name, the Yanks brought Austin Kearns and Kerry Wood into the fold. Kearns was once a high draft pick of the Reds before injuries cost him most of his prime. This guy can still produce and could possibly be one of the best utility guys and spot starting outfielders of this October. Wood has a 20K game under his belt which only Roger Clemens can also put on his resume. That was over a decade ago, however, Wood is now in the role he should have been most of his career, a reliever. He wont be getting any saves anymore, now in New York, although, he could create that bridge to Rivera, something Jobba no longer was doing successfully. Kerry Wood has flame throwing stuff and if healthy will be a cheap Kearns like guy in the bullpen.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The NL top victors of the deadline reside in Hollywood. I never thought I'd type that with the disfunction that has been going on with the higher ups in this franchise over the last year+, however, I gotta give them their just due. LA picked up the likes of Ted Lilly, Ryan Theriot, Octavio Dotel, and Scott Podsednik. Starting with the pitching, Lilly is not an ace but has been a solid starter the last few seasons. He can fit in as a nice number 3 guy in the rotation as well as a leader to a young staff. Lilly has 3 seasons with 15 or more wins and pitched in 2 World Series for Torre in the Bronx, earning a ring in 2000. Dotel will go back to his career long role before this season as a top line set up guy. He did perform better then expected as a closer in Pittsburgh and can still obtain a spot save down the stretch but that may not be necessary with Broxton around. The position players of The Riot and Podsednik are 2 guys I just was very impressed with them adding. Theriot has been one of the most underrated 2B in the NL the last 3 or so years. He can hit to all parts of the field as well as steal bases and defensively perform at multiple infield slots. Pods on the other hand was a key cog from the 2005 White Sox championship team who was counted on for clutch hits that post-season. Podsednik was one of the AL leaders in stolen bases before switching leagues. He may not ever record another 70 SB season but don't doubt his ability to steal. He reminds me a lot of a guy who is forever in Boston lure, Dave Roberts. Here is the 5th addition to the clubhouse and maybe the best, Lisa Dergan Podsednik .

Philadelphia Phillies: Unlike the other 3 winners, the back to back NL champion Phils only really added one guy. This one guy is a stud. One of the best pitchers of the last 10 years, Roy Oswalt, now joins a rotation that already has an NLCS MVP, Cole Hamels and a Cy Young winner, Roy Halladay. All they had to give up for a veteran ace with something to prove was a couple former prospects who never lived up to their hype. Oswalt was the ace of a staff that included Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte in 2005 when the Astros won the NL pennant. In other words this guy can get it done in the post-season.

Losers

Los Angeles Angels: Their strangle hold grip on the AL West crown seems to be slowly slipping away (see Rangers column for reasons). However, I was torn of if to put LA as a loser or not. The Angeles did make an effort in acquiring Dan Haren. Only problem is that's all they added and he is very overrated in my eyes. Haren has been an ace in Arizona but that has only been by default due to Webb's constant surgeries. Mr. Haren also has allowed the most hits by ay starter in ALL of baseball the last few seasons. Yup, that surprised me as well, a very staggering negative stat. He is not a strikeout guy and almost entirely relies on the defense to win games. The Angels D is not bad but has been better in the past. Don't get me wrong there are worse guys to send out every 5th day then Haren, however, I'm just not all that impressed with him. The move was not just for this season though, he is signed through 2011. Unfortunately that may not even be a positive after what I previously said. Oh, did I mention they gave up Joe Saunders who was filling in as the new John Lackey very well this year. The Angels did try to add offense, what they actually needed, they were REJECTED by Derek Lee who would have been a great addition and taken them off the losers list.

Cincinnati Reds: This once proud franchise has floundered over the last decade or so. This season they seem to have finally found a young core that could possibly lead them back to glory one day. My only concern is their lack of activity this deadline. The first deadline with a core group is usually telling to what the future will bring in relation to an interest in winning. I am in no way saying they do not want to win, they certainly are showing they do. My only problem is why do nothing this year? The Reds are in the thick of the NL Central race with the common champion the Cardinals. To beat St. Louis you need all the help you can get and Cinci refused to add any help in almost arrogant fashion. No quality starters like Lilly, no utility men such as Guzman, and certainly no big names like Berkman. Why?! Unlike in the other 3 pro sports there is no salary cap in baseball and generally if you are within sniffing distance (Dodgers) of the race you add pieces even if only as rentals. The Reds could still find themselves in the playoffs but in all honesty they deserve a life lesson by missing out once again.

Colorado Rockies: Basically everything I said about the Reds applies here. This is especially bad since the Dodgers are vastly improved and the Padres probably would be my honorable mention amongst the winners.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Jays are the first team on either list I mentioned that has absolutely no hope of the playoffs. Despite that fact they could have been more active or for a better word smarter in deadline action. Toronto now has Mike Jacobs. Who is Mike Jacobs you casual fans ask? Well, he is a former middle of the order guy in Florida but has since disappointed since moving to the AL. Jacobs has some ability and pop in his bat but the move makes no sense since they wont be contenders for several more years, granted mostly because of their division competitors. Why add the Jose Bautista of 3 years ago when you still have the current Bautista on the roster? Speaking of the former Pirate and feel good comeback story of 2010. As much as Bautista's astonishing season makes no sense, especially now in a drug testing MLB, he is not apart of the future. This is a guy who could have brought a great deal in terms of prospects or pitching help. Besides wanting to allow someone to break estranged former Blue Jay Carlos Delgado's single season club record, 44, there is literally no reason to have not sent Jose packing to a contender. If they got on the horn teams would have listened as well as made substantial offers. The Berkman loser could have felt comfortable with the possibility of Baustista.

The teams selected were the squads that I felt stuck out the most among the good, the bad, and the ugly of this seasons MLB deals. There were some other clubs that made some nice and/or questionable moves (Cards, Braves, Tigers, Mariners, Rays, and Pirates just to name a few). I just felt my 8 stood out like soar thumbs and were more note worthy. Feel free to inquire within for my thoughts on any of the other 24 teams activity or lack there of so far this season.