When I looked at the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this season, I never would have figured that they would be in the playoffs, much less win the division. They had rookies, they didn’t have experience, and those around the league thought that the Diamondbacks would place at least third if not fourth.

The young team proved them wrong.

The Green Bay packers have rookies at most of their offensive skill positions. Besides having Brett Favre at the helm, the only other proven veteran on offense is Donald Driver. Controversy in Packerland focused on not signing Randy Moss at a cheap price which allowed Moss to join the New England Patriots. Favre reportedly was not happy and it looked bleak for the Packers.

With those rookies, the Packers lead their division and have not lost a game. Counting the last four games of last season, the Green Bay Packers are on a eight-game winning streak.

Richard Nickerson at Coyote Corner has an excellent break down of the players and their ages. The Coyotes are truly on a youth movement and according to some, it will be an unmitigated disaster.

I disagree. Young players can play with a drive and with an energy that just might keep them in games. In fact, they also possess a naive quality where they don’t know they are supposed to lose. I look at the Diamondbacks as a clear example of that.

Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney has been keeping the expectations reasonable for his hockey club, only stating that they will work hard and skate competitively, which I think is a smart move. Let the players decide their success and let them figure it out on the ice.

Predictions are meaningless - it’s the game that matters.

Original post by PB

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