Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, it is time to look back at my predictions and how they relate to reality. Today, I'll take a look back at the AL. Remember, all predictions correct, or your money back!
AL East
Boston Red Sox
Predicted: 1st, 97-65
Current: 1st, 56-37
New York Yankees
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-44 8 GB ALE, 7 GB WC
Toronto Blue Jays
Predicted: 3rd, 87-75
Current: 3rd, 45-48 11 GB ALE, 10 GB WC
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Predicted: 4th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 36-56 19.5 GB ALE, 18.5 GB WC
Baltimore Orioles
Predicted: 5th, 69-93
Current: 4th, 42-51 14 GB ALE, 13 GB WC
Analysis:
Boston/New York is shaping up pretty much as I had expected, and Toronto was in the right position, if not nearly close to the record I had them at. Tampa Bay showed me once again that any optimism on their part is not realistic.
AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 55-36
Chicago White Sox
Predicted: 2nd, 92-70
Current: 4th, 41-51 14.5 GB ALC, 13.5 GB WC
Minnesota Twins
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 49-44 7 GB ALC, 6 GB WC
Cleveland Indians
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 55-38 1 GB ALC, WC
Kansas City Royals
Predicted: 5th, 60-102
Current: 5th, 40-53 16 GB ALC, 15 GB WC
Analysis:
Hey, I got the Tigers, Twins, and Royals in the right position, didn't I. Yeah, my prediction on the White Sox was terrible, and probably wouldn't have been so high if, you know, I actually did any research in making these predictions. Royals fans can take comfort that they should be able to do better than my 60-102 prediction.
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Predicted: 1st, 90-72
Current: 1st, 55-37
Texas Rangers
Predicted: 2nd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 41-52 14.5 GB ALW, 14 GB WC
Oakland A's
Predicted: 3rd, 70-92
Current: 3rd, 44-50 12 GB ALW, 11.5 GB WC
Seattle Mariners
Predicted: 4th, 65-97
Current: 2nd, 52-39 2.5 GB ALW, 2 GB WC
Analysis:
Well, I picked the Angels to do well, and the A's are as mediocre as I predicted. The Mariners are a real surprise this year, and the Rangers are once again extending that World Series drought with an anemic 2007 performance.
With the three division leaders predicted correctly, that makes the NL Central the lone incorrect division leader. Here's hoping the Cubs will turn it around and make my prediction correct in that respect. As for the Wild Cards, the Phillies and (especially) the White Sox have some work to do.
Check back in October when these predictions actually mean something.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
A look back at my MLB predictions, Part I.
Now that the All-Star break has come and gone, it is time to look back at my predictions and how they relate to reality. Part 1 is the NL, part 2 will be the AL. Remember, all predictions correct
NL East
New York Mets
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 51-40
Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 92-70
Current: 3rd, 46-45 5GB NLE, 4.5 GB WC
Florida Marlins
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 44-48 7.5 GB NLE, 7 GB WC
Atlanta Braves
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 50-42 1.5 GB NLE, 1 GB WC
Washington Nationals
Predicted: 5th, 63-99
Current: 5th, 37-54 14 GB NLE, 13.5 GB WC
Analysis:
Not too bad with the predictions here. Washington is about as bad as predicted, and the Phillies are definitely in the playoff race. NY is leading the division, so I'm 1 for 1 so far on division leaders. The only real problem was Atlanta, who is having a much better season than I predicted.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Predicted: 1st, 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-43 3.5 GB NLC, 3 GB WC
Milwaukee Brewers
Predicted: 2nd, 89-73
Current: 1st, 51-40
St. Louis Cardinals
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 41-47 8.5 GB NLC, 8 GB WC
Houston Astros
Predicted: 4th, 80-82
Current: 5th, 39-53 12.5 GB NLC, 12 GB WC
Cincinnati Reds
Predicted: 5th, 73-89
Current: 6th, 37-55 14.5 GB NLC, 14 GB WC
Pittsburgh Pirates
Predicted: 6th, 65-97
Current: 4th, 40-51 11 GB NLC, 10.5 GB WC
Analysis:
I was right that the Cubs and the Brewers would be the class of the division. However, the rest of the division is rather wrong. Only one of the six teams are currently in the position I picked them to be. If the Cubs hadn't turned it around after the slow start, this prediction would have been really bad.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted: 1st, 87-75
Current: 1st, 52-40
San Diego Padres
Predicted: 2nd, 85-77
Current: 2nd, 50-40 1GB NLW, WC
Arizona Diamondbacks
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 3rd, 49-44 3.5 GB NLW, 2.5 GB WC
Colorado Rockies
Predicted: 4th, 77-85
Current: 4th, 45-46 6.5 GB NLW, 5.5 GB WC
San Francisco Giants
Predicted: 5th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 38-51 12.5 GB NLW, 11.5 GB WC
Analysis:
The NL West has shaped up pretty much as I had predicted. The Giants are pretty bad, the Rockies are mediocre, and the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres are fighting for the top spot. The only real problem I had with this division was that they are over-performing my predictions.
All in all, it could have been worse. I predicted two of the three division winners, and got one division entirely correct. Naturally, this analysis is meaningless at this point, as the season is still going.
The A.L. will be coming shortly.
NL East
New York Mets
Predicted: 1st, 94-68
Current: 1st, 51-40
Philadelphia Phillies
Predicted: 2nd (WC), 92-70
Current: 3rd, 46-45 5GB NLE, 4.5 GB WC
Florida Marlins
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 4th, 44-48 7.5 GB NLE, 7 GB WC
Atlanta Braves
Predicted: 4th, 79-83
Current: 2nd, 50-42 1.5 GB NLE, 1 GB WC
Washington Nationals
Predicted: 5th, 63-99
Current: 5th, 37-54 14 GB NLE, 13.5 GB WC
Analysis:
Not too bad with the predictions here. Washington is about as bad as predicted, and the Phillies are definitely in the playoff race. NY is leading the division, so I'm 1 for 1 so far on division leaders. The only real problem was Atlanta, who is having a much better season than I predicted.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Predicted: 1st, 91-71
Current: 2nd, 47-43 3.5 GB NLC, 3 GB WC
Milwaukee Brewers
Predicted: 2nd, 89-73
Current: 1st, 51-40
St. Louis Cardinals
Predicted: 3rd, 84-78
Current: 3rd, 41-47 8.5 GB NLC, 8 GB WC
Houston Astros
Predicted: 4th, 80-82
Current: 5th, 39-53 12.5 GB NLC, 12 GB WC
Cincinnati Reds
Predicted: 5th, 73-89
Current: 6th, 37-55 14.5 GB NLC, 14 GB WC
Pittsburgh Pirates
Predicted: 6th, 65-97
Current: 4th, 40-51 11 GB NLC, 10.5 GB WC
Analysis:
I was right that the Cubs and the Brewers would be the class of the division. However, the rest of the division is rather wrong. Only one of the six teams are currently in the position I picked them to be. If the Cubs hadn't turned it around after the slow start, this prediction would have been really bad.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicted: 1st, 87-75
Current: 1st, 52-40
San Diego Padres
Predicted: 2nd, 85-77
Current: 2nd, 50-40 1GB NLW, WC
Arizona Diamondbacks
Predicted: 3rd, 81-81
Current: 3rd, 49-44 3.5 GB NLW, 2.5 GB WC
Colorado Rockies
Predicted: 4th, 77-85
Current: 4th, 45-46 6.5 GB NLW, 5.5 GB WC
San Francisco Giants
Predicted: 5th, 75-87
Current: 5th, 38-51 12.5 GB NLW, 11.5 GB WC
Analysis:
The NL West has shaped up pretty much as I had predicted. The Giants are pretty bad, the Rockies are mediocre, and the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres are fighting for the top spot. The only real problem I had with this division was that they are over-performing my predictions.
All in all, it could have been worse. I predicted two of the three division winners, and got one division entirely correct. Naturally, this analysis is meaningless at this point, as the season is still going.
The A.L. will be coming shortly.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Find the Hidden Mickey in the Ford's Theater Room!
On my vacation back to Illinois in late May, I resolved that I would do the tourist thing and go to Springfield to visit the new Lincoln Museum. While I did enjoy it, and did learn a few new things about the President, it definitely left me with an odd feeling. Not quite disappointment or anger, but not quite admiration or approval either.
This explains my feelings
The whole place seemed rather Disney-fied. From the slick films, to the construction of the exhibits, to the cafeteria with the cutesy food names, it felt like I was in a new Disney theme zone at the Magic Kingdom, HistoryLand, or something of that sort.
Now, this isn't an entirely negative feeling. The museum had some really neat exhibits and artifacts. The life-size recreation of the cabinet room with Lincoln reading the Emancipation Proclamation was awesome, the political cartoon room was awesome, and the recreation of the casket lying in state at the Old Capitol in Springfield almost made you feel like you really were there. It is most definitely a way to introduce the common man to Lincoln, even though there is a little too much deification of the man.
However, I can't help but feel the Disney slickness of the exhibits cheapens the power, and integrity, of the museum somewhat. Also, various rooms of the museum being sponsored by corporations made me a little uneasy, and worries me about a possible precedent being set for our national and state park. Theme-park history is a little dangerous, and can easily slide into something that is neither historical nor particularly entertaining.
In the end, however, I think it is a definite positive, and a fine anchor for the prospective tourism industry in Central Illinois. Lincoln is still one of the dominating figures of our culture, and in this time of political mediocrity, the lessons to be learned from his successes (and failures) are very important.
P.S.: Here is the second article to go with the first one. Too bad they didn't go with the hot stove idea for the Law Office room.
This explains my feelings
The whole place seemed rather Disney-fied. From the slick films, to the construction of the exhibits, to the cafeteria with the cutesy food names, it felt like I was in a new Disney theme zone at the Magic Kingdom, HistoryLand, or something of that sort.
Now, this isn't an entirely negative feeling. The museum had some really neat exhibits and artifacts. The life-size recreation of the cabinet room with Lincoln reading the Emancipation Proclamation was awesome, the political cartoon room was awesome, and the recreation of the casket lying in state at the Old Capitol in Springfield almost made you feel like you really were there. It is most definitely a way to introduce the common man to Lincoln, even though there is a little too much deification of the man.
However, I can't help but feel the Disney slickness of the exhibits cheapens the power, and integrity, of the museum somewhat. Also, various rooms of the museum being sponsored by corporations made me a little uneasy, and worries me about a possible precedent being set for our national and state park. Theme-park history is a little dangerous, and can easily slide into something that is neither historical nor particularly entertaining.
In the end, however, I think it is a definite positive, and a fine anchor for the prospective tourism industry in Central Illinois. Lincoln is still one of the dominating figures of our culture, and in this time of political mediocrity, the lessons to be learned from his successes (and failures) are very important.
P.S.: Here is the second article to go with the first one. Too bad they didn't go with the hot stove idea for the Law Office room.
Winter Olympics in Russia?
Looks like the 2014 Winter Olympics have a location: Sochi, Russia. It marks the first time since 1994 that the games in either season have gone to a city I wasn't aware existed. Amazingly, this is the first time the Winter games have ever been held in Russia or the former Soviet Union. This is interesting, as when you think of Russia, you think of winter and also their stellar record in the Winter Olympics. Hopefully it will go better than the last time Russia hosted an Olympics.
It is another sign of Russia's return to relevance on the international stage. Much of this relevance is in part due to Vladimir Putin. Without going too deep (after all, this isn't August Prairie), this is a mixed blessing, as increased economic stability and international relevance has come along with a return to the age old Russian tradition of autocratic control of society.
Nevertheless, it is a major victory for Russia, and a chance for them to show themselves off to the world in 2014. I'm sure a crappy logo and lame anthropomorphic animal mascots will be forthcoming. And in two years, here's hoping the IOC picks Chicago for the 2016 games. At least they have a decent logo.
It is another sign of Russia's return to relevance on the international stage. Much of this relevance is in part due to Vladimir Putin. Without going too deep (after all, this isn't August Prairie), this is a mixed blessing, as increased economic stability and international relevance has come along with a return to the age old Russian tradition of autocratic control of society.
Nevertheless, it is a major victory for Russia, and a chance for them to show themselves off to the world in 2014. I'm sure a crappy logo and lame anthropomorphic animal mascots will be forthcoming. And in two years, here's hoping the IOC picks Chicago for the 2016 games. At least they have a decent logo.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Week Ahead: July 2-July 8
Out of the 52 full weeks in a year, there are only a choice few that can be considered truly important. For 2007, nothing can compare to the importance of this upcoming week. Why? I'll tell you why.
What's that you say, the 4th of July? Independence Day is this week? Sweet! I had completely forgotten about that. That just makes the week even better.
Of course, the truly important event taking place this week is the opening of a movie about robots. Not just any robots, mind you, but robots that turn into cars, jets, and other things! Yes, my friends, this is the week that the Transformers movie comes to theaters.
Naturally, this is a landmark event for males of Generation Y, as they fondly look back on their childhoods. I myself had an Optimus Prime when I was little, as well as many other little contraptions that transformed from one thing to another. So even now, at the ripe old age of 25, I still get a little excited seeing some of the ol' metallic gang up on the big screen.
However, the excited is dimmed somewhat by one name being involved with the movie, and that name is Michael Bay. The fact that he was heavily involved in bring Optimus Prime and the gang to the big screen is something that can't be avoided, and something to fear. Anybody who has seen some of his work knows why you should be worried. Heck, there is even a whole song about how crappy one of his movies is.
However, Steven Spielberg is also involved, so that could be a plus. And although that might just mean he threw some money into the pot and little else, it usually means he gave at least some input. Also, ILM was involved with the effects, and that is usually a good thing.
An early check on Rotten Tomatoes seems to show a bunch of positive reviews, so that is a good sign. Of course, the only truly relevant review is your own, and I guess I'll just have to go check it out. Hopefully it will be more than meets the eye!
... ...
(Sorry for that one. I'll show myself out)
What's that you say, the 4th of July? Independence Day is this week? Sweet! I had completely forgotten about that. That just makes the week even better.
Of course, the truly important event taking place this week is the opening of a movie about robots. Not just any robots, mind you, but robots that turn into cars, jets, and other things! Yes, my friends, this is the week that the Transformers movie comes to theaters.
Naturally, this is a landmark event for males of Generation Y, as they fondly look back on their childhoods. I myself had an Optimus Prime when I was little, as well as many other little contraptions that transformed from one thing to another. So even now, at the ripe old age of 25, I still get a little excited seeing some of the ol' metallic gang up on the big screen.
However, the excited is dimmed somewhat by one name being involved with the movie, and that name is Michael Bay. The fact that he was heavily involved in bring Optimus Prime and the gang to the big screen is something that can't be avoided, and something to fear. Anybody who has seen some of his work knows why you should be worried. Heck, there is even a whole song about how crappy one of his movies is.
However, Steven Spielberg is also involved, so that could be a plus. And although that might just mean he threw some money into the pot and little else, it usually means he gave at least some input. Also, ILM was involved with the effects, and that is usually a good thing.
An early check on Rotten Tomatoes seems to show a bunch of positive reviews, so that is a good sign. Of course, the only truly relevant review is your own, and I guess I'll just have to go check it out. Hopefully it will be more than meets the eye!
... ...
(Sorry for that one. I'll show myself out)
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