Amy Nelson

  (9:42 AM)

Guys we'll start the chat soon. Send in any of your thoughts and they could be read on-air. Think Pedroia is an MVP candidate? Worried about Zambrano? Anything else write in and we'll get it started at 10 a.m.

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

Ok guys let's get it started...

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

Looks like trouble in Cubs land...situation with Zambrano doesn't look good.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

The Cubs will need Zambrano for the playoff strech, they should be worried.

Brandon ("Twins Territory")

If Mauer or Morneau was playing for boston or new york.They would be running away with the mvp award.but because there in minnesota they are not looked upon highly because they dont have as many home runs or rbis.Im glad that the voters know who the real mvps are

Ryan Connecticut

Dustin Pedroia i think is more important to the sox than a guy like josh hamilton simply for the fact that the sox are in the middle of a pennant race. Pedroia doesnt have the eye popping power numbers the voters are influenced by....Pedroia is my MVP but doubt he will win it

Batch (Boston)

Leads the league in average, hits, games with 2+ hits, games with 3+ hits, 40 plus doubles, leads the league in runs scored AND plays gold glove defense. Sounds like an MVP to me ...

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

I was in Boston this weekend and went into it doing a story on Carlos Quentin and his MVP season. Then Pedroia outplays him all weelend...it's amazing what the kid is doing now.

Mike (Ohio)

Anyone who thinks Pedroia should be MVP, please hand over whatever you've been smoking

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

Mike, why is that?

Chad (Madison)

Hey Amy! When are Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar going to be on First Take this morning?

Amy Nelson

  (10:07 AM)

Chad: I'm told some time in the second hour. Saw them in the green room. They are big human beings...

Robin Toano, VA

Worried about Zambrano?...Sure I am worried, but it is a team sport! But I am waiting to see the WS...Starting the Chicago Cubbies and the Tampa Rays!!!!

Tyler (snohomish,wa)

Pedroia is a good candidate but ide give my pick to Carlos Quintin, he has been so valueble. Where would they be without him.

Chris (Pittsburgh)

I know Pedroia is a great canidate for MVP but what about Lee and Pena from Tampa turning a team like that around last to first.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

No way Lee makes it. I think it'll likely be between Quentin and Pedroia, though Quentin is hurt right now

Batch (Boston)

Evan Longeria would have been a candidate if he has stayed healthy

Kev (NYC)

Pedroia is not an MVP because there's other guys on his team that bring just as much value. Youkilis is having a great year and so is Papelbon, and it terms of value, it diminshes Pedroia's case. He's having a great year, but it makes more sense to give it to QUentin.

Chris (East Lansing)

Pedroia IS the AL MVP. He has put up consistent numbers that his team has desperately needed and has kept them in the hunt while living legends Poppy and Manny were either unavailable to play or too crazy to play. Anyone who can put up these numbers, from his position, under these circumstances deserves votes. Hamilton is a great story, but what are the Rangers doing come October?

Chris (Philadelphia)

I think that Pedroia is an MVP candidate but will not get it unless the Sox make it to the playoffs. If they do not make the playoffs i think it will be Quentin of the White Sox or Justin Morneau.

Henry (Texas)

I don't know if Pedroia is even the MVP of his own team. Throughout the whole year Youkilis has put up very good stats.

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

good win by the yanks yesterday...if they could take 2 of 3, they're in good shape...and they have 3 more against the rays in mid september.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

What about Kevin Yoooooouuukilis? Doesn't he deserve consideration for holding the lineup together?

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

He does, absolutely. This debate is always such a tough one. Stats are important, but it's also the overall value to the team, and the situations the excells in.

The Dish (Elgin, IL)

If Youkilis or Pedroia win the MVP, the award has become a joke

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

Why?

Kev (NYC)

Amy, talking Pedroia & Quentin for MVP what if both teams don't make the playoffs? Would Morneau/Mauer emerge as the favorite?

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

Perhaps, great question. Depends on the stats.

BILLY(WILMINGTON, NC)

ozzie said it him self hes one of the best

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

Yes, he did. I was there this weekend and he had nothing to say but good things about Pedroia.

Chris (East Lansing)

Quentin is a strong candidate, but the White Sox are all doing it well at times. Whenever I see BoSox highlights on sportscenter, it always seems that when Boston is down 4 to 6, Pedroia is the guy who knocks out a double to put them up 7 6 and wins the game. He's clutch, overall numbers are good, but specific numbers are great for this kid.

Chris (Philadelphia)

Everybody is denying Pedroia the MVP because he is just now making himself a candidate whereas Quentin has been talked about since before the All-star break. Give Pedroia the credit he deserves and has earned.

Ryan (Stafford, CT)

Pedroia has had to carry the sox for the past few weeks with all the injuries the sox have suffered they needed somone to step up and i dont think anyone could step up as much as pedroia has. The guy is a rock and he is 5'9" hitting clean up....how do u not go with a guy like that

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

I think it's about 5'6, Ryan,.

Brandon ("Twins Territory")

If the whitesox dont make the playoffs theres no way quentin wins the award.i think mauer deserves it

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

All that Pedroia is doing , but they still can't catch the Rays.

Cory (NEB)

What do you think about keith on espn early this morning saying its possible for the indians to make a run

Amy Nelson

  (10:16 AM)

Thought it was very smart. I was in Cleveland when they took 2 of 3 from the Angels. I don't think the Indians will do it, but Keith was right, out of any team, the Indians are the ones who have the chance.

jonny Boston

pedroia is in the running i think, but him winning the mvp? as a sox fan i say yes but in all honesty i dont think so. i say him, k-rod,and some others though.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

I think A-Rod is going to emerge and win the MVP and the Yanks will catch the Sox

Amy Nelson

  (10:16 AM)

Adam, Are you serious?

Batch (Boston)

Don't you think people are struggling with Pedroia as MVP because chicks dig the long ball? I mean Quentin has the one stat that seduces the fans, home runs

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

Yes, definitely part of it. But Quentin did help carry that team

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

So you're saying the Yanks are done even if they sweep Tampa Bay?

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

yes, they're done. my opinion.

Cory (NEB)

Adam there is no way that is going to happen the yanks wont even get to the playoffs

Brandon ("Twins Territory")

Why isnt span getting any look at for A.L rookie of the year?

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

he should,

Chris (East Lansing)

If Cliff Lee pitches every inning, the Indians have a chance.

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

Nice, Chris.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Indians can't make a run, but is Lee the best pitcher in baseball right now? I mean, he has 20 wins on a not so good team.

The Dish (Elgin, IL)

Quentin is also top 5 in rbi's, and leads all of baseball in the stat that should still count, game winning rbi's. He barely made the club out of spring training and batted sixth or lower the first six weeks of the season.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

In my opinion I think who ever wins the A.L. Central should get MVP. Quinten or Morneau and Mauer co MVPs.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

The pitchers will catch on too Pedroia and he will fade in the wind.

Vance (Delaware)

i know its not the topic but can you make one about whos gonna win brock lesner or randy cotoure

Amy Nelson

  (10:19 AM)

Thoughts?

Matt (Baltimore)

Pedroia, not in the TOP TEN in OB%, Slugging, OPS +, Win Shares, Offensive Wins, and Adjusted Bating Runs. He is 6th in Runs Created. I haven't looked up his EQA, VORP, or WARP3 but I am guessing it isn't great. Pedroia should not be in the MVP debate people.

Alan (San Fran)

and some of the other candidates that play for struggling teams. Lee will get the Cy Young, and Quentin is my pick to win the MVP, but Pedroia could get it to.

jonny Boston

randy will kick lesnars butt!!!!!!!!!

scooby the gambler (nj)

yes Lee is the best pitcher right now...His team is terrible and he still has 20 wins...impressive

Brad (Carlisle, PA)

Brock is a big, big boy.

mark (Loma, CO)

i find it funny that the Angels by far have the best record in baseball, yet everyone is annointing Pedroia the MVP on a team that might not even make the playoffs!!!

John (Tampa)

Can we stop talking about boring baseball again Football is back no one cares about baseball anymore

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

John, Such a baseball hater!

Chad (Madison)

I say Randy Couture! I will never bet against him again after he beat Tim Sylvia.

jonny boston

ok another topic change idea.... Its football season and college has started and the nflk starts tomorrow night... any thoughts the first weekend and the start to the nfl season?

Sean (Ann Arbor, MI)

Thank you John. It's Football Season now! Stop talking about baseball.

Amy Nelson

  (10:22 AM)

Boo!

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Well, I know a lot of guys have Randy in this one, but they also said that there's no way Kimbo could ever beat a disciplined MMA fighter, so who knows. I'll be pulling for Lesnar.

Brandon ("Twins Territory")

cotoures got tons of expierence but lesnars HUGE...But pedroia proves that size doesnt matter

josh (knoxville)

Big Z needs to be shut down til the playoffs for Chicago

Melissa (saratoga ny)

derek jeter is the AL-MVP, they would be out of it w/o him

Amy Nelson

  (10:22 AM)

ummm

joe (binghamton, ny)

Hands down its J Pedroia what is lost in this discussion he held his team together when Manny was being Manny and David O out and then getting back into swing of this. Why is A-Rod even the discussion.

Greg (Louisville, KY)

I will have to agree with my fellow louisvillian. Pedoria will fade and the Bosox will be swiping at the lofty Rays

John (Tampa)

The Yankees are out of it how is Jeter MVP?

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

John, you're talking baseball...

Vance (Delaware)

Have anyone seen Lesnr fight since hes been in the mma hes lost both times with simple submissions!

Joe (Lexingotn,KY)

Melissa, they are out of it WITH him!

josh (knoxville)

NY is already out of if. Even if Boston collapses Yank fans have to hope for the Twins to fall apart too

Ryan (Branford, CT)

Did anyone ever look at the comparison so far between the start of Pedroias career to jeters?? Interesting... ROY, World Series...??

darren (miami)

joe, j.d drew steped out the most out of everyone when ortiz was out

Lester (Louisville, KY)

Seriously, can we stop talking MVP. Let's see what teams make the playoffs before that.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

If we're gonna talk about football, can it be college football? Like how this weekend the slate of games are atrocious? It has nothing to do with being both a Buckeye and a Bungals fan... really!

Sean (Ann Arbor, MI)

Yankee fans make me laugh. Now they think A-Rod and Jeter should be up for the MVP? Weren't they just booing A-Rod out of Yankee Stadium the other night?

lee from wadsworth ohio

cliff lee from the indians looks to have a good shot at the a.l. cy young award. do you also see him as a favorite to win the comeback player of the year award? last year he was demoted to the minors and left off the teams post season roster.

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

Lee, I wrote a story about Lee a few weeks ago, and I think comeback player is definitely in the cards. The Cy Young is his to lose at this point...

joe (hartford)

Hey Amy, who do i pick for a win in sucide football league at work for week 1... any thoughts???

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

I used to be in a suicide pool, it was my favorite type. Give me some choices, I don't know the sked offhand.

Lee(MA)

wow,i think the sox hatred is clouding people's minds. Pedroia has held the sox together during this huge injury bug, and he is clutch.It should be between him and Quentin. end of story.

souza (tampa)

BOS will take AL EAST, D-RAYS wild card. Dice-K cy young

Kev (NYC)

Wouldn't Hamilton be a shoo-in for Comeback Player of the Year? Regardless of what Lee does...

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

Kev, Um, yes but Hamilton played in Cincy last year. Lee's name should be in consideration.

James (Ohio)

If Indians would do the impossible and make the playoffs would it be the biggest in-season comeback ever?

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

I'd have to look at numbers, but I would think so.

joe (hartford)

detriots over falcons, cincy over b-more or miami over jets

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

Detroit, is my first inclination. I'm not an NFL expert, though...

John (Tampa)

Its not the D Rays anymore its just the Rays ...when are the Rays bring David Price up if they are at all?

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

Not until the Durham Bulls are otu of it. He pitches tonight for them in the playoffs.

J. Trejo

What exactly is Dustin Pedroia's height?

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

listed at 5'9, but I'm almost 5'8 and he's shorter than me.

gary (au gres, mi)

time to talk football. more importantly drew stanton! i know skip is picking my lions to win the north. matt millan is a genius... of love... FOR FOOTBALL!

SOUZA (Tampa,FL)

MVPedroia

Joe, Algona Iowa

The AL MVP has to go to Justin Morneau. He is keeping the Twins in contention with Joe Mauer and a bunch of Triple A guys. How many all stars has Pedroia had with him this year? Morneau is 10th in avg. and 2nd in RBI's the two most important hitting categories.

Chad (Madison)

When do we get to talk about the National league and my Brewers?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

How you feeling today after those two losses?

mike (deland, fl)

i heard he is 5'7 at best

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

I'd agree with that. 5'6+

Chris (East Lansing)

I'd be willing to take Detroit or Cincy. Both are playing against rookie QBs, but at the same time, I think Matt Ryan could end up doing very well, he has Roddy White. I'm not so sure about Flacco.

Dan (Pittsburgh)

What expertese does Kordell Stewart actually bring?

Amy Nelson

  (10:35 AM)

Um, that he is a former player.

Adam (NY)

If any of you think Yankee fans are going to weep after this year, your wrong. I respect that you guys are trying to take advantage of them because they probably are going to miss post-season play this year, but you guys will never make up for all the years we were making fun of your team. And I can wait until next season knowing Sabathia will go to the Bronx.

Batch (Boston)

wait. Did someone just say Matt Millan was a genius of anything? I must be in the wrong place, I thought this was serious talk ...

D. Pedroia (Beantown)

I am playing my best baseball now and I am the AL-MVP but I would rather be playing baseball in October if I had to choose. I am 5'7 by the way 5'8 in kleets.

SOUZA (Tampa,FL)

I have lived in tampa for 17yrs and we have the WORST bandwagon fans!! BUCS/Devil RAYS..and tampa knows NO NHL!! start fillin the TROP before you claim 2be FANS...lol

darren (miami)

whats everyone thinks about the NL West?

melissa (saratoga ny)

we talk brewers if they dont get spanked by the mets tonite

chris (Long Island)

the yankees mvp is mussina...without him they would be in last place and fighting the mariners for worst record in the al

Steve (Nj)

In the NL it will be Phila, Chicago, Arizona with the WC being Milwaukee. In the AL Tampa, Chicago, Angels and the WC being Boston. What do you think?

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

I'd take that in a heartbeat...I think that could be accurate. Perhaps the Mets in the East.

lee(MA)

calm down Adam. We are allll enjoying your misery, and the revamped AL EAST looks forward to knocking CC all over the park come playoff time next year.

eddy (miami)

flacco takes to many hits and sacks he thinks to much before he throws the ball and nfl DBs r to fast for u to hold the ball that long. but to his favor they dont really have a decent group of wideouts

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Thoughts on NL West? Nothing...nothing at all...it doesn't exist.

josh (knoxville)

"My Take" on the NL West is the winner makes the playoffs by default which is a shame this year.

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

had one player in the division tell me what "a joke" it is...

mike (deland, fl)

I hope the dodgers win the nl west I would love to see torre do better then the yankees this year

Steven A. Smith (New York)

Let's talk BASKETBALL...We've got the Lakers, BOSTON, the Spurs....Everything I say is important because I'm STEVEN A SMITH

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

Stephen A., When did you forget to spell your name?

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Bigger upset in college football week 1: ECU over VT or UCLA over Tenn? I'm with UCLA.

Chris (Philadelphia)

i love it steve you just know the Mets will Melt.

Kev (NYC)

The Rays won't even fill the Trop for a home playoff game. I don't know why everyone says that they're great for baseball. They have the best record and they average 12,000 fans, that's beyond pathetic.

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

Arizona didn't sell out last year, it was pathetic.

Mark (Loma, CO)

UCLA proved that the SEC is lofty and overhyped

cole (ohio)

ecu over vt easily tenn beat themselves

John (Tampa)

I live in Tampa the Rays dont do much to market the team and the stadium is way over in st pete where a bunch of old people live

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Odds the Rays move out of Tampa in a few years? I'm sure some major city out there would love to have a pro baseball team... OKC?

Kev (NYC)

Wait I'm looking forward to baseball-wise. 1) The Mets blowing the division lead in 3 weeks 2) The Angels winning the WS easily & 3) The Yankees off-season in terms of adding an Ace.

eddy (miami)

i would favor ucla given the fact that they were down to their 3rd QB and he threw 4 picks in the first half t comeback and win but it ended with a missed field goal the ecu game was exciting to watch and ecu is going to be a team of the future

Josh (Texas)

UCLA was the bigger upset easily. Tenn gave that game away. That happens when you go away from the run that worked the entire game.

greg (memphis, tn)

anyone else think the panthers are going to surprise again this year? They have their running game going again, and Jake Delhomme is healthy again. When Steve Smith comes back from suspension, they will be hard to beat.

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

I hope so, my cousin works for the owner and my family has become Panthers fans.

Adam (NY)

At least Arizona did something spectacular in their Franchise's history. I bet Arizona sold out during their best season in 2001.

Steve (Dunkirk, Indiana)

Cliff Lee, formerly of the Arkansas Razorbacks, should easily be Cy Young-- I am okay with giving K-Rod MVP since his team is better.

Josh (Texas)

UCLA was the bigger upset easily. Tenn gave that game away. That happens when you go away from the run that worked the entire game.

Matt (Boston)

In a fantasy draft, someone took steve smith over chad ocho cinco. Is chad ocho cinco that much of a risk this year, that you would take someone who is guaranteed to miss two games over him.

Chris ( Boston)

I am a die hard Yankees fan sadly there done. They need to focus on Pitching and getting rid of washed players like Bobby Abreu and building up their farm system.

John (Tampa)

I got Steve Smith in the 6th round because everyone saw hed miss two games thats only two games early the rest of the year I am stacked at reciever

Joe (NJ)

Cliff Lee has had a hell of a year, but I'd like Rivera to get some consideration. Only allowed 10 runs all year and has anyone ever had a 70-6 K:BB Ratio?

souza (tampa fl)

i go2 about the trop about 10 times a yr.. only way it will sell out is if the red sox or cubs come to town! i live about 30-45min away its a great ride nomatter what part of tampa/st pete you live...its the fans around here.. watch if the BUCS loose you can get tixs a dime a dozen

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Chad Johnson is an injury risk and is turning into a cancer. I wouldn't touch him either.

Ocho Cinco (Cincinnati)

Why would anyone be picked over Ocho Cinco? I'm the best player alive.

gary (au gres, mi)

who thinks dice k deserves a cy young?

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Johnson started out being funny with all his antics, but now he is in danger of turning into an "old TO" and becoming a cancer to his team. I would say he is a risk.

Chris (East Lansing)

Between his injury, his attitude, and the catches that T.J. Houshmandzadeh gets, Ocho Cinco is a bit of a risk this year. Smith is the clear #1 on his team, CJ is no longer that.

souza (tampa fl)

i feel the TROP is a good place to watch a ball game! AC in florida is a MUST

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

Souza, You may be the only one. When the commissioner of your sport comes out and disses it, you know you're in trouble.

Chris (Boston,Mass)

I think that K-Rod should win the MVP over Dustin Pedroia and quentin , both had good seasons but K-Rod is the most valueable to his team

adam (sa,tx)

baseball is tooo long, boring, and slow. id rather watch a tape delayed preseason wnba game than watch half a baseball game

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

Snap!

Jim (Virginia)

Why is everyone overlooking Ohio State and not USC. I think Ohio State was equally impressive saturday. After all they did shut out Youngstown. I think Ohio State should at least be ranked as #2 instead of Georgia.

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

A good friend of mine wants Wells to be healthy because when SC crushes OSU, they'll have no excuses.

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

So Jemele and Skip are making their division picks ... what are yours and why?

SUPASIZE (ATL)

keep hating on t.o., he's a hall of famer...all he do is talk how good he is n back it up w/ td's.

Matt (Attica, OH)

There is no way Cliff Lee should not be the AL Cy Young award winner. He is having one of the best seasons of this decade. I even seen a stat that said he has had 18 starts of at least 7 innings and less than 2 runs! That is unbelievable. Second of all if the Indians were not stuggling earlier in the year and could have scored him 1 run in Toronto he would have gotten the win. He pitched 9 shut out innings and got a no decision. Just a month ago the Indians were up 11-7 in the 8th and blew a lead that cost Cliff another win!. In my mind Cliff Lee has had one of the best seasons of this decade, and he is your AL Cy Young award winner

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

A huge part of being a success at receiver is the trust and relationship between a receiver and a QB. Johnson is undermining himself and turning Palmer against him.

brett Favre new york jets

why isnt anyone mentioning me? im back and playing the fins on sunday. come on guys im STILL here and still brett the jet

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

no more you, too much!

Josh (Texas)

Ohio St Bills will be no more when USC saves all of us from another boring blowout in the game that counts.

Travis (Columbus, OH)

The Ohio State defense was nothing short of impressive, but I'm not sold on Boeckman as the QB still. He had a good startling (14/19, 187 yards, 2 TD's), but he left his WR's out to dry a few times and fumbled. He's pretty much Rex Grossman where he's gonna make a costly error, and we just need him to be Craig Krenzel.

Josh (Texas)

Ohio St Bills will be no more when USC saves all of us from another boring blowout in the game that counts.

josh (knoxville)

East - Cowboys, North - Vikings, South- Saints, West-Seahawks (by default) my reason for the first three are way too much offense.

Avery (Boston, MASS)

Wow how can anyone pick the giants to come out of the NFC their defence is what keep them in the playoffs last year and since their sack total was cut in half they might want to take the year off

Matt (Boston)

skip picks panthers at 12-4?? Wow

gary (au gres, mi)

lions, cowboys, cardnials, panthers... bills, browns, colts, raiders

BJ (Carmel Ny)

Super bowl this year will be the Vikings vs. the Jaguars Vikes win

Mike (Brooklyn)

Did Dana just ask if Cliff Lee is having one of the best seasons ever? He's having a great year, should definitely win the Cy Young (despite Skip Baseless' rantings), but we're not seeing anything historic. His 190 ERA+ is very impressive, but right now is tied for 56th best all time in a season, and his IP total is really nothing historically impressive at all, even in the context of this era of starters having limited IP.

bradley (atlanta, ga)

falcons when nfc south.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Amy! Ever since I moved out to San Fran, I never get to come on this thing. What's good in sports these days? You know, other than the Rays.

Amy Nelson

  (10:52 AM)

Ain't nothing better than the Rays!

John (Tampa)

Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champs this Year!!!!!! yeah Skip!!!

Chris (Pittsburgh)

Amy do you think Arizona or SF can take the division away from seattle

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

Don;t both of those teams have QB issues?

CHRIS (BOSTON)

Patriots will win the AFC East

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

Crazy pick!

jon frankfort,ky

pats,colts,steelers,chargers. giants,packers,seahawks,bucs.

jon (san diego)

I'm all about GA teams, but the Falcons are going to win th NFC South, are you drinking this morning?

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

Unfortunately I think we're a dry campus here in Bristol...

mike (deland, fl)

did skip say the JETS will win their div?

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

yes

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

Skip is crazy, San Diego is gonna win that division.

Josh (Texas)

Texans will come from nowhere this season. Book it.

Carlos

NFC: Giants, Saints, Packers and the Seahawks WC's Are Philly and Dallas. AFC: JETS, Browns, Jaguars and the Broncos. WC's are: Patriots and Colts

alex (rgc, tx)

the jets come on skip their lucky too win 6 games w an ancient qb

Steve (Dunkirk, Indiana)

Amy, Big Ten fans as well as Buckeye fans would still have excuses. I live in Indiana and Hoosier basketball fans are the worst.

Chris (East Lansing)

I'm not sure Arizona technically has QB issues, Warner has proven himself as soon as last year.

Amy Nelson

  (10:55 AM)

Really? I havent been following his progress but I can't believe he's still effective

Lester (Louisville, KY)

man did skip drink to much coffee this morning??

Amy Nelson

  (10:55 AM)

That'd be diet mountain dew

bradley (atlanta, ga)

jon, i was but the empty bottle of jame-o is now my crystal ball. and it says falcons when nfc south

Daniel (Tulsa)

well i dont think skip is to far off the JETS have a good chance to when that div

GregC (Hernando,MS)

Skip pick the Eagles wow! I am very happy so ROMO can prove him wrong!!!!

Andy (Cheney, Wa)

How can they not pick the Seahawks to make the playoffs they get to play six games against the NFC West and four games against the AFC East. Also, they have the same team as last year + a running game.

adam (sa,tx)

warner is a joke, but so is leinert

Matt (Boston)

ALRIGHT JEMELLE! GOOD SB PICK!

Monty (DC)

The Falcons need to sign Skip as a corner back. They will manage to get a little more publicty and some scrap fans.

John (Tampa)

Warner proved he is old and injury prone still there were several games last year where Arizona had to go with their 3rd string QB

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Warner is old, he is just lucky that Leinart is ineffective thus far in his career.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Brett Favre is going to make Ellis Hobbs look like the second coming of Deion Sanders. The man is an interception waiting to happen.

bradley (atlanta, ga)

amy, i know you love the maize and blue so what happened saturday?

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

we arent talking about that in my family. i actually have no idea what you're talking about.

Chris (East Lansing)

Seattle's running game is not a definite thing, their receivers are all hurt, as well as Hasselbeck. Seattle will struggle early on, which should be enough to push them out of the playoffs.

Chris (Boston)

warner is old and leinert is over rated

Kyle (Bloomington, IN)

I would just like to say that Skip has finally gotten his Super Bowl pick right! McNabb is bringing Philly back to excellence!

CECIL COOPER (HOUSTON)

CAN I GET SOME LOVE?

Amy Nelson

  (10:59 AM)

From who???

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Amy look at the New York Bretts schedule and tell me they won't win 10-11 games easily? I agree with Skip but I have the BRetts winning the SuperBowl against Team Obliterator's Cowboys

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

Here are jemele and skip's picks for the Super Bowl: Jemele: Patriots over the Pats Skip: Eagles over the Pats Thoughts???

Scott (Phoenix, AZ)

I Think the Cardinals will do well this year, Warner is alot better than people think. Possibly wildcard playoff contender.

Bert (Columbus)

I feel bad for Michigan...Well no I really don't.

Amy Nelson

  (11:01 AM)

who? I don't know who that is. Is that some sort of school somewhere, or a state?

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Patriots over the Pats? Wow, their second string wins the NFC Amy? Lol.

Carlos, Florida

Giants will play the Colts in the Super Bowl

Lester (Louisville, KY)

There is no way Philly is getting back to the SB. How many times has he been healthy the entire year??

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

sorry ... jemele had the Pats over the Vikings.

Lester (Louisville, KY)

How can the Pats be over the Pats Amy??

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

My bad!

Carlos

Amy: You said Jemele is Picking the Patriots over the Pats? I think Skip spiked whatever your drinking

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

Correct...

Mark (Loma, CO)

your right Amy, the Pats will beat themselves again!!!

Chris (NJ)

I dont know about jemele's picks. The patriots over the pats is a very risky pick and I don't think that is going to happen

Chris (NJ)

The Patriots are dismantled, the dynasty is over... Just because they are the patriots doesn't mean a super bowl loss wont affect them

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Someone go get Randy or Brock to put Skip Bayless in a "full nelson", he is talking crazy talk again. His picks for Playoffs and super bowl wins are way out there. The Eagles?? seriously. The Lions have a better chance then the Eagles.

Josh (Texas)

I can't believe me and Jemele agree on something (Pats over Vikings not Pats over Pats).

bradley (atlanta, ga)

amy, you should be ashamed of yourself. you no longer claim the wolverines. your father should disown you

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

perhaps...not a bad move on his part.

eddy (miami)

can we please not talk about ohio st they play in a cup cake conference and now that michigan is down its even worse they make it to the championship game by default last year.

Justin (Harrisburg, PA)

You're unsure if Warner is still effective? Last year nobody, not even Tom Brady threw more touchdown passes in the second half!

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

is that true? I don't cover the NFL, so I'm not as an expert.

bradley (atlanta, ga)

sorry but the chargers will be in the super bowl this year. they have 6 games against 1-AA opponents... wait i meant the afc west. that alone will let them coast through the season and keep LT fresh for an awesome playoff run

Mike (Brooklyn)

Why does being on a winning team matter for Cy Young voting? This is not an MVP award, this simply for who the best pitcher is. Lee is clearly the best pitcher in baseball this year, and winning 20 games on a bad team is partially testament to that (would people argue that Steve Carlton pitcher in baseball in 1972 because Phillies were a dreadful team?).

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

I see Minnesota going 9-7 and Philly 10-6 not Super Bowl contenders.

mike (deland, fl)

Skip needs to stop drinking the brett water, one guy cannot make that much differnce to the jets. Yes they upgraded some but i think skip need to put his brett doll away and come out of his brett cave

Jeremey(Louisville, KY)

Eagles and Vikings in the Super Bowl are they serious?

Andy (Cheney, Wa)

Did anyone have more fumbles than Warner in the second half of last year?

Rick (New York, NY)

former First Take employee here - as a Red Sox fan who should I be rooting for the Yankes or the Rays?

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

Rick, The Rays, of course! And btw, can you get that thing off the printer? Thanks.

Brook (Spokane, WA)

Everyone has forgotten about the team of destiny last year....... the Dolphins! They're two weeks away from doubling their win total from last year.

gary (au gres, mi)

detroit is going 13 - 3, true that!

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Rudi's not gonna make that much of a difference Gary. Detroit is the Cincy of the NFC. .500 at best.

alex (rgc,tx)

Amy you shouldnt be that ashamed about the loss of michigan too utah thier a good team and the wolverines are rebuilding and will get it together

Chris (East Lansing)

They are very serious. Let me ask you Jeremy, last year, would you have said Giants in the Super Bowl, are they serious? Anything can happen in 1 game elimination.

Josh (Texas)

The Dolphins ruined my dream for a reverse perfect season. I hope they lose all their games.

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

How many wins will the Dolphins have?

Justin (Harrisburg, PA)

Warner had 21 TDs in the final eight games (27 TDs in 11 starts). Tom Brady had 20 TDs in the final eight games. Might not seem like much, but when Brady threw 50 total, what does that say about Warner.....

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Last year the AFC looked so strong... and this year it only looks to be five deep. Yikes.

bradley (atlanta, ga)

gary, can i have whatever youre drinking? its clearly more potent than the jesus juice i got going on

Robby (Boca Raton, FL)

I think Warner had more TD's in the 2nd half of games last year than Brady because after a terrible Matt Leinhart first half he was sent into the game. He only played the 2nd half of games.

Matt Ryan L:eaf (Atlanta)

Detroit won't even beat my team this weekend. My era begins.

gary (au gres, mi)

of course rudi isnt the difference. its drew stanton thats the secret weapon. we just have to find a way for kitna to get hurt. hmm???

jon frankfort,ky

josh go away. the fins are my team, and as a fan i say they will go 5-11 or 6-10 alot better then last season

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

K-Rod for MVP....that makes me sick.

Brook (Spokane, WA)

the dolphins will have 6 wins and beat the pats once this year.

gary (au gres, mi)

seriously, is there any other guy who plays the QB postion better then drew stanton. omg, he is as awsome as they come. best QB EVER!

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Amy, great piece on Cliff Lee by the way. I was about to e-mail you that and tell you, but I made a point to come on here today.

Mo (Buffalo NY)

Why does Skip say the Jets will finish better than the Bills,when we beat them twice last year w/ half our starting roster out,and we were starting a rookie Q.B. Can the Jets really build chemistry in one off season. Not to mention that adding talent does not make you instantly better(Redskins.)??

Mark (Loma, CO)

I'll give the fish 4 wins this year, just because of their division. there will be lots of crying this year from ownership!!!

Jeremey(Louisville, KY)

Chris that Jeremey with three e's of course I didn't have the Giants in the Super Bowl. They had enough talent to win a Super Bowl and Eli didn't lose it for them. Minnesota and Philly don't have enough talent.

Chris (East Lansing)

Lions lose 6 games: Vikings x2, Colts, Jaguars, Panthers, and Texans.

Lee(MA)

Amy don't you love the start of football, one million fans coming on saying how their team will win it all like Detriot or NYJ or NYG or..or... Unless somehow those teams got players form SD,NE,IND,or DAL they will be dreaming.........

Amy Nelson

  (11:20 AM)

SOrry, I'm still in baseball mode until Nov. 1...but it's funny to walk into clubhouses this time of year and all the baseball players have football on the TV, not other baseball games. Football is king

Monty (DC)

Eli has a better chance of winning an Oreo eating contest than win the NFC East. They won last year because of their fierce front on the defensive line. With a weaker defense they will be lucky to win 6 games this year.

Adam )Houston(

Why no love for The Astros? We swept the Cards And are on the VErge of Sweeping the cubs...Please Justify?

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

Cecil cooper got some love earlier...

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

Bwt, Brock Lesner is sitting across from me, and while I know intelectually he won't hurt me, somehow I'm still scared. The man is a beast.

eddy (miami)

are you serious i give the dolphins atleast 8 wins this season. chad isnt a bad QB when he is healthy and ricky is back and ronnie brown will make a dual threat and the deffense has picked up their level of play

Justin (Harrisburg, PA)

Is there any team in the NFC right now with more playoff experience? Philly has most of their starters from their Superbowl. Maybe Seattle, but they are a shadow of their former selves. And Dallas, but all they have experience with is playing like A-Rod in the clutch!

Kyle, Bloomington, IN

Philadelphia has plenty of talent to win the Super Bowl. A deep d-line, great secondary, and a beast at RB/WR with Westbrook. As long as McNabb doesn't give games away and remains consistent, the Eagles will soar this year.

Josh (Texas)

I'm not gonna underestimate the Giants. Eli will still have a decent year (one of my fantasy QBs) and will probably be tied for 2nd with the Eagles in the NFC East.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

Jamelle is right they are throwing Ryan too the wolves.

gary (au gres, mi)

enough sports. anyone hear about the new 90210? my heart is pounding.. lol

Amy Nelson

  (11:27 AM)

saw it lsat night...donna and steve both need to be on it to make it pop. made me feel very old, too...

Josh (Texas)

Hey Amy shout Goldberg at Brock and he'll run away from you.

Amy Nelson

  (11:27 AM)

I'm not shouting anything to anyone...

Kyle, Bloomington, IN

I'm scared of Lesner and he isn't sitting across from me...be careful Amy!

bradley (atlanta, ga)

all this hating on the falcons is disturbing

Mikey (arkansas)

now taking bets on how long the new 90210 show will last before its cancelled..

gary (au gres, mi)

forget 90210, i miss blossom

Amy Nelson

  (11:31 AM)

wow, gary. i don't think you should be admitting that...

Chris (East Lansing)

I'm with you Amy, as soon as Jennie Garth's hair became a natural shade of blonde, so began my perilousp journey into feeling old.

Adam, Northford, CT

Why are we talking about 90210? How about tennis for a change, Roddick is looking really good and Djokovic and Federer are looking hurt and sluggish, he could make a run to the finals this year.

Amy Nelson

  (11:32 AM)

No Bev-niner talk? Sorry, I there's always a justified reason for bev-niner talk

Mark (NJ)

Brock Lesner vs Kimbo Slice ! who wouln't watch that?

Jeremy (Russellville Ky)

Hey Amy, remind Brock that the last few times Randy fought, it was against much larger men that he. Granted it was almost a year ago but how did that turn out, oh yeah randy still has the belt.

Josh (Texas)

Brock Lesnar will be beaten in less than 60 seconds. The F5 doesn't work in the UFC.

Cole, Dallas, TX

hey! yes i am loving the talk about tennis. Nadal is going strong while federer is struggling to keep his dominance. The sisters play each other every time around now and its just great tennis

Amy Nelson

  (11:36 AM)

don't they play each other today?

jose (fresno ,ca )

brock will smash randy

Justin (Harrisburg, PA)

Amy, when you go into the locker room and see baseball players watching football are they cheering for the team from the same city as their club, or are they cheering for a different team? Maybe we can finally give LeBron some slack as he is not the only person to do that.

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

Oh no there are plenty of players who cheer for the city where they come from. Scot Shileds, pitcher on the Angels, is from Florida and he's a huge Dolphins fan. Players will root for their alma maters, and of course, many root for the team in the city in which they play (Dodgers rooting for Lakers in the playoffs, for instance)

Jeremy (Russellville Ky)

Brock will get dominated by randy's technically skill

Travis (Columbus, OH)

90210 vs. MMA: which do ESPN chat addicts enjoy more?

Cole, Dallas, TX

Yes amy. I am pretty sure im watching that today! Its just great tennis but i dont know what time.

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

Yes Amy, tonight under the lights.

Kyle (Bloomington, IN)

90210 will last a year, maybe. Bring back Melrose Place. Heather Locklear is still hot.

Mikey (arkansas)

Manny thinks Shaq still plays for the Lakers..

Amy Nelson

  (11:39 AM)

Perhaps...

jose (fresno ,ca )

amy, who u going for brock or randy ?

Amy Nelson

  (11:40 AM)

Don't know anything about UFC. I'm old school boxing is my thing.

jose (fresno ,ca )

amy , how about skip fight brock live on first take lol

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

I'd give Skip a fighting chance...

Mikey (arkansas)

i'm expecting randy and brock to join forces in a tag-team match against The Rock and hulk hogan

kimbo slice

ill beat both of them at the same time. come on randy and brock me vs you two... ill beat ya both up

Cole, Dallas, TX

I am pretty sure in the dallas morning news it said that danny amendola and zach thomas got together to watch the tech game this weekend... so yes i believe people do cheer for other teams

Mike(Jacksonville Fl)

Amy, what do the Pittsburgh Pirates have to do to become competitive again. They seem to mismanage their talent or trade it away.

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

Mike, I think they're on the right path, and in fairness to them, the Pedro Alvarez situation really is not their fault.

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

But it doesnt erase years of damage that's been done to that franchise. And i can tell you this industry is very curious to see how this plays out. I had a GM tell me recently he'd never sign Alvarez after this because of what's happened.

Jim (Philly)

Bradley, I'm sure her father would never disown her. As for Maize and Blue, a loooong season. There is no joy. I'll root for USC this year instead.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Good on you, Jim from Philly. There's enough room on the bandwagon for everyone.

Mike(Jacksonville Fl)

Am I the only person on here that is excited about the NHL season about to start. They have some great players Syd Crosby and Alex Ovechkin and the game is now geared to offense. I just hope ESPN will still cover it now that Barry is back to coaching.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Where's that clown from Louisiana who last week said USC can't recruit a good QB?

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

Guys hate the cut the caht short today but I've got to go out there for our close. Thanks for all of your comments and I'll be back next Wednesday. Have a great weekend and happy NFL opening weekend!