The Mike Of All Trades

I got accepted into Rutgers University via email this morning. Studying Business at New Brunswick. Not sure if I'm going there, I'll have to evaluate my options.

The inaugural football game for the Weekend Football League will be on Saturday at 2 pm in East Hanover. I will post official rosters for the two team shortly as well as team analysis. We are in for quite a fun season.

(note: This is not the same article that will be published in the 2008 Hanover Park Forum, as this version has been deemed “too controversial and offensive” for print.)

Soccer is often regarded as the “Beautiful Game” in other parts of the world. It is a national pastime that is supposed to showcase the beauty, creativity, ingenuity and pure craftsmanship that comes with it. But where is this joy and fun on the field during our boys' matches? The look on the faces of our team is often described as blase and uninspired.

Chelsea. Real Madrid. Manchester United. Brazil. Argentina. These are examples of teams that have experienced a great deal of success in the world of soccer over their existence in club and international play. While they are not short on talent, they exhibit a passion for the game that is unrivaled. They truly love the game. Players such as Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered true geniuses on the pitch. They are talented, but pure talent alone does not take a player alone to stardom. Those two possess a passion for the “Beautiful Game”; they play with joy and grace in their games. Genuine love for the game translates to success in soccer. We just don't see a team at Hanover Park that shows a desire to play for the entire ninety minutes; there are a few exceptions of course on the team, but winning is not determined by an individual effort, but by the effort of the entire team.

Coach Donald Manfria was brought in last year to reverse the trend of many consecutive losing seasons since the 90's. In the beginning of his stay here, the team was given shirts that were adorned with the slogan “Hanover Park Soccer, A New Era”. Now I hope this “New Era” calls for excellence, but it got off to a rough start last year when it actually reduced by half the number of wins the previous year as the 2007 Hornets only won one game.

This year, captains Dave Gallo and Jimmy Cicchino lead a team comprised of mainly juniors and seniors. They will adapt to a new formation, the 3-5-2, as opposed to the 4-4-2, which the team played mainly in the past. The new formation will stress ball control in the middle of the field, as teams in years past were out-muscled in the middle of the field. This new ball-control scheme will allow for more opportunities for shots on goals and less shots give up. In the back three, our Hornets have Michael Varesano in the middle, with Steve Wong and Joe Cardoso manning the sidelines. Robert Jeanette, Bobby Wong, Pat Brown, Dave Gallo, and Gerrard Zarra control the middle of the field. Up top scoring is Vittorio Carenzo and Jimmy Cicchino. (Note: Starting lineups are subject to change.)

There is talent on this team, no doubt, but unfortunately our Hornet's physical gifts are not up to par to back that ball skill up. Size is not present on the pitch on our side of the ball. How can the passion and creativity of the game be nurtured in an environment where one errant pass can lead to a public chastising by the coach? A fear for committing mistakes inhibits these player's natural abilities. It seems like every year has been a rebuilding year.

When is it time for soccer to come out of the depths of the unappreciated?

When will boy's soccer cease to be the butt of every joke?

Can this be bulletin board material that will ignite the best season the Boy's Hornets have had in years? Maybe. Hopefully.

An accurate portrayal of the state of soccer at Hanover Park?
Sadly more likely.

Listen, the best medicine doesn't always tastes good, but it's necessary.

Will this be a “New Era” of supremacy or futility? Only time can tell.
Boys, choose your destiny.

Michael Juan's Top 100 Football Players for 2008 season
1 LT 51 Derek Anderson
2 Brian Westbrook 52 Tony Gonzalez
3 AP 53 Greg Jennings
4 Joseph Addai 54 Roy Williams
5 Steven Jackson 55 Matt Hasselback
6 Frank Gore 56 Roddy White
7 Clinton Portis 57 Lendale White
8 Marshawn Lynch 58 Jonathan Stewart
9 Tom Brady 59 Hines Ward
10 Randy Moss 60 Dallas Clark
11 Marion Barber 61 Calvin Johnson
12 Jamal Lewis 62 Justin Fargas
13 Ryan Grant 63 Dwayne Bowe
14 Willis McGahee 64 Marvin Harrison
15 Terrell Owens 65 Jerricho Cotchery
16 Reggie Wayne 66 Lee Evans
17 Maurice Jones-Drew 67 Chris Cooley
18 Braylon Edwards 68 Kevin Smith
19 Larry Johnson 69 Donald Driver
20 Willie Parker 70 Tony Scheffler
21 Peyton Manning 71 Santana Moss
22 Andre Johnson 72 DeAngelo Williams
23 Larry Fitzgerald 73 Laveranues Coles
24 Tony Romo 74 Joey Galloway
25 Brandon Jacobs 75 Marc Bulger
26 Laurence Maroney 76 Chester Taylor
27 T.J. Houshmandzadeh 77 Felix Jones
28 Marques Colston 78 Matt Shaub
29 Drew Brees 79 Eli Manning
30 Plaxico Burress 80 Kurt Warner
31 Ben Roethlisberger 81 Chris Chambers
32 Torry Holt 82 Heath Miller
33 Michael Turner 83 Chris Johnson
34 Darren McFadden 84 David Garrard
35 Steve Smith 85 Selvin Young
36 Chad Johnson 86 Anthony Gonzalez
37 Wes Welker 87 Javon Walker
38 Reggie Bush 88 Ahmad Bradshaw
39 Ronnie Brown 89 Ahman Green
40 Carson Palmer 90 Alge Crumpler
41 Edgerrin James 91 Bobby Engram
42 Earnest Graham 92 Philip Rivers
43 Brandon Marshall 93 Chris Perry
44 Jay Cutler 94 Rashard Mendenhall
45 Antonio Gates 95 Bernard Berrian
46 Jason Witten 96 Deuce McAllister
47 Santonio Holmes 97 Nate Burleson
48 Kellen Winslow 98 Jake Delhomme
49 Donovan McNabb 99 Donte Stallworth
50 Anquan Boldin 100 Patrick Crayton

*Note: Made before news of Tom Brady's season ending ACL injury

Draft Strategies
With many runningback commitees gone out there, the exclusive back is becoming extinct. With that in mind, the two-stud backs in the first two rounds strategy is gone. The wide receivers are becoming more explosive and reliable in the past few years.
Here's a guide to help you draft the rest of the team after your first round stud is picked:
If you picked LT:
Round 2: Top 10 Receiver
Round 3: Top 20 Receiver or Top 5 QB
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked AP:
Round 2: Top 20 Runningback
Round 3: Top 10 Receiver
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked Westbrook:
Round 2: Top 10 Receiver or Top 10 Runningback
Round 3: Top 10 Receiver or Top 10 Runningback
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked Addai:
Round 2: T-10 WR or T-10 RB
Round 3: T-10 RB or T-10 WR
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked Brady:
Round 2: Top 10 Runningback
Round 3: Top 10 Runningback
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked Jackson/Gore/Portis/Lynch:
Round 2: Top 10 Runningback
Round 3: Top 10 Receiver
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
If you picked Moss:
Round 2: Top 10 Runningback
Round 3: Top 10 Runningback
Round 4-Last: Best available and sleepers
Look out for these players/ Sleepers:
Chris Johnson
could end up starting for the Titans mid-season
Chris Perry
currently the starting tailback for the Bengals after they cut Rudi Johnson
Rashard Mendenhall:
Physical back may steal goalline carries from Willie Parker
Nate Burleson:
With D.J. Hackett gone, Deion Branch and Bobby Engram hurt; he'll be the main receiver in a pass-happy offense.
Jabar Gaffney:
N0. 3 receiver for Brady and Co. will put up good numbers

Sites for reference:
Rotoworld.com
http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/football

A new kid in a new school on an entirely new side of the country is an outcast. Martial arts is the major source of popularity in this school. He chases a beautiful, blond girl that happens to be the girlfriend of the school bully. This bully then takes the initiative in welcoming the new guy by beating him up publicly for looking at his girlfriend. This kid takes up martial arts in order to fit in with the rest of the school. He studies under a mysterious guru that teaches him the art form. Initially they butt heads, but the young man finally sees the way and eventually confronts the bully in a major tournament. He defeats him in the tournament, achieves glory and receives acceptance from the school population. This plot summary sure sounds like the 1984 hit film, The Karate Kid, doesn't it? Sorry, but this film does not include the ever popular “Daniel-san”. Actually, the movie that the plot summary describes is Never Back Down, which, you can tell, is the present-day The Karate Kid.

Initial similarities aside, the teen hit-movie Never Back Down has its differences from The Karate Kid. The protagonist, Jake Tyler, moves from the barren fields of Iowa to the sunny beaches of Florida, due to his little brother receiving a tennis scholarship to a prestigious academy that boasts a wonderful tennis program. On the outset, Jake is portrayed as having a short fuse and in need of serious anger management. During his last football game in Iowa, an opposing football player is fed up with being physically dominated by Jake and decides to attack Jake psychologically. This player said that it was a real shame that Jake's father died in that drunken car accident. That remark sets Jake off and understandably, he deals that person the beating of his life along with half the opposing team.

When Jake first went to his new high school, he was an outcast. No one talked to him or even noticed him. On his first day, he witnesses a “sparring match” in which his future best-friend, Max Cooperman, fights a losing battle and is humiliated. That was where he meets his soon-to-be rival, Ryan McCarthy, a chiseled, pretty-boy that has everything that anyone would and could ever ask for. After school, Jake is invited to a massive party by Baja Miller, a gorgeous classmate from English class.

At the party, Ryan McCarthy challenges Jake to a fight after the entire school views the YouTube video of Jake's last game in Iowa. When he declines, Ryan pulls out the father-card. Jake, infused with hatred and contempt, decides to fight. Predictably, Ryan defeats Jake and Jake is rendered a fool in front of the entire teenage population in Ryan's mansion.

The next day, Max goes over Jake's apartment and invites him to join Jean Roqua's dojo where Max trains. While there, Jake learns many forms of martial arts and is taught the values and code of fighting. Jean tells Jake that he must not fight for the wrong reasons and should not, if he wishes to continue training at the dojo, fight outside the building.

Unfortunately after an unsuccessful sparring session at the gym, Jake fights three tough-looking body builders and wins. Max captures this fight on video and shows it to the entire school. While he gains fame from this battle, Jean bans him from the dojo. Suddenly realizing the magnitude of the situation, Jake apologizes and tells him the reason for his anger issues. He reveals that he was in the car with his father when his father died. His father was drunk at the time and asked Jake to drive, but Jake was underage at the time and convinced his father to drive home and consequently, his father drove into a tree and killed himself with Jake in the passenger seat. Jake lives through everyday with the guilt of his father's death in his conscience. Roqua, in response, tells his story. He had an younger brother, who was an excellent mixed-martial art fighter. One day in a bar, a local bully mouthed off at young Joseph, who was about to fight the bully himself. His brother won the brawl, only to be shot and killed by the bully's friends just minutes after the fight. Jean's father blames him for permitting the situation to escalate into the violence that claimed his brother's life. His father felt that this confrontation could have been avoided. Jean left home over that; he has not seen his father, or even set foot in Brazil, for the past seven years.

After pouring out his soul and venting about the anguish he experienced over his father's death, Jake comes to peace with himself. Later on, the audience sees that Ryan fights under a large shadow cast by his successful father, whom Ryan is both fearful of and angry at. These two share a similar aspect as each are driven to fight as a result of their relationship with their fathers. Jake learns the purpose of martial arts. It isn't for the ability to inflict pain; rather, it is the ability to channel your inner turmoil into an expressive art form.

The soundtrack to this film was phenomenal. The movie was geared towards teenagers and there was a lot of popular music incorporated into this film. The music was perfectly integrated into the scenes. The music during the fight scenes really got you excited and energized.

The camera angles were ingenious and always captured the action in stride. This movie also shows how influential the internet and cell phones are in our society. Every fight scene is recorded and posted onto YouTube. Everyone's life story is kept on the internet. You can find out all the information you would want on the internet.

Never Back Down was a great action packed movie. It really got me interested with the emerging Mixed Martial Arts craze that is sweeping the nation. Although the movie was filled with teenage movie cliches, I was thoroughly entertained. It was a refreshing adaptation of The Karate Kid in our present day.  

There's this new website that I stumbled upon that I find pretty sweet. The website is http://playerexclusive.com/. Basically, this website is dedicated to featuring all of the player exclusive sports cleats out right now. You will see Hanley Ramirez's Easton Mojo baseball cleats in the all-star colorway and many other athlete's special footwear. This new site is quite fascinating so go on over and give it a look.

If you have any suggestions or critiques, please feel free to share them. Want some movie reviews or book reviews? Want some fantasy advice? Anything at all. I'm always trying to make this blog a better one, so help me make it the best it can be.

Religion is oftentimes a motivating factor for change. It is also a very powerful one. This was none the less more evident in last night's Home Run Derby in historic Yankee Stadium.

Josh Hamilton was a premier prospect hailing from North Carolina. There he was named Gatorade Player of the Year two years in a row. Coming out of high school, he was highly touted as a prodigious outfielder with a lethal five-tool skill set as well as an overpowering pitcher. He was a talent that was only seen once in a decade. And because of that the Devil Rays used their number 1 overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft to select this phenom.

His first two years in the minor leagues were successful, but a car accident in early 2001 derailed Josh's career and forever changed his life, for better and for worse. His mother was in the car with him and was injured so she had to go home to Josh's father. Josh was no living by himself and was lured into the world of drugs, alcohol and other narcotics. Josh failed multiple drug tests and was suspended on multiple occasions, but his addiction wouldn't allow him to stop.

From the start of 2003 to 2006, Josh Hamilton was out of baseball. He tried multiple times to be reinstated, but was denied that opportunity. On June 2, 2006, Josh was reinstated and was allowed to work out in the Tampa Bay minor league facilities.

The following year, the Chicago Cubs selected Josh in the Rule 5 Draft, but then sold him to the Cincinnati Reds for $100,000.

Coming out of the 2007 Reds spring training camp, Josh was slated as the 4th outfielder. But once injuries settled in, Josh took advantage of his situation. His first major league hit was a home run off Edgar Gonazalez, April 10th against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though injuries to him cut his season short, he put off mighty impressive numbers. He was among the top rookies in slugging percentage and in homeruns. If it wasn't for Ryan Braun's magnificent season and for injuries, Hamilton might have found himself as the NL Rookie of the Year.

During the 2007-08 off season, the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a trade that would send Edison Volquez and another minor leaguer to the Reds and Josh Hamilton to the Rangers. This trade worked out marvelously for both sides as Hamilton is a Triple Crown Candidate in the AL this year and Volquez is putting up NL CY Young Award-winning numbers.

Josh had to endure so much during his layoff from baseball from 2003-2006. Those couple years were a struggle both mentally and physically. During these years away from baseball, Josh found Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He admits that he has been clean since October 6, 2005. He has spoken to many groups of people about finding Christianity and how it saved his life.

Josh's road to recovery was incredible for this young man and culminated in being named to the American League All-Star team as a starter in the outfield. He was also a finalist in the home run derby. Josh set the record for most home runs in the first round with an astounding 28, but was unable to seal the deal in the final round. Regardless, Josh was a hero in all eyes in New York. He has just gone from a name that nobody knew to a humble star that has inspired many to overcome what life's thrown in their direction and to look to God for guidance in their time of need. Josh Hamilton is a true American hero and it is about time that he had stepped up to the big stage and received the recognition that he deserved.

This Saturday, the Hanover Park Hornets take on a Delbarton Green Wave baseball team that is seeking redemption after their embarrassing participation in a benches-clearing brawl last Saturday against Randolph in Roxbury. In the incident, thirdbasemen Frank Hager, allegedly clipped the Randolph catcher, Mike Zavala, the younger brother of 2007 MCT MVP and Future Rutgers Scarlet Knight, Steve Zavala. Well apparently, Steve, the starting pitcher, took much offense to this and decided to stick up for his brother and took Hager in a choke hold. A bench clearing brawl ensued. Hager and Zavala both were issued 2 game suspensions as a result of their misconduct.

The Delbarton Green Waves are a fundamentally sound baseball team that executes very well. Their basic game plan is to hit and run, and bunt to get runners in scoring position for their big bats in the middle of the order, namely Frank Hager, who hit a monstrous triple to deep left center in the semi-finals against Randolph. Frank Hager, who is the nephew of Extra Innings instructors Ed and Pat Collins, has strong baseball roots in his blood and will continue his studies next year at Cornell University. Harry Marino is expected to take the mound this Saturday. This crafty left-hander has a great feel for the game and sports a low-80s fastball and a strong curveball and a deceptive change-up. If he can effectively change speeds throughout the game, he will hold the Hornets in check. The Delbarton Green Waves play tremendous team defense and will not commit many mental mistakes in the field. They are very smart on the basepaths and will delay steal often to put pressure on the Hornet defense.

The Hanover Park Hornets are a very strong hitting team. Their entire lineup has the ability to hit the longball. The Hornets are led off by the aggresive Greg Baruka, who is always looking to take the extra base. He reminds me of Corey Hart of the Milwakee Brewers with his potent blend of size, power, and speed. Batting second is shortstop Super Steve Seminerio. He is often compared with the Captain Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees with his love for the game and his unselfish play. He bunts very well and has tremendous opposite field power. In the field, he is as smooth as it comes. Batting third is Adam Flanner, the rightfielder, he had very consistent at the plate throughout the entire season, but has hit a tough patch recently. I expect him to respond on Saturday in a very big way. Cleaning up is Jason Liotta, nicknamed "Animations", who might get the call to toss on Saturday. He has been extremely clutch with baserunners in scoring position and is the heart and soul of this team. Right after Liotta is Matthew Rawson. Rawson has tremendous power due to his wicked bat speed, he can catch up with just about any fastball; however, his pitch selection at the plate is his Achilles heel. He has often been seen waving at curveballs in the dirt and at fastballs eye level. Earlier this season, he had struck out on numerous occasions due to the opposition realizing his weakness. But as the season wore on, he developed a better sense of the strike zone and has become a lethal weapon in this stacked lineup. After Rawson, bats Alex Gialanella, the second baseman. "Smooth", as many of his teammates have been heard to call him, is cool, calm, and collected at the plate. He was the one who came up with the clutch sacrifice fly to beat SHP in extra innings. He has great gap power and has the speed to stretch singles into doubles and doubles in triples, and so on and so forth. Eric Bodnar, the backstop and otherwise known as "Touch My Bodnar", is an excellent catcher and calls very good games. He has a feel for the game and provides leadership in the field. He is a superb hitter and can hit the ball out of any ballpark. Up next is Glenn Paladino, the leftfielder. Sidelined for the first part of the season, Paladino has provided a spark in the bottom of this powerful lineup. He is also a terror on the basepaths with his quickness and instinct. Rounding off the end of the lineup is the platoon of James Moran/Matt Mitola. Both have hit well this season, though Moran is hitting for more power, but Mitola for a better average in my opinion. Both are safe plays.

As for the game, I believe that the Hornets have the power, speed, pitching, and discipline to defeat Delbarton. The Hornet lineup is very tenacious and will make any pitcher work for an out. With either Baruka or Liotta on the mound, I think the Green Wave can be tamed. I see both teams coming out with something to prove and a little hop in their steps. There will be butterflies in their stomachs, but once the umps yell out "Play Ball!" it will all be business. And I see the Hornets walking away with the victory if they keep focused and play their game.

The following dialogue takes place sometime between the 2nd and 6th inning on the Hanover Park bench:
Jason Liotta had just hit his second home run of the game and Alex Gialanella is digging in on the plate against Jake Porcello
[The Mike of All Trades]: Alex is going to go yard, I can feel it.
[Mitola]: No way!
[The Mike of All Trades]: I have a good feeling, Mitola.
[Mitola]: He didn't even hit one out in batting practice!
[The Mike of All Trades]: There's just something in the air.
[Mitola]: I'll bet you ten dollars, he won't, if you are so confident. If you win, I'll give you ten times that.
[The Mike of All Trades]: I don't bet on the game. By the way, he's going to hit it to left field. And also left of the scoreboard.
[Mitola]: Yea ok!
Alex Gialanella unloads on a Porcello offering and deposits the ball left of the scoreboard in left field and nearly kills a fan in the process. Mitola is speechless and staring at the Mike of All Trades. The Mike of All Trades is not only smart and sagelike, but apparently psychic now too.


BTW, HP stuns the baseball world with a Alex Gialanella sac fly in the 9th inning that ended the score, 7-6 HP over SHP.

This team has a lot of upside and hopefully this year is the year his young guns will break out to superstars. As many already know, I love the B.J. .....Upton that is. He is going to contend for 30/30 this year and will score and drive in 100. He is killer with the 2B/OF eligibility.

Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez
First Basemen: Adrian Gonzalez, Alex Gordon, Carlos Delgado, Aubrey Huff
Second Basemen: B.J. Upton, Orlando Hudson
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Christian Guzman
Third Basemen: Alex Gordon, Aubrey Huff
Outfield: Matt Holliday, Ryan Ludwick, J.D. Drew, Ryan Church, Torii Hunter, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Quentin
Starting Pitching: Cliff Lee, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wolf, Brain Bannister, Roy Halladay
Relivers: Jose Valverde, Hideki Okajima, Manny Acosta, Chad Cordero, J.J. Putz

Strengths: This lineup has a quiet source of 280 Hr's, other than Holliday, Dye, or Hunter there aren't that many power hitters, but this team will piece together a ton of dingers. Led by the Captain and Holliday, this team sported a solid team batting average of .283 last year. This lineup drives in many runs as shown by their 1153 RBI's. They will hold their own in steals, not great, but not bad 114 last year.
Weaknesses: Wins could be hard to come by with no bonafide ace on this staff, only Halladay has the potential to win 15+ this year in my opinion. This pitching staff doesn't strike out many people which hurts the K column. This lineup also strikes out a lot, totaling 1586 K's

This has been one of the most anticipated matchups in the Iron Hills Conference. On one hand, the Morris Hill Crusaders possessing the number 5 spot in the Star Ledger and on the other hand, the Hanover Park Hornets, the unheralded, sleeper team that is slipping under the radar. This game was a great game to watch, baseball fans.

The Hornets threw their junior phenom, Greg Baruka, against the Morris Hill ace, Luke Mirabella. This looked like a pitcher's duel on paper, but boy were they wrong. This turned out to be UPSET CITY BABY!!

The Hornets laced up their hitting shoes and sprayed the ball all over the field (with the subtle exception of Matt Rawson, who had accomplished what is rare to see in baseball today, the long sought after Golden Sombrero with 4 K's). The Hornets knocked "the Duke" up for 8 runs. Steven Seminerio went 1 for 4 with a home run, but he hit the ball right on the screws in all four at-bats. James Moran, currently in a platoon situation with Matty Mitola, may have separated himself from the competition with his stellar performance at the plate against one of the Iron Hills Conference's elite pitchers. He had a key hit that started the run eruption. Greg pitched 5 innings and Alex Gialanella closed it out. Alex Gialanella threw a knuckle that broke so sharp to one batter that he made the batter look like "a...[retard] trying to hump a doorknob" This kid is ridiculously talented.

Hopefully the undefeated Hornets will finally get some love from the critics.....well you know what, let the Hornets stay the underdogs for the rest of the season. I can't wait to see the stunned looks on the faces of the high school baseball analysts once they see them making a deep run into the state playoffs. Until next time.....

Robert Jeanette had the 1st overall pick in this year's draft. He chose Hanley Ramirez with that pick, which was controversial. However, I can see Hanley having yet another season like last year with 20/50.

(Lineups updated as of April 7th)

Catcher: Victor Martinez
First Basemen: Paul Konerko, Mark Derosa, Victor Martinez
Second Basemen: Howie Kendrick, Mark Derosa, Felipe Lopez
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Felipe Lopez
Third Basemen: Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Derosa, Troy Glaus
Outfield: Vernon Wells, Jeff Francoeur, Josh Hamilton, Manny Ramirez, Emil Brown, Mark Derosa, Shane Victorino
Starting Pitching: Eric Bedard, Tim Hudson, Justin Verlander, Dustin McGowan, Adam Wainwright, Matt Garza
Relivers: Francisco Cordero, Jason Isringhausen, Peter Moylan, Joaquin Benoit, Al Reyes

Strengths: This team has some pop, they hit 245 HR's combined last year. They also have wheels, combining for 152 steals. The team batting average is a solid .281. This lineup drove in 1027 runs and scored 1049 runs. This starting pitching rotation is nasty. It has two potential AL Cy Young award winners in it, Bedard and Verlander.
Weaknesses: Saves will not be constant as this team has only 2 closers. Cordero's numbers from last year are the ceiling for him this year, he is in a hitter friendly ballpark and he is susceptible to the homerun ball. There is no true stud for which to rely on homeruns for. Paul is the only big time slugger on the team.

The Hornets won their second game of the season 6-1 bringing their overall record to an astounding 2-0. The Cougars tossed their ace, Pat Butler, who pitched great at times, but his defense couldn't make a play for him and his offense was stifled by junior Greg Baruka. The Hornets scored the majority of their runs in a rally started in the 4th or 5th inning by a Robert Jeanette bunt that resulted in a two bag throwing error. Other notables include Adam Flanner going 3 for 3, Steve Seminerio hitting two near-home runs that resulted in two doubles, and a solo jack by Matty Mitola.

Glenn Paladino, injured in the Hornet's first game of the season last week, is now expected to go to the doctor's tomorrow and start physical therapy. The Hornets had another close scare when Super Sophmore Max Litvak stretched for an underthrown ball. Max got up with intense pain and heard a "pop" in his hips. Futher details are uncertain.

The Hornets bring their 2-0 record to the test against Weequahic on Wednesday. Andrew Isslein is the projected starter for the game.

The Hanover Park Hornets started up their home opener with a first pitch by new Hanover Park Regional Superintendent, Mr. Ariloetta. After that pitch, it was all business. Glenn Paladino led the game off with a opposite field double down the line; however, he pulled up to 2nd lame. Expert analysis on the scene suggested a pulled or torn groin. Yours truly entered the game in place of Glenn and I ended up 0 for 0 with 2 walks. Mr. Paladino is expected to miss at least two weeks according to our Athletic Trainer, Heather Peterson. Further updates will follow this entry.

Junior Eric Bodnar and Senior Adam Flanner led the way for the Hornets; hitting a homerun and a 2 run single, respectively, to race out to a 4-0 lead. Senior Jason Liotta pitched a complete game, while letting up a single run, to maintain that margin. The Hornets won in the end, 4-1.

The Hornets have been decimated by early season injuries in years past, namely Joe Dirocco with a broken ankle the very day before the first game against Dover. Hopefully this will not put a damper to very high expectations set for these Hornets, this should be further motivation for that final prize, the Group 2 State Championship.

I will start off the season with a breakdown of my fantasy baseball team in the HP Fantasy Baseball league. I will follow with the 11 other teams in the following teams.
(Lineups updated as of April 1st)

Catcher: J.R. Towles
First Basemen: Ryan Howard, Carlos Pena, James Loney
Second Basemen: Ian Kinsler, Placido Polanco
Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins
Third Basemen: Hank Blalock
Outfield: Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Brad Hawpe, J.D. Drew, Justin Upton, Nate McLouth
Starting Pitching: Jered Weaver, Jon Garland, Joe Blanton, Zach Greinke, Gil Meche
Relivers: Joe Nathan, Jonathan Papelbon, Bobby Jenks, Joakim Soria, Brandon Lyon, George Sherrill

Strengths: This lineup will post tremendous homerun potential as this group of hitters combined to hit 289 dingers last year, with potential to hit well over 300 this year. Along with the homeruns, this club will drive in and score many runs too, combining to score 1082 runs and driving in 1027 runs last year. This lineup also has speed as they stole 139 bases last year too. The team batting average is a solid .286. This pitching staff is all about winning the SV, ERA, ER, WHIP, L, and BB categories. There is no way to lose SVs with 6 closers. They all are elite options that have great ratios and will not let up many if any runs.

Weaknesses: This team has a ton of people who strike out a lot (i.e. Howard, Dunn, Hawpe, Pena) They combined to strike out a grand total of 1257 times. This team will not win W's and K's as there are no top of the line starters in this team.

The Hanover Park Hornet Baseball team is closing in on final rosters as of Tuesday, March 11th. The team has made its first round of cuts today, most of which made sense; Jordan Perreira, Jeremy Olsen, Luke McNally, and Jimmy Cichinno. The last of the previously stated bewildered the entire program. "Grandpa", the nickname bestowed upon him during freshman year baseball, was a key component of the Junior Varsity team last year and was cut unjustly. A friend of yours and ours, he played valiently during this years tryouts. He didn't screw up; he didn't throw a ball through an exit sign (McNally); he played his heart out. He played the game the right way. He is a pitcher with a rubber arm that ate up innings and played unassuming, without an air of arrogance. Jimmy will be sadly missed by all of us that made it past the first round of cuts. This controversial call will come back to haunt them, they missed out on quite the player. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise, Jimmy will now anchor the Walterball baseball team on Sundays this following spring and hopefully he'll come out for the team next year and show the coaches what they had missed out on this spring. Keep Working Grandpa, Keep on Working.

Update: As a young, wise man once said Grandpa's game was not really about the statistics, it was about the intangible characteristics he brought to a team. Teams need these kinds of players, who know their role on a team and will not pout on the bench. He is the epitome of the team player and a true sportsman

Third base is like 1st base, the big boppers, however, with added speed. The avg. third basemen hits 18-20 homeruns with 70-75 RBI's, 65-75 runs scored, and 10-12 SB's. Third base has many elite players this season.

1. A-ROD- Enough said...
2. David Wright- Can do it all, hit HR's, steal bases, hit for average, clutch....30/30
3. Miguel Cabrera- He hits in the middle of the most lethal lineup in baseball right now will hit for elite numbers that could rival A-Rod's, but minus the 20 steals.
4. Ryan Braun- Sophomore slump? I don't think so. Expect a slight drop in Avg. because he hit well over .400 against LHP's last year and no one can keep that up. Expect similar power numbers though.
5. Chone Figgins- Multiple position eligibility. Will be among league leaders in SB's and will hit .300+
6. Chipper Jones- If he could only stay healthy, he would be a spot or two higher on this list. He's one of the best pure hitters in the game, but he just gets injured too many times.
7. Aramis Ramirez- He has 40 homer potential and you can get him in the 3rd or 4th round. He'll put up good numbers.
8. Alex Gordon- Has 1B eligibility also. Will break out after a dissapointing, hype-filled rookie season. 20/20 is within range.
9. Garret Atkins- Also has 1B eligibility. Hits in the Rockies lineup so he will produce and score runs.
10. Mike Lowell- Had a great season last year, but don't expect that much from him this season. He just hit too well above expectations, I don't buy it.
11. Josh Fields- Will give you the most bang for you buck. Elite HR and RBI numbers, but complete crap at the avg. department.
12. Adrian Beltre- Not the same after the contract season, but is showing signs of brilliance in short spurts last season.
13. Ryan Zimmerman- The National's best hitter is quietly having very solid numbers, he scores around 100 runs and drives in 100 runs despite the lineup. He'll need to steal a few more bases and hit a few points higher to advance up the list.
14. Hank Blalock- He returned after injury last season with an impressive OPS, he'll slide into the middle part of the Texas lineup and produce fairly well.
15. Evan Longoria- The Tampa Bay Rays are looking good this year. This young stud will post high OBP numbers, which will translate into many runs scored in this up and coming lineup. He'll hit 18-25 homers too. He's a superstar in the makings.

Sleepers
Jose Bautista
Andy LaRoche
Maicer Izturis
Mike Lamb

Second base is relatively deep this year, contrary to popular belief. The avg. second baseman hits around 10-12 hrs, scores 65-75 runs, drives in 53-59 runs, and steals 10-15 bases. The second base position is where you look for steals and runs basically.
1. Chase Utley- My first round pick last year. Got hurt by a fastball high and in that broke his hand and he missed 30 games because of it. He hit extremely well coming back from it and is an animal at the plate. he will score 110+ runs in the explosive Phillies lineup and hit 25 homeruns. He will also contend for the batting title. He is that good.
2. B.J. Upton- I can't say this enough, this guy is special. As the Fantasy Man at fantasybaseballexpress.com would say, he is the "poor man's Hanley Ramirez", he will hit 20+ hrs, steal 20+, score 90-100 runs and drive in 80 or so runs, he is also OF eligible.
3. Brandon Phillips- Finally lived up to the hype that he got in years past when he was in the minors. He will go for 30/30 again this year, but watch out for the poor BA, so draft a high BA guy to balance them out.
4. Rickie Weeks- was hurt last year, but put up respectable numbers coming back from the injury. He will hit atop the formidable Brewers lineup and score many runs. He has pop too, so don't be surprised to see15-20 hr's.
5. Robinson Cano- Cano has a sweet swing, very smooth and fluid. It's beautiful. He will blossom into a batting title contender and hit 20-25 homeruns, but thats still a few years from now. He will score 100 runs in the Bronx Bombers lineup. He will be one of the top 5 2nd basemen at the end of the season.
6. Ian Kinsler- Was amazing in the 1st half last year, but dropped off significantly in the second half. He showed major power and speed. He will hit 15-20 hr's and steal around 15-20 bases also.
7. Brian Roberts- Speed is this dude's game, he stole 50 bases last year. He will not hit you a ton of Hr's, so draft him for his steals only. He is a very streaky hitter on a terrible team, so tone down your expectations.
8. Dan Uggla- All or nothing, thats basically all I'm going to say on him.
9. Kaz Matsui- Will be in a very good Astros lineup this year. He'll steal you upwards of 25-30 bases and score 90ish runs.
10. Luis Castillo- singles, singles, singles. Will hit for a very good avg. and he'll never strike out. He'll score many runs this year and steal 20-25 bases.
11. Howie Kendrick- He's a very good average hitter and will climb up these rankings once he is able to stay healthy for an entire season.
12. Orlando Hudson- The O-Dog can get you 15/15 with a decent avg. this year
13. Ryan Theriot- This speedster has 2nd and SS eligibility and can easily steal 25-35 bases
14. Kelly Johnson- Huge drop-off in the second half last year, but I expect him to bounce back. He walks alot and will score a ton in the Braves lineup.
15. Placido Polanco- The BA specialist will not strike out and will score 90 runs, but don't expect even decent numbers in RBI's, HR's, or SB's.

Sleepers
Asdrubal Cabrera
Aaron Hill
Kevin Frandsen
Chris Burke
Felipe Lopez
Alexi Casilla

1st base is the position that commands a ton of power, but barely any speed. The average 1st basemen hits 20-23 home runs and drives in 75-90 runs and scores anywhere from 60-70 runs. 1st base this year is especially deep. I will list the top 15 first basemen and list some sleepers that you should keep an eye on.
1. Albert Pujols- He is a perennial Triple Crown contender. But pay attention to injury news about his elbow because he has said that if his elbow is bothering him the slightest bit, he will result to elbow surgery and sit out the rest of the season.
2. Ryan Howard- He will be among the league leaders in HR's and RBI's, he will bounce back after setting the record for K's last season. He posts solid OBP numbers so he'll add elite numbers in that category too.
3. Prince Fielder- Mr. Vegetarian is an elite bopper in the majors. Don't be afraid to project him for another gargantuan power season.
4.Mark Teixeira- Productive lineup and is in his prime. Watch out for a exceptional season.
5. Lance Berkman- Also has OF eligibility. Stacked lineup will produce many opportunities for him to drive in runs.
6.  Carlos Pena- Carlos is finding Tampa to be the place where he is finally comfortable. This is what teams were imagining when they had him in the past, huge power numbers.
7. Derek Lee- It wasn't too long ago when Derek was contending for the Triple Crown. He's cut down his steal totals, but don't be surprised if he steals 10 bases or so, which is good for a 1st basemen. Expect solid numbers across.
8. Carlos Guillen- He'll bat behind Maggs, Miggy, and Sheff so he'll have plenty of runners on base for him to drive in. Also has SS eligibility.
9. Alex Gordon- The sweet swinging sophmore hit a lot better in the second half of last season. He'll could get you 20/20 which is rare at the firstbasemen's position. 3B eligible too.
10. Victor Martinez- RBI machine with solid avg's across. Potent lineup and also has C eligibility.
11. Justin Morneau- Really worried me with that terrible slump in the second half of the season. He'll have to gain my trust back.
12. Adrian Gonzalez- Puts up respectable numbers in a terrible lineup. Got to commend him for that.
13. Kevin Youkilis- has solid numbers across the board. Billy Beane's God of Walks has a tremendous OBP, which gives him many opportunities to score. He also has 3B eligibility.
14. Paul Konerko- He'll get you big power numbers, but his avg. is slipping the past fear years. He's still a force to be reckoned with though.
15. Nick Swisher- OF eligible, he'll find hitting in Comerica to be superb and expect a rise in power in the hitter friendly park.

Sleepers:
Casey Kotchman
Ryan Garko
James Loney
Joey Votto
Dan Ortmeier
Daric Barton
Nick Johnson

Here are my overall rankings, the top 30 players in fantasy baseball for the upcoming season.
1. Alex Rodriguez- Coming off a huge year; potent lineup; ultra-durable
2. Hanley Ramirez- Monstrous season last year; numbers will drop slightly due to loss of Miggy though
3. David Wright- Consistent; 30/30 potential; great lineup; high avg.
4. Miguel Cabrera- Elite numbers everywhere but steals; in a superb lineup
5. Chase Utley- Absolute beast despite missing 30 games last year due to a broken hand; superstar numbers at a shallow 2B position
6. Jose Reyes- Exciting as it comes; will will you the steals category single-handedly, however second half struggles worry me.
7. Albert Pujols- "Down-year" last year; he still had numbers people wish they could have. Only thing that concerns me is the fact that he admitted to the press that he will shut down this season if his elbow is flaring up. He has hid the fact that he injured it in past seasons and has played through the pain. Will get more days off, resulting in less AB's
8. Matt Holliday- Coor's field; stacked lineup; tremendous numbers the past few seasons
9. Jimmy Rollins- average OBP concerns me but had 30/40 last year and led NL in runs last year; the Phillies will be a force to be reckoned with.
10. Alfonso Soriano- 40/40 a strong possibility, but high K's
11. Ryan Howard- will hit 45+ hrs; absolute RBI machine
12. Prince Fielder- similar to Ryan Howard but slightly higher BA, but less RBI's....also just turned vegetarian...not sure of those effects but maybe he'll lose weight and steal like 5 more bases or so.
13. Ryan Braun- 3B/OF eligibility coming, will repeat....he is legit
14. Carl Crawford- SB's aplenty; score 100+ runs and hit .300; the Rays are looking sneaky good this year
15. David Ortiz- Healthy Big Papi spells big trouble for the rest of the league
16. Grady Sizemore- Grady's ladies will be happy with his production this year...possible 30/30 season with 110+ runs scored.
17. Carlos Beltran- Will be white-hot one month, but ice-cold the next. Can carry you to the title or the opposite; not for the faint of heart.
18. Ichiro Suzuki- 200 hits absolutely guaranteed, high volume steals, 100+ runs, not much power, but will hit .325+
19. Johan Santana- I'm not psyched about taking pitchers this early, but he is an exception. 225+ K's with 18-20 wins for the best team in the NL.
20. Vladimir Guerrero- Will put up big numbers, but injury prone
21. B.J. Upton- "The poor man's Hanley Ramirez", 2B/OF eligibility, 20/20 almost a guarantee, with the potential for 25/30
22. Jake Peavy- Carried my team to the championship last year; weak division in the NL West; Petco Park; will contend with Johan for the NL CY Young
23. Carlos Lee- "El Caballo", an RBI machine, expect 110+ RBI's
24. Brandon Phillips- 30/30 potential from the 2B position, but the averages bother me
25. Mark Teixeira- Looks comfortable in the NL, in a potent lineup
26. Magglio Ordonez- Addition of Miggy will improve numbers
27. Lance Berkman- Great OBP, will drive in 100+ and hit 30+ hrs
28. Victor Martinez- Best Catcher in an explosive lineup, will have 110+ rbi's and has 1B eligibility also
29. Josh Beckett- What we saw in October was how dominant he could be, 20 wins is within reach, Blisters a problem though.
30. Curtis Granderson- Leadoff for arguably the best lineup in the MLB, look for him to score 110+ runs, 20/20.

As seen in my team last year, I was all over the hot prospects, and was willing to pick them up to give them a shot. Some pickups failed (Homer Bailey), some were ok (Phil Hughes), and some were great (Tim Lincecum and Joba Chamberlain). I was also the one who struck it rich and got...the Hebrew Hammer...Ryan Braun.
Rookies are hit and miss. You should not draft them high or you will suffer the consequences. They are worth a late round flyer, but don't invest your early round picks on them. Choose safer picks in those earlier rounds. They should be taken as supplements, not as foundations for your team.
Ok, so now to the rookies to watch for:
1. Evan Longoria- 3B- Tampa Bay Rays: This dude is for real. He has great power, posting better H/AB ratios than Ryan in the minors, great plate discipline and eye, as seen in his high OBP.He had better numbers throughout brief minor league career than Ryan Braun and see what happened last year. He'll post similar numbers to Ryan, but toned down alittle. (I mean, come on, what else can you expect, Ryan was ridiculous last year). 20+ Homers, 80ish RBI's. He'll be a future superstar.
2. Clay Buchholz- SP- Boston Red Sox: As much as I hate to admit it, the kid is good. He has ridiculous stuff. He already has one of the best right-handed changeups in the game, and one of the better curveballs I've ever seen, it looks like one of those video game hammers in like those arcade style games. He has a low 90's fastballs that is sneaky fast. He'll put up a fair share of Wins and decent ratios with the Red Sox giving him plenty of run support. 12-14 Wins are within reach. 4.00-4.50 ERA
3. Joba Chamberlain- SP/RP- New York Yankees: Absolute beast. Starts the year off in the bullpen, settting up for Mo. Dirty stuff....100 mph heat....85-90 mph slider...developing curve and change...He will end up the season in the rotation as the Yankees will try to ease him in during the middle half of the season.
4. Geovany Soto- C- Chicago Cubs: Will assume the starting job this opening day. Solid minor league numbers. Disciplined at the plate...will walk...good sign for this young player. He's in a stacked lineup, so he'll have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. 15-18 homers is within range.
5. Jacoby Ellsbury- CF- Boston Red Sox: Extremely fast, Gold-Glove caliber defense. Will steal 30+ bases. Don't expect power numbers though. .300 + Avg is within reach.

It's that time of year again. The grass is green...the skies are blue...stat geeks are starting to crank out projected stats. That's right....Fantasy baseball season is here.
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting fantasy baseball advice prior to your draft. I'll preview specific positions in each post and give overall draft strategies to help you in your fantasy baseball draft.
Then, I will conduct an interview with each member of my league after the draft, so I can breakdown their teams and introduce them to the readers. Fasten your seatbelts, folks, it's going to be a long season ahead of us

Hey, it's Mike Juan, your source for advice on anything and everything. I'm your average ordinary dude that loves sports. I love baseball, football, basketball, and occasionally soccer. I live in New Jersey, so my allegiance naturally lies with the New York Yankees. Need advice on fantasy sports? I'm your guy. I will post news on topics that you want, when you want. Also, in the upcoming weeks, I will post news on the fantasy baseball leagues I'm in currently and the high school baseball team I'm on. Look forward to hearing some responses. Have a nice day.