The Who Cares Series

The World Series starts Wednesday night in New York and I got to tell you I don’t think I could care any less about who wins. Maybe around 10 o’clock (which due to awful start times will be the 4th inning) I’ll flip over and watch a few minutes but for me I’ll be more locked into the Knicks season opener and Modern family (slam dunk choice for best new TV show). I live in central NJ and hate both the Yankees and Phillies. I’ve always hated the Yankees but for the most part of my life I’ve really had no opinion on the Phillies because they’ve always stunk but as of late I’ve definitely grown a nice little hatred when it comes to the Phillies. It sucks for me but I can’t even imagine being a Mets fan in this situation. I guess if your Mets fan you have to root for the Yankees but in the end it’s really a no win situation. If the Yankees win you have to hear all about their 27 championships and all that nonsense and if the Phillies win you’re really screwed because not only have the Phillies dismantled you over the last 5 years they’ll be a legit dynasty. There’s a slight reprieve when it comes to drunken arguments with Phillies fans because you can always pull out the you only beat the expansion Rays in the World Series but if they beat the greatest professional sports franchise ever you have absolutely no argument. What’s even sadder is that both teams have built such a solid young nucleus (more so Philadelphia) that a few World Series rematches isn’t that far fetched.

So what will I root for? It’s actually pretty simple. I’m going to root for that cataclysmic error that scars a player and franchise for the next 100 years. Wouldn’t it be great if Derek Jeter pulls a Bill Buckner late in game 7? Jeter is far from a good fielder but he’s too clutch to boot a ball in game 7 but Alex Rodriguez isn’t. He’s having this playoff renaissance but all the sudden come game 7 he makes some bonehead play and the Yankee fans never forgive him. And on the Phillies side how about the beloved Shane Victorino miss judging a fly ball or the star of every Phillie fans (male or female) wet dreams Chase Utley letting a ground ball right through his legs. There’s a lot of possibilities here people. That being said I’ll take the Phillies in 6.

The Atlantic in predicted order of finish

Celtics: As I mentioned in a previous post I hate the Celtics and by seasons end most NBA fans will hate them. The Bulls, Lakers, and even the old Celtics had admirable qualities and likeable players but with the exception of Ray Allen the Celtics have none of that.

Player to Watch: Rajon Rondo is the best and most important player on the Celtics. Hopefully Danny Ainge screws up his contract extension.

Toronto: I’m part of the group that thinks they overpaid for Turkoglu but in a division that’s very weak they’ll finish second and get into the playoffs.

Player to Watch: In case you live under a rock Chris Bosh is part of the big 2010 free agent class.

Philadelphia: I struggled with putting the Sixers or Knicks in the three slot but since the Knicks never beat the Sixers they have to get the edge. Andre Miller will be missed but Elton Brand may play 50 games this year.

Player to Watch: The worst part about overpaying for Brand and Iguodala is that they won’t be able to afford Thaddeus Young when his contract expires. Young is the only player on this team with superstar potential.

Knicks: Full season preview to come


New Jersey: I said it before and I’ll say it again. I can confidenaly say the Knicks are head and shoulders above this team. They play in New Jersey though so nobody cares.

Central in predicted order of finish

Cleveland: As a Knick fan we should probably be rooting for Cleveland to be hit with a rash of injuries and the Shaq & Lebron experiment to fail. The hope would be for the Cavs to have an early playoff exit which leads King James to New York.

Player to Watch: Who do you think?

Chicago: The Bulls really impressed me during the playoffs last season and Derrick Rose is going to be as good if not better then Chris Paul. The only negative for Chicago is losing Ben Gordon.

Player to Watch: This team will only go as far as their young front court takes them. Ty Thomas and Noah we’re top 5 picks who haven’t really amounted to anything.

Indy: I’m not saying Indy is good I’m just saying Detroit and Milwaukee are that bad.

Player to Watch: Danny Granger is a great fantasy player if you’re into fantasy hoops.

Detroit: I somewhat get the signing of Ben Gordon but I have no idea why they spent big money on Charlie Villanueva. Joe Dumars went from a great GM to a fool overnight.


Milwaukee: They stink

Player to Watch: We’ll probably regret not taking Brandon Jennings in 5 years.