The Hundredth Post

It seems all too long ago that this blog was created. A boy genius, fresh off of numerous fantasy championships, decided to chronicle the world of sports. Here we are, one hundred posts later, celebrating the history of the world's premier fantasy sports analyst. Sit in your most comfortable chair, consume a beverage or two, and enjoy a recap of the guru's brightest moments.

It took a decent bit of time for people to start appreciating the guru's fine work. The inaugural posts received only a handful of views, but before long, the blog became a hit. The viewer explosion coincided with the publishing of an article regarding Alex Ovechkin's attempt to fight Steve Downie. At the time, it was one of the hottest topics in sports, as self-proclaimed experts from around the world emerged from their quarters of incompetence to give their two cents on the matter. Fortunately for society, the guru was there to offer an accurate representation of the event.

A few posts after the Ovechkin-Downie Incident, the guru took a short absence. Blog followers' spirits were crushed. People around the globe were left uninformed. Mayhem quickly ensued. As an apology for the unintended posting hiatus, the guru composed a song for blog viewers. It is a parody of Taylor Swift's "Love Story," and is definitely worth a click.

Let's face it, NBC is a horrible partner for the NHL and the great sport of hockey in general. After sitting through far too many poorly broadcasted games, the guru decided to take action. In a series of three posts, blog followers were made clear of the network's ineptitude. The first post can be found here. Shortly after, the second article in the series was published, sparking an interesting debate in the comments section. It wasn't long until NBC proved once again why they are the epitome of journalistic incompetence. Of course, the guru was there to set things straight.

After reading a handful of serious posts, you may be looking for a laugh. I encourage you to browse the Image of the Week posts, particularly the ones here and here. Certain ones are quite comical and a great way to spend time during a break from your homework. As always, if you see a story that you find interesting, let the guru know. Send him an email at FANTASYguru37@gmail.com and you may be lucky enough to see him opine on the subject.

As much as the guru likes to have fun, he understands that this blog is a serious matter. He performed in-depth research on the subject of labor disputes in pro sports, writing one of the Internet's most thought-provoking works on the topic. If by chance you find yourself on Google, search the phrase "effects of lockouts." You can even remove the quotation marks, and you will find the guru atop the rankings. People all across the world are reading what the guru has to say about lockouts and strikes. Shouldn't you?

Again, the labor dispute post is a very sobering topic. Those of you looking for something more light-hearted should take a look at the By the Numbers series. They offer an entertaining format for followers to quickly catch up on sports news, while providing interesting statistics and plenty of comical content.

This recap of the blog's best moments would not be complete if it did not contain any discussion of the Triple Option Podcast. From time to time, the guru publishes articles written by fellow experts. Occasionally, the group gets together to discuss hot topics in the world of sports. Of course, they record their musings and the ensuing beauty is posted on the Internet for all to hear. For a link to the inaugural podcast, click here.

As you can see, the guru has enjoyed a long and successful blogging career. It is his deepest wish that you enjoyed the one hundredth post and return to the blog to be enlightened again. The posts mentioned above are just highlights of the many great articles published on this blog. To view any post at any time, browse the archives on the right-hand side. The articles are divided by year and month, allowing viewers to return to the past and relive the greatest moments in the history of Fantasy Guru 37.

All the Rage: Goalie Fights

Three years have passed since Ray Emery and Martin Biron engaged in the decade's last NHL goalie fight. (Both soon signed with the Flyers.) In the past three weeks, hockey fans have been treated to three more. Considering the low frequency of goalie fights, the guru felt obliged to discuss the matter.

It all got started near the end of a matchup between the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. With less than a minute remaining, Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro left his net to clothesline Pittsburgh forward Matt Cooke. As skaters from both sides entered the ensuing melee in the corner, Penguins goaltender Brent Johnson made his way down the ice to avenge DiPietro's cheapshot of Cooke. To everyone's surprise, the goaltender duel was much more than a hugfest. Johnson unleashed a powerful left handed blow that caught DiPietro's cheek, fracturing the orbital bone in the injury-prone New York goaltender. It was DiPietro's second NHL fight, and judging by the outcome, probably his last.

One week later, tensions boiled in a Northeast Division game. Original Six Rivals Boston and Montreal combined for an NHL record 192 penalty minutes. At one point, there were six Bruins in the penalty box. Midway through the second period, goalies Tim Thomas and Carey Price squared off in what quickly became the center of attention in a line brawl.

Nine days after the DiPietro-Johnson bout, the Islanders and Penguins met again. In a series of nauseating actions, another major fight broke out between every player on the ice. This time the goalies stayed out of it, or so it appeared. After tangling with Max Talbot, New York forward Michael Haley skated to the opposite end of the ice to instigate a fight with Johnson. Pittsburgh forward Eric Godard left the bench to intervene in the duel, which attracted the attention of several other players.

So after a three year long drought, goalies around the NHL are scrapping again. It certainly has given the league added attention, but a return the lawless days of old time hockey is something commissioner Gary Bettman wants to avoid. Look for strict punishments coming for any infraction in the coming weeks as the league attempts to calm the players.

The Real Top Coach

The following article was written by fellow expert BirdofPrey18. The opinions expressed below do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the guru himself.

When it comes to discussions about the NFL’s best coach, people mention names like Belichick, Ryan, Payton, and Tomlin. But those people are wrong.

When all aspects of résumé are taken into account, the man who may be least competent in appearance is actually the most competent in execution. Andy Reid, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles since 1999, is the best coach in all of the NFL. Reid has taken his team to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, a remarkably impressive record. Though he has not won any championships, his personnel decisions and superior offensive system speak for themselves. While his teams have had distinct weak points, Reid has managed to overcome the flaws and make his team a contender nearly every year.

It’s easy to look at DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, who are stars at their positions, and say that the Eagles roster has been loaded with offensive talent recently (and hence, that Reid is only winning because of his roster). What we fail to keep in mind is that Reid was responsible for bringing in much of this talent himself. He was in charge when the team drafted Jackson out of Cal, and he took the risk of signing Vick. Furthermore, Reid was the one to coach these two from potential gems to NFL superstars.

The best example of Andy Reid’s genius is his decision to trade away Donovan McNabb last offseason. Many football fans condemned this move as preposterous, given that McNabb had been the quarterback that led the Eagles to all their success in the past decade. I admit that I was one of these fans. Looking back, though, it only highlights Reid’s abilities as a personnel manager, talent assessor, and offensive mastermind. After a season in Washington, every NFL fan has seen Donovan McNabb for the inaccurate passer he is. There are two possible explanations: perhaps McNabb was never particularly talented and only looked like a star quarterback because of Reid’s vastly superior offensive system (which is still running at an elite level without McNabb), or McNabb suffered a drastic decline recently and Reid was quick enough and intelligent enough to realize it while it was happening. Either way, Andy Reid made a brilliant personnel move in trading McNabb before he lost value (especially because he made the trade with an unsuspecting division rival, who suffered as a result).

Unfortunately, it is impossible to ignore Andy Reid’s occasional clock mismanagement. Any fifth grader who plays Madden should have an adequate understanding of managing the clock. However, it must be said that Reid would never be in position to worry about mounting a comeback or protecting a lead were it not for all the other skills he brings to the Eagles. The team can afford a stupid loss or two in exchange for his expertise, which has made the Eagles the NFC powerhouse they are.

All things considered, Reid deserves far more credit than he gets. While you may not agree that he is the league’s top coach, it is impossible to ignore his ingenious decisions. Some of his mistakes are frustrating, but the Eagles would have a lot more frustration without him.

written by BirdofPrey18
edited by Fantasy Guru 37

Image of the Week

sportslogos.net

Look!  Up in the sky!  What's that?  Is it Superman?  No!  Is it the Flash in a new color scheme?  No!  Why, it's the new Tampa Bay Lightning logo...yikes.

Members of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization recently revealed their new logo that will take over as the primary logo to be worn on the front of Lightning players' sweaters when the 2011-2012 season begins this October.  Although the Lightning will finish the current season wearing their current logo, the logo representing the future for the organization will immediately be seared into the culture in and around the Tampa area.  Fans attending the Lightning game on Friday, February 4th will be treated to a complimentary t-shirt featuring the franchise's redesigned logo.

The new logo symbolizes the new direction in which the Tampa Bay organization is moving after a new ownership group led by Jeff Vinik bought the team last year.  The new ownership team is hoping the new logo will be emblematic of the group's long-term vision which consists of making the Lightning known as a "world-class organization that wins at the highest level and unifies Tampa Bay through the power of Lightning hockey and other legendary events."

The team certainly has the pieces to make their team successful for the next half-decade or so.  Veterans Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are having a great season with other star players like Steven Stamkos and Pittsburgh native Ryan Malone.  The Lightning are in a groove right now that includes a 6-game win streak and has sprung the Lightning to first place in the Southeast division and what would be the second seed in the East if the playoffs began today.  The Lightning have a solid nucleus for long-term success and if new general manager, Steve Yzerman, can continually give these stars a talented supporting cast, Tampa Bay will win in the NHL for years and years to come.

The new logo itself has a superhero logo-like quality to it that makes it look a bit juvenile.  The simplicity of the logo is nice but it does look like the flash decided to switch it up from red and yellow to blue and white instead.  Maybe it will give all of the Lightning players a speed boost. MARVEL Comics should have a chat with Vinik about joining their art staff.  


written by Mac Attack
edited by Fantasy Guru 37

Super Bowl XLV

sportslogos.net

Almost a year ago, we began preparing for the game that will be played this Sunday. As soon as the last piece of confetti rained down on Bourbon Street, Americans turned their attention to Super Bowl XLV, next in the line of hallowed games. This year's matchup should not disappoint, as two of the league's most storied franchises will square off in what will surely go down as a tremendous game.

But what will happen exactly? Will Ben Roethlisberger, already the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, take the next step to greatness and capture a third title? Or will the gunslinging Aaron Rodgers make Green Bay fans forget about Brett Favre and give the city its first taste of glory since 1996? Read on for an in-depth look at the individual matchups that will determine the outcome of Super Bowl XLV...or just skip to the bottom and see the prediction. It's up to you.

On the surface, these two teams appear to be very similar. Both squads run a 3-4 defense in which their linebackers thrive in pass-rushing roles. Both have quarterbacks that can extend plays with their feet. And both have tremendous players in the secondary. But a closer look will reveal just how different these two teams actually are and why one team has a massive advantage over the other.

In just his third year as a starter, Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers has done more than live up to expectations. After injuries decimated key components of the offense (The Packers have more players on Injured Reserve than any other team in the league.), Rodgers put the team on his back and has carried them to Dallas. Against a defense yielding the second lowest QB Rating Against (second only to the Packers), some expect Rodgers to struggle, especially when they consider the Steelers led the league in sacks. Yes, the Steeler pass defense certainly looks imposing with their 15:21 TD:INT ratio, but the guru still anticipates a big day from Rodgers.

Fans may recall the Super Bowl XLIII matchup between the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals had ridden to the game on the backs of quarterback Kurt Warner and wideout Larry Fitzgerald. But as the game progressed, many were left wondering what had become of Arizona's vaunted aerial connection. Long story short, Troy Polamalu happened. He had been assigned to Fitzgerald and successfully locked down on him for most of the game. Expect Green Bay wide receiver Greg Jennings to receive the same treatment. Left alone, Jennings will have his way with cornerback Ike Taylor, forcing defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau to dedicate his most valuable defensive piece to the Packers' top receiving threat.

While this assignment will likely neutralize Jennings, it removes Pittsburgh's most versatile player from the equation. Polamalu will not be able to line up all over the field and create confusion as he normally does. As a result, Rodgers will look to his other capable wide receivers, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson. Should he avoid the Steelers' pass rush, a tall order despite his scrambling abilities, Rodgers will be able to complete passes to his secondary and tertiary targets. And because I refuse to dedicate a paragraph to it, forget Green Bay's rushing attack. Despite the recent emergence of James Starks, the Packer's ground game will be nonexistent on Sunday. The 2010 Steelers are the third best run defense in the modern era. Case closed.

On the other side of the ball, we are again faced with crucial individual matchups. The official NFL Injury Report (link located in the sidebar on the right) has not yet been released for Sunday's game, but a major question mark surrounds Steelers' center Maurkice Pouncey. In the AFC Championship game, he left in the first half with an apparent ankle injury. He did not return and was seen on the sideline with crutches. He is an integral part of the Steelers' offense, widely considered their best lineman. Lining up directly across from the center will be nose guard BJ Raji, the Packers 337 pound (officially 337, more like 360) behemoth. He has a special ability to clog up running lanes and still get to the quarterback. You may recall his touchdown in the NFC Championship. The Steelers certainly don't want to defend Raji with a backup, or worse, a limited Pouncey. Check the injury report for an update, but expect Raji to have a field day against Pittsburgh's already devastated offensive line.

When the line inevitably breaks down, we know Roethlisberger will be able to extend the play. It's what he is known for. But he may have trouble finding an open receiver. The guru has a connection with a very successful cornerback. This anonymous corner played with Tim Tebow in high school, captured a Florida AAAAA state championship, and has two NCAA Championship rings to his credit. It was he who told the guru that Ike Taylor is not what he is cracked up to be and it was he who played against Sam Shields in high school. Shields was a high school receiver and played the position at first in college. He was recruited by Miami solely as an athlete, and after struggling as both a wideout and a corner at the collegiate level, he went undrafted. He latched on with Green Bay primarily because of his, wait for it, athletic ability. He has since flourished with the Packers and will face a crucial assignment on Sunday. Expect him to square up with Pittsburgh speedster Mike Wallace, one of the fastest wideouts in the league and the Steelers' leading receiver. The anonymous corner anticipates that Shields will successfully defend Wallace, allowing Pro Bowlers Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams to shut down the rest of the Steelers' receivers.

Roethlisberger will look early and often to tight end Heath Miller. The big target will likely see more balls thrown his way than usual as Big Ben attempts to avoid the Green Bay pass rush, second only to the Steelers in sacks. Expect the Steelers to lean on the run; the Packers yield a generous 4.7 YPC, ranking 19th in the NFL. Rashard Mendenhall will likely see an excess of 20 carries as offensive coordinator Bruce Arians tries to keep Rodgers on the sideline.

In the end, this game should go down to the wire. We are all aware of Big Ben's penchant for game-winning drives, but expect the Packers to hold out. The guru has made his official prediction:

Green Bay 27 Pittsburgh 23