World Series Game 1 and NFL Fantasy Picks

When Roger Clemens signed with the Astros, he made it clear that his only reason for continuing his career was to bring his home town a championship. Well Roger, here's your chance. Making his eight World Series start tonight, the Rocket will face off against the White Sox's Jose Contreras. No baseball player prepares himself better than Roger. Tonight's game will be played in the windy city where temperature will drop to the low 50s. That is quite a different from playing in the 90 degree heat of Houston. "I don't really care," Clemens said. "I think the only time that I have a problem on the mound or on the golf course is when there's too much wind. I can handle the hot and the extreme heat, and I don't mind if it's freezing cold -- just have to keep your body ready. "

I wonder if the Yankees are kicking themselves in the rear for letting Jose Contreras go. If he was going to ever play in a World Series, it was supposed to be for the Yankees. Never did Cashman think Jose would carry the White Sox this far. But that is what Contreras was brought to the Big Leagues for. For Contreras to win tonight he doesn't need to shutout the Astros, he just needs to keep it close. Clemens does not have the stellar postseason ERA that he had during the regular season. The White Sox will put up runs on him, and it will be Jose's responsibility to keep the game close.

The Astros will need to force Contreras out of the game early and get to the White Sox bullpen. Their bullpen has virtually no pitching practice in weeks. They will be too rested. Roger's job should be to allow only two runs in six innings. Then the Astros can bring in Qualls, Wheeler, and Lidge to help close the game. Prediction Astros 5, White Sox 3. (come on, did you really think I would pick the Sox's to win?)

Time to get in some NFL Fantasy picks for the week. Sure we already had one game, and if you had Priest then you should be off to a nice start heading into tomorrow's games.

QB- Brunell has been the hot hand lately, and this week he's going against the 49ers. He should put up some nice numbers (assuming they don't get too far ahead).

RB- Clinton Portis is my pick here. No I'm not going to pick all Redskins. If Washington gets up early, they will pound the ball.

WR- Brandon Jones could put up big numbers. With Bennett out, Volek will have no other WR option to throw to.

TE- Ernie Conwell is playing the Rams this week. They have given up 150+ yards and 2 tds to TEs in the past 3 weeks. He's got the match-up. Play him.

K- Lindell is kicking against an Oakland team that might put up a lot of points. If this turns into a high scoring affair, Buffalo will be kicking field goals.

DEF- Chicago is quietly putting up solid numbers for a defense. They are playing the Ravens so expect two interceptions and some sacks.