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Courtesy of Parliament    

With the NFL Draft a mere two months away, many intrigued eyes are focused on the NFL Combines in Indianapolis.  In the midst of this parade of scouting, is Darren McFadden.  McFadden was the Heisman runner-up two years running, and is widely considered the best player in the upcoming NFL draft.

Many NFL scouts are just waiting to catch ‘lightning in a bottle’.  Well, guess what?  The storm hit today in Indy. 

McFadden blazed their his 40 yard dash combine in a time of 4.33 seconds.  As the NFL scouts drooled, new Super Agent, Mike Conley, Jr. just smiled as he ate his lunch.  Marred with controversy from off the field incidents, some experts thought McFadden’s draft fortunes might be in jeopardy, due to his character issues.  After his combine dash, I think as long as Darren can sign his name, he’ll be okay.

So just because he runs fast, he’ll go #1?  Not willing to say that.  But McFadden has done more than run fast in the combines, he is an accomplished RB in college.  McFadden played against top competition, in a powerhouse SEC.  He has shown ability to bounce back quickly from injury.  He has the prototypical body.  And the Adrian Peterson factor doesn’t hurt.  All the teams that passed on Peterson last season, don’t want that to happen again.  If he doesn’t go #1, McFadden won’t fall far.

Will Parcells and the Dolphins draft McFadden?  Not likely.  Not an impossibility either though.  Sure the Dolphins have Ronnie Brown coming back from a major knee injury, and Ricky Williams coming back from, I like to say a cloud of smoke.  But rumors are still flying that Marion Barber will be in a Dolphins uniform next season as well. 

So what does that mean?  That means, we should expect Parcells to open the bidding for the Dolphins #1 pick.  Parcells knows the Dolphins needs are many.  And if the Dolphins can come out of the draft with a couple more high rounds picks, they’ll pull off a deal.  And there are many suitors for that selection.  Atlanta and Oakland, sit at the #3 and #4 picks respectively, and would love to solidify their backfield.  Atlanta would probably like to solidify anything at this point.  The Dolphins are sitting in a great position, and the Tuna will certainly dangle the bait around.

Will McFadden be the next Adrian Peterson?  McFadden sure looks like a game-changing player.  And these kinds of players are hard to come by.  We already know, that McFadden can re-produce (expecting father of two – 1 in July and 1 in August), I guess we’ll find out soon enough if Darren can produce at the NFL level.

Courtesy of Parliament    

Should they be worried about Lebron opting out of his deal in the summer of 2010?  Well, you’d think this wouldn’t be something to worry about, considering it is two and a half years away, but hey, it is Lebron.

Obviously, “King James” is a dedicated player.  He has driven himself to be all he can be on and off the court, and at such a young age.  More than just the desire to succeed in the NBA, and even to win a Championship, Lebron aspires to be the ‘ultimate’ icon.  Not so different than his pal, Jay-Z.

Watchful eyes, especially in Cavaliers’ circles, witness a collaboration between the two media moguls, Jay-Z and Lebron, during All-Star weekend.  The two co-hosted a VIP dinner.  This star studded event was deemed the “Two Kings” dinner in New Orleans, aiming the promotion of merging mediums of music and basketball.  Beyond this event, James and Jay-Z have been very close over the past couple years.  The two have been seen together often.  As Jay-Z’s empire continues to blossom – Award-winning Musician, President of a Record Label, Liquor Distribution, Clothing line, Hotel Enterpriser, and Co-Owner of the New Jersey Nets … Lebron has made his mark on the courts in Ohio. 

Lebron is an ambitious individual.  The days of being “like Mike” may certainly have been Lebron’s early dreams, but as he has grown, his desire to be “bigger than Mike” has evolutionized.  Once, Lebron stated he wanted to become the first ‘billionaire’ athlete.  Do you think James thinks this can be acheived in the media market of Cleveland?

Friendship is one thing.  Stars hang out with stars.  They’ll rub elbows from time to time, but this is slightly different.  Lebron sees Jay-Z as a marketing mentor.  There is certainly a bond beyond acquaintances here.  I mean, Kid James from Akron, attended the Yankees-Cleveland baseball playoffs series, dawning a Yankees cap.  NIKE has a Lebron/Yankees shoe Ad Campaign set to be release next month.  James has made no secrets about his love for New York.

We’ve seen the ‘two kings’ in New York, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Vegas together.  So is it inevitable the two will rendez-vous again in Brooklyn?  If you ask me, Lebron will have a big decision to make, but it might not be that difficult for James.  In the Brooklyn-NY market, there’s ‘no limits’ … wait sorry, that’s ‘Master P’ isn’t it?  The Nets could be in Brooklyn as soon as the 2011-2012 season, I for one, expect Lebron James to be in a Nets uniform by then.

 Courtesy of Bacon   

With no NFL to handicap, and no NCAA tournament games yet being played the time has come today for me to show my versatility.

I know what your thinking, this guy’s no factor picking the winner of American Idol, he’s a sports guy. He should just stick to what he knows, or at least what he thinks he knows.

But, understand this, I can spot talent period.

All handicappers can.

Know right now that I’ve yet to be defeated when attempting to handicap American Idol.

I’m two for two. (those being Fantasia Borino, and Taylor Hicks)

When I say picked incidentally, I mean after seeing their first audition.

In case your curious, the reason why I’ve only two handicapped seasons of Idol, it’s because those were back in my the old ESPN 1300AM radio Baltimore days, and we handicapped everything on the air, back then.

So, that all said, the time has come once again to play everybody’s favorite game, the Bacon’s Number, American-Idol edition

Because I am the most competive person I know, I’m silly enough to actually think that I can accurately get prognosticate every game or in this case, contest I try to.

So understand I’ve yet to see the entire field perform, but with what I’ve seen so far, here’s what I’m prepared to say about who’s left.

From where I’m sitting it’s a 5 horse field of the group of 24 who are left.

Below is the remaining group.

Season 7 Top 20 Contestants

Alaina Whitaker                   Michael Johns
Alexandréa Lushington      Robbie Carrico
Amanda Overmyer               Ramiele Malubay
Asia’h Epperson                    Luke Menard
Brooke White                         Kristy Lee Cook
Carly Smithson                      Kady Malloy
Chikezie Eze                            Jason Yeager
Danny Noriega                      Jason Castro
David Archuleta                   David Hernandez
David Cook                              Syesha Mercado

From where I’m sittin’ of the 20 people that are left, it’s obvious to me that you can count on one hand those who have any shot to win.

Here they are in no particular order, for now.

Alaina Whitaker, David Archuletta, Syesha Mercado, Asia’h Epperson, Michael Johns

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my expanded American Idol breakdown, where I will reveal my selection for: Idol 2008

Courtesy of Parliament    

Duke is young, athletic, sharp shooting, but deathly small.  I love their defense intensity, and like that up to 6 different guys can lead the team in scoring on any given night.  What I don’t like is the severe lack of inside presence.  Zoubek?  Thomas?  come on.  Duke is good enough to get to the Elite Eight, if all goes right.  Thats their ceiling.  Coach K has done a great job this season, one of his best as a coach.  But the talent just isn’t there this season.

For the record, my Final 4 right now is UCLA, Memphis, UNC, Mississippi State (sleeper)

I thought yesterday’s loss by Memphis was critical, the Tigers needed some modesty.  Calipari will use this game as a learning tool, and drive this team to the title.

Memphis wins it all over UCLA in the finals.

Courtesy of Parliament    

Well, guess what?

They’re right.

#1 Memphis Tigers went into yesterday’s matchup with #2 Tennessee, 26-0.  This matchup versus the second ranked team in the nation, was most likely Memphis’ last true test until the NCAA Tournament in Mid-March.  Sure you might think in theory that telling your players -young kids, about their mistakes in the game, and what areas they need to improve on, over and over in team meetings and practices would work.  But when you are undefeated, unblemished, especially to young kids, you get a false sense of complacency. 

Calipari will use this opportune time to get his players hungry again.  You tend to get lazy at the top, or not work as hard.  The Tigers probably know alittle bit about that, since earlier in the season, Calipari insisted his undefeated team stay for two days of practice during the Holidays, instead of going home to families.  The free throw shooting will certainly be a topic of interest.  Maybe the Tigers won’t ever shoot 75% as a team, but I think Calipari would be happy will at least 50%, I mean come on.

Sure it would be nice to get into post season with an undefeated team, that could go on, run the table and win it all.  But the ultimate goal is to WIN the championship.  Getting a loss in late February could be just what the doctor ordered for this Memphis team.  Looking back at the Pats, hey maybe a late season loss would have done them some service in the Super Bowl.  Who knows?  All I know is that Memphis is my pick to win it all.  And I for one am glad to see the Tigers get a loss under their belt. 

The Tigers loss to Tennessee won’t hurt theirtournament seeding.  Memphis is a #1 seed, no doubt, and is still probably going to be the #1 seed overall. 

And MEMPHIS is still the team to beat.

 Courtesy of Scrappy   

It’s the end of February and for horseplayers everywhere that can only mean one thing. The road to the Kentucky Derby has fresh asphalt on it and its time to get the long trek started. The “Derby” is 8 weeks away and handicappers are getting their picks ready, jockeys are picking their mounts and trainers are weeding out their stables, seeing which 3 year olds have what it takes to get the classic mile and a quarter distance. In the next couple of weeks, I will try to decide which horses can get us a nice return on our money and which ones will get us to hear the dreaded sound of tickets being ripped and discarded.

We have already seen the powerful Pyro, the Asmussen trained 3 year old went from last to first in The Risen Star, getting the last quarter mile in a sizzling 22 and 1/5 seconds. The debut of the 2 year old champion War Pass has been delayed, thanks to a Gulfstream Park allowance race failing to fill. I guess when the reigning Breeders Cup Juvenille winner enters its not that easy to find 5 or 6 others willing to take him on. We have already seen a big injury, The talented Crown of Thorns has been sidelined by an injured left fron leg and will not be a part of the spring classics. Richard Mandella’s best chance now rests with Cash Call Futurity winner, Into Mischief.

The California based El Gato Malo will make his next start in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes on March 1st at Santa Anita Park. The 3 year old gelded son of El Corredor is trained by Craig Dollase and gives him his best shot he’s had to smell the roses.

This weekend Gulfstream Park will run the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes. The race sports a large talented field, led by the Billy Mott trained Court Vision. The son of Gulch will make his first start since winning the Remsen in late December. He will be ridden by Garret Gomez. Nick Zito will send out Anak Nakal, the Kentucky Jockey Club winner. The son of Victory Gallop will try to give Zito another major contender and will have Julien LeParoux in the irons. Todd Pletcher will put the bridle on Monba, the handsome grey son of Maria’s Mon will be making only his second start on conventional dirt after winning his only try on that surface. His last race was a fast closing 4th in the Cash Call Futurity and will be guided by Edgar Prado.

Yes, the Derby is getting close and the excitement is growing. I don’t know if its just me, but the real “March Madness” is just starting. I am getting the Mint Juleps ready.

Courtesy of C-Mel      

 Now that the hoopla of the 50th running of the Great American Race is over, let’s look at how the regular season will shape up.  Who will make the Chase?  Who will be holding the hardware in Miami?  Who will win rookie of the year?  Who will be the biggest surprise?  Who will be the biggest disappointment?

 
 Here is my Top 12:

 12: Sam Hornish Jr.- 3 time IRL series champion and Indy 500 winner makes the jump from open wheel racing to stock car is my surprise Chase qualifier and rookie of the year. I believe being American, he can make the jump better then foreign born drivers and he has raced on a lot of the circuit tracks, the move should be easy.

 
11: Kevin Harvick- After a great start last year, Harvick has struggled in crunch time and does not have a lot of tracks that he does well at. With RCR motors under his hood, he could and should do better, but probably won’t.

10: Kurt Busch- I believe he is one of the best drivers in the sport, his temper has already landed him on probation (again) before the 1st green flag lap was run. If he could show SOME restraint, I could see this guy winning another championship again. He is good at every track, from plate racing to short, mile, 1.5 mile; he wins and is my darkhorse. The biggest problem with Dodge is pick a car and stay with it. Charger to Avenger back to the Charger with a new nose, COME ON!

9: Kyle Busch- Attitude? See above, must run in the family. The man at Hendrick’s Racing who was left standing when the music stopped has moved to Joe Gibbs Racing. Some believe that he is the most talented driver in the garage, is only 22 years old and is going to win the whole thing one of these days but with a new team and manufacturer, this is not the year.

8: Denny Hamlin- Imagine if you’re Gibbs having these 2 young drivers in your stable? I can understand why the Redskins were unable to hold on to this guy. I think Toyota’s best chance will come with a more experienced driver, some Tony guy.

7: Martin Truex Jr.- He doesn’t win a lot of race (only 1 career win) but was the model of consistency at the end of the year for DEI and that shouldn’t change. The big question for this team and DEI, is what life will be like after Dale Jr’s departure. I think he was the distraction last year and this team can flourish now that they are the big dogs on the block.

6: Jeff Burton- I can’t seem to fathom why he has not won a championship yet. He always seems to be right there at the end in every race. He has the best chance of the RCR/DEI engine teams to win it all, but you have to pull into victory lane more then once a year to win the Chase now, until he accomplishes this feat, he will always be on the outside looking in.

5: Jimmie Johnson- For those of you saying “this guy is nuts”, let me tell you why. No one in the modern era has won thee titles in a row, NO ONE!! He shares a team with 2 other high profile drivers, the highest in the sport now. JJ has had a good share of luck and I believe any of these top 5 has a great chance being the last man standing in Miami, but look for his luck to run out this year, for now.

4: Tony Stewart- This guy like the Kurt Busch can lay it down anywhere. The most gifted driver in my opinion will only be held back by the fact of the switch to Toyota. They will win multiple races, lead a lot of laps but come up short in the end. He is the hands down the favorite for me next year.

3: Matt Kenseth- What happened to Ford? Are they not generating enough horsepower? Ford is my biggest disappointment of the year. They are the only manufacture not making strides with the “Car of Today”. Pure talent alone will get him into the Chase, but lack of wins will hurt his cause. How many times has this man qualified 28th and by lap 140 he is running in the top 10. He is by far the most consistent driver in Nascar and I see no reason why that should change.

2: Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Call it a homer pick but this is my reasoning, Talent. He has been around the sport all of his life, he is the highest profile driver in America, and he has the motors to win and win a lot. The key for me was his crew chief and cousin Tony Eury Jr. leaving DEI 10 weeks before the 07’ season was over to get accustomed to how things work at Hendricks. He gravitated to the #48 team because like JJ, Jr. likes his car loose. With the resources, money and talent, I see 5-6 win season and a shot to catch the best……….

1: Jeff Gordon- After one of his best seasons in recent memory, he had trouble down the stretch winning when it counted the most, in the Chase. You can fool him once but not twice, this is the reason he is my pick to win in Miami. The problem down the stretch with the #24 were his set-ups, to conservative, not taking the big chance like his teammate. That won’t happen again and with Dale Jr. on board, JJ being the 2 time defending champ, it’s time for Gordon to show who built this team.

Courtesy of Parliament    

For starters, I was really impressed with Alaina Whitaker’s version of “More Today Than Yesterday”.  I liked her young fresh spirit, she gave me a Carrie Underwood-ish vibe.

“More Today Than Yesterday”  (Click to view performance)

Syesha Mercado, one of Parliament’s original favorites, did not disappoint.  Though the musical arrangement of “Tobacco Road” was a total mess, Syesha’s amazing and powerful voice, overcame a weak song choice, and amateur-ish band performance.  Check the last note, WOW!

“Tobacco Road” (Click to listen to performance)

I also thought Ramiele Malubay did well with her rendition of “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”.  She looked beautiful, showed alot of poise, and certainly has vocal talent.  This girl could be the darkhorse.

“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (Click to view performance)

Okay, I know she’s the ultimate ‘ringer’, but let’s face it, Carly Smithson, Hennessy, whatever her name is, can flat out sing.  Wait, Carly can sang!  I have been hesitant to give any praise to Carly, due to her previous professional background, I have always been a fan of the American Idol that comes from nowhere, sitting at home on the farm, working the 9 to 5 at the local restaurant, etc etc … but hey, Carly obviously has talent.  And her performance of “Shadow of Your Smile” was great!  The best of the night.

“Shadow of Your Smile”  (Click to view performance)

The rest were okay, only a couple I felt were just terrible.  The worst of the night was definitely Joanne Borgella.  She was just off from the first note.  Joanne should pack her bags now.

Amy Davis was pretty bad too.  Expect to see her in the bottom three.

I also thought Alexandrea Lushington butchered “Spinning Wheel” by Blood, Sweat, & Tears.  Alexandrea will complete my bottom three for the girls.

So to recap, Carly was #1 for me, followed closely by Ramiele, Syesha, and Alaina.

Joanne Borgella might be gone by the first commercial on Thursday.  Amy Davis will probably join her, packing her bags, and leaving the Idol competition.

Enjoy the show, stay tune for more Idol Projections from Parliament.

Courtesy of Parliament    

To Parliament, obviously one guy stood out, heads above the rest.  Aussie, Michael ‘Lee’ Johns was awesome.  I thought his performance was marvelous.  His stage presence was not matched by any of the other male contestants, and his voice, pitch, and tone were impecable.  I would be surprised if Michael ‘Lee’ Johns was not bare minimum, in the Final 2.

Michael Lee Johns sings ‘Light My Fire’ (click to view performance)

I was also impressed with Jason Castro.  Thought he showed confidence, and was very entertaining.  I’d give the 2nd place nod to him for the guys.

Jason Castro sings ‘Daydream’ (click to view performance)

I also thought David Cook was respectable, and showed his potential.  Cook gets 3rd for me.

David Cook sings ‘Happy Together’ (click to view performance)

To round out Parliament’s Top 5 of the night, we’ll give Dan ‘The 13th Girl’ Noriega the 4th slot.  I thought her performance wasn’t terrible, though it was hard to watch at times.  5th for me, was Robbie Carrico.  He had some pitchy parts, but overall, not a bad performance.

The rest just weren’t good.  Don’t understand the fascination with the Star Search kid.  David Archuleta has a strange voice.  Almost Peter Brady-like during puberty.  Though Archuleta obviously is comfortable on stage, his voice just isn’t up to snuff for me. 

Enough of the recap, now to the Fearless Predictions.

The Bottom 3 guys will be Luke Menard, Jason Yeager, and Garrett Haley.

Luke Menard and Jason Yeager will be voted off this week.

At some point, Jason Castro will get thrown off after testing positive for drugs (was it just me, or was he high tonight?)

Michael Johns will be known as Michael ‘Lee’ Johns by the end of the show.

Wayne Brady will be shown in the Idol audience at least once this season.

Kristy Lee Cook will consistently wear toddler sized shirts on performance night.

Josiah Leming will be the biggest star from this season’s contestants.

Danny Noriega will sing a RuPaul song at some point this season.

At some point, probably Thursday night, Ryan Seacrest will tell Luke Menard that he looks like Orlando Bloom.

Kristy Lee Cook will be the focal point of the ‘every Idol year’ x-rated photo/video scandal … (Antonella Barba)

Enjoy Top 12 girls, and stay tuned for more of Parliament’s Fearless Predictions