Random Thoughts-September 7

Random thoughts while waiting for the Bean Burrito from Taco Bell to clear the air...

-Seattle and Denver have both looked solid in their opening games.  The Broncos still have a half to play, too...  By the way, the two play each other on September 21 in Seattle.  Circle that one on the calendar.  The NFL has gotten predictable, but that could be a game worth watching.

-College football's new playoff system has already sparked some conversation.  Two weeks into the season, and it appears a Big Ten team will not make the playoff.  The best candidate, Michigan Sate, lost to Oregon yesterday.  The undefeateds in the Big Ten are not the powerhouses outside of Nebraska, who had to fight their way out against McNeese State.  Ohio State and Michigan each have a loss, and I doubt Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, or Minnesota will finish the season undefeated.  I have lobbied for a playoff for a long time, and now the Big Ten just isn't that good.

-Could it be the SEC could hold at least two of the playoff spots?  Supposedly, it can't happen, but it may cry for expansion to the playoff system already.  I still think we have enough Bowl games to invite 32 teams and play it off using the Bowls sites as neutral fields.  Feel bad for the teams that get Boise for their game: it's cold there in December and January.  At least Detroit is indoors.

-In one week, things really changed in NL Central.   The Cardinals look solid, thanks to a poor showing by the Brewers, who have won one of their last 10, and an average week by the Pirates.  The NL West is the only Senior Circuit Division race in doubt, and it will be fun to watch the Dodgers and Giants fight for the title over the final month.  Watch the NL Wild Card race.  It will be the most interesting race left.

-The AL Central has the most interesting story: Can the Royals actually do it?  I say yes.  They have proven themselves solid throughout the season, and have enough pitching to close the deal.  Their starting lineup is one of the best in the Major Leagues, the kind when everyone is together can win 70% of their games.

So...am I off base?