Hey everyone, “Monday’s with Marv” are back! So without further ado, let’s get into this weeks action!!
My MLB power rankings:
1. Astros (79-46) Even though they lost 4 In a row this week including 3 of 4 to the A’s, I still think the Astros are the team to beat in many experts minds. As much as I would like the Yankees to be number 1, they haven’t proved that to me just yet. Houston is still number one in these power rankings, but there grip on that has softened.
2. Dodgers (82-44): The Dodgers may have lost this weekend’s series to the Braves, but I still think they are the team to beat in the NL. The reason why i don’t have them ahead of Houston is because I believe that the Astros are still the better team right now despite their records. The Dodgers have closed the cap between them and the Astros. Can they climb over the hump this week?
3. Yankees (83-43) I really wanted to do 1A , 1B and 1C because that’s how close the top 3 teams are right now. But I couldn’t do that. The Yankees are right there for the one seed and if they impress me this week against Oakland and LAD. You may very well see them at number 1 next week.
4. Twins(76-48): The Twins currently lead the Indians by 2.5 games for the AL Central and rightfully so. They currently have 240 HRs this season and it’s only a matter of time before they shatter the 2018 Yankees record of 267. They have an easy schedule coming up against the White Sox and Tigers so that should give them the opportunity to hit more bombs and expand their AL Central lead.
5. Braves (74-52): They just defeated a red-hot Mets and a Red-got Dodgers team in one week while also playing great baseball! Well done guys! You are deserving of a top five spot!
6. Indians (74-51) Cleveland is a MLB best 45-21 since June. They are neck and neck with the Twins for the AL Central despite trading Trevor Bauer, still have the top WC spot in the AL.
7. Rays (73-52) Tampa Bay might not win the division. But they are right there with the A’s for the second AL Wild Card. This weekend presents an easy schedule for them as they face the Mariners (53-72) and the Orioles (39-85). This should give them a chance to put pressure on Oakland who have a tough schedule themselves this week.
8. Athletics(71-53): The A’s have been red-hot lately and proved that they are from real once again by taking 3 of 4 from Houston. They are neck and neck with the Rays in the AL WC race and will face a tough test this week in the Yankees who have the MLBs best record and the pesky Giants (63-62).
9. Cardinals (65-57): ST Louis is 7-3 in their last 10 and are now starting to find their grove. They currently lead the Cubs by a game for the NL Central. They will face their division rival Brewers, before taking some reprieve in the lowly Rockies.
10. Cubs (66-58): Number 10 was very tough because I felt like it came down to the Mets (64-60) Brewers (64-60), Phillies (64-60) and Nationals (67-56). Ultimatey I chose the Cubs because I feel like they have a more likelier path to the playoffs then the other teams. They currently hold onto the second NL WC spot and only trail the Cardinals by a game for the Central. Also Washington lost their closer Sean Doolittle who is a “Mess and Hurt” according to reports.
NFL:
GIANTS: 2-0 (Preseason) Prediction for REG season : 5-11
Two guys that have caught my eye in the first two preseason games for Big Blue against the Jets (A 31-22 victory) and the Bears (A 32-13 win) is the chemistry between Daniel and TJ Jones. They have been torching the defenses so far this preseason and it has been paying off! Let’s see if they can keep this up for the rest of the preseason and we will go from there.
JETS: 1-1 (Preseason) Prediction for REG season: 8-8
Sam Darnold has really impressed me this preseason ( In the Jets 31-22 loss to the Giants and 22-10 victory over the Falcons) as well as Greg Dortch. Darnold has been throwing Darts all around the field when given the chance and as for Dortch, a young WR from Wake Forest, he has been quietly good for Gang Green and it will be interesting to see if he will make the Jets final roster.
Another thing is the loss of starting LB (Line Backer) Avery Wilamson for the season due to an ACL tear.
While this is a big blow for the Jets defense, super -Jets fans Elliot Dabah and Eli Zirdock have found a solution. Instead of going into a 3-4 ( 3 defensive linemen and four linebackers) formation, the Jets can do 4-3 (Four linebacker and 3 defensive linemen) this makes the Jets loss of Williamson sting a bit less, as well as the fact they will still be able to compete with the leagues top offenses as well.
Will Head Coach Adam Gase actually execute it? We will see.
One more problem for the Jets is the Kicker position. No matter who they have put at kicker this preseason, they can’t hit the XPs (Xtra point) or FGs( Field Goals). Granted, the XP is 33 yards back now instead of 19 but that is still considered “Easy Range” for an NFL kicker.
We will see who the Jets kicker is by opening day and if it’s a good one.
NBA:
BOOGIE TEARS ACL:
Man I really feel bad for Demarcus Cousins. The guy works his tail off all year and keeps getting hurt. Prayers up for Demarcus. Hope he comes back stronger and better then ever!
DWIGHT FOR DEMARCUS?
The Lakers are speaking to veteran Dwight Howard. They are hoping that should he sign with them, he can fill the void of Demarcus Cousins at the center position.
FAN OPINIONS:
BEN MANN:
I think the Giants have the easiest schedule in football. If you look at their schedule they are going 10-6. They play a lot of easy teams! Just watch!
AUTHORS QUESTION:
Good point Ben. But do you think Saquon can carry this team that far? I mean who knows if Daniel Jones will even play at all this season? A lot of questions to be answered here. We will see what happens.
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