American League West

* - indicates new to team
AVG - Batting Average
ERA - Earned Run Average
HR - Home Runs
RBI - Runs Batted In
SV - Saves


1. Los Angeles Angels
The best FA hitter & pitcher instantly put some life in a deep team
2. Texas Rangers
Their reign will be put to the test in a tough AL field
3. Seattle Mariners
They'll need more than Montero to fix their hitting woes
4. Oakland Athletics
A few bright spots, but it's another losing season


Player to Watch: P Yu Darvish Texas Rangers
Best Acquisition: 1B Albert Pujols LA Angels
New Kid on the Block: C Jesus Montero Seattle Mariners

Angels Lineup

1. SS Erick Aybar

.279 AVG 10 HR 59 RBI

2. 2B Howard Kendrick

.285 AVG 18 HR 63 RBI

3. 1B Albert Pujols*

.299 AVG 37 HR 99 RBI

4. RF Torii Hunter

.262 AVG 23 HR 82 RBI

5. LF Vernon Wells

.218 AVG 25 HR 66 RBI

6. DH Kendrys Morales

Did Not Play

7. 3B Mark Trumbo

.254 AVG 29 HR 87 RBI

8. C Chris Iannetta*

.238 AVG 14 HR 55 RBI

9. CF Peter Bourjos

.271 AVG 12 HR 43 RBI

Bench

OF/DH Bobby Abreu

.253 AVG 8 HR 60 RBI

INF Alberto Callaspo

.288 AVG 6 HR 46 RBI

INF Maicer Izturis

.276 AVG 5 HR 38 RBI

Rotation

1. Jered Weaver

18-8 2.41 ERA

2. Dan Haren

16-10 3.17 ERA

3. Ervin Santana

11-12 3.38 ERA

4. C.J. Wilson*

16-7 2.94 ERA

5. Jerome Williams

4-0 3.68 ERA

Setup

Scott Downs

6-3 1.34 ERA

Closer

Jordan Walden

32 SV 2.98 ERA

Mike Scioscia's Job: Restore the bullpen

Most Important Player: P Jordan Walden

Rangers Lineup

1. 2B Ian Kinsler

.255 AVG 32 HR 77 RBI

2. SS Elvis Andrus

.279 AVG 5 HR 60 RBI

3. LF Josh Hamilton

.298 AVG 25 HR 94 RBI

4. 3B Adrian Beltre

.296 AVG 32 HR 105 RBI

5. DH Michael Young

.338 AVG 11 HR 106 RBI

6. RF Nelson Cruz

.263 AVG 29 HR 87 RBI

7. C Mike Napoli

.320 AVG 30 HR 75 RBI

8. 1B Mitch Moreland

.259 AVG 16 HR 51 RBI

9. CF Craig Gentry

.271 AVG 1 HR 13 RBI

Bench

OF David Murphy

.275 AVG 11 HR 46 RBI

C Yorvit Torrealba

.273 AVG 7 HR 37 RBI

OF Julio Borbon

.270 AVG 0 HR 14 RBI

Rotation

1. Colby Lewis

14-10 4.40 ERA

2. Derek Holland

16-5 3.95 ERA

3. Yu Darvish*

18-6 1.44 ERA (Japan)

4. Matt Harrison

14-9 3.39 ERA

5. Neftali Feliz

2-3 2.74 ERA

Setup

Mike Adams

5-4 1.47 ERA

Closer

Joe Nathan*

14 SV 4.84 ERA

Ron Washington's Job: Build a rotation

Most Important Player: OF Josh Hamilton

Mariners Lineup

1. 3B Chone Figgins

.188 AVG 1 HR 15 RBI

2. 2B Dustin Ackley

.273 AVG 6 HR 36 RBI

3. RF Ichiro Suzuki

.272 AVG 5 HR 47 RBI

4. 1B Justin Smoak

.234 AVG 15 HR 55 RBI

5. DH Jesus Montero*

.328 AVG 4 HR 12 RBI

6. LF Mike Carp

.276 AVG 12 HR 46 RBI

7. C Miguel Olivo

.224 AVG 19 HR 62 RBI

8. CF Michael Saunders

.149 AVG 2 HR 8 RBI

9. SS Brendan Ryan

.248 AVG 3 HR 39 RBI

Bench

OF Casper Wells

.237 AVG 11 HR 27 RBI

3B Kyle Seager

.258 AVG 3 HR 13 RBI

OF Carlos Peguero

.196 AVG 6 HR 19 RBI

Rotation

1. Felix Hernandez

14-14 3.47 ERA

2. Jason Vargas

10-13 4.25 ERA

3. Hisashi Iwakuma*

6-7 2.42 ERA (Japan)

4. Blake Beavan

5-6 4.27 ERA

5. Kevin Millwood*

4-3 3.98 ERA

Setup

George Sherrill*

3-1 3.00 ERA

Closer

Brandon League

37 SV 2.79 ERA

Eric Wedge's Job: Find the right lineup

Most Important Player: C Jesus Montero

Athletics Lineup

1. 2B Jemile Weeks

.303 AVG 2 HR 36 RBI

2. LF Coco Crisp

.264 AVG 8 HR 54 RBI

3. DH Seth Smith*

.284 AVG 15 HR 59 RBI

4. CF Yoenis Cespedes*

Did Not Play

5. RF Josh Reddick*

.280 AVG 7 HR 28 RBI

6. C Kurt Suzuki

.237 AVG 14 HR 44 RBI

7. 1B Brandon Allen

.200 AVG 6 HR 18 RBI

8. 3B Josh Donaldson

.261 AVG 17 HR 70 RBI (AAA stats)

9. SS Cliff Pennington

.264 AVG 8 HR 58 RBI

Bench

OF/DH Jonny Gomes*

.209 AVG 14 HR 43 RBI

1B Daric Barton

.212 AVG 0 HR 21 RBI

OF/DH Manny Ramirez*

.059 AVG 0 HR 1 RBI

Rotation

1. Brandon McCarthy

9-9 3.32 ERA

2. Bartolo Colon*

8-10 4.00 ERA

3. Tom Milone*

12-6 3.22 ERA (AAA stats)

4. Tyson Ross

3-3 2.75 ERA

5. Graham Godfrey

1-2 3.96 ERA

Setup

Grant Balfour

5-2 2.47 ERA

Closer

Brian Fuentes

12 SV 3.70 ERA

Bob Melvin's Job: Make the most of what you have

Most Important Player: OF Yoenis Cespedes  

National League West

* - indicates new to team
AVG - Batting Average
ERA - Earned Run Average
HR - Home Runs
RBI - Runs Batted In
SV - Saves


1. Arizona Diamondbacks
Can they continue to build off a stellar 2011 season?
2. San Francisco Giants
A healthy Buster Posey is a must for the Giants to contend
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Kemp and Kershaw broke out at the right time
4. Colorado Rockies
A different look, but they will need a healthy Tulo and CarGo
5. San Diego Padres
More power for the offense, but it won't result in more wins


Player to Watch: P Clayton Kershaw LA Dodgers
Best Acquisition: OF Melky Cabrera San Francisco Giants
New Kid on the Block: 1B Yonder Alonso San Diego Padres

Diamondbacks Lineup

1. SS Stephen Drew

.252 AVG 5 HR 45 RBI

2. 2B Aaron Hill

.246 AVG 8 HR 61 RBI

3. RF Justin Upton

.289 AVG 31 HR 88 RBI

4. C Miguel Montero

.282 AVG 18 HR 86 RBI

5. 1B Paul Goldschmidt

.250 AVG 8 HR 26 RBI

6. CF Chris Young

.236 AVG 20 HR 71 RBI

7. LF Jason Kubel*

.273 AVG 12 HR 58 RBI

8. 3B Ryan Roberts

.249 AVG 19 HR 65 RBI

Bench

OF Gerardo Parra

.292 AVG 8 HR 46 RBI

1B Lyle Overbay*

.234 AVG 9 HR 47 RBI

INF/OF Willie Bloomquist

.266 AVG 4 HR 26 RBI

Rotation

1. Ian Kennedy

21-4 2.88 ERA

2. Trevor Cahill*

12-14 4.16 ERA

3. Daniel Hudson

16-12 3.49 ERA

4. Joe Saunders

12-13 3.69 ERA

5. Josh Collmenter

10-10 3.38 ERA

Setup

David Hernandez

11 SV 3.38 ERA

Closer

J.J. Putz

45 SV 2.17 ERA

Kirk Gibson's Job: Don't be complacent

Most Important Player: P Ian Kennedy 

Giants Lineup

1. CF Angel Pagan*

.262 AVG 7 HR 56 RBI

2. LF Melky Cabrera*

.305 AVG 18 HR 87 RBI

3. 3B Pablo Sandoval

.315 AVG 23 HR 70 RBI

4. C Buster Posey

.284 AVG 4 HR 21 RBI

5. 1B Aubrey Huff

.246 AVG 12 HR 59 RBI

6. 2B Freddy Sanchez

.289 AVG 3 HR 24 RBI

7. RF Nate Schierholtz

.278 AVG 9 HR 41 RBI

8. SS Brandon Crawford

.204 AVG 3 HR 21 RBI

Bench

1B/OF Brandon Belt

.225 AVG 9 HR 18 RBI

INF Mike Fontenot

.227 AVG 4 HR 21 RBI

INF Ryan Theriot*

.271 AVG 1 HR 47 RBI

Rotation

1. Tim Lincecum

13-14 2.74 ERA

2. Matt Cain

12-11 2.88 ERA

3. Madison Bumgarner

13-13 3.21 ERA

4. Ryan Vogelsong 

13-7 2.71 ERA

5. Barry Zito

3-4 5.87 ERA

Setup

Sergio Romo

3-1 1.50 ERA

Closer

Brian Wilson

36 SV 3.11 ERA

Bruce Bochy's Job: Back to the basics

Most Important Player: C Buster Posey

Dodgers Lineup

1. SS Dee Gordon

.304 AVG 0 HR 11 RBI

2. 2B Mark Ellis*

.248 AVG 7 HR 41 RBI

3. CF Matt Kemp

.324 AVG 39 HR 126 RBI

4. LF Juan Rivera

.258 AVG 11 HR 74 RBI

5. RF Andre Ethier

.292 AVG 11 HR 62 RBI

6. 1B James Loney

.288 AVG 12 HR 65 RBI

7. 3B Juan Uribe

.204 AVG 4 HR 28 RBI

8. C A.J. Ellis

.271 AVG 2 HR 11 RBI

Bench

OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

.256 AVG 2 HR 22 RBI

INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr.*

.270 AVG 5 HR 31 RBI

INF Adam Kennedy*

.234 AVG 7 HR 38 RBI

Rotation

1. Clayton Kershaw

21-5 2.28 ERA

2. Chad Billingsley

11-11 4.21 ERA

3. Ted Lilly

12-14 3.97 ERA

4. Aaron Harang*

14-7 3.64 ERA

5. Chris Capuano*

11-12 4.55 ERA

Setup

Kenley Jansen

5 SV 2.85 ERA

Closer

Javy Guerra

21 SV 2.31 ERA

Don Mattingly's Job: Stay focused

Most Important Player: OF Andre Ethier

Rockies Lineup

1. CF Dexter Fowler

.266 AVG 5 HR 45 RBI

2. 2B Marco Scutaro*

.299 AVG 7 HR 54 RBI

3. LF Carlos Gonzalez

.295 AVG 26 HR 92 RBI

4. SS Troy Tulowitzki

.302 AVG 30 HR 105 RBI

5. 1B Todd Helton

.302 AVG 14 HR 69 RBI

6. RF Michael Cuddyer*

.284 AVG 20 HR 70 RBI

7. C Ramon Hernandez*

.282 AVG 12 HR 36 RBI

8. 3B Casey Blake*

.252 AVG 4 HR 26 RBI

Bench

1B Jason Giambi

.260 AVG 13 HR 32 RBI

OF/INF Eric Young Jr.

.247 AVG 0 HR 10 RBI

OF Tyler Colvin*

.150 AVG 6 HR 20 RBI

Rotation

1. Jhoulys Chacin

11-14 3.62 ERA

2. Jeremy Guthrie*

9-17 4.33 ERA

3. Guillermo Moscoso*

8-10 3.38 ERA

4. Drew Pomeranz

2-1 5.40 ERA

5. Juan Nicasio

4-4 4.14 ERA

Setup

Matt Belisle

10-4 3.25 ERA

Closer

Rafael Betancourt

8 SV 2.89 ERA

Jim Tracy's Job: Win on the road

Most Important Player: OF Dexter Fowler

Padres Lineup

1. CF Cameron Maybin

.264 AVG 9 HR 40 RBI

2. SS Jason Bartlett

.245 AVG 2 HR 40 RBI

3. 1B Yonder Alonso*

.330 AVG 5 HR 15 RBI

4. LF Carlos Quentin*

.254 AVG 24 HR 77 RBI

5. 3B Chase Headley

.289 AVG 4 HR 44 RBI

6. C Nick Hundley

.288 AVG 9 HR 29 RBI

7. 2B Orlando Hudson

.246 AVG 7 HR 43 RBI

8. RF Will Venable

.246 AVG 9 HR 44 RBI

Bench

OF Chris Denorfia

.277 AVG 5 HR 19 RBI

OF/1B Mark Kotsay*

.270 AVG 3 HR 31 RBI

1B Jesus Guzman

.312 AVG 5 HR 44 RBI

Rotation

1. Tim Stauffer

9-12 3.73 ERA

2. Clayton Richard

5-9 3.88 ERA

3. Edinson Volquez*

5-7 5.71 ERA

4. Cory Luebke

6-10 3.29 ERA

5. Dustin Moseley

3-10 3.30 ERA

Setup

Luke Gregerson

3-3 2.75 ERA

Closer

Huston Street

29 SV 3.86 ERA

Bud Black's Job: Ballpark aside, score more runs

Most Important Player: OF Cameron Maybin

A Resurgence at Mile High

I for am thankful the coverage on ESPN can stop now.  Watching the NFL Network's coverage before today's press conference got underway I also realized that they were talking about Peyton Manning even more than ESPN did.  And that's saying something.

With all that said it truly has been a fascinating process to watch. Right from the beginning when Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay let Peyton Manning go out on his terms.  Now you can argue whether or not they both still like each other is one thing, but Irsay showed enough respect for Peyton to let him go out by thanking the city and its fans.

During the free agent tour when he was immediately wooed by Denver, then the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.  There was a sense that only a few would be able to sign him.  Not for financial reasons, but because Peyton would be sizing them up.  

I thought right from the beginning that every team except the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers would at least whisper amongst themselves about bringing in Peyton Manning.  The reason why I picked those four teams is because they have four of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL right now with Peyton Manning.

Now it isn't wrong for those other twenty seven teams (not including Indianapolis) to consider signing Peyton Manning.  But when the choices came to either Denver, Miami or Arizona.  All of a sudden Tennessee and San Francisco jumped into the mix. Everyone seemed surprised that more teams would jump into the mix in an attempt to put more hype into their coverage.

Slowly, but surely Peyton said thanks, but not thanks to Arizona and Miami once the Titans and 49ers got involved.  Everyone, including myself knew that San Francisco had the better team than Denver or Tennessee.  But thinking about it I figured the 49ers weren't a possibility for Peyton.  

Why?  I believe it would be too much pressure for him.  They were on game away from reaching the Super Bowl last year.  The same reason can be said for why he didn't choose Tennessee.  After all he is a football God in that state.  Remember he did play for the University of Tennessee before playing in the NFL.  If he chose San Francisco or Tennessee, the pressure to win now would have been too great.

Looking at Denver minus the Tim Tebow media coverage last year they were flying under the radar.  You put Peyton Manning in the mix in a winnable AFC West with Oakland, San Diego and Kansas City.  It's a much easier path to win.

Former Broncos QB John Elway, now executive VP of football operations for them had an easy time I'm sure convincing Peyton to come to Denver.  Yes, it doesn't look good to the fans who wanted Tim Tebow to start, but how often do you get the chance to bring in a Peyton Manning?  The answer is only once.

They still have some work to do.  Mainly putting together enough receivers for Peyton to throw to and more importantly an offensive line that will protect him.  In the meantime the Broncos are the talk of the free agent frenzy, but construction is still under way at Mile High.

2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket

Take it as you will.  I haven't had the greatest luck in picking the tournament winner the last few years.  I've had some good years in which I've picked quite a few first round upsets, but none to brag about.  

This year I played it safe.  I went with a Kentucky vs. North Carolina title game.  But what may surprise you is seeing Florida State in the Final Four.  They have been an impressive team in my mind this year and it wouldn't surprise me if they won the title.  

In my view North Carolina has been the best team all year.  Yes, Kentucky has a future NBA team, but the Tar Heels are heating up at the right time.  They nearly defeated Florida State in the ACC tournament championship and have the biggest frontcourt in the country.

Look out for North Carolina hoisting their third championship banner under head coach Roy Williams.

Bounty System

Do you remember Super Bowl 44?  Of course you do.  Who could have forgotten the New Orleans Saints beating the Indianapolis Colts.  What you probably forgot about was what was said before the game started.  

Saints defensive coordinator went on a Nashville radio station and said his defense was going to get after Colts QB Peyton Manning. And when they did get to him they would give him some 'remember me' shots.  At the time it was a topic of discussion as to what Williams meant by his comments.  Was it an issue for the NFL? Hardly.

Fast forward to today.  Former Saints defensive coordinator and the new defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, Gregg Williams is in some hot water.  The NFL became aware that he had set up a 'bounty system' as the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.  An accusation that he doesn't deny.  Neither does Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis.

The NFL also says that Gregg Williams was doing it as far back as his days with the Washington Redskins (2004-07) as their defensive coordinator.  And when he was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2001-03).  

Now what is a 'bounty system'?  Simply put Williams was paying his players when they knocked opposing players out of a game. Now with this knowledge lets go back to that Super Bowl year for the Saints.  Remember the knockout shot the Saint put upon Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner in the divisional playoff game? Remember the beating Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre took in the NFC Championship game? 

Now with all this said I'm not surprised by any of this.  I have made it known that I find the NFL's stance on player safety a little suspect.  They have been promoting big hits ever since they started to gain national notoriety.  I'm not saying the NFL shouldn't take player safety into account.  I'm just looking at it with a skeptical eye.  

Are the New Orleans Saints the only team to have a system like this in place?  No.  Are the Saints the only team this past season to have a system like this in place?  Absolutely not.  They are the first ones to have been caught though.  And with that there will be a huge precedent when commissioner Roger Goodell hands down punishment for the Saints franchise.  

With the emphasis now on player safety and the many lawsuits by former players coming at the NFL.  They know they must make it clear that this is wrong on every level.  Suspensions, taking draft picks, fines, you name it.  All forms of punishment should be taken into account.

That includes the Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis.  Both had to have known about this at some point over the three seasons Gregg Williams was there.  We all wondered why they didn't sign QB Drew Brees to a long-term contract before they gave him the franchise tag.  Now we know. They were distracted by this NFL investigation.

The only thing that does surprise me is the participation of the players.  Yes the league is setup in a way where only a certain few players make a lot of money.  But to inflict that kind of injury on another player knowing full well that not just his career, but his life could be at stake down the line is surprising to me.  

It's a wake up call for the NFL.  They know full well that 10, 20, 30 years down the road a lot of potential football players will go play a different sport with the fear of long-term health problems in the back of their minds.  Whether that happens or not it's best that we remember the NFL isn't all it's cracked up to be.

2012 NBA Mid-Season Report

Mid-Season Awards

MVP - Kevin Durant - Thunder

Rookie - Kyrie Irving - Cavaliers

Coach - Frank Vogel - Pacers

Defensive Player - Serge Ibaka - Thunder

Most Improved - Kyle Lowry - Rockets

Sixth Man - James Harden - Thunder

Executive - Neil Olshey - Clippers

Elite Class 

Chicago Bulls (27-8)

Even without Derrick Rose for a good portion of the season the Bulls still remain atop the Eastern Conference thanks to their tremendous depth.  Luol Deng, Richard Hamilton and C.J. Watson have picked up the slack, but they will need Carlos Boozer to play better if they are to get past the Miami Heat.

Miami Heat (27-7)

You can't deny that it looks as if LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have finally figured out how to put it together for another shot at a title together.  They have the right role players in place, but their lack of depth in the frontcourt may come back to haunt them towards the end.

San Antonio Spurs (24-10)

Just when you thought you could count out the Spurs.  This time around Tim Duncan isn't the most dominant player on the team. It's Tony Parker.  Even with Manu Ginobili's injury woes the Spurs have enough depth to counter that problem.  Time will tell if they can last through a rigorous Western Conference playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder (27-7)

Easily the best team in the West this year.  It's hard to find any weaknesses in the Thunder.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are a great duo.  Even if Westbrook isn't a prototypical point guard. Serge Ibaka is becoming a force defensively.  And James Harden is their diamond in the rough off the bench.  It will be hard to bring this team down.

Contenders

LA Clippers (20-11)

It has been a wild ride for the Clippers this year.  Chris Paul has made all the difference in the world for them.  Time will tell if they can hold off the Lakers for the top spot in the division, but they are here to stay.  Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are a great duo in the frontcourt.  However, they will miss Chauncey Billups leadership on the floor in tight games.

LA Lakers (20-14)

Whether or not the Lakers make a trade they are still considered a contender because of their size in the frontcourt.  If they realize this maybe both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol can get them back to the Finals for another title.  Kobe Bryant is still going about his business, but all the trade talk has affected him and the team this year.

Dallas Mavericks (21-13)

They are still the defending champs.  For now at least.  They have the depth to make another run, but will Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd hold up for another long playoff run during a fast paced season?  That's where guys like Lamar Odom and Vince Carter will come in handy, but neither one has really accepted their new roles on this team just yet.

Indiana Pacers (21-12)

No surprise here about the Pacers.  They gave the Chicago Bulls fits in the playoffs last year and they are looking to get home court for the first round this year.  Darren Collison is an excellent point man for this team.  Roy Hibbert is having an All-Star season and Danny Granger is able to maximize his abilities thanks to the emergence of Paul George.  This is a deep team capable of shocking some other contenders.

Philadelphia 76ers (20-14)

They have been the talk of the Eastern Conference all year besides the Miami Heat.  They are at the top of their division and it's a testament to their coach Doug Collins.  He has preached defense first since arriving and the young Sixers have responded. Jrue Holliday has emerged as a great floor general for them. Andre Iguodala is able to maximize his skills from the wing instead of trying to create his own scoring chances.  And their depth is scary good in the frontcourt.

Middle of the Pack

New York Knicks (17-18)

Thanks to the emergence of Jeremy Lin the Knicks have become the talk of the NBA going into the second half.  They could easily win their division with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire back playing together, but with the addition of J.R. Smith that will only help this teams depth in the now ultra competitive Eastern Conference.

Boston Celtics (15-17)

They are now on the outside looking in, but you can't count them out just yet.  Now is the time when they usually get themselves ready for the playoffs.  There has been a lot of talk about trading Rajon Rondo, but as long as they remain in contention they will remain intact for the final run of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett on the same team.

Orlando Magic (22-13)

We're now in the stretch run of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. Will he or won't he be traded?  Orlando is a contender with him, but without him they are barely in the playoffs.  This Orlando team isn't even better than the team that went to the Finals a few years ago with Howard.  And Orlando decided to dismantle that team. Now they will have to decide their future in the next few weeks.

Atlanta Hawks (20-14)

It's tough to say that their playoff hopes rest with Joe Johnson's health, but they do.  So goes Johnson so goes the Hawks.  When he's at his best the Hawks are a tough team to beat.  When he has 4-17 shooting performances they are an average team.  Not having Al Horford has put a damper on their season, but they are hopeful he will be ready when the playoffs start.

Houston Rockets (20-14)

They have managed to play well with what they have even though they could have had Pau Gasol before the season in the botched Chris Paul trade to the Lakers.  Luis Scola and Kevin Martin who were apart of that trade have been model citizens all year.  Also Kyle Lowry is a game changer for them.  Always doing the little things for them that don't always make the national headlines.

Memphis Grizzlies (19-15)

They were expected to be higher in the standings, but it's probably best that they don't.  They flew under the radar last year and it worked for them.  This year they have a healthy Rudy Gay and are hopeful that Zach Randolph will return fully healthy for another playoff run.  Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are quietly becoming great players at their respective positions.

Portland Trail Blazers (18-16)

Talk about a team flying under the radar.  Portland is in the middle of perhaps the toughest division in the NBA with Denver, Oklahoma City, Utah and now Minnesota fighting for playoff spots. LaMarcus Aldridge is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Jamal Crawford is paying huge dividends for the Blazers off the bench and late in close games.  They could be this years Memphis Grizzlies if they make the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets (18-17)

Don't look know Knicks fans, but Denver is built to contend for many years thanks to the Carmelo Anthony trade.  Danilo Gallinari quite possibly could have been an All-Star if not for an ankle injury. He should return shortly to help get the Nuggets back into playoff contention.  Nene has been a force in the middle for them.  And Andre Miller has been a model citizen all year after his tumultuous stay in Portland.

Outside Looking In

Phoenix Suns (14-20)

Not being talked about as much is whether the Suns will trade Steve Nash to a contender.  He and the team are going about it the right way, but the question begs to be asked.  What do the Suns get from hanging on to him when they aren't contenders right now? How much longer will he play when they are contenders again?  It could be a while for the Suns.

Golden State Warriors (13-17)

Depth has always been a huge concern for the Warriors.  Injuries to Stephen Curry this year have hampered their plans this season, but David Lee and Monta Ellis have been great.  And Ekpe Udoh has broken out into a legitimate threat down low for the Warriors. The future looks bright, but they need more depth.

Utah Jazz (15-17)

The future is now for the Jazz.  They have some nice pieces in place with Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward as their frontcourt lineup.  But who will be the point guard?  Devin Harris isn't a long term solution.  But their fan base is very loyal and they should be able to find that franchise point guard in the next offseason.

Minnesota Timberwolves (17-17)

Surprised to see them playing at .500 basketball are you.  What's even more surprising is that this is basically the same team from last year.  They've just added two rookies in Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams.  It goes to show you just how great of a coach Rick Adelman is to get these guys and specifically Kevin Love to play up to their abilities and even exceed them.

Milwaukee Bucks (13-20)

You could say that I've been eating some crow on the Bucks the last two seasons now, but I don't mind.  They were a good team two season ago and I couldn't have predicted that Andrew Bogut would suffer freak injury after freak injury.  They have a good coach in place in Scott Skiles, but now they have to worry about keeping their best player Brandon Jennings around.

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-18)

I'm happy for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Mainly for their coach Byron Scott who had a rough deal when he first took the job thinking that LeBron James was going to stick around.  Well he has Kyrie Irving this year and the Cavs are actually a competitive team this year.  A far cry from the embarrassing season they had last year.  Put a couple more pieces in place and they could be back in the playoffs in no time under Scott.

Waiting for the Lottery

Toronto Raptors (10-23)

It's amazing to think that Bryan Colangelo hasn't been able to turn around the Toronto Raptors like we all thought he would when he took the job.  What he did with Phoenix was amazing, but he's had a stroke of bad luck and some puzzling deals in Toronto.  It seems unlikely that he would be let go anytime soon, but he might have to make some moves to keep his job safe for a little while longer.

New Jersey Nets (10-25)

Like Orlando with Dwight Howard what will New Jersey do with Deron Williams?  Will they try to acquire Howard to entice Williams to stay?  Or will they trade Williams and start from scratch with the move to Brooklyn next year?  The latter is highly unlikely since they have free agency to try and make a move then.  But the key to a Howard trade starts and ends with the Nets.

Detroit Pistons (11-24)

It really has become a depressing scene in Detroit.  Besides the economic troubles in the city the team has been tough to watch. There has been a few bright spots.  Greg Monroe looks to be a fixture in the post for many years, but he doesn't have much support from Rodney Stuckey.  Nor the free agent acquisitions of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva a few years ago.

Washington Wizards (7-26)

They've already fired Flip Saunders who really had no control of the team.  It wasn't entirely his fault as upper management let him down with the players they brought in.  JaVele McGee is at the top of that list. And suddenly John Wall doesn't look like the franchise point guard from a year ago.  There's still time for both McGee and Wall, but they better wake up sooner rather than later for a starving franchise.

Charlotte Bobcats (4-28)

Can the NBA close the book on having an NBA team in Charlotte once and for all.  This franchise was in turmoil under their original owner Bob Johnson.  Both financially and on the court.  It's still in turmoil on the court under new owner Michael Jordan.  I'm sure he is wondering what more does he have to do to get this team to win. And the answer isn't to pick up a #23 jersey and suit up.

New Orleans Hornets (8-25)

How's that Chris Paul trade to the Clippers working out for the Hornets right now?  Well Eric Gordon was the main piece of that trade and he hasn't played in more than a hand full of games for them.  They want to trade Chris Kaman and Al-Farouq Aminu has been a non-factor.  The other would have given the Hornets Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and Lamar Odom.

Sacramento Kings (11-22)

They will be playing in Sacramento for many more years thanks to a financial agreement with the city.  But will they be contenders for any of those seasons?  They have too many wing players and not enough frontcourt players or even a point guard going forward. DeMarcus Cousins is a great talent, but they will have to decide if they want to continue to deal with his personality or they will continue to fire more head coaches.