Fun weekend in sports. And while I'd love to sit and recap it all for you (since that’s just the kind of guy I am), instead I offer but a few nuggets on some things that caught my eye...
NFL Draft – First off, LOVED the Bears draft. Getting the #1 TE at 31 was a steal and a blessing. For anyone who watched the success the Bears had early on last season, you know Desmond Clark was a huge part of the offense. Now we get a guy who can stretch the middle of the field even more – couldn't have asked for a better pick. And I'm glad Jerry Angelo and crew didn't buy into the "Trade Up For Brady Quinn" crap. We have a QB (Yes, I stand by Rex). We had much more important needs and we addressed them…
And what a nice segue into the aforementioned Mr. Quinn (hey, every other sports column in the galaxy is talking about him, so why can't I?). I'll be brief. I can totally see Miami passing on him at 9. I don't think he's a sure-fire stud in the making like many are saying. But, taking Teddy Ginn was just dumb. When former Buckeye teammate A.J. Hawk was asked to comment on Ginn's pro potential, his ringing endorsement was "He's tiny."
That ain't good.
And if Miami thought they were drafting the second coming of Devin Hester, they’re in for a rude awakening. There’s only one DH baby! Hey, how many guys you know ran the opening kickoff back for a TD in the Super Bowl? Exactly.
The Pats Get Randy – A rolling stone might not gather Moss, but apparently the New England Patriots do. You could’ve given me 20 guesses at where Randy would end up and New England would never have been one of them. I can’t wait for the first time the Mossanator quits on a route or complains to Tom Brady he’s not getting the ball enough. Talk about the new odd couple! I guarantee Moss is gone from the Pats by next year. He just doesn’t care and Belichik and Brady just do. ‘Nuff said.
On the complete flip side of that is the Niners absolutely stealing Darrell Jackson from Seattle. Great move by the up and coming (and NFC West champs to be – just watch!) Niners. Yes he has the dropsys every now and then. No he won’t be winning any iron man awards for endurance. But he’s a proven wideout on a team whose #1 last year was Antonio Bryant. Still want to say it was a waste of a trade? Look out for the new Young Guns from the Bay in the NFC.
Holy Freakin’ Warriors – Like I said last week, if the Mavs went down 3-1 to Golden State, they were toast. Well Margaret, break out the butter and the jam and spread it on thick, because Dallas’ season is over. I don’t know how far the series will go and frankly I don’t care. But after watching Golden State outrun, outhustle and outeverything Mark Cuban’s boys, there is no chance Dallas wins the next 3 in a row. Won’t happen. Congrats to the Nellie and the boys. And good for their fans – that game on TV was the loudest rowdiest fans I’ve seen in a long time. I think they beat Houston or Utah, regardless of who advances. That’s where this feel good story ends. Phoenix or San Antonio (assuming we go up 3-1 tonight like we should) will mop the floor with the Warriors – although, admittedly, Suns/Warriors would be a fun series to watch. Yeah, maybe in 2042 boys. GO SPURS GO!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Saturday Samplings
Four words I’ve heard over and over the last 2 days and I still can’t wrap my mind around ‘em – The Last Place Yankees.
After their 7th straight loss on Friday, the Bombers fell to 8-13. To put that in the proper jaw-dropping perspective it deserves, that’s a worse record than perennial cellar dwellers Tampa Bay (10-13), Colorado (9-14) and even my beloved Cubbies (9-13). Even the lowly Nationals have 8 wins this year!
The cries of “It’s only April” are starting to stink of worry in the Boogie Down and it’s becoming abundantly and eerily clear – trouble is brewing in the Bronx.
The Yankees have the leagues 4th-worst team ERA (5.14) behind only Texas, Florida and Tampa Bay. Yuk. And can someone please tell me what in the name of Kyle Farnsworth has happened to Mariano Rivera? After 21 games, take a wild guess how many saves arguably the greatest closer of all-time has?
I’ll give you a second to think….
Ready?
ZERO. Not one. Nada. Nothing. Zilch.
As of Saturday, 48 different guys have recorded a save in 2007 – and Rivera isn’t one of them. If that’s not bad enough, Mo is sporting a paltry 12.15 ERA. Um, wow. This is a guy whose ERA hasn’t been over 2.00 since 2002!
But first and foremost, the Yanks problem lies in their starting rotation. Kei Igawa stinks. Andy Pettitte has been average at best. Carl Pavano is, what else, hurt. And aside from phenom Phil Hughes, I’m not sure even Yankee fans could rattle off the kids who have taken the hill in the last 2 weeks. But help could be on the way. Mike Mussina is set to return next week from the DL and Chien-Meng Wang is finally healthy and starting.
But let’s be honest here… when it’s all said and done, no one thinks the Yankees will finish behind the D-Rays, Blue Jays and Orioles. But with Boston playing lights out baseball, if the Yanks don’t right the ship soon, there hopes for the playoffs may set sail without them.
Roger Clemens, Brian Cashman calling on Line 1…
…
By the way, the other day I said I couldn’t wait to see who would be the NFL Draft’s uncomfortable-sitting-in-the-green-room-way-too-long guy… looks like Brady Quinn is our winner. The entire Miami war room should be fired after passing on him at 7. And with the next 6 –7 teams on the board all solid at QB, Brady might want to make himself comfortable. If Buffalo doesn’t take him at 12, barring a trade, he could still be there when Kansas City picks at 23 and would be a blessing for the Chiefs.
…
Switching gears to the NBA for a second. Box scores can often be misleading. A 5 or 6 point victory on paper can sometimes be a completely one-sided affair as you’re watching the game. On the flipside, a 14 point win could’ve been a real nail biter in reality with a plethora of free throws increasing the margin at the end. In both cases, perception and reality can often be two entirely different things.
Then there’s Friday night’s game between the Warriors and the Mavericks. If you didn’t watch the game and you wake up to see a 18 point win for Golden State, perhaps you think it was a fluky win where the shots just weren’t falling for Dallas? Maybe the Warriors were unconscious from the floor? Not exactly.
Yes the Mavs struggled from the floor (they shot 38% from the field as a team), but the Warriors were only 6 – 23 from beyond the arc and in all reality, if you watched the game, it had the feeling of a 25-30 point blowout from start to finish.
The Boys from the Bay had their way with the Mavs on both ends of the court and Dallas had no answer for Baron Davis and Jason Richardson.
In my NBA West preview, I said the size of the GS backcourt would give Dallas problems. But I didn’t think it would matter as I predicted Dallas in 5. Um, can I get a do-over? If Golden State goes up 3-1 on Sunday, stick a fork in the Mavs. And after watching the first three games of this series, it’s anything but a stretch to think it will happen. But this is the same Mavericks team that hung 67 wins on the league in the regular season, so it’s too early to count them out. In fact, I think they win game 4 and even the series. What happens from there is anyone’s guess.
After their 7th straight loss on Friday, the Bombers fell to 8-13. To put that in the proper jaw-dropping perspective it deserves, that’s a worse record than perennial cellar dwellers Tampa Bay (10-13), Colorado (9-14) and even my beloved Cubbies (9-13). Even the lowly Nationals have 8 wins this year!
The cries of “It’s only April” are starting to stink of worry in the Boogie Down and it’s becoming abundantly and eerily clear – trouble is brewing in the Bronx.
The Yankees have the leagues 4th-worst team ERA (5.14) behind only Texas, Florida and Tampa Bay. Yuk. And can someone please tell me what in the name of Kyle Farnsworth has happened to Mariano Rivera? After 21 games, take a wild guess how many saves arguably the greatest closer of all-time has?
I’ll give you a second to think….
Ready?
ZERO. Not one. Nada. Nothing. Zilch.
As of Saturday, 48 different guys have recorded a save in 2007 – and Rivera isn’t one of them. If that’s not bad enough, Mo is sporting a paltry 12.15 ERA. Um, wow. This is a guy whose ERA hasn’t been over 2.00 since 2002!
But first and foremost, the Yanks problem lies in their starting rotation. Kei Igawa stinks. Andy Pettitte has been average at best. Carl Pavano is, what else, hurt. And aside from phenom Phil Hughes, I’m not sure even Yankee fans could rattle off the kids who have taken the hill in the last 2 weeks. But help could be on the way. Mike Mussina is set to return next week from the DL and Chien-Meng Wang is finally healthy and starting.
But let’s be honest here… when it’s all said and done, no one thinks the Yankees will finish behind the D-Rays, Blue Jays and Orioles. But with Boston playing lights out baseball, if the Yanks don’t right the ship soon, there hopes for the playoffs may set sail without them.
Roger Clemens, Brian Cashman calling on Line 1…
…
By the way, the other day I said I couldn’t wait to see who would be the NFL Draft’s uncomfortable-sitting-in-the-green-room-way-too-long guy… looks like Brady Quinn is our winner. The entire Miami war room should be fired after passing on him at 7. And with the next 6 –7 teams on the board all solid at QB, Brady might want to make himself comfortable. If Buffalo doesn’t take him at 12, barring a trade, he could still be there when Kansas City picks at 23 and would be a blessing for the Chiefs.
…
Switching gears to the NBA for a second. Box scores can often be misleading. A 5 or 6 point victory on paper can sometimes be a completely one-sided affair as you’re watching the game. On the flipside, a 14 point win could’ve been a real nail biter in reality with a plethora of free throws increasing the margin at the end. In both cases, perception and reality can often be two entirely different things.
Then there’s Friday night’s game between the Warriors and the Mavericks. If you didn’t watch the game and you wake up to see a 18 point win for Golden State, perhaps you think it was a fluky win where the shots just weren’t falling for Dallas? Maybe the Warriors were unconscious from the floor? Not exactly.
Yes the Mavs struggled from the floor (they shot 38% from the field as a team), but the Warriors were only 6 – 23 from beyond the arc and in all reality, if you watched the game, it had the feeling of a 25-30 point blowout from start to finish.
The Boys from the Bay had their way with the Mavs on both ends of the court and Dallas had no answer for Baron Davis and Jason Richardson.
In my NBA West preview, I said the size of the GS backcourt would give Dallas problems. But I didn’t think it would matter as I predicted Dallas in 5. Um, can I get a do-over? If Golden State goes up 3-1 on Sunday, stick a fork in the Mavs. And after watching the first three games of this series, it’s anything but a stretch to think it will happen. But this is the same Mavericks team that hung 67 wins on the league in the regular season, so it’s too early to count them out. In fact, I think they win game 4 and even the series. What happens from there is anyone’s guess.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Fabulous Phil, The Answer & The Waiting Game
No big rant today boys and girls… just some random thoughts befitting of a Thursday that needs to end already….
Phantastic Phil? - All of Yankee nation is anxiously awaiting the debut of phenom Phillip Hughes, who will take the mound tonight against the Blue Jays. One Yankee buddy described the much hyped hurler as "He's our Mark Prior." If Hughes can have a sliver of the impact Prior did for the Cubs in 2003 (18-6, 2.43 era, 245ks in 211 innings), he will a saving grace for the Bombers.
If this kid falls flat on his face tonight, you will hear the groans resonating from the Bronx all the way across Baseball Nation.
When was the last time you heard Yankee fans counting on a rookie to save their season?
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Make It A Bloody Buddy! – Everyone remembers Curt Schilling's infamous bloody sock during the 2004 playoffs and what a hero Schill was turned into for braving the pain. Well guess what? Some are saying it was all BS.
According to Orioles announcer Gary Thorne, Sawx catcher Doug Mirabelli revealed it was all a publicity stunt and it wasn't blood – it was paint. Of course #38 has vehemently denied it – as has Mirabelli and even a Hall of Fame rep, where the fabled sock currently resides. Who knows what it was, but the funny part was when one announcer questioned whether Curt was the type of guy who would pull such a stunt, his announcing partner said absolutely not.
Really? Because to me, he's exactly the kind of self-promoting jackass that would do it.
The Waiting Is The Hardest Part – The NLF Draft is upon us. But no mock drafts here. Truthfully, I don’t know nearly enough about this year's college crop to even attempt a prediction. And since my Bears don't pick until the end of the first round, I could care less which team trades up to take Calvin Johnson or who Brady Quinn falls to. There's a reason these teams have such high picks. They stink. Who cares who they take?
But what will be fun to watch is who becomes this year's uncomfortable green room sitter. You know – the guy who was a sure fire Top 5 pick who falls… and falls… and falls and is ultimately forced to put on a fake smile for the cameras as a dozen or so players go before him – a la the Aaron Rodgers and Leland McElroys of years passed.
And maybe – just maybe – in the 10 hours of monotonous Mel Kiper babble, viewers will get a treat if one of the players pulls a Thurman Thomas and dozes off while waiting. Priceless.
The Michael Vick Police Blotter – The fleet-footed QB is turning into the gift that keeps on giving – at least for dudes like me who love exploiting millionaire mischief.
This time, Vick is in hot water after animal control officers found 70 dogs (mostly pit bulls) at a home owned by the QB. Most of them had injuries and scars and most were malnourished, according to reports. Amidst the evidence, officials reportedly found something called a "rape stand"; a device used to tether a female dog so male dogs can have easy access to the female for breeding.
Classy.
Here's a crazy idea Mike – you get paid uber millions to play football. Just stay home, sit on the couch and quit being such a doosh bag.
Love For The Answer – I've never been a big fan of the Allen Iverson bashing bandwagon. I mean come on, none of us like practice. But dude, you're getting paid more money per game than most of us make in a decade. Just go put on your sweats and run around for a few hours. Combine that with the tats and the rows and I can see why mainstream America isn't embracing Allen as the NBA poster boy he could and should be.
But I digress…
I'm typically one of those fans who, if you're not on my team, you're against me and I don't like you. But I really do respect the way AI plays the game. This is a midget amongst giants who shows no regard for his body when he drives the lane.
This is a guy who got hammered time and time again against the Spurs on Wednesday night and shot an astounding ZERO free throws. That's right ZERO. No fouls. Nada. And not once did I see Iverson bitch and moan. He just plays the game. He plays it hard. And he keeps on playing no matter what you throw at him.
In one sequence, after driving the lane and drawing some serious (yet uncalled) contact, he landed awkwardly and twisted his ankle. And while many of the NBA prima donnas would've writhed on the ground for some extra camera time and a few extra gasps from the home fans, Iverson hopped up, limped to half court and waved Steve Blake back to the bench despite being visibly shaken.
The next play, a still gimpy Iverson plays the passing lane and steals the ball, leading to a fastbreak for the Sixers.
If more guys played with the hustle of AI, more fans would come back to the sport. Just a thought.
Phantastic Phil? - All of Yankee nation is anxiously awaiting the debut of phenom Phillip Hughes, who will take the mound tonight against the Blue Jays. One Yankee buddy described the much hyped hurler as "He's our Mark Prior." If Hughes can have a sliver of the impact Prior did for the Cubs in 2003 (18-6, 2.43 era, 245ks in 211 innings), he will a saving grace for the Bombers.
If this kid falls flat on his face tonight, you will hear the groans resonating from the Bronx all the way across Baseball Nation.
When was the last time you heard Yankee fans counting on a rookie to save their season?
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Make It A Bloody Buddy! – Everyone remembers Curt Schilling's infamous bloody sock during the 2004 playoffs and what a hero Schill was turned into for braving the pain. Well guess what? Some are saying it was all BS.
According to Orioles announcer Gary Thorne, Sawx catcher Doug Mirabelli revealed it was all a publicity stunt and it wasn't blood – it was paint. Of course #38 has vehemently denied it – as has Mirabelli and even a Hall of Fame rep, where the fabled sock currently resides. Who knows what it was, but the funny part was when one announcer questioned whether Curt was the type of guy who would pull such a stunt, his announcing partner said absolutely not.
Really? Because to me, he's exactly the kind of self-promoting jackass that would do it.
The Waiting Is The Hardest Part – The NLF Draft is upon us. But no mock drafts here. Truthfully, I don’t know nearly enough about this year's college crop to even attempt a prediction. And since my Bears don't pick until the end of the first round, I could care less which team trades up to take Calvin Johnson or who Brady Quinn falls to. There's a reason these teams have such high picks. They stink. Who cares who they take?
But what will be fun to watch is who becomes this year's uncomfortable green room sitter. You know – the guy who was a sure fire Top 5 pick who falls… and falls… and falls and is ultimately forced to put on a fake smile for the cameras as a dozen or so players go before him – a la the Aaron Rodgers and Leland McElroys of years passed.
And maybe – just maybe – in the 10 hours of monotonous Mel Kiper babble, viewers will get a treat if one of the players pulls a Thurman Thomas and dozes off while waiting. Priceless.
The Michael Vick Police Blotter – The fleet-footed QB is turning into the gift that keeps on giving – at least for dudes like me who love exploiting millionaire mischief.
This time, Vick is in hot water after animal control officers found 70 dogs (mostly pit bulls) at a home owned by the QB. Most of them had injuries and scars and most were malnourished, according to reports. Amidst the evidence, officials reportedly found something called a "rape stand"; a device used to tether a female dog so male dogs can have easy access to the female for breeding.
Classy.
Here's a crazy idea Mike – you get paid uber millions to play football. Just stay home, sit on the couch and quit being such a doosh bag.
Love For The Answer – I've never been a big fan of the Allen Iverson bashing bandwagon. I mean come on, none of us like practice. But dude, you're getting paid more money per game than most of us make in a decade. Just go put on your sweats and run around for a few hours. Combine that with the tats and the rows and I can see why mainstream America isn't embracing Allen as the NBA poster boy he could and should be.
But I digress…
I'm typically one of those fans who, if you're not on my team, you're against me and I don't like you. But I really do respect the way AI plays the game. This is a midget amongst giants who shows no regard for his body when he drives the lane.
This is a guy who got hammered time and time again against the Spurs on Wednesday night and shot an astounding ZERO free throws. That's right ZERO. No fouls. Nada. And not once did I see Iverson bitch and moan. He just plays the game. He plays it hard. And he keeps on playing no matter what you throw at him.
In one sequence, after driving the lane and drawing some serious (yet uncalled) contact, he landed awkwardly and twisted his ankle. And while many of the NBA prima donnas would've writhed on the ground for some extra camera time and a few extra gasps from the home fans, Iverson hopped up, limped to half court and waved Steve Blake back to the bench despite being visibly shaken.
The next play, a still gimpy Iverson plays the passing lane and steals the ball, leading to a fastbreak for the Sixers.
If more guys played with the hustle of AI, more fans would come back to the sport. Just a thought.
Friday, April 20, 2007
NBA Playoff Preview: The Least Of The East
Yesterday we went over the Western conference matchups. Today, the Eastern conference preview, brought to you by the letter Q. (I don't know why... just sounds good)...
EAST
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Orlando Magic – Ladies and gentleman, I present your obligatory first-round sweep. The Pistons manhandled the Magic in the regular season, winning all 4 games. No reason to stop there. Chalk up a quick four more wins for the Motor City Bad Boys. Only way the Magic steal a game is if the Pistons let Isaiah Thomas come back to coach his old team for a game. Ouch. Yeah, I said it.
Prediction: Pistons in 4.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards – The only thing keeping this from a second first-round sweep is the Cavs' amazing ability to completely go in the tank at random times. I'm guessing it'll happen once this series, handing the Wizards a gift home win. But without Gilbert Arenas or Caron Butler, the Wizards' chances are slim and none, and slim just legally changed his name to No Way In Hell.
Prediction: Cavs in 5.
(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) New Jersey Nets – Wake up! Sorry bout that, but if you're like me, just looking at this match up is enough to make you doze off. But I digress. The Raptors like to run. That's how they win. Problem: Kidd & company can run with the best of them.
I think T.J. Ford is a bona fide All-Star in the making at the point. But he's about to get a hard lesson in post-season ball from one of the best in the biz in Jason Kidd. Chris Bosh is already a superstar. Nets won't stop him. Sadly, same can be said on the other side for Vince Carter and my fellow Wildcat alum Richard Jefferson. Toronto has no one who can D these guys up and it'll show.
Throw out the seeds, Nets are too tough a match up for the boys from America's neighbor to the North.
Prediction: Nets in 5.
(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) Chicago Bulls – Maybe it's something with the number 5 that sucks me in, but I think both 4 seeds will be watching the second round from the couch.
Hard to pick against the defending champs, especially with their boy D-Wade back, but I love this Bulls team. I have all year. They're young. They're fun. And they are just the kind of team to put a little extra umph into those screens for Wade and his bum shoulder to try and run through.
Remember, the Bulls played the Heat tough last year, and that was without someone like Big Ben to match up against Shaq. This will be the most entertaining and competitive first-round series. Look for it to go the distance.
Prediction: Bulls in 7.
So that's it for the first round, if you're headed to Vegas, feel free to print this out and take it sheet with you. I won't hold it against you. Hey, I'm here to spread the love.
And since I'm in a good mood today, a little bonus action…
Spurs beat the Mavs in the West.
Pistons trounce the Nets in the East.
In a rematch of the 2004-05 Finals, the Spurs will battle the Pistons for NBA supremacy. In the end, it's another ring for the boys from the Alamo city. Spurs in 7.
Hey, I told you I'm a fan. Go Spurs Go!
EAST
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Orlando Magic – Ladies and gentleman, I present your obligatory first-round sweep. The Pistons manhandled the Magic in the regular season, winning all 4 games. No reason to stop there. Chalk up a quick four more wins for the Motor City Bad Boys. Only way the Magic steal a game is if the Pistons let Isaiah Thomas come back to coach his old team for a game. Ouch. Yeah, I said it.
Prediction: Pistons in 4.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards – The only thing keeping this from a second first-round sweep is the Cavs' amazing ability to completely go in the tank at random times. I'm guessing it'll happen once this series, handing the Wizards a gift home win. But without Gilbert Arenas or Caron Butler, the Wizards' chances are slim and none, and slim just legally changed his name to No Way In Hell.
Prediction: Cavs in 5.
(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) New Jersey Nets – Wake up! Sorry bout that, but if you're like me, just looking at this match up is enough to make you doze off. But I digress. The Raptors like to run. That's how they win. Problem: Kidd & company can run with the best of them.
I think T.J. Ford is a bona fide All-Star in the making at the point. But he's about to get a hard lesson in post-season ball from one of the best in the biz in Jason Kidd. Chris Bosh is already a superstar. Nets won't stop him. Sadly, same can be said on the other side for Vince Carter and my fellow Wildcat alum Richard Jefferson. Toronto has no one who can D these guys up and it'll show.
Throw out the seeds, Nets are too tough a match up for the boys from America's neighbor to the North.
Prediction: Nets in 5.
(4) Miami Heat vs. (5) Chicago Bulls – Maybe it's something with the number 5 that sucks me in, but I think both 4 seeds will be watching the second round from the couch.
Hard to pick against the defending champs, especially with their boy D-Wade back, but I love this Bulls team. I have all year. They're young. They're fun. And they are just the kind of team to put a little extra umph into those screens for Wade and his bum shoulder to try and run through.
Remember, the Bulls played the Heat tough last year, and that was without someone like Big Ben to match up against Shaq. This will be the most entertaining and competitive first-round series. Look for it to go the distance.
Prediction: Bulls in 7.
So that's it for the first round, if you're headed to Vegas, feel free to print this out and take it sheet with you. I won't hold it against you. Hey, I'm here to spread the love.
And since I'm in a good mood today, a little bonus action…
Spurs beat the Mavs in the West.
Pistons trounce the Nets in the East.
In a rematch of the 2004-05 Finals, the Spurs will battle the Pistons for NBA supremacy. In the end, it's another ring for the boys from the Alamo city. Spurs in 7.
Hey, I told you I'm a fan. Go Spurs Go!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
NBA Playoff Preview: West Is Best
Sixteen teams. One common goal. And four that actually have a realistic shot to hoist up the trophy. But after 82 essentially meaningless games, it's time to get down to business.
So without further adieu, here is a quick breakdown of the NBA's second season. To spare those of you with rabid ADHD issues, I'll do the West today. East tomorrow (as if the East really matters). Anyhoo, here we go…
WEST
(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) Golden State Warriors – The Boys from the Bay swept the season series with the Mavs this year (3-0), using Don Nelson's patented small ball to pull Dallas' bigs away from the hoop. And hey, who knows Dirk better than his old coach? The Warriors are no doubt still coming off the high of clinching their first playoff berth since the '93-'94 season. And they're hot, having won 9 of their last 10 games. All the makings of a potential 8-seed shocker, right? Yeah, not so much.
There is a big difference between regular season games and playoff games and Dallas is about to make Golden State wish they let the Clippers sneak into the playoffs. Nellie can take away Dirk all he wants. Look for Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Devin Harris to be the difference makers on the offensive end. Although I do think Baron Davis and Jason Richardson have their way with the smaller Mav defenders. Still won't be enough.
Prediction: Mavs in 5.
(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers – Everybody loves a rematch. Well, except for Lakers fans who will experience a sudden sense of déjà vu when the Suns end their season for a second season in a row.
Last year, Phoenix had to rally from a 3-1 deficit to make it past the Lake Show to the second round. Don't look for the same drama this year. The Lakers always seem to play the Suns tough, but these were two teams heading in different directions heading down the stretch. Yes, Kobe was on fire the last few weeks. But look how close they came to falling out of the playoffs even with his plethora of 50-point performances.
Kobe's supporting cast is as weak as it's ever been while the Suns depth is dangerous. The Lakers don't have anyone who can slow, let alone stop, Steve Nash from doing what he wants to do. A Kobe offensive explosion (think another 50 +) will earn the Lakers a cheap win. That's about it.
Prediction: Suns in 5.
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Denver Nuggets – In the art of full disclosure, let it be known I'm a die hard Spurs fan. And while overly-athletic teams (which the Nuggets certainly are) tend to give the Spurs some trouble, the nice thing about a 7-game series is the best team always wins.
AI & 'Melo have failed to produce as the feared tandem they were hyped to be and Denver's big men should find themselves in foul trouble early and often against Duncan.
It also helps that Denver doesn't play a lick of defense, so Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili should have a field day getting to the rack.
But I do like George Karl, so I'll give them one game just on his prowess. The athleticism of the Nugs earns them another. Who says I'm biased?
Prediction: Spurs in 6.
(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets – Congratulations, Tracy McGrady! You're about to make it out of the first round for the first time in your career (previously 0-5). And it's got nothing to do with a fashionable 5 seed vs. 4 seed upset. Houston is the better team. Hands down. Yes, the Jazz took 3 of 4 from the Rockets in the regular season. I'm shocked. I have no clue how this happened and won't pretend to. But with an ailing Andrei Kirilenko, the Jazz have no one who can stop T-Mac. Look for Yao to give the Jazz more fits than his counterpart Mehmet Okur will to the Rockets.
Prediction: Rockets in 6.
I'll spare you lengthy second round breakdowns.
Spurs over the Suns.
Mavs over the Rockets.
Spurs over the Mavs, duh.
That's all I got. Check back tomorrow for East predictions.
So without further adieu, here is a quick breakdown of the NBA's second season. To spare those of you with rabid ADHD issues, I'll do the West today. East tomorrow (as if the East really matters). Anyhoo, here we go…
WEST
(1) Dallas Mavericks vs. (8) Golden State Warriors – The Boys from the Bay swept the season series with the Mavs this year (3-0), using Don Nelson's patented small ball to pull Dallas' bigs away from the hoop. And hey, who knows Dirk better than his old coach? The Warriors are no doubt still coming off the high of clinching their first playoff berth since the '93-'94 season. And they're hot, having won 9 of their last 10 games. All the makings of a potential 8-seed shocker, right? Yeah, not so much.
There is a big difference between regular season games and playoff games and Dallas is about to make Golden State wish they let the Clippers sneak into the playoffs. Nellie can take away Dirk all he wants. Look for Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Devin Harris to be the difference makers on the offensive end. Although I do think Baron Davis and Jason Richardson have their way with the smaller Mav defenders. Still won't be enough.
Prediction: Mavs in 5.
(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers – Everybody loves a rematch. Well, except for Lakers fans who will experience a sudden sense of déjà vu when the Suns end their season for a second season in a row.
Last year, Phoenix had to rally from a 3-1 deficit to make it past the Lake Show to the second round. Don't look for the same drama this year. The Lakers always seem to play the Suns tough, but these were two teams heading in different directions heading down the stretch. Yes, Kobe was on fire the last few weeks. But look how close they came to falling out of the playoffs even with his plethora of 50-point performances.
Kobe's supporting cast is as weak as it's ever been while the Suns depth is dangerous. The Lakers don't have anyone who can slow, let alone stop, Steve Nash from doing what he wants to do. A Kobe offensive explosion (think another 50 +) will earn the Lakers a cheap win. That's about it.
Prediction: Suns in 5.
(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Denver Nuggets – In the art of full disclosure, let it be known I'm a die hard Spurs fan. And while overly-athletic teams (which the Nuggets certainly are) tend to give the Spurs some trouble, the nice thing about a 7-game series is the best team always wins.
AI & 'Melo have failed to produce as the feared tandem they were hyped to be and Denver's big men should find themselves in foul trouble early and often against Duncan.
It also helps that Denver doesn't play a lick of defense, so Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili should have a field day getting to the rack.
But I do like George Karl, so I'll give them one game just on his prowess. The athleticism of the Nugs earns them another. Who says I'm biased?
Prediction: Spurs in 6.
(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets – Congratulations, Tracy McGrady! You're about to make it out of the first round for the first time in your career (previously 0-5). And it's got nothing to do with a fashionable 5 seed vs. 4 seed upset. Houston is the better team. Hands down. Yes, the Jazz took 3 of 4 from the Rockets in the regular season. I'm shocked. I have no clue how this happened and won't pretend to. But with an ailing Andrei Kirilenko, the Jazz have no one who can stop T-Mac. Look for Yao to give the Jazz more fits than his counterpart Mehmet Okur will to the Rockets.
Prediction: Rockets in 6.
I'll spare you lengthy second round breakdowns.
Spurs over the Suns.
Mavs over the Rockets.
Spurs over the Mavs, duh.
That's all I got. Check back tomorrow for East predictions.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Take A Hike Joey!
Hot off the news wire...
The NBA suspended referee Joey Crawford indefinitely on Tuesday after he ejected Tim Duncan on Sunday in the Spurs' game against the Mavericks.
Crawford's suspension will at least cover the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.
"Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," NBA commissioner David Stern said. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."
Couldn't be happier. Not just as a self-serving Spurs fan, but it's a statement that these officials, contrary to their own self image, aren't Gods. In the echelon of sports importance these guys are a notch above janitors… and of course a few below the beer guy.
The NBA suspended referee Joey Crawford indefinitely on Tuesday after he ejected Tim Duncan on Sunday in the Spurs' game against the Mavericks.
Crawford's suspension will at least cover the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.
"Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," NBA commissioner David Stern said. "Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted. Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."
Couldn't be happier. Not just as a self-serving Spurs fan, but it's a statement that these officials, contrary to their own self image, aren't Gods. In the echelon of sports importance these guys are a notch above janitors… and of course a few below the beer guy.
You Want Pepperoni With That?
As promised, the funniest clip from the young baseball season!
As if spilling your beer wasn't bad enough.
And get this, the stupid chowdah head even talked to the Boston Herald after the game, saying the man who got hit with the slice had been giving him and his buddy crap earlier in the game.
"They had been giving us shit about it," the pizza chucker said. "Next thing I know, there's a fly ball to left field and it goes foul and my buddy says, 'You want some pizza now?' And he hits him right in the face. Hey, the guy wasn't paying attention. When you're in the stands you've got to be ready for anything - a foul ball, a flying slice of pizza, everything."
Hey, even Steve Bartman didn't have a pizza thrown at him. Leave it to Boston fans...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Random Monday Musings
No lengthy intro here, just a few random thoughts and observations on a Monday…
Timmy Gets Tossed – If Joey Crawford thinks folks are paying their hard earned dough to come see his bald head run up and down the court jockeying a whistle, someone needs to slap the stupid out of him. The long time NBA ref hit Tim Duncan with 2 technical fouls within 1:16 of each other, marking only the second time in TD’s career he’s gotten the boot. Duncan insists he said nothing. Crawford says the mild-mannered Spur called him a “piece of [rhymes with ‘spit’].” Joey C. then apparently challenged Duncan to a fight. Smart guy. Too bad Timmy didn’t take him up on it. I hope the league takes action against Crawford. Totally unacceptable.
Break Up The Bombers – Derek Jeter can’t field (six errors already this year?!?). Mariano Rivera is very hittable (just ask Marco Scutaro). And Alex Rodriguez is suddenly Mr. Clutch. No punchline here. It’s real. It’s weird. And it’s kind of freaking me out. Throw in the minor league staff temporarily toting the rubber for the Bombers, and you've got a nation full of Yankee fans looking for the full moon hovering over the Boogie Down.
Welcome To The Windy City Sweet Lou – If you had the under in the “When will Lou Piniella have his first major meltdown as Cubs manager” pool, congratulations – you’re a winner. It took Lou all of 10 games before he lost it in a post-game press conference. After Carlos Zambrano turned a 5-0 lead into a 6-5 deficit in one inning against the Reds (with the 8th and 9th hitters leading off), a reporter asked Lou what went wrong with Big Z. “What the hell do you think isn't working?'' Piniella shouted. "You see the damn game.'' Welcome to Wrigleyville Lou. Get used to it.
***side note*** – as I write this, I see the following words scroll right to left across my TV on ESPN Bottom Line: “Alfonso Soriano 1-2, R; Strained Hamstring (day-to-day).” Then the highlight comes on. He hurt himself diving for a ball in center. Love the hustle but can someone tell him we’re not paying him $160 million to dive for balls in a 5-1 ballgame in April!?!?! If this is serious, the Cubs and my fantasy teams’ seasons just ended in Week 3. Ugggggggggh.
Must See TV – Monday’s SportsCenter showcased two of the most brilliant clips of the young season, if not any season ever.
Clip #1 -- The first comes courtesy of the Padres-Dodgers Sunday night game in LA. Foul ball ripped down first base line. Ball boy positions himself to field the ball once it bounces off the wall. Ball takes a high hop and catches the kid in the face. He spins and slowly goes down like he just caught a left hook from Mike Tyson. I hope he’s OK, but couldn’t help but laugh. Where’s George Michael’s Sports Machine when you need it?
Clip #2 – From the “friendly” confines of Fenway Park during Monday morning’s game against the Halos. Another foul ball. This time a pop up down the left field line. Garret Anderson comes over to make a play in the first row of the stands, knocks into a fan who then spills his beer all over himself. Good stuff. But the comedy comes just moments later, when for no apparent reason the man sitting behind the beer-soaked sucker promptly picks up a slice of pizza and hurls it at the guy’s head, hitting his buddy in the shoulder. I’ve seen this clip about 7 or 8 times and it’s not getting old. As Craig of Johnny Wishbone (a die hard Yanks fan) tells me "Fenway is a great place to see a game... when it's empty."
I promise not to sleep until I can find these clips online and bring them to you here. Check back later to share the laughs.
One final note completely non-sports related…. If you haven’t caught NBC’s new unscripted comedy “Thank God You’re Here,” check it out. Thank me later.
And in what can’t be anything but an awkward transition, no matter what the preceeding subject matter was…
Without exaggeration, what happened today on the campus of Virginia Tech was the worst shooting in the history of the United States. This was more than a tragedy – it was a massacre. At least 32 dead and at least 29 wounded. That’s more than 60 individuals or families whose flesh and souls and memories have been scarred for life by one maniac’s bullets. Take a moment to put the families of all those involved into your heart, your thoughts and your prayers. They deserve it.
Timmy Gets Tossed – If Joey Crawford thinks folks are paying their hard earned dough to come see his bald head run up and down the court jockeying a whistle, someone needs to slap the stupid out of him. The long time NBA ref hit Tim Duncan with 2 technical fouls within 1:16 of each other, marking only the second time in TD’s career he’s gotten the boot. Duncan insists he said nothing. Crawford says the mild-mannered Spur called him a “piece of [rhymes with ‘spit’].” Joey C. then apparently challenged Duncan to a fight. Smart guy. Too bad Timmy didn’t take him up on it. I hope the league takes action against Crawford. Totally unacceptable.
Break Up The Bombers – Derek Jeter can’t field (six errors already this year?!?). Mariano Rivera is very hittable (just ask Marco Scutaro). And Alex Rodriguez is suddenly Mr. Clutch. No punchline here. It’s real. It’s weird. And it’s kind of freaking me out. Throw in the minor league staff temporarily toting the rubber for the Bombers, and you've got a nation full of Yankee fans looking for the full moon hovering over the Boogie Down.
Welcome To The Windy City Sweet Lou – If you had the under in the “When will Lou Piniella have his first major meltdown as Cubs manager” pool, congratulations – you’re a winner. It took Lou all of 10 games before he lost it in a post-game press conference. After Carlos Zambrano turned a 5-0 lead into a 6-5 deficit in one inning against the Reds (with the 8th and 9th hitters leading off), a reporter asked Lou what went wrong with Big Z. “What the hell do you think isn't working?'' Piniella shouted. "You see the damn game.'' Welcome to Wrigleyville Lou. Get used to it.
***side note*** – as I write this, I see the following words scroll right to left across my TV on ESPN Bottom Line: “Alfonso Soriano 1-2, R; Strained Hamstring (day-to-day).” Then the highlight comes on. He hurt himself diving for a ball in center. Love the hustle but can someone tell him we’re not paying him $160 million to dive for balls in a 5-1 ballgame in April!?!?! If this is serious, the Cubs and my fantasy teams’ seasons just ended in Week 3. Ugggggggggh.
Must See TV – Monday’s SportsCenter showcased two of the most brilliant clips of the young season, if not any season ever.
Clip #1 -- The first comes courtesy of the Padres-Dodgers Sunday night game in LA. Foul ball ripped down first base line. Ball boy positions himself to field the ball once it bounces off the wall. Ball takes a high hop and catches the kid in the face. He spins and slowly goes down like he just caught a left hook from Mike Tyson. I hope he’s OK, but couldn’t help but laugh. Where’s George Michael’s Sports Machine when you need it?
Clip #2 – From the “friendly” confines of Fenway Park during Monday morning’s game against the Halos. Another foul ball. This time a pop up down the left field line. Garret Anderson comes over to make a play in the first row of the stands, knocks into a fan who then spills his beer all over himself. Good stuff. But the comedy comes just moments later, when for no apparent reason the man sitting behind the beer-soaked sucker promptly picks up a slice of pizza and hurls it at the guy’s head, hitting his buddy in the shoulder. I’ve seen this clip about 7 or 8 times and it’s not getting old. As Craig of Johnny Wishbone (a die hard Yanks fan) tells me "Fenway is a great place to see a game... when it's empty."
I promise not to sleep until I can find these clips online and bring them to you here. Check back later to share the laughs.
One final note completely non-sports related…. If you haven’t caught NBC’s new unscripted comedy “Thank God You’re Here,” check it out. Thank me later.
And in what can’t be anything but an awkward transition, no matter what the preceeding subject matter was…
Without exaggeration, what happened today on the campus of Virginia Tech was the worst shooting in the history of the United States. This was more than a tragedy – it was a massacre. At least 32 dead and at least 29 wounded. That’s more than 60 individuals or families whose flesh and souls and memories have been scarred for life by one maniac’s bullets. Take a moment to put the families of all those involved into your heart, your thoughts and your prayers. They deserve it.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Slamming Sammy's Comeback
I've heard a lot of talk about Sammy Sosa's "feel good" comeback story with the Texas Rangers.
Two words for all the mushy hearts out there buying into this crap: FEEL THIS!
As a lifelong and die-hard Cubs fan whose passion and love for the game reached its pinnacle during Sammy's Windy City hey-day, allow me to shed some light on a player I once worshiped, only to have my baseball heart and soul ripped from my chest over the course of one fateful season.
Are people forgetting this is the same Sammy who suddenly forgot how to speak English during the STEROIDS hearing?
Are people forgetting this is the same Sammy whose bat exploded on a sunny day in Wrigley leaving pieces of CORK scattered over the infield?
Or maybe people are forgetting this is the same Sammy who QUIT on his team during the final game of the 2004 season. Travel back in time with me for a moment, if you will…
Cubs have lost 7 of their last 8, eliminating themselves from the playoffs in the last weeks of the season. When Sammy was told he wouldn't be starting the final game, he not only showed up late to the game, he then bailed 15 MINUTES after first pitch.
Warms your heart, doesn't it?
Whatever black eye given to the game by Sammy you want to point to, it's hard to label Sosa as anything but a "disgrace" -- let alone a "feel good" story.
Thankfully after an early .267 average, Sammy's plate prowess has plummeted to a .143 clip, with 1 HR and 3 RBI in 7 games for the Rangers. While Texas hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo (the man who Sammy broke into the bigs with) was credited for Sammy's one-week resurrection, thankfully it appears Rudy's advice is now falling on corked ears.
So while many are rooting for Slammin' Sammy to make a remarkable comeback, for this Cubs fan, here are two final words for the man who once ruled Wrigley:
Good riddance.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Quote Of The Day (4/11/07)
"Pacman Jones is such a mess, he figured out a way to ruin two leagues. He's a two-sport oil spot."
– ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd on Wednesday morning's "The Herd," citing Pacman's incident during NBA All-Star weekend
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
10 Bold Baseball Predictions For 2007
Last week, I revealed the inaugural edition of the That's What HE Said expert panel's predictions for the new baseball season.
Now, with one week under our belts in the 2007 campaign, I offer a few revised prognostications you might be surprised to see come to fruition by the time September rolls around.
So without any further adieu and in no particular order, I offer my 10 bold predictions for the new MLB season:
1. Ryan Howard won't break the 40-HR mark – The reigning MVP took the baseball world by storm last year, belting the offerings of opposing pitchers over the fence an impressive 58 times – even more impressive when you consider he was a part-time player (sitting against lefties) to start the season. Well hopefully, he enjoyed it… it won't happen again. Don’t get me wrong. It's nothing against the slugger's skills. But with absolutely no protection in the Phillies lineup, pitchers would be crazy to give him anything over the plate. On the bright side, 180 walks is very possible, as is a 38 home run season.
2. The Mets will miss the playoffs – Last year's owners of the NL's best record have a disgusting lineup – no doubt about it. But that's where my faith in the Metropolitans ends. With Pedro out until at least August, Glavine, El Duque, John Maine and Ollie Perez will be hard pressed to keep this team in the race. Yes I know they currently have the best ERA in baseball. Check back in a month and you won't see the same stat. Look for the Braves (who we'll see again later in this list) to pull away from the NL East pack, with the Wild Card coming from the surprisingly competitive NL Central. Having said that…
3. St. Louis will finish fourth in the NL Central – With news of Chris Carpenter's arm trouble, this becomes more plausible than bold. In any case, their rotation was shaky at best to begin with and their bullpen is a mess. Prince Albert can only do so much. Cubs, Brewers and Astros will all finish ahead of the Red Birds.
4. Aaron Cook will throw the next no-hitter – Admittedly, this is a complete crapshoot. But in the long line of the Anibel Sanchez, Wilson Alvarez and Bud Smiths of the world, Cook fits the bill as a relative nobody who has the stuff to get it done. Consider in 14 of his 32 starts in 2006, he went more than 7 innings, and it’s clear he's got the stamina. Fresh off a CG, 5 hits, 1 run performance last week over the Friars, Cook will soon add his name to the no-hit list. Of course, playing his home games in Coors means the feat will come on the road.
5. Alex Rodriguez will be the AL MVP – Honestly, is there another player seemingly more motivated by money than the 3B? Big year. Big contract… and a likely move to the West Coast.
6. Arizona will win the NL West – If you haven't had a chance to watch the Baby 'Backs in action, you should. Young team. Fun team. Most importantly, a talented team in a division where most of the other teams can't say the same.
7. Barry Bonds will ruin my birthday – The homer king-to-be will break Hammerin' Hank's record on August 4 in San Diego, the same day yours truly gets a year older and a year wiser. He won't break it by the All-Star break… but three weeks after sounds about right.
8. Cubs Win! Cubs Win! – Ok, so the lovable losers from the North side won't win the World Series this year (that will actually happen next year – the 100-year anniversary of their last title), but behind arguably the best lineup in the NL and with a proven Carlos Zambrano and a soon-to-be-proven K machine Rich Hill anchoring the staff, Sweet Lou will get his team into the playoffs as division champs just one year removed from the NL's worst record. Watch.
9. Carl Pavano will lead the Yankees in wins – More of a testament to the Bombers' craptacular rotation than to Pavano's less-than-devastating repertoire, but C-Pav has the talent to hit the 15-win mark. Chien-Ming Wang gets to start his year on the DL. Mike Mussina hasn't topped (nice catch G.C.) 15 wins since 2003 and isn't getting any younger. Kei Igawa is a work in progress and something about Andy Pettitte just doesn't feel right. Pavano has been a trainer's room regular, but don't forget this is a guy who went 18-8 with a 2.99 ERA in 2003 for Florida.
10. Get ready for the return of the Tomahawk Chop! – Why, you ask? Because glory is returning to the ATL and a World Series title is coming with it. John Smoltz continues to defy father time. Tim Hudson worked hard in the offseason to make his dismal 2006 a distant memory. We all know about Andruw and Chipper (who perennially give new meaning to keeping up with the Joneses) but the biggest reason the Braves are ready to make a run is....Bob Wickman. I know. Even as I write this the word “Really?” keeps ringing in my head. But it’s true. Tricky Wickie has been lights out since coming over from Cleveland. How ‘bout a telling stat, you say? Well alrighty then. Last year in 1-run games, the Braves were 18-31. During that time, a plethora of closers took their turns at playing “I Can Blow Harder Than You Can.” But when Big Bob came over in July, he recorded 18 saves in the second half by his rotund and lonesome self. That my friends is what we in the business call a difference maker.
So there you have it. The first and certainly not the last bold predictions from the world of sports. If you agree, I'd love to hear about it. If you disagree, I'd love to hear even more. But if you got an opinion, back it up.
"Have a take. Don't get run."
Now, with one week under our belts in the 2007 campaign, I offer a few revised prognostications you might be surprised to see come to fruition by the time September rolls around.
So without any further adieu and in no particular order, I offer my 10 bold predictions for the new MLB season:
1. Ryan Howard won't break the 40-HR mark – The reigning MVP took the baseball world by storm last year, belting the offerings of opposing pitchers over the fence an impressive 58 times – even more impressive when you consider he was a part-time player (sitting against lefties) to start the season. Well hopefully, he enjoyed it… it won't happen again. Don’t get me wrong. It's nothing against the slugger's skills. But with absolutely no protection in the Phillies lineup, pitchers would be crazy to give him anything over the plate. On the bright side, 180 walks is very possible, as is a 38 home run season.
2. The Mets will miss the playoffs – Last year's owners of the NL's best record have a disgusting lineup – no doubt about it. But that's where my faith in the Metropolitans ends. With Pedro out until at least August, Glavine, El Duque, John Maine and Ollie Perez will be hard pressed to keep this team in the race. Yes I know they currently have the best ERA in baseball. Check back in a month and you won't see the same stat. Look for the Braves (who we'll see again later in this list) to pull away from the NL East pack, with the Wild Card coming from the surprisingly competitive NL Central. Having said that…
3. St. Louis will finish fourth in the NL Central – With news of Chris Carpenter's arm trouble, this becomes more plausible than bold. In any case, their rotation was shaky at best to begin with and their bullpen is a mess. Prince Albert can only do so much. Cubs, Brewers and Astros will all finish ahead of the Red Birds.
4. Aaron Cook will throw the next no-hitter – Admittedly, this is a complete crapshoot. But in the long line of the Anibel Sanchez, Wilson Alvarez and Bud Smiths of the world, Cook fits the bill as a relative nobody who has the stuff to get it done. Consider in 14 of his 32 starts in 2006, he went more than 7 innings, and it’s clear he's got the stamina. Fresh off a CG, 5 hits, 1 run performance last week over the Friars, Cook will soon add his name to the no-hit list. Of course, playing his home games in Coors means the feat will come on the road.
5. Alex Rodriguez will be the AL MVP – Honestly, is there another player seemingly more motivated by money than the 3B? Big year. Big contract… and a likely move to the West Coast.
6. Arizona will win the NL West – If you haven't had a chance to watch the Baby 'Backs in action, you should. Young team. Fun team. Most importantly, a talented team in a division where most of the other teams can't say the same.
7. Barry Bonds will ruin my birthday – The homer king-to-be will break Hammerin' Hank's record on August 4 in San Diego, the same day yours truly gets a year older and a year wiser. He won't break it by the All-Star break… but three weeks after sounds about right.
8. Cubs Win! Cubs Win! – Ok, so the lovable losers from the North side won't win the World Series this year (that will actually happen next year – the 100-year anniversary of their last title), but behind arguably the best lineup in the NL and with a proven Carlos Zambrano and a soon-to-be-proven K machine Rich Hill anchoring the staff, Sweet Lou will get his team into the playoffs as division champs just one year removed from the NL's worst record. Watch.
9. Carl Pavano will lead the Yankees in wins – More of a testament to the Bombers' craptacular rotation than to Pavano's less-than-devastating repertoire, but C-Pav has the talent to hit the 15-win mark. Chien-Ming Wang gets to start his year on the DL. Mike Mussina hasn't topped (nice catch G.C.) 15 wins since 2003 and isn't getting any younger. Kei Igawa is a work in progress and something about Andy Pettitte just doesn't feel right. Pavano has been a trainer's room regular, but don't forget this is a guy who went 18-8 with a 2.99 ERA in 2003 for Florida.
10. Get ready for the return of the Tomahawk Chop! – Why, you ask? Because glory is returning to the ATL and a World Series title is coming with it. John Smoltz continues to defy father time. Tim Hudson worked hard in the offseason to make his dismal 2006 a distant memory. We all know about Andruw and Chipper (who perennially give new meaning to keeping up with the Joneses) but the biggest reason the Braves are ready to make a run is....Bob Wickman. I know. Even as I write this the word “Really?” keeps ringing in my head. But it’s true. Tricky Wickie has been lights out since coming over from Cleveland. How ‘bout a telling stat, you say? Well alrighty then. Last year in 1-run games, the Braves were 18-31. During that time, a plethora of closers took their turns at playing “I Can Blow Harder Than You Can.” But when Big Bob came over in July, he recorded 18 saves in the second half by his rotund and lonesome self. That my friends is what we in the business call a difference maker.
So there you have it. The first and certainly not the last bold predictions from the world of sports. If you agree, I'd love to hear about it. If you disagree, I'd love to hear even more. But if you got an opinion, back it up.
"Have a take. Don't get run."
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Play Ball!
Opening day.
Honestly, are there a better two words anywhere? (I’ll give runner-up credit to “free buffet” and “open bar”).
But seriously, is there a single one of us out there who can’t help but grin when we read, say or hear those 2 magical words of spring?
You show me a guy who doesn’t light up at the sound of “opening day” and I’ll show you a dude who probably has the Judy Garland DVD collection sitting on his shelf.
But I digress…
For the third year in a row, I had the pleasure of attending opening day at Angels stadium. It’s a tradition me and some of the guys from work have selflessly undertaken, and while the following day hangover can often bring a whisper of regret into the fray, it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for all the tea in China.
That’s right… all the tea.
Opening day. It’s a day when hope springs eternal for all.
The Devil Rays are tied for first with the Yankees. My Diamondbacks buddies are still driving the Randy Johnson Revival train and we’re one day closer to Carl Pavano’s right arm falling off to the cheers of “I told ya so” in the Boogie Down.
And as a Cubs fan, it’s truly a special day – it’s the ONLY day of the year where the phrase “Wait Til Next Year” has yet to be uttered by a single north-sider. (Day 2, that could be an entirely different story).
But again, I digress…
Opening day. My fantasy team(s) are ready. My annual bold predictions have been submitted amongst my baseball buddies and fellow captains of the blogosphere(CLICK HERE to view our expert panel’s 2007 predictions! Craig, Sept and Josh rep Johnny Wishbone; Doria is of Left Calf fame, and of course, yours truly – EA).
Got your own fearless predictions, send ‘em over. If this year’s educated guesses are anything close to last year’s, a monkey throwing darts at the baseball board could best this group of fearless prognosticators.
But as of now, we’re all a perfect 33 for 33.
After all, it’s Opening Day.
Honestly, are there a better two words anywhere? (I’ll give runner-up credit to “free buffet” and “open bar”).
But seriously, is there a single one of us out there who can’t help but grin when we read, say or hear those 2 magical words of spring?
You show me a guy who doesn’t light up at the sound of “opening day” and I’ll show you a dude who probably has the Judy Garland DVD collection sitting on his shelf.
But I digress…
For the third year in a row, I had the pleasure of attending opening day at Angels stadium. It’s a tradition me and some of the guys from work have selflessly undertaken, and while the following day hangover can often bring a whisper of regret into the fray, it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for all the tea in China.
That’s right… all the tea.
Opening day. It’s a day when hope springs eternal for all.
The Devil Rays are tied for first with the Yankees. My Diamondbacks buddies are still driving the Randy Johnson Revival train and we’re one day closer to Carl Pavano’s right arm falling off to the cheers of “I told ya so” in the Boogie Down.
And as a Cubs fan, it’s truly a special day – it’s the ONLY day of the year where the phrase “Wait Til Next Year” has yet to be uttered by a single north-sider. (Day 2, that could be an entirely different story).
But again, I digress…
Opening day. My fantasy team(s) are ready. My annual bold predictions have been submitted amongst my baseball buddies and fellow captains of the blogosphere(CLICK HERE to view our expert panel’s 2007 predictions! Craig, Sept and Josh rep Johnny Wishbone; Doria is of Left Calf fame, and of course, yours truly – EA).
Got your own fearless predictions, send ‘em over. If this year’s educated guesses are anything close to last year’s, a monkey throwing darts at the baseball board could best this group of fearless prognosticators.
But as of now, we’re all a perfect 33 for 33.
After all, it’s Opening Day.
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