MLB Weekly Rundown

Weeks 6 & 7 May 11-24

To be fair I guess I have to talk about the Yankees as the biggest story of the last two weeks in Baseball. I have it in writing twice on this blog, and I am going to stand by it, that the Yankees will not make the playoffs in 2009. The last two weeks the Yankees have done their best to prove me wrong.

Back in the Week 5 rundown I said the Yankees were the underachievers of the week. At the time NY was entering a big series with the Blue Jay and were under .500. Since then they Yankees rattled off 11 out of 13 which includes a 10 game winning streak. A big reason for the streak has been the starting pitching. C.C. is finally pitching like the ace he is paid to be and Phil Hughes has also looked good in his last three starts. While I usually will talk about pitching as the reason for a winning streak, the Yankees have been on fire mostly because of one man who is not a pitcher. That man is of course none other than the highest paid player in the game Alex Rodriguez.

I know every Yankee hater on the planet is going to tell us how A-Rod is a cheater and if the Yankees win its flawed, but I tell those people to stop being cry babies. Since his return from the DL all A-Rod has done is hit. In just 53 ABs since coming back Alex has hit 7 HRs and driven in 13 runs.

What Alex does best, however, is make the Yankees lineup deeper. If you look at the Yankees lineup on the day before A-Rod came back they had Matsui hitting 4th followed by Cano, Swisher, Melky, Pena and Molina. If you look at the Yankees lineup the very next day when A-Rod came back, Alex was cleanup and Cano was hitting 7th. Having A-Rod in the lineup allows everyone else to move down a spot and Cano hit 7th which provides a major RBI threat at the bottom of the lineup. Since Alex's return the Yankees have been red hot and Mark Teixeria has been hitting like an animal.

Looking forward the Yankees need to improve their bullpen dramatically to compete all season. The starting rotation also needs some work if Wang is not going to be himself. The last two weeks the Yankees have been a juggernaut and are the story, but I am still going to stand by them missing the playoffs.

Some awards from weeks 6 & 7

Overachiever- San Diego Padres. The Padres come into week 8 winning 9 games in a row and have played themselves back to .500. Looking at this lineup it amazes me how anyone pitches to Adrian Gonzalez and with Brian Giles hitting 3rd this team is not a .500 team.

Underachiever- Chicago Cubs. At the start of week 8 they were 21-21 and with the talent level they have that is not acceptable. Yes I know they have been destroyed by injuries to Zambrano Harden and Ramirez, but it appears they are better than a .500 team. I am not sure if they are getting a little old and their time is passed or they are just playing bad, but Lou better do something fast before the Cards and Brewers pull away.

NL Player of the Week- David Wright. This might be a biased pick because Raul Ibanez had a monster week, but David has picked up the slack for the Mets ever since Carlos Delgado went down. David hit .466 over the last 2 weeks, drove in 12 and stole 5 bases. I think he been more important to the Mets than Ibanez was to the Phillies...call me biased if you want!

AL Player of the Week- Mark Teixeria. Mark has been the biggest beneficiary of A-Rods return and he has helped carry the Yankee offense. He hit .411 with 6 HRs, 17 RBIs and 10 Rs. Your on the Mark Teixeria.

10 Thoughts

• I am glad I didn't talk about the Blue Jays because they are officially back to Earth
• I am all for booing players when they didn't produce, but the Sox fans booing Papi is kind of unfair
• Boy was I wrong about Gary Sheffield
• I think it is stupid that players like Jake Peavy have no trade clauses, but can waive them if they want
• Is Zack Greinke really this good
• Chris Davis is on pace to shatter the strikeout record...He is on pace for 244 Ks
• Carl Crawford is 30 for 30 in Stolen Bases this year
• At what point are the Indians going to break up the team and start over
• The Orioles have some nice young talent and could be competing very soon
• The day I wrote about Ryan Zimmerman streak it ended

TOP 10
1. Dodgers
2. Red Sox
3. Yankees
4. Cardinals
5. Brewers
6. Mets
7. Phillies
8. Tigers
9. Blue Jays
10. Reds

Game 1

Now that both conference finals have played a game, it is time to look back on both game 1s. It felt so good to watch and really get into NBA playoff games again. Being a Knick fan, I was used to year after year going on an emotional roller coaster in May and if I was lucky enough June, but with the Knicks being the new Clippers I haven't had that in a while. At the end of the day I don't care as much as if the Knicks were playing, but I desperately want to see Kobe v Lebron in the Finals.

Each series began with a bang, and while there is not much that can be judged from 1 game here are a few thoughts.

Lakers v Nuggets
The Lakers came out with no energy and fell behind by a lot quickly. That did not stop them from storming back and taking the lead at the half. The main reason for this was the coaching of Phil Jackson. Phil showed why he is one of the greatest coaches of all time by being patient. Most coaches would have been calling timeouts, making substitutions too quick or not enough and getting technicals, but Jackson remained calm ran his normal rotations and showed confidence in his team. Even when the Lakers went down 7 in the 4th quarter, Jackson let his bench play and did not rush the starters back in.

On the other side of the court, the Nuggets had no answer for Kobe Bryant down the stretch. They rotated Billups, Smith and Anthony on him but there was no stopping Kobe. With that being said there were a lot of positives out of Denver. They showed that when Kobe was guarding Chauncey, Carmello was unstopable and when Kobe was guarding Carmello Chauncey became the go to guy. Denver has to exploit Trevor Ariza and let Carmello get started early. When the Lakers switch Kobe to Mello, I don't see a player on the Lakers who can slow down Billups.

Denver also showed how soft the Lakers bigs are on defense. Carmello was allowed to do whatever he wanted once he got to the hoop because Andrew Bynum looked like he was afraid of K-Mart and Nene. If I were George Karl I would tell my team to attack the hoop every play and make Gasol, Bynum and Odom play tough on defense.

With that being said the Lakers are incredibly deep. When there second unit is on the floor they seem not to miss a beat. If one player is not playing well there are so many other options to help keep the team a float while the starters get a rest.

Carmello finally showed why he is considered a top 10 player, but Kobe showed why he is the best in the game. There was no stopping Bryant in the 4th and I just don't see a way Denver is going to stop him all series. Kobe is going to be difference maker and the Lakers will be playing in the Finals.


Cavaliers v Magic
It is amazing what 1 game can do. All I heard from the media leading up to game 1 was how the Cavs were going to roll over the Magic and easily get to the Finals. After last night, all I am hearing is talk about Lebron not being able to get it done. Are people really this stupid? Can we only judge on a what have you done for me lately attitude? The truth is the Magic are a very good team and the Cavs will not be able to roll over them like they did to the Pistons and Hawks. On the flip side Cleveland is not a team that is going to run the table to the Finals, but they are still the better team in this series.

There is no excuse for what happened to the Cavs in game 1. After losing only 1 real game at home in the regular season, the Cavs jumped out to a huge lead in the first half. After Mo Williams 75 foot shot at the end of the half, I thought for sure this game was over. Lebron was absolutely on fire for most of the game, but what I did not like was how much he settled for the jumper. Lebron needs to go right at the hoop and draw fouls on Dwight or kick to an open shooter in the corner. Lebron was not missing the jumper, so he decided to keep shooting it. I really cannot question his decision because he scored 49 for the game. The only questions I have for the MVP is why he only took 5 shots in the 4th quarter and why he looked to pass first on the game winner.

With that being said someone else on the Cavs needs to step up and show they want to win a title. Mo Williams scored 17 on the game, but this guy is one of the most overrated players in the game. Delonte West, who to me is better than Mo, disappeared in the 2nd half and so did Big Z. If this team wants to a win a title someone is going to have to help Lebron and not rely on him to score as well as find the open man on every play.

On the other side of the court, Orlando played one of the most impressive games you will ever see. Coming off an emotional game 7 win in Boston, Orlando was not picked to do much in this series and went down big early. Stan Van Gundy deserves all the credit in the world, because he did not allow his team to quit and TNT kept showing him telling them to chip away. That is exactly what the Magic did as Rashard Lewis caught fire in the 2nd half. This win was one of the most impressive things I have seen a team do in the NBA in a long time.

The Cavs are still the favorite in the series and I would not be shocked if they won big in game 2. The Magic did prove that they are not going to be the Cavs doormat and believe they can win the series. I will be rooting for the Cavs because I want to see Kobe v Lebron, but the Magic are going to make this more of a series than people thought.

Overall the conference finals are off to a great start. Both these series should be great as every game will be exciting. At the end of the day it is going to be the best two in the game meeting in the Finals, but sit back and enjoy two great series.

Sami v. G: Conference Finals Preview

In lieu of doing our normal preview for the Conference Finals, G and I got into a debate over the playoffs, the draft lottery, Lebron v. Kobe, and all things New York Knicks. We didn’t intend for this to take the place of our normal writing, but at the end of our text argument, I decided this was better than anything we could have trolled up if we had sat down and written it on our own. The following takes place between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm on May 19, 2009. It’s a wonder we haven’t been fired yet.

S: Draft lottery tonight, pray to the Gods that we may rise to the top 4.
S: “And with the fourth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, the New York Knicks select.. Hasheem Thabeet, University of Connecticut.”

G: Keep dreaming dude. With the 8th overall pick the Knicks select…Baby Dell Curry. Yo would you move this pick if it meant moving Eddy or JJ [Jared Jeffries]?

S: Noooo, move the pick with Nate or Lee to move to top 3, or keep the pick and trade Nate to Golden State maybe so we can pick 7 and 8…need this pick though. Lee and Nate have less than 40 days left on the team.

G: Yea but let’s say its Curry and the pick for an expiring next summer, and a first rounder next year.

S: Dude, no team would ever do that, that is a terrible terrible trade. We’re more likely to sign D Wade for the league minimum.

G: Haha, yeah I mean I’m assuming Nate would be involved too.

S: That’s so much salary a team would be taking on, and theoretically the future pick we’d receive wouldn’t be a lottery pick…[Eddy] Curry is untradeable.

G: Yeah I guess. Wishful thinking. JJ and/or Curry gotta go.

S: Nobody in this economy is willing to take on 21 million on someone who can’t even play [Curry is due 21 million over the next two years]. Better shot at dumping JJ because of the smaller contract, but still not without a small miracle.

G: I hate the knicks. We are doomed.

S: Nah, we’re not, tonight is big and so is draft day…faith in the Godfather…Il Padrino will take care of us.

G: Lol, yea sure. 8TH pick tonight.

S: That’s ok, but if we spin Lee and Nate into another draft pick and dump JJ…we’re in very good shape. We’re not gonna get 2 big time free agents in 2010 so we need to move on from that, we don’t need that though either. Between King, the draft picks and a very good Mid-Level Exception, we’ll be good enough to compete for a title.

G: Yeah, and if it’s not King?

S: Then we don’t win title so it doesn’t matter…without King or some combo of the rest of the top 10, nobody has a chance.

G: Well than no titles for us.

S: This way of thinking has to go, if you don’t think we’re getting Him, there’s no point in being a Knicks fan. We have nothing else to root for.

G: lol well welcome to G’s sports life.

S: Believing he won’t come is tantamount to rooting against them.

G: It’s realistic dude. I want him here but it’s not gonna happen.

S: It’s 50-50 at worst man, I’ve had enough of this bull$@%! With everyone. This is all we have, there are no other alternatives.

G: I mean we do have other alternatives. Like letting Curry and JJ expire and build through the draft and free agents.

S: That’s cute, but you’re not going to beat this guy. And that would require like 3 or 4 more years of losing, nobody is going to put up with that.

G: Yeah, well its better than getting a mediocre free agent. And I love how you think he’s unbeatable. If they don’t win this year, will you drop this?

S: No, because Kobe still has a chance, a chance, and only because he has the team that he has…

G: You really think he’s on the level of Jordan, or better because apparently he doesn’t have the pieces Michael did.

S: When did I say he was better than Jordan? He’s in that stratosphere though, not too far off.

G: Well you said he’s unbeatable. You said you’re not gonna beat this guy. And yeah he might be in Jordan’s stratosphere, but not yet bro. He’s gotta win a title before I say anything.

S: You don’t think he’s gonna win this year?

G: I think he can but there is a chance they lose to the Lakers. Lakers beat them twice this year.

S: C’mon we both know how little that means. Lakers have to get there first too, I don’t care what you say the Nuggets have a legitimate shot at beating them.

G: The Nuggets have less chance of beating them than the Magic do the Cavs. The Magic are so much better than the Nuggets and the Cavs may not be better than the Lakers.

S: God, your knowledge of basketball, or lack thereof, is embarrassing. First off, even if you believe those things they have nothing to do with each other, because it matters buch more how one team matches up with another. Also, on what grounds do you say “the magic are so much better than the nuggets?” Chauncey was in the top 5 in MVP voting and Carmelo is one of those most dangers players in the game. Not to mention Houston just gavea blueprint on how to beat the Lakers by being physical, and the Nuggets are one of the most physical teams in the league.

G: And don’t tell me about matchups because the Magic have Dwight’s mismatch over the Cavs big men. The Magic are a lot better than people give credit. They won a Game 7 in Boston.

S: They shouldn’t have gone 7 with Boston if they’re as good as you say. They blew multiple double digit leads, including at home for Game 4. And you’re wrong about Dwight, his offensive game hasn’t developed to that point yet. Boston was able to handle him for the most part with Perkins and Big Baby Davis.

G: Yeah, the Nuggets are physical inside but the only reason that series with the Rockets went 7 was because Artest and Battier did a good enough job on Kobe where they didn’t have to double him every play. Dahntay Jones will not be able to do that to Kobe. And the Celtics shut down Dwights points but he makes players better because he is there and his offensive rebounds are going to go up even more this series.

S: Why are they going to go up even more? Perkins and Davis aren’t as good as Ilgauskus, Wallace, Varejao, and Hickson. The physicality of Denver hurts the guys around Kobe, the trick to beating the Lakers has nothing to do with stopping Kobe. It has to do with crushing his teammates….see 2005-2007 Lakers.

G: I don’t know if those guys can rebound as well although Lebron is going to help with that. And I disagree. Pau is a good enough player where if he has a one-on-one matchup he is usually going to win it. If you don’t have to double Kobe it allows for help on Pau. Watch the Spike Lee thing. It gives good insight to exactly how a Kobe or Lebron makes everyone so much better.

S: I understand how they make the guys around them better, and that’s long been why I thought Lebron is better than Kobe, but there’s more to it than that. The actual chemistry and toughness of the Cavs helps make them better than the Lakers. Look at when Delonte West and Mo Williams had that bad couple of games in the first round. The Cavs still won every game by 20, because Lebron’s teammates are better, Lebron is a much better passer, and he makes even those guys deep on the bench competitive. Kobe & Co. just lost two games to a Rockets team without Yao. Daryl Morey tweeted this morning about it saying, we just went 2-2 with our $25 million on the floor vs. their $75 million.

G: Yeah but that is because the Lakers were playing the Rockets who matchup well with anyone because of how good their defenders are. You can talk all you want about the Hawks but there isn’t a player on that team that plays defense. The Cavs have yet to see a real team. They have looked so much better than they are because they have played two cupcake teams.

S: I think once you bully Pau and Odom out of the game, the Lakers can’t win. And until I see them stop any point guard, I’m not buying that they can stop Chauncey. The best thing they have going for them is homecourt, not because LA is so tough to play in, but because they wouldn’t be able to win multiple games in Denver. With Cleveland or Orlando, that series goes 5 games tops.

G: The Rockets are coached well and play the game right. That Hawks team is all about jump shooting and one-on-one matchups. I know you’re going to say the Yao-less Rockets are so much worse than the Hawks. And if you think the Cavs win in 5 tops than we should crown this guy the best player that ever lived because Jordan didn’t even do that.

S: The Rockets didn’t have a single marquee player and they won by double digits twice! They play good defense but not that good, the Lakers are soft and Denver will exploit that. Still my gut says Lakers in 7 and Cavs in 5. And Jordan did do that. What are you talking about? He trounced everyone in 91 and in 96.

G: Well I’m saying Cavs and Lakers both in 6. And you’re saying Bron might run the table to the Finals, that’s never been done.

S: I didn’t say that once. By the way, don ‘t write a preview, I’m going to use this. I’ll type it up tonight, the back and forth, it’s much more interesting.

G: You said Cavs in 5 tops. So that means good chance of 4 which would be running the table. LOL ok I’ll text you my final predictions.

S: I’m sticking with Lakers in 7 and Cavs in 5, I said the Cavs would drop one to the Hawks too, just to be safe.

G: Here is my final statement. It is going to be tough for the Cavs to match the athleticism of Dwight but Lebron is good enough to play big inside and help out with him. If Hedo and Shard can equal Lebron the Magic are going to make it interesting. Cavs in 6. Kobe is too good for anyone on Denver and they are going to spend too much effort trying to stop him and it’s going to open up Pau, Odom, and Fish. If Bynum plays as well as he can the Nuggets don’t stand a chance. Denver needs JR Smith to play a perfect series to play with them. Lakers in 6.

S: Fisher?? Bynum?? Ugh have you been watching these guys ?!!? Bynum isn’t even starting anymore he’s playing so badly. And Fisher is going to have to turn his kid over to Chauncey by the end of the series. And don’t forget that Shard will be covered by King so his numbers are going to go down dramatically. I can’t wait to see how wrong you are.

G: I’m not saying Bynum will. But he played well in Game 7 and he started every game in that series so I’m not sure you’re watching. And Derek has to hit his shots is what I’m saying.

Well that’s it. We both agree that it will be Cavs v. Lakers, the only difference is our beliefs on how good they both are. If you go into the “G v. Sami” archive you can find our argument from last season regarding Kobe v. Lebron. I hope you enjoyed reading our 6 hour text volley. We’ll see you for the Finals.

Live Blogging Magic Celtics Game 7

I'm going to try to do a live blog as the game goes on, I don't know who will be on there to read this but if you're out there comment, and let me know you're there.

Patrick Ewing guaranteed victory earlier today for the Orlando Magic. How can anybody not love this guy?

I can't express enough hate for this Celtics team. Paul Pierce is a freakin' bum. Big Baby Davis actually had a crying episode earlier this year. How can someone be a fan of this team?

These PIzza Hut commercials are absolutely ridiculous. How can someone not know the difference between being in their own house and being at a restaurant? Either they found the most retarded family in the country, or it's the worst marketing gimmick of all time.

You think Big Baby Davis will beat up any children today? I sure hope he does.

I know I think the Magic are the superior team, and they shoulddd win this game, but I have no faith in them taking a Game 7 in Boston. Offensive foul on Ray Allen, bad call.

I know G wrote that article about Chauncey Billups, but who would you rather have Billups or Rondo? It's a tough call, I'd take Rondo because I think he's a better all around ball player, but Billups is definitely the superior scorer.

Look at Big Baby Davis getting the foul and the basket. Good job Dwight, way to play like a dominant big man.

8:15

Superman heard me and responded. Nice dish by Skip, awesome finish by Dwight. Rondo tried to respond with an even better pass, unfortunately for him he has Kendrick Perkins finishing.

Dwight is getting hacked away in the paint. If I'm Doc Rivers I am throwing fouls at Superman all day, why wouldn't you?

J.J. Redick has not done anything to "stop" Ray Allen. Foolish comments by Marv and Reggie, Ray is tired. J.J. does not play defense.

Another monster dunk by Dwight Howard. I get it he can finish with monster strength, but I'd be much more impressed to see him play back to the rim, and use some skill to score.

I don't know who is in charge of WNBA marketing, but NBA fans are not your target audience. Actually, you don't have a target audience. Nobody wants to watch professional women's basketball. No offense, we just don't.

Dwight has been dreaming about the team winning this game. Dwight dreaming about game-winning 3 pointers. I love the guy, but he makes it so hard sometimes. Sick lefty block though.

It's 22-9 Magic with 4:30 left in the first. Reggie says he likes seeing the Magic run right there and chasing the easy basket. You know what the easy basket is? Eating 20 seconds of clock and pounding it to the most dominant big man in the game.

Ray Allen 2/4 with a nice jumper right there. He HAS to make shots for the C's to win tonight. Otherwise we're going to be looking at a watery-eyed KG later.

Hey everyone it's Eddie House and Brian Scalabrine! These two guys deserve a trip to the Conference Finals as much as Lucious Harris deserves a trip to the NBA Finals. Wait, what do you mean that Lucious Harris did go to the NBA Finals? Are we sure?

8:30
Steve Javie calling an inadvertent whistle. Good thing we have these guys doing a Game 7. I hate Simmons' whining about referees, but he has a point, it's getting ridiculous.

"We're playing well down here because we're passing the ball." -Stan Van Gundy...hell of an observation Stan. And somehow Reggie Miller felt the need to follow that up with his own interpretation of Stan's words. How can you tell me with a straight face that I can't do this for a living?

Mikael Pietrus just took a Nate Robinson-esque shot. Thanks to TNT for showing us the play from the far angle of the court. Good work camera crew.

24-15 Magic with a minute left to play. Reggie just said Kendrick Perkins has battled evenly with Dwight. Dwight had 10 offensive boards in game 6, you sure about that Reg?

Scalabrine with the fallaway!! Just how Doc drew it up, I'm sure. 27-17 Magic at the end of the first.

Does Stan know that the game started back up again? Isn't this kind of important to be watching?

HAHAHAHA Yesssssssss. Steph comes in and instantly gives the ball away. The fact that this clown has gotten sympathy from Bill Russell and the media the last few months because of the Knicks debacle is disgusting. I hope he never plays another game after this season.

Hey Doc, here's a hint from me to you. Go small. Trust me, it's the only chance you have at beating this team. And why is Dwight on the floor right now? Does he not come out ever?

Scalabrine just committed one of the worst fouls in the history of Game 7. He should be embarassed. Or shot. One or the other.

G just commented that Rondo is overrated, and is a product of the players around him. Either he didn't watch a minute of Bulls-Celtics, or watching the Knicks for the last 10 years has made him basketball retarded.

8;45
Rajon Rondo's stat-line through this year's playoffs: 17.4 PPG; 10.0 RPG; 9.8 APG; 2.3 STL PG... this is over 13 games coming into tonight. And KG has been out. G=Dumb.

Superman just came out of the game, 6 pts; 7 rbs; 1 blk. Not bad for 15 minutes of work...not superman-like scoring either though.

Gortat with the sick ups to give the Magic a 35-21 lead. Someone is going to overpay this European, very soon.

Good job Rashard Lewis. Way to go at Scalabrine and get the foul call. I think Scal has 4 fouls in 5 minutes.

These Reggie Miller Mailbag commercials are freakin' terrible. I wanna kick him in his overrated head.

I guess Owen Wilson is doing movies again. Nice to see you're doing alright Owen. Also, these Smirnoff Ice commercials, who is buying this stuff? When's the last time you saw someone with a Smirnoff Ice or Mike's Lemonade in their hand? High school, right? I can't think of anybody drinking one since my freshman year in high school at least. Who are they marketing this stuff to? Ugh, I know I can do a better job than these bums.

More coach interpretation by Reggie Miller. "We gotta do this together! Together! Together!"- Doc Rivers. "That's just code words for trust your teammates."- Reggie Miller. I hate Reggie Miller.

When Dwight is in this game, the Celtics just have no chance getting to the boards. I don't think there's really a solution to that.

9:00
Dwight just got his 2nd foul with 3:43 left in the 2nd quarter. There's also 3 on Turkoglu. The Magic have committed 10 turnovers and lead by 6. Ray Allen just decided to take this game over though, and here come the Boston faithful.

Ray Allen is one of those all-time guys you wish you could have had on your team and rooted for. I hate the Celtics, but he's just a good guy and a great shooter. At least I got to watch Othella Harrington, Clarence Weatherspoon, Renaldo Balkman, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson...I can keep going but it just gets more and more depressing.

G doesn't want to argue over comments, but says, "trust me chauncey is so much better. don't be a stat whore." That's one of the most foolish statements ever G. Did you see those stats? There's been games where Ray Allen hasn't even showed up, why do you think this team is still competing? Dwight Howard just got another stupid foul. Really stupid foul. Maybe he's been watching too much Greg Oden.

Lebron James = Angel, Demon, and the Da Vinci Code. He is the Sun and the Moon. He is your happiness and your forgiveness. He is.

The Most Interesting Man in the World on Pick-Up Lines: "There is a time and a place for them. The time is never. I assume you can figure out the place on your own." I love this guy.

Look at Marv adding half a dozen Knicks to Reggie's bullshit "most clutch" list. Atta Boy Marv. Ray Allen just chucked up a dagger, Dwight is on the bench. It's a four point game with a minute left.

That's funny, Paul Pierce IS playing tonight. Hmm, wouldn't have known.

Rafer Alston says It's a Harlem World baby. You're all just living in it.

Great passing, but Paul Pierce got the play started about two seconds too late. Would have been a great play if they got it started on time. 45-38 Magic at the half. Dwight and Hedo have 18 pts combined and 6 fouls to boot. When they are off the floor, the Magic crumble. By the way, Hedo, learn better English. What's your problem? I'm in absolute shock. Why did David Aldridge just accuse him of eating pizza before the game? EXPLAIN YOURSELVES!!!!

I don't get the Kobe/LBJ puppets commercial. If someone could explain that to me I'd really appreciate it. Taking a short break for halftime guys. Post your comments so I can respond.

9:30
Mmm, nothing brings me out of the break and into full excitement like nickelback. Wonderful.

Dwight opened the game and the half with that stupid hook shot. Missed both times, he's clearly throwing it too hard. It's down to a 4-point game, I have serious doubts about Orlando's ability to win this thing.

Clear goaltending violation there by Dwight. Refs didn't call it, crowd has a definite right to gripe. Even Reggie saw it. Gettin a little chippy down there in the paint, I'm not sure who that favors, but my gut says Boston.

Patrick is wearing the world's ugliest suit. It's something out of Joseph and the Amazing Techinicolor Dreamcoat. It seriously has the entire rainbow spectrum on it. Sick shot at shot clock expiry to make it a 5 point game, Rondo answered right back to bring it to 47-44. Good game right now.

This Magic team lives and dies by the three. It makes sense, but I hate that gimmick for the most part. Nice ups by Rondo, went right at Dwight and embarrassed him.

How there's no foul call on Rashard Lewis right there for mugging Rajon Rondo is beyond me. The guy got tackled. Make up your minds on what's a foul guys, and we can move on from there.

Dwight needs a legitimate point guard I think. They should be running that high pick and roll every play. It's unstoppable, except for that Rafer Alston is executing.

Kendrick Perkins just showed why nobody has to be on him. If he was in high school he'd pout and punch a locker, that's how humiliating that block was.

Does anybody actually LIKE Coors Light? What's the point of drinking it? It's tasteless.

9:45

"My range...is pretty much unlimited."- King...if this guy isn't a Knick in 15 months I don't know if I will be able to watch basketball anymore.

Bad shot by Paul Pierce, way to show up for a Game 7...NBA Finals MVP pppppbbbbbbbttttttt.

Dwight's line right now with 3:40 in the 3rd... 12 pts 10 rbs 3 blks, can't say anything bad about that. Would still like some more scoring, but I can't really complain. 62-52 Magic.

Boston's love for Scalabrine is just racist right? This just further proves that they are in fact the most racist city in America, correct?

Ray Allen's release is so sweet I think I just wet myself. High school coaches should just have their players watch videos of this guy all day on an endless loop. Trust me, it'll work.

Rajon Rondo is a 65% free throw shooter. That is piss-poor for a guard. Get in a gym and practice buddy.

The Celtics have gotten to the line 17 times and are losing by 5 at the end of the 3rd. Huge basket for Rondo at the end of the quarter. Here we go, 4th quarter, game 7. This is why we watch.

10:00

I can't wait to see Year One with Michael Cera and Jack Black. One of the very few movies I'm looking forward to this summer. Other than that... well, I guess that's it.

Simmons just tweeted, "My book on the Celtics season this year will be titled, "Foot on the Line: The Guttiest of Title Defenses" How about "Wahh Wahh Wahh: We Can't Stop Crying, and We Haven't Beaten Anyone."

Courtney Lee reppin' the Hilltoppers, much respect. It's Nappy Roots Day.

My God, Dwight just shamed Kendrick Perkins for the umpteenth time. He now has 5 blocks as well as Kendrick Perkins' remaining dignity. 74-61 Magic with 10:30 left in the game. Not lookin' good Beantown.

I don't care what you tell me, Taco Bell will always be delicious.

Marbury missing open 3's doesn't get old. It's like watching an ex-girlfriend fall on her face over and over again. One of those things that you can never stop enjoying.

Dwight just picked up his fourth, Magic are up 16, I'd take him out for a couple minutes if I was SVG. Then again, what do I know.

How is it possible that Dwight Howard is just getting to the line for the first time with 9:30 left in the game? Great coaching job.

Just realized I haven't been subjected to KG's taunts and antics since the first quarter. I hope TNT doesn't short change me and not show him after the loss. I've waited two years to see this guy lose, don't hold out on me Turner.

10:15

Now Dwight Howard has 5 fouls with 8 minutes left. Good job Stan. Who taught you how to coach, Isiah Thomas?

The Magic were last in the Conference Finals in 1996, which reminds me that this team is now 20 years old. It's weird to think that isn't it? The expansion tag can officially be taken off once you hit 20 seasons. Congratulations to the Heat and Magic for making the most out of those years. Timberwolves and Hornets, you are a shame. I won't even discuss the Canadian travesty.

In response to the most recent comment, the Magic are muchhh better with Rashard on the floor. When he and Dwight are both on the floor together with Hedo, it really spreads the defense out. He doesn't shoot the ball enough though, not sure if that's his own problem or Stan Van's.

19 point game with 6:30 left, I think we can start forgetting the Celtics title run from last season.

Reggie Miller just referenced Peanuts, and Marv didn't know what to do. Way to connect guys.

Stephen A. Smith just tweeted that people will be calling for Stan Van's head if the Magic blow this lead because they've lost a lot of leads this season. Thanks for the update Stephen A., I guess that's for the people who follow you but haven't watched or followed a single game of this series.

THERE HE IS! KG looks like he wants to cry!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Would you rather spend a weekend in Vegas with Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, Shaq, Kobe, or Lebron? I heard recently that Dwight and his friends like to go out to clubs and bars and not drink. Even with all of my love for him aside, I think I'd have to go with Lebron and Shaq coming in a close second. Dwayne Wade wouldn't be bad either. I think I'd turn a weekend in Vegas down with Chris Paul, he just doesn't seem like he knows how to have a good time.

Does anybody remember watching anything from the 2005 NBA Playoffs? I think that's Spurs v. Pistons, aka the worst thing to ever happen to basketball.

12 point game with a little over 4 minutes left. I'd feel at least a little bit nervous if I was an Orlando fan. If you're SVG when do you put Dwight back into the game?

10:30

Apparently the answer is immediately. Huge 3 from Hedo, followed by Kendrick Perkins getting called for the offensive foul. This could be lights out for the C's.

Another basket for Hedo to make it a 17 point game with a little over 3 minutes left. Good night to the former champions!

Some slop from the Celtics coming out of their last timeout. Doesn't look like championship material to me. It feels soooo goooddddd!!

3-Pointer from Rafer to make it a 20 point game, the Magic are just having fun now. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce just came out of the game. PP's statline: 4/13 for 16 pts. Good job MVP.

The end of the game question, "What will be the open market value of Big Baby Davis?" How about 0? I wouldn't spend $20 on that guy.

Shaq predicted a 30-point Magic win, it's a 21 pt game inside the last minute. I am pretty impressed. Good job by Tony Allen, got the steal and the open basket but chose to lay it up instead of dunk it and flash off. A lot of guys would have gotten flashy despite being down by 20 points in an elimination game. I liked that.

Well that's it. Final score 101-82, Magic. Dwight barely played the fourth quarter, too. Very impressive win for Orlando to go into Boston and win a Game 7. Marv just mocked Patrick, I'm going to sleep in a dumpster now. That was devastating to hear. Time to get ready for Cleveland's dismantling of the Magic. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that...

What Have We Learned?

It’s been an educational month of NBA playoffs, that’s for certain. We’ve learned a lot about some of the “superstars” and their teams. Here are a few thoughts I had while watching Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard get into a slap fight like a couple of high school girls.

- The Lakers Still Have No Heart
What is this team’s problem? They play like it’s a pickup game at the rec center, and they have a chance to close out a 2nd round series on the road. They have absolutely no heart. If this team played out to its full potential they would be the best team in the league. They should be going for their second title in a row, but instead they are going to end up falling short in the conference finals. That’s right, if they don’t get their act together they are going to get beat by a hungrier, more determined, and damn good Nuggets team. After last year’s Finals, Kobe said the Celtics were just “hungrier.” I believe that, I have a problem with anyone who says that, but I believe it. How can you be a professional athlete, and have your hunger outmatched? Is that a motivation problem? Should we be looking at Phil? Maybe it’s the fact that they play in a mausoleum? Either way, this team doesn’t deserve to win a title.

- It’s Time for Dwight to Grow Up
I mean this in a couple different ways. First of all, don’t call out your coach. You’re 24 and you’ve never won a meaningful playoff series. Stan Van went to the conference finals and then had a title team taken away from him because of the greed of a slicked-back grease ball. Second, call for the damn ball in the fourth. Don’t cry that the coach didn’t run you enough plays, this is your team so act like it. Also, if you want to be the big man, the franchise guy, you need to become a consistent scorer. It’s time for Dwight to decide if he wants to be Shaq or Robert Parish. Don’t get me wrong, Robert Parish was a great player, but Dwight can be Shaq-like if he gains that offensive game.

- I Wish KG Was Playing.
I hate the Celtics. I really hate them. I can’t stand KG and I think Paul Pierce is one of the most overrated pieces of turd to come out of the garbage era of the NBA (1999-2006). Still, if KG was playing we’d be getting ready for one of the best final fours we’ve ever seen in the NBA. In the west we have a hungry, talented Denver Nuggets team getting ready for the veteran driven and super talented Los Angeles Lakers. And we could have a rematch of one of the better series in the last decade or so between the Celtics and a better Cavaliers team. I think even with KG the Celts wouldn’t be able to beat Cleveland, but it would make for an even more interesting series. I should feel the same way about Cleveland/ Orlando potentially, but I don’t. And I know you don’t either.

- Denver Is Going to Do More Than Just Challenge L.A.
If Kobe & Co. believe that they can scrape by the Rockets and waltz into Denver and do the same thing they are out of their mind. This Nuggets team is really good, regardless of the fact that they finished 10 games behind L.A. I’d argue that if the Nuggets had Chauncey through the off-season and in time for the opener they’d have been a lot closer to the Lakers. The Nuggets have dropped two games through the first two rounds, including an embarrassing thrashing of Chris Paul’s Hornets, and the recent dismantling of Dirk and the Mavericks. There is nobody on the Lakers who can cover Chauncey Billups, unless they move Kobe on him but then Carmelo will run rough all over them. Speaking of Carmelo…

- Really Chuck? The Best Scorer in the Game Today?
After the Game 5 win in Denver, Charles Barkley called Carmelo the best scorer in the game today. He said Lebron was the best player, Kobe was right behind him, and Carmelo was the best pure scorer. I love Carmelo, I’m a huge fan of his game. I think he’s a tremendous athlete and definitely one of the best players in the league. But calling him the best scorer in the league? That’s outlandish…right? When I started thinking about it more and more, I can see where Chuck is coming from. Carmelo doesn’t put up the gaudy numbers that King or Kobe put up, but he doesn’t necessarily need to. It’s never because he can’t, it’s usually because he doesn’t have to. He’s just as capable of dropping 50 on any given night as anyone else. Then I started to think about the other aspects of Melo’s game. His shot is cleaner and better than Lebron’s, from inside and outside the arch. It’s not as good as Kobe’s, but his inside game is better than Kobe’s is at this point. Kobe can’t really go the rack the way he was once able to, and the way Carmelo can now. He gets to the line just as well as anyone in the league, and for the most part he can score at will. So while I would say that if I need 10 points at any given time, I’d probably still go with Kobe, I do see where Chuck is coming from calling Carmelo the best scorer in the game. Good observation Chuck.

- Kobe’s Last Hurrah
It certainly has that feel to it. I don’t think he’ll ever have as good an opportunity as he has this year to win a title. The odometer is rising on him, and the young guys in the league are just getting better and better. What will be interesting to see is whether Kobe will go back to his ball-hogging, shoot first ask questions later mentality, or if he’ll be able to keep his cool and keep his teammates involved when the going gets tough in Game 7 and in the next series against the Nuggets. I’m not a Kobe fan, but part of me would like to see him win one more title. He’s one of the all-time greatest players the league has ever seen, it would be a shame if he was remembered down the line as the guy who was on Shaq’s title teams. Unfortunately, I just don’t see it happening. This Lakers team is going to struggle to keep up with Cleveland, they don’t have the heart and the desire, and I don’t know why.

How Great is Chauncey Billups

Last night the Denver Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks and advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. The idea of Denver even winning a series would have seemed ridiculous back in October, but now it is reality and there are even talks about them beating the Lakers or Rockets and heading to the NBA Finals. While I believe the Nuggets have a slim chance to reach the Finals, I cannot ignore the play of Chauncey Billups. Watching Billups in this post-season has made me raise the question--Where does Chauncey rank among the elite PGs in NBA history and is he Hall of Fame worthy?

The play of Billups this post-season has been as good as it gets from the Point Guard position. Looking at the numbers will not do the complete justice for Chauncey, but here are a few to examine. Billups has averaged 37.5 minutes per game and has scored 22.1 and 7.3 assists, but what is most impressive is the assist to turnover ratio of 4.29. To put that into perspective only two times this decade has a player had a higher assist to turnover ratio in the playoffs (played more than one series)-- Jason Kidd in 05-06 at 4.45 and Chris Paul 07-08 6.1. Wait! Wow! What? Chris Paul's assist to turnover was how what last playoffs? WOW!

Moving along though, Billups is protecting the ball and making everyone better like an elite PG is supposed to do. This should not come as a surprise though as this is something Billups has been doing since he turned his career around in Detroit. It is not a coincidence that the Pistons were embarrassed in the first round of the playoffs this year (see http://www.thepineriders.com/2009/04/boo-of-week-429.html) and Billups is on his way to his seventh straight Conference Final.

There is of course more to Chauncey's game than passing and protecting the ball. So far this post-season, and really since his first year in Detroit, Billups has had a knack for scoring when his team needs it the most. If you look at the New Orleans series, for example, Chauncey game right out of the gate and scored 36 and 31 in games 1 and 2. This helped a usually weak imaged Nugget team gain confidence and show that they were not going to be the doormat they have been in years past. As good of a scorer as Carmello Anthony is, I would want the ball in Chauncey's hand with one play to win it.

The last part of Billups' game on the court is the defense. Learning how to play the game from Larry Brown, Billups has that hard nose team defense mentality. Although he did not guard Chris Paul much in the opening round until the 4th quarter, the toughness and physical defense that Chauncey plays rubbed off on the whole Denver team and they slowed down the best PG in the game.

Looking back on a career that has led to 1 NBA title and Finals MVP, 7 straight Conference Finals, 3 All-NBA 2nd/3rd Team selections, 4 All-Star selections & 2 top 10 MVP votings, how can we compare Chauncey Billups to the all time great PGs. Here is a list of some of the all time greats in no particular order and how Chauncey compares:

• Jason Kidd- Kidd is a very unique point guard in the fact he could do things no one else at his position could. Jay Kidd carried two bad teams to back-to-back finals and I think without a big time scorer or a bunch of very good scorers Billups would not be able to do that. Advantage Kidd

• Gary Payton- The Glove was one of the best two way PGs the league has ever seen. Chauncey matches his toughness on defense, but Payton was light years ahead of any point guard I ever seen on that side of the ball. Offensively Payton could put it in with the best of them and distribute just as well. Advantage Payton

• John Stockton- The all-time assist leader is far and away a better passer than Chauncey. Of course he had Karl Malone to dish to, but his assist to turnover ratio is a whole point higher than Chauncey's. Stockton is an all-time legend. Advantage Stockton

• Magic Johnson- HAHHA. Next.

• Kevin Johnson- One of the most underrated players in recent memory, KJ averaged a double double 4 times in his career and came close 3 more times. This is a guy who is a close comparison to Billups, but looking at his scoring numbers, especially in the playoffs, and I have to say KJ wins out. Of course he doesn't have the title that Billups has, but you can chalk that up to Jordan. Advantage Johnson

• Isiah Thomas- As much as I hate the guy, I admire the way Zeke played the game. Isiah could score in the clutch and was the leader of the "Bad Boys" Piston teams. Thomas is the true example of what a PG should be and another all-time great. Advantage Thomas

There are many other great PGs that could be listed such as Nate Archibald, Walt Frazier, Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson but it is unfair for me to talk about guys I have really never seen play. Judging from the list above, Billups does not qualify as an all-time great and as of right now is probably not going to be a Hall-of-Famer. Chauncey is a very good player and is having a great post-season. If he continues to have years like this we can come back and reexamine, but for now the verdict on Billups is very good but just short of great.

MLB Weekly Rundown

Week 5 May 4-10

Two weeks ago here in New York the majority of Met fans needed to be talked off the ledge. The Mets were playing sub .500 ball and stupid voices were being heard saying "Trade Wright and Reyes" and "Fire Manuel and Minaya." Of course in this town what a difference a week can make. What a week it was though for the Mets. After suffering a tough loss to the Phillies last Saturday(and a rain out on Sunday), the Mets began an important week which would see them play division rivals Braves and Phillies along with a free falling Pirate team.

The Mets responded by playing by far the best Baseball they have played in 2009. Led by great starting pitching and timely hitting, New York went 7-0 on the week and things look like they are finally starting to turn around. By the end of the week the Mets were in 1st place and it looks like they will not be going anywhere for a while.

A big reason why they Mets will be here to stay is the starting pitching. John Maine and Mike Pelfrey look like they are getting into a groove and Livan is doing a great job as the number 5. I feel like I am forgetting someone. O yea--that Santana guy. Johan is the best pitcher in the game by far and there isn't anyone even close to his level. If the staff can turn over a few times over the next few weeks and stay consistent, the Mets will remain hot right into June.

Some awards from week 5:

Overachiever- Kansas City Royals. Come on this one was easy. I think the Royals are actually better this year and will not be a 90 loss team like they are used to, but tied for first in May? This obviously will not last when your 3,4,5 is Tehan Guillen & Butler.

Underachiever- New York Yankees. This team is full of underachievers mainly because 3/4 guys on the infield make $25 million--how do you live up to that? I hate mentioning payroll, but when you pay your team over $200 million for the year they better play better than .500. This team is old and done.

NL Player of the Week- Hanley Ramirez. What a week for Hanley. The Marlin SS hit .533 with 4 HRs 3 SBs 11 Rs and 7 RBIs. Notice the problem there? He hit 4 HRs and had only 7 RBIs. Can anyone besides Hanley and Cantu get on base on this team?

AL Player of the Week- Joe Saunders. The guy nobody talks about. With Escobar, Lackey and Santana on the DL, Saunders has put the rotation on his back. In week 5 Saunders pitched to a 1.15 ERA striking out 13 and winning 2 games, one of which was a complete game shutout. When the Angles win the division they can thank this guy for carrying the staff for the first two months.

10 Thoughts

• Am I ever going to talk about the Blue Jays
• With the Manny news I would not be surprised to hear any one's name involved with performance enhancing drugs
• Speaking of Manny, how great is that trade for Jay Bay looking
• Is Mo Rivera done
• Good job by Bobby Jenks throwing behind Ian Kinsler and admitting it
• The D' Backs hired a Manager who has never managed on any level
• I understand the cause the pink bats and wrist bands represent, but some players looked ridiculous
  
• Ryan Zimmerman can take this hit streak deep into the 30s
• Is Evan Longoria the best 3B in the game this side of A-Rod
• For now I'll only say hes the best 3B in the AL this side of A-Rod

Top 10
1. Blue Jays
2. Dodgers
3. Red Sox
4. Cardinals
5. Cubs
6. Brewers
7. Mets
8. Tigers
9. Reds
10. Royals

Joba vs Huff

The hottest topic around the Baseball world from this weekend is the fist pumping of Aubrey Huff after his HR off Joba Chamberlain. Joba has a history of pumping his fist after a big strikeout, or lately any strikeout, and this action seems to offend a lot of people. Apparently Aubrey Huff was one of those people, because after hitting a first inning HR off Joba, Huff rounded first looked directly at Joba and pumped his first. Huff did the same as he touched home plate as well.


******MLB MUST HAVE REMOVED THE VIDEO FROM THE SITE THAT WAS HOSTING IT AND IT IS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND BESIDES MLB....OF COURSE THEY HAVE TO HAVE THEIR HANDS ON EVERYTHING. IF YOU WANT TO WATCH IT GO HERE.. http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4501049&c_id=mlb ******

I want to start off by saying I have absolutely no problem when Joba does his fist pump. The bottom line is he is a kid who gets excited and shows his emotion. It is not like Joba is pointing directly at the guy he just struck out and telling him to sit the $@!& down. This idea around Major League Baseball that you cannot show any emotion on the field because you are showing up the other team or player is absurd. These guys all get paid a lot of money to play Baseball, so if they cannot take a little celebration from a player who just beat them then they can go work a 9-5.

Obliviously what Joba does got to Aubrey Huff a little bit because he went out of his way to celebrate and imitate Chamberlain. Huff's had this to say about the incident:

"He's done it a couple of times to me when he's struck me out," For me, it's just in good fun. I always told the guys that if I get him, I'm going to give him a nice fist pump. For me, it wasn't really showing anybody up. I was just trying to have some fun with it. He does it all the time and I figured, 'You know what, why not?'"

I say good for Huff. He is doing what he is supposed to when playing a game..having fun. Of course there was a little "FU" to Joba in Huff's actions, but that is what sports are about. Joba commented that he did not see Huff do it and also said:

"This won't be the last time I face him. He did what he was supposed to do with the pitch -- he hit a home run. If he wants to do a back flip, he can do a back flip. It really doesn't bother me."

I really hope Joba is not implying that he is going to hit Huff. If he hits him or even throws inside, Aubrey has the right to charge the mound with the bat and hit Joba in the head. Joba's best response would be a strikeout of Huff and a nice fist pump. I hope Joba continues not to hide his emotion and celebrates when its time to celebrate.

Wait 'Till Next Year

I hate those four words. I loathe them. People who utter them are either delusional, way too positive, or ignorant when it comes to sports. On Wednesday Chelsea were yet again knocked out of the Champions League in the semifinal round. For those who are unaware, here's a count of how Chelsea have fared in the last six years in Europe's premier cup competition:

2004: Knocked out in the Semifinals by AS Monaco
I wasn't really a fan at this point in the timeline. This was the year before the team won their first Premier League title, and although it was definitely the easiest route to the cup, this wasn't the best team.


2005: Knocked out in the Semifinals by Liverpool
This was the year I really fell in love with the club. Jose's first year in charge, and they had one of the greatest seasons ever witnessed. They lost on a phantom goal call in the second leg at Anfield. Aggregate score, 1-0.

2006: Knocked out in Round of 16 by Barcelona
This was the best Chelsea team of the last 6 years, but they also happened to bump into one of the best teams assembled in the last decade. Ronaldinho was electric, and there was going to be no stopping him.

2007: Knocked out in Semifinals by Liverpool
Penalties decided this one. I was at Nevada Smith's in the city. I thought for sure that was the year for Chelsea. I was wrong. This one hurt real bad, but not as bad as...

2008: Knocked out in Finals by Manchester United
...this one. Again decided by penalties. United were definitely the best team in Europe last year, but Chelsea were right there. They had the title in their grasps, than John Terry slipped and fell, and well we all know the rest.

That brings us to 2009. Chelsea outplayed Barcelona for 92 minutes. Nobody can question that. Barcelona had the possession, but Chelsea were getting the better opportunities, and their defense showed absolutely no sign of cracking. Essien's shot early in the first half was a thing of beauty, it was an absolute cracker off a volley that looked like something out of a video game. Sure, Florent Malouda was clearly fouled in the box, and the official claimed it was outside and only granted a free kick, but it didn't matter. Chels was winning this one, no doubt about it.

Once Barcelona went down to 10-men, on a very dubious red card, I was convinced Chelsea had this thing all sewn up. I was making plans for the day of the final, where Chelsea would certainly exact their revenge from the same match one year previous. Than, in the 93rd minute, the unthinkable happened. Iniesta fired off a bullet that dropped to him off a bad clearance, ironically enough, from Michael Essien. It was jaw-dropping, gut-wrenching, pain. I'm still in absolute shock from that moment. But the worst was yet to come. Following the Iniesta goal Chelsea had an opportunity off of a corner. While they were unable to put the corner in, they were able to fire a rebound towards goal. One of the Barcelona defenders, I don't remember who it was right now, accidentally handled the ball. He definitely handled it, there can be no question, but it was clearly the ball hitting the hand, not the hand hitting the ball. Chelsea's reaction, particularly Michael Ballack's immediate reaction and Didier Drogba's post-game reaction, was disgusting.

Bad calls are a part of the game, of all games, and there were plenty of bad calls in this game. The non-call for a handball penalty at the end of the match though, was not a bad call. For Michael Ballack to decide to use that moment to harass the referee up the field, and literally look like he was going to hit him was sickening. Grow up Michael. You had 90 minutes to win the game, and you played over 20 minutes of the second half with an 11 to 10 man advantage. It's not the officials fault Chelsea couldn't secure another goal at home, or prevent Barcelona from scoring on the road for that matter. Drogba's harassment through the police barricade at the conclusion of the match was even worse. I hope he gets fined, suspended, and Abramovich sells him off to a third division team in Ukraine. For all the glory Didier has brought to the club and to my life, he has brought just as much petulance, shame, and embarrassment. If this team showed half the heart they show when they are complaining about officiating or coaching, they would be the best team in Europe. I can't blame Guus Hiddink for leaving, I wouldn't want to manage this group of cry babies either.

My point is this. The game was devastating, because I want that Champions League trophy so bad. I want it so bad I can taste it. It's not fair to keep getting this close and to have my hopes dashed again and again. The last three years I've seen them lose twice in penalties, and once in the 93rd minute by the away goals rule. There is no worse way to go down. But this year has been different for me and Chelsea. The game was difficult to handle, but not as catastrophic. The fact that Chelsea are about to finish 3rd in the Premier League is disappointing, but not destructive. I found myself pretty much over the loss by the end of the night actually. Then I started asking myself why. Why do I not care as much this year as I did last year or the year before, or the way I cared in 2005? It's not because I'm getting older, or I'm becoming desensitized. I was catatonic when the Cubs lost in October, and I'm still not over the Giants loss in January. No, this team didn't deserve it. Deep down inside, I'm not sure I wanted this Chelsea team to win the Champions League. There's no heart, no leadership, no commitment with this group of guys. John Terry is a sham of a captain. He isn't the guy he once was, and he never shows the leadership you see in guys like Steven Gerrard or Rio Ferdinand. I wasn't proud to be a Chelsea fan this year, they just felt like a collection of rudder-less mercenaries.
If it was up to me, and I was in charge of the club I'd sell off almost every single piece. I'd hold on to Essien, Bosingwa, Lampard, Carvalho (is he still up to it? I think his best days are behind him, but I hope not), and that's it. Everyone else can shove off. I'd rather see the team bring in younger, less developed guys, watch them grow into a team over a few years with the leadership of the guys I named earlier, than have to sit through another season of this garbage. These guys were an absolute shame to everything this club has done since Roman Abramovich came aboard. Guus is leaving at the conclusion of the season, and they should pack the rest of the team up with him. I loved that Guus came out and said even though I'm leaving, I will have a say in who goes and who stays so these men need to know they are playing for their jobs. The club needs a shakeup, as long as they keep this same nucleus there with Terry running the show, things won't change. And if things don't change soon, I have serious doubts as to my ability to still love this team. I'll always love the shirt, the stadium, and the club itself, but I don't have to love this team. And I won't.

NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Semifinals Preview

G covered the Western Conference Semifinals, and I will be covering the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Both have a feeling of unimportance when you consider that we already know who’s playing who in the Finals. At this point in the East (game 1 of Cleveland/Atlanta was played last night) it seems pretty obvious that nobody is going to be able to keep up with Team King. The coronation was last night, and this has a feeling of destiny for Lebron. It just feels like it’s his trophy to lose right now. The other series in the East features the Magic and Celtics. While this series will be competitive and more interesting than the Cleveland series, at the end of the day it’s all just to see who can be runner-up in the East. The only teams that can hang with Cleveland are Los Angeles and Boston when they were at full strength. Without Garnett, that Boston team loses its elite status, and I think that will become very apparent in this series with Orlando. It’s Dwight’s time to shine right now. If he is the elite center that he is supposed to be, now would be the time for him to show it. We’ve been waiting for his offensive game to come along, and while he has made great strides he still isn’t fully there and has a long way to go in developing a consistent form. He shows great low post footwork sometimes, and you can tell he knows what he’s doing, he just needs to learn to do it all the time. Again none of it matters at the end of the day because the King is here.


Cleveland v. Atlanta

This series will be an exhibition in raw athleticism and youth. The Hawks are one of my favorite young teams in the league, and I couldn’t be happier for them having won their first playoff series in a decade. They are making good strides towards developing a serious core of talent. With all that said they would need an absolute miracle to beat Lebron. I know they pushed Boston seven last year, and I know they just knocked out a tough Miami Heat team along with their superstar Dwayne Wade. As good as Wade is, he doesn’t bring the complete all-around game that Lebron does. More importantly, he does not affect the game of his teammates in the manner that Lebron does. In order for Atlanta to win they need to complete an entire list of objectives. Joe Johnson absolutely has to shoot over 50%. He cannot have games where he’s off, he has to shoot early, often, and accurately. Beating Cleveland requires that you outscore them, particularly by spreading the floor and hitting your jumpers. That leaves the inside a little more open, and the Hawks can attack that space with Josh Smith and Al Horford. If Bibby and Johnson aren’t hitting their shots, the paint won’t open up, and that will drive down the Hawks shooting percentages fast. Once you fall behind this Cleveland team, it’s over.
Defensively, Atlanta has to force bad shots from Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Wally. This isn’t hard to do. Those guys rarely see a shot they don’t love. The only thing is that Cleveland’s ability to drive and kick, especially when King is doing the driving and kicking, tends to give them a ton of open shots along the perimeter. If I’m Mike Woodson, I’m conceding that Josh Smith is going to get steamrolled by King. Control the perimeter shooting, and don’t allow a second scorer to crop up out of Cleveland. Slow the game down, use the clock on both ends of the court, and Atlanta could have a legitimate chance of beating Cleveland.
Now even if they are able to do all of those things, they still need to force the Cleveland guards into bad decisions. Bibby and Johnson Atlanta a serious edge in guard play over Cleveland. They should be able to hassle Mo Williams, Delonte West, and whomever else the Cavaliers want to trot out there. If they can force a few turnovers out of those guys, keep the tempo high, make their open jumpers, attack the rim when they have the opportunity, and keep Z playing away from the basket….they have a chance. With all that said, I don’t think they will be able to do any of that.

Cleveland in 5



Orlando v. Boston

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, wait, it’s just some phony dude pretending to be Superman. Where did Dwight Howard go? Some consistency is all we are looking for Dwight. Just show us you can be the same guy a few nights in a row. You seem like you’d be one of the most fun guys in the NBA to hang out with. You’re down to Earth, seem like a nice dude, and you’re always laughing and having a good time. But this issue with your consistency is starting to bug me. First, you completely disappear for the last month of the season when you guys are fighting for the two seed. I mean completely, absolutely disappear. For every two steps forward your offensive game takes, you take another step backwards. It’s been incredibly frustrating, and I’m sure your teammates feel the same. I knew the Sixers would give your team trouble, but you?! You were supposed to make Sammy Dalembert run back to Seton Hall. It’s time to step it up. If the Magic are going to win this series it rests completely on Dwight Howard. Yes, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu have to take and make shots too, but Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are going to outscore them no matter what is going on. It’s going to come down to Dwight Howard absolutely dominating the paint.
If I’m a Celtics fan, I’m not cocky, but I’m not scared either. Rondo should be able to absolutely torch Rafer Alston. If Boston can exploit that aspect of Orlando, they should be able to force the Magic to run. That’s not Orlando’s game. Rondo, Allen, and Pierce should be trying to turn this into a track meet. That will help neutralize Dwight, and force Alston into some turnovers. I’d also play hack-a-Dwight if I was Doc Rivers. He has plenty of fouls sitting on the bench, and Howard is terrible from the charity stripe. Dwight also showed a tendency to lose his cool a little bit with that bad foul he had in Game 5 against the Sixers. If Boston gets Dwight out of the game, and frustrates him by making him run and fouling him, they have a serious opportunity to sneak away with the series. The whole series comes down to the big man though. It’s his coming-out party if he wants it to be. I give the advantage to Orlando because I believe Stan Van Gundy will outcoach Doc Rivers when push comes to shove. Not that Doc isn’t a good coach, he is, he just seems to make a few more mistakes than Stan Van does. Dwight, we’re ready.

Orlando in 7

MLB Weekly Rundown

Week 4 April 27-May 3

Coming into the 2009 season picking the best team in the National League was tough. If asked, many would say the defending World Series champion Phillies or the team with the best record in the NL last year, Chicago Cubs. There may have been other people, including yours truly, who would have said the New York Mets. Looking at the NL right now, however, all of those people would have been wrong. One month into the season the team that looks like the best in the senior circuit is Joe Torre's Los Angles Dodgers. The question I want to ask is..Are you surprised?

Look at the two most important pieces of this team...Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez. What do Manny and Joe have in common? They are winners. I am not saying Torre and Manny are the only reason the Dodgers have started 18-8, but they are the most important pieces. Manny is quietly hitting .350 with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs, but another big part of the teams success is the work of two young pitchers. Chad Billingsley and Johathan Broxton are both turning 25 this year and are quickly becoming one of the best starters and closers in the game. Broxton is pitching to a .69 ERA with 7 saves and Billingsley is dominating with a 6-0 record and a 2.21 ERA.

The Dodgers are looking to go undefeated at home, something Lebron and the Cavs could not do. Of course I am just taking a shot at Lebron with that one, but so far they are 10-0 at home and already have a 4.5 game lead on the 2nd place Giants. This team is going to coast to the playoffs with not much competition in that division and will be dangerous in October. Yes I have already anointed them NL West champs.

Some awards from week 4:

Overachiever- Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are 15-10 and in 1st place in the AL West. I could be wrong about this one, but this team was horrible last year. In 2008 it took them 41 games to get to 15 wins and in 2009 they have reached that goal in just 25.

Underachiever- Cleavland Indians. I thought this team was going to rebound from their horrible season last year, but they have proven me dead wrong. Even though Victor Martinez is back to 2007 form, this team is struggling to win games. They find themselves 9-16 and in last place in the NL Central. Looks like another disappointing year for the Indians.

NL Player of the Week- Jorge Cantu. With Hanley Ramirez out and his team falling apart, Cantu did everything he could to carry the Marlins in week 4. Jorge hit .346 with 4 HRs and 14 RBIs including go ahead RBIs in three straight games against the Mets and Cubs.

AL Player of the Week- Justin Verlander. After getting off to a horrible start, Verlander was dominant in week 4. Justin pitched 14 innings striking out 20 and won both starts. The Tigers are off to a much better start than last year and if they want to win the division they need Verlander to pitch like an ace.

10 Thoughts

• Zack Grienke finally gave up an earned run
• Derek Jeter is 35
  
• This has got to be the latest in the season the Royals are in first place
• The Pirates were looking so good for a week
• I think I hate Selena Roberts more than A Rod
• Carl Crawford is on pace for 108 SBs
• Matt Holliday hit his first HR of the year this week
• Johan Santana has a 1.10 ERA and only 3 wins
• The Phillies have made only 5 errors this season
• 3 of those 5 errors have been made by Chase Utley

Top 10
1. Dodgers
2. Blue Jays
3. Cardinals
4. Red Sox
5. Cubs
6. Reds
7. Tigers
8. Yankees
9. Mariners
10. Royals

Western Conference Round 2 Preview

Since we started writing again as the NBA playoffs were starting, all you loyal PineReaders did not get a full NBA playoff preview. Everyone knew for the most part what was going to happen in round 1 so no harm no foul. I will be doing the West preview and the East should be coming soon by Sami.

After a pretty boring first round, the Western Conference should become a little more exciting and maybe somewhat competitive in the second round. Here is how each series is going to play out:


Lakers vs Rockets
Obviously the Lakers are the team to beat in the West in 2009. Not only are they the defending conference champs, but they won 11 more games than the next best Nuggets and have the best player in the conference as well. With that being said, the Rockets come in with probably the best chance to slow down Kobe with the combination of Artest and Battier. Please keep in mind that I said "chance to" and "slow" down and NOT "shut" down Kobe. What Battier and Artest are going to do is allow the Rockets to not have to constantly double Bryant and hopefully stop the players around him. Of course Yao in the middle of the paint is going to have to help on locking down Kobe and he can only do that by staying out of foul trouble.

Yao's only job is not going to be shot blocking, however, he must score as well. With Andrew Bynum basically being non existent in the first round, Yao must apply the pressure to him and Gasol on the block. Yao has the potential to score 30 on any given night and this is the series he is going to have to. I would love to see Yao take the next step and prove to the league that he is an elite center who can win in the playoffs.

On the other side of the floor is one of the greatest to ever play the game who is on a mission. Watching Kobe against the Jazz in round 1 I got the feeling that this guy is not going allow the team to lose. Kobe feels like he has played backseat to Lebron all year and wants to show the NBA that it is still his league. Let us also not forget what happened between Bryant and Artest earlier this season:


(Please note Kobe dropped 37 on Artest and Battier that night)

After Kobe the best weapon the Lakers are going to have in this series is Lamar Odom. If Odom wants to be aggressive and use his size and speed, I do not see a player on the Rockets who can match up with him. Of course there is a chance Odom decides to play lazy and sit on the perimeter, which would be a major disadvantage for the Lakers.

Overall the Lakers are way too deep and the Rockets are very thin with big men. Houston will play good team defense and will play tough, but it will not be enough to stop the likes of Bryant, Gasol and Odom.

Prediction: Lakers in 5



Nuggets vs Mavericks
The Nuggets proved in round one that they are not the doormat they usually are by steamrolling Chris Paul and the Hornets. The Mavericks proved in round 1 that they are better than people think by beating Tim Duncan and the Spurs. This series is going to be good.

I was rooting for the Hornets in round 1, but I absolutely loved what Denver did to Chris Paul. Denver took a page from the 90s Knicks and played very physical on not only Paul but the whole Hornets team, and New Orleans didn't know what hit them. If Denver keeps up the physical play it is going to be very tough to beat them. Chauncey Billups is proving that he was the heart of the Detroit franchise and is an elite PG while Carmello is playing much smarter basketball than we have seen in the past. The thing to look for from the Nuggets is the play of the bench. If J.R Smith can continue to play smart and bring that many points off the bench coupled with Chris Anderson's high energy and shot blocking, Denver is going to be very tough to beat.

On the other side of the floor is a veteran team trying to make one more run at an NBA title. Dirk is a former MVP and is relied upon to score 20-30 points per night. The key for this Dallas team is going to be Josh Howard and Jason Terry. Howard and Terry are guys who can score 30 a game or can have a 2-13 shooting night. Jason Terry has fit nicely into his role as 6th man and had the best season of his career this year. Howard played well in each of the 4 wins over San Antonio, but he is going to be asked to play against Carmello in this series.

Dirk cannot let the physical play get to him and has to be physical back with Birdman. Billiups already proved he can outplay Chris Paul, so an aging Jason Kidd should not be too much of a challenge for him. This is going to be a good series, but in the end Denver is too physical and too deep for Dallas. Another year and another disappointment for Dirk.




Prediction: Nuggets in 7

It Was A Good Series, but Let's Relax

It was a very good series. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Several overtime games, it was back and forth the entire time, and aside from game 3, there were no blowouts. At the end of the day though, it was a good matchup between two good teams. Not two great teams. Add to that the fact that it was a first round series, and that Game 7 wasn't that close, and you come up with a very good, not great series. The media, ESPN.com we're looking at you, has completely blown it out of proportion. We knew, regardless of who won the series, that the winner would not go further than the second round. Neither of these teams should be capable of beating the Magic, and everybody kind of knows that. Although, if Dwight maintains his current form from the last month of the season and into the playoffs, it's quite possible they fall. I can't help but be a little disappointed with their performance over the last 30-45 days. Further from that, everybody knows that Team King is going to dismantle everyone in their way during their storm to the Finals. Nobody is in their class now that KG has been shelved for the playoffs. Here are a few reasons why the Bulls v. Celtics series was NOT as great as everyone thinks it was.

1. Game 7 was a Dud.
It stunk. Sure the final score looked relatively close, and if Ben Gordon hit that 3 when they were down six in the last minute, the game would have been even closer; but still there was never a point where I thought the Celtics may lose the game. You can chalk that up to the inexperience of Chicago, playing on the road in one of the toughest places to play in the league, as well as the fact that the Celtics happen to be the defending league champions. That brings me to my next point.

2. The Two Seed Should Wipe the Floor with the Seven Seed.
The first round of the NBA playoffs isn't supposed to be close. The whole charade is an exercise in futility. Do you know why that picture of Dikembe Mutombo holding the ball in Seattle is so famous? Because that garbage NEVER happens. It's not supposed to. We don't watch 82 regular season games to see one and two seeds go down in the first round. Boston fans should be embarrassed that they got taken seven games by a completely inexperienced team with no proven superstar, or a proven scorer for that matter. Stop being excited Celtic fans, you won a first round series against the seventh best team in the Eastern Conference. People calling this one of the greatest series of all-time should be smacked in the mouth. You know what the winner gets in this series? A trip to Orlando.

3. Vinny Del Negro
The guy couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag. It took him four months to figure out how to work his team to a seven seed. Granted, there isn't a lot on the team, but with someone as fast and talented as Derrick Rose, you don't need much. Please see New Orleans Hornets and the Phoenix Suns when Amare was hurt. In game, the guy is an even bigger joke. How many times did they come out of the timeout needing two points, and he couldn't even draw up a play. His idea of calling a play? Get the ball to Rose, and get it to Gordon to chuck up any shot he sees. God forbid you run a high screen or get the ball down to Brad Miller who was being guarded by Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby Davis. Let's not even think about kicking it to Kirk in the corner where he is consistently money. Let's just give it to Ben, let him try to get inside with Paul Pierce guarding him, and we'll see what happens. Needless to say, this ended up killing them in a few of the close games. If a coach with any sensibility had been in charge in Chicago, we would be analyzing Bulls v. Magic.

4. No KG
For a playoff series to be memorable and reach legendary status, the teams involved should be full strength. Certainly their best players need to be on the court. Ten years from now we will be calling these Celtics teams the KG teams. The fact that KG did not play in this series will undoubtedly hurt its long time legacy, because it wasn't a truly accurate test of the quality of both teams. We will be hearing for the next 6 months how the Bulls are poised to become one of the elite teams of the East. I think that's completely unjust considering they took a team without it's best player seven games, and failed to ultimately succeed.

5. It's the First Round
I covered this in the second part, but it needs to be reiterated. I think in basketball, more than any other sport, the best team usually wins. Upsets are rarities, and in the first round they just don't happen. Some will take that and say that makes this Bulls-Celtics series more interesting, and instead of taking from it, it only adds. I say no. I don't want surprises in the first round, I want to see the teams that are supposed to win thus guaranteeing the best matchups later on down the road when they really count for something. Do you want to see Bulls v. Cavs in the Eastern Finals or do you want to see a Cavs, Celtics rematch? If this series had been in the Eastern Finals you could argue it was the greatest series of all time. But because the Celtics were missing their best player, and the Bulls are the Bulls, you are talking about a first round battle between what probably adds up as the fifth and sixth best teams in the Eastern Conference. That's somewhere between the eighth and twelfth best teams in the league. That really makes it lose a lot of its luster.

Rivalries in the MLB

Yankees and Red Sox meet again tomorrow and everyone, just needs to accept they are the greatest rivalry in the game. As much as baseball fans try to resist it they still watch all of the 4+ hours they are on television. The one thing in sports everyone tries to do is who is the "next best," a way the media tries to spin things, "well what if the Yankees & Red Sox aren't good, we need an alternative."

We've had ones that have lasted for a few years and the faded. Cardinals-Astros earlier this decade, Yankees-Orioles in the late 90's, Angels-A's every so often, Mets-Braves are hanging by a thread and every team that plays each other in the AL Central. You may ask "Mo, what defines a rivalry." Well here's my qualification.

1. Proximity - I hated the Braves as a Mets fan, but I've rarely Met a Braves fan, so I just hated the team, and facing them. I know of Yankees & Phillies fans and they annoy the crap out of me, I hate talking to them, I hate their biases, and I hate their teams. I feel you have to know multiple fans of that supposed rivalry in order to be a rival. Which is why Yankees-Sox is so good, everywhere you look up the east coast, you'll find a bunch of Yankees or Sox fans.

2. Competition- Just because you finished 2nd to them twice in your lifetime doesn't make you rivals. So Cubs and Brewers fans, relax, it's not a rivalry. Battling each other for multiple years for a playoff spot makes every matchup intense. The Yankees and Red Sox have battled for a playoff spot every year since 1995. At least one of the two teams have made the playoffs since then, last time we had a postseason with both of those teams, was 1993.

3. Players- Big Papi, Manny, Pedro, A-Rod, Jeter, Clemens, names like that make you want to watch those games, aside from the fact they're rivals. J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart, and Prince Fielder vs Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Ryan Theriot doesn't stir it up. Yes I know the Cubs have Soriano, but honestly do you tune into games to watch him. I don't think so.

4. Description- "Josh Beckett vs Joba Chamberlain, Sox-Yankees, next on FOX." Sounds good right. "Josh Beckett vs Matt Garza, Beckett Red Sox ace, vs ALCS MVP Matt Garza, next on MLB Network. Are you still asking who's Matt Garza, would you not know who he is unless I mentioned he was an ALCS MVP, do you still not know. In television less is more, I know I'm totally stealing from ESPN.com's Bill Simmons, but when you say "Rays-Red Sox, next on FOX" doesn't get me going.

So, with all that in mind let's breakdown some of them.

Cubs-Cardinals: I don't give a damn about the Cubs and Cardinals (I know, northeast bias) but can you honestly tell me people outside the midwest tune in for a Cubs/Cards game. Not since McGwire and Sosa left their teams, I have not watched a Cubs/Cardinals game with any interest. Pujols plays but i'd watch him even if he were playing the Pirates. Ryan Dempster vs Joel Pineiro doesn't really get my juices following.

Dodgers-Giants: When both teams are good, it is a good rivalry, earlier in this decade it was great to watch these two teams battle for the division, mainly cause they had more interesting players with guys like Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent. It is a rivalry that has almost as much history and Yankees-Sox. It does fit most of the qualifications, yet my main pet peeve is when they're trying to sell it to me now. Tim Lincecum facing Manny was kinda cool on Wednesday, but I bet most of you can't name the entire Giants infield...go ahead I'll give you time

(Edgar Renteria...I know everyone got)

(No, Jeff Kent retired this offseason)

(Omar Vizquel is with the Rangers)

If you can't name the infield, you shouldn't watch this rivalry. Don't try to make it seem like this is a much watch, when the Giants may only win 70 games.

Red Sox-Rays: The patented new school vs old school rivalry. "The Rays are tired of being kicked around by the big wigs in the division" that's the media's reason for why this is a rivalry. Yes they had a brawl, yes they faced each other in the ALCS, but i can't get jacked up for a game at Tropicana Field. First it's named after an orange juice (it's unbelievable they're two stadiums like that in the big leagues). Second of all, if the Rays finish 72-90 this year, is it still a rivalry? I need the Rays to have another good season, and battle with the BoSox for the division for me to be compelled to watch them.

Mets-Phillies: Yes I'm a Mets fan, so I'm biased. Everytime we play the Phillies i hate them, they're ballpark is a bandbox, and they seem to be able to comeback anytime they can. Jimmy Rollins first said "they're the team to beat" then Cole Hamels called us "choke artists." So far they've backed it up. The two teams hate each other, each teams media personnel hate each other, not to mention the close proximity between the two teams. They've been 1-2 in the division the last three years. The Mets have a great left side of the infield, the Phillies a great right side. Both have a great ace in Johan and Cole Hamels, both have premier closers in K-Rod and Lidge. This is a rivalry.

New PineRider

So after almost two years of resisting this blog, I am a new contributer to it. My name is Moses Massena, just call me Mo, like G, I'm a Mets fan, like Sami I'm a Giants fan, so they can handle opinions on those topics. I'll just talk about other things, like broadcasters and networks people hate (Was it me or did it seem like Joe Buck was much better with Eric Karros yesterday...then he has been with Tim McCarver). I'll go more inside the numbers on certain things (David Wright with RISP for instance and how it's not as bad as you think). Aside from the normal power rankings G does, I'll add in some more thoughts about the MLB throughout the season as well.

I'm glad to be joining the PineRiders and I hope you guys welcome me as the third man of the booth, hopefully I'm more of a Howard Cosell in this booth and not Tony Kornheiser. Tis' all, look for my next post coming up later today with the Mets and Phils rained out.

Boo of the Week 4/29

I have not done any Basketball since I started writing again, but the Detroit Pistons really made me sick this week. At the end of the NBA regular season the Pistons fell all the way down to the 8 seed and had to face the best team in the East, the Cavs. I was not expecting the Pistons to win the series or even win 2 games, but I did expect them to show up. Instead they showed as much effort as I did in college.

There are many ways to look at this series and prove that the Pistons were better off staying home than doing what they did, but the play of the so called stars is the most telling. This obviously hasn't been the same team since their heart was traded to Denver, but Hamilton, Wallace and Prince are still veterans who should be ashamed. They should be ashamed so much that they should contemplate retirement. All three of these vets averaged over 30 minutes per game for the series and COMBINED they averaged a whopping 22.6 points. I understand that all three players are not what they used to be, but for Wallace and Prince to average under 10 ppg for the series and Hamiltion just 13ppg is an absolute disgrace. As a matter of fact none of the three contributed anywhere on court. Wallace grabbed 6.3 rpg and Prince just 3.5. It really is a shame too because they got a very good series from Antonio McDyess. I guess that just shows the difference between 3 overrated players who have a ring and a player who missed out by one year.

Looking at the team stats things only get worse. For the series the Detroit shot just 41% from the field and averaged an anemic 78 ppg. The Filed Goal percentage was of course a direct product of the aforementioned trifecta. Wallce led the way shooting 37% followed by Rip's 36% and Prince's 26%. These numbers are making me sick just typing them out. The three point percentage was no better at 25% for the series.

Looking at the salary cap situation now is the time to break this team up. After that garbage showing, I would not allow Sheed to play another game and I would try my hardest to move Rip or Prince. Unfortunately for the Pistons, Issiah is now in the college ranks so it is going to be hard to find a GM who will take those contracts.

O yea....Thanks for showing up A.I.


For an awful showing, Detroit Pistons, I have only one thing to say to you...

BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

MLB Weekly Rundown

Week 3 April 20-April 26

Things calmed down a little bit this week and the Baseball world is starting to look normal again. After their 11-1 start, the Marlins played 6 games this week and their record is now 11-7. For all you math majors out there that is an 0-6 record. Who didn't see that coming?

With the Marlins losing every game they played, there was a team in the other league winning every one of their games. The Red Sox went 6-0 in week 3 of these season including a sweep...more like a woopin....of their division rival New York Yankees. I did not get a chance to write a season preview, but if I did I would have made a point to tell you how good I think the Red Sox are. To me the Red Sox are defiantly the best team in the AL and probably all of Baseball. It is scary because David Ortiz has not hit a HR yet and there are rumblings that he is done. With that being said the Sox went 6-0 last week and have won 10 in a row putting them right on the heels of the Blue Jays.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the NY Yankees. I did not understand why everyone thought this team would be so good. Sure they are going to win 85-88 games and be in contention for a playoff spot until the end, but they are overrated based on their name. Yes it may sound like I am being a hypocrite because I said it was too early to judge the Mets, but I beleived from the beginning this team was overrated. In the end I may end up looking stupid for writing this, but I am going to stand by it all year...The Yankees will not make the playoffs.

Some awards from week 3:

Overachiever- The Pittsburgh Pirates. Sorry Dom but who are they fooling. The Pirates swept the red hot Marlins and took 2 of 3 from the Padres. This might the the deepest into the season the Pirates are over .500 since the Andy Van Slyke era.

Underachiever- Tampa Bay Rays. They sit last in the AL East even though they only 5.5 back, but this does not look like the same team. They went out west and lost 2 of 3 from bought the A's and Mariners. B.J Upton has been awful hitting just .160 while Dan Wheeler and Andy Sonnanstine have ERA's north of 7.

NL Player of the Week- Albert Pujols. I said last week this guy is going to hit for the the triple crown one day and I wasn't kidding. In 6 games this week Albert hit .450 with 3 HRs, 11 RBIs, 7 Rs and 3 SBs. O he slugged .950 too!

AL Player of the Week- Jacoby Elisbury. This was very close because teammate Mike Lowell had a great week as well, but Elisbury was the catalyst for the red hot Red Sox. Hitting .384 and with an OBP of .428 Elisbury got on base and stole them too. Elisbury had 6 SBs, including a steal of home. The steal of home was also the 9th run of the week for the Sox lead off hitter.

10 Thoughts

• Zack Grienke still has not given up an earned run in 2009
• Who the hell is going to win the AL West?
• Lance Berkman has 11 hits this year and 4 are HRs
• The Mets may hit more triples than HRs at Citi Field this year
• I hate that I always forget to make picks in MLB.com Beat the Streak
• I think Vladimir Guerrero's career as a productive player might be over
• I do not think David Ortiz's career as a productive player is over
• What are the Mets going to do with Oliver Perez
• At what point do the Mariners worry about winning and bench Ken Griffey and his .192 AVG
• The Diamondbacks have played only 3 road games all year...and they are 7-11

Top 10
1. Red Sox
2. Dodgers
3. Blue Jays
4. Cardinals
5. Tigers
6. Cubs
7. Reds
8. Mariners
9. Marlins
10. Padres

2009 NFL Draft

I am going to be watching the NFL Draft first round so i figured I would comment on each pick. I will be grading the picks based on what I think each team needs and not so much on the player they take. I am not a College Football fan, so it would be unfair for me to pretend I know much about any of these guys.

The Lions are on the clock.....

1. Detroit Lions- QB Matthew Stafford. After 0-16 last year the Lions need to completely start over. While taking a QB with the first pick is sometimes risky, I believe it is the right way to rebuild a franchise. Stafford will have one of the best weapons in the league to throw to in Calvin Johnson and should be given a chance to start right away. Grade A

2. St. Louis Rams- OT Jason Smith. Rumor has it that the Rams were going to take Sanchez, but with a lot of money invested in Marc Bulger the Rams decided he was their guy. Bulger has shown he talent in the past and I believe a big reason this franchise has been so bad recently is the offensive line. Drafting a tackle high is always a smart move especially when you have some talent at the skill postions. Grade A+

3. Kansas City Cheifs- DE Tyson Jackson. The word on Tyson Jackson is his best attritube is hustle. To me the 3rd overall pick should not be a guy who is best known for hustle. Jackson is a DE who does not really get to the QB, but does fit the 3-4 system well because he is a smart player. Scott Pioli has a great history of drafting defensive linemen so I will give him the benefit of the doubt somewhat. Grade C

4. Seattle Seahawks- OLB Aaron Curry. The Seahawks were in the same position the Rams were as far as taking Mark Sanchez. The Hawks have a QB in Matt Hasselbeck and are a solid team who were destroyed by injuries last year. Curry was the best linebacker in college last season and fills the hole left by Julian Peterson's departure. Also watching this kid it appears he is genuinely happy to be there and did not take being a top 10 pick for granted. Curry seems to be a guy who is going to a leader on and off the field for many years for the Hawks. Grade A+

***Trade- Browns get Jets 1st and 2nd round pick as well as Kenyon Coleman, Abram Elam & Brett Ratliff***

5. New York Jets- QB Mark Sanchez. Some will not like this pick, but I absolultey love it. Sanchez has a ton of talent and will not be relied upon to carry the team. The Jets have a very good offesnive line which of course means they also have a good running game. Sanchez will come to a team ready to compete for a playoff spot and should be able to learn on the job. Of course being a Jet fan there is always a negative feeling at the draft, but I think this is a great pick. Looking at the trade, the Jets did not give up anything of value besides the 2nd round pick. Grade A+

6. Cincinnati Bengals- OT Andre Smith. The Bengals are another team with some takent at the skill positions that needed an offensive linemen. If this kid can protect Carson Palmer, the Benglas offense will be alot better this year. Still a long way to go for them but like I said before, anytime you can build your offense on a tackle you do it. Grade A+

7. Oakland Raiders- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. Once again the Raiders prove to the league why they are always picking in the top 10. Heyward-Bey has been rated as the 4th best wide reciever in the draft and the Raiders took him first. Al Davis is obsessed with speed and drafted this kid purely on his 40 time. Looking at his reaction, it looked like he was not happy to be drafted by them...would you be? Grade F

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- OT Eugene Monroe. Another tackle taken in the top 10 and I love it. Teams are learning that they have to build their team around the tackle. Good pick by Jacksonville because they just paid Jones-Drew and Holt and the tackle should allow the offense to be stronger than it was last year. Grade A+

9. Green Bay Packers- DT B.J Raji. I liked the idea of them taking Crabtree and doubling him with Jennings, but they needed help on defense. They were at the bottom of the league in rush defense and points allowed so Raji should help anchor the line. Good decision not making the sexy pick in Crabtree but instead picking for need. Grade A

10. San Francisco 49ers- WR Michael Crabtree. The 49ers may have gotten a steal taking Crabtree with the 10th pick. He is the best WR in the draft and he will have a great mentor in Issac Bruce. The niners could have used help on defense butit is hard to pass up the talent of a Crabtree at 10. Grade A+

11. Buffalo Bills- DE Aaron Maybin. The Bills need help on defense espically at defensive end. Maybin is touted as a great pass rusher and the Bills are desperate for just that. The leader of sacks on the Bills last year had just 4 and Maybin should be able to fit right in.
Grade A

12. Denver Broncos- RB Knowshon Moreno. With Mike Shanahan out in Denver the Broncos are looking to keep the Running Back tradition going. Moreno is an elusive back who has great hands out of the back field and should be a weapon that contributes right away. Personally I think the Broncos needed to adress the defense after how bad it was last season. There is a log jam now at RB in Denever so I am not completley sold on this pick. Grade C

13. Washington Redskins- De Brian Orakpo. Orakpo is a strong defensive end who will benefit greatly playing next to big Albert Haynesworth. In a division where your three rivals all have a good QB a good pass rusher is needed. The Skins jumped at this pick taking just 3 minutes to make it. Grade A

14. New Orleans Saints- CB Malcom Jenkins. Everyone knows the biggest weakness on the Saints the last few years has been the defense. Jenkins is a versatlie DB who some say can play either CB or FS, and looking at the Saints secondary last year they can use help at every poisiton back there. Jenkins is physical and a very good in coverage lacking only speed to make him a top 10 pick. Grade A

15. Houston Texans- LB Brian Cushing. Cushing is one of those linebackers that can do it all. He is said to be very strong against the run as well as getting to the QB and covering backs out of the backfield. The Texans needed help at linebacker especially on the strong side and Cushing should fit right in. Brian was also said to be the leader of the USC defense and that could prove to be imporatant for this Texans defense down the line. Grade A

***I wish Erin Andrews could interview me***

16. San Diego Chargers- DE Larry English. The Chargers are another team who needed help on defense and English is a good 3-4 LB. This is more of an insurance policy for Merriman if he his not fully recovered from knee surgery. Grade C

***Trade- Browns get Bucs 1st and 6th round pick***

17. Tampa Bay Bucs- QB Josh Freeman. The Bucs needed a QB and were worried the Broncos were going to take Freeman. Josh has the arm to play in the NFL and has the body size. While Freeman was ranked as the 3rd best QB in the draft there were a lot of worries about how consistent of a player he really is. He got drafted on his physical ability alone and will have to put in a lot of work to learn the NFL game. Grade C-

18. Denver Broncos- DE Robery Ayers. Denever needed a QB after the dumb Cutler trade, but what they needed more was defensive players. Another guy who is listed as a perfect 3-4 player. Bottom line is the Broncos needed help on the defensive side of the ball and Ayers was a guy whose stock has been climbing. Grade B

***Trade- Browns get Eagles 1st and 6th round pick***

19. Philadelphia Eagles-WR Jeremy Maclin. I feel like every year the Eagles are taking the same guy. They have a bunch of medicore WRs on their roster and it seems like Maclin is just another one of those guys. Word is he can catch the screen and is good in the open field which could fit the system well. I just don't understand why they didn't trade for Boldin. Grade D

20. Detroit Lions-TE Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew is a TE who is said to be a complete player. He can be a good pass catcher and is a great run blocker. I love this pick because a TE is the best target for a young QB and Stafford and Pettigrew could be a nice combo for a long time to come. Grade A

21. Clevland Browns-C Alex Mack. After trading this pick twice the Browns finally decide to make a pick. Although I hate Mangini I think he did a good job selecting a C here. The team needs to rebuild and Eric was probably influence by the Nick Mangold pick he made in his first year with the Jets. Mack is the best player at his position and I never have a problem rebuilding from the offesnive line out. Grade B

22. Minnesota Vikings-WR Percy Harvin. This reminds me of the Randy Moss pick the Vikings made...a WR who had a troubled past that had a ton of talent. Harvin proved on the biggest stage that he is an unstopable weapon that can play in the slot or out of the backfield. If he can avoid the off the field troubles this will be a steal. Grade A+ or F- so ill go C

***Trade- Patriots get Ravens 1st and 5th round pick***

23. Baltimore Ravens- OT Michael Oher. The feel good story with the book and movie about him, Oher is another offensive tackle taken. I love this pick because the Ravens have a talented QB and anytime you can add protection for him it helps. Grade A

24. Atlanta Falcons- DT Peria Jerry. Back to back Ole Miss players and both are trench players. Anytime you can take a DT from the SEC I say make the pick. The Falcons needed a player who could get to the QB and Peria is a great pass rushing tackle. My only problem is Id rather take a run stopping DT than a pass rushing one and leave the sacks for the DE. Grade B

25. Miami Dolphis- CB Vonte Davis. Bill Parcells made this pick so I like it. This team needed help in the secondary because Will Allen is a starting corner. Davis is listed as a physical corner who can tackle with the best of them. Sounds like a Parcells guy to me. Grade B

***Trade- Patriots get Packers 2nd and (2) 3rd round picks. Packers also get Patriots 5th round pick ***

26. Green Bay Packers- LB Clay Matthews. Like I said the Packers needed defesnive help and this is the 2nd player they have taken on that side of the ball. This is a 3-4 LB who can rush the passer and will play on the other side A.J Hawk. They needed defensive help and they got it. Grade B+

27. Indianapolis Colts- RB Donald Brown. With Joseph Addai being banged up a lot last year, the Colts needed a second back and really did not have one. Brown is a speed back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and is a good fit as a 3rd down back. Grade B+

28. Buffallo Bills- C Eric Wood. Wood is touted as a smart player and to me if you can grab a smart center you have done a good job. The Bills really did not have a center on their roster of any value so this kid is going to come in and play right away. Grade B

29. New York Giants-WR Hakeen Nicks. The Giants obivously needed a WR and Nicks is a good fit. Nicks is a big reciver who has good hands and can go get the ball. I would rather have seen them make a move for Boldin but if Nicks can contriubte right away this could prove to be a good pick. Grade C

30. Tennesse Titans 30- WR Kenny Britt. The Titans really do not have a big time WR and Britt will be a solid fit. He is a big physical reciver who is supposedly a great route runner. I like to hear that about a rookie reciever because it means he is a smart player and is going to adjust well to the pro game. Britt is also a solid run blocker which will help one of the best running games in the league. I still have a problem with teams taking a WR and not trading for Boldin, but Britt was a very solid pick. Grade B

31. Arizona Cardinals- RB Chris Wells. WOW. The defending NFC champions were dead last in the league running the ball last year and they got the best back in the draft. Wells is a power player who can be an every down back in the NFL. This means the end of Edgerrin James in Arizona which will prove to be a good thing. They filled their biggest need with the 31st team and got the best player at that position. Grade A+

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- DT Evander Hood. This guy just sounds like a Steeler and at 300 lbs he is. This kid is said to be a tough kid who isn't afraid to get down and dirty in the trenches. Again, sounds like a Steeler to me. Grade B

What Is Wrong with the Mets

I want to avoid making my posts heavy Mets this Baseball season, but this needs to be discussed.

Everywhere Baseball is being talked in NY, all I hear is people criticizing the Mets. The common complaints are no clutch hitting, bad starting pitching, bad outfield defense and bad management. So what is really wrong with the Mets?....NOTHING. Last I looked their record was 6-8 not 60-80. Last I looked the calendar said April not September. The NFL hasn't even drafted yet, and people are looking to blow up the team. While each of those complaints mentioned before maybe true, everyone needs to step back and take a deep breath and let the season play itself out.

The first issue of clutch hitting is undoubtedly one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. Clutch hitting to me is a stat made up by the media and sports talk radio. There is no way you are going to sell me on the idea that players are affected in April by a runner being in scoring position. When I started writing this, 7 out of the 8 regulars in the Mets lineup were hitting above .300. That is what is important. If the team wasn't hitting at all, I would be worried, but the bottom line is they are getting on base. I wish I had posted this a little earlier because Ron Darling said this exact thing on SNY the other night. Bottom line is I will worry about the offense when no one is getting on base, but until then be patient and the runs will come.

The next thing that has been a hot topic of conversation has been the pitching. This is something that troubles me a little bit right now, but I am going to remain positive. Johan is the best pitcher in the world and no other team has anything close to him. The key to the staff is obviously Pelfrey, Perez and Maine. So far Pelfrey has not pitched well, but he has been hurt. I am very confident that Pelf has the goods to be Johan's boy wonder and pitch like he did last summer. Oli is Oli, and we all knew that when we signed him. He is going to have stretches where he looks like Tom Seaver and he is going to have stretches where he looks like Jose Lima.

The pitcher I am a little worried about is John Maine. Maine has not been the same since June ended last year. He failed to reach the 6th inning in 8 of his last 9 starts last year and has not yet this year. Glass half full I will say that Maine is still recovering from his off-season injury and will get back to 2007 form, but glass half empty will say 2007 was a fluke. I am not going to judge him yet, because like I said before...ITS APRIL!

The staff is going to be fine because Johan is too good and Pelfry has a lot of quality starts in him if he stays healthy. If John Maine rebounds to 2007 form that the staff is going to be very good.

The hottest topic of the month so far has been the outfield defense, and Daniel Murphy in particular. Murphy is playing the OF for the first time in his career and it is going to take time for him to learn. Murph is a smart player and is young. I am confident that he is going to learn enough about the position to get 400 ABs this year and get to the point where the thing we notice about him is the number .300. Again ITS APRIL, so just give the kid time and he will learn.

The last complaint about the Mets has been management. Most of the talk has been about Omar Minaya, although I have heard a few dumb fans talk about firing Jerry Manuel. Last year the team won 89 games even though they blew 29 saves with one of the worst bullpens ever assembled. So what did Omar do this off-season? He got rid of dead weight like Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis, Duaner Sanchez and Luis Ayala and brought in K-Rod, J.J Putz, Sean Green. Looking at the lineup and staff not much has changed, so if everything repeats itself the bullpen should hold up their end of the bargain and the team could win 90 plus.

So what exactly was Omar supposed to do? I know everyone wanted Manny, but that is another argument for another day. The one mistake I think Omar did make was not bringing in Orlando Hudson to play 2nd, but I can live with that if K-Rod and Putz live up to expectations. Minaya fixed exactly what he had to and he again has put a very good product on the field.

The Mets are off to a very tough start, but everyone needs to relax. If what happens in April is a sign of what the team really is then the Phillies are going to be just as bad as the Mets, and the Marlins, Mariners and Blue Jays are all going to win their respective divisions. Talk to me in July and tell me if any of that holds true.

Ultimately the Mets are going to be fine as long as the staff stays healthy and pitches well and the pen does what they are supposed to do. This team will be playing in October...I guarantee it

It's True, It's True

It's gooooooooooooooood to be back everybody. I told you all during my MLB Playoff Preview, if the Cubs were bounced early, see ya next April. Well I am a man of my word. It's a deep regret that we let the site crumble apart, but there was a good amount of time where me and the big man questioned how much we really cared about sports. September and October shook us to the absolute core, and I'd be lying if I said the loss to the Dodgers didn't shake me up in ways I didn't think reachable since 2003.

We're back, full time again, and hopefully we won't lose sight of why it is that we are here in the first place. Here's to hoping that at least one of you decided to stick around and keep checking, and to bringing you a bigger, better, and more comprehensive Pineriders than you have ever known before.

Welcome (back) to the bench.

Boo of the Week 4/22

With the Baseball season in full gear there were many candidates from MLB for this Boo, but to me the NatiOnals organization stands out above the rest.

First, I am sick and tired of this organization. Every year they trot out a bunch of losers and continue to be the most inept team in Baseball and maybe in all of sports. Since 2000 they have averaged 73 wins and finished better than 4th place only once. The last and only playoff appearance for this franchise happened before I was born...and I'm turning 27 this year! I just don't understand the point of having a franchise who consistently finishes at the bottom of their division, had no history of winning and has lower than average attendance numbers. My solution...contraction.

I understand that you can say the same thing about 5 other teams in Baseball too, but there are two things that happened this week that sums up how much of a joke the NatiOnals really are. I mentioned in my rundown on Monday that they wore jerseys in a game last week that spelled NatiOnals....Natinals. How the hell did no one notice that? There had to be 30 people in uniform between coaches and players, as well as equipment mangers and other clubhouse personnel. Maybe they took the "O" out because they realized how bad their offense is.

Majestic Athletic has since apologized for their mistake saying "We take 100 percent responsibility for this event and we regret any embarrassment for the Nationals organization." While this is ultimately Majestic's fault, someone from the organization has to notice this. To me this is a testament to how much everyone in the organization cares about going to their job. Two weeks into the season and already they are going through the motions waiting for October 4th.

The second story that caught my attention was the NatiOnals fining, benching, and threatening demotion if it happened again to Elijah Dukes after he was five minutes late to a game (5 minutes late of the Nats set time, not the start of the game). Dukes was late because he was at opening day of a local Little League helping kick off their season. I understand rules and rules and Manny Acta is trying to change the culture of the team, but to bench the guy for showing up 5 minutes late because he was at a charity event is crazy. I am all for fining Dukes (fining him more than the $500 they did too), but it was unnecessary to take him out of the starting lineup. Dukes is a young talent who has a history of off-field issues and probably would have benefited more from Acta talking to him than benching him.

It also needs to be pointed out that Dukes took $500 from a Little League to do this appearance, which qualifies him for a mini Boo.....BOOO!

I am sick of this NatiOnals team and the way the organization operates. Baseball would be better without teams like this and I think it is about time Bud Selig bring up contraction again. For being oblivious to the writing on your own jerseys, for overreacting to Dukes' mistake, and for being just an inept organization, Washington NatiOnals, I have this to say to you...

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

MLB Weekly Rundown

Weeks 1 & 2 April 5-April 19

Opening Day 2009 was the first in a long time that I did not get to watch any Baseball, but that did not stop the season from getting off to a roaring start. In just two weeks, this young Baseball season has seen legendary home runs, multiple cycles, tragic deaths, surprising starts and new ballparks.

The one story that stands out above the rest, however, is the play of the Florida Marlins. The team with the smallest payroll in the league ($21 million) has the game's best record at 11-1 and are out to a 5 game lead in the NL East. What is scary is the Marlins are winning games with pitching...relief pitching. Coming into the season I knew the Marlins could be solid with Johnson, Nolasco and Sanchez, but I did not expect the pen to this good. Ultimately I think they are playing over their heads and will come back to the pack very soon, but for now they are playing the best Baseball.

Here are some awards from the first two weeks:

Overachiever- See Above

Underachiever- Angels. The team with the best record in the AL last year is off to a 4-8 start and have scored only 48 runs. Mike Scioscia has his work cut out for him with Lackey, Santana, Escobar and Vlad all on the DL.

NL Player of the Week- Heath Bell. As much as I hate this guy, the Padres are out to a hot 9-4 start and Bell has 7 saves without giving up an earned run.

AL Player of the Week- Ian Kinsler. This guy has had as good of a start to a season as possible. Ian is hitting .460 with 4 HRs 14 RBIs 13 Rs and 6 SBs and had a 6-6 night in which he hit for the cycle.

10 Thoughts

• Chris Davis has struck out 18 times in 39 ABs
• Chien-Ming Wang has given up 23 runs in 6 innings
• Johan Santana has a 0.46 ERA in 3 starts and is not the lowest in Baseball
• Zack Greinke has a 0.00 ERA in 3 starts and THAT is the lowest in Baseball
• Yankee Stadium is playing like Citzen's Bank Park and Arod might hit 60 for real one day in that park
• Orlando Hudson was the best free agent signing of the off season
• The Yankees will not make the playoffs
• Albert Pujlos is going to win a triple crown one of these days
• The AL Central race will go down to the last day
• The Nationals are so inept, they cant even spell NATIONALS right on their jerseys

Top 10
1. Dodgers
2. Cubs
3. Marlins
4. Blue Jays
5. Red Sox
6. Tigers
7. Cardinals
8. Reds
9. Yankees
10. Padres

WE ARE BACK

After a horrible end to last Baseball season Sami and I struggled to care about sports for a while, but now we are back.

With the NBA Playoffs heating up and the MLB season starting, we hope to get out some good material. Please feel free to leave comments if you have anything to say.

This Hurts

I haven't posted much since the Cubs lost game 2. It's been a rough week to be fair. Getting swept in the first round two years in a row is just unreal. Last season it was a bit of a surprise for the Cubs to even be there, nobody really thought it was going to happen. Even though we lost three straight, the signs were in place that the team was about to be really good. And this season they were. It was unlike any Cubs season I've ever seen. Never have they been hands-down the most dominant force in the league throughout a season. 97 wins? Unheard of in my lifetime.

I'm not going to go into a season recap. Everybody knows what happened all season, and everyone witnessed one of the biggest flop performances of my lifetime. With everybody getting ready for the NLCS to get going tomorrow night, the pain is really starting to sink in. The team announced they were picking up Rich Harden's option for next season, and it's just devastating to realize what happened. Literally as I write this, Stu Scott and John Anderson just made a mention of the Cubs incident (the poll of the night was who would win the World Series, and Anderson asked where the Cubs were and said people were probably still looking to pick them). The whole experience was a surreal, catastrophic embarrassment. The Dempster walks in game one, the infield errors in game two, and the brief appearance of Rich Harden in game three. That's what I have to remember what once was an incredible season.

Now the Cubs have to figure out what to do to fix the problem. I wish I had an answer, but I don't even know what to do. I have my doubts about the team's ability to respond to the choke job that was 2008. But how do you break up a team that just won 97 games? There clearly weren't any problems all season, and you can't trade players around based on perceived clutch ability. So we have to go into the season with the same team we have now, and we probably won't be able to go out and splash the market because of questions regarding ownership. But here's wishing for the dream situation. Mark Cuban comes in and rescues this franchise from itself.

Cuban could bring a new attitude to the team and the fans surrounding the team. Instead of waiting for the worst, he could bring the money and energy to a ball club desperately looking for a winning culture. At the end of the day, the Cubs just won back to back division titles, and that's something I never thought I'd say. If Cuban can close the sale in time for free agency, which is completely possible, the Cubs could make a splash. These are the small comforts I have to hold on to right now, as I still try and get my head around what happened.

The last thing I want to say on this topic, and I have no intentions to write about baseball for the next 3 weeks, is that I don't want to hear anything about a curse. Curses are for children and witches. Not baseball teams. The Cubs weren't cursed, they just choked. They were untalented, not unlucky. The whole city froze up, and it effected the team, and after that game one loss we came off the tracks. I don't want to talk about it anymore, I've spent enough time dwelling on it. For now, there's football.

Week 6 Upon Further Review...

Six weeks through the season, and there are two unbeaten teams remaining. At the start of the season nobody would have thought the Titans and Giants would be the longest to go without losing. They're being chased by the Colts and Cowboys, many pundits' picks for this season's Super Bowl. It totals up for what should be really compelling football over the season. I honestly don't remember the last time a season was so wide open. How many times have you looked at a scoreboard this season and asked yourself, "Wow I didn't see that going like that." It's all making for one of the more fun seasons to follow in a long time. There's no absolute, dominating force, and it breathes hope into a deep pool of top tier teams. I know for me, by the time Sunday Night Football is coming on, I'm already looking at next week's schedule and thinking point spreads and playoff implications. It's just nice having football (it also doesn't hurt when your team rattles off a 44-6 win, after your baseball team re-writes the book on choking).

The Best Team in Football?
I wrote a baseball article with that title about some other team a few months back. I'm concerned with my bold decision to do it right now about my New York Football Giants. The Giants are the most complete team in the league right now. Every player on the team buys into the system, and they know how to win. They protect the ball, they can stop the run game, they can pound the ball with the run, and Eli has quietly turned into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Manning didn't even play in the fourth quarter yesterday, and went 19/25 with 265 yards and two touchdowns. He's thrown one interception this season, making him the best interception/pass attempt ratio after Jason Campbell. The three-headed monster combined for 241 yards yesterday on 33 carries. The Giants are third in the league in rushing yards after the Falcons and Redskins. The only difference is that the Falcons and Redskins have played five games to the Giants four. Everything is clicking for the Giants right now, but still, I await legitimate competition. It's nice to blowout the Rams and Seahawks, but I'm waiting for that stretch of games when we see the Steelers, Cowboys, and Eagles. The Redskins win looks a lot nicer these days, but aside from that game the schedule has been cupcake city.


Hail to the Redskins
I feel dirty just writing that out. I love the fact that the Skins have beaten up on the Eagles and Cowboys already this season. Jason Campbell has arrived, evidenced by the stat shown above. The talent of this team comes down to the line. Their offensive line is a group of absolute manimals. The left side of that line features the closest thing to an immovable object I've ever seen. Chris Samuels is a complete beast, and sends I don't know how defensive players could get around him. Clinton Portis is running the ball like it's 2001 and he's in Miami. Whether you believe it or not, the Redskins are 4-1, and they're playing good football. The NFC East still has lost only one game outside of the division, Philadelphia's short-handed loss to the Bears last week. They've played all their road division games, beating the Eagles and the Cowboys. They're thinking division, not wildcard, in D.C.

The Single-Wing Formation
Is anybody else absolutely infuriated by the shenanigans in Miami? I'm desperate for a good defensive coordinator to get their hands on this team. Unfortunately for those who enjoy 21st century football, this pop warner formation is winning games for the Dolphins right now. With all that said, when I see Ronnie Brown run this garbage I can only think about Michael Vick's agent. I hope he is taping every one of these games, so that when Vick gets out of prison he can go from camp to camp and say, "Imagine running this formation with Mike Vick being the guy able to run it or throw it, along with a tailback, and your quarterback. " It's at least something to think about, right?
This was the picture that came up from Google when I typed in Single-Wing...

The Falcons Aren't So Bad
I'm ready to drink the Matt Ryan kool-aid. Not just a dixie cup either, I'm ready to chug the whole pitcher. He looks poised in the pocket, doesn't panic, never puts the ball into bad situations, and has a tremendous arm. He's surrounded by a good offensive line, a dynamic running back, and a good receiver in Roddy White. Out of nowhere, the situation in Atlanta doesn't look as poisoned as it once was. That was a quality win yesterday, in Green Bay, against a team that was once thought of as one of the better clubs in the NFC. I don't think they're going to be able to fight for a playoff spot in this year's stacked NFC, but they have a good foundation to build on for the next few years.

The Upper Class

1. New York Giants (4-0) They're doing it in dominant fashion too. They lead the league in point difference.

2. Tennessee Titans (5-0) Best record in football. Even if it wasn't pretty in Baltimore yesterday.

3. Washington Redskins (4-1) They beat the Eagles and Cowboys on the road, and that is impressive.

4. Carolina Panthers (4-1) Nobody is even paying attention to them do it either. Great run game, great defense, and Steve Smith is all the way back.

5. Dallas Cowboys (4-1) Still some turmoil in the Big D, but they have so many weapons down there it barely matters.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) Everyone of their games is leading the entire Pittsburgh into cardiac arrest. This team is desperate for their bye week. Big Ben Berger is sooooo good.

7. Denver Broncos (4-1) This is first team of the second tier really. All the teams above it have a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl, I'm not feeling that with the Broncos.

8. New England Patriots (3-1) I was more impressed with the way they won. The bye week served them well, and they should return to their more dominant ways soon.

9. Buffalo Bills (4-1) I know it's a long way to drop, but it all depends on the health of Trent Edwards. Put JP Losman into the starting lineup, and this might be as high they get for the rest of the season.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) They came oh so close to beating the Broncos in Denver, keeping the high-flying Broncos to only 16 points. They're a good team, and that NFC South is looking good.

Battle of the MVP's
There's no doubting that right now Drew Brees is playing better than any other quarterback in the league right now. He is completing nearly 75% of his passes, and is fourth in the league in passing yards, after counting yesterday's games. Adrian Peterson is a horse and is fourth in the league in rushing yards, also after yesterday's games. It's run the ball and play defense against air the ball out and play absolutely no defense. They're both incomplete teams, but it should make for a tremendously interesting game. I like the Vikings to start turning their ship around. They're better than that 1-3 record, and they make their push on the extremely winnable NFC North starting tonight.