PoodlePicks

2009 NBA Conference Semifinal Picks

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Its always hard to pick NBA Playoff Games. In the first round, I went 6-2 (Wins: Celtics, Magic, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Lakers // Loses: Heat, Blazers). What makes it hard is you never know who the "company" wants to win - you know "wink" "wink". Big Market vs Superstar, TV Ratings, Going against the NHL and Baseball for those ESPN Highlights - trying not to make things look too suspicious etc. So to make these picks it takes some extra naps and some good long deep sleep sessions where you dream about what you would do if you were Mr. D Stern - longtime commish of the NBA. Sometimes, in those dreams you do become the Maloof family wonder why your team is in Sacramento and not Las Vegas but hey... wake yourself up become the commish again and be happy small market teams like Toronto and Milwaukee didn't make the playoffs again...

Easy: Hawks vs Cavaliers
D Stern - you merchandise the hell of the Cavs this year, with the 85 different uniforms, you have LeBron James in All State commercials, ESPN has him in "This is SportsCenter" commercials, he is instant highlight film material, people like the nicknames: "King James", "The Chosen One", maybe you move him to NYC in 2010 if you can rid yourself of the torn called the Dolan family... most improtantly - rest him up for the finals vs. the Lakers (opps) CAVS IN FOUR.

Not So Easy: Magic vs Celtics
D Stern - Boston??? Red Sox, Bruins - you can't lose that market!!! But Dwight Howard - budding superstar... if they lose everyone will bring up the Shaq vs Van Gundy being soft stuff... But its Boston - you put the first game of the year LeBron vs the World Champs. Can't have them lose to a Mickey Mouse outfit who play there game in the AMWAY ARENA. Tough economy - keep the Celtics in it - make it seem like LeBron has to go thought the Champs to meet the Lakers. Milk it for all its worth - 7 Games but the CELTICS win.

Easy: Mavericks vs Nuggets
D Stern - Good got that rotten San Antonio Market out of the picture. Cuban and the Nuggets go into it during the second half of the season - good "storyline" for the playoff networks. Plus Cuban is good for a fine here and there (tough economy remember!!) Don't keep Cuban in the new for too long - NUGGETS IN 5 GAMES.

Not So Easy: Rockets vs Lakers
D Stern - Ooooohhhh that international audience in China. Yao is so important for the worldwide effort plus (and big plus it is) he help get TV disaster market of Portland Oregon out the picture. But I need Kobe and I need Los Angeles - MERCHANDISE and MARKETING - remember the Lakers are the only team to beat Cavs in Cleveland - Hubie Brown is good to mention that about 100 times in interviews leading up to the finals - still milk it for what its worth - ratings and highlights - LAKERS IN 6 - throw an Artest suspension in for game 4.

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2009 Stanley Cup Playoff Round 2

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:06:00 +0000

Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway. In Round 1: I went 4-4 (Wins: Bruins, Canucks, Blackhawks, Red Wings Loses: Devils, Rangers, Flyers, Sharks) so its time for a recovery plan:

Blackhawks vs Canucks:
Goaltending is the critical key to winning in the playoffs and to the Canucks success. It should continue vs the Blackhawks. They had time to rest after sweeping the Blues and the Blackhawks are still a young team. Poodle Picks: CANUCKS.

Ducks vs Red Wings:
The Ducks are lucky? They beat the best? The Red Wings just mean Hockey. They are all about Hockey - how could any dog pick a Duck over a Red Wing? I can't - Poodle Picks: RED WINGS

Hurricanes vs Bruins:
Much like the Red Wings, the Bruins are just playing their type of Hockey. Truly the class of the NHL all season - Goaltending (except for that back up loser), Defense, Scoring - I can see them going far. Poodle Picks: BRUINS

Penguins vs Capitals:
Can someone wipe the smile off of Gary Bettman face? He is so happy that he will get be highlights on ESPN he may even crack call David Stern a couple of times. Of course if he does that, Stern might call some officals and create that Wade vs LeBron series so put down the phone Gary. I think its time to give Ovechkin his chance - Poodle Picks: CAPITALS

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PICK: MLB Twins vs White Sox Saturday

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:21:00 +0000

I think both of these teams will be playing catch to the Indians but they are both very strong contenders for the AL Central. The Twins play that gritty hard working baseball.

I'll take the Twins to win this game.

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PICK: MLB Cubs vs Brewers Saturday

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Clearly the Cubs are loaded with Talent but there is just something funny about this team.. oh yeah they have the rejected Aaron Heilman... have the Cubs not been watching baseball for the last 3 years? I might be a dog but anyone can do this math: career 4.22 ERA with an 1.47 inning pitched that is not good it means your giving up 4 runs late in the game... good luck with him until you trade him for a minor league player and used car - I don't see you winning much...

Poodle Picks the Brewers..

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PICK: MLB Astros vs Cardinals Saturday

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:43:00 +0000

The Cardinals have the reigning MVP and pitching staff coming back from injuries... the Astros have a good staff but no depth and very little in batting. I look for the Cardinals to rebound strong in 2009 and play competitive with the Cubs.

Poodle Picks: The Cardinals

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PICK: MLB Angels vs Red Sox Saturday

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:36:00 +0000

The MLB season is under way and this week I'm focused on 4 MLB Picks. Coming Up I'll be doing the first round of the NBA and Stanley Cup Championships.

The Angels, I think are the sleeper team in the baseball. Playing out west they struggle for air and broadcast time, same with the A's - who are good but will struggle with young pitching staff and no bullpen (A common problem in baseball these days).

In this first week of MLB picks, I think the Angels might not be totally focused on baseball in this series with the Red Sox with the tragic death of their young pitcher (the video was produced before his death) but maybe they can rally together for a weekend sweep.

PoodlePick: Red Sox

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PoodlePicks: NBA - Spurs vs Cavaliers

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Finals Preview? - Ok April Fools (a few days late but I made you laugh). The Cavs are remarkable. Let us hope they don't turn into the Cubs when the Playoffs roll around. David Stern and I both have our paws crossed, praying for that Cavs vs Lakers finals. Lebron should have a huge game and the Cavs will continue to roll on. PoodlePicks the Cavs.

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PoodlePicks NBA Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:48:00 +0000

There is just something about the Suns... maybe because I hope that someday Shaq and Nash will follow me on Twitter or maybe its just that the Mavericks are not a very good basketball team but I like to pick the Suns. This is a meaningless game, as by time Sunday rolls around one of these two teams or maybe both, will have Zero chance of making the playoffs. My predication, without food by the way... this will be Shaq finally ABC game with the Suns, so one last PoodlePicks for Shaq.

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PoodlePicks NHL Florida Panthers vs Pittsburgh Penguins

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:20:00 +0000

The Florida Panthers are my hometown team. However, they are just not that good, probably because they are a cat and cats don't like water. Penguins on the hand do like water and ice and they have a premier goal scorer, Sidney Crosby. On top of all that, they have actually have seen the Stanley Cup, just didn't win it.

I'm taking the Penguins.

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PoodlePicks NHL Minnesota Wild vs Detroit Red Wings

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:11:00 +0000

I'm keeping the picks rather simple this week. I'm not sure I can do The Masters picks... a lot of PoodlePicks planning going on with Baseball season starting next week and the football schedules coming out soon.

The Red Wings are the A+ team in hockey... there is no picking against them. They are sort of like the Lakers of the NHL.

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RECAP: NCAA ROUNDS 1&2: PEPPER GONE MAD AT 77% RIGHT

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:09:00 +0000

In the opening round, I got 23 Wins and 9 Losses. I got the following upset correct: Arizona, USC, Texas A&M (#9 over #8), Michigan, and Wisconsin. Missed on Cleveland St (who didn't), Dayton, Mississippi State, Utah St (so close), Siena (so close) and Western Kentucky.

As for Round 2: I got 14 out of 16 - but more importantly the only 2 losses were teams that lost in Round 1 - Wake Forest and Mississippi State.

So the Overall Record of the Weekend: 37 Wins - 11 Loss - 77% - I rank 293,772 on ESPN whatever that means. Why they haven't focus on a Dog making picks over the President is beyond my fluffy ears.

So my Elite 8 - only Wake Forest is done, so 7 out of the 8 teams are still alive. All 4 picks for the Final Four are alive - and I'm sticking with my pick for the champion: Memphis.

See the Elite 8 and Final Four Picks Below:

Final Four & National Championship:

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: FINAL FOUR AND CHAMPION

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:20:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's picks for the Final Four, Semifinals and National Champion:

East:
1) Pittsburgh vs 2) Duke - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh

South:
1) North Carolina vs 3) Syracuse - PoodlePicks: North Carolina

Midwest:
2) Michigan State vs 4) Wake Forest - PoodlePicks: Michigan State

West:
1) UConn vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: Memphis

SEMIFINALS:
1) Pittsburgh vs 1) North Carolina - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
2) Michigan State vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: Memphis

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
1) North Carolina vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: MEMPHIS

VIDEO:

FULL BRACKET:

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: ELITE 8

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's picks for team going to the Elite Eight:

MIDWEST:
1) Louisville vs 4) Wake Forest - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest
2) Michigan State vs 3) Kansas - PoodlePicks: Kansas

WEST:
1) UConn vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: UConn
2) Memphis vs 3) Missouri - PoodlePicks: Memphis

EAST:
1) Pittsburgh vs 4) Xavier - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
2) Duke vs 3) Villanova - PoodlePicks: Duke

SOUTH:
1) North Carolina vs 4) Gonzaga - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
2) Oklahoma vs 3) Syracuse - PoodlePicks: Syracuse

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - SWEET 16

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's Picks for team to go to the Sweet 16 (Winners of Round 2)

EAST:
1) Pittsburgh vs 9) Tennessee - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
4) Xavier vs 12) Wisconsin - PoodlePicks: Xavier

3) Villanova vs 6) UCLA - PoodlePicks: Villanova
2) Duke vs 10) Minnesota - PoodlePicks: Duke

SOUTH:
1) North Carolina vs 8) LSU - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
4) Gonzaga vs 5) Illinois - PoodlePicks: Gonzaga

3) Syracuse vs 6) Arizona St - PoodlePicks: Syracuse
2) Oklahoma vs 10) Michigan - PoodlePicks: Oklahoma

MIDWEST:
1) Louisville vs 8) Ohio State - PoodlePicks: Louisville
4) Wake Forest vs 12) Arizona - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest

3) Kansas vs 6) West Virginia - PoodlePicks: Kansas
2) Michigan St vs 10) USC - PoodlePicks: Michigan State

WEST:
1) UConn vs 9) Texas A&M - PoodlePicks: UConn
5) Purdue vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: Mississippi State

3) Missouri vs 11) Utah State - PoodlePicks: Missouri
2) Memphis vs 7) California - PoodlePicks: Memphis

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: SOUTH REGIONAL - Round 1

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the South Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) North Carolina vs 16) Radford - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
8) LSU vs 9) Butler - PoodlePicks: LSU
5) Illinois vs 12) West Kentucky - PoodlePicks: Illinois
4) Gonzaga vs 13) Akron - PoodlePicks: Gonzaga

6) Arizona St vs 11) Temple - PoodlePicks: Arizona St
3) Syracuse vs 14) S.F. Austin - PoodlePicks: Syracuse
7) Clemson vs 10) Michigan - PoodlePicks: Michigan
2) Oklahoma vs. 15) Morgan St. - PoodlePicks: Oklahoma

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: WEST REGIONAL - Round 1

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the West Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Connecticut vs 16) Chattanooga - PoodlePicks: UConn
8) BYU vs 9) Texas A&M - PoodlePicks: Texas A&M
5) Purdue vs 12) Northern Iowa - PoodlePicks: Purdue
4) Washington vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: Mississippi State

6) Marquette vs 11) Utah State - PoodlePicks: Utah State
3) Missouri vs 14) Cornell - PoodlePicks: Missouri
7) California vs 10) Maryland - PoodlePicks: California
2) Memphis vs 15) CS Northridge - PoodlePicks: Memphis

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: MIDWEST REGIONAL - Round 1

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:12:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the Midwest Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Louisville vs 16) Morehead St - PoodlePicks: Louisville
8) Ohio State vs. 9) Siena - PoodlePicks: Ohio State
5) Utah vs 12) Arizona - PoodlePicks: Arizona
4) Wake Forest vs 13) Cleveland State - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest

6) West Virginia vs 11) Dayton - PoodlePicks: West Virginia
3) Kansas vs 14) North Dakota State - PoodlePicks: Kansas
7) Boston College vs 10) USC - USC
2) Michigan State vs 15) Robert Morris - Michigan State

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: EAST REGIONAL - Round 1

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the East Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Pittsburgh vs 16) E. Ten St - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
8) Oklahoma St vs 9) Tennessee - PoodlePicks: Tennessee
5) Florida St vs 12) Wisconsin - PoodlePicks: Wisconsin
4) Xavier vs 13) Portland St - PoodlePicks: Xavier

6) UCLA vs 11) VCU - PoodlePicks: UCLA
3) Villanova vs 14) American - PoodlePicks: Villanova
7) Texas vs 10) Minnesota - PoodlePicks: Minnesota
2) Duke vs 15) Binghamton - PoodlePicks: Duke

Watch:

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Preparation for the Picks

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:43:00 +0000

TubeMogul and YouTube are being a bit feisty on the uploading process... so I decided to post this video of me preparing for the picks...

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PoodlePicks weekend off - Full Bracket for the NCAA Tournament

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Originally, I had planned on picking four games this weekend, however with the NCAA tournament coming next week, like all major handicappers - I needed to focus on getting ready for the 2nd greatest tournament in the world - after the Westminster Dog Show. Planning includes a grooming (happened yesterday), downloading and resizing logos for all 65 teams (some I have already, some I don't - Cleveland State), and of course extra sleep - what all good Poodle handicappers need before major sporting events.

How My NCAA Tournament Picks Will Work:
I will attempt to pick a full bracket. This will be done of the course of several days. Each round and each bracket region will be a separate video. So for example: There will be a Round 1 - East (Boston Regional) Philadelphia Games, Boise Games, Minneapolis Games, Greensboro Games all in one Video. Round 2: New Video and so forth with each pick right after each other. It will take time.

The picks themselves. In order to ensure a level field since it is so large, not all teams are equal and I don't pick a 16 vs 16 seed in the final four... the food bowls will be scaled based on ranking. So if your a 1-4 seed a large bowl will be used, 5-8 slightly smaller medium size bowl, 9-12 a ramekins and 13-16 a bathroom cup. The possibility of an upset exists but the chance of it happening are diminished by size of the bowl. No different then the NBA draft lottery where worse team get more pin-ping balls but not necessarily the first pick in the draft.

You can have the opportunity to pick against me at the follow Bracket Challenge by clicking here. No prize will be given this year as our presenting sponsor is still waiting for their bailout check from the government to clear the bank - who is also waiting for their bailout check - its rather complicated. Hopefully, next year the economy will improve - might have to do a PoodlePick on that predication. Send me and email poodlepicks@gmail.com or tweet @poodlepicks

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RECAP: Poodle Keeps Up His Winning Ways Going 6-2

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:21:00 +0000

SIGN UP FOR THE POODLEPICK BRACKET CHALLANGE:
http://pp3825.mayhem.cbssports.com/brackets

Stellar weekend with the Wins:

UNC was pretty much a given - at home on Senior Day - they have Duke's number and now a #1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Gators - here is a prediction for Kentucky Fans - Coach Gillispie will be Texas - San Antonio with Larry Coker next year. No way he returns to UK with that talent and playing that poorly. Who knows where Billy Donavan will be too....

Spartans - the only Big 10 team that can play with the rest of the country. We'll see if they make it past round 2 of the NCAA Tournament.

Pittsburgh - just out hustled and out played UConn they will be in good shape for the Big East Tournament and #1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Oklahoma - Their team play just outshines the speed of OSU. I think OSU will be a sleeper team for the NCAA Tournament.

The Avs - lucky pick. I'll get a few of those each weekend.

The Losses:

The Bruins: who is this backup goalie - Manny Fernandez - he play more like Manny Ramirez - don't be afraid of the PUCK

The Suns: Nash on the floor is a liability - all their big runs came with him on the bench. He isn't playing with heart. They had that game in hand, coming back from 13 down and losing in the last 2 minutes.

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PICK: Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:20:00 +0000

The Suns and Spurs are both Jekyll and Hyde teams - you never know which team will show up. However, Shaq seems to play better when the game is in the national spotlight. So I'll go with the fast paced up and down Suns to beat the old Spurs.

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PICK: Pitt Panthers vs UConn Huskies

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:00:00 +0000

This is the type of game I like - two hard working teams that match up very well. Ok, I'm a poodle, I don't like hard working and I really think the Huskies are very pretty dogs however based on the style of play, I think Pitt will yet again get the better of UConn. Pick: PITT

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PICK: New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:23:00 +0000

The Bruins just have all the right pieces in place to make a good run at the Cup: Scoring, Goal Tending, Defense. The Rangers seem to be skating backwards. Bruins to romp all over the (st)Rangers.

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PICK: Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Black Hawks

poodlepicks@gmail.com (Pepper ) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:21:00 +0000

The Avalanche don't seem to have the luster of years past. The Black Hawks are up and coming young team to watch in the future. However this is my upset special of the weekend (remember I'm a dog!!). Avs to win - paws are crossed.

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