Thursday, April 30, 2009

NBA Playoffs (2nd Round)

I know that the second round isn't completely determined yet, but they have already announced a Sunday game time for the first game of the Nuggets/Mavericks series. I wanted to get these posted as soon as I could so I am going to go ahead and post. I will add to this as more matchups are set. You can wait until Sunday and give me one giant prediction or give me predictions as first round series finish and pairings become official.

Eastern Conference (2 points series winner/2 points number of games)

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks

Actual Result: Cavaliers 4-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Kubatski: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Marty: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
McClain: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Cavaliers 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Cavaliers 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Cleveland 4-1 (2pts)
Ryan G: Cavaliers 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)


(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Orlando Magic

Actual Result: Magic 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Magic 4-3 (4pts)
Marty: Magic 4-3 (4pts)
McClain: NONE (-1pt)
Murray: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Magic 4-3 (4pts)
Princess G: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Magic 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Celtics 4-3 (0pts)
Scott: Celtics 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Magic 4-2 (2pts)


Western Conference (2 points series winner/2 points number of games)

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

Actual Result: Lakers 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: Lakers 4-0 (2pts)
Kubatski: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)
Princess G: Lakers 4-3 (4pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)
Scott: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Lakers 4-1 (2pts)


(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

Actual Result: Nuggets 4-1
Predictions:
Carmen: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Marty: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
McClain: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Murray: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Ryan G: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Scott: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

NHL Playoffs (2nd Round)

The second round matchups are official. The games start soon. The first series starts this Thursday (tomorrow as I post this) at 9:00 so that will be the deadline.

Again, tell me who will win the series (2 points) and in how many games (2 bonus points).

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Actual Result
Predictions:
Carmen: Hurricanes 4-3 (4pts)
Jeff: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Kubatski: Bruins 4-3 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Marty: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
McClain: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Murray: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Paulie: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Princess G: Bruins 4-1 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Ryan G: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Scott: Bruins 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: Bruins 4-1
(0pts)

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Actual Result: Penguins 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Penguins 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Kubatski: Capitals 4-3 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Capitals 4-3 (0pts)
Marty: Capitals 4-3 (0pts)
McClain: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Murray: Penguins 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Princess G: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Capitals 4-2 (0pts)
Ryan G: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Scott: Penguins 4-3 (4pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Penguins 4-3
(4pts)

Western Conference

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Actual Result: Red Wings 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Kubatski: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Red Wings 4-2
(2pts)

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

Actual Result: Blackhawks 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Jeff: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Kubatski: Canucks 4-3 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Canucks 4-2 (0pts)
Marty: Canucks 4-2 (0pts)
McClain: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Murray: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Paulie: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Princess G: Canucks 4-3 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Canucks 4-2 (0pts)
Ryan G: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Scott: Canucks 4-1 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Blackhawks 4-3
(2pts)

Monday, April 27, 2009

Kentucky Derby

The Derby is Saturday, May 2nd at 5:00. I will try very hard to be home to watch it and post predictions right before post time.

What I need you to predict is win-place-show.

Post positions and odds can be found at this link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown09/news/story?id=4111244

Points:

15 points - 3, exactly right
10 points - 2, exactly right
9 points - 3 finishers, 1 exact
7 points - 2 finishers, 1 exact
6 points - 3 finishers, wrong spots
5 points - 1, exactly right
4 points - 2 finishers, wrong spots
2 points - 1 finisher, wrong spot

This is the same as the NASCAR point distribution from Daytona.

Actual Results: (1) Mine That Bird, (2) Pioneerof the Nile, (3) Musket Man
Predictions:
Carmen: (1) Friesan Fire, (2) Dunkirk, (3) Desert Party (0pts)
Jeff: (1) Pioneerof the Nile, (2) Hold Me Back, (3) Papa Clem (2pts)
Kubatski: (1) Dunkirk, (2) Hold Me Back, (3) Desert Party (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: (1) Dunkirk, (2) Friesan Fire, (3) Pioneerof the Nile (2pts)
Marty: (1) Friesan Fire, (2) Dunkirk, (3) Pioneerof the Nile (2pts)
McClain: (1) Dunkirk, (2) Friesan Fire, (3) General Quarters (0pts)
Murray: (1) Friesan Fire, (2) Pioneerof the Nile, (3) Dunkirk (5pts)
Paulie: (1) Friesan Fire, (2) Papa Clem, (3) Dunkirk (0pts)
Princess G: (1) Dunkirk, (2) Friesan Fire, (3) Pioneerof the Nile (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: (1) Friesan Fire, (2) Pioneerof the Nile, (3) Papa Clem (5pts)
Ryan G: (1) Pioneerof the Nile, (2) I Want Revenge, (3) Friesan Fire (2pts)
Scott: (1) Hold Me Back, (2) Friesan Fire, (3) Pioneerof the Nile (2pts)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: (1) Dunkirk, (2) I Want Revenge, (3) Mr. Hot Stuff
(0pts)

MLB Weekend Series (May 1-3)

New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies

**Due to the rain out of Sunday's rubber game between the Mets and Phillies, no points will be awarded for the series.

Predictions:
Carmen: Phillies 2-1
Jeff: Phillies 2-1
Kubatski: Phillies 2-1
Kubatski Sr: Mets 2-1
Marty: Mets 2-1
McClain: Phillies 2-1
Murray: Mets 2-1
Paulie: Phillies 2-1
Princess G: Mets 2-1
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Mets 2-1
Ryan G: Mets 2-1
Scott: Phillies 2-1
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: Phillies 2-1


Projected Starters
Friday - Mets 7-4
Saturday - Phillies 6-5
Sunday - Potsponed

Monday, April 20, 2009

NFL Draft

The draft starts Saturday at 3:30. The consensus from the suggestions that I received are that we predict the first 10 picks. There were a few scoring options but this is what I've got. 1 point for getting the first pick correct, 2 for getting the second pick correct, 3 for the third and so on. You stop getting points when you miss a pick.

What you are predicting is the player and the position in which they will be drafted. If any trades happen within the top 10, we are all stuck.

The current draft order looks like this.

1. Detroit Lions
2. Saint Louis Rams
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Seattle Seahawks
5. Cleveland Browns
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. Oakland Raiders
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Green Bay Packers
10. San Francisco 49ers

Actual Picks: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Jackson, (4) Curry, (5) Sanchez, (6) Smith, (7) Heyward-Bey, (8) Monroe, (9) Raji, (10) Crabtree

Predictions:

Carmen: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Jackson, (6) Smith, (7) Maclin, (8) Monroe, (9) Raji, (10) Orakpo (3pts)

Jeff: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Monroe, (5) Crabtree, (6) Smith, (7) Sanchez, (8) Maclin, (9) Raji, (10) Maybin (3pts)

Kubatski: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Jackson, (4) Sanchez, (5) Raji, (6) Crabtree, (7) Monroe, (8) Curry, (9) Orakpo, (10) Smith (6pts)

Kubatski Sr: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Jackson, (6) Smith, (7) Maclin, (8) Monroe, (9) Raji, (10) Crabtree (3pts)

Marty: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Jackson, (4) Sanchez, (5) Curry, (6) Smith, (7) Monroe, (8) Crabtree, (9) Raji, (10) Maclin (6pts)

McClain: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Raji, (6) Monroe, (7) Maclin, (8) Smith, (9) Oher, (10) Jackson (3pts)

Murray: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Sanchez, (4) Crabtree, (5) Curry, (6) Smith, (7) Maclin, (8) Monroe, (9) Jenkins, (10) Maybin (3pts)

Paulie: (1) Stafford, (2) Monroe, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Crabtree, (6) Smith, (7) Maclin, (8) Smith, (9) Jackson, (10) Orakpo (1pt)

Princess G: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Crabtree, (6) Monroe, (7) Maclin, (8) Raji, (9) Smith, (10) Oher (3pts)

Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Jackson, (4) Curry, (5) Raji, (6) Monroe, (7) Crabtree, (8) Sanchez, (9) Orakpo, (10) Maclin (10pts)

Ryan G: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Crabtree, (6) Monroe, (7) Smith, (8) Raji, (9) Maybin, (10) Maclin (3pts)

Scott: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Curry, (4) Sanchez, (5) Raji, (6) Monroe, (7) Maclin, (8) Crabtree, (9) Smith, (10) Oher (3pts)

Wade: (1) Stafford, (2) Smith, (3) Jackson, (4) Sanchez, (5) Curry, (6) Smith, (7) Crabtree, (8) Monroe, (9) Raji, (10) Oher (3pts)

Wild Bill:
NONE (-1pt)

MLB Weekend Series (April 24-26)

I've got two for you this weekend.

New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox

Actual Result: Red Sox 3-0
Predictions:
Carmen: NONE (-1pt)
Jeff: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Kubatski: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Kubatski Sr: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Marty: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
McClain: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Murray: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Paulie: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Princess G: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Ryan G: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Scott: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: Red Sox 2-1 (1pt)


Friday - Red Sox 5-4
Saturday - Red Sox 16-11
Sunday - Red Sox 4-1

All the rumors say that Wang won't pitch on Friday, so keep your eyes peeled for an adjusted rotation for the Yanks.


Chicago Cubs @ Saint Louis Cardinals

Actual Result: Cardinals 2-1
Predictions:
Carmen: NONE
Jeff: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Kubatski: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Marty: Cubs 2-1 (0pts)
McClain: Cubs 2-1 (0pts)
Murray: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Paulie: Cubs 2-1 (0pts)
Princess G: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Ryan G: Cubs 2-1 (0pts)
Scott: Cardinals 2-1 (2pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Cubs 2-1 (0pts)


Friday - Cardinals 4-3
Saturday - Cardinals 8-2
Sunday - Cubs 10-3

Friday, April 17, 2009

NBA Playoffs (1st Round)

This one has another quick turnaround so get ready. The first playoff game is this Saturday at 12:30 so that will be the deadline.

We will score this the same way we are doing the NHL. That means that you need to give me the series score for each of the first round matchups, who will win the East, who will win the West, who will win it all, and which player will be named the Finals MVP.

Eastern Conference: 2 points per series + 2 points for correct series score

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons

Actual Result: Cavaliers 4-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE (-1pt)
Kubatski: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)
Kubatski Sr: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)
Marty: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)
McClain: NONE (-1pt)
Murray: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)
Paulie: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Princess G: Cavaliers 4-0 (4pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Ryan G: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Scott: Cavaliers 4-1 (2pts)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: Cavaliers 4-0
(4pts)

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls

Actual Result: Celtics 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Celtics 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Celtics 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
Marty: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
Paulie: Celtics 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Celtics 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
Scott: Celtics 4-1 (2pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Celtics 4-2
(2pts)

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers

Actual Result: Magic 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Magic 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Magic 4-1 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Magic 4-2 (4pts)
Marty: Magic 4-1 (2pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Magic 4-2 (4pts)
Paulie: Magic 4-1 (2pts)
Princess G: Magic 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Magic 4-3 (2pts)
Ryan G: Magic 4-2 (4pts)
Scott: 76ers 4-3 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Magic 4-1
(2pts)

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat

Actual Result: Hawks 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Heat 4-3 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Hawks 4-3 (4pts)
Kubatski Sr: Heat 4-3 (0pts)
Marty: Hawks 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Heat 4-3 (0pts)
Paulie: Heat 4-3 (0pts)
Princess G: Hawks 4-3 (4pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Hawks 4-3 (4pts)
Ryan G: Hawks 4-3 (4pts)
Scott: Heat 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Hawks 4-2
(2pts)

Western Conference: 2 points per series + 2 points for correct series score

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz

Actual Result: Lakers 4-1
Predictions:
Carmen: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Lakers 4-0 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Marty: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Paulie: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Princess G: Lakers 4-0 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Ryan G: Lakers 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Lakers 4-1 (4pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Lakers 4-1
(4pts)

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets

Actual Result: Nuggets 4-1
Predictions:
Carmen: Hornets 4-2 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Hornets 4-3 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Nuggets 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Nuggets 4-3 (2pts)
Scott: Hornets 4-3 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Nuggets 4-2
(2pts)

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

Actual Result: Mavericks 4-1
Predictions:
Carmen: Spurs 4-3 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Mavericks 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Spurs 4-2 (0pts)
Marty: Mavericks 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Spurs 4-3 (0pts)
Paulie: Spurs 4-3 (0pts)
Princess G: Spurs 4-1 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Spurs 4-3 (0pts)
Ryan G: Spurs 4-2 (0pts)
Scott: Spurs 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Spurs 4-1
(0pts)

(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

Actual Result: Rockets 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Trail Blazers 4-2 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Trail Blazers 4-2 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Trail Blazers 4-3 (0pts)
Marty: Trail Blazers 4-3 (0pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Trail Blazers 4-3 (0pts)
Paulie: Rockets 4-2 (4pts)
Princess G: Rockets 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Trail Blazers 4-2 (0pts)
Ryan G: Rockets 4-3 (2pts)
Scott: Trail Blazers 4-3 (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Rockets 4-3
(2pts)

Eastern Conference Champion: 5 points

Actual Result: Orlando Magic
Predictions:
Carmen: Cavaliers (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Cavaliers (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Cavaliers (0pts)
Marty: Cavaliers (0pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Cavaliers (0pts)
Paulie: Cavaliers (0pts)
Princess G: Cavaliers (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Cavaliers (0pts)
Ryan G: Cavaliers (0pts)
Scott: Cavaliers (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Cavaliers
(0pts)

Western Conference Champion: 5 points

Actual Result: Los Angeles Lakers
Predictions:
Carmen: Lakers (5pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Lakers (5pts)
Kubatski Sr: Lakers (5pts)
Marty: Lakers (5pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Lakers (5pts)
Paulie: Lakers (5pts)
Princess G: Lakers (5pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Lakers (5pts)
Ryan G: Lakers (5pts)
Scott: Lakers (5pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Lakers
(5pts)

NBA Champion: 10 points

Actual Result: Los Angeles Lakers
Predictions:
Carmen: Cavaliers (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Cavaliers (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Lakers (10pts)
Marty: Lakers (10pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: Lakers (10pts)
Paulie: Cavaliers (0pts)
Princess G: Lakers (10pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Lakers (10pts)
Ryan G: Cavaliers (0pts)
Scott: Cavaliers (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: Cavaliers
(0pts)

Finals MVP: 5 points

Actual MVP: Kobe Bryant
Predictions:
Carmen: LeBron James (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: LeBron James (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Kobe Bryant (5pts)
Marty: Kobe Bryant (5pts)
McClain: NONE
Murray: LeBron James (0pts)
Paulie: LeBron James (0pts)
Princess G: Kobe Bryant (5pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Kobe Bryant (5pts)
Ryan G: Kobe Bryant (5pts)
Scott: LeBron James (0pts)
Wade: NONE
Wild Bill: LeBron James
(0pts)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Official Protest

Butters sent this protest after I posted the results from this Sunday's NBA games.

I specifically went to vegasinsiders to pick my score over their spread at 5.5 for the Cavs game because you had not posted at game time. I no longer feel it's fair to post the spread after the predictions have to be in if there is not going to be a standard. I honestly would have put in a different score if your spread had been posted differently. I acknowledge that the spread can change but like a bet in Vegas, if I bet at a certain spread, then I win or lose based on that number. This has happened several times now and its pretty frustrating to try to make picks based on spreads very near game time only to have them be different by the time you post them. Not sure what the solution is other than to post what we are getting for a spread if there is no spread posted on the board when we put our scores in. Grrrrrrrr.....

I particularly like the Grrrrrrr at the the end.

I completely understand the frustration. The problem with vegasinsiders is that they only post the spreads for that day. If you have seen the site the first entry is the opening line in Vegas (probably posted there a few days ahead), but after that they show the current (and in the case of this Sunday the final) lines at particular sportsbooks in Vegas. The line opened at 5.5 and moved to 8.5 at most casinos. I can change back to the opening line. When I have an opportunity to post a spread before tip-off, I try to go with the most recent (and most prevalent) line. My suggestion is that I rescore that particular game with a spread of 5.5 if it helps people and keep it at 8.5 for those that it would hurt. From now on, I will go with the opening line when I use vegasinsiders.

I posted this so that everybody who has feelings either way can comment. If you choose to leave a comment on this post, I will make sure that it gets posted and maybe we can come up with a better system. The good news is that we won't be picking against spreads anymore until football and those lines go up 4 or 5 days in advance.

Kubatski

Comments Received:

From Natalie (a.k.a. Princess G) - I don't care. At this point, Nicklas is making my picks for me. I'm sure he'll do better then I've been doing.

From Marty - I personally based my prediction on the line of 5.5. I don't see a problem using the vegasinsider.com, but at what point are we locking the spreads in. I understand the line changes daily. If we continue to use this website can we lock in a certain day where that day's spread will be used? Not that it matters anymore, because like you said we won't be using spreads for awhile, but for future ideas, maybe not post the game a week in advance. I know you are busy and the prediction league should not run your life or any of ours but maybe on Thursday p.m. lock in the game and spreads. Just a thought. On a side note, I was hoping the rule of thumb was not my favorite team in the playoffs, just the playoffs. It gives me an excuse when Linds tells me to shave.

From McClain - I have been frustrated by this, too. I have to make my predictions several days early on many games due to my work schedule this time of year. So several times I have predicted the winner to cover on the spread I saw only to have that number change and I end up with 1 point instead of 3. I can think of several ways to do this, but each one has flaws. I hate the NBA anyway, so this just helps to solidify my feelings. :)
GO CUBS!! GO BLUES!!

From Butters - First!....well second if you count my original protest. (Nice try Ron)

From Carmen - If Butters would just man up and really try to predict a score; instead of hedging his bets by picking a score just on one side or the other of the spread this wouldn't have been such a big problem. Anybody can pick over or under the spread, but can you predict an actual outcome? It can be frustrating, but I just thought it was all part of this type of thing. Basically, I don't have any solutions, I just wanted to call Butters out for whining...

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Standings (April 12th)

Here are the standings through Sunday, April 12th. It includes everything through today's NBA, the NCAA tournaments, and all of our stellar Master's predictions.


Kubatski: 277
Carmen: 266
Marty: 252
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: 252
Paulie: 242
Murray: 238
Kubatski Sr: 232
Scott: 225
Ryan G: 222
McClain: 221
Princess G: 209
Jeff: 203
Wild Bill: 188
Wade: 161

MLB Weekend Series (April 17-19)

Our first weekend baseball series. We will score this so that you will get one point for correctly predicting who will win the series plus an additional point for correctly predicting how many games each team will win in the series. (Example: Cubs 2 games to 1)

Friday, April 17th - Sunday, April 19th

Los Angeles Angels @ Minnesota Twins

Actual Result: Twins 3-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE (-1pt)
Kubatski: Twins 2-1 (1pt)
Kubatski Sr: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Marty: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
McClain: Twins 2-1 (1pt)
Murray: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Paulie: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Princess G: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Twins 2-1 (1pt)
Ryan G: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Scott: Angels 2-1 (0pts)
Wade: Angels 3-0 (0pts)
Wild Bill:
NONE (-1pt)

Friday: Twins 11 - Angels 9
Saturday: Twins 9 - Angels 2
Sunday: Twins 3 - Angels 1

I think that pitcher who died was scheduled to start one of the weekend games. Keep your eye out on ESPN for the actual starter.

NHL Playoffs (1st Round)

All right. The turnaround on these games is really quick, and I'm assuming that several of you will have to do some research but here it is anyway. The NHL playoffs start this week. The pairings are official as of tonight. Here is what I want from each of you. Tell me who will win each of the eight first round series AND the series outcome. (Example answer: Sharks over Ducks 4 games to 2 games). I also want to know who will win the Eastern Conference, who will win the Western Conference, who will win the Stanley Cup, and finally who will win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP).

Deadline - Several of these series start on Wednesday Night (April 15th)

Eastern Conference Series: 2 points per series + 2 points for correct series score

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (8) Montreal Canadians

Actual Result: Bruins 4-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE (-1pt)
Kubatski: Bruins 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Marty: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
McClain: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Paulie: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Princess G: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Bruins 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Bruins 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Wade: Bruins 4-1 (2pts)
Wild Bill: Bruins 4-0
(4pts)

(2) Washington Capitals vs. (7) New York Rangers

Actual Result: Capitals 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Murray: Capitals 4-1 (2pts)
Paulie: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Capitals 4-1 (2pts)
Ryan G: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Capitals 4-2 (2pts)
Wade: Capitals 4-3 (4pts)
Wild Bill: Capitals 4-2
(2pts)

(3) New Jersey Devils vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

Actual Result: Hurricanes 4-3
Predictions:
Carmen: Hurricanes 4-2 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Devils 4-3 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Hurricanes 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Devils 4-3 (0pts)
McClain: Devils 4-2 (0pts)
Murray: Hurricanes 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Hurricanes 4-3 (4pts)
Princess G: Devils 4-1 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Hurricanes 4-3 (4pts)
Ryan G: Devils 4-3 (0pts)
Scott: Devils 4-1 (0pts)
Wade: Hurricanes 4-3 (4pts)
Wild Bill: Devils 4-2
(0pts)

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers

Actual Result: Penguins 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Penguins 4-2 (4pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Penguins 4-2 (4pts)
Kubatski Sr: Penguins 4-3 (2pts)
Marty: Penguins 4-2 (4pts)
McClain: Penguins 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Penguins 4-2 (4pts)
Paulie: Penguins 4-3 (2pts)
Princess G: Flyers 4-3 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Penguins 4-2 (4pts)
Ryan G: Flyers 4-3 (0pts)
Scott: Flyers 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: Penguins 4-3 (2pts)
Wild Bill: Penguins 4-1
(2pts)

Western Conference Series: 2 points per series + 2 points for correct series score

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

Actual Result: Ducks 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Sharks 4-3 (0pts)
Marty: Ducks 4-3 (2pts)
McClain: Sharks 4-0 (0pts)
Murray: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Paulie: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Princess G: Sharks 4-1 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Sharks 4-1 (0pts)
Ryan G: Sharks 4-0 (0pts)
Scott: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Wade: Sharks 4-2 (0pts)
Wild Bill: Sharks 4-1
(0pts)

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Actual Result: Red Wings 4-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Kubatski Sr: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
McClain: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Murray: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Paulie: Red Wings 4-1 (2pts)
Princess G: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Scott: Red Wings 4-2 (2pts)
Wade: Red Wings 4-3 (2pts)
Wild Bill: Red Wings 4-0
(4pts)

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Saint Louis Blues

Actual Result: Canucks 4-0
Predictions:
Carmen: Canucks 4-3 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Blues 4-3 (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Canucks 4-2 (2pts)
Marty: Canucks 4-2 (2pts)
McClain: Blues 4-3 (0pts)
Murray: Blues 4-3 (0pts)
Paulie: Canucks 4-2 (2pts)
Princess G: Canucks 4-2 (2pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Canucks 4-2 (2pts)
Ryan G: Canucks 4-1 (2pts)
Scott: Canucks 4-3 (2pts)
Wade: Canucks 4-3 (2pts)
Wild Bill: Blues 4-3
(0pts)

(4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Calgary Flames

Actual Result: Blackhawks 4-2
Predictions:
Carmen: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Kubatski Sr: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Marty: Flames 4-2 (0pts)
McClain: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Murray: Blackhawks 4-1 (2pts)
Paulie: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Princess G: Flames 4-3 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Ryan G: Blackhawks 4-3 (2pts)
Scott: Blackhawks 4-2 (4pts)
Wade: Flames 4-2 (0pts)
Wild Bill: Flames 4-3
(0pts)

Eastern Conference Champion: 5 points

Actual Champion: Penguins
Predictions:
Carmen: Penguins (5pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Capitals (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Capitals (0pts)
Marty: Capitals (0pts)
McClain: Devils (0pts)
Murray: Capitals (0pts)
Paulie: Bruins (0pts)
Princess G: Bruins (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Capitals (0pts)
Ryan G: Capitals (0pts)
Scott: Bruins (0pts)
Wade: Bruins (0pts)
Wild Bill: Penguins
(5pts)

Western Conference Champion: 5 points

Actual Champion: Red Wings
Predictions:
Carmen: Red Wings (5pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Red Wings (5pts)
Kubatski Sr: Red Wings (5pts)
Marty: Red Wings (5pts)
McClain: Red Wings (5pts)
Murray: Red Wings (5pts)
Paulie: Red Wings (5pts)
Princess G: Sharks (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Sharks (0pts)
Ryan G: Red Wings (5pts)
Scott: Red Wings (5pts)
Wade: Red Wings (5pts)
Wild Bill: Red Wings
(5pts)

Stanley Cup Champion: 10 points

Actual Champion: Penguins
Predictions:
Carmen: Penguins (10pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Red Wings (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Red Wings (0pts)
Marty: Red Wings (0pts)
McClain: Devils (0pts)
Murray: Red Wings (0pts)
Paulie: Bruins (0pts)
Princess G: Bruins (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Sharks (0pts)
Ryan G: Red Wings (0pts)
Scott: Red Wings (0pts)
Wade: Bruins (0pts)
Wild Bill: Red Wings
(0pts)

Conn Smythe Winner: 5 points

Actual Champion: Evgeni Malkin
Predictions:
Carmen: Evgeni Malkin (5pts)
Jeff: NONE
Kubatski: Henrik Zetterberg (0pts)
Kubatski Sr: Pavel Datsyuk (0pts)
Marty: Pavel Datsyuk (0pts)
McClain: Martin Brodeur (0pts)
Murray: Pavel Datsyuk (0pts)
Paulie: Tim Thomas (0pts)
Princess G: Joe Thornton (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Evgeni Nabokov (0pts)
Ryan G: Chris Osgood (0pts)
Scott: Marian Hossa (0pts)
Wade: Sidney Crosby (0pts)
Wild Bill: Alex Ovechkin
(0pts)

Monday, April 6, 2009

NBA Game of the Week (Apr. 12)

Another two-for-one (just like I drew it up Marty)!

Sunday, April 12

Dallas Mavericks (+3.5) @ New Orleans Hornets

Actual Score: Hornets 102-92
Predictions:
Carmen: Mavericks 100-97 (0pts)
Jeff: Hornets 110-99 (3pts)
Kubatski: Hornets 101-97 (3pts)
Kubatski Sr: Hornets 88-83 (3pts)
Marty: Hornets 104-98 (3pts)
McClain: Mavericks 98-86 (0pts)
Murray: Mavericks 115-105 (0pts)
Paulie: Mavericks 110-95 (0pts)
Princess G: Mavericks 99-90 (0pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Hornets 101-96 (3pts)
Ryan G: Mavericks 98-97 (0pts)
Scott: Hornets 105-100 (3pts)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: NONE (-1pt)


Boston Celtics (+8.5) @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Actual Score: Cavaliers 107-76
Predictions:
Carmen: Cavaliers 102-98 (1pt)
Jeff: Cavaliers 106-100 (1pt)
Kubatski: Cavaliers 101-91 (3pts)
Kubatski Sr: Cavaliers 93-87 (1pt)
Marty: Cavaliers 101-93 (1pt)
McClain: Cavaliers 88-83 (1pt)
Murray: Cavaliers 108-99 (3pts)
Paulie: Cavaliers 103-99 (1pt)
Princess G: Cavaliers 98-89 (3pts)
Ronnie “Butters” Rowe: Cavaliers 105-97 (1pt)
Ryan G: Cavaliers 87-86 (1pt)
Scott: Cavaliers 97-91 (1pt)
Wade: NONE (-1pt)
Wild Bill: NONE (-1pt)