Interactive Blog... I hope

So I was thinking.  I know, right?  Me, think?  I want to get readership up to about 20 views per blog.  I thought I would start by sort of changing my own format about how this thing works.  Instead of sharing my thoughts about a sport, I put out interactive ideas that will get readers to respond easily and voice their own opinions.  First off... the top 3 players in each of the four 'major' sports in the year 2015.  Each sport, I will add a little creative flourish to make it more entertaining.  So for the NFL, I will do quarterbacks.  For the NBA, I will do scorers.  For MLB, I will do hitters, and for European football, I will do goalscorers and playmakers.  Sounds fun, right?  Here we go...

2015 NFL Quarterbacks.

#3 - Matthew Stafford.  I was a little skeptical when I saw him come out of Georgia.  I thought he had the arm, and I certainly thought he had pocket presence, but I didn't think that he would thrive walking into the 0-16 environment.  I had predicted more David Carr and less Eli Manning.  That being said, he's on the right track, and there is no doubt in my mind that the NFC North will have the strongest quartet of quarterbacks in the NFL for the next couple of years.  He is one of the few quarterbacks in the league that makes his team instead of the misconstrued  ideals of being made by the team.  I.e. Tony Romo, Marc Bulger.

#2 - Matt Ryan.  I know that this will surprise a lot of people, because 3 seasons from now a lot of players could be in this position.  I just think that he isn't going to stop until the Atlanta Falcons get it right.  As long as he is in Atlanta, I feel that they will always be in position to make the playoffs, and I haven't been proven wrong thus far.  He is almost unstoppable at home, and now that he is loaded with weapons, his time may be coming.  Once he learns that he is better than the other guy on the sideline, he could challenge for a Super Bowl or two.  I think he's one of the NFL's best in 2015.

#1 - Aaron Rodgers.  Tinted glasses or not, I think he will be one of the greatest quarterbacks in history once his career is finished.  Every single knock that has been said against him, whether it be through scouting reports, former teammates or the media, has been made irrelevant.  He has one of the most precise arms in NFL history, and he is also in the class of a Steve Young and John Elway when it comes to getting sacked.  He's been the leader of his organization for a few seasons now, and has yet to hit 30.  He's just a few missed opportunities away from possibly having multiple championships, and there is no reason to think that it's going to end anytime soon.

2015 NBA Scorers

#3 - John Wall.  I know that he has had 2 relatively lukewarm seasons during his time with the Washington Wizards, but there are a few reasons for his struggles.  First, they don't know how to use him out there in Washington.  He should be the focal point of their offense a la Dwayne Wade in the pre LeBron James years.  Secondly, who else is on their team?  Without looking anyone up, name one.  I dare you.  Finally, and most importantly, he has no range.  He shot 7% from downtown this season.  7%! I think a few of my high school friends could do better.  But in his defense, he averaged 8 assists a game, when he should probably average around 5.  If he ever decides to play more like Russell Westbrook and Dwayne Wade than Jason Kidd or Chris Paul, look out.  He cannot be contained 1 v 1.

#2 - Russell Westbrook.  He can score.  He can score in any offense.  And he can score even though he's the second option on OKC.  I would say the only reason that he won't end up being one of the top scorers in the future is if he doesn't realize his own potential, and if the game doesn't slow down for him.  Otherwise, he can be the Clyde Drexler of this team for years to come.

#1 - Kevin Durant.  This will most likely be the team that has multiple championships.  Keep in mind that right now both Durant and Westbrook are only 23 years old.  I think that once the game slows down for them and they understand each situation, that they both will average around 27-30 points a game, and become one of the most potent offenses in NBA history.  His game is phenomenal.  He has range, can shoot with the right and the left, a little Tim Duncan bank shot in him, and he can fly as high as Mike.  How blessed the Thunder could be if they both reach their potential.  Obviously, I think they will.

2015 MLB Hitters

#3 - Matt Kemp.  If he can stay healthy, this might be one of the few players that can do beast mode for all 162 games.  The only players that I can remember achieve that type of level are Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Barry Bonds.  For the generation of post 1990 anyway.  Matt Kemp is like Ken Griffey Jr; we all see it, they know they have it, now can they be lucky enough to maintain it.  I sure hope he is.

#2 - Andrew McCutchen.  This is the type of player that makes you stand up and sign to the Good Lord.  His game is absolutely incredible.  He can run the base paths.  He can hit the ball into the gaps.  He can put the ball over the fence.  Hell, he could probably Ichiro* the ball if that's what he wanted to do.  Imagine how good he would be if Pittsburgh could protect him.  Who knows by 2015, they might be able to.

#1 - Mike Trout.  Granted, I'm not baseball obsessed like I used to be, and I don't quite have the baseball intellect that some people my age do.  Yet, in all my years, I have never seen someone play baseball quite like he does.  If we do have a mythical Babe Ruth type player from our era, and I don't think we will, he will most likely be the candidate.  Tiger Woods made golf look easy.  Roger Federer made tennis look easy.  Michael Jordan made basketball look easy.  Not sure we've had it in baseball since I've been alive, but between Trout and Harper, I think we will finally have one.  My money is on this guy.

* Ichiro - bunt single

2015 European Playmakers

Note:  This is probably the most difficult as in 2001, Djibril Cisse was going to be the greatest player in 5 years. (According to Don Balon, the Spanish magazine.  Darren Fletcher was 13th. Andres Iniesta was 21st)


#3 - Gareth Bale.  If he could play in the middle of the park, I would've considered him for the #2 position.  Still, for only basically playing on one side of the field, his skill set is extraordinary.  He's strong, quick as hell, and can get a great ball into the box.  I understand the Ryan Giggs comparisons; there are times when I think that Giggs should be pleased with the compliments thrown his way.  I love him to death, but never did I rate him 3rd best attacker in the world.  With Bale, it's easy.

#2 - Neymar.  I've only seen him a handful of times, but I would've only needed once.  He is majestic in the same way that Messi, Zidane and how I imagine that Pele and Maradona were.  Once in a generation type player, and he's barely into his twenties.  It'll be spectacular to see where he ends up, but unfortunate for the rest of the world.  He can beat you in every way, cross, pass, dribble and score.  How do you stop that?

#1 - Messi.  Really?  Is there anyone else?  In 3 seasons, he will be in his supposed prime, which has been preceded by becoming the Barcelona all-time leading scorer.  He's absolutely ridiculous with the ball or without.  I remember watching two games with Messi involved.  1. The game vs. Getafe.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmm-xCq4To&feature=related. Simply astounding, and I think I scared half the restaurant as when I was watching it I yelped!  He was only 19!  2. The 4-1 game vs. Arsenal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F1_T29vzJ4 When you watch those highlights, watch Messi the entire time.  Don't watch the ball.  It's funny, because that was the game I chose to do so.  At the time, I was a huge advocate of Cristiano Ronaldo.  I didn't think Messi was quite on that top class. So I just watched him. I will never make any ludicrous statement like that again.  He is simply the best player of any sport in our generation.  I can confidently say there won't be another.  Ever again.


Bring it!