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2009 Bigger Dance: Round of 32

April 13, 2009 1 comment

We’ve broken down the first round matchups in each of the four regions (which can be found here), and now it’s time to move on to the Round of 32. Without further ado, here’s what you can expect in the second round of the Bigger Dance.

A vote against Jessica is a vote against America.

A vote against Jessica is a vote against America.

1. Hayden Panettiere vs. Jessica Simpson. An agonizing decision to be made in this one. Do we go with the seemingly omnipresent Simpson, or the up-and-comer in Panettiere? Both had strong showings in the 2008 Bigger Dance, with Simpson winning three matchups and Panettiere two. But here’s a hint for you when making your picks: If you can’t make a decision right away, go with the contestant you think a woman would pick. There’s no doubt in my mind that most women would lend their vote to the engaging Simpson. That gives her the edge and the nod into the Sweet 16.

2. Elin Nordegren vs. Megan Fox. I’m doing you a favor by telling you right now, without divulging any further information on our later-round picks, that this is Megan’s year. It’s the year of the Fox, and Mrs. Tiger Woods just happens to be standing in her way.

3. Alessandra Ambrosio vs. Mila Kunis. Neither of these two will advance past the Sweet 16, but we like Ambrosio more than Kunis. Ambrosio has the “Wow” factor, while Kunis is best known for lending her talents to the voice of Family Guy’s Meg Griffin. That has to catch up to you at some point, and now it does. Ambrosio with the W.

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First Place M’s Winning With Pitching, Defense

April 13, 2009 Leave a comment
Franklin Gutierrez has improved the M's outfield defense so far.

Franklin Gutierrez has improved the M's outfield defense so far.

Last week’s Sports Illustrated featured an in-depth look at the value of baseball’s defensive statistics.  In the article, a short discussion of the new-look Seattle Mariners ensued. As it turns out, the team’s new front office staff has a group of statisticians devoted to divulging the hidden meaning behind defensive stats. Which means that the addition of new center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, among others, was no mistake.

The M’s are placing a premium on defense because it’s cheaper to obtain than offense, and statistically, it plays a much bigger role than we realize.

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