Author Archives: dyslecix

February 25, 2010

Doin Work’s 2010 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft

By dyslecix

Alright fantasy fans, we’ve are proud to say that we’ve now completed our cycle of fantasy sports here at Doin Work. We had a mock football, basketball, and now we’ve done baseball. I guess we could do one for Hockey and Golf, but seriously, I doubt there’s much interest from the fantasy community for either of them. As always, we had a 12 team mock, with people writing a little bit on why they picked the player they did, and in some cases why the already regret picking them! With out further ado here’s the first three rounds of the draft!

1) Matt La Porta Potties – Albert Pujols (Cardinals)

HELLO  #1 PICK!!! I can’t remember the last time there has been a more straight forward #1 pick in a fantasy draft?!? Matt La Porta is going to be shitting on some Potties for sure this season. The only downside now is waiting two full rounds to pick again.

2) Huff Huff Pass – Hanley Ramirez (Marlins)

Tough to NOT pick Han Ram. Sure he might be considered weak when it comes to pain tolerance by his teammates, but that doesn’t effect any of his play when he’s out on the field. He’s a 30HR/30Steal/100Run/100RBI guy, so it’s tough to find any reason not to take him. Oh yeah, and he’s a shortstop that’s usually in the race for a batting title too! Shortstop was my weakest position last year, so I decided to sure that position up right off the bat this season…

3) Who Creamed in My Clear – Chase Utley (Phillies)

This was a tough choice for me, A-Rod and Miguel Cabrera were hard to pass up. In the end I’ve decided to go with the player that has won me two previous championships. Locking up a 2nd baseman who’s production is so prolific is a valuable early draft piece to have. There will be plenty of other players at corner positions and in the out field to pick up later on down the road.

4) Triple Hawpes Brewed – Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)

I really hate the Yankees, and dislike A-Rod to the extent that I probably wouldn’t mind if he got hurt. If there’s a guy in the league that is as feared as Pujols, I’d say A-Roid fits that mold. He’s hit 30 HR’s and 100 RBI’s in 12 consecutive seasons, so no reason to think he’ll slow down batting in the middle of the most feared lineup in the big leagues.

5) Blue Va-Jay-Jays – Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)

Ummmmm…..When I saw I had the fifth pick I immediately wrote down Chase Utley and A-rod, and by god they went three and four right in front of me. Miguel is essentially a panic pick based on me looking at a million possible picks right up to time expiring. Longoria, Braun, and Kemp  got long looks right up before I hit the “Draft” button. From a talent stand point, I probably got the best player on the board, not much to complain about really.

6) I need TP for my Pujols – Prince Fielder (Brewers)

Prince killed me every time I played him last year. I think he hit 40 of his 46 home runs when he was playing me in this head to head league. Seriously though, Prince is a one man wrecking crew, and he is just turning 25 years young. He looks like he could be an MVP contender for years to come. Even though there’s a lot of 1B that can put up comparable numbers, I sided with him because he killed me every time I was against him, and if you can’t beat him pick him!

7) Kinsler’s List – Ryan Braun (Brewers)

Bamm, I was hoping Braun would still be here. He’s a dynamic young power producer and I was hoping he’d be here instead of kemp. Alas, they were both still available making my decision even more simple. Getting a power outfielder is a great pick, there is so much power available in later rounds to build off, I’m just happy I got my guy. I’ve seen in happen in other drafts, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed that Ryan Howard makes it back to me. If these league values pitching I’ll have a chance.

#8 Lawn Mauers – Joe Mauer (Twins)

League wide I’m known for picking my hometown Minnesota players too early in drafts, and since I never seem to do all THAT great in the leagues why not change my strategy you ask? I’d much rather draft a guy I like earlier than I should instead of drafting a guy that I want to see fail in non-fantasy situations. I LOVE Mauer, and pray that we sign him to a long term deal. He’s easily the best catcher in the league, and will be producing at a spot that it’s hard to find good production at!

9) The Uggla Truth – Evan Longoria (Rays)

Lincy or Longoria? Lincy or Longoria? Lincy or Longoria? Lincy or Longoria? Lincy or Longoria? Honestly, I took a shot of Jack, flipped a coin, and landed with heads. Longoria it was. Thanks Mr. Daniels for making my pick a tad easier.

10) Keeping up with the Kouzmanoffs – Mark Texiera (Yankees)

Tex went invisible in the playoffs, but maybe it was because he was nervous in his first year with the Yankee playoff spotlight. I don’t see any reason for him to struggle during the regular season. Sitting in the heart of the order in the best lineup in the bigs he will put up huge numbers.

11) The Good,The Bad,And The Utley – Tim Lincecum (Giants)

Wow, okay so I hate taking pitchers early in drafts. I love building from the infield and then out, and tackling pitching last. I’m also an avid believe in streaming. Seeing Lincecum here so late, I couldn’t pass on the value. This has totally shaken up my draft strategy, but will see what happens, I also feel very good knowing I’d have a ton of trade partners with other owners in this league.

12) Mound Rubbers – Ryan Howard (Phillies)

There are no sure things in baseball, but Howard is pretty close. He’s smacked 45 or more homers in the last four straight seasons, and I doubt he’ll slow down anytime soon residing in a very hitter friendly lineup and park. I’m not sure how I got screwed with the last pick this year. I finished second to last in the standings and still have the disadvantage of picking last. Screw you random pick generator!

2ND ROUND Continue reading

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Mock Drafts, Sports

February 11, 2010

Lincy Wants More: E-Mail Thread

By dyslecix

Tim Lincecum, the two time Cy Young Award winner, is going to be arbitration eligible for the first time in his career. He obviously deserves to get paid, and there really isn’t any reason for him NOT to demand boat loads of money. The Giants wanted to give him $8 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility, but Lincy’s camp wants around $13 million. We debated in an e-mail chain what the Giants should do. We had someone that isn’t a part of Doin Work crew, but is a huge fan Giants fan, and is under the name Lincy Lover.

Lincy Lover: They should give him $40 plus million, in essence buying out his arbitration, and move on.

Cali4Dre: I’m curious what the Linecum’s team countered with when they say over $40M…

Lincy Lover: It’s really a matter of what the 2 years after this one are worth, since he’s not getting a dime more than $13m this year, no matter how things shake out.

Cali4Dre: If Lincy wants 3yrs/40M, I think the G’s should offer $80M over 6 years and be done with it…  Maybe that would meet his expectations, and they could sign him long-term all at once (at a discount in the latter years)

Lincy Lover: That’s less money than Felix and Verlander got, so it’d have to be more like 6 yrs. for $90m, but I like where you’re going with his contract…

Cali4Dre: I realize it’s less money than the other contracts, but the G’s need to at least be diligent in their pursuit of the best deal possible, which it seems they are doing by going to arbitration, otherwise they would have already made a better offer…  and do we really think the Verlander/Felix contracts will have a huge say in the outcome of Lincy’s hearing?  Tough to say…

Dyslecix: Would this already be done if Zito wasn’t on the books ($90M plus over 6 years)? I’m going to say yes, the Felix and Verlander contracts have a huge impact on Lincy’s deal.

Cali4Dre: Ah, Barry Zito’s contract… The gift that keeps on giving (headaches that is) Well, based on ML experience, both have been in the league longer than Lincy, so it’s not a perfect match for the situation.  The thing that makes the difference is the CY’s (ie. multiple)

Lincy Lover: I’m guessing it would be more if Zito wasn’t in play, but yes, it becomes a no-brainer if Zito’s not in the mix. Zito’s deal is also a problem because his contract is heavily back-loaded, so as Timmy makes more, so does Barry. I don’t see it as huge for the hearing, but if those contracts (along with Zito) are a baseline for any long-term negotiations.

Dyslecix: I’ve been reading a lot more SI of late…and saw this last week… I think the main point is the market has been set by those two, and Lincy, with his two Cy Young Awards, has all of the leverage at the table. I see that being the biggest thing.

Cali4Dre: I think besides the two Cy Young Awards, maybe a major piece but not the only one, you would also have to look at years in ML (3 to 5-JV and 5-FH) and starting point of their first year.  For JV and FH, according to your article, it was only $7M in year one… He’s in arbitration year one with the Giants offering $8M and Timmy asking for $13M.

Lincy Lover: The reasoning to lock him up now is to hopefully save money down the road, when he could hit the open market and be too expensive to keep, but you’re right, they don’t really have to do anything for 3 years.

Dyslecix: If they wait, his value will only increase….He’s a super star, and will only get better. Lock him up now at whatever the cost.

Cali4Dre: Wouldn’t they just keep going back to arbitration though, with Timmy probably winning it every year?  Might as well have more certainty, and less ill will with your Star… What would it cost the Giants to just waive Zito?  I assume a lot, but not all of the money is guaranteed obviously…

Dyslecix: Interesting…I thought all of Zito’s contract was straight up guaranteed. I heard them going on and on about this a while back when he was shitting on the mound every 5 days, and were discussing waiving him. It’s been forever since I heard that though…

Lincy Lover: Right. Any long term deal is basically buying out his arbitration and pushing back his free agency, but it seems like the Giants are going to be very careful with any hearings and stick to numbers and precedent, so not sure how much ill will can build up. All money in baseball is gauranteed, and zito’s due about $83m over the next 4 years, and i think there’s even an option for another year that the giants would buy out for $7m. f-me.


1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Sports

December 18, 2009

Bored? Watch Some Vintage MJ!

By dyslecix

We all remember this game, 92′ NBA Finals, Game 5 and Jordan’s unreal 1st half. After scorching Clyde the Glyde and company for 32 pts in the first 23 minutes of the first half, MJ nails another 3 pointer and can only turn and shrug to the NBC announcers. Easily the best half of basket ball I have ever seen from any player, hands down.

Sit back and enjoy for the next few minutes!

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Sports

December 11, 2009

Is Chelsea FC Beginning to Crumble?

By dyslecix

 If you’ve read this blog on a regular basis, you’ll know I’m the resident soccer fan here, and an ardent supporter of Chelsea FC. Last years second half collapse in the EPL, followed by our shocking exit from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona was a tough 3 months for Blues fans to endure.  Before the offseason had even really begun, Chelsea’s swoop of Carlo Ancelotti seemed like the perfect transition from Guus Hiddink…With Manchester United loosing Ronaldo and Tevez the stage seemed relatively set for Chelsea to reclaim its title as the best team in England.

 Fast-forward to December 1st , after four months of results, Chelsea fans were bullish that the season was shaping up to be one of the most successful in club history. Easy Champions League qualifications and massive wins over Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal made Chelsea seem almost invincible. Two weeks later Chelsea head into……..(shall I really say it? Okay here it goes)…..a must win game against Everton to stem the tide of three miserable results. A 3-3 tie with Blackburn, a 2-1 loss to Manchester City, and a hapless high scoring 2-2 draw at home against Apoel Nicosia was a flood  of goals and equally bad results. Is this the opening for Manchester United was waiting to exploit? Is the loss of form a flash back to the rein of Luiz Felipe Scolari and his sudden turn of fortune in 2007?

 Sure maybe I’m totally panicking for no reason, three games in a row in such a long season is nothing, right? I’m not so sure……..

 I’ll argue that this weekends match against Everton is a must win affair not because three points are simply at stake, but because Chelsea’s next 7 EPL opponents are equally as bad if not worse (Burnley, Portsmouth, Hull, Birmingham twice, Sunderland, West Ham). Getting three points this Saturday sets up a run of opponents we should being taking maximum points from, dropping points at the start to a depleted Everton team would make it officia, Chelsea are in trouble.

 In the end however, Look for Chelsea to win 3-0 this Saturday, as well as take 25 points out of a possible 27 over there next 9 games…..United better be spot on…Chelsea aren’t going anywhere!

4 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Sports

October 20, 2009

Karaoke Performance Gone Wrong

By dyslecix

Holy s**t what is going on here? I was horrified watching this god awful performance, but yet couldn’t take my eyes off it. This was one of the most perplexing four minutes of my life…hell I had to even go back and watch this again in attempt to really comprehend the subtitles that were flashing across the screen at me.

I need a stiff drink.

3 Comments   |  tags: , , | posted in Music, Random

October 5, 2009

Miguel Cabrera – And the Depressing 911 Call

By dyslecix

Miguel Cabrera bruised faceBy now you’ve most likely heard about Miguel Cabrera’s domestic altercation over the weekend…Which resulted in him showing up to the ballpark with a large and very visible scratch across his face. Now, the focus of the story will shift to Tuesday, and whether he plays in the Tigers biggest game of the year against the Twins. Jim Leyland and the Tigers are clearly in a no win situation either way they play it.

http://apps.detnews.com/apps/multimedia/player/index.php?id=3843

The audio is depressing.

Will also be siding with Paul Morosi on this story as well.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10172076/For-Cabrera,-one-bad-scratch-deserves-another

4 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Sports

October 1, 2009

Doin Work Thanks You!!

By dyslecix

Everybody here at Doin Work would like to thank our readers for their time and continued effort to stop by the site. This afternoon at 4:05 Pacific time we achieved a pretty sweet milestone of 10,000 views, which in the greater scheme of things is small potatoes to some, but massive to others in the blogosphere. Either way were stoked!

Future improvements to the site will include exapansionof more indepth discussion on sports (I’ll be picking up some steam with the NBA), breaking news stories about AAA Rivercat baseball players, the inside scoop on USF Dons Men’s basketball, scandals at Bank of America, and whatever Chappy drums up with the assistance of our favorite and most loyal reader Alan Parkins, who “drops” by regularly. Thanks again and see you at 20,000 views soon!

The Doin Work Crew –

5 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Sports

September 25, 2009

English Premier League Weekend Predictions

By dyslecix

Portsmouth vs. Everton

When Soccernet of all publications, is breaking stories about you and labeling your club “in disarray, crisis stricken, being on the brink of bankruptcy,” you know things can’t get much worse. Despite a recent takeover, Portsmouth would appear to be on the cusp of extinction in some various form or another. These internal club issues never equate to a settled locker room, and you can be sure David Moyes and company are looking to take full advantage, and snap up 3 points at Fratton Park. Everton come into this game having finally found there footing in recent matches , while Portsmouth are deseverldy at the bottom of the EPL.

Everton 3 – Pompey 0

 

 Blackburn Rovers vs. Aston Villa

 Although the Premier League season has just begun, Blackburn can’t be happy with the start they have made. Rover’s will be remiss to have only 4 points to date, and stuck in 18th. Villa meanwhile, with European ambitions squarely on there radar for them this season should so far be content with 12 points sitting in 5th.  With a Healthy Heskey and Ashley Cole returning from injury, Villa will be expecting 3 more points from this game, but a road game at Ewood Park is never easy.

 Villa 2 – Blackburn 1

 Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley

 Spurs hot start to the season should leave many fans exited about the prospects of European football . However, to accomplish anything of the sort this season, Tottenham must win games like this against bottom half clubs. Burnley, whose early season highlight was a shock win over Manchester United, must right the ship when playing on the road. There form is dour when traveling, and they are still looking for a point away from home. With question marks surrounding Tottenhams backline, Burnley may have a chance to sneak out a result.

 Spurs 1 – Burnley 1

 

 Birmingham City vs. Bolton Wanderers

hottiefootiebabes_99157Birmingham always faced an uphill battle to stave off relegation this season, and a quick 7 points to start the season should give ample hope to City fans that reaching the all important 40pts is achievable. Bolton meanwhile may finally be facing the relegation dance they’ve been lucky to avoid in seasons past. I’ve always believed Bolton have over achieved in past campaigns, and avoiding relegation issues with the type of talent they put out on the pitch has been an accomplishment byself.  I think this is there season of reckoning.   

 Birmingham 1 – Bolton 0

 Wigan Athletic vs. Chelsea

 Wigan’s early season results can be described as lifeless at best. A horrific loss to Wolves, a beat down by Manchester United, a comprehensive Carling Cup loss to Championship side Blackpool, and another drubbing at the hands of Arsenal will not leave Wigan in the best of moods witch Chelsea coming to town. The Blues sport a maximum 18 points, with a crisp flowing form that should lend itself to an easy victory. Having said that, it was games like this that derailed Chelseas title push last year and Carlo Ancellotti will be looking to avoid any similar slip ups. A missing Drogba should have little impact on the outcome of this match. 

Chelsea 2 – Wigan 0

 Fulham vs. Arsenal

My upset pick of the week (yeah maybe I’m crazy), and a match I just have a hunch about. Arsenal love to impress and leave you depressed on any given match day. With a London derby at hand, I have a sneaking feeling Fulham get a result. Such a feeling runs completely counter to the form that each club has going at the moment, so I may look foolish for this. Arsenal lead the league in goals scored, and  Fulham have been struggling to find any consistent goal scorer. Shock result or not, this isn’t going to be any sort of classic.

Fulham 2 – Arsenal 1

Stoke City vs. Manchester United

 Recent reinforcements not withstanding, Stoke face a massive test with Manchester United coming to town. Stoke fans should have little optimism about getting any sort of result from this matchup, and maybe just be happy to avoid it getting out of hand. It won’t help that the Trotters will be without there starting front two of Fuller and Beattie who are out with ankle injuries. United coming off a spectacular Manchester derby, will be looking to get out of the gates early, and take the game to the opposition. This is over in the first 30 minutes.

 United 4 – Stoke 1

 

Manchester City vs. West Ham

A question that has been asked a million times, and one that is so interesting its worth mentioning a million more is ‘what are City going to do when there 6 strikers are healthy’? The number of 1st team forwards is crazyand by my count  five of them will  fully expect to be starting each week. Yikes! Anyhow, on to the game at hand. I wish I could go out on a limb and pick West Ham to get a result of some kind in this math. But alas, I just don’t see anything of the sort happening. City boast far too much class in midfield, and upfront with Bellamy and Tevez for West Ham to cope. Zola who spent much of the off season looking for reinforcements on a shoe string budget and was rather unsuccessful in the process. That failure is starting showing  with results on the pitch.  

Manchester City 3 – West Ham 1

 

Liverpool vs. Hull City

 Snooze alert…..snooze alert! I don’t know what it is about this matchup but this just reeks of a dour game for some reason. American football fans will take interest however with Jozy Altidore playing up front for Hull. U.S. fans having been hoping for more young Americans like Jozy to get world exposure and 1st team playing time against top European clubs, and this is a unique opportunity to watch just that. Hull unfortunately, doesn’t offer up much more to watch.  Liverpool will be looking to take an easy 3 points in this game. It must said however, is anything easy for Liverpool though these days? Something tells me a ultra defensive Hull makes this a boring game to watch.

 Liverpool 1 – Hull 0

 Sunderland vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wow, how little do I care about this one….?

Sunderland 3 – Wolves 1

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Sports

September 22, 2009

Michael Jordan at 46 Still Has Game

By dyslecix

This clip has been popping up in various places around the web for a bit, with MJ’s recent Hall of Fame speech making headlines, I thought it appropriate to put some context behind those words. Simply put, the man is a KILLER on the basketball court, and he said as much in his induction speech. Take this video of Michael at his Flight School in Santa Barbara, a little innocent smack talk with Slamball super star (is that an oxymoron?) Chris “The Ghetto Bird” Young, leads to a standing reverse dunk, in jeans no less, followed by a quick one on one beat down. If he had to rip your throat out on the court to get a W he wouldn’t blink to do it. Maybe stodgy reporters like Rick Reilly can hate on Jordan these days, but sports fans in the trenches like us will give him is due anytime….Well played MJ shutting up that young buck.  

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Sports

September 14, 2009

Four Quarters of Bad, Produces 30 Seconds of Awesome

By dyslecix

     Kyle Orton and Brandon Stokely conjured up the play of the day (and luckiest) in the NFL on Sunday. If you were unlucky enough to actually watch the game in its entirety likes yours truly, its painfully obvious that the Broncos and Bangels are NFL nonfactors this year. Disjointed offenses and boring broken drives were the theme of day. Thankfully with 30 seconds left Gus Johnson was able to save the day with his call.

3 Comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Sports

September 2, 2009

Another Doin Work Knock Out

By dyslecix

What the hell is it with boxers and the pre fight stare down, followed one of them going in for the kiss? Holy crap, if I got into a stare down with a dude in a pickup basketball game the last thing on my mind would be trying to kissing the guy! By the way, can we even say the dude threw a punch here? I’m going to call this a savage girly slap. Which might I add, if you can’t take, maybe you should be in a different line of work, you obviously weren’t ready to do real battle.

2 Comments   |  tags: , , | posted in Sports

September 1, 2009

Spreading the Gospel of Brett Favre Hate

By dyslecix

     We here at Doin-Work would like to spread the word of the gospel. No, this isn’t religious website; we didn’t sell out and join a Christian blog network overnight. The greater gospel that we speak of is sports, and divine right to hate the notorious d-bags who play the GAMES we love. With that in mind we would like to post Brett Favre’s serious p**sy chop block last night in the Vikings PRESEASON game against the Texans. You’ve probably already seen this by now, but this post is intended to make sure the gospel of Brett Favre’s “douchieness” is spread far and wide.

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Sports

August 26, 2009

What’s Wrong with Liverpool?

By dyslecix

Two weeks into the new Premier League season: One win, two losses, five goals scored, six conceded, & three measly points. A start like that is enough to shake the confidence of the stoutest of Liverpool fans. After last seasons flirtation with an EPL title, Liverpool seemed poised to take the last step to the top of English football, thus far it’s been two very big steps back.

In the two losses against Tottenham and Aston Villa, Liverpool lacked cohesion and confidence that has been a trade mark of their football most notably seen in Europe under Rafa. Strong commitment, pressure on the ball, creativity moving up the pitch, and confidence in the back has been lacking. Its usual stars not withstanding, Pool have been bleak. The two most note worthy suspects who would seem to encompass all of Liverpool’s ills are Lucas and Martin Skertel. In three games since taking over for Alonso in the middle of the park, Lucas has tallied up more own goals then Goals scored and assists combined….he also leads the squad in fouls committed, the most notorious of which lead to an immediate own goal of his . Skertel meanwhile he been devoid of any presence in the back, slow of place, heavy touches and lack of positioning has been noticeable. Monday’s loss to Aston Villa however was a team effort, far to many passes were errant, set piece marking was horrendous by all, even Steven Gerrard chipped in with a clumsy challenge that was an easy penalty call.

It’s far too early for Rafa and company to sound the alarm, Liverpool has three very winnable games ahead of them, nine  points against Bolton, Burnley, and West Ham would quickly right the ship. But a quick return to the basics is needed, a solidifying of tactics, and some defensive touch ups maybe all that is needed.

The margin for error however is getting smaller by the week.

3 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Sports

August 13, 2009

Lescott on the Move? We’ve got the Fee!

By dyslecix

     $15 Million? $18 Million? Neither was enough to make Everton blink. So what figure DOES makes Moyes and company cave in and sell Joleon Lescott to Manchester City in the coming week? Honestly I think the amount is pretty simple, $25 Million pounds. Throw that hugo mass of money at Everton and be done with the entire saga in a matter of hours. Think about it, at this point money isn’t an issue of any kind for City, Lescott himself has been totally unsettled with the thought of his wages being doubled over night, and David Moyes would have enormous freedom for future transfers for several years. At $25 Million both sides get what they want, Joleon becomes more like “Jorich” and we can all move on, and ready ourselves for the kick off to the new season Saturday. Anybody taking bets on what the transfer fee ends up being?

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August 10, 2009

Five Burning English Premier League Questions:

By dyslecix

With less then a week remaining before the start of the new English Premier League season, I figured there is no better time to throw some questions out on the table to discuss. It’s been some time since the EPL has had so many different story lines taking place all at one time, and mainly concerning transfer activity. And for once teams seemingly are downgrading  (maybe staying stagnate at best) instead of upgrading with new talent (minus Manchester City of course).

Question # 1: Who is the front runner to win the Premier League this season?

Currently I don’t see a change to the top three clubs of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. All three teams have either stood pat, or have had to accept unreal transfer bids for a few of there star players (Ronaldo, Alonso, and Tevez being the most prominent names). One thing we are not accustomed to seeing are these three giants of the Premier League not being active buyers on the transfer market. Manchester United has made some small purchases but nothing you would consider extremely note worthy, and Chelsea’s lone purchase of Yuri Zhirkov only figures to be a squad player at this point. None the less, the essence of each squad is still fully in tact and a United, Chelsea, Pool finish in that order seems to be in the cards yet again this season.

Question # 2: What will Manchester City accomplish this year?

Win the FA Cup? Win the League Cup? Something tells me those two competitions aren’t on the radar….Having spent well over 100 million pounds in the transfer market and scooping up such well know players such as Gareth Barry, Kolo Toure, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez, and Adebayor, Manchester City’s single and massively important target this season is to displace one of the big four, and qualify for the Champions League. Anything less will certainly been seen as a total failure, and cost manger Mark Hughes his job in the process. Now the real question, can they do it? Initially, my impression is no. Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham all seem to be improving clubs that should provide ample road blocks to City’s quest. Arsenal, although not active in the transfer market still holds the majority of its young squad in tact, and maybe most importantly still has Arsene Wenger at the helm. Manchester City’s transfer activity can’t be underestimated however,if that squad gels early in the season, and Hughes keeps his players happy with playing time, Arsenal could be the odd team out heading into next seasons Champions League draw…….Only time will tell.

Question #3: Can Chelsea win the Premier League this season?

(First off, a small confession here before I go on any further. I’m a life long Chelsea fan, and must disclose my bias to anybody reading this before hand!)

Of course they can, why not? United hasn’t gotten any better, and Liverpool seems to be unloading more of their stars with each passing day (and getting richer in the process). Meanwhile Chelsea by and large has stood pat, content to roll into next season with the same squad, a fact that I believe to be very understated heading into the season.  A healthy Ricardo Carvalho will also feel like a new transfer after his injury plagued campaign last season (and stop you’re bitching were not selling you to Inter this season).  Additionally, judging by the early preseason tour in the United States, Carlos Ancelotti has made a seamless transition at the club. Ancelotti is a master tactician, which will be essential in the battle to over haul a confident United squad. In the end however, I believe Chelsea will most likely come up short. It’s been well documented that Roman Abramovich’s single most important goal for Chelsea is too finally (and Chelsea fans understand the word FINALLY) win the Champions League. I have a sneaking suspicion that ultimately, this quest for European glory will cost Chelsea something domestically in the process.

Question # 4: Who makes the relegation radar to start the EPL season?

Early season favorites for relegation in the Premier League are always the three teams coming up from the Championship. I don’t think many people could make a convincing case for Wolves, Burnley, or Birmingham to stay up before a ball has even been kicked this season. Stoke City and Hull have also done little this summer to convince me that the cross hairs of the drop aren’t centered squarely on them. A few other surprise contenders make my list for relegation watch: Portsmouth and Bolton. With Portsmouth in “sell for survival” mode with their entire squad, they seem to be an ideal candidate heading into the new season. I don’t know what to say about Bolton, every year I feel like the talent they run out on the pitch should get them relegated. But some how they find ways to grind out results, get their 40 plus golden pts, and escape.

Question #5: Who will be the biggest surprise in the EPL this season?

I know Tottenham is considered one of the bigger clubs in England; however recent results in the league have been anything but impressive. Last year’s flirtation with relegation in the beginning of the season being perhaps the most illustrative. With Harry Rednapp in firm control at White Hart Lane, and several miscast characters exiting late last yearand during the summer I have a feeling this might be a good year for the Spurs. So, what would qualify as a major surprise for this club? I’ll go on record and predict a 6th place finish, and a return to Europe.

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