Weekly Sports Blogger Debate: 5 Questions

1.  Which team had the best NFL Draft? Which had the worst Draft?

ROB YUNICH:

Steve’s the expert in this area, but here’s my attempt: I say the Minnesota Vikings get huge credit for picking Matt Kalil and also bolstering their secondary. As for the worst, I’m going with New Orleans. They’re in a world of trouble already, and their disorganization showed at the draft.

HOWARD TICKER:

I think the Bengals had the best draft and the Seahawks had the worst draft.

JOHN MANUEL:

I think Pittsburgh unfortunately did the best.  To get two impact O-lineman early was huge.  Maybe Mike Adams pulls a Trent Williams and its not so good but for now I say them.  Worst- I think Tampa made a mistake by moving back and not taking Claiborne.  But the worst I would give to Denver.  Moving back when there were playmakers in the 1st shocked me.  Don’t really like what they did.

STEVEOSPEAK:

I think the Bengals edged out the Steelers in terms of having a great draft. Cincinnati had some extra picks and just hit homeruns with every draft pick. I think that not only they will get some immediate impact players from this class, but 2-4 years from now we will see some of their late round picks develop into starters.

2.  How far can the Chicago Bulls make it without Derek Rose?

ROB YUNICH:

The Bulls weren’t the best team in the Eastern Conference for nothing. That being said, Rose is a huge part of their team and they will be missing a lot. If they can play solid defense and partially fill the void on offense, they might be able to get to the NBA Finals — if the Miami Heat lose to somebody else. More likely, though, they’ll lose in the conference finals to the aforementioned LeBrons.

HOWARD TICKER:

They can make it out of the first round against the Sixers, maybe even the next round depending on who they play. They can play much better without him than they did last night. They have showed it many times this year.

JOHN MANUEL:

Even though the only reliable team in the East now is Miami, I don’t think they will go far.  And after game 2, it really looks that way.  Loss of D Rose is devastating even though I thought Miami would shut them down again in the conference finals.  Maybe they rally to beat Philly but thats’ it.

STEVEOSPEAK:

I see the Bulls recovering enough to make it to the conference finals given their depth, but it won’t be easy. Unfortunately I don’t think they have any chance to go any farther than that.

3.  How far will the LA Kings go in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

ROB YUNICH:

The Kings are looking scary-good. Before the season, there were high expectations, which didn’t quite come to fruition during the regular season. But they’re undefeated on the road so far this postseason (against the top two teams in the conference) and their goalie, Jonathan Quick, is amazing — and a finalist for the Vezina Trophy for best goalie. I think they have a great shot at reaching the Stanley Cup finals, where anything could happen.

HOWARD TICKER:

I think the Blues will beat them this round.

JOHN MANUEL:

To the finals.  Their goalie is as good as anyone left.  Like the Capitals maybe the regular season was a fluke and now they have shown up.  Too many stars not to be the favorite in the West now.  Doughty, Richards, Kopitar, Carter, Brown…pretty loaded lineup.  And added confidence waxing the Canucks

STEVEOSPEAK:

I didn’t the Kings had much of a chance heading into the playoffs since they under performed all year, but now I think they will end up making it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

4.  Which top prospect will have a better rookie year?  Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

ROB YUNICH:

I’m going with Harper. The Nats might have recalled him from Syracuse a bit earlier than expected, but it looks like the sky’s the limit with him.

HOWARD TICKER:

Mike Trout, but Harper will be better in the long run.

JOHN MANUEL:

Tough call.  Right now, Harper needs to be with the abysmal Nats offense mainly caused by injuries.  The Angels can be more patient with Trout in the lineup.  

STEVEOSPEAK:

I think both will have good rookie years and great careers, but I’m going to go against the family here and say Mike Trout. Trout is in a better line-up, and can be used on a D.H. some to rest him more. I also think the fact that Harper is going to struggle a bit more as he continues to learn the outfield.

5.  In the calendar year of 2012, will any US city have multiple championships & parades (for the big 4 sports that is)?

ROB YUNICH:

If anybody can do it, it’ll be New York. The Giants already won the Super Bowl in early February and the Yankees are pre-ordained to win the World Series because Kentucky won the NCAA title. (Yes, I know I’m a broken record.) I’m betting the Knicks won’t win the NBA title and who knows what the Rangers will do. (Caps fans won’t be rooting for this one, of course.)

HOWARD TICKER:

I think Philly has the best chance with the Flyers and Phillies.

JOHN MANUEL:

My guess is none.  I think Miami will win the NBA title but the Marlins or Dolphins won’t win.  MLB is wide open which makes this question tough.  Just hopefully not Philly or New York but then again I think the Phillies and Yankees are overrated this season.

STEVEOSPEAK:

This year I don’t see much of a chance of this happening. The Rangers have a shot and I guess the Yankees do as well to match the Giants, but neither one I feel is very likely at this point in time.