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Will the Rangers regroup in 2014?

October 1, 2013
Oct
1
Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

Will the Rangers regroup in 2014?

Had they beaten the Rays in Monday night's one-game playoff, the 2013 Texas Rangers would have been remembered for winning their final seven regular-season games and snapping out of a month-long tailspin. But Tampa Bay's 5-2 win made that effort a footnote to the Rangers' second straight September free fall. There's plenty of blame to go around, but remember this: In the past decade, when the Red Sox and Mets collapsed down the stretch, managers Terry Francona and Willie Randolph lost their respective jobs. Will Texas skipper Ron Washington keep his?

  • Should the Rangers fire Ron Washington?

    •  
      28%
    •  
      72%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,547)

  • Which Rangers late-season collapse was the most painful?

    •  
      19%
    •  
      81%

    Discuss (Total votes: 270)

  • Which of these was the biggest reason the Rangers fell out of playoff contention?

    •  
      38%
    •  
      29%
    •  
      26%
    •  
      7%

    Discuss (Total votes: 259)

  • What's the Rangers' most pressing need during the offseason?

    •  
      20%
    •  
      21%
    •  
      4%
    •  
      14%
    •  
      41%

    Discuss (Total votes: 250)

  • The Rangers won the final seven games of the regular season to force a one-game playoff. Does that ease the sting of their collapse?

    •  
      47%
    •  
      53%

    Discuss (Total votes: 232)

  • How will the Rangers finish the 2014 regular season?

    •  
      21%
    •  
      46%
    •  
      33%

    Discuss (Total votes: 223)

Comment »

Tags:

Texas Rangers

Rank 'Em: 2013 Heisman Watch

October 1, 2013
Oct
1
video

Marcus Mariota had a mediocre game in Week 5, but he's still No. 1 in our experts' Heisman Watch list. Mariota's Oregon squad ran roughshod over California, and though his completion percentage was low, he did throw for two touchdowns and run for one more. Fortunately for Mariota, no one else on the list had a breakout game that would have knocked him out of his top spot. How would you rank the players who received multiple votes from our experts?

More: How would you rank the Top 25 teams in college football?

2013 Heisman Watch

Tajh Boyd

Tajh Boyd

QB, Clemson

Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater

QB, Louisville

Todd Gurley

Todd Gurley

RB, Georgia

Brett Hundley

Brett Hundley

QB, UCLA

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota

QB, Oregon

Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel

QB, Texas A&M

Braxton Miller

Braxton Miller

QB, Ohio State

Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray

QB, Georgia

Lache Seastrunk

Lache Seastrunk

RB, Baylor

Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston

QB, Florida State

Your Rankings

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Tags:

NCF

Could LeBron beat Jordan one-on-one?

October 1, 2013
Oct
1

video

LeBron James has been compared to Michael Jordan many times in his career, but he still has a long way to go before he overtakes Jordan in the championships department -- or, if you believe Jordan, in a game of one-on-one. In an interview promoting the NBA 2K14 game, Jordan said that if he were in his prime, he wouldn't lose to LeBron in a solo matchup. LeBron (6-foot-8, 250 pounds) would have a significant size advantage over Jordan (6-6, 216), but MJ would have the edge in pure shooting. Honestly, given his legendary competitiveness, we're not sure we'd bet against Jordan, even if it were later on in his career.

Here's a sampling of what readers had to say in our Facebook conversation on the story:

  • Peter Kica: "why is MJ stating an obvious? we know he would beat lebron 1on1. but when it comes to overall skill level there is no doubt that lebron is right up there with him if not higher. Lebron is a better passer, rebounder, he is way stronger and he has been developing a midrange to 3pt game. He has improved his post game and he has come up clutch in the FINALS! "
  • Ernest McCaleb: "Lebron James is a playmaker. He's more magic thane MJ. Who cares that MJ thinks he can beat Lebron in 1 on 1. Lebron is MUCH more than a 1 on 1 player - he's a facilitator. "
  • Aaron Weiner: "It would have been close, but Jordan had the more creative offensive game, which lends itself to 1-1. LeBron would have been able to shoot over him, though, and since he's an improved shooter I think it would have been close."
  • Matt McLeod: "If Lebron wanted to post him every time it would be a hell of a hard time for Jordan to beat him. Even with Jordan in his prime, Lebron has 40+ lbs on Michael and 2 inches while being faster and more explosive than Michael. Give Jordan the ball first and maybe cause he could shoot, but if Lebron got the ball first and decided he simply wanted to WIN and post Michael up evey time theres absolutely NOTHING Michael could do about that. Not CLOSE to the strength and size of Lebron. Not close."
  • Joe Schnipke: "MJ would beat LeBron but it would be closer than people think. People who say MJ would kill LeBron are just hating."

What do you think? Leave your comments below.

Comment »

Tags:

LeBron James, Michael Jordan, NBA

Rank 'Em: NFL Power Rankings

October 1, 2013
Oct
1

video

The Saints and Dolphins met on Monday Night Football in a battle of unbeatens, but it was quickly apparent that New Orleans was the better team. The Saints are one of five 4-0 teams remaining, along with the Seahawks, Patriots, Broncos, and Chiefs. Which of these teams is the best? Click on the logos below to set your rankings!

NFL Power Rankings

49ers

49ers

San Francisco 49ers
2-2

Bears

Bears

Chicago Bears
3-1

Bengals

Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals
2-2

Bills

Bills

Buffalo Bills
2-2

Broncos

Broncos

Denver Broncos
4-0

Browns

Browns

Cleveland Browns
2-2

Buccaneers

Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
0-4

Cardinals

Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals
2-2

Chargers

Chargers

San Diego Chargers
2-2

Chiefs

Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs
4-0

Colts

Colts

Indianapolis Colts
2-1

Cowboys

Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
2-1

Dolphins

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins
3-1

Eagles

Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles
1-3

Falcons

Falcons

Atlanta Falcons
1-3

Giants

Giants

New York Giants
0-4

Jaguars

Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars
0-4

Jets

Jets

New York Jets
2-2

Lions

Lions

Detroit Lions
3-1

Packers

Packers

Green Bay Packers
1-2

Panthers

Panthers

Carolina Panthers
1-2

Patriots

Patriots

New England Patriots
4-0

Raiders

Raiders

Oakland Raiders
1-3

Rams

Rams

St. Louis Rams
1-3

Ravens

Ravens

Baltimore Ravens
2-2

Redskins

Redskins

Washington Redskins
1-3

Saints

Saints

New Orleans Saints
4-0

Seahawks

Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks
4-0

Steelers

Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers
0-4

Texans

Texans

Houston Texans
2-2

Titans

Titans

Tennessee Titans
3-1

Vikings

Vikings

Minnesota Vikings
1-3

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Tags:

SportsNation Rank, NFL

Upcoming chat: Robert Lipsyte

October 1, 2013
Oct
1

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte will stop by to take your questions.

Throughout his 18-month appointment, Lipsyte, who started in June, will offer his independent examination and analysis of ESPN's TV, radio, print and digital offerings. He succeeds the Poynter Review Project as ombudsman, as well as Don Ohlmeyer, Le Anne Schreiber and George Solomon.

During a long and distinguished media career, Lipsyte previously worked for the New York Times, CBS Sunday Morning, NBC Nightly News, PBS, in addition to contributing to other ESPN projects such as the "SportsCentury" series. He earned an Emmy in 1990 as the host of PBS' "The Eleventh Hour." Lipsyte is also a two-time winner of the Mike Berger Award for distinguished reporting and won the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in Young Adult literature, while also being a 1992 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in commentary.

Send your questions now and join Lipsyte Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET!

More Robert Lipsyte: @ESPN_Lipsyte | Ombudsman Blog | Feedback

Go to chat »

How big a threat are New Orleans Saints?

September 30, 2013
Sep
30

How big a threat are the Saints?

From 0-4 to 4-0, the New Orleans Saints -- and back-from-the-cold coach Sean Payton -- have returned to elite status. Or have they? It certainly seemed that way when they dispatched the also-previously-undefeated Miami Dolphins 38-17 on "Monday Night Football." Can Drew Brees and Co. continue the success and crash the Broncos' party at the top?

  • Where do the Saints rank among the NFL's best teams?

    •  
      66%
    •  
      34%

    Discuss (Total votes: 4,070)

  • How surprised are you about the Saints' 4-0 start after beginning 0-4 a season ago?

    •  
      15%
    •  
      42%
    •  
      43%

    Discuss (Total votes: 3,967)

  • To what do you attribute the Saints' turnaround this season?

    •  
      5%
    •  
      22%
    •  
      69%
    •  
      4%

    Discuss (Total votes: 3,699)

  • If Peyton Manning is the league's best QB, who is No. 2?

    •  
      30%
    •  
      41%
    •  
      21%
    •  
      8%

    Discuss (Total votes: 11,078)

  • How far will the Saints go this season?

    •  
      2%
    •  
      6%
    •  
      33%
    •  
      40%
    •  
      19%

    Discuss (Total votes: 3,743)

  • Will the Saints reach another Super Bowl with Drew Brees and Sean Payton?

    •  
      76%
    •  
      24%

    Discuss (Total votes: 3,743)

Comment »

Tags:

NFL, New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees

How will 2013 MLB playoffs play out?

September 30, 2013
Sep
30

How will MLB playoffs play out?

It took an extra day, but the 10 postseason teams are in order, as the Tampa Bay Rays -- 5-2 winners over the Texas Rangers in Monday's play-in game -- earned a spot in the American League wild-card game. There's not much waiting for things to get going; the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday in the National League wild-card matchup. How will the postseason play out?

  • Which team will win the NL wild-card game at Pittsburgh?

    •  
      76%
    •  
      24%

    Discuss (Total votes: 80,551)

  • Which team will win the AL wild-card game at Cleveland?

    •  
      59%
    •  
      41%

    Discuss (Total votes: 20,208)

  • Which team will win the Tigers-Athletics series?

    •  
      54%
    •  
      46%

    Discuss (Total votes: 18,425)

  • Which team will win the Dodgers-Braves series?

    •  
      56%
    •  
      44%

    Discuss (Total votes: 17,485)

  • Which team will win the series between the Cardinals and Pirates/Reds?

    •  
      52%
    •  
      40%
    •  
      8%

    Discuss (Total votes: 16,998)

  • Which team will win the series between the Red Sox and the Indians/Rays?

    •  
      64%
    •  
      23%
    •  
      13%

    Discuss (Total votes: 5,299)

  • Which already-set series are you more looking forward to?

    •  
      44%
    •  
      56%

    Discuss (Total votes: 16,207)

  • Which NLDS series do you want more to see?

    •  
      79%
    •  
      21%

    Discuss (Total votes: 39,938)

  • Which ALDS series do you want more to see?

    •  
      64%
    •  
      36%

    Discuss (Total votes: 4,750)

  • Which team will win the American League pennant?

    •  
      16%
    •  
      41%
    •  
      24%
    •  
      19%

    Discuss (Total votes: 30,237)

  • Which team will win the National League pennant?

    •  
      20%
    •  
      25%
    •  
      31%
    •  
      19%
    •  
      5%

    Discuss (Total votes: 29,576)

  • Which team will win the World Series?

    •  
      14%
    •  
      13%
    •  
      19%
    •  
      23%
    •  
      31%

    Discuss (Total votes: 99,909)

Comment »

Tags:

MLB, St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers

Rank 'Em: MLB playoff teams

September 30, 2013
Sep
30

One team needed 163 games to earn its spot, but no matter -- the field is set for the 2013 MLB playoffs. Now, these tournaments tend to be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean we can't asses which teams are best set up for postseason success. So who ya got? Click on the logos below to make your picks!

Rank: Major League Baseball's top 5 teams

Athletics

Athletics

Record: 96-66

Braves

Braves

Record: 96-66

Cardinals

Cardinals

Record: 97-65

Dodgers

Dodgers

Record: 92-70

Indians

Indians

Record: 92-70

Pirates

Pirates

Record: 94-68

Rays

Rays

Record: 91-71

Reds

Reds

Record: 90-72

Red Sox

Red Sox

Record: 97-65

Tigers

Tigers

Record: 93-69

Your Rankings

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Tags:

SportsNation Rank, MLB, MLB

LeBron James to keep quiet on 2014

September 30, 2013
Sep
30
Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Getty Images

LeBron James to keep quiet on 2014

Take a good listen, LeBron James prospectors. This might be the last you hear from the King about his impending (possible) free agency. At Miami Heat media day Monday, the four-time MVP and two-time defending NBA champion said he no longer will talk about next summer, when he can opt out of his six-year deal. In other words, prepare for a near-repeat of the summer of 2010, when James' dithering led to his infamous -- and famous, in South Florida -- Decision. Should Heat fans be nervous?

LeBron James says he won't talk anymore about his potential free agency in 2014. How should he handle the situation?

  •  
    89%
  •  
    11%

Discuss (Total votes: 26,644)

  • Will LeBron James (possible free agent after the 2013-14 season) re-sign with the Heat?

    •  
      57%
    •  
      43%

    Discuss (Total votes: 26,463)

  • Would you fault LeBron James if he signed with a team other than the Heat after the 2014 season?

    •  
      24%
    •  
      76%

    Discuss (Total votes: 5,909)

  • Which team other than the Heat would be the best fit for LeBron James?

    •  
      52%
    •  
      17%
    •  
      31%

    Discuss (Total votes: 5,883)

  • If you were a Cavaliers fan, would you want LeBron James to come back to Cleveland?

    •  
      79%
    •  
      21%

    Discuss (Total votes: 5,866)

  • What do you want to see LeBron James do?

    •  
      41%
    •  
      59%

    Discuss (Total votes: 37,543)

  • Will the Heat win a third straight championship this season?

    •  
      58%
    •  
      42%

    Discuss (Total votes: 5,676)

Comment »

Tags:

NBA, NBA, Miami Heat, LeBron James

Rank 'Em: NHL preseason rankings

September 30, 2013
Sep
30

Patrick KaneJonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesAre Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks the NHL's best team?

Who's No. 1 in Pierre LeBrun's preseason NHL Power Rankings? It's the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, naturally, followed by the runner-up Boston Bruins, a trio of semi-surprises -- the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks -- then the reputed Pittsburgh Penguins. Do you agree? Click on the logos below to set your picks!

NHL Power Rankings

Avalanche

Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche
2012: 16-25-7, 39 points

Blackhawks

Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks
36-7-5, 77 points

Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets
24-17-7, 55 points

Blues

Blues

St. Louis Blues
29-17-2, 60 points

Bruins

Bruins

Boston Bruins
28-14-6, 62 points

Canadiens

Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens
29-14-5, 63 points

Canucks

Canucks

Vancouver Canucks
26-15-7, 59 points

Capitals

Capitals

Washington Capitals
27-18-3, 57 points

Coyotes

Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes
21-18-9, 51 points

Devils

Devils

New Jersey Devils
19-19-10, 48 points

Ducks

Ducks

Anaheim Ducks
30-12-6, 66 points

Flames

Flames

Calgary Flames
19-25-4, 42 points

Flyers

Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers
23-22-3, 49 points

Hurricanes

Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes
19-25-4, 42 points

Islanders

Islanders

New York Islanders
24-17-7, 55 points

Jets

Jets

Winnipeg Jets
24-21-3, 51 points

Kings

Kings

Los Angeles Kings
27-16-5 59 points

Lightning

Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning
18-26-4, 40 points

Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs
26-17-5, 57 points

Oilers

Oilers

Edmonton Oilers
19-22-7, 45 points

Panthers

Panthers

Florida Panthers
15-27-6, 36 points

Penguins

Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins
36-12-0, 72 points

Predators

Predators

Nashville Predators
16-23-9, 41 points

Rangers

Rangers

New York Rangers
26-18-4, 56 points

Red Wings

Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings
24-16-8, 56 points

Sabres

Sabres

Buffalo Sabres
21-21-6, 48 points

Senators

Senators

Ottawa Senators
25-17-6, 56 points

Sharks

Sharks

San Jose Sharks
25-16-7, 57 points

Stars

Stars

Dallas Stars
22-22-4, 48 points

Wild

Wild

Minnesota Wild
26-19-3, 55 points

Your Rankings

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Tags:

SportsNation Rank, NHL

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