Top 10 Matts in Sports History

Recently, it came to my attention that there are an abundance of dudes named Matt in my life.  I have a cousin named Matt, two cousins each just married a guy named Matt (different guys fyi), my girlfriend’s sister is dating a Matt, her cousin is too, and her little cousin is also Matthew.  I can easily rattle off five Matts from my old Fraternity.

It’s a great name yes, but I realized it wasn’t just me; Matts are everywhere, especially in sports, and more commonly playing Quarterback.  Don’t believe me, just look at the current starting QBs in the NFL right now: Matt Ryan, Matt Cassel, Matthew Stafford, Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Flynn, Matt Schaub, Matt Moore, and don’t forget about former heisman-handsome third-stringer, Matt Leinart, and fellow Trojan, soon to be NFL starter, Matt Barkley.  Whew…that’s a shit ton of Matts, but are they among the Greatest Ever Matts in Sports?  Possibly.  Let’s take a look… 

The Sports Minion’s NFL Predictions

The Sports Minion’s 2011 NFL Predictions

TGIF Thank God It’s Football

It’s finally here!  2011 NFL season kicks off Thursday and what more can you ask than Green Bay vs. New Orleans matchup?  This could be the best game of the season, in the very first game of the year.  Or maybe not, who knows?  We haven’t played a down of regular season football, so really anything can happen.

Peter King at SI has predicted Atlanta vs. San Diego in the Super Bowl this season, so it’s safe to bet that’s going to happen, since the football Buddha successfully predicted a Packers-Steelers matchup in last year’s issue.

With all that being said, and nothing proven quite yet, here is the Sports Minion’s Top 10 NFL teams coming into week one.

Fantasy Football: It’s Like Star Wars for Jocks: Top 25 Rankings

Darth Brady will put up big fantasy numbers once again

I just finished my 16^th NFL Fantasy Football Mock Draft, so it’s safe to say Fantasy Football season is a go.  This time of year it’s quite an exciting time of year for me and my sports minded friends.  Basically, Fantasy Football is basically Star Wars for jocks.  For the ones who do not play fantasy football, knock it, or can’t seem to figure it out; stay away, it’s addicting and I’ve grown tired of waiting more than twenty seconds for you to make your 10^th round mock draft selection.  C’mon, does it really make a difference choosing between Jacoby Jones or Jacoby Ford at that point?

I’ve been quite solid in my fantasy football play over the years, not so much for fantasy baseball, basketball, or the ncaa tourney (which I managed to place last and second to last for the 2009 and 2010 tournaments, respectively).  So, if you want a 3,090^th opinion, and are tired of hearing from fantasy football guru, Matthew Berry’s “expert” advice, here’s the Sports Minion’s look at the 2011 Fantasy Football Season:

American League All Star Predictions

As I’ve explained before, most professional sports all star games are rather boorish and uneventful, but since I was a kid, the MLB All Star Game always gets me excited.  Growing up, it was always fun to see future hall of famers like Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ken Griffey Jr. all involved in the same game, seeing the home team player ovations, and of course hitting bombs in the home run derby.  This Sunday, the results are announced for this year’s Midsummer Classic, which unfortunately will include waaay too many Yankee players, but who else will be named, the Sports Minion takes a stab at the American League…

Taking A Gamble: the Professional Sports Draft

Brien Taylor was a "can't miss" prospect

I don’t know about you, but each year I get way too excited for professional sports drafts.  The NFL draft is by far the most enticing with Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay squaring off throughout the year arguing over trivial college football players who in a couple years will be completely forgotten.  There’s also the NFL combine, the live draft show, draft “experts”, mock drafts, and above all gives you a more optimistic look at your favorite team’s likelihood for success with a new solid draft pick.  The NBA Draft is quite fun too, they have a live show, fashionable suits, great highlight reels, some of your favorites from March Madness are there, and of course David Stern, he was great in Home Alone by the way.  Unfortunately, the MLB Draft greatly fails in comparison.   

Bear Weather at White Sox Home Opener

Mayor Daley explains to Rahm that the Cubs stink

The Sports Minion & Sports Minette headed down to The Cell for the 2011 Chicago White Sox home opener.  It was a great time indeed, as temperatures hit near freezing, reminding one of a typical game at the cross town Soldier Field where the Monsters of the Midway do their thing.

We saw a beautiful pitching performance from Edwin Jackson, who struck out a career-high 13 batters, surrendering only 1 run on 4 hits leading to a 5-1 victory over the visiting AL East Champ, Tampa Bay Rays. Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski received the biggest ovations as Sox fans made it clear they appreciate the two leaders sticking around for possibly a few more years.

Here’s to You Kid

Junior was one of the great ones

Growing up in the 90’s, I’ve been fortunate enough to see many exceptional ball players in action.  Starting with future Hall of Famers, 8-time batting champion Tony Gwynn and the Iron Man, Cal Ripken.  As well as possibly the last 350+ winner in 18-time Gold Glover, Greg Maddux.  The top base stealer ever, Rickey Henderson.  A shortstop who literally back-flipped his way to 15 All Star selections.  I’ve seen the Bash Brothers, well, bash.  I cheered on the Big Hurt, watched a chubby centerfielder bring 2 World Series titles to Minnesota, and experienced Joe Carter’s dramatic World Series home run.  But, what easily stands out among all these players and amazing experiences is the man who revolutionized the sport, the man commonly known as Junior.

Training in the Spring

Camelback Ranch - Home of the White Sox/Dodgers

The Sports Minion and the Sports Minette headed down to Glendale, AZ over the weekend to catch some Spring Training action.  The venue, Camelback Ranch.  The game, Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers.

This was the first Spring Training game in the history of the Sports Minion, and it will be a recurring occurrence each baseball season from here on.

For any baseball fan, Spring Training is a great way to see a future superstar, get excited for the upcoming season, and not have to pay an arm and a leg for home plate seats, which the Sports Minion did.

Derrick Rose is Amazing

If he's not MVP, I quit

There’s nothing more to say.  Derrick Rose is this year’s MVP.  That is all.