Tag: Sports

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FANTASY

All Mocked out – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-41

I’ve had enough already!

One week left to the NFL draft and I’ve probably seen 30 mock drafts by now.  It’s actually more than 30 but eventually you just stop counting.  It’s bad enough that every online NFL News website has at least 3 mock drafts posted by now.  When you factor in that the NFL Network has a show that’s been running all month that’s dedicated to analyzing each and every analyst’s personal mock.  The subtle differences become lost, and essentially meaningless when you’ve heard so many reasons why Cleveland should take Josh Allen, or maybe Sam Darnold.  Maybe  Saquon Barkley is the right choice, or Josh Rosen looked really good at his pro day.  Definitely one of those guys should be the first player taken in the draft.  Unless you are in agreement with the analysts that believe Baker Mayfield is the sure thing.

Hopefully I wasn’t being too subtle

Who knows how many more mock drafts I will have the unfortunate opportunity to experience before the actual draft puts an end to it.  If you actually believe that any one of the mocks you’ve had the displeasure of seeing is right?  Well then I have a mint condition numbers matching frame off restoration 1952 Chevrolet Corvette for sale that you might be interested in.

Really!  No not really.

In case you aren’t an afficionado of classic American automobiles.  It might interest you to know that the first Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled in 1953.  There’s no such thing as a 1952 Chevrolet Corvette.  Just as there’s no such thing as a correct mock draft.  That’s why they are called MOCK drafts!

MOCK adjective : not authentic or real, but without the intention to deceive.

In layman’s terms it means some totally made up crap.  It’s purpose isn’t really to educate.  The primary purpose of a mock draft is to entertain.   If that truly is the case then I just have to say.  The majority of analysts are doing a pretty poor job.

Don’t focus on the Player.  Focus on the situation.

When you are making predictions that you admit aren’t authentic or real.   It wouldn’t hurt you to make predictions like Baker Mayfield third overall to the New York Jets.  Then extrapolate that his youthful exuberance, and competitive spirit will win him the starting job.  Teddy Bridgewater will be cut, but signed almost immediately when Sam Bradford gets injured in the preseason.  Bridgewater goes from being the third string Quarterback in New York to leading the Arizona Cardinals back to the playoffs.  Now that’s a mock draft pick that I would be interested in hearing about.  Unfortunately that’s not going to happen because the NFL analysts are afraid of making mock predictions that are too far from being possible.  The irony is that none of their mock drafts really are.

Categories
GAMING Uncategorized

Competitive or Cooperative? – The Gamer in me GL-20

How things have changed

(Cobe Life has recently switched to a new Subscription service.  I strongly advise current Subscribers to resubmit their follow request)

All of us grew up playing games.  Some of us played Sports.  Many of us played Board games.  A few of us were early adopters of Video games.  Practically everyone played Card games.  I could go on and on but one thing is for sure.  I played them all.  I didn’t just play them though.  I played to win!  You see the one thing that was similar about all of the games I played was that they included an opponent.  Another person, a few other individuals, or another team that I had to beat.  This was one of the main things about games that made them appealing to me.  You had a quantifiable way to determine if you were better than someone else.  I was naturally competitive so I tended to win more often than I lost.  Which made playing games one of my favourite things to do.  But what if you were somebody that lost most of the time?  Well fortunately for them Video games increased in popularity, and quality as a direct result.  Home Video game consoles turned gaming into a solitary affair.  Eventually though people began to miss the connection with others they used to have playing games.  But how could they get past the inherent competitiveness of it?  Along came the current generation of cooperative games.  Games that allow a group of people to play together to achieve a common goal.  You either win as a team, or all of you lose collectively.  It creates a sense of equality that wasn’t present in the games we played as kids.

Congratulations for coming out

It’s commonplace for children’s sports leagues to give every player a trophy at the end of the season.  The reason for this is to prevent anyone from feeling less accomplished than anyone else.  Some leagues no longer keep score during games.  That way there is no winner or loser.  Everyone is considered an equal success for having played.  Do agree with this new way of thinking?  No I don’t, not at all.  That’s a whole nother article though, and I won’t go into it now.  I’ll just summarize it by saying it’s wrong to make someone feel inept, but it’s equally wrong to marginalize someone else’s talent.  I’ll leave it at that.  Cooperative games make this new way of thinking unnecessary.  The best games require multiple disciplines, and innovative thinking to succeed.  In this way they can appeal to many different people.  Probably one of the best examples of this is Escape Rooms.  I’ve played Escape Rooms that required athleticism, manual dexterity, trivia knowledge, and of course puzzle solving.  Just imagine the group of people that would be required to work together as a team to be victorious in that particular Room.  Schools should be working towards incorporating extra curricular activities similar to Escape Rooms if they are concerned about all participants feeling valuable.

Kitchen table battleground

Cooperative Board games, and Card games have turned what used to be the family Kitchen table battleground into a friendly cooperative affair.   My family played cards when I was a kid, and I could probably give lessons on how to play competitive Crazy 8s, Hearts, or Euchre.  A particularly brutal night of cards could lead to me receiving a couple of days of the silent treatment.  It also meant that the next family game night wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.  What if we were playing a cooperative game instead?  If I won it meant we all won.  No more jealousy or resentment, just celebration.  Games like Escape, Curse of the Temple or if you are feeling really adventurous and have a few hours Gloomhaven are great games to play that require real teamwork to win.  The best part is losing only makes the group more determined to win next time, and winning becomes addictive because of the group celebration.  You won’t have to wait long no matter what the result was before you get together to play again.  I’ve become a real fan of cooperative games because I can approach playing them in a far more relaxed manner.  My competitive instincts are still there, but the anxiety that usually goes along with it is gone.  I still want to win, but I don’t need to.  If you have played anything at a competitive level you’ll know what I mean.  The other major bonus that comes with playing cooperative games is finding others to join you is much much easier.  Trust me, there was a time that finding someone to play me head to head at Magic the Gathering required a tournament entry.  Cooperative games are here to stay, and I am really glad that they are.  If you haven’t played one yet.  I suggest that you give one a try.

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FANTASY FISHING GAMING GOLF Uncategorized

Cobe Life Christmas Gifts Top 8

It’s getting close to crunch time!

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By now you have probably walked the equivalent of a half marathon at the mall.  I know I’m beginning to feel like one of the Knights Templar on a Grail quest.  Each year it seems to get a little more difficult to find the right gift.  While the malls seem to get a lot more chaotic.  The reason for this is actually quite simple if take a moment to think about it.  With each thoughtful gift you purchase for someone special.  The next time you purchase a gift for that person, one of the possible items is already off the list.  What was once obvious, has now become obscure.  Should the holiday season be this stressful?  I should hope not.  So in the spirit of giving I’ve decided to put together a list of potential gifts you might have overlooked.  Gifts that will potentially surprise, show consideration, or just make things a little easier for the recipient.  So without any further ado, here’s my list.

The Top 8

1 – Memory card

Digital devices have become an integral part of almost everyone’s lives.  Cellphones, tablets, digital readers, digital cameras, and media players find their way into our pockets, and purses.  There was a time not too long ago that 16gb was more than enough space for anything.  16gb is barely enough for the operating system, some music, your favourite apps, and a few photos on your cellphone these days.  It might seem like a small thing, but a Memory card will definitely be appreciated.

2 – Orthotic insoles

I’ve lived a fair amount of my life with sore feet.  When I was younger I played soccer, ran track, was a street style skateboarder, and snowboarder.  Needless to say I did a significant amount of damage to my feet.  A few years ago I was told that I needed Orthotics.  From the very first step I took with the new insoles I wondered how I could have ever taken a step without them.  The change was so dramatic, and my demeanor so improved that my wife decided to try them.  Although she doesn’t require Orthotics, the improved comfort, and additional support make every day easier.  This is one of the surprise gifts I was talking about.  The recipient might not think much of the gift at first.  Convince them to wear them while fighting through crowds during boxing week, and I guarantee they’ll thank you.

3 – Coffee warmer

Who doesn’t know somebody that really loves their coffee?  For a lot of people, their day doesn’t begin until they’ve had their cup.  These are busy times, and many of us lead busy lives.  In between each satisfying sip of our favourite brew we might be getting ready for work, or already at work getting prepared for our day.  It doesn’t take long for the morning brew to get cold.  So what do we do?  We risk scalding our throats by drinking our first coffee of the day ridiculously fast.  But what if you didn’t have to?  With a coffee warmer on your desk at work or the kitchen table at home.  You could go about your morning routine without worrying the coffee is getting cold.

4 – Cellphone Camera Lens

Unless you are actually on holiday, the chances are slim you have a camera with you.  Well you do have a camera of sorts.  The cameras built into our cellphones have significantly improved over the years.  The picture quality is so good that carrying a traditional camera is almost unnecessary.  Unless you are really after high quality zoom, or macro photography shots.  Well with the addition of a simple clip on lens, small enough to carry in your pocket.  Your cellphone will gain some of the capabilities of a full size camera.  Instagram fans will thank you, and flood your wall with photos.

5 – Sports Cap or Toque

This probably seems obvious to a lot of you.  If you know a true sports fan.  Chances are good that you’ve seen them wearing a Cap or Toque with their team’s logo.  That’s exactly why I wouldn’t consider this an obvious gift.  Why get someone a gift that they already have?  Because they will smile wide and thank you for it. That’s why!  As most of you already know, I’m a true sports fanatic.  As a fan of the Denver Broncos I currently have two Caps, and a Toque.  My father is from the Netherlands so I support their soccer team.  I currently have four Netherlands soccer Caps.  Each one is slightly different, and I wear them all.  This is the one gift on this list that you definitely can’t go wrong with.  When in doubt, get them what they already love.

6 – Touch Screen Gloves

I actually got a pair of these as a gift a couple years ago.  They have quickly become my favourite gloves.  I couldn’t even tell you where my other gloves are.  I know that I have at least five pairs gloves, but my cellphone is so important to me I wouldn’t even consider wearing the others.  The original Touch Screen Gloves were about as simple as can be.  Now there are all sorts of styles to go with any outfit.  Everyone knows someone that could benefit from having a pair of these.

7 – Heated Scarf

Do I own one?  No, it’s definitely not the most masculine of gifts.  Hardcore hipsters aside, a Heated Scarf would be a welcome gift for any woman that has to brave the bitter cold of winter.  Have I tried one?  Yes, for the purposes of this article I figured it was important to get a first hand feel for what it’s like.  Even though I’m in great shape, and a little cold weather doesn’t really bother a man like me.  I found the Heated Scarf to be quite comfortable, and even soothing.  At least for the extremely short period of time that I actually wore it.  Still I can definitely recommend it.

8 – Saxx underwear

A few years ago I saw Saxx underwear for the first time while watching an episode of Dragons’ Den.  Men’s underwear specifically designed with a built in pouch to keep your family jewels from chaffing while playing sports, or just a long day at work.  The idea seemed simple enough, and being an active individual I was intrigued.  A couple years later while shopping I saw them for sale at a retail store for the first time.  I just had to try them so I bought a pair.  Saxx aren’t the most inexpensive of underwear.  One pair of Saxx cost what three pairs of boxer briefs used to cost me.  After wearing that first pair for one day.  I immediately returned to the store and bought the remaining three in my size.  Today the only underwear I wear is Saxx.  That’s how much of a game changer this underwear is to me.  They’ve expanded their lines to include compression sports briefs, and long johns as well.  Before you ask I do have some of both.  I’ve sung their praises to so many people that they should have made me a brand ambassador by now.  If you know an athletic guy, don’t hesitate.  Get him a pair of Saxx.

Categories
FISHING Uncategorized

Why Fishing? The Right Angle RA-13

What do you love about Fishing?

Every now and then I’ll have a friend ask me, “hey what are you up to this weekend”?  “I’m going fishing”, is my answer.

“Fishing”

The way they say it as both a question why, and a confused combination of how and where?  Now I’m sure that a lot of you get that same why response.  I get the confused combination of how and where because I live in the heart of Toronto.  Even though Toronto is situated on Lake Ontario, quite a few people still assume that it isn’t a place to go fishing.  Come on people, it isn’t just any old lake.  It’s a Great Lake!  That being the case I only spend roughly half of my time fishing in Toronto on Lake Ontario.  I fish many of the rivers and ponds in the city as well.  Now keep in mind that I prefer to fish from shore.  If I owned a boat I’d spend far more time fishing Lake Ontario.

“Are they even safe to eat”?

I get this question quite often as well.  Yes the fish you catch in and around Toronto are safe to eat.  We’re talking about Toronto here, not Chernobyl!  Now do I eat the fish that I catch?  Actually I don’t.  I’m strictly a catch and release fisherman.  “Then what’s the point” they ask?  I get this question quite often as well.  It’s usually followed by “what if you don’t catch anything”?  Of course I would like to land that trophy fish every time I go out.  Of course we all know that it just doesn’t happen.  Honestly though it doesn’t really matter.  Whether I catch or not, just being out on a beautiful day with only the sound of the river is satisfying enough.  In fact I enjoy some of the exact same things fishing provides that another one of my favourite sports Golf provides.  You get to escape from the daily grind, enjoy beautiful scenery, feel a sense of solitude not easily found within a city, and challenge yourself to improve a skill not easily mastered.  There is also the possibility of something absolutely amazing happening.  Catching that particular species of fish that’s incredibly rare, or hitting that hole in one.  If that doesn’t keep you coming back then you must be a total pessimist.  Look I’m not a world class professional fisherman by anyone’s standard.  I’m not sponsored by Minn-Kota, or Mepps.

Do I expect to land a trophy Musky some day?  Damn right I do!  It isn’t like I travel up north and fish Musky filled rivers.  People have caught Musky in the Greater Toronto Area before, so why can’t I.  To really be passionate about fishing.  You have to believe that a day will come that inspires a story that you will tell for years to come.  The kind of story that captivates an audience whether they are also Anglers or not.  A story that you are so proud of, that you grin every time you tell it.

If you haven’t read my The Right Angle RA-12 My greatest catch post, then I suggest that you do.  It contains one such story.  This particular story happened when I was still a kid.  Obviously I still tell it.  Like any great fishing story it only gets better the more you tell it.  People can’t stop asking me why I fish?

The sunrise that warms you while you are fishing on the river.

That monster strike when you least expect it.

That amazing story that you never get tired of telling.

The possibility of something truly magical happening at any moment.

Now you know why.

 

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-18 PlayLine

A new way to play.

Fantasy Fanatics like myself are always looking for a new way to play.  I was an early adopter of PPR.  I remember people telling me that it diminishes the significance of True Running Backs.  Well now it’s considered to be the standard.  FanDuel and DraftPros changed the way we bet on games.  Even ProLine got in on the act.  Well the next, and in my opinion the easiest form of Sports betting has come.  PlayLine has simplified Sports betting to something as simple as how many carries, yards, and touchdowns you think LeSean McCoy will get in his next game.  If you are the closest to his actual total amongst all the Competitors then you win.  It’s that simple!  Larger prize pools will probably include a larger number of NFL Players you will be required to predict.  Anyone with even the slightest understanding of the game could feasibly win.  You don’t need to understand point spreads, over/under, or positional matchups.  Salary cap?  Who really wants to crunch those numbers?  Well I do!  I’m the type of guy that factors in the weather report when picking my lineup, but that’s me.  PlayLine doesn’t pretend to be the most advanced Sports betting system.  There’s already enough of those available fighting for market share.  What PlayLine offers is the ability to make a few simple predictions in less than a minute to make the game you are about to watch just a little more interesting.

Bonus Time!

The PlayLine website and Application launched yesterday.  For a limited time they are offering a huge selection of Freeroll events to introduce their product.  Copy and Paste this link to sign up now and qualify for their million dollar bonus event.

www.playline.com/r/CobeLife

All you have to do is predict the total rushing yards, and number of carries for David Johnson, LeSean McCoy, and Le’Veon Bell.  If you get it bang on, consider yourself a million dollars richer.  Oh and by the way you can enter up to 50 times while spaces are available.  If you are wondering if I got my 50 entries in?  Damn right I did.  Why wouldn’t I?  Why wouldn’t you for that matter?  The number of entries are limited to a total of 5000.  Once the word gets out, I expect them to fill up fast.  So do yourself a favour and use the link I provided to get started.

Will it last?

Every new thing is always met with a tonne of excitement.  A new super bar opens downtown?  I’m there.  Skydome opening day?  Yeah I was there.  The first TFC Game?  You know I had tickets.  Do I still frequent that fantastic bar?  Maybe I would, but it closed years ago.  The Skydome is now called the Roger’s Centre, and it doesn’t really excite me to go there.  I can’t remember the last time I went to a TFC game.  Will I still be placing bets on PlayLine a year from now?  Well that’s going to depend on what unique betting opportunities they offer?  Predicting the number of receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns Rob Gronkowski might finish a game with can get old really quick.  Especially if I lose to someone who has no clue, and beats me because Gronkowski got hurt in the first quarter.  When you study the Game of Football as much as I do.  Playing a game of educated guesses is less appealing.  Things become a little more enticing when you find out that Michael Bisping is a part owner, and some events could land you ringside with The Count at a UFC event.  It’s promotions like this one that will keep me coming back.  Will PlayLine be my go to betting website?  Probably not, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be yours.  One thing is for sure.  It will definitely make Game night at the bar with your friends even better.  Find a 5 person event on that nights Game and all of you grab a spot, and make your predictions.  Whichever one of you is closest wins the money.  Just be sure to pay your portion of the Bill before the game ends if you are winning.  If your friends are anything like mine.  You’ll probably get stuck with the check if you win.  In the meantime you might as well get your football fix on PS4.

Categories
GOLF Uncategorized

PGA Championship Starting from Scratch SS-14

A marked improvement

I’m just going to come right out and say it.  Watching Golf on TV isn’t the most exciting thing that you can do.  Even if you are a fanatic like me.  Most PGA Tour events are about as exciting as The Antique Roadshow.  They have their moments, but most of the time it’s just more of the same.  The commentary doesn’t help either.  Nothing like stating the obvious 90% of the time.  God forbid if it’s overcast.  Even the network camera men have a difficult time locating where balls landed.  Good luck with figuring it out from home.  Now with all that having been said.  I do get a little excited for the Majors.

My four Majors in order from my most favourite to the least is The Masters, The Open, The U.S. Open, and then the PGA Championship.  Although it isn’t a Major I actually like The Players Championship more than the U.S. Open, and the PGA.  Why so little love for the PGA you wonder.  Well traditionally it’s played on the easiest course of the bunch.  I prefer seeing the top Golfers tested.  The other three Majors are filled with tradition, and a substantial amount of reverence.  The PGA Championship just feels a bit plastic to me.  It’s the last Major of the Season, so fans of the sport have witnessed a fair amount of drama in previous events by then.  Great shots begin to feel a bit pedestrian when you’ve already seen them achieved numerous times.

Well I’m watching the final round of the PGA Championship while writing this, and it’s more than grabbed my attention.  First of all, the changes that have been made to Quail Hollow in preparation for this event are stellar.  They took what was once a course that could be dominated by brute force long hitters.  They’ve turned it into a course that rewards precise Tee shots, and calculated risk, over basic long driving.  Any mistake made on this course can punish even the best scramblers.  I’ve complained that the PGA is far too easy at times.  Well it’s Sunday and the final group has just begun the back nine.  Currently five Players are tied for the lead at only 7 under par.  With the most difficult section of the course still to come.  This is anyone’s PGA Championship to win.  Another considerate addition for us watching at home is the addition of shot tracer technology when Players Tee off.  Actually getting to see how each Player shapes their shot.  It adds an element that was sorely missing from most PGA Tour broadcasts.  Not only do you get to see the end result of each Tee shot.  You begin to understand why each Player approaches each shot the way they do.

So only the final group is left on the course.  Justin Thomas out paced the field and has a 2 shot lead.  Only Kisner can catch him, but after missing his Birdie putt on 17 it seems very unlikely.  It was on the tenth Hole when I realized Thomas was going to win it.  Call it fate, luck, or divine intervention.  It began with an errant Tee shot.  It looked like he might have caught it out of the heel.  He hit a massive Draw heading way left of the Fairway.  What was likely to take Birdie, or maybe even Par out of the equation turned into a great Drive when his ball ricocheted off a tree, and landed in the Fairway.  His approach shot to the Green went long.  Still it left him with a relatively easy chip to get up and down for Birdie.  What should have been an easy Chip came out soft from the Bermuda rough, and left a tricky 8 footer.  Thomas’ Putt literally stopped on the left edge of the cup.  How it didn’t go in amazed everyone.  Thomas took the full 10 seconds to give it a chance to drop.  In the tenth second it did!

From that moment on Thomas played like a man destined to win, and win he did.

Your 2017 PGA Champion is Justin Thomas!

 

Categories
FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-15 Injuries already!

Injuries with a Fantasy impact before the first game of Preseason.

If there’s one thing I truly hate.  It’s injuries to key Players before they’ve even played a snap.  It’s the beginning of August, and the first Preseason game is yet to be played.  I have already spent some time adjusting my draft board more than once.  Thankfully my Keeper league team has yet to be affected.  Can’t say the same for a couple of my Competitors though. 😁 These are the injuries that could seriously effect your Fantasy team.

Andrew Luck

There has been a lot of speculation about Andrew Luck as he prepares to return from off season shoulder surgery.   The one thing that is for sure is that the original time line was incorrectly optimistic.  As of right now, Andrew Luck’s return is totally unknown.  It could be before the final game of the Preseason, or it could be against Jacksonville in Week 7.  Not knowing when he will return is worse than knowing he won’t be available until Week 7.  As a Fantasy Manager you can make the necessary adjustments to your draft grades if you know.  What makes matters worse is that Luck is the key to the Colts offence.  If he misses any significant time then you will need to adjust your values for a number of Players.  Is T.Y. Hilton a Top 10 Wide Receiver if Andrew Luck isn’t throwing him the ball?  He isn’t to me.  Donte Moncrief, whom I consider a potential breakout Player.  He becomes a Player I wouldn’t even consider drafting unless he fell into the final Rounds of a draft.  Do you think Scott Tolzien can keep Defences honest enough to avoid having the box stacked against the run?  I sure as hell don’t.  Frank Gore is a great workhorse Back.  Asking him to produce against a stacked box is too much though.  Every one of these Players goes from being a Fantasy staple to a complete gamble.

Kenneth Dixon

So in this case we know what the final diagnosis is.  Kenneth Dixon is done for the Season.  Hopefully you aren’t in one of those ridiculous leagues that drafts in July, and picked Dixon.  If you are, well sorry about your luck.  If you are like the majority of us, and have yet to draft.  Then Dixon going down has opened up some interesting possibilities on the Fantasy front.  The Ravens weren’t going to have a bell cow Running Back.  With Dixon out for the Season two Running Backs are likely to see a greater number of touches.  Who benefits most will depend on the play calling.  I believe that Terrance West will gain the majority of touches in Dixon’s absence.  This year will be his opportunity to prove to the Ravens, and the rest of the league that he can be a lead Back.  Danny Woodhead’s value doesn’t change much.  He will still serve as a change of pace, or third down pass catching Running Back.  He will gain a few additional snaps, but not enough to really affect his draft position.  As always Woodhead comes with a lot of injury risk, and that will always push him deeper into drafts.

Will Fuller

A couple Seasons ago DeAndre Hopkins was a Top 5 Wide Receiver.  Last Season he was supposed to back it up with another great Season.  That never happened.  There was a couple of reasons for his decline.  The first was incredibly terrible Quarterback play.  The second reason was the immediate impact of the Houston Texans first Round pick out of Notre Dame Will Fuller.  It’s not like Fuller is challenging Hopkins for the number 1 Wide Receiver position.  He isn’t nearly as talented as DeAndre Hopkins.  What he is though is incredibly fast.  His ability to burn opposing Defences deep can come in handy in close games.  With one of the Top Defences in the league it only took one big play to win games.  Well Will Fuller busted his Collar Bone today.  Which means to Fantasy Managers that he won’t see the field until some time in October at the earliest.  What does this mean for the rest of the Fantasy roster in Houston?  One thing is for sure, DeAndre Hopkins goes back to being the only real threat at Wide Receiver.  C.J. Fiedorowicz will be counted on to handle an increased work load.  The real benefactor here though is Lamar Miller.  Houston’s best chance of winning close games is to control the clock, and run the ball.

These are just a few of the early injuries.  Pay close attention during Preseason, and adjust your draft boards accordingly.  Trust me the injury bug is far from done.

Categories
FANTASY Uncategorized

Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-14

Three Wide Receivers that could make or break your Draft.

What makes one Fantasy team more successful than another?  I can tell you that it isn’t decided by the Players you picked in the first three Rounds.   Excluding injury, Players picked in the first three Rounds will definitely perform.  The real difference between a good, or bad team is determined by your mid Round picks.  In a 12 Team league the Players picked between the fifth and tenth Rounds will ultimately determine how strong your Team will be.   In this Post I will discuss three Wide Receivers that should be drafted in the middle Rounds that could be the difference for your Team.

Donte Moncrief

In my opinion all it would take for Moncrief to have a breakout Season is for things to go right in Indianapolis for once.  Moncrief has yet to start a full Season with Luck at the helm.  When they have shared the field together it’s been Fantasy gold.  All appears to be right in Indianapolis at this time.  Andrew Luck appears to be in good shape,. Donte Moncrief also appears to be in great shape as well.  Considering the Indianapolis Colts pass heavy attack.  The fact that T. Y. Hilton will draw the Defence towards his side of the field. Donte Moncrief might finally find himself in that sweet spot he was drafted for.  It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he finishes the Season with double digit touchdowns.  In fact I expect it.  This is the year for the Luck-Moncrief-Colts perfect storm to happen.

Martavis Bryant

Every time I see Martavis Bryant’s name I get a little upset.  The reason I get upset is because I’ve had Antonio Brown as one of my Keepers in my most competitive league.  2014 was the worst.  You wouldn’t even notice he was on the field during most Pittsburgh drives.  Then they would get within striking distance of the end zone.  A seven play drive would  include three passes to Antonio Brown for a total of 39 yards.  That’s 6.9 points in my league.  Martavis Bryant’s stat line during that same drive.  One catch for 18 yards, and a touchdown.  That’s 8.8 points in my league.  I wanted to strangle the guy.  It seemed like he was using a jar of stickum as well.  He just never seemed to drop a ball.  Especially in the end zone.  That’s why with Ben Roethlisberger back at the helm, and entering this Season healthy.  I believe that passing on Martavis Bryant is a mistake.  People will argue that Pittsburgh has too many mouths to feed.  I wouldn’t worry about that.  Bryant doesn’t worry about getting lots of looks in a game.  The only time Roethlisberger looks his way is in the Red zone.  That’s good enough for him, so it’s good enough for me as well.

Jamison Crowder

Jamison Crowder enters the all important third year with the Washington Redskins as their most veteran Receiver.  That’s right, Pierre Garcon, and DeSean Jackson left to sign with new Teams in the off season.  He will be competing for targets with Wide Receivers Josh Doctson, and Terrelle Pryor.  Doctson has only played two games in the NFL due to injury, and Pryor showed big play capability in Cleveland last year.  Kirk Cousins two most familiar targets to start the Season will be Jamison Crowder, and Jordan Reed.  Due to their comfort level, and familiarity with the offence. I would expect Crowder to get the Lion’s share of the short to intermediate route passes the first few games.  If he can build off the success he had last year in those first few games.  I would expect Cousins to treat him as his go-to option for the majority of the Season.  Over 2000 yards, and 7 touchdowns has left the stadium in Washington.  Somebody has to pick up the slack.  Obviously it won’t all go to Terrelle Pryor.  Sounds like the perfect situation for Jamison Crowder to break 1000 yards receiving with double digit touchdowns.

If you think I’m wrong, or living on cloud nine.  Let me know in the comments.  If you are interested in winning your league this year?

Take my Advice

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Rangefinders Starting from Scratch SS-11

Nikon Coolshot 20 versus Garmin Approach G10

Laser or GPS Rangefinder?  It’s a question that has been asked by many a Golfer.  I have recently been able to test both.  For Beginners I’d have to say that there is a clear winner.  I was surprised with which technology won.

Budget is always a concern when I’m in the market for new Golf equipment.  I tend to look for whatever gives me the most value for my dollar.  The two contenders were purchased from my local Golf retailer.  I was limited to their selection of Rangefinders.  I chose the Nikon Coolshot 20 to represent Laser Rangefinders, and the Garmin Approach G10 to represent GPS Rangefinders.  The Coolshot 20 was priced at $279.99, and the Approach G10 was priced at $179.99.  Obviously the Garmin Approach G10 wins the price category.  At $100.00 less that’s a fair amount of money left in the bank for additional Golf accessories.  Of course the significantly lower price sacrifices functionality right?

One place it does sacrifice a lot of functionality is at the Driving Range.  The Garmin Approach G10 is basically useless when you are at the Range.  Three particular Ranges I frequent are The Docks, Launch, and Centennial Golf.  All three of these Ranges have target areas.  The distances to each target area is unmarked.  Using the Nikon Coolshot 20 provides you with an accurate distance to any of those targets.  It doesn’t matter which hitting bay you are in, you will have an accurate distance.  In some cases the difference to target can be as much as 12 yards from the center hitting bay to the outermost hitting bay.  Being able to use the Nikon Coolshot 20 at the Range meant having accurate distance calculations everywhere I play.

Whether I was on a course, at the Range, or in a Simulator, I knew my distances.  Of course that means I knew the distances I was hitting with each club as well.  Which brings me to my next comparison.

Measuring the distance of that perfect Tee shot

Ever catch one just perfect off the Tee?  You can’t help but wonder how far it actually went right?  I know I do.  Both the Garmin Approach G10, and the Nikon Coolshot 20 can calculate how far you hit that perfect drive.  How each device does it is dramatically different.  The Nikon requires you to sight in your ball from the Tee, or find your ball and then aim the Nikon back at the Tee box to calculate the Range.  Easy enough right.  Odds are you will have the Nikon Coolshot 20 Rangefinder out when you reach your ball to figure out the distance to your next target.  So just turn around and aim it at the Tee box.  What if you cut the corner of a dogleg, and now your sight line is obstructed?  Sorry about your luck Chuck.  So there will be times that figuring out the distance of that mammoth Tee shot is impossible with the Nikon Coolshot 20.  In order to calculate the distance with the Garmin Approach G10.  The first thing you need to do after hitting that shot is to switch the unit into Measurement mode.  Then you just head over to where your Ball landed.  The Garmin Approach G10 then calculates the distance.  Line of sight isn’t an issue so basically any shot can be measured.  The real issue is with having to switch modes right after making the swing.  There have been many times that my Tee shot ended far further than I had anticipated.  A lucky kick off a hill, or it rolled down a slope I didn’t know about.  By the time I have located the Ball, and realized that I really cranked one.  It’s already too late to measure the distance.  I found that more often than not it was much easier to measure the distance of monster Tee shots with the Nikon Coolshot 20.  You could argue that switching the Garmin Approach G10 into Measurement mode after each Tee shot would be the most reliable method.  That would be true.  For me though I have enough to think about during a Round of Golf. Measuring each Tee shot isn’t high on my list of priorities.  The advantage in shot measurement goes to the Nikon Coolshot 20.

Hazard avoidance

How do each of these devices help you deal with Hazards?  The Nikon Coolshot 20 doesn’t vary much with how it’s utilized.  In this case you just aim it at the Hazard, and calculate the distance.  I can’t stress enough the simplicity of it’s operation.  One click, and you know how far you can hit your next shot without bringing that Hazard into play.  What if you are interested in clearing it though?  This is where the Garmin Approach G10 really shines.  Once the unit has been switched into Hazard mode.  It will provide you with the distance to each Hazard both front and back.  It will also alert you to Hazards that you can’t actually see from your position on the course.  This is a huge advantage over the Nikon Coolshot 20. It doesn’t help to cut the corner on a dog leg.  Just to end up landing in a deep Fairway bunker.  I take a quick look through the Hazards before I Tee off at each Hole.  This allows me to plan out exactly how to navigate the Hole with minimum risk.  The Nikon Coolshot 20 does help you avoid Hazards.  It just doesn’t do it nearly as well as the Garmin Approach G10.  The advantage in Hazard avoidance goes to the Garmin Approach G10.

Approaching the Green

When calculating your approach shot into the Green.  Having a Rangefinder makes it so much easier.  When it comes to attacking the Pin.  You will love having the Nikon Coolshot 20 in your hands.  Knowing the exact distance to the Pin inspires so much confidence.  You will feel like Mickelson with a Wedge in your hand.  I didn’t even imagine trying 30 yard flop shots over bunkers until I knew the correct distances.  My default shot is more of a Bump and Run.  There’s far less room for error when you are basically Chipping the Ball to the edge of the Green, and letting it run out towards the hole.  Especially when you are unsure of the distance.  When you know the exact distance.  Your shot selection practically triples.  The Garmin Approach G10 inspires a lot of confidence on Approach shots as well.  Though not as precise as the Nikon Coolshot 20.  The Garmin Approach G10 provides you with the distance to the front, back, and center of the Green.  It does have the ability to position the flag in a number of preselected locations.  I found this feature to be a bit clunky.  Unless you are able to see the Green, or the course provides a Pin location book.  Figuring out the actual Pin locations can be quite difficult.  For a Beginner though, knowing the distances to the front, and back can be more beneficial than the actual Pin locations.  It doesn’t help me nearly as much to know that the Pin is 164 yards away.  If it happens to be set near the back of the Green, and only has 2 more yards of Green behind it. If the center of the Green is 158 yards away.  The Front is 150 yards away.  The back is 166 yards away.  Then I know that if I hit my Approach shot 160 yards.  I leave myself with 6 yards of available space to roll out before I am off the Green.  In this case, and many others.  Aiming for the front or center of the Green is far safer than taking aim at the Flag for a Beginner.  Touch shots around the Green we’re almost identical with both units.  Approximate distance is more than good enough.  I thought the Nikon Coolshot 20 would be the clear winner in this category.  I was totally wrong.  The additional information the Garmin Approach G10 provides.  The distances to the front, back, center, and shape of the Green proved to be far more valuable than exact distance to the Pin.   The advantage when approaching the Green goes to the Garmin Approach G10.

Conclusion

After testing both technologies the clear winner from a Beginners perspective is the Garmin Approach G10 GPS Rangefinder.  At $100 less it is better suited to deal with Hazards, obstructed view shots, and approach shots into the Green.  It’s much smaller than the Nikon Coolshot 20, and easily clips to your Belt or Bag.  As an added bonus it includes score keeping software.  That way you can analyze your Rounds shot by shot.  Something to consider though.  If you spend most of your time at the Range.  Then the Nikon Coolshot 20 is the only choice for you.  It’s definitely a device I would recommend.  At $279.99 it’s much less expensive than the majority of quality laser Rangefinders on the market.  It’s relatively small, acquires targets quite quickly, and extremely easy to use.  Moving forward on my quest to becoming a Scratch Golfer though.  I will be using the Garmin Approach G10.

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Dentonia course review Starting From Scratch SS-9

The most enjoyable two hours of Golf you can play in Toronto.

Dentonia Golf course

There isn’t a more accessible Golf course by TTC than Dentonia.  Step out of the Victoria Park subway station, and there it is.  It is actually right next door.  The two properties actually share a fence it’s that close..

Although it’s a short course.  It’s only 2100 yards long from the back Tees.  The 18 Par 3s that make up the course provide more than enough of a challenge.  Well positioned Bunkers, trees that can impede your flight path, elevation changes, and Greens with a lot of break make going low through 18 Holes a real test.  I’m such a glutton for punishment that I try to play Dentonia once per week.  I play this course so often that I figured that it was about time I did a hole by hole review of it.

Something I would strongly suggest that you have to carry your clubs around with you on a short course like Dentonia is a Sunday bag.  They are light, have enough space for the few clubs you will need.  Make sure you purchase one with a few additional utility pockets, and a shoulder strap.  I also find them great for the Range.  I usually only bring a few clubs with me that I’m interested in working on.  Here’s a great example available on Amazon that qualifies for Free shipping as of the publishing of this post.

HOLE 1

Your first hole at Dentonia sets the tone for what is to come.  Depending on the Tee, and Pin placement this hole plays at around 110 yards.  The course played a little shorter today because the Grounds Crew were making repairs to a number of the Tee boxes.

Looking at the approach to the Green you’ll notice that it’s downhill from the Tee box with a deep gully between you, and the Green.  The Green sits in a bit of a bowl with the high sides along the right side, and back.  A bunker sits back left of the Green in case a Lefty like me misjudges the distance, and slices it.

HOLE 2

After what may have been a difficult first hole.  Especially if you hit it long into the back hill behind the Green.  The first Green slopes downward from back to front.  Chipping from behind the Green is a very tricky affair.

The second hole looks like an easy task at first glance.  Take a closer look, and you will realize that missing the Green is not an option.  Today the hole played 95 yards to the flag.  Miss left and there’s a bunker waiting.  Miss right and there’s a slope that’s steep enough to leave your ball under a grouping of trees.  Miss it long, and you could find yourself in serious trouble.  Brutal rough, and Trees can leave you with an impossible second shot.  Do yourself a favour.  Land it short, or better yet, get yourself a Green in Regulation.

HOLE 3

Looking at the Green from the Tee box on the third hole.  The first thing that you will notice is that the third Green is cut into the side of a hill.  Everything slopes downward from the left side to the right.  Today it was playing 90 yards long slightly down from an elevated Tee.  In other words it was begging me to hit my 52 degree Wedge.  Missing left, which is my usual miss isn’t so bad here.  A good kick off the hill will land you on the Green.  Don’t miss right though.  Two bunkers, and of course the hill that slopes away from the Green.  These hazards can turn a Par 3 into a triple bogey right quick.

HOLE 4

Looks a little bit like the previous hole doesn’t it?  Today this hole played 100 yards long.  So it was a little longer than the previous hole.  There are a few major differences though.  The first, and most significant difference is if you miss the Green left, or long.  Unlike the previous hole where hitting it left, or long could earn you a lucky bounce on to the Green.  Hitting it left, or long here can result in a lost ball.  Your only safe miss is to the right.

HOLE 5

The fifth hole is another one of the holes at Dentonia that rewards you for taking precise aim.  Today it was playing at 115 yards long.  Looking at the photo the hazards are obvious.  Bunkers protect both the left, and right side.  Trees can be an issue for people who like to shape their shots.  Short right has a waste area that’s brutal to hit from.  The only safe miss is long because the Green has a backstop of sorts.

HOLE 6

Similar in appearance to the first hole only longer with way more danger.  The sixth hole was playing at 140 yards long today.  There is a real danger of losing your ball on this hole.  The stream cuts across your approach at an angle ready to gobble up any errant Tee shot.  Carry the stream but come in left of the Green, and you can lose your ball in the woods as well.  The only safe miss is to the right.  You will leave yourself with a very easy chip up to the Green.

HOLE 7

There are a few holes at Dentonia that require you to hit off mats.  Hole 7 is the first of these.  Today the hole was playing 98 yards uphill from the back mat.  Obviously if you come up short with your Tee shot.  You will end up at the bottom of a steep hill.  Hit your Tee shot left.  There’s a very good chance that it can end up rolling down the cart path, and settling at the bottom of the hill.  Miss hit your Tee shot right, and well good luck finding it.  Hit it a little long, and there’s a good chance that it will kick back on to the Green.

HOLE 8

There’s that threatening gully between you, and the Green again.  Playing 96 yards to the Flag.  I was happy when my Tee shot flew long, and came to rest at the top of the hill behind the Green.  Hitting it short leaves you in a world of trouble.  Bunker on the left, bunker on the right, and of course the gully in front dares you to play it to the front of the Green.  Better to club up than down on this hole.

HOLE 9

There is trouble all around.  That about sums up the ninth hole in five words.  You’ve got bunkers protecting both sides, trees all across the back, and a large tree that blocks out a portion of the left side of the Green.  Then of course there’s another gully across the front.  Today it was playing 115 yards to the flag.  I really hope that’s a good distance for you.

HOLE 10

This has been, and hopefully always will be an easy hole for me.  Today was an unfortunate exception.  Playing at 100 yards even today.  The tenth hole has a bunker on each side of the Green.  The bunker on the right is set far enough back for me to use my Pitching Wedge safely.  I aim a little right of centre so I either catch the Green or land just off it before the bunker.  Today I missed the Green and landed short of the bunker as usual.  Only this time I landed in a particularly deep hole in the rough.  Took me two chips to reach the Green.  Two Putts later and I’m marking a double Bogey on my scorecard.

HOLE 11

One of the most picturesque, and intimidating holes on the course.  It plays 185 yards to the Pin.  It’s severely downhill though, so all you need to reach the Green is your 150 yard club.  Running along the left side from Tee to Green is Woods.  If you miss left you’ll be hitting another ball for your next shot.  Hit it too far right, and you could end up in the stream I mentioned on Hole 6.  You can come up short safely, which has happened to me many times.  A truly well struck ball from the 11th Tee is something to behold though.  So I say go for it.

HOLE 12

Playing at only 85 yards today.  The 12th hole lets you relax after that crazy Tee shot on the 11th.  There’s still a lot of trouble to avoid.  You still have the Woods that run from Tee to Green along the left side.  There’s a bunker protecting the right.  Hit it long here, and you are probably down another ball.  Honestly though, after playing the 11th hole.  The 12th hole just seems easy.  That’s how it felt for me today.  I hit my Tee shot, and earned myself a Green in Regulation.  Stepped up, and sunk my Putt for Birdie.  Just goes to show you how much of this game is played in the mind.  Confidence will always generate results.

HOLE 13

This hole looks a lot worse than it actually is.  Sure it’s 130 yards long.  The Green appears tiny because it’s framed by trees in the foreground.  Actually once you are past those trees the area opens up.  You can actually miss safely to the left, or right.  You can even go a bit long left, or right as well.  The only real danger is the stream in front, and Woods far back.

HOLE 14

This is by far the easiest hole on the course.  Today it was playing at 95 yards to the flag.  The only real danger is completely duffing your Tee shot into the stream in front of you.  The Green does have a fair amount of slope though so I’ve yet to Birdie it.

HOLE 15

The other easy hole on the course.  Not as easy as the previous hole because you can lose your ball long, and misses right tend to roll down towards the trees.  Today it was playing much shorter than usual at 85 yards.  Definitely a hole you should be looking to Birdie.

HOLE 16

Another hole that at first glance looks dangerous.  It isn’t as bad as it seems.  The trees along the left appear to block out the Green but once you are past them it opens up.  The smart play here is to avoid potentially getting caught up in the branches on the left.  Aim a little right where the mound just in front of the Green can provide a great kick on to the Green.  Today it was playing at around 120 yards long.  As long as you don’t hit it too far left you should leave yourself a decent second shot.

HOLE 17

Playing at 95 yards to the Pin today.  The 17th hole is deceptively tricky.  Part of this has to do with the yardage for me.  It’s a bit too long for my 52 degree Wedge, but just a touch too short for my Pitching Wedge.  With a bunker on the right, and trees along the back and left side.  You might be tempted to aim for the front of the Green.  Unfortunately it has a bit of a false front.  The 17th Green is quite the complicated puzzle.

HOLE 18

The final hole on the course has been for me the most challenging.  This hole is my nemesis.  It’s a very rare occasion that I earn myself a Par on the 18th.  There are bunkers in the front, and back.  I’ve never landed a Tee shot in either one, so that’s not the problem.  There are Woods along the left, and that’s my usual miss.  Truth be told, I’ve never put it in the Woods here.  So that’s not the issue either.  The real issue is the Green.  Unless I stick it close directly uphill, or downhill of the hole.  The amount of slope on the 18th Green practically guarantees I three Putt.  Your ability to read Greens will definitely be tested at Dentonia.

CONCLUSION

Depending on how busy it is, and how many people you play with?  A Round of Golf at Dentonia should take between 2 to 3 hours.  My friend Carlisle, and I have finished a Round in 110 minutes.  Today’s Round took 2 hours and 15 minutes.  If you are interested in playing a quick Round of Golf in Toronto.  Dentonia is the perfect course for you.  It’s never too busy during the week, and at $27 for 18 holes.  It’s easily the most affordable Round of Golf that you can play in the GTA.