Gulbis going for gold

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Ernests Gulbis looked outstanding in his first round match at the US Open. Could this be his breakthrough tournament?

By Josh Kramer

I know we are only just starting Day 3 at the US Open and some players have still yet to play their first round matches yet.  But one major storyline of Day Two was Ernests Gulbis.  The 23-year-old wild man from Latvia straight cruised on his birthday.

Could Gulbis’ Michael Jordan year be his breakout year?

Food for Thought 8-29-2011

Photo courtesy of matthewvisinsky.com. Spencer Ware (pictured above) could be the difference maker in the marquee matchup of Week 1 in College Football.

By Josh Kramer

Thankfully Hurricane Irene has decided to leave the East Coast alone.  Sports are once again at the forefront.  MLB, NFL, NCAA Football, Grand Slam tennis and more.  Here is what has caught my eye.

Beware of Spencer Ware

Weekly Nickel 8-29-2011

Photo courtesy of deadspin.com. The best rivalry in baseball continues on at Fenway on Tuesday night.

By Josh Kramer

Hurricane Irene has finally decided to leave the East Coast alone.  And sure there are damages and repercussions that will ensue for a while, but the sporting world continues to trek on.  Sports can act as a release for many of the people suffering ill effects in the wake of the vicious storm hopefully. Here are the main events for the week ahead.

5.  NFL Preseason football enters the fourth and final week.  Opening night is just around the corner, and the real “dress rehearsal” just occurred this past weekend.  But still, many guys are fighting for one of those 53 roster spots and will lay it all on the line for the preseason finale.

US Open Preview

Photo courtesy of lawntennis.org. Novak Djokovic (left) and Maria Sharapova (right) are my picks to take home the 4th and final Grand Slam of the year.

By Josh Kramer

All eyes in the tennis world will be focused on the Big Apple starting on Monday.  The year’s fourth and final Grand Slam tournament begins with many question marks.

-Can Djokovic continue his remarkable run?

-Does Federer have another Grand Slam in him?

-Can Mardy Fish bring America it’s first Grand Slam title in eight years?

-Without Clijsters in the  draw, who is the front-runner?

–Can either Williams’ sister regain their old swagger?

-Is Maria Sharapova the best player on the WTA tour?

NFL Preview 2011-2012

Photo courtesy of sports.popcrunch.com. Tom Brady (pictured above) has a great shot to capture the 4th Super Bowl Title of his career come February 5th in Indianapolis.

By Josh Kramer

After the longest lockout in NFL History, America’s most popular sport is back.  And luckily for all parties involved, no games were missed (outside of the Hall of Fame Game).  Last year was a year defined by storied franchises.  What is in store for the 2011/2012 season?

AFC East Champion:  New England Patriots

-Surprise, surprise right?  Teams that win a division are the ones that are able to maintain focus throughout the entire 16 game  (17 week) regular season.  The Patriots know what it takes to win a division title (they have won the East two straight years).  And though the New York Jets are going to be awfully tough this year, they still have not demonstrated the ability to maintain focus throughout the entire grind from September until February.  Could “Brady to Ochocinco” become a familiar catchphrase in Foxborough?

College Football Preview

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Les Miles (pictured above) and the LSU Tigers last won a national title when they defeated Ohio State in the Superdome back in 2007. Will the Tigers be able to take home another title in the Superdome this year?

By Josh Kramer

College Football opening night is just a week away.  Hard to believe in that it feels like just yesterday that we watched Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers handle business in Glendale, Arizona.  When is College GameDay coming to your town?

Here are my predictions for the season ahead.

ACC Champion:  Florida State Seminoles

Show me the money

Photo courtesy of inquisitr.com. Chris Johnson (pictured above) is in the midst of a major conflict situation with Tennessee Titans ownership.

By Josh Kramer

The Tennessee Titans are on edge. The state of Tennessee is on edge.  And most of all, Fantasy Football owners are on edge.  The Chris Johnson lockout continues as teams get ready for Week 3 of preseason football.  And sure, arguably the best running back in the game today, or at least the most explosive, will more than likely be suited up for the opener in Jacksonville on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

But what if CJ does not sign in the near future?  What if Mike Reinfeldt (Titans GM) and Chris Johnson cannot come to an agreement?  Opening night is less than three weeks away.  There were no OTA’s this year due to the lockout.  There was no extra reps for the majority of the guys.  Training camp and preseason games are of more importance this year than they have ever been.  Not to mention Tennessee will have a new quarterback under center this year (Matt Hasselbeck).

Well Chris Johnson is not taking part in any of it.  CJ has been hanging out with Mickey Mouse in Orlando.

Food for Thought 8-23-2011

Photo courtesy of lloydvance.wordpress.com. Was former Ohio State star Terrelle Pryor (pictured above) worthy of the hire yesterday by Oakland?

By Josh Kramer

And the beat goes on.  The sporting world is heating up as we near the end of what has been a great summer.  Here is what has caught my attention.

Tebow Turmoil

John Fox finally made the official announcement today.  Kyle Orton is the official starter in Denver.  Also, most directions point towards Brady Quinn residing in the number two spot.  Meaning Tim Tebow has fallen to number three.  A number one draft pick of a year ago is the 3rd string guy?  Talk about a bust.  I have been saying it since that fateful night of April 22, 2010.  Tim Tebow was a heck of a college player and seemingly is an even better person.  But in no way was he first round caliber player.

Generally first round picks are guys that a team expects to come in and make an impact in year one.  And if they do not get the opportunity to make some noise in year one, then it is most definitely expected in year two.  Well it appears year two, unless a major outbreak of injuries occurs, will be another bust for Florida’s favorite son Tim Tebow.

How many of you have seen “They Said” Tim Tebow FRS commercial?

Weekly Nickel 8-22-2011

Photo courtesy of http://sportscasualblog.blogspot.com/. There are no Danny Almonte (pictured above) stories going on this year in Williamsport. But the Little League World Series is still taking center stage this week in the wide world of sports.

By Josh Kramer

We are finally hitting the end of August.  The summer has gone by fast.  But everyone loves sports in the Fall.  MLB pennant races.  NFL action.  College Football action.  And NCAA Basketball action is not far behind.  So what should you be watching for this week?

5.  The goodwill continues.  John Thompson III and the Georgetown Hoyas continue to improve international diplomacy with their ten day goodwill tour across China.  So the majority of the tour has not been “good” so far.  But “will” and “desire” has been shown both on and off the court.  As long as the Big East perennial powerhouse avoids the Bayi Rockets, all will be well in Shanghai.  Doesn’t this get your juices flowing for College Basketball and March Madness!