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Wednesday, July 18, 2012
NCAA Football: Five Most Talented Defenses in 2012 Stuck
11:10 AM - July 18, 2012. Written by jmik58

As I stated yesterday, offense sells tickets (assuming you can afford them), but the reason we play is to win championships. And to win a title, you must have an exceptional defense.

While it may be fun to talk about programs that win by developing talent, the reality is that if you want to contend on a regular basis you have to have talent on the field -- specifically on the defensive side.

If you read through my Offensive Talent Rankings you're hopefully familiar with how I formulate my list; as well as what it does and doesn't mean.

To quickly recap, here are the factors I use to determine a rating per unit based on talent:
  • Points are assigned for each starter that had a recruiting rank in the top fifty or 100 out of high school or junior college. (I use Phil Steele's rankings since his figures are an average of most of the major recruiting publications.)
  • Points are assigned for each starter who has achieved on-field success such as awards, All-Conference, and All-American.
What the ratings mean:
  • That teams have more/less talent on their squad compared to other teams.
What the ratings DON'T mean:
  • That the teams on this list are ranked by how "good" they are as a unit.
  • This is NOT a projection of wins or an implication of how well they will play.
How to use it:
  • Hold teams accountable for their abundance of talent. (Or, "talent-accountability" as I affectionately stated yesterday)
  • Applaud those that succeed without as much talent.
Honorable Mention: (Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Alabama, Ohio State, Florida)

5. Florida State Seminoles

Most of the pundits may have jumped the gun by expecting great things out of FSU in 2011. This year looks to be the best shot for the Seminoles to finally get over the contender hump. Seven of their starters are top-25 recruits while three others are top-75.

Individually, the ‘Noles are led by defensive linemen Timmy Jernigan (2011 ACC Defensive Freshman Player of the Year) and Brandon Jenkins who is a two-time first-team All-ACC performer. In the secondary, strong safety Lamarcus Joyner brings second-team All-ACC experience to round out a very solid unit that should complement one of the nation’s best fronts.

4. Georgia Bulldogs

This is definitely the year that results are a must for the ‘Dawgs. They have one of the country’s best quarterbacks and plenty of experience. The one aspect that really holds them to the fire this year is the exceptional collection of talent they bring to the defensive side.

Every single starter on the defensive side was a top-100 recruit out of high school or junior college. Out of the eleven, three of them were top-five recruits – one each on the defensive line, at linebacker and corner. Georgia is led by two standouts in linebacker Jarvis Jones and free safety Bacarri Rambo – each returning from first-team All-American honors in 2011.

3. USC Trojans

The Trojans definitely own the western half of the college football landscape in projecting the 2012 season, and they have the talent to back it up. To be a national title contender – or favorite – you’ve got to have skill on both sides of the ball and USC is no exception.

Recruiting has never been a problem for USC and their current allotment of starters tells the tale well. All eleven of their defensive starters were top-50 recruits, six of them top-15. Inside the box, the Trojans return defensive end Wes Horton (second-team All-PAC-12) and linebackers Hayes Pullard (second-team Freshman All-American) and Dion Bailey. Bailey, a rising star, earned PAC-12 Defensive Freshman Player of the Year, first-team Freshman All-American honors, and was a second-team PAC-12 performer.

In the secondary, cornerback Nickell Robey – a first-team PAC-12 player – is backed by outstanding free safety TJ McDonald (third-team All-American and first-team All-PAC-12).

2. Texas Longhorns

My biggest “surprise team” of 2012 may very well be the Longhorns. The reason being: their exceptional collection of talent on defense.

Every single one of the Lonhorns’ starters on “D” was a top-50 recruit coming out of high school or junior college. Every…single…one. Of those eleven, seven were top-20 and six were top-8. I repeat, six of the defensive starters for Texas in 2012 were top-8 recruits at their position.

Texas may hold the best bookend combination in the nation in defensive end Alex Okafor (first-team All-American) and Jackson Jeffcoat (second-team Big-12. In the secondary, Texas returns decorated players Quandre Diggs (Big-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, second-team All-Big-12) and Kenny Vaccaro (first-team Big-12).

1. LSU Tigers

While many teams near the top are packed full of raw talent, the proof shines through in performance on the field. LSU definitely has serious clout in regard to returning starters with accolades; unfortunately for the rest of the nation, they also still have a slew of top-notch recruits.

Ten of LSU’s starters on defense were top-100 recruits – five of those being top-15. Among them are defensive ends Barkevious Mingo (second-team All-SEC) and Sam Montgomery (first-team Freshman All-American). Anchoring the middle is first-team Freshman All-American Anthony Johnson.

Rounding out the Tigers exceptional collection of talent is the “Honey Badger” Tyrann Mathiew (2011 Bednarik Award Winner and first-team All-American), along with free safety Eric Reid, a second-team All-SEC performer from 2011.


What teams will under-achieve or out-perform their talent in 2012?


Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
NCAA Football: Five Most Talented Offenses in 2012 Stuck
10:22 AM - July 17, 2012. Written by jmik58


Defense may win championships but offense sells tickets.

Last year's national championship contest pitted bitter rivals Alabama and LSU against each other as the Crimson Tide came out victorious to cap a season that saw them lead the nation in points allowed (8.2 per game) while scoring at a clip of 34.8 points per game (20th nationally). No slouch themselves, LSU's 11.3 points per game was second in the country only to 'Bama, while notching the 17th best scoring offense at 35.7 points per game.

Even though defense was the mode of transportation to the title game, a potent offense was still a guarantee for a successful season in 2011. Looking at the top-ten scoring offenses from 2011, the average finishing record was an impressive 10-3. Take out the 7-6 records of Texas A&M and Nevada, and that average climbs to 11-2.

An explosive offense is a weapon that can overcome the ebb and flow of the craziest moments of nearly any game. When the defense lets down, a group of talented skill-men on offense can make up the slack in a matter of minutes. And when a team falls behind, a good defense doesn't do much good -- bring in the 4.2 speed and five-wide attack, however, and you have a puncher's chance.

To compile my rankings I created a formula that factors in two key components. If you read my piece on the Five Most Talented College Football Teams in 2012 you're already familiar with my approach. I scan over the projected starters for each team in college football and assign a point value based on the recruit rankings given to each player coming out of high school or junior college (I use Phil Steele's recruit ranking since it is a comprehensive one that factors in various publications). I then calculate points based on past awards received such as All-Conference, All-American, Heisman, etc. I total the values and the team with the highest rating earns my tag as the most talented.

Here are the college football teams with the most talent on the offensive side of the ball for the 2012 season.

Honorable Mention: (Michigan, Pitt, Tennessee, Ohio State, Nebraska)

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish feature top-fifty recruits at every offensive position; the only exception being wide receiver Robby Toma (PS #109). Featuring eight players with significant starts from 2011, Notre Dame is led by one of the nation's best tight ends in Tyler Eifert (1st Team All-American). The Irish will need a little luck with the crazy schedule they have in 2012, but an offense loaded with talent will serve as a vital component to hang in with whatever opponents bring this season.

4. LSU Tigers

The Tigers are led in their redemption season by a new face at quarterback, Zach Mettenberger, who comes in as the fourth rated junior college prospect transitioning to the FBS. At 6'5" and 220 lbs, Mettenberger has pro potential and could be a serious surprise Heisman contender.

The rest of the LSU offense is chock-full of proven talent to go with high recruit numbers. Running back Spencer Ware returns off an All-SEC campaign, as do offensive tackles Alex Hurst and Chris Faulk. Following a disappointing shut-out in the '11 championship game, the Tigers may just have the missing firepower to finish the deal.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide

When you're a perennial national championship contender in the nation's best conference you can find yourself on lists like this despite only returning six starters. The Crimson Tide clearly have plenty of unproven talent, but that hasn't been much of a problem in recent years. Big time recruits are littered throughout the starting eleven and beyond; none more impressive than top offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandijo.

As if the future didn't look bright enough, the nation's top returning lineman, Barrett Jones, comes back to defend his Outland Trophy Award from '11. As 'Bama reloads the question will be less about if they produce offensively, but who emerges among a team of playmakers.

2. USC Trojans

As my favorite to win the 2012 national championship, USC obviously is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Led by my Heisman favorite, quarterback Matt Barkley, the Trojans' very highly touted wide receivers George Farmer (PS#1) and Robert Woods (PS#2) -- a returning All-American -- should put up big points in every game this year.

Also with accolades on the field are wide receiver Marqise Lee, tight end Randall Telfer, center Khaled Holmes and offensive guard Marcus Martin. With a defense that's just as skilled, the Trojans shouldn't need their offense to win many games, but if necessary they should be able to answer the call.

1. Clemson Tigers

The downside to the Tigers attack in 2012 may be the drop-off on the defensive side of the ball when considering their hopes of making a serious championship run. The offense, however, couldn't care less. Clemson's collection of explosiveness is led by quarterback Tajh Boyd (All-ACC), halfback Andre Ellington (All-ACC), and wide receiver Sammy Watkins (All-American).

The three-headed monster doesn't stop there though. Talent on the offensive line is finally abundant in 2012; something necessary for a team that can't afford the mental mistakes and lack of control at the line of scrimmage that crept up on them at inopportune moments last year. As questionable as the defense is, the offense of the Tigers may be powerful enough that it puts opponents on the ropes and allows the "D" to benefit from panicky attacks seeking to keep up with the high-scoring fireworks of Clemson.

A national championship may be a stretch, and the opening contest with Auburn will tell us a lot, but there is little doubt as to what team looks the most impressive on the offensive side of the ball.


What teams do you expect to impress offensively this season?


Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Tuesday Other Stuff (7-17-12) Stuck
09:28 AM - July 17, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)Size is going to be an issue for Team USA. I absolutely love how the game is called, no more lousy flopping calls. The NBA should really look into it.

QOTD: Think Team USA wins gold?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

sjj2xs (43), jgo777, JIMIHEMMY (41), Iscore4myLord (28)
Blog: Steve_OS
Monday, July 16, 2012
Monday Other Stuff (7-16-12) Stuck
11:12 AM - July 16, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)Had a good time this weekend teaching my dad how to use a computer. He's actually picking it up faster than I thought he would.

QOTD: How was your weekend?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

HandyRefuse, Graphik (33), CRMosier_LM (33), loaf31, SmashMan (27), MrBallaBoy21 (22)
Blog: Steve_OS
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday Other Stuff (7-14-12) Stuck
01:40 PM - July 14, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)Crazy day today, hope you enjoy your weekend.

QOTD: What are your weekend plans? Which game(s) are you playing?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

ChicagoNVA (39), timisone (37), ghostrider76 (36), tshokunbi (36), jskatt21 (29), RJTurneR
Blog: Steve_OS
Friday, July 13, 2012
Friday Other Stuff (7-13-12) Stuck
10:21 AM - July 13, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)It's Friday the 13th, which means nothing bad is happening to me today, it never has and hopefully never will.

QOTD: Are you superstitious at all?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

TheNorm30 (39), rlewis52 (35), tonio5100, Sandman42 (24), SouthBeachDPV
Blog: Steve_OS
An Ordinary Hero Stuck
10:20 AM - July 13, 2012. Written by jmik58

There is no such thing as a hero, only ordinary men. And in some cases, ordinary men who make horrible decisions and painful mistakes.

Heroes are a fallacy born in the human mind, created to crush the fears and limitations we believe are pressing down on our existence. The world is falling down all around us, but our saviors are the ones who keep evil out of our back yard and protect those in need. Their every word is worshiped and every action unquestioned.

Because of this, we elevate these ordinary people above ourselves to a perceived level that is unattainable by us flawed individuals. And thanks to our boost, these men feel empowered to act as we treat them -- one step above the drama, the evil, and ultimately the consequences.

The horrible monstrosities committed by Jerry Sandusky -- and subsequent cover-up at the hands of Penn State University leadership -- has lifted the veil on the fickle nature of human beings. Those at the center of the cover-up scandal have been exposed.

But instead of judging them we should be taking a step back from the emotion and realizing that like them, we too are just normal people. None of us worthy of the exponential power we grant to presidents, coaches, and other high-ranking authority.

Ordinary humans are to blame, not heroes or villains. The same type of people we interact with at school, work, during our social lives and in our homes on a daily basis. Ordinary men are the ones our children will become and must learn to interact with and work alongside. The type of people they should be taught to think of as equals, not superiors.

Respect is what authority figures deserve, not reverence. Because, after all, they're just like you and me.

It was ordinary men who took part in the horrible actions carried out by the Nazis in Germany. "Artisans, salesmen, and clerks..." all fell victim to the power of authority. And as more and more men around them took part, the power of social proof took hold and helped to justify their actions. As others around them took life after life, the draw of the mob mentality enveloped the minds of many of those normal men and turned them into monsters.

Many of us may also remember the famous hyperbole that asks, "If your friends jumped off a bridge; would you?" The sad thing is that the answer to the question is most likely, "Yes, if the others land safely." But the sad part isn't that the answer is "yes," it's that we think we're so different from our peers and invulnerable to the powers that impact our every action.

That homeless man you just walked past on the sidewalk; was he just a sleeping bum or someone in need? Once again, human beings judge uncertain and uncomfortable situations on the actions of others. If everyone else is walking past, then the man must just be a homeless guy. But how do you really know? You don't unless you check. And what if someone you respected -- or revered -- walked right past? You most likely would trust their judgement and assume they know better than you as you walk past step-for-step.

And when ordinary people, whether in positions of power or not, are presented with threatening situations that disturb their peaceful way of life; they, you, and me find ways to rationalize it away.

It's partly why Mike McQueary struggled to describe in detail what he saw in that Penn State shower when he talked to Joe Paterno. He didn't want to believe it and if he explained in detail what he saw, he would have to accept it as truth. And, in part, due to McQueary's vagueness, JoePa wrongfully rationalized away the seriousness of the situation by mixing in his own desire for it to be just a misunderstanding.

Not because Joe was a malicious man -- but because he just didn't want it to be true.

As the situation spread throughout the four-headed Penn State leadership monster at the heart of the cover-up; so did the ability of those four men to pretend away what was really going on. Each consulting with each other on an idea to hope it all away. A response which would have weighed heavily on each of them individually, but when accepted by each part of the group; made the weight seem shared and less heavy.

You see, this isn't about defending or reprimanding the actions of the four involved in the cover-up or others who could have stopped Sandusky at any time. This is about defending their status as human beings -- as ordinary men. It's about defending ourselves and those around us. It's the only way we learn from this. The only victory that can be won here.

Realize, that like them, we too are ordinary men; suspect to external powers like authority and social influence. Understand that our brains will fight us to pretend away hurtful information, so we must fight back. These are lessons we need personally and something we must pass along to our friends, families, and our children.

The Penn State controversy certainly is full of losers, none ruined more than Sandusky's victims. But a small victory can be taken from this.

From the losses we are reminded that there really is no such thing as a hero. And we reflect for our own good and that of our loved ones, so we always remember that no one is above who we are at our inner-most core.

Nothing more, nothing less. We are ordinary men.


Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Share your thoughts with him on Twitter by following @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Ten Best Bets for Super Bowl XLVII Stuck
04:42 PM - July 12, 2012. Written by jmik58

If you had one hundered dollars and ten teams to bet on for Super Bowl XLVII, who would you pick?

The question -- while it is a hypothetical one for a stingy man like myself -- still presents a fun scenario as I rarely turn down the opportunity to swing and miss on a prediction.

With the Super Bowl still many months away, how do you come up with a decent method to determine which teams to throw your imaginary money at? In my opinion, the best way to bet on futures is to look at the pasts, or past if you're not trying to be grammatically cute.

More specifically I scanned over the last five years and examined the Super Bowl teams and winners. What I found was a little surprising, but telling nonetheless. While it doesn't do much to help with futures betting, it's interesting to note that out of the last five Super Bowl matchups, the team with the lower futures odds has won every time.

But I'm not here to pick matchups, I'm here to burn some fake money on the future. One hundred imaginary dollars to be exact, and I'm going to spread it around ten ways.

Ten teams worth ten dollars apiece -- because that's all the play money I can afford. But first, a little peek at what the last five years tell us.
  • 20/1: The average futures odds of the eventual Super Bowl Champion
  • 7.3/1: The average futures odds of the eventual Super Bowl Loser
  • 12/1 - 30/1: The range of odds of the five Super Bowl Winners
  • 4.5/1 - 10/1: The range of odds of the five Super Bowl Losers
  • 12/1: The best odds that won the Super Bowl (Green Bay '10)
  • 30/1: The lowest odds that won the Super Bowl (New York '07)
  • 13.64/1: Average odds of Super Bowl teams
Using that data, my first move is to cut down the thirty-two teams by removing anyone lower than New York's 30/1 odds. This means goodbye to the Carolina Panthers (35/1), Cincinnati Bengals (40/1), Arizona Cardinals (50/1), Buffalo Bills (50/1), Kansas City Chiefs (50/1), Miami Dolphins (50/1), Seattle Seahawks (50/1), Tennessee Titans (50/1), Washington Redskins (50/1), Oakland Raiders (65/1), St. Louis Rams (75/1), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (75/1), Indianapolis Colts (100/1), Minnesota Vikings (100/1), Cleveland Browns (150/1), and Jacksonville Jaguars (150/1).

That leaves us with sixteen teams; meaning we've got to trim the list by six squads. My next move is less of a history based move and more of a greedy all-or-nothing play. If I'm going to put some Monopoly money down -- knowing that only one team can win -- I'm going to make sure I can at least win my money back. This means it's time to trim from the top all teams with better than 10/1 odds.

Goodbye Green Bay Packers (13/2) and New England Patriots (8/1).

Alright, only four more teams to go. That means it's time for an arbitrary move of randomness. There's no way the New York Giants can repeat, right? It hasn't happened in forever and their run was practically a perfect alignment of the stars. Goodbye, New York Giants (16/1).

Next up it's time to trim a little fat from the bottom. Three teams with 25/1 odds and I can't justify dropping a whole ten bucks per team. Goodbye, Atlanta Falcons (25-1), at least until you show us you are ready to win in the playoffs.

As long as I'm on the playoffs kick, sorry Dallas Cowboys (20-1), that means it's your turn to go. Tony Romo, there's just something about your inability to lead your team to a playoff win. You're not worth my blue ten-dollar bill.

Eleven teams left. It's amazing how hard it is to just pick one team. The money isn't real, and I'm splitting hairs between some middle-of-the-pack teams.

I could eliminate someone based on past experience and playoff shortcomings (San Diego?). But we've already been there. The final filter? It is a pass-happy league driven by the quarterback, so goodbye to the team with the most questionable man at that position.

See ya later, Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles (14/1). Sorry Mike, I like the team, but I just don't see the ability of you to carry the team to a Super Bowl championship with your arm.

So who earns my hard-earned counterfeit?

The San Francisco 49ers (10/1), Denver Broncos (12/1), Houston Texans (12/1), Baltimore Ravens (16/1), New Orleans Saints (16/1), Chicago Bears (20/1), Pittsburgh Steelers (20/1), San Diego Chargers (22/1), Detroit Lions (25/1), and New York Jets (25/1).

Just one team needs to hit and I've got almost a one-in-three chance of doing it. By eliminating the scraps at the bottom I've improved my odds. I've followed the numbers and used good judgement. I've used imaginary dough so there's nothing on the line. So what if I miss.

But if I get it right that's anywhere from $100 to $250 into thin air.

Why do people do this to themselves for real? It must be torture. No wonder gambling can tear apart lives. The excitement and frustration. The ups and the downs. No way I'd ever get myself into that...

But while you're here, could I borrow $100?


Who would you put your money on (real or fake) based on the odds for Super Bowl XLVII?


Justin Mikels is a staff writer at Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Thursday Other Stuff (7-12-12) Stuck
11:56 AM - July 12, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)This Penn St. stuff is just... CRAZY!

Not much in terms of watching sports today, other than WNBA and summer league. Should be a productive day then!

QOTD: Do you spend more time sports gaming or watching sports?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'er!

AWS88 (25)
Blog: Steve_OS
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Wednesday Other Stuff (7-11-12) Stuck
10:40 AM - July 11, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)How great was it to see the Giants lead the way for the National League win last night? Melky Cabrera was named MVP, hopefully it gives them a spark for the second half of the season.

QOTD: After a long night with NCAA Football 13, what score would you give it (1-10)?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

Gwiz007baller (50), pdiehm, Muzyk23 (32), aloncho11 (31), TheTruth437 (19), Rancid Radio (18)
Blog: Steve_OS
All-Star Advantage a Battle of Principle Stuck
10:12 AM - July 11, 2012. Written by jmik58

Whether you like it or not, last night's National League victory has already determined that the representative from the Senior Circuit will have home-field advantage for the 2012 World Series.

The majority of fans aren't happy with the change that was implemented in 2003 by Bud Selig, but instead of asking whether the All-Star game should be connected to the World Series, perhaps we should be asking a different question.

Does it even matter?

Since 2003, the American League has won seven All-Star games ('03 to '09) with the National League claiming the last three ('10 to '12). During that time, the National League has won the World Series five times with the AL taking home four championships to this point. It's pretty obvious that the All-Star winner doesn't do much to determine the eventual world champion, but what about times when the underdog gained an advantage.

How many times since 2003 has the World Series champion been granted home-field advantage when their regular season record would not have done so? Surprisingly, only twice.

Two times in nine years, both involving the St. Louis Cardinals, coincidentally. The first time in 2004, the Boston Red Sox swept St. Louis. Boston (98-64) took home-field advantage thanks to the AL victory in that season's All-Star game as the Cardinals (105-57) would have had the advantage under the old rules.

The second time, 2011, saw St. Louis (90-72) drop the Texas Rangers (96-66) in seven games. If ever there was a case for a team not "earning" the right to home-field advantage, this may have been the year. The crucial games six and seven -- had they been played in Texas as their record indicated under pre-2003 rules -- might have turned out differently for history and for the two clubs.

But twice in nine years isn't enough to prove significance.

In fact, since 2003, the team with the best record has won the World Series only four times and lost five. Three times (2003 New York Yankees, '06 Detroit, and '08 Tampa Bay) American League teams had the best record and still had home-field advantage in the World Series -- yet they still lost.

And how many times has the team with the better regular season record with home-field advantage taken home the title? Yet again, only three times (2005 White Sox, '07 Red Sox, and '10 Giants).

While the past ten years may not provide the statistical proof needed for a shift away from the All-Star game's significance, it's not the fact of how much it really matters but simply the fact that it counts.

The principle of the argument is a legitimate one, but the reality is that the MLB likely won't budge.

But to get through the frustration it's a simple case of mind over matter. When October rolls around, know that you really shouldn't mind because the reality is, it doesn't matter.


What changes would you recommend to make the All-Star game meaningful without impacting World Series home-field advantage?


Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Five MLB Teams Primed for a Second-Half Rebound Stuck
10:31 AM - July 10, 2012. Written by jmik58


Sometime during spring training, parity snuck into the luggage of MLB players and made the trip across country to nearly every division in baseball.

The worst team in the AL East is playing .500 baseball. Albert Pujols forgot how to swing a bat while young guns Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo have the Angels in playoff contention. The Nationals and Phillies have ditched tradition to switch places at the top and bottom. And the Pittsburgh Pirates -- yes, I said Pirates -- are in first place of the NL Central.

But if we've learned anything from baseball and history it's to respect the full 162 game schedule. With approximately eighty games left to play for each Major League team, no squad is mathematically out of it. As long as ten-game leads with three weeks to play are a possibility, so too are the chances of down-and-out MLB squads at the mid-point of the year.

Here are five MLB teams with second-half potential to climb out of mediocrity and into playoff contention.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (37-50, last place , 14.0 games behind leader)

The reigning five-time NL East champions are in real trouble. A squad with big-name players who are proven winners have been hit hard by the injury bug and old age. Roy Halladay, arguably the best pitcher in the game, is sidelined on the DL while slugger Ryan Howard is finally making progress to get back on the field. It's hard to believe that a Phillies squad at full-strength from day one would be having this tough a time.

The Phils have nowhere to go but up as their players get healthy and return to the field. Add to that the meltdown in the NL East in 2011 by the Atlanta Braves and it's way too early to count out anyone in the division, especially Philadelphia.

4. Boston Red Sox (43-43, 4th place, 9.5 games behind leader)

No team in professional sports has been hammered for average performance amid devastating injuries like that of the 2012 Red Sox. It should be a near miracle that the team made it to the halfway point in the season with a .500 record.

Missing are key pitchers Clay Bucholz and John Lackey. The regulars are even more tattered with Carl Crawford, Jacoby Elsbury, and Dustin Pedroia all stuck on the disabled list. A perception of unrest has fallen over the clubhouse as well with new manager Bobby Valentine fighting to earn the respect of the city and team, but the biggest obstacle appears to be the lack of health that has infected the BoSox. If the stars can return from injury and perform at their proven levels then Boston has a serious shot at a run for one of the wild card spots in 2012.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (46-40, 3rd place, 2.5 games behind leader)

For proof of what the Red Sox and Phillies could be, see the quick turnaround of the Cardinals during the first-half of this season. St. Louis, who was rolling to start the year, was delivered a brick-wall roadblock with injuries to the likes of Jon Jay, Alan Craig, Carlos Beltran, and Lance Berkman.

But as the players gained their health and returned to the starting lineup, so did the Cardinals find their winning ways. With Berkman still on the disabled list and pitcher Chris Carpenter out for the year with injury, it's hard to think the frail St. Louis club can keep it together the rest of the season. As much excitement as there is over the Pittsburgh resting in first place at the All-Star break, remember that the Pirates were 46-43 on July 9th in 2011. We all know Pittsburgh's season didn't end as pretty while St. Louis made history with a world championship.

2. Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43, third place, 2.5 games behind leader)

The defending NL West champions are in a solid place considering the turmoil that has infiltrated the division. The Dodgers have shown just how thin they are as injuries have rocked the boat. Meanwhile, the Giants have struggled to overcome a rocky year by pitcher Tim Lincecum combined with a lack of consistent offense.

Even without pitcher Daniel Hudson for the rest of the season (Tommy John surgery) Arizona should be fully charged for a run at the top of the division thanks a talented and deep minor league pitching. The youth of the squad mixed with last year's successes have the squad hungry for postseason redemption as well.

1. Detroit Tigers (44-42, third place, 3.5 games behind leader)

The biggest buyers of the offseason in the AL Central, Detroit has rebounded from a rocky start to win five straight going into the break. A healthy squad led by big-name sluggers in Fielder and Cabrera have started to gel as defending AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander continues to lead the team from the mound.

Once the law of averages roll around to the rest of the staff, the Tigers should quickly catch up to the White Sox and Indians at the top of the Central. Chicago's pitching staff will likely pose the biggest threat, but the ability of the struggling Tigers to stay within striking distance hints at just how good they can be when playing at a high gear.


QOTD: What teams do you see turning it around before the end of the 2012 season?


Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. For more of his thoughts on the MLB, NFL, and NCAA football; follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.
Blog: jmik58
Tuesday Other Stuff (7-10-12) Stuck
10:21 AM - July 10, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)I really wish Howard would hurry up and get traded. Getting tired of hearing all these rumors. He's gotta be a Net or a Laker, right?

Chris Berman surprised me last night during the Home Run Derby. He only said "back" 66 times. Looking forward to the MLB All-Star game tonight, hoping Posey gets MVP.

QOTD: When it comes to "All-Star" games, which sport do you enjoy watching the most?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

CochranBud (42), shon (39), 65South, t_horpe (30), barrons01 (29), elicoleman (27), greenrose00 (27), the_EDJ (25), xxjgbxx (22)
Blog: Steve_OS
Monday, July 9, 2012
Monday Other Stuff (7-8-12) Stuck
12:02 PM - July 9, 2012. Written by Steve_OS

If any of these links interest you, talk about them! (If you find any, send me a PM. I'll post them in the next update and mention you.)A little late this morning/afternoon... Just too much going on...

Had a crazy weekend, but finished it off with my dad's 62nd birthday. Still going strong!

QOTD: How was your weekend?

Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!

rhino9 (41), Coug00 (35), Jeffrey99 (31), ImReady77 (30), Trequartista (27), OhTheBagger (26), AiDub (26)
Blog: Steve_OS