Cinderella strikes again. Who knew that she was that strong? There are the corn farmers from up north in Iowa, the scholars reping the big red, Aussies who wondered across an ocean to a tiny school called St. Mary’s, and of course your run in the mill athletic big conference teams, like Kentucky, Syracuse, Duke, West Virginia, blah, blah blah, we heard enough about you during the regular season. So through all this madness lets hear some predictions and since the bracketologists from ESPN used the broadcasting room as a chalk board and were obviously wrong, I’m am happy to explain THE WAY I SEE IT…

Northern Iowa vs. Michigan Sate

Let me just start off by saying this Michigan State team shouldn’t even be here right now after some silly lane violation in the first round vs. San Diego Sate gave them a cheap win. But it doesn’t really matter because they aren’t getting farther then this. What perfect timing for Northern Iowa (I believe I put them as one of my three teams to watch for a few months ago, um yah when I wrote that I thought they were going to get to the sweet sixteen by beating Kansas too), their big man Eglseder, which has to be just the best name in the entire tournament, steps up big time, right as Spartan nation’s heart and soul, Kalin Lucas, who is first in minutes, assists, and points on Tom Izzo’s squad, is out for 4-6 months with a foot injury. My boys from Iowa are going to the elite eight.

Winner plays

Ohio St. vs. Tennessee

Even Turner has no comparison especially against this Tennessee team, which has no one averaging above thirteen points. And even if Tennessee defense, which I will give credit too because they’ll give Ohio St. some problems, decides to try and double team him, Ohio St’s big men down low should be able to make enough plays for this Buckeye’s team to survive. Also with Tennesse only shooting around .310 from the three-point line, I don’t see any upset possibility. Ohio St. should be able to pave their way to the elite eight.

Syracuse vs. Butler

I love this Butler team. They don’t turn the ball over, play tight D, don’t allow points in transition, and have sharp shooters who can nail three’s from every angle. But the key thing they don’t have is athleticism. Now put that in perspective. Compared to the rest of the country, yes they are athletic. But compared to Syracuse? Basically, if Syracuse has their way, which eventually they will, and can run a fast tempo offence then it shouldn’t be close…………er than 20 points.

Winner plays

Kansas St. vs. Xavier

Kansas St. hasn’t been very impressive so far in this tournament. That being said they could still very easily win a championship because they have all the parts necessary, but Xavier should be a challenge. I picked Pittsburg in my suicide poll and was shocked when they lost (thanks Pitt, you’ve now lost me 80 dollars over past two years, I had them over ‘Nova last year). Pittsburg was more athletic, beat them on the boards, ran their style of play and Xavier didn’t just play with them, but it wasn’t even close until Pitt’s Gilbert Brown started stroking three’s at the end (one guy hitting 3 threes in a minute and a half, that’s just ridiculous). Xavier is good, but they just don’t have the weapons to compete with K Sate. I’m not looking at this game as a mid-major against a powerhouse because Xavier has proven itself year in and year out, but when your as talented and experienced at playing on higher stages as Kansas St. is, in all reality this game win sadly be won by the wildcats even if they don’t deserve it.

Kentucky vs. Cornell

I’m going to say it right now for all to hear. Cornell will win this game. Not because they should, or would 19 times out 20, but because of the heart and mentality of champions the Big Red has shown over the past few days. Look, you either believe in this team or you don’t. There is little I can say that can change your mind to believe in a team that doesn’t give out athletic scholarships, when they’re playing against Kentucky, who starts four first rounders. Look, they shoot .430 from the arc which means when their hot, they can slice and dice anyone. And trust me I know their going to have to be on fire if they want to advance. Lastly, something that is very underrated in college basketball, is not only taking care of the ball, but also making the most of your opportunities when you have it. And that is Cornell ball. Go big, real big, big red.

Winner plays

West Virginia vs. Washington

Maybe I’ve just been writing this post to long, but frankly I just find this matchup boring. Because even though I like the Mountaineers way more than the Huskies for some personal reasons, there are no solid stats I can point to that would shape my opinion on who actually wins. Of course it’s going to be close, do I think West Virginia will win, yes, am I positive, not at all. This is a very underachieving Huskies team who can beat anyone if their whole team comes together and produces. Pondexter gave some real senior leadership the past month with Washington now riding a nine game win streak (against no real formidable opponents though, let’s remember we are talking about the PAC 10) and with help from Isaiah Thomas and some other role players, Washington is a major speed bump for a potential West Virginian run to the final four. In the end I’ll pick against the huskies because even though I do think they can win, their depth should be a factor when you compare it to a West Virginia team that has battled throughout the season in a very physical and tough Big East.

Duke vs. Purdue

This matchup just disgusts me. I hate Duke just because they’re good but cocky, have coach K, get every call, and always have some secrete mascot of theirs in the NCAA Tournament committee. And to see them get this easy a road to the elite eight just pains me. If they played Louisville, they definitely could have lost. I f they played Texas A+M they definitely could of lost. But of course, just because that’s how the world works, they get bad teams who both got lucky in their respective games (California over Louisville, every time someone from the golden bears threw a ball up from past the three point line it went in, and in Purdue vs. Texas A+M, Purdue needed to mount a second half comeback and bring the game into overtime to win). So finally Duke will put this depleted, Robbie Hummel less, that’s a name I haven’t heard enough this tournament, not, team in its place, and look good doing it. Oh well.

Winner plays

Baylor vs. St. Mary’s

I am ecstatic for this game. Yes I used ecstatic and it was worth it. My new role model in Omar Sanham. That dude is an absolute stud to the core. Unfortunately, St. Mary’s magical run, that was a force it’s only been two games, will be over soon but of course they won’t go down without a fight. My only problem with St. Mary’s in this game is Sanham has played spectacular and lead to a sweet sixteen birth, but look at the big men he’s been matched up against. Both teams St. Mary’s has played have been guard heavy and guard reliant so there in for a big surprise when Omar starts getting stuffed by Ekpe Udoh and his two 7 feet pals. Two very fun teams going at it but Baylor will prevail.

After the warm-up tournaments have been completed, and the tune-up games have been played, straight-up conference play is almost here. And with these early season, out of conference matchups, high profile teams have been left in the dust and the mid-major teams that no one in their area code had heard of suddenly become future upset threats in March Madness. So here are three teams that normally get garbage recruits, get beat on in out of conference warm ups, and haven’t had a win or even a visit at the big dance, the NCAA tournament.

1. Northern Iowa (8-1)- This team is limitless. Their first loss came two games into the season to a DePaul team (even though they aren’t good, let’s remember DePaul is in the Big East), and since then they’ve won seven straight, beating three potential NCAA tournament teams - Siena, Boston College, and Denver - while pounding on bigger schools like Iowa (67-50) and North Dakota (64-41).

THE WAY I SEE IT- And that’s just to go along with the fact that their conference is basically terrible, paving the way for them to wreck havoc in March Madness.

2. Harvard (7-2)- All right, I think a few people have heard of this school for some other reasons but this year I could see this team surprising a few people basketball-wise. Besides an embarrassing loss by three points to Army, they have been on a role lately that doesn’t seem like stopping any time soon. After a six point loss to UCONN where some how they out- rebounded the physical monsters UCONN finds at the corners of the Earth, they beat Boston College, and are set to beat a good Georgetown team. Some other key wins were against Madness hopefuls - Boston University and Williams and Mary.

THE WAY I SEE IT-Jeremy Lin, Harvard’s star guard, could very likely lead this team to an IVY league title and some tournament upsets.

3. Temple (9-2)- The Atlantic 10 is always a very competitive division so making it into March Madness should be their first concern, but really, this Temple team looks to be one of the better teams in the country. They lost to St. Johns and then Georgetown by one, while beating Siena, Virginia Tech, Penn. St., Seton Hall, and the biggest win of all, Villanova.

THE WAY I SEE IT-Those are all very competitive teams and solid non-conference wins making and at-large bid very possible for Temple. #1 Kansas should really be on upset alert for their upcoming game.

-I'm not kidding, this Temple team is very dangerous.

There really isn’t anything else to write about in the MLB that won’t bore you to tears or have you stop reading whatsoever. So my new topic and sports obsession for the next few months is going to be …… drum roll please …….. COLLEGE BASKETBALL. It being so early in the season, and having it be that most sports fans out there have only watched one or two games if that, I decided to start off with an easy “what to watch for” list. Drum roll please…….. (Yea your right, that is getting kinda old)………

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

· How Kentucky does now that they have national champion coach John Calipari, and are ranked pre-season # 4 in the AP polls. Will their younger roster, which has final four potential talent, rise to the occasion or crumble under the early pressure?

· How different is this year’s UNC team from last year’s final four and eventual national champion roster. Can they maintain their high profile, VIP college basketball status without ACC Player of the Year and 2008 National Player of the Year, Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough?

· Will Bob Knight call an ESPN press conference just so he can swear and then throw something on national television again?

· Can a mid major finally make it into the final four?

· Can Obama actually pick a descent bracket this year?

· Will I finally figure out what ESPN stands for?

THE WAY I SEE IT- Early final four predictions: Kentucky, Villanova, West Virginia, and Binghamton, but that’s just me. Should be another great season.

After a year of trading, signing, and releasing, the MLB teams still can’t rest even after this year's season is over. For some teams, the rebuilding must start, with trading away their payroll anchors.  For others, after a year without a ring means spending the maximum possible and trying to stock-up the lineup. So here it is, a few of the most interesting free agents, trade pieces, and drop-ables.

Jason Bay, LF- the Red Sox have the next two weeks to try and negotiate a deal but after that he is up for grabs. Bay has been a solid producer over the past few years and his calm, little to no media attention, and hard working attitude has definitely been a nice change from Manny Ramirez. THE WAY I SEE IT- Even though he isn’t necessarily a star, he should defiantly be in the thick of the off-season signings.

Matt Holiday, LF- Holiday is the biggest name on the market this year. After absolutely exploding with the Cardinals this year, his stock has gone way up. THE WAY I SEE IT- It will be interesting though to see what happens with Bay and the Red Sox because if Jason ends up not signing, Boston will certainly jump on Holiday to get a superstar replacement.

Pedro Martinez, SP- Right now he is considering retirement, but if he decides to keep on playing, his postseason performance certainly proves that he’d be ready to go for next year. THE WAY I SEE IT- Martinez is a wild card, with a questionable attitude at times and being 39 years old next season and still relying heavily on his heat.

Ken Griffey Jr., DH- He is one of those players who doesn’t understand when enough is enough. He’s had his glory days and now it’s time for him to step back and pursue a different direction. THE WAY I SEE IT- If Griffey can’t comprehend this though, he’ll realize it pretty soon after the Mariners drop him.

Roy Halladay, SP- Teams were willing to give up anything for Halladay just a few months ago, but now after his downward spiral, Toronto has to be itching to get him off their payroll. THE WAY I SEE IT-The interest is still there though, and a deal with either the Mets or Red Sox, who both desperately need pitching, for some new young talent wouldn’t surprise me.

- there certainly are quite a few key players up for grabs this off season.

I couldn’t ever justify calling the World Series boring, after a whole season is worked-up to a seven game series, but this year is probably the closest I’ll ever come. Think about it. Last year’s winner vs. the team the world loves to hate. Not really an underdog story like last year, when Tampa stormed in to take the American League crown. So really, outside of the fans for either team or the North East, who cares about this World Series, supposedly one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world?  Not many. The money and the ratings will be there with a little help from the MLBs biggest fan base, and the Philly’s crazy die-hards (sex for tickets, are you serious? http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6896287.ece).  But overall I’d call this Series somewhat of a fluke, compared to some of the other possible match-ups like a battle in LA, with the Dodgers vs. Angles.

THE WAY I SEE IT- The name World Series has a certain ring to it, and even this year watching pregame interviews and warm-ups pump adrenaline through me, like something huge is about to start, because really something big is starting - the World Series is the real deal. But this year the excitement just isn’t at the same level it has been in years past. The Series does have some potential though, seeing A-Rod and Howard face off in a late season homerun derby should be fun, to go along with Pedro returning to the Bronx. So after that said, I hope for all baseball fans, that I’m wrong and the Yankees and Phillies put on a show to remember.

- this should probably be the best matchup of the series

No team likes to go three and out, and the Red Sox are no different. After basically pounding the Angles in the ALDS in their last two meetings (2004, 2007), beating them with a combined record of 6-0, the games were really just a tune up for the real competition in the ALCS. But LA finally had enough of it this year, and struck back….hard. In three straight games, these Angles dismantled the whole Red Sox pitching staff and out-scored a 100 million dollar lineup to cruise past the crumpling Sox and move into a showdown against the Yankees. Leaving Boston in the dust with some serious work cut out for them.

The bullpen was the sole reason the Red Sox were swept. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a three-run lead in the eighth and ninth innings of game three, and now in the postseason, the Red Sox’s setup man Okijima, closer Papelbon, and veteran force, Billy Wagner, are all up for grabs. Also the Boston catcher position is a huge question mark considering that Varitek, who helped the Red Sox become the team most likely to have a base stolen from them, and Martinez both have options for 2010. Jason Bay, really the driving force on this 2009 team, is a must sign, along with Josh Becket, whose years are numbered but is definitely worthy of staying around another year to lead the rotation.

THE WAY I SEE IT- The Red Sox need some big post-season moves. For starters, finally getting rid of Varitek, and giving Victor Martinez the full-time starting job would be a good initial step in the right direction. Secondly, and most importantly, Johnathan Papelbon has now become one of the premier closers in the league, but unfortunately for him, Daniel Bard, a young lights-out 100 mph fireballer, is groomed to take his place. This means the Red Sox can trade away Papelbon, who has ridicules trade value right now, and receive some much needed help in the pitching rotation and at shortstop. So after a dismal ending year, the Red Sox are going to need to get a lot of help in the postseason to bring another championship back to Boston.

-after giving Boston some great memories, its time for Jason to move on

Red Sox vs. Angles

Prediction: Boston in five

Reason: Both John Lester and Josh Becket should be able to handle Lackey and Weaver with their deep playoff experience and superior ERAs and records. The Red Sox will need to wrap this series up quickly though, because after that, there isn’t really anyone in the rotation who can produces a solid win. I would have no doubts about picking LA in a math-up between Kazmir who hasn’t been pitching this well in two or three years, and Clay Buchholz who only had a mere seven wins this year.  And you know that after that, the Red Sox wouldn’t be able to even come up with a starter for the last two games (Lester on three days rest anybody?). But in the end, even though the Angles will set a record for most stolen bases in a playoff series, Boston’s offense will make up for the lack of pitching depth and eventually in five games carry Boston to back-to-back League Championship Series.

Stat of the Series: David Ortiz leads the League in homeruns (27) and RBIs (78) since June 6.

Reason: Sadly the Twins dream run will come to an end when they face off against this dominant Yankee team. The possibility of the Yanks finishing off the Twins in three is very high but I say the Mauer and Morneau tandem will make sure that Minnesota grabs at least one win. If you look at the Yankees rotation of CC, Burnett, Pettitte, complemented by a stellar lineup, and Mariano Rivera as a closer, this series could be a blowout.

Stat of the Series: In the AL, Minnesota is fourth from last in ERA while the Yankees are fourth from the top.

Reason: The Cardinals are the Yankees of the NL, except possibly better. With a mediocre defense and the pitching they have, I would be tempted to pick them but with their explosive offense led by shoe-in MVP Albert Pujol and Matt Holiday this series won’t even be close. Look at the Cardinals pitching for the first three games, Carpender, Wainwright, and Pinero. The looks more like an all-star ballot then a post season pitching rotation.

Stat of the Series: The combined amount of wins the first three starting pitchers for the Cardinals have is 50 compared to the Dodgers 21 wins.

Reason: The Phillies have two aces who can win them the first two games but after that there are some problems. First, there isn’t a whole lot of depth in the starting rotation but the bigger issue is who is going to be closing the games? Brad Lidge, normally one of the best closers in baseball, had a season that was downright awful which threw the whole Phillies bullpen out of whack. But the Rockies pitching isn’t terrific either; actually the Rockies and Phillies are almost tied in all the pitching and offensive stat categories. The only thing that pulls me towards the Phillies is they’re the defending champs, and enough of their team is still there to have an experience advantage.

Stat of the Series: The Rockies and Phillies are one and two in runs scored in the NL, and four and six in the MLB.

- here's the full bracket

You could almost call this the second of two parts. Even though I didn’t plan it this way, last week I wrote about the greatness of one New York baseball team, the Yankees, and this week I’m writing about the dismal failure of another, the Mets.

This will mark the third year the Mets have been in the top three for MLB preseason payroll. And what a sad coincidence it is that this will also mark the third straight year that the Mets haven’t played through October, in the playoffs. But as most baseball fans, and especially Met fans, know the past two years have been extremely excruciating considering the position the team was in with less than thirty days to go. First in 2007, the Mets were in position to be playing for the NL East in the playoffs with four games left in the regular season, and somehow they managed to lose seven of their last eight, and ended up hitting golf balls in October rather than homeruns in the post season. The same thing happened the next year, when late in September, the Mets were in the lead once again, and once again said no thanks, and gave it to the Phillies (I’ve written about the best and worst, how ‘bout the Phillies for the luckiest team in the MLB?)

THE WAY I SEE IT- So now that we’ve been brought up to date on resent Met history, we have come to today’s current state of 17.5 games out of the NL East after spending $149,373,987 on their payroll, the second highest in the MLB. And that puts them at the number #1 spot for biggest spenders per win (payroll/wins = cost per win), not a stat you want to lead, but even worse considering the Mets have no playoff birth to show for it. Here’s the list below.

- (Playoff teams in bold) I highlighted the Twins as well because as of October 1, they still have an off chance of making it into the playoffs

So to wrap it up this year’s biggest spender and biggest loser goes to the New York Mets. After three years of plain torture for the fans, and absolute team chaos every September, the Mets have finally earned themselves a MLB title, as the most over paying and over rated team in baseball over the past decade.

-the picture says it all

After a few disappointing years without any World Series rings, and a complete failure of a season last year (first time in 13 seasons they didn’t make the playoffs), this year the real Yankees have shown up to play some grade A baseball.

Looking for their twenty-seventh World Series trophy, they made sure this year was theirs. With smart pre-season moves (the Yankees acquired a CY Young winner in C.C. Sabathia; one of baseballs most underrated aces from Toronto, AJ Burnett; and power hitter Mark Teixeira) and baseball’s most glamorous stadium ever, the Yankees were ready roll. So now after being the biggest spenders in the MLB for the eighth consecutive year without a World Series ring, the Yankees are back and better than ever as the best team in the MLB.

Chaos ensued last year’s miserable season. Playoffs without the Yankees is like no Duke in March Madness, or no Notre Dame in a big Bowl game - simply no bad guy to root against. So the Yankees did what they do best, spending. And spend they did. How much did that stadium cost? 1.5 billion dollars, and add that to their already bulging pay roll (208,097,414 million dollars I believe) plus travel, maintenance, and equipment and that gets you in the 2 billion ball park. But boy did it pay off, seats are being sold, fans and management are happy, but most importantly the Yankees are finally winning, showing why they’re the best franchise in baseball history.

THE WAY I SEE IT- Being a Yankee hater is a hobby that I deeply enjoy, but it’s time to give out the credit the Yankees deserve. The Red Sox have had their time, with two World Series wins in the past four years, but the spotlight has once again moved back to the Yanks. But a good regular season means nothing, its what happens in the playoff’s that matter. So to the Yankees, I know that you can’t remember what the playoffs feel like, but as the MLB playoff commercials say, “there are eight teams but only one champion”, so buckle your seat belts and button down your pinstripes because the real fun is yet come.

-And why should Derek Smile, he's having a career year and the though of a full handful of championship rings is a lot closer to reality then fiction. Right now things are looking pretty good for Mr. Jeter.

With pretty much one month until the end of this year’s MLB regular season, teams are fighting for playoff spots, emotions are running high, and this year’s top performers are hoping that this last push will be enough to get them one of baseball’s two most coveted trophies - either the Cy Young or Most Valuable Player award. So as these last few days tick away, I give THE WAY I SEE It’s predictions on how these prestigious awards are shaping up.

MOST VALUBLE PLAYER AWARD

NL

THE WAY I SEE IT, there isn’t a whole lot to write here. Basically the only real competition is for second because of Albert Pujols’s outstanding year. He has an extremely legit triple crown threat with his 45 homeruns (1st in NL), .328 batting average (2nd in the NL), and 121 RBI (2nd in the NL as well) while leading St. Louis to a huge NL central lead (11.5 games). But I guess if I had to pick a runner-up, it would be Hanley Ramirez because without him there’s no way the Marlin’s lineup could have carried the team’s atrocious fielding and mediocre pitching like he did, and still get them in playoff contention.

AL

THE WAY I SEE IT, these last few days really will matter in this race. I’d say it comes down to either Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, or Joe Mauer, with Jason Bay, Justin Morneau and Evan Longoria, all placing in the top six. So first, to decide between the two Yanks, I looked at what they brought to the table. The reason I might give Teixeira the nod is his impact; the Yankees didn’t even make the playoffs last year and after he came along now they’re the best team in baseball. Leading the league with 106 RBIs and in second with 35 homeruns, his firepower and stellar fielding make him a great choice for the award.  But he still doesn’t get my vote, Mauer does. This guy has done everything.  He’s a great player, fielder, and leader, has the ability to lead the MLB in AVG. with a stunning .368, can hit for power with his current lead in the AL SLG. with .605, and can play the field, as he’s last year’s Golden Glove winner.

CY YOUNG AWARD

NL

THE WAY I SEE IT, it’s either Adam Wainwright or Tim Lincecum.  There’s no one else who can really compare to the superstar performance of these two. I don’t know the NL as well as I do the AL, so I was looking over the pitching stats on ESPN.com and Wainwright and Lincecum dominate every category. In strikeouts, ERA, wins, innings pitched, really almost every category, they’re either number one or two. So how did I make the impossible decision? I finally decided on Lincecum because of the one category that they weren’t so similar in, opposing batters AVG. Lincecum’s AVG. is .207, while Wainwright’s is .245, which makes me believe that Wainwright’s wins have had a little more backing then Lincecum’s making Lincecum the better pitcher by a very slim margin.

AL

THE WAY I SEE IT, the winner of this CY Young award really depends on your interpretation of it. Is it like the MVP where you can only get it if you’re truly more valuable to your team than any other player? Or should you get the CY Young when you’re the absolutely best pitcher in the majors no matter how your team is doing? I’d say the best pitcher in the AL this year has been Zack Grienke but the player that has meant the most to his team might be either CC Sabathia or Justin Verlander. In the end though, I have to go with Greinke. I don’t know if it’s his amazing story (cover of Sports Illustrated), incredible ERA, 200+ strikeouts, high 90’s fastball or the pity factor that he’s so good but on such a bad team (6 games back from last in the MLB).

So there you have it - my prediction for the MLB CY Young and MVP awards. Hopefully right, probably wrong but overall fun to write. So thanks for reading and make sure to not get over-obsessed with the start of football season and watch the great baseball that’s going to happen in the next few weeks.