A Tennis Post?? Jo-Wilfried Tsonga into the Aussie Final. Also, a Fantastic Comeback

Even though Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's thrashing of Rafa Nadal is the headline here, I'm sure you will all thank me for this photo of Ana Ivanovic instead.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated #2 seed Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 last night in a match that equaled Nadal's worst loss in a Grand Slam. Tsonga, who will be ranked 38th in the world only until the Australian Open is finished, advanced to his first ever Grand Slam final by hitting 17 aces and 49 winners against the Spaniard. Tsonga's extreme power overmatched Nadal, who is one of the best defensive players in the world. Tsonga will probably face Roger Federer in the final, and Tsonga is the type of player who could beat Federer.

On the womens side, 3 seed Ana Ivanovic lost her first set 6-0 to Daniela Hantuchova. She didn't win her first game until 45 minutes into the match. Just under an hour and a half later, she had booked her place in the Aussie Final. Ivanovic is a crowd favorite in Melbourne, as much for the fact that she has family there and has been writing a daily column in one of the local newspapers as her stunning looks. After the match, Hantuchova had some sour grapes about the loss, discussing how Ivanovic's shoes would squeak as she was trying to serve. There also was some controversy regarding a break of Hantuchova's serve in the final set. Ivanovic lunged and barely got to a ball, but Hantuchova thought she got there after the ball had bounced a second time.

Ivanovic will meet Maria Sharapova in the final.

Senior Bowl Rosters Released

The rosters for the annual Senior Bowl, pitting some of the best college graduates* against each other in a showcase for NFL scouts. ( North Roster. South Roster) Notable absences from the game are quarterbacks Matt Ryan of Boston College and Brian Brohm of Louisville. Ryan and Brohm are figured to be the first two quarterbacks off the board, but the signal caller I like the best is that man to the right, Michigan's Chad Henne. Henne possesses great intangibles and has the arm strength to make every throw. If anyone watched the bowl game against Florida, Henne threw the out route from the far hash about as well as it can be thrown. He has an NFL caliber arm, but I think he can struggle with accuracy sometimes, and he's not terribly mobile

Another player I love is Delaware QB Joe Flacco. Flacco is a transfer from Pitt who has a prototypical NFL QB body. He stands 6'6" tall, which will help him to see over the line and not need to rely on throwing lanes as much. Scouts Inc. guru Todd McShay lists Flacco's big weakness as forcing balls, but I think that's due to him playing at Delaware and feeling like he always needs to make a big play. Once he matures I think he'll overcome that problem and be a very solid QB in the NFL. In fact, I think Henne and Flacco will both be better than Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm.

I'll have more of an in depth preview in the coming days, but for now, are there any players who you like or dislike from the rosters?

* Multiple people have pointed out the fact that graduates probably isn't applicable to all of the players in the game. my bad.

Who is the best team in College Hoops? Sorting Out the Top 3

This season there are three teams left that seem to be on everyone's Final Four radar: Memphis (15-0), Kansas (17-0) and North Carolina (17-0). Everyone, it seems, has a different opinion of who is the best team of the country. I'll break it down as well.

First, the team easiest to dismiss: North Carolina. The Tar Heels are 5th in the country in offensive efficiency and 29th in defensive efficiency. They have a legitimate trio in forward Tyler Hansbrough and guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, but each can be neutralized. Hansbrough is the only big man on the Heels roster, and teams with more front court depth can contain him. Ellington is extremely streaky and if his shooting is off he regresses to just an average player. Lawson is the key to the Tar Heels, since as you will hear millions of times come March, guard play wins championships.

Memphis right now is the hot pick to win it all. For once, the Tigers played a tough non-conference schedule and now they get to coast through Conference USA play like they do seemingly every year. Chris Douglas-Roberts leads the Tigers in scoring at 16.3 ppg, but I think their best player is Freshman point guard Derrick Rose. Rose is 2nd in scoring at 14. ppg and also has 69 assists on the year. However, he is just still a Freshman, and that has shown to the tune of his 49 turnovers. With Rose being the only true point guard on the team, plus the fact he is only a Freshman, I think the Tigers are perhaps a team that will get upset early in March.

Now the best team in the country. Granted I am a Kansas fan, but I think they are the best team in the country. They don't have any really exceptional wins, but they way they have beat teams is impressive to watch. They are first in Ken Pomeroy's rating system. For those of you who don't know who Ken Pomeroy is, he is a writer for Basketball Prospectus, and one of the best writers out there for any sport. Kansas not only has a great offensive team, with balanced scoring that reminds people of the recent Florida Gators, but they also have a great defensive team. Brandon Rush, who guarded the other team's best player last year, is the 3rd best defensive player on the team. Russell Robinson and Mario Chalmers are called the best defensive backcourt in the game. Not only that, I think they are the best two defensive guards in the country period. If Bill Self doesn't screw it up, this could be the year for Jayhawk fans.

Well do you all agree? Or do you think UNC or Memphis is the best team? Or perhaps you UCLA fans want to chime in....

2008 Top 10 Prospects: NL East

1. Cameron Maybin-CF-Florida- Detroit has seemingly staked their centerfield future in Curtis Granderson, because in a little over two months they have traded away both Gorkys Hernandez (Atlanta) and Cameron Maybin. While he had an uninspiring Major League debut (.208 OBP) Maybin is a future star, someone who scouts have called the fastest player they've ever seen. As a 20 year old, Maybin had a .406 OBP in the Minors, including stops in the Midwest and Florida State Leagues, two tough hitters leagues. Maybin will be a perfect fit to roam the spacious outfield in Dolphins Stadium.

2. Fernando Martinez-OF-New York- ESPN analyst Keith Law thinks Martinez is the best prospect in baseball. While I don't necessarily agree with that, there can be no mistaking his potential. Martinez reached AA as an 18 year old, and has showed off a wide range of skills. While his potential is there, for now it is just that - potential.

3. Ross Detwiler-LHP-Washington- This may be some irrational love, but I LOVE me some Ross Detwiler. The lefty out of Missouri State made the big leagues last year in his first professional season. Detwiler has some command issues, but he did strike out more than a third of the batters he faced in college last year.

4. Jordan Schafer-OF-Atlanta-Last season Jordan Schafer became probably the biggest breakout player in the minors. He had a .441 OBP in Low-A and a .354 OBP in High-A. The 6' 190 pounder will start 2008 in AA and probably will patrol Turner Field in 2009.

5. Michael Burgess-OF-Washington-Taken in the Supplemental Round of the 2007 draft, Burgess could end up being a steal. He was a potential top 10 pick, but his disappointing senior season dropped him to the Supplemental Round. Burgess posted a .421 OBP in his first pro season, and the toolsy outfielder should be able to post similar numbers as he moves up.

6. Jason Heyward-OF-Atlanta- This was a coin flip between Burgess and Heyward. Heyward is just as toolsy, and probably has the higher ceiling, but I think Burgess has the best chance to reach his ceiling. Heyward is a big kid, and is still getting bigger. He sometimes is a bit of a free swinger, thinking his strength will over power pitches. If he can correct his approach a bit, he should be a star.

7. Joe Savery-LHP-Philadelphia- Savery went to Rice, which college baseball fans know is an immediate red flag when evaluating a pitching prospect. The famed trio of Wade Townsend, Jeff Niemann and Phil Humber all had arm problems as professionals, and there's good reason to believe Savery will as well. In both college and the pros last year, Savery didn't even have a 2:1 K:BB ratio. Improvement is definitely needed.

8. Kyle Drabek-RHP-Philadelphia-Drabek was one of the top prep arms in the 2006 draft, but there are also some concerns about his makeup. He struck out 46 batters in 54 innings in 2007 in Low-A ball before his season was ended by Tommy John surgery.

9. Matt Dominguez-SS-Florida- A high-school teammate of Royals and AL Central #1 prospect Mike Moustakas, Dominguez has the type of glove that will carry him to the majors by itself. Dominguez struggled in his pro debut, but he is very athletic and has vast potential.

10. Brent Lillibridge-SS-Atlanta- Lillibridge is one of many players rumored to be the Braves next centerfielder. For now, however he is still a shortstop. The former 4th round pick out of the University of Washington has the tools to stick at shortstop, and the power to hit around 12-15 homers a year. Lillibridge looks to stay at short for now, but many people, including me, think he would be a better centerfielder.

Mallett Transfers

Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett has decided to transfer. After speaking with his family and with new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, transferring was his best option he thought.

Mallett is a classic drop back passer; he has it all: size, big arm, accuracy, but one thing he lacks is a tremendous amount of mobility. He moves around alright in the pocket, but he would be utterly useless running any type of option. I think Mallett would have been fine at Michigan. A lot of teams run the spread without using running quarterbacks. For instance, Missouri, Texas Tech and Hawaii. True WVU was known for running a lot, but Rodriguez would have tailored his system for his players.

Mallett is leaning towards Texas A&M, Arkansas and UCLA. My best bet is he will end up in Los Angeles, and will have a fine college career, albeit not as fine of one as he would have had in Ann Arbor

Top 10 Prospects: AL West

The AL West is loaded with tons of depth, and a lot of guys who could end up having similar careers. It was tough to decide who the top couple guys were, but perhaps even tougher to decide who to leave off the list.

1. Daric Barton-1B-Oakland- A darkhorse candidate for AL Rookie of the Year, Barton put up a .389 OBP in AAA. Yes he will be going from the PCL to one of the best pitchers parks in the American League, but Barton also walked more than he struck out last year. Don't expect that to continue, but expect Barton to control the strike zone very well.

2. Nick Adenhart-RHP-Anaheim- No I will not call them the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. But on to Adenhart. He seemingly has a lot of detractors, but it was only a year ago people viewed him as one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. He's Clayton Kershaw one year ago.

3. Jeff Clement-C-Seattle- Clement has been famous since high school: From Marshalltown, Iowa, Clement set the national record for most career high school home runs. With Kenji Johjima established in Seattle, people are split on whether Clement will get traded, switch positions, or kick Johjima out of town. He has been rumored in a deal to bring back Baltimore ace Erik Bedard, but I think Clement will be catching in Seattle fairly soon.

4. Carlos Gonzalez-OF-Oakland- Gonzalez is another player whose stats haven't caught up to his potential yet. He had a .356 OBP last year in A ball, but when moved up to AA, he dropped to a .294 OBP. Gonzalez is a potential three hitter for a big league lineup, a guy who could hit 30+ homers a year, but right now his biggest asset is his potential.

5. Brandon Morrow-RHP-Seattle- Morrow is one of the top arms in baseball. He has a very good fastball, but many sources say his secondary offerings are less than average. This is one of the reasons he is slated to have a big league career in the bullpen. But pitching in Safeco should help him post some low ERA totals throughout his career.

6. Carlos Triunfel-SS-Seattle- The 17, yes 17, year old has put up some admittedly unimpressive numbers in the Minors - just a .333 OBP in the California League last year - but Triunfel has tremendous potential. His age, combined with the fact that he should stick at short, provides a good template for an above average big leaguer.

7. Hank Conger-C-Anaheim- One of the best young catchers in baseball, Conger posted an over .500 slugging percentage as a 19 year old. Conger doesn't walk a lot, which could end up being a crutch, but if he continues to hit for power it may not matter. Many people think he won't stick at catcher, but if he does he could become among the elite prospects in the game.

8. Elvis Andrus-SS-Texas- As a 16 year old Andrus posted an astounding OBP in Rookie Ball. It has since settled to a more realistic .338. Andrus doesn't have tons of power (.343 slugging) but he should get on base more and more as he gets older and stronger, and should continue to show off his speed (40 SB in 2008).

9. Blake Beavan-RHP-Texas- The first thing you notice about Beavan is that he is a beast. He is 6'7" and 210 lbs, and he can throw his fastball into the mid 90s. People are semi worried about his control, but if he develops as he should, Beavan could develop into the ace Texas has been looking for.

10. Gio Gonzalez-RHP-Oakland- Many people would have Gio way higher on this list, but the fact that he has been with Chicago, then Philadelphia, then Chicago again, makes me a bit worried. Sure that means someone has to want him badly enough, but it also means that someone wanted to give him up. If there's one GM I'd trust to know that Gonzalez was a good prospect it's Billy Beane, but for now I think I will hold off on the Gio Gonzalez bandwagon.

Top 10 Prospects: AL Central

This was probably the hardest of my top 10 lists to make. With the recent arrivals of Miguel Cabrera and Nick Swisher, a couple of AL Central teams have had their farm systems ravaged. What's left isn't too pretty.

1. Mike Moustakas- SS- Kansas City- As I mentioned in my AL East Top 10 Prospects, I don't like putting a guy who has so few minor league at bats #1, but Moustakas has so much potential that it's hard to avoid. Not only was Moustakas ranked as the best athlete in the Royals system by Baseball America, but they also said he had the best fastball and best curveball, even though he's not a pitcher. The fact that he's about a year older than the rest of his high school class worries some, but not me.

2. Tyler Robertson-LHP-Minnesota- Scouts don't seem to like Robertson that much, but his stats would absolutely blow you away. 123 strikeouts compared to just 33 walks with a 2.29 ERA as a 19 year old in High A. Lefties with good command like Robertson tend to dominate a lot in the lower levels, so it will be interesting to see if Robertson can continue that on his ascent to the majors.

3. Rick Porcello-RHP-Detroit- Kind of the reverse of Tyler Robertson. Scouts love him, but I worry that the numbers might not be there, at least right away. Scouts called him the best pitcher outside of David Price in the 2007 draft, but he reminds me a bit of Mark Rogers, a former top 5 pick of the Milwaukee Brewers who has battled injuries thus far in his career. Still, there can be no doubt that the potential is there.

4. Beau Mills-1B-Cleveland- Last year at NAIA Lewis and Clark State, Mills had one of the best collegiate seasons ever: .458/.556/1.033. The number 13 pick in the draft, Mills will be pushed quickly through the Indians system due to his three year collegiate career. Mills had a 42.2% extra base hit rate last year, suggesting that getting pushed is all right with him.

5. Adam Miller-RHP-Cleveland- This placement is more for potential than performance. Mills only threw 65.1 innings last year due to elbow problems, but he still pitched well when he threw, with over a 3/1 K/BB rate. Miller probably figures into Cleveland's bullpen going forward, but he still has the stuff to be an impact pitcher.

6. Luke Hochevar-RHP-Kansas City- The #1 overall pick in 2006 out of Tennessee, Hochevar posted a 1.38 WHIP in Double and Triple A in 2007, while striking out 138 players. Some see Hochevar as a #2, others see him as a #3. The number doesn't really matter, what does matter is he will at least be able to eat innings for an AL team, which is a quality a lot of pitchers don't share.

7. Ben Revere-CF-Minnesota- Ranked the Twins #1 prospect by Baseball Prospectus, Revere is a pure speedster who can absolutely fly. Revere went .325/.388/.461 in the Gulf Coast League, which is tons better than most experts predicted. Revere also stole 21 bases, although only had a 70% success rate. If he can learn to use his speed better at the plate, Revere might be a draft day steal.

8. Jeff Larish-1B-Detroit- I haven't seen many of Larish's at bats, but judging from the ones I have seen and from his statistics, I see similarities between him and Mark Bellhorn. Larish is a patient hitter, drawing 87 walks last year and striking out 108 times. For a power hitter such as him, thats not a bad ratio at all. Larish also had nearly a 50% extra base hit rate last year, suggesting a lot of his at bats will end up in a strikeout, walk or extra base hit.

9. Aaron Laffey-LHP-Cleveland- Laffey is an extreme ground ball pitcher, something that I think is a touch underrated in baseball circles. However, one place that may not benefit him much is Cleveland, whose infield defense is pretty subpar. Look for Laffey to open 2007 in the rotation, but I wonder if his ERA will spike due to adjusting to the majors and pitching in front of that defense.

10. Aaron Poreda, LHP-Chicago- The 20 year old posted a .84 WHIP in the Pioneer League in 2007. He struck out a little more than a batter an inning and walked about 1 every four. With the way the Sox have been trading lately, cynical Sox fans must be wondering how long it will be until Poreda gets shipped off.

Top 10 Prospects- AL East

In a wierd little twist, I decided not to do top prospects, or top prospects by team, but by division. Hopefully I'll be around long enough to have a new "thing" every year. But for now, here's the AL East

1. Evan Longoria- Tampa Bay 3B- Longoria, some people's #1 prospect, had an On Base Percentage north of .400 last year between Double and Triple A. Look for Longoria to win a job as the Rays 3B right out of Spring Training.

2. Joba Chamberlain- New York RHP- The breakout sensation of 2007, Joba burst onto the scene as a middle reliever for the Yankees, with a .38 ERA, allowing just 1 run and 12 hits in 24 IP. While he was valuable as a reliever, Joba's future is in the rotation, where his 5 pitch repertoire will place him a solid #2 behind Phil Hughes in the Yankees rotation.

3. Clay Buchholz- Boston RHP- Buchholz already has one no hitter under his belt, and it's a good bet that won't prove to be a fluke. Buchholz has ace written all over him, with the stats and stuff to back it up. His fastball can reach 97, and his curveball is already stuff of legend.

4. Matt Wieters- Baltimore C- This is a pretty aggressive ranking for Wieters, the Orioles first round pick out of Georgia Tech, but Wieters has the potential to be even better than Joe Mauer. Wieters should post an OBP around .400 for his career with legit 30 HR power. Out of a catcher, that's golden.

5. Travis Snider- Toronto OF- As a 19 year old in the Midwest League Snider went .313/.377/.525. He did however strike out 129 times in 118 games. Snider is a big kid and extremely athletic, plus he has the most important tool- the hit tool.

6. Jacob McGee- Tampa Bay LHP- The lefty reached AA at age 20, although he spent most of his time at A+ Visalia. McGee should spend all of 2008 at AA, but one wonders if his place will be in Tampa or in another organization.

7. David Price- Tampa Bay LHP- The #1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, Price could be slated for a September callup in 2008. Price has fantastic stuff and could develop into the #2 behind Scott Kazmir that Tampa has been looking for. He would be ranked higher, but the fact that he hasn't thrown a professional pitch makes me a bit leery.

8. Ian Kennedy- New York RHP- Kennedy doesn't jump out when talking about the best prospects in baseball, but he certainly belongs up there. The USC product has mostly made the news lately in discussions about Johan Santana. Kennedy reached the majors as a 22 year old and has extremely good command and pretty good stuff. However, this is probably as good as he'll get.

9. Reid Brignac- Tampa Bay SS- A year after winning the California League Player of the Year Award, Brignac struggled at AA Montgomery. But, Brignac's walks increased and his strikeouts decreased, leading me to believe he will figure it out in 08 and force Jason Bartlett off short soon enough.

10. Jacoby Ellsbury- Boston CF- Another player who has been mentioned in the Johan Santana trade talks, Ellsbury was the darling of the 08 postseason, the player who could replace Johnny Damon in center. I like Ellsbury, and think he will be an all-star player, but I think his future lies more in being an exciting player rather than a great one. Still, his defense in center will be very valuable for whatever team he ends up playing for.

First Post

Hello all, I'm stephen a and perhaps you've seen my posts on Complete Sports. I'm starting this blog to write about some other topics rather than your mainstream sports. Most of my posts will be about baseball, I'll have prospect lists and whatnot, but you'll also see the NHL and college hockey, and even some soccer action. Check back often, and feel free to comment and e-mail me at fetch_9@yahoo.com with suggestions, comments, arguments, etc.