My 2011 MLB NL Picks..

The NL East : Division Winner - Atlanta Braves.  This team has knocked on the door the last couple of years and this year they break it down.  With the addition of Dan Uggla, a 30 HR & 120 RBI guy for the Marlins the last few years, it could be the signing of the year.  Chipper Jones will surely be looking to be Comeback Player of the Year after being out most of last year with an injury.  The rotation is mostly young and stacked with pitchers that can do enough to keep the Braves in games.  The question...the Bullpen.  Who can fill Billy Wagners shoes?  No one knows yet so the Braves will be hoping someone emerges in that role no later than early May.  The competition - the Phillies.  Yes, I know, I know I'll say it one more time Halliday, Lee, Hamels & Oswalt.  The names and resumes are obviously legendary already.  It's all anyone has talked about.  But forget them, no one even mentions Joe Blanton who could be the guy to save the season for them. The problem - they're old and injuries are already catching up with Utley & Lidge out for part of April.  Jimmy Rollins has been on the decline, can he come back?  Ryan Howard will do his usual 35 HRs & 120 RBIs but Raul Ibanez has been declining since 2009.  Ibanez & Rollins will have to be at their best if the Phillies are going to, as everyone seems to think "runaway" with the Division.

The NL Central : Division Winner - Chicago Cubs.  They've under achieved the last couple of years but I think this year they finally break through.  The addition of Carlos Pena although a HR or Whiff kind of hitter can protect Alfonso Soriano which may help Soriano get back to being the treat he was a few years ago.  Aramis Ramirez being in the last year of his contract should have a big year as well.  The rotation is much better with another former Devil Ray Matt Garza.  The Bullpen is also much improved with Kerry Wood back as the 8th inning set up man to Carlos Marmol who had 38 saves last year and should provide the same again. The competition - Cincinnati Reds.  It's theirs to lose.  Joey Votto should have another great year but Scott Rolen will be 36 this year.  Does he have another 20 HR season in him?  Also, they lost Edinson Volquez for most of last year and they still won the division but can they survive another season with out him?

The NL West : Division Winner - San Francisco Giants.  With as potent a rotation as they have it's hard to believe that they won't win 100 games this year.  Also, not too bad a thing to have Brian Wilson slamming the door shut in the 9th inning either.  Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff & Pat Burrell will need to have similar years or maybe even better to take some pressure off the rotation but like the Reds, it's theirs to lose.  The competition - Los Angeles Dodgers.  Matt Kemp needs to have a big year after faltering last year.  Also, Andre Eithier & James Loney need to have monster years as well.  The rotation & Bullpen are quite good and should keep the Dodgers in a lot of games they may have been out of previously.

My 2011 MLB AL Picks...

The AL East : Division Winner - NY Yankees (yes, I'm a tad biased). It's the Yankees so how can you actually go against them.  Well, here's how.  The Redsox have made some awesome pickups with Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford in the lineup now.  The bullpen got a lift with the pick up of Bobby Jenks, former closer of the Whitesox as the set up man for Papelbon.  Their pitching staff is back in order and healthy which makes them even scarier.  So how do I pick the Yankees...experience.  There is just too much of it on that team who also made a nice set up man pick up with Rafael Soriano former closer of the Devil Rays.  Also, at the back end they have Freddy Garcia now and Ivan Nova, who some are considering for Rookie of the Year.  And with utility pick ups of Eric Chavez & Andruw Jones could prove big especially if injuries come into play.  Dark Horse pick - Baltimore Orioles.  Big, bad lineup but no rotation.  Buck Showalter has them believing with the way they finished last year so do not underestimate them.

The AL Central : Division Winner - Minnesota Twins. The return of Justin Morneau will be a big lift to the Twins.  Joe Mauer even though having some knee problems should have another MVP type year.  Great pick up of Jim Thome will be a scary option off the bench and their starting rotation seems to get better every year.  Joe Nathan will be ready opening day and the Twins somehow even though a lot of experts pick against them seem to end up taking the division with big wins down the stretch.  The Tigers will more than likely be their competition.  The match up nicely with lineup and rotation.  The bullpen with Valverde will be able to secure enough wins to put up a fight with the Twins and the addition of Victor Martinez makes their line up even more potent.  Dark Horse pick - Cleveland Indians.  With an up and coming rotation and rising stars Shin-Soo Choo & Matt Laporta and the addition of Orlando Cabrera they have a chance to be a .500 team this year.  Closer Chris Perez will be able to close out enough games to be a thorn in the side of the AL Centrals top two teams this year.

The AL West : Division Winner -  Oakland A's.  The rotation looks like a lights out one.  There's talk about Brett Anderson being a strong Cy Young candidate.  Up and down the rotation are young guns that can shut down a team at the drop of a hat.  But, if somehow the rotation falters, they have a great bullpen which got better with the addition of Brian Fuentes former Angels closer and Andrew Bailey to finish it off.  The lineup has enough veterns in it like Hideki Matsui & Coco Crisp to help along the rising stars as Josh Willingham and Mark Ellis and lead them to the division title.  The Rangers, last years division champs I believe pitched over their heads last year.  They still have a potent lineup with Josh Hamilton & Nelson Cruz but will they have enough to hold off they A's from taking over the division?  Not pitching wise, although, kudos to the Rangers for leaving Neftali Cruz where he was and not possibly ruining him as a starter.  That could be the difference for the Rangers.  Dark Horse pick - Don't really see one but both the Angels & Mariners have some talent but not enough to be any serious threat to either of the top two teams.  It should be a two team race for the title.

Conning Cansecos; Jose sends Ozzie to Fight For Him.

Jose Canseco was asked to be in a Celebrity Boxing match at the Hard Rock nightclub in Hollywood, Florida and was supposed to be paid $5000.00 when he agreed to fight and then another $5000.00 on fight night.  Only problem, it was Jose's twin brother Ozzie who showed up in his place to collect and fight. He was found out by fans that noticed that the tattoos were different from what Jose had and Ozzie was escorted off the premises by police.  This isn't the first time this has happened.  Jose has sent Ozzie to some autograph sessions in his place as well.  First off, why would anyone, regardless of who it is, want Jose Canseco for anything?  Celebrity anything (fill in the blank)?  Really?  On top of thinking he's some kind of draw we find out now that he is actually a Con-Artist.  I can't believe Jose would have the nerve to send his much less famous twin brother to autograph sessions.  I wonder what name Ozzie was signing at these autograph sessions?  And if he was signing Jose's name was there any guilt knowing he was duping all these fans paying money and ridiculous money in some cases for the autographs?  One thing we've figured out is that Jose is the brains of the operation and Ozzie is the gopher.  This kind of reminds me of the Godfather with Michael (Jose) taking over the family business with Fredo (Ozzie) being sent to do things the Godfather wasn't really interested in being involved in.  Like autograph sessions or anything he committed to being a part of to keep whatever fans he may somehow have.  They've been conning fans, promoters and anyone else they can get away with for years now.  Let's do the world a favor...let Jose & Ozzie (Michael & Fredo) disappear quietly and never acknowledge their existence again!

And Then There Were Four...

The NCAA Final Four was set this weekend with Kentucky, UConn, Butler & VCU all winning their games.  This is and unbelievable turn of events for all of us who did brackets this year.  UConn, who was ranked # 3 in the tournament has been steamrolling through the tournament since winning 5 games in 5 days to become the Big East champs.  Since then,  they have won 4 more games getting themselves to the Final Four led by Kemba Walker who just maybe the Number 1 pick.  Speaking of steamrolling, VCU, who wasn't even voted in the tournament, played themselves in and have rolled through it winning by at least 10 points in every tournament game against higher ranked opponents.  Butler has done something that is almost unheard of by getting to the Final Four for the second year in a row.  By doing this, Butler has earned much more respect in future NCAA Tournaments and should be ranked alot higher the 8 in the future.  Kentucky, who has a history of being one the top College Basketball teams ever, is not really a surprise to make it this far even though ranked  the 4 seed.  My brakcets were pretty much destroyed along with alot of others with Butler & VCU getting this far.  The "darling" pick of course is VCU but I believe we'll see a UConn-Butler showdown where I believe Butler will finally break through and become the National Champion.  It's been a wild ride and that should continue to be through the final game.

Next Week on Sports News & Opinions...

I'll pick 5 dark horse teams that could have a shot at making the playoffs or at least make some noise in this 2011 MBL season.  Stay tuned....

Parcells Offically Out of Miami

Bill Parcells has offcially cut ties with the Miami Dolphins as of yesterday.  Spokesman Harvey Greene said that Pracells is no longer with the team in any capacity offically.  He came to the Dolphins in 2007 after an abismal 1-15 season to turn things around and just like always, he did.  In 2008, the Dolphins turned it around with an 11-6 record and a playoff appearance.  Last year he cleaned out his office and stayed on as a consultant but is now officially out.  In 19 seasons as a coach, he's taken the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys and turned them into winners.  He won two Super Bowls with the Giants and appeared in another with the Patriots in a losing effort.  He got the Jets to the AFC title game and the Cowboys back into the playoffs.  What's next for Parcells?  Immediately next is a 90 minute special about the inner workings of the NFL Draft.  However, there are a few teams...well, maybe more than a few that can use a guru like Parcells who has the genius to turn mediocre or losing teams into winners.  The Redskins, 49ers, Texans and Jaguars could use a man like Parcells to get them over the hump, as it were.  The Texans haven't been better than 500 since their inception.  The 49ers were expected to be the stars of the league last year but faltered miserably.  The 'Skins & Jaguars show flashes of brilliance but never enough to make anyone worry about playing them.  Parcells will end up as a consultant at the least with another team and when he does....be afraid...be very afraid.

Enough with Derrick Rose for MVP!

It seems for about the last few months now every other conversation has to do with "Is Derrick Rose MVP?"  Every game they win it seems to come up, Is he MVP? Two days later, How bout now? Five minutes after that,  How bout now??  It's becoming overkill locking Derrick Rose up for MVP everytime he makes basket or wins a game.  There are at least six other candidates for MVP of the NBA this year that are obvious contenders.  Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade & Dirk Nowitzki who seem to be mentioned only because they have to be.  These six players probably have just as much if not more impact on where their teams are as much as Rose does.  I'll even give you three more....Kevin Love of the Timberwolves.  53 games in a row with a double/double which set a record post merger by one over the great Moses Malone.  Yes I know, Wilt Chamberlin had done it over 200 times in a row which is something that will probably never be broken.  But Kevin Love was the only reason anyone paid attention to the T'wolves at all.  The Denver Nuggets team, no not anyone player...team.  They are 11-4 post Carmelo and are in the 5 seed right now and have a possible chance if the Thunder get lazy to take the 4 seed and make a run to the 2nd round of the playoffs.  Last but not least, the Houston Rockets team, yes...team.  They have been on a tear going 12-3 since February 22nd and have a strong chance to make the playoffs and even making it as far as the 6 seed.  So let's not crown anyone or any team MVP just yet.  If the Bulls who are on a tear right now,  go 1-11 in the last 12 games and fall back to the 4 seed, everyone's favorite word will become Lebron or Kobe or D-Wade real quick.

Sports News & Opinions: NFL Rule Changes..I'm Okay With Them

Sports News & Opinions: NFL Rule Changes..I'm Okay With Them: "On Tuesday, NFL owners voted in favor of three rule changes. The first and most important they felt was that now kickoff's will go fro..."

NFL Rule Changes..I'm Okay With Them

On Tuesday, NFL owners voted in favor of three rule changes.  The first and most important they felt was that now kickoff's will go from the 35 yard line instead of the 30.  This rule is not really a change, but a reversal of sorts.  Player safety was said to be the reason for this change, but some would argue that this could be a ploy by the owners to try and pursuade the players in favor of the 18 game season.  Some players, namely Chicago's Devon Hester & Cleveland's Joe Cribbs were totally against the change saying it takes away from the excitement of the game and there are no statistics showing a significant amount of injuries during kickoffs to make this change.  I, for one don't really mind it and don't believe this change will affect the game all that much.  Yes, there may be more touchbacks but I would really rather see the offense take it down the field with a spectacular drive.  Also, regarding player safety, the NFL will now correct the language involving what hits are considered finable against defenseless players, making it more definitive.  Two other changes made were regarding dead ball fouls at the end of the half which will now not extend the end of the half regardless of who commited the foul.  The last one I can't believe they wasted time on involving the color of the field.  There was talk maybe some teams want to change it blue or red?  Why not a lovely Pastel?  Or a Sunny Off-Yellow?  Can we please stick to the important issues and get the Labor Talks resolved already?!?  Instead of wondering what color to paint the field?

D'Antoni Needs To Go as Knicks Lose Again

The Knicks once again lost last night to the Bucks 100-95.  It's their 5th loss in the last 6 games which now makes them 7-8 since the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, which in my view is ridiculous for the talent they have.  It seems that the frustration is starting to build with every loss and it will continue to do so as long as the losing keeps up.  In this span the Knicks have lost 2 games to the Cavs, 2 to the Pacers, 1 to the Pistons and now 1 to the Bucks.  All are under .500 teams and with the talent the Knicks have this has no business happening.  I'll allow maybe one let down game against one of the above mentioned teams but that's it.  Instead, 6 of the 8 losses since the 'Melo trade have been against lousy teams.  The only thing they've accomplished in the last month is falling to the No 7 seed from the No 6 which happened over the weekend with the loss to the Pistons.  The only common denominator I see in these losses is Mike D'Antoni.  His run & gun style with absolutely no defense whatsoever is clearly the wrong system for this team.  I think if Carmelo Anthony ran into Amari & Chauncey on the street and asked if they felt like playing the Pistons in 10 minutes while grabbing two other strangers on the way, they would probably beat them hands down.  There is no reason I can see that they should have this many losses against bad teams...except D'Antoni.  It shouldn't take this long to "gel" or "learn how to play together" with the schedule they have had.  I really can't see another reason this should not be working.  I believe they need to get someone one in there that has a better defensive game plan because what they have now isn't working.  I really hope I'm wrong about this because I saluted D'Antoni taking what is one of the toughest jobs in the NBA.  New York has always been a "Win Now" town so if the Knicks don't do anything the last 12 games or in the playoffs it may be curtins for D'Antoni. 

No 11s Marquette, VCU & No 10 Florida State Advance

Yet once again in the NCAA Men's Tournament the SECOND round winners have left us scratching our heads.  It seems to happen every year on the Road to the Final Four.  The games leading into the Sweet Sixteen during the SECOND round have left everyone baffled asto how the teams that advanced did so at such low seeds.  No 11 Marquette beat No 3 Syracuse, No 11 VCU (who had to play in to get the seed) destroyed No 3 Purdue & No 10 Florida State beat up No 2 Notre Dame over the weekend.  Notre Dame and Purdue seemed to never be in either game and had to fight not to lose by more.  Syracuse was pretty much sweating from beginning to end then just ran out of gas losing by 4.  Is it possible some of the teams in the Tournament are much better than where they are being seeded?  Or is the seeding of the teams allegedly better totally off?  Maybe it's time to start paying more respect to the teams that are still in the Tournament for the future and not over-seed teams that don't really deserve it...ala St Johns, Pitt & Vanderbilt.  In spite of all the things looked at as far as seeding teams (i.e. season record, conference record, wins vs. elite teams, blah blah blah..) maybe they should also consider where they were seeded & how the did in the Tournament in the previous 5 years.  If they've been there before and have done well make sure they get seeded as deserved and not let in say St Johns who hasn't been in it the 5 years and hand them a 6 seed. On the brighter side, my West Bracket is still perfect and betweeen the East & West I have 7 of 8 in the Elite Eight.  On the SE & SW side, I have 2 of the 8.  The SE & SW have been messy from the beginning but I still have my Final Four in tact with Duke, NC, Kansas & BYU still alive.

No 1 Pitt Stunned, No 2 San Diego State Survives

In what was a crazy finish in the Pitt-Butler game including two fouls, a bad one by Butler then an even worse one by Pitt in a tie game, Matt Howard of Butler made a free throw with 0.8 seconds left to give Butler the stunning upset 71-70.  Pitt, who by all accounts seemed to have the easiest road to the Final Four once again found a way to lose.
San Diego State was tested yesterday against the No 7 Temple Owls in a game that went to two overtimes but pulled through in the end with a 71-64 victory. 
Now for the brackets...my Southeast bracket is pretty messy but I have  No 3 BYU going to the FInal Four so all is still well.  My West bracket is a perfect 10 for 10 where I have Duke heading to the Final Four.  My Southwest bracket is a bit sloppy but still in tact where I have Kansas going to the FInal Four.  The East bracket is doing very well with only two opening round losses and having North Carolina heading to the Final Four.  So all in all, my brackets are doing pretty well.  I hope yours are too...just hopefully not better than mine. :-)

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tourney Upsets 12 over 5? Try 11 over 6...

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tourney Upsets 12 over 5? Try 11 over 6...: "For all of us that were racking our brains to figure out which 12 seed was going to upset a 5 seed in the Tournament may have another brain ..."

NCAA Tourney Upsets 12 over 5? Try 11 over 6...

For all of us that were racking our brains to figure out which 12 seed was going to upset a 5 seed in the Tournament may have another brain teaser in the future.  Three of the four 6 seeds went down this weekend with Cincinnati being the only survivor.  Xavier, Georgetown & St Johns all were beaten handily in the first round without any being a threat to win.  Could it be that some of these teams aren't worth the seed they're given?  I did notice 3 of the 4 were Big East teams.  Even though the Big East is considered the biggest and toughest conference maybe letting 11 teams in was a bit much.  Maybe they're being catered to way too much.  St Johns pretty much proved they didn't belong in the 6 seed they were given and Georgetown could've taken the day off which it seemed they did anyway.  Only one 5 seed Vanderbilt went down in a game that went down to the wire.  I'm starting to think that maybe the NCAA committee needs to look at the seeding for who they vote in and not necessarily the teams.  Of course, 8 or 9 teams from the Big East would be enough to represent the Big East instead of 11.  Hats off to 11 seeds Marquette, Gonzaga & VCU.  This years Tourney could get very interesting.

Sports News & Opinions: Tourney Update: Louisville Stunned, All Else in Or...

Sports News & Opinions: Tourney Update: Louisville Stunned, All Else in Or...: "With 4 seconds left Demonte Harper of 13th seeded Morehead State hit a 3 pointer for the lead and stunning win over 4th seeded Lou..."

Tourney Update: Louisville Stunned, All Else in Order

With 4 seconds left Demonte Harper of 13th seeded Morehead State hit a 3 pointer for the lead and stunning win over 4th seeded Louisville, but aside from this game mostly everything went as it should.  Typically, as with almost every year, a 12 seed beat a 5 seed when Richmond beat Vanderbilt by 3 with seconds left as well.  11th seeded Gonzaga beat 6th seeded St. Johns handily which makes me wonder about the seeding to begin with.  St. Johns hasn't been in the Tourney for years while Gonzaga has been considered the favorite to at least go deep in the Tourney for the last 5 years.  So how could they be seeded 11th?  Makes me wonder if Gonzaga has a chip on their shoulder this year and may shock everyone.  My bracket took a bit of a hit yesterday in the Southeast where my upsets ( Utah State & Belmont) were beat pretty easily.  Aside from that, everything else was in order.   I should have a good day today.  My only minor upset I have is 10 Georgia over 7 Washington.  I ended up with 6 losses but all in the SE & SW brackets.  Hope your brackets are still in order.  Good luck today!

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tournament Picks

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tournament Picks: "East Bracket: First Round Upset 10 Georgia over 7 Washington with Ohio State vs. NC in the Elite Eight and NC going to the Final Four. West ..."

NCAA Tournament Picks

East Bracket: First Round Upset 10 Georgia over 7 Washington with Ohio State vs. NC in the Elite Eight and NC going to the Final Four.
West Bracket: No real upsets in round one but in round two I have 5 Arizona over 4 Texas with Duke vs. San Diego State in the Elite Eight and Duke going to the Final Four setting up what should be a classic Duke-North Carolina showdown in the Final Four.
Southwest Bracket: Again, no real upsets in round one but round two I have 5 Vanderbilt over Louisville with Kansas vs.Purdue in the Elite Eight and Kansas in the Final Four.
Southeast Bracket: A few upsets here with 9 Old Dominion over 8 Butler, 12 Utah State over Kansas State & 13 Belmont over 4 Wisconsin in round one. Round Two I have 7 UCLA over 2 Florida. Round Three I have 12 Utah State over 1 Pitt with BYU vs. Utah State in the Elite Eight with BYU going to the Final Four.
Final Four: Duke over North Carolina and BYU over Kansas
Championship Game: Duke over BYU 77-69.  Good Luck everyone!

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tourney Expanded to 68 Teams - Not Really

Sports News & Opinions: NCAA Tourney Expanded to 68 Teams - Not Really: "The NCAA said they expanded the tournament 68 teams, which they did, sort of. When I first heard this I didn't think much of it except..."

NCAA Tourney Expanded to 68 Teams - Not Really

The NCAA said they expanded the tournament 68 teams, which they did, sort of.  When I first heard this I didn't think much of it except that four other teams now have a chance in the tournament, but they actually don't.  The four extra games are actually "play in" games, not tournament games.  Until this year there were technically 63 teams picked for the tournament with one play in game by two teams looking to be the No.16 seed in a bracket to end up playing someone like Duke or Kansas to be sent home afterwards.  There was actually some thrill and excitement to there being a one game play off or I should say play in between two teams still on the bubble trying to get to the dance.
Now they have 8 teams playing for the same thing.  Except, who cares.  Now you have 4 games for four different seeds which most of these teams probably don't deserve.  There were teams that were thought more deserving to be voted in aka Colorado, St Marys, Harvard that weren't even given a chance.  Somehow, teams like Texas-San Antonio & Arkansas-Little Rock get the "chance" to play in but aren't actually in the tournament.  If they want to say they expanded the tournament, make it 72 teams and add one more game to each bracket to make it 18 seeds and actually let them IN the tornament.  Enough with the play in games or drop it back to only one.
Tomorrow....My Picks for the Final Four....stay tuned....

Sports News & Opinions: Rangers' Feliz - Lights Out Closer to Shut Down St...

Sports News & Opinions: Rangers' Feliz - Lights Out Closer to Shut Down St...: "Although I've read two supposedly no-brainer articles that Texas Rangers' closer Neftali Feliz has the right stuff to become a top starting ..."

Rangers' Feliz - Lights Out Closer to Shut Down Starter?

Although I've read two supposedly no-brainer articles that Texas Rangers' closer Neftali Feliz has the right stuff to become a top starting pitcher, I still think it's the wrong move.  In his rookie campaign last year, Feliz emerged as one of the games top closers helping the Rangers' to the World Series with 40 saves in 70 games and a 4-3 win loss record with only 3 blown saves.  Now, the Rangers', needing another starter with nothing available on the market, are attempting to make Feliz a #3 starter behind CJ Wilson & Colby Lewis.  Although my position on not making him a starter is thwarted with CJ Wilson emerging as a starter last year after being a closer the last two years with a 15-8 record, I'm still very hesitant.  Feliz says he's very comfortable with the closer role and seems to be made for it.  Of course, the decision is not his and it's what's best for team but you wonder if they (Manager Ron Washington & Pitching Coach Mike Maddux) want to mess with success, as it were.  Wilson, although decent as a closer with 14 & 24 saves the previous two years, did not seem to thrive in the role where as Feliz does.  You also have to worry about him psycologically, if he has a few bad outings coming out of the gate this year it may affect the confidence he had being the closer.  There is also the arm of Feliz being used for twice as many innings, although the Rangers' say he will not go more than 160 may still effect him later in the year.  Ron Washington & Mike Maddux are experts in this and may in all probability go with him as a starter, I just hope it's worth it.  Feliz has the goods to be a Mariano-like closer for the next 10 maybe15 years and it may cost the Rangers' some games with him not being there in the ninth inning.  Unless they catch lightening in a bottle twice.

Sports News & Opinions: Sports News & Opinions: St. Johns-Rutgers Refs wit...

Sports News & Opinions: Sports News & Opinions: St. Johns-Rutgers Refs wit...: "Sports News & Opinions: St. Johns-Rutgers Refs withdraw from Big East Tour...: 'In the wake of yesterdays mess made of the St. Johns-Rut..."

Sports News & Opinions: St. Johns-Rutgers Refs withdraw from Big East Tour...

Sports News & Opinions: St. Johns-Rutgers Refs withdraw from Big East Tour...: "In the wake of yesterdays mess made of the St. Johns-Rutgers Big East Tournament game, the 3 referee's assigned the game Jim Burr, Tim Higgi..."

St. Johns-Rutgers Refs withdraw from Big East Tourney

In the wake of yesterdays mess made of the St. Johns-Rutgers Big East Tournament game, the 3 referee's assigned the game Jim Burr, Tim Higgins & Earl Watson have withdrawn from refereeing the rest of the Big East Tournament. Yesterday, with about 4 seconds left Rutgers threw a long pass inbound which was stolen by a St Johns player who subsequently ran out of bounds & threw the ball into the stands with 1.7 seconds left.  The refs let time run out even though the clock should have been stopped giving Rutgers one more possession.  Rutgers Head Coach Mike Rice was arguing a possible foul on the inbound pass and had not even noticed the St Johns player go out of bounds, he saw it on Youtube.  He then went on to say today on ESPN's First Take that he praised the referee's for taking accountability and stepping aside for the rest of the tournament.
I myself believe this was the right thing to do.  It's actually refreshing to have someone take responsibility for there mistakes of this magnitude. (Cough)Jim Tressel (Ahem) Ohio State...sorry, furball.

Sports News & Opinions: Tiger, Phil Paired at Doral First Two Rounds

Sports News & Opinions: Tiger, Phil Paired at Doral First Two Rounds: "The 5th ranked Tiger Woods & 6th ranked Phil Mickelson will be paired together in the first two rounds of the WGC-Cadillac Championship ..."

Tiger, Phil Paired at Doral First Two Rounds

The 5th ranked Tiger Woods & 6th ranked Phil Mickelson will be paired together in the first two rounds of the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral.  The last time they were paired together this early was in 2007 at the Deutsche Bank Championship and prior to that was way back when in 2002.  This is obviously being done to drum up ratings that have been sinking fast since Tiger has been in a personal and professional tailspin for year and a half now.  At times this year, Tiger seemed to get his game back but hasn't been able to close the deal.  Most recently being ousted in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championship.
This pairing, I believe, is just what Tiger needs to get him going.  Tiger being paired with Phil just may be the jolt he needs to get the juices flowing in the right direction permanently.  They've always had the rivalry they both thrived on when being paired together in the last round of many tournaments, which never disappointed on any given Sunday.  Phil should thrive on this also, looking for a fresh start and feeling healthier from being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.  I believe this pairing will be great for both their games and especially the ratings.  I, for one, will be watching Thursday & Friday to see if this holds true.  Wouldn't it be great if they were paired on Saturday & Sunday too?  Stay tuned...

Comparing the Big Threes- Celtics vs. Heat

To put it plainly, the Celtics get it and the Heat don't...yet.  When the Celtics acquired Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett four years ago and assembled the first "Big Three" they all understood it was about winning.  They all got that it was about putting aside being a one man show and about assembling a team to win championships.  They each sacrificed big stats to work as a team...a winning team.  Case and point, before coming to Boston, Garnett averaged 23 ppg and after 16 ppg, Ray Allen 24 ppg before and 17 ppg  after, Paul Pierce 25 ppg and after 19 ppg.  They all work well together and understand it's about winning.  It paid off the first year with and NBA Championship.  The Heat "Big Three" do not get it (and I'll say it again) yet.  Lebron James and Dwayne Wade before playing together this year were averaging 26 and 25 ppg and both still average the same amount of points this year.  I only compare the two because Chris Bosh has been mostly non-existent this year minus a handful of games.  Lebron & Dwayne need to figure out it's about winning not being the hero.  The Heat have a chance to be the dominant team they set out to be but won't be until they learn to sacrifice trying to one up each other and figure out how to win. 
The difference between the Celtics and the Heat?  The Celtics get it and the Heat don't.....yet.

Shockey Signs 1 Year Deal with Panthers

Former NY Giants & Saints TE Jeremy Shockey signed a 1 year deal yesterday with the Carolina Panthers.  The deal is worth about $4 Million with $1 Million in guaranteed money.  The one year deal for a player is usually done to set up a long term deal with either the team your with or another team.  Of course, the long term deal is done after you have a great season for that one year.  However, I really don't think the Panthers were the right team to try and set this up with.  The Panthers were anemic last year offensively with Jimmy Clausen at 1-9 with him at the helm. If Shockey was hoping the Panthers & Clausen would be the stepping stone to a big three to five year deal somewhere next year, this more than likely will not be the case.  The only other team interested was the Miami Dolphins who also are in need of a QB still not sure about Chad Henne.  Teams like the Seahawks & Rams actually might have been better for Shockey both having solid QB's (Hasselback, although getting up in age and Bradford, young and with a big future) and both in the same weak division with bad defenses where he could probably run up some numbers to get him the big deal he's looking for.  I really think he'll regret the signing before the season ends.

Sports News & Opinions: Carson Palmer to Retire?

Sports News & Opinions: Carson Palmer to Retire?: "For about two months now Carson Palmer has said he would rather be traded or retire then play another season for the Bengals. I, for o..."

Carson Palmer to Retire?

For about two months now Carson Palmer has said he would rather be traded or retire then play another season for the Bengals.  I, for one, can't really blame him.  Although he's never been the same since the injury in the playoffs a few years back, Palmer, now 31,  I believe can be a help to another team for at least three more years.  He's been with the Bengals for 9 years and I think just really wants a change of scenery.  I really don't believe he wants to retire at all.  There are a ton of teams that can use a QB like Palmer with experience and a few good years left.  namely, the Titans, Redskins, Cardinals, 49ers and Bills.
The most attractive "win now" situation I believe for Palmer would be the Titans. (Just FYI, I am a Titans fan so I may be a tad impartial).  Nevertheless, they also are going through a fresh new start with a new head coach Mike Munchak and new coordinators including offensive line partner in crime Bruce Matthews.  They also have a stud RB in Chris Johnson & WR's Kenny Britt & Justin Gage.  And maybe, just maybe, Palmer could breathe some new life into Randy Moss who was pretty much non-existent last year.
Of course, all this is at a stand still with the NFL CBA talks now being extended until next Friday.

Sports News & Opinions: Honor Code Violation Gets BYU's Davies Dismissed

Sports News & Opinions: Honor Code Violation Gets BYU's Davies Dismissed: "On Monday, BYU forward Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team for the rest of the season and possibly the School itself. This happ..."

Honor Code Violation Gets BYU's Davies Dismissed

On Monday, BYU forward Brandon Davies was dismissed from the team for the rest of the season and possibly the School itself.  This happened Monday due to an honor code violation.  This comes in wake of a dream season at 27-2 including two huge wins over San Diego State.  The actual violation is unknown although it will be addressed following tonights game against New Mexico.
If BYU does suspend him for the remainder of the season it will be a huge blow for the #3 ranked and possible #1 seed Cougars.  Some of the rules listed in the honor code are: Use Clean Language;  Abstain from all Alcohol Beverages, Substance Abuse, Tobacco, Tea & Coffee also Live a Chaste & Virtuous Life.  I'm curious as to which rule was violated and wonder if BYU will hold to it's honor code in wake of what is at stake for their basketball team.  Will they give in to possibly giving up a final four appearance and give a slap on the wrist or hold true to their honor code and actually suspend Davies leaving Jimmer Fredette to save the season?
It would be refreshing to see a team actually hold true to it's policies instead of sidestepping them and saving the season and tournament while giving a meaningless suspension next year (ala Ohio State).

Sports News & Opinions: Miami Heat to Sign Bibby

Sports News & Opinions: Miami Heat to Sign Bibby: "Mike Bibby agreed to a contract buy out yesterday and is giving up $6.2 Million next year to sign on with the Miami Heat for the rest of thi..."

Miami Heat to Sign Bibby

Mike Bibby agreed to a contract buy out yesterday and is giving up $6.2 Million next year to sign on with the Miami Heat for the rest of this season.  The Heat released Carlos Arroyo to make room for Bibby who is expected to join the Heat by tomorrow.
This, I believe, is an excellent move by the Heat who now have someone late in games who is known as a very intelligent player, to rely on in crunch time in games to make smart decisions for them.  This instead of either Lebron or Wade selfishly hogging the ball trying to be the hero.  Now they have someone to set up a smart play for a quality shot to either tie or win the game when it counts.  Bibby also, could be the one to make the shot when the game is on the line as well.  I do believe overall this is a very good move for the Heat but only time will tell.