The Lockout

Hockey preseason should have started by now. Minnesotans like myself would have anxiously been watching the play of the newest Wild players, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. It was going to be an exciting season. That is right I said WAS. September 15th came and their was no Collective Bargaining agreement between the players and the owners so the owners locked the players out. No practice and so far no preseason.

It is very disappointing to hear two groups of people making millions of dollars complain that they don't have enough. If they can't figure it out maybe than can give me some of the money. Maybe they can get President Obama involved since President Obama wants to tax the rich maybe he can just tell both sides to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Oh wait! President Obama won't do that because he doesn't even share his wealth. He is too busy taxing every one to coffer his own agenda to really care about any one else.

The way I see the lockout is that the owners have every right to make as much money as they can. It is America and Canada where capitalism is king (or should be). Plus it isn't like the players are hurting for money. In fact here is a quote from Minnesota's recent millionaire Zach Parise.

"They are boasting how well the league is doing and how they've grown millions of dollars," says Wild Forward Zach Parise. "Then last time they come and say we need 24 percent off your salary and now they are going to do it again. After a while how much do you want us to cover for their mistakes?"

He just signed a 98 million dollar contract. That doesn't sound like a pay cut to me. I love sports and enjoy watching them but I am tired of the cry baby players whining that they don't have enough money and even the minimum amount in most sports are well over the amount I make, and I have my MBA. Most of the players can barely give a competent interview.

Then there are the owners making millions of dollars in other ventures and then whine and complain to the state or community that they need a new facility built or they may have to leave.

Why don't the player and the owners just SHUT UP play the game and let the fans enjoy watching without all of this politics.

Pennant Races

September is a time for crisp cool air, back to school, football and of course baseball pennant races. With the introduction of one more wildcard team it has opened the door for more and more races. The usual suspects are still in the races but we have some newcomers this year.

If you live in Baltimore baseball is relevant in September again. If you live in the DC area (I know, Baltimore and DC are only a tobacco spit away from each other) you probably weren't alive the last time Washington was in a pennant race. Then there are the no name kids from Oakland playing moneyball again knocking on the door of a wildcard birth.

What are some intriguing World Series match-ups?

Baltimore vs Washington - Wouldn't that be interesting in a year when Obama and Romney are battling for the nations capital.

How about another bay battle San Francisco vs Oakland, minus the earthquake this time.

Could Texas do it for the third straight year. Are the Reds ready to create a new "Big Red Machine" and are the Chicago southsiders ready to unleash more homeruns in the post season. Never forget the Bronx Bombers. Of course I can't forget the defending champs St Louis and there is always Atlanta and the pitching of Tampa.

Who is your favorite? What match-up would you like to see?

Opening Weekend

Apart from Wednesday's kickoff game between the Giants and the Cowboys, Sunday marks the opening games to the NFL season. I am going to complete my predictions for each division. I have already looked at the NFC East, North and West. Today I will finish off the rest of them.

NFC South                                   AFC South
Atlanta                                           Houston
New Orleans                                  Tennessee
Carolina                                          Indianapolis
Tampa Bay                                     Jacksonville

AFC East                                       AFC North                                   AFC West
New England                                 Pittsburgh                                     Denver
Buffalo                                           Baltimore                                     Oakland
New York                                       Cleveland                                     San Diego
Miami                                             Cincinnati                                     Kansas City

I would love to see your predictions. As the season progresses I will tell you who I think will be in the playoffs and the Superbowl.