NFL Draft Preview

Ehsan Azad

NFL Draft Preview

                It’s finally here! The NFL draft is upon us and how nervous are fans all over the nation. All 32 teams will be making selections that either puts them a step closer to a Super Bowl or a step closer to getting the number one overall pick next year.  The Dallas Cowboys will have the 18^th pick in this year’s draft and this will be one of the hardest drafts to predict. This is not top heavy with premier skill players and has a lot of depth on the defensive and offensive linemen. So where will the Cowboys go? Here are my predictions for this year for the Cowboys.

                I think the Cowboys will trade out of the first round. I could be totally wrong on this, but it seems like the most likely outcome. The Cowboys need an offensive lineman but it seems like the top options like Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper will be gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock. Now, there is a chance they could trade up to get those players but with only 6 picks in this draft, this seems unlikely as well. The best option is to trade down and get multiple picks in the second round. This draft is deep and you can find quality starters for your team in later rounds.  If this trade happens, here are a few players the Cowboys could get.

Eric Reid-S from LSU- If the Boys trade out of the first round, look for this player to be their top pick. They need a safety and Reid is the second best safety in the draft.  Also, with his athleticism, I really think he could fit well into the new Tampa-2 defense.

Kyle Long-OG Oregon- I’m thinking that with their second pick in the second round will be O-linemen and it will be the mauler Kyle Long.  Son of Hall of Famer player Howie Long, this kid can play and I really think the one time DUI charge is why he falls this low. He can be day one starter to help infuse youth into the line.

Joseph Randall- RB Oklahoma State- The team really needs a backup running back because Demarco Murray has proven he can’t stay healthy all year long. Randall is the player for the team in the either the third or fourth round. He has speed, athleticism, and I think he would be the perfect complement to Murray.

Other positions that they need to fill is on the defensive line.  If they don’t trade out and no offensive linemen are available, pick Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle from Missouri at 18. This guy is big, athletic, and will step in and become the force in the middle for the D line. I’m sure Monte Kiffin will be licking his chops to get his hands on this type of player.  Along with Ratliff, Ware, and Spencer look for the sack numbers to start to rise.

                Well, have fun tonight, don’t get too excited or depressed and let’s see if the Cowboys continue their recent successes in the Draft.

Sports Suicide

Ehsan Azad

Sports Suicide

                If you have noticed my blog hasn’t been updating in awhile, the reason be it is that I am clearly depressed by the sports world right now. It’s the end of April and I am usually prepping for the Dallas Mavericks to begin their playoff run. Sadly, no such run will begin this year as the Mavs will watch the playoffs from home for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Bummer. But, a little mash up of the week’s topics could lighten the mood.

·         The Texas Rangers were a team that I written off as a failure before the season started. Loosing Josh Hamilton was too big of a blow on offense to let this franchise build its way back to a title, or so I thought. This team is playing on all cylinders and winning in multiple ways. This team can play small ball or long ball, and the pitching is superb. Not only are the expected starters like Darvish and Holland stepping up, but new guys like Nick Tepesch and an active bullpen are helping the Rangers stay on top of the division. Now with Matt Harrison hurt, things might get dicey, but no worries yet as the Rangers look very good going into the second month of the season.

·         The NFL Draft is fast approaching and be on the lookout for a draft preview soon before the big night Thursday. The Cowboys have the 18^th pick, and I think that a trade is imminent. There are a lot of holes to fill this year and I can see Jerry wanting to trade down and get an extra pick.  But, I do see an offensive lineman in the first round and it maybe a certain Jonathon Cooper. More on that later this week.

·         While it’s depressing for the Mavs not to be in the playoffs, good news is you can root for a spoiler. If they Mavericks want any chance at landing Dwight Howard this summer, you better hope the arch rival Spurs take care of business versus a Kobe-less Lakers squad. A first round exit will surely spill disaster for Howard’s west coast plans.

·         The NBA playoff has started and I’m yawning already. Not that the teams are boring, but it’s clear to me and everyone who knows sports that the inevitable will happen. The Heat will repeat. Only the Spurs and Thunder have a small shot to win it against them and that’s still a pretty low chance. The Heat is clearly the best team and will steam roll its way to a second consecutive title.

·         Happy Birthday to the Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo. Hopefully, that alone will inspire you on a playoff run?

Eh, while it didn’t totally make me feel better; it still was better than nothing.  Hopefully, things will look up, like maybe the Mavericks landing some big fish this summer and not chilling in the shark Tank. I’ll be watching Mark!

Easter Mash up

Ehsan Azad

Easter Mashup

                What an exciting Easter weekend for sports!  On a weekend where March Madness was supposed to be the center of the world, DFW sports stole the show with its very dramatic results.

·         Tony Romo’s new contract was the first big domino to fall this weekend and it created the most buzz. Sure the public knew a new contract was coming, but now that it finally arrived, it seems like fan reaction wasn’t too pleasing. Romo got a six-year 108 million dollar extension with 55 million guaranteed. That would come out to a total seven-year 119 million dollar contract.  Cowboy fans don’t worry about this being a robbery done by Romo. This is actually a great deal for both sides. It essentially is a 4 year deal worth 55 million. After that the team can then release, restructure, or let Romo retire without feeling any major impact on the cap. Pretty much, Romo has four years to get to the Promised Land or the Cowboys will end all ties. The only reason the contract is so long is that it helps spread out the cap hit, so again don’t worry.

·         While the Cowboys stole the show, The Dallas Mavericks quietly have found themselves very much alive in the chase for the final playoff spot. After a demoralizing loss vs. the Pacers, The Mavs had to win Saturday against the Chicago Bulls in order to keep pace with the Lakers and the Jazz. Midway through the fourth quarter, that looked very bleak. Nate Robinson looked like he was playing NBA2k13 hitting big threes and putting doubt into Dallas.  I guess the beards felt really itchy, because the Mavs go on a 15-1 run that included a dagger three by Dirk with just two seconds to go. Chicago frustrated that they lost a 12 point lead twice, hurried one final shot and the game was over. 100-98 was the final and Dirk looks like he has returned. The German Moses finished with 35 points and now has his team just a game and half behind the Jazz and the Lakers. They aren’t in yet, but they are making it very fun to watch.

·         So how do you cap off a wonderful Easter sports weekend? Oh that’s right, welcome Baseball back. The Texas Rangers opened the Season Sunday night against new AL west opponent the Houston Astros.  Questions about the Rangers ability to compete in the division were put on hold before the game because most thought that Rangers were still better than the raggedy Astros. The Astros, being new to the American League and all thought the best way to say hello was a thrashing of their in state rivals. 8-2 was the final and Matt Harrison and the Rangers bullpen could not last. The Rangers offense would have helped hit in more runs, but Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli don’t play here anymore. Anyone who thinks this team is still capable of winning the division still needs to get off the ganja.

I would mention the Stars, but I rather not.  But they did loose Sunday as well.  So there was your Easter mash up, and boy was it delicious.  Till next time.

Spring Break Mashup

Ehsan Azad

Spring Break Mash-Up

                Well it’s been awhile since my last article; spring break had me relaxing a little too much. Well I am back, and it’s time for a little mash up of hot sports opinion.

·         Is there any sports even that is more hyped than March Madness?  I mean every March, the entire nation becomes engrossed into the NCAA tournament and I swear every person I run into is filling a bracket.  President Obama even has his bracket televised by ESPN.  What gets me is that it makes everyone a college basketball expert around this time of the year. They all of a sudden care about who wins or loses or they tell others how to pick your bracket. Where were these guys in the regular season?  In reality the tournament itself is overblown. In recent years, the teams have become so evenly matched that the whole draw of the Cinderella has worn out. Plus, with the best players leaving so early now to the NBA, the draw of the superstar also has vanished from the tournament. But, I will admit, it still has my attention somehow and I did fill out a bracket, so I guess March Madness won’t go away.

·         The Miami Heat are proving that they are the best team in basketball led by the greatest player on the planet right now. We can debate Lebron vs. Kobe vs. Jordan another day, but right now no one is playing better basketball than King James.  He is averaging 26.6 points a game, 7.3 assists per game, and 8.2 rebounds per game. Numbers aside, he has total chemistry with his team right now and he is leading the Heat’s historical win streak currently at 25. But, you need to look closer to see how Lebron James is taking control of his team. Multiple times in this win streak, the Heat have found themselves down by inferior opponents and in the 4^th quarter every time, it’s James leading the charge and putting the game into his hands. He single handily pulls the team out of their funk and gets them back to playing lights out. I think it’s going to break 33 wins and they will have the longest win streak in NBA History. Oh and add in another title for the King. The pressure is off; this is just purely fun now for Wade and himself.

·         Cowboys fans don’t worry about the lack of moves by Jerry Jones. Remember, the cap situation isn’t so suitable with only five figures below the cap number. But, I think this will be a good thing for the team. Now, with certainty that the team can’t go spending crazy on guys on the market, this forces them to make their impact through the draft. Meaning there won’t be crazy Jerry moves in the draft, it will be take the best available person on the board. That is the only way to bring in fresh talent to the team and help it get over their mediocrity curse.

·         Rangers announced that Matt Harrison will be the Opening Day starter.  Yay! Who cares about that? Wake me up when it’s August and we will analyze the team then.

·         I will go into full length on my next column about this subject but I thought it be a good time for a little preview. Soccer vs. American Football has been a great debate among the international sports scene for years. Clearly, Americans love their football and deem it the best sport on the planet. The rest of the world thinks Americans are stupid and want them to start calling soccer by its real name, futbol.  So which sport really is better? I am a big football fan, but I can see why soccer has such a passionate fan base. More on that next time, but I will be asking fellow sports fans which is better and why.

 Well I hope you enjoyed this little mash up and enjoy March Madness.

The Ryan Express Out Of Town

Ehsan Azad

The Ryan Express out of Town

                Ranger fans just love Nolan Ryan and what he brings to their team. I mean its Nolan freaking Ryan.  He is a hall of fame pitcher, a former Ranger great, a hot dog guy, and a Texas legend. It’s just badass to see him sit right behind home plate and watch his team kick ass. I mean he is Nolan Ryan, the smartest baseball guy on the planet and he is the reason why the Rangers become the contender they are today. Give me a break people. Ryan is nothing but an over blown fraud.

                Don’t get me wrong, I think he is an ok guy. Definite hall of fame pitcher that was tough son of a gun that won Texas Rangers over with his amazing personality. I mean that fight with Ventura was awesome to watch, he really kicked that guy’s ass.  But let’s not get carried away with the notion he is the driving force behind the Ranger’s recent success.

                As many people know now, Ryan is supposedly either being forced out or contemplating leaving the organization because of General Manager Jon Daniel’s recent promotion to President of Baseball Operations, a title used to have. Also, they promoted another man to run the business side of the team as well. Ryan still has the title of CEO and is a part owner of the team, but clearly has lost a lot of power. Now the debate has been raging on  in the DFW about who would you rather have running the team, Daniels or Ryan.  The answer is pretty simple here. Jon Daniels is the answer.

                Look, Nolan has done a lot for this team since he took over as President. He has hired some great guy, shown leadership to the public and helped save the franchise when it fell into bankruptcy. But, honestly the team we have today has nothing to do with Ryan.  Jon Daniels has been the real man orchestrating the building of the team even before Nolan was even a part of the Rangers Organization.

                Since the youngest GM in baseball arrived in Arlington, he has built one of the most impressive farm systems in the game, has done trades to bring in impact players like Nellie Cruz, Elvis Andrus, and Colby Lewis. He brought in Josh Hamilton, Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison and even Ron Washington. Daniels is the key reason the Rangers have done so well in the last few years. Ryan really had no part in building this team.  Jon Daniels is the future and will most likely help continue to play smart and not get carried away with idiotic decisions.

                Look, I hope Nolan Ryan stays and contributes to this team with strong leadership and a business sense. He easily will bring the fans in who adore him and we will have a face for the franchise for years to come. But, we know who runs the show behind the curtains.  So a little advice for the great Nolan, sit down, smile and don’t get in Jon Daniel’s way. 

D2 in Dalls?

Ehsan Azad

D2 in Dallas?

                There was once a time when Mark Cuban envisioned an elite team surrounding Dirk. It was supposed to be Deron Williams, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwight Howard and a supporting cast leading the Mavs into the future. Sadly, it looks like the only thing in the Mavericks future is playing the lottery.

                Remember when Mark Cuban dismantled that title team two summers ago and claimed that it was for financial flexibility? Cuban lost some credibility with the fans because he didn’t keep that team together, but he was actually right in a way. That team was older and signing them all would keep them from making moves in the future under the CBA. But, Mark had a different reason for dismantling the team, a reason that he will never admit too. That next summer, he knew that Dwight and Deron would be free agents and that he wanted to use his first time with cap space to his full advantage. Bringing Deron and Dwight to Dallas would not only create a super team, but ensure you have Dirk’s successor as face of the franchise. Things didn’t work out like he had planned. While Dwight was traded to the Lakers and has to wait one more summer till he begins his free agency tour, Deron was ready to come to Dallas. The Nets were the only competition, and everyone was split on who would win out in the end. Then Mark Cuban went to shoot his TV show “Shark Tank”, and things fell apart. Apparently, Deron didn’t like Cuban not being there to talk to him and he chose the Nets. The Mavericks had to give the fans mediocrity this year instead.

                Now, with the Mavs in position to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2000, fans are looking to Dwight Howard to be their savior. With Chris Paul saying he will stay with the Clippers, Howard now becomes the big fish to catch. Some speculate that Dallas is the favorite, because the Lakers environment is causing a lot of problems for Dwight and the only other choice would be the Nets who can’t sign him. But, I disagree greatly with these people. Why would he want to come here? Though the Lakers are struggling this year, they still are the most attractive team to contend. Kobe will retire soon and that gives Dwight full control of that team. That team historically is always good and Dwight would know that they will build around him. In free agency he could go back home to Atlanta, where they already have a big man cornerstone in Al Horford, which could give Atlanta the best 4-5 duo in the NBA. Houston is also attractive as they not only have Jeremy Lin and James Harden, but some good young players to help support Dwight.

                Dallas has an aging roster with washed up veterans. The only player on the team that is guaranteed to be here next year is Dirk, and god knows I love him, but he is at the end of his career. It doesn't seem like Dwight really would come here of all places. Mark would have to offer him a lot more than what he has. They might have to do a trade like the Nets did to attract Deron. Right now, it seems like Dwight will team up with Kobe, set aside their differences and make them a legit threat in the West again. The Mavs need to blow this team up, and start from scratch. With an Owner like Cuban, we know that he will let the MFFLs down. We can only hope.

An Angel with Horns

Ehsan Azad

An Angel with Horns

                Josh Hamilton led the Texas Rangers to back to back World Series appearances and brought home a 2010 AL MVP award. For five years he was the face of the Rangers, and the team along with the metroplex did everything in their power to make him feel comfortable. Maybe they even spoiled Prince Hambone. They dealt with his weird problems that only Josh could have, and they managed to win games in spite of the constant distraction he brought.  He was sold to us a recovering saint here to lead us to Baseball paradise. What a shame we couldn't see past the halo and notice his horns.

                As we know now, Josh Hamilton is now a member of the Los Angeles Angels and good for him. I personally thought he was a huge distraction and you could find easier ways to get the same production without the hassle. Face it, it was exhausting as a fan or a teammate or a manager of Josh to help and support him.  Every day there was a new issue either dealing with his addiction, faith, or his simple approach to the game. It was detrimental to the team and a cancer to that locker room.  I am not angry he didn't let the Rangers match the offer from the Angels or that he said he didn't owe the team anything. That is fine and dandy, because Josh is his own person and he had the right to choose to find a better place for him and his family. What I am upset about is that he decides to shoot criticism back at the entire DFW baseball fandom.

                In an interview with Gina Miller of TXA 21, Josh Hamilton was asked about how he will be perceived when he returns to play the Rangers this season. Hamilton said it won’t bother him either way and that those who boo him don’t really understand baseball. He went on to say that the reason for that was that Arlington and the metroplex as a whole really isn't a baseball town and it is more of a football town. He says that the fans were “spoiled a bit”, and knows the true baseball fans will cheer him.

                What a load of crap! Josh is entitled to his opinion and he is partially right. True, this is a big football town, and the Cowboys have a lot of attention in the metroplex.  But, look what this city has done for Josh and the Rangers. Fans continued to support Josh when he was caught off the wagon twice, once in an Arizona hot tub and a bathroom at Sherlock’s bar in Arlington. The team would celebrate with ginger-ale instead of alcohol to help support their teammate who was a former addict. The front office made sure he was coddled and his ever request was fulfilled.  The city came out in droves and broke the 3 million mark for attendance for last year. Josh was loved in this city. Then like the devil he is, he threw the Rangers fans under the bus.

I wonder what bible verse covers that.