DOWN WITH JMP? YEAH, YOU KNOW ME!

Putting Yankees Fans in Their Place

2009-08-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

There are now three things you can count on every single year: Death, taxes, and annoyingly overconfident Yankee fans.

The latest example comes on the heels of the Bombers four-game massacre of the suddenly fallible Boston Red Sox this weekend. Now, the Yankees have a six-and-a-half game lead on their nemesis, and their fans are already ordering 2009 Yankees World Series DVD's, and anointing the Sox's season over.

I'll give the Pinstripes one thing: The AL East race is over. But that's it.

And upon further review, we've seen this movie starring the 2009 Yankees several times before between 2001-2007. You can concoct the witty title, but I'll give you the synopsis: Team with the best record and the best offense folds due to shaky pitching in the postseason.

The Yankees have the best record in the American League at 69-42. Just like they did in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006. Combined playoff record those years: 17-19, one World Series appearance, no titles.

The Yankees lead the AL in runs scored. They also crossed the plate with the most frequency in 2002, 2005, and 2006. For their offensive proficiency, the Yanks were rewarded with ALDS losses each of those years.

On the pitching front? Middle of the pack, as usual. The Yanks are 8th in the AL in ERA, behind every possible playoff team except for the Angels. Sound familiar? The last four Yankee playoff disappointments, their pitching staff ranked 8th, 7th, 9th, and 6th.

This year's pitching staff once again follows the formula: The greatest closer of all-time(Mo Rivera), a competent set-up guy(Phil Hughes), but a lack of dominance in the rotation. C.C. Sabathia may be getting paid like an ace, but he's followed up better seasons than this one with deplorable postseason results(career 7.92 ERA in the playoffs). Does A.J. Burnett(10-5, 3.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) distinguish himself from prior No. 2's(Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown, this decade's version of Clemens and Pettite) that haven't excelled in the playoffs? Can you trust Joba Chamberlain(8-2 yes but 1.452 WHIP) in a big spot yet?

Conversely, the Red Sox boast Josh Beckett, one of the best postseason pitchers in recent history(7-2, 2.90 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) headlining their rotation. Their No. 2 pitcher, Jon Lester, is arguably having a better campaign than anyone in the Yanks rotation. OK, the back of their rotation kind of blows. But how many playoff series boil down to the 3rd and 4th starters? I'd be comfortable trotting out Beckett/Lester 5 times in a 7-game series, or 4 times in a short series.

The Sox's bullpen deploys just as many weapons as the Yanks. The vast differences lie in the lineups. But there have been much worse offenses(see 06 Cardinals), than the Sox's Martinez/Youkilis/Pedroia/Green/Lowell/Bay/Ellsbury/Drew/Ortiz starting nine.

And as someone once coined about 100 years ago, "Pitching and defense wins championships." A robust offense only gets you to title contention. Arms get you hoisting the trophy.

I'm not convinced the Yankees have those arms. And 2002 to 2007 supports my case pretty well.

I'm Getting Fed Up With the Roid........Reaction

2009-07-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

When players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were first embroiled in the steroid controversy, I shared some of your outrage. I felt like it was unfair for a "few select players" to cheat their way to the top.

But by 2005-2006, when it became abundantly clear that a "few select players" to cheat became "hundreds", my outrage dissipated. My blame went from the users to the ones using the users for profit, Bud Selig and the owners. And I started to justify users thinking: Why should they be put at a competitive disadvantage because their peers use? Why should they potentially lose their jobs and millions of dollars because others juice?

By 2008, the news of the Mitchell Report, and the subsequent high-profile juicers were created with yawns from me.

Now, after the NY Times report of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz flunking confidential steroid tests in 2003 that weren't confidential, I'm now angry again. But not at Manny and Ortiz(or Manny Ortez as supposed Red Sox die-hard John Kerry once called them). I'm angry at the general public for continually being naive on the steroid issue. I'm angry at the mainstream media for driving up drivel like "Should the Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series be tainted?". I'm angry at baseball, for not destroying confidential tests, and thus, breaching the idea of anonymity to exploit their own phony interests in sending a message to kids and their parents.

I'm just angry that anyone still cares about steroids in baseball.

Yes, I suppose Manny and Ortiz's alleged steroid usage prolongs a bad message to America's youth(altho I think a worse message is trade masculinity for homers). And Ortiz, in particular, looks like a jackass for saying steroid users should be suspended for an entire season.

OK but where do you want to go from here? Strip the Sox of their 2004 title? That's a great idea, let's instead award the World Series to the Yankees, with A-Rod and the human raging steroid Kevin Brown. How bout the Cardinals, and manager Tony LaRussa? Yeah, he didn't know what the Bash Brothers were doing when he was the A's skipper. Or the team they beat in the NLCS, the Astros ? Now pitching.....Roger Clemens!!!

Then I guess we should keep Manny and Ortiz out of the Hall of Fame(not that the latter was likely to go). Joining a distinguished list of Barry Bonds, Clemens, Juan Gonzalez, McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Mike Piazza, A-Rod, Pudge Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Sosa, some of our generation's best players who's accomplishments are supposedly "tainted." Why don't we just make Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr the only two people to get into the Hall from the steroid era? I have a better idea if that happens: Close it down. It's not a Hall of Fame without the all-time home run leader, hits leader, or a guy who wins 7 Cy Youngs.

I almost think that it'll take a Jeter or Griffey to get busted before the average Sportscenter viewer actually realizes that most people were PED users. And still could be. In the meantime, I wish everyone would either move on or move out. If you don't like the fact that most baseball players have juiced in the last 20 years, then find another sport to root for that you think is clean. For the rest of us, let's enjoy tomorrow's trade deadline. Whether it involves PED users or not.

What to Do With Vick? I Have No Idea...

2009-07-27T18:34:00.001-07:00

The last time I consistently cranked out general sports talk shows was September 2007. The hot topic at that time was Michael Vick's recently imposed 23-month prison sentence, and whether he should be allowed to ever play football again when he became a free man. My contention at the time: I have no clue, because I don't know whether he will have rehabilitated himself by July/August 2009.

Flash forward to the present. Vick no longer incarcerated. And NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today announcing that Vick has been partially reinstated in the NFL, and could be green lighted to play after Week 5.

My reaction: I still have no clue. And most of you shouldn't either.

Let's step back and examine for a second. What Vick did was absolutely despicable, and deserved severe punishment. You can lament about 23 months(18 served) not being enough, but to me, compounding losing your freedom with relinquishing 130 million dollars, filing for bankruptcy, and forever being known first and foremost as the "dog killer" is quite a severe punishment. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel remorse for him in the slightest, but it is stiff.

That being said, while seeing your life turned upside down would cause a reasonable person to undergo a conscience metamorphosis, it doesn't guarantee that someone has "paid their debt to society." Just look at thousands of prisoners who serve time, have no life upon release, and then commit another crime. So while I would hope that Michael Vick is a changed man, I have no way of knowing that just based upon his release from jail.

However, I do believe that most offenders deserve an opportunity to do what they love if they have rehabilitated themselves. And that goes beyond giving them a second chance. Society shunning someone in Michael Vick's position could trigger them back into crime. And who's to say that if Vick became a successful NFL'er, he won't use his celebrity platform to speak against the unethical treatment of animals? It's all possible.

So where am I on the Michael Vick debate? The only place where I feel I can logically be: Supporting the decision of Roger Goodell. You can talk about sponsors/public pressure swaying him to suspend Vick for an additional 4 games, but there was no obligation for the NFL commissioner to ever re-instate Vick. By doing so, he believes Vick has/will rehabilitate himself. And that puts him in a better position to make the call than me or you, because he has more information on the alleged transformation of Vick than 99 percent of us.

I understand that my position of "let's defer to the commissioner" can be construed as more "soft" than most of my fellow media members. But for someone who believes in rehabilitation when warranted, there's no other choice.

One final note on Vick: No thanks to Denny Green, but I've now come around to the idea that the Dolphins would be interested in a non-guaranteed deal with Vick if Stephen Ross doesn't block it for PR reasons, which he may. And yes, unlike Denny Green, I'm aware of the Fins QB and Wildcat situation. But like Belly and unlike most others, Bill Parcells constructs rosters based on "the best 53", and not on position. So Michael Vick's place on the Fins could be anyplace from steering a 2nd wildcat package, to a slot receiver, to an extra defensive back, to a special teams demon. From a football standpoint, it's makes sense to bring Vick to Fins camp and decide whether he is one of the top 53 players on the roster.

Riley and the Miami Wade's-My Thoughts

2009-07-08T15:14:00.001-07:00

In list format, because there are plenty of layers on the future of Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat:

And yes, I am on Twitter. Feel free to follow.

1. Unless I'm missing something, Dwyane Wade has NEVER said he is leaving the Miami Heat in 2010 unless the team gets a significant upgrade. All he has said is he won't sign a long-term extension this offseason unless he feels the Heat is moving towards scaling the championship mountain. There's a big difference with the two, because now if absolutely necessary, Pat Riley has more than one off-season to construct a title team. It's a tricky spot to be playing chicken and the egg when neither side is relenting. But can you really blame Wade for playing the waiting game with a non-championship contending team? After all, none of the prize free agents seem ready to re-sign, other than maybe Steve Nash.

2. It's 100 percent naive to say that Wade is 100 percent staying no matter what happens(more on that below). But if I'm taking him at his word, then the Heat are still the favorites to retain his services. And that doesn't change, even if he tests free agency waters in 2010. Nearly every interview(and don't ask me for origin specifics cause there are too many to keep track of) contains some form of "I love it here" and "this is where I want to be." So again, all things equal, Dwyane Wade insists he wants to stay. How does that turn into he's likely to leave?

3. That doesn't mean he's selling his Pinecrest home to foot the bill for new properties. As candid as he's been, there are many things we don't know. How do we know he wouldn't turn down the opportunity for an extra 30 million dollars?(Other NBAers have, including Shaq). How do we know he couldn't garner that and more in endorsements by flocking to New York, or even going home and playing in the shadow of Jordan? And let's not forget about his personal trials and tribulations. Getting sued by your restaurant partners, and what appears to be dueling lawsuits with his ex-wife, yeah not fun. And if the off-the-court drama explodes, then could he be looking for a fresh start elsewhere? I elude to this because Heat fans assume Dwyane Wade is truly happy here and has it all, but do we know that for certain?

4. I still think there's a hidden message in all of this: Wade wants Riley to commit being here past 2010. If Riley packs up his office, the chances of Wade packing his bags elsewhere increase exponentially in my opinion. And knowing that Riles is arguably the most impatient person in sports(mostly a good thing), it's possible that D-Wade is worried that staying in idle and preaching patience is code for I'm turning the keys over to someone else when my contract expires next year.

5. So what do I do if I'm in the office overlooking South Beach and Biscayne Boulevard? Call up Ernie Grundfeld and see if he'd be interested in consummating a Michael Beasley-Mark Blount for Caron Butler deal. It makes sense for both sides. Caron gives Wade an instant sidekick, not to mention a good buddy that can only help persuade him to stay, and makes them better. Not top 3 better, but certainly the inside track at the 4 seed. Plus, he's only making 10.7 million in 10-11, so the Heat could still theoretically sign a max guy(if they opt out of James Jones and Daequan and don't resign Udonis) in 2010. From the Wizards perspective, they save 6.5 million in 2010 and could sign a 14-15 million a year player, plus get a 20-year old playing at home that arguably has more upside than Caron.

I like Michael Beasley, and think he's an enormously gifted offensive player, but I'm not sure how much Wade enjoys playing with him, and if he's gonna progress much further than being a big time scorer that dominates the ball and is lost on defense. And that type of player to me should be expendable if you are getting a star(like Bosh) or a surefire No. 2 All-Star caliber player(Caron). By not making this deal, you are saying that Michael Beasley will be better than a guy who has improved every year and will give you at least 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.5 steals, and can capably defend. Isn't that a lot to ask?

6. Whether he stays or goes, I will go on record saying I don't think Michael Beasley ever starts a game for the Heat at small forward. It will hamper his play on both ends, big time. He's already got miles to go just defending PF's, now you are going to ask him to learn how to defend LeBron James, Paul Pierce, or guys that are much quicker and athletic? And much of his offensive success derives from beating slower PF's off the dribble-not as easy to do against small forwards. No chance he should play the three-and Wade and Zo agree with me.

7. Finally, I'm not condemning the Heat for being interested in Allen Iverson, but isn't he a more talented Ricky Davis as this stage? And how did that work out?

Trade Johan? No Way....

2009-07-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I've expressed these thoughts on 'ze blog, but if I were Omar Minaya(and sometimes I thank my lucky stars I'm not, although he's a lot better looking than I am), my blueprint for my beloved Mets was simple: Blow the Bleeping thing Up! Other than 4 or 5 players, dangle everyone else for either prospects, or younger major-league talent. In other words, rebuild to an extent where the Mets toil around .500 this year, but have a good enough team to seriously contend for the next decade afterwards, rather than masquerade as the NL's best team on paper April-August, and then remind everyone in September that you really aren't that good.

Well, 77 games and 39 losses later, others are coming around to this idea. Except they are taking it one ill-conceived step further. They are endorsing a potential move of the great Johan Santana...

For our response, let's bring on Andres Cantor: NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Yes, I've seen Santana get his ass ripped off in 3 of his past five starts(26 hits, 19 ER in 16 innings). Yes, I'm aware that he has 5 years and a gazillion dollars left on his deal. But I'm also aware that the greatness of Johan Santana often doesn't come into focus until after the All-Star Break.

The raw data can be viewed here:

Career Totals
1st Half: 60-40, 3.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
2nd Half: 58-17, 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

Johan's Cy Young Season of 2004
1st Half: 7-6, 3.78 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
2nd Half: 13-0, 1.21 ERA, 0.75 WHIP

Johan's 2nd Cy Young Season of 2006
1st Half: 9-5, 2.95 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
2nd Half: 10-1, 2.54 ERA, 0.99 WHIP

Johan's 1st Season as a Met
1st Half: 8-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
2nd Half: 8-0, 2.17 ERA, 1.09 WHIP

So, in other words, I fully expect that Johan's mortal 9-6, 3.34 ERA numbers will look more like 18-9, 2.80 ERA by the end of the season. And that he will still be considered one of the top 3 pitchers in the game, and will continue to pitch at such a level throughout most of his contract.

It makes no sense for the Mets to deal him because there's virtually no shot they will get someone with Johan Santana potential in return. The key to making a rebuilding deal is you hope the player/players you get in return can eventually supplant the player you traded away. It's certainly possible the Mets can land another Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, or even David Wright in a deal. There's virtually no shot of grabbing another Johan Santana though.

Dolphins Two-Step

2009-06-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Cause we got to preserve the Texas theme, ya know?

1. Can we stop lumping Chad Pennington's SoBeFit shoot with Mark Sanchez's GQ feature? Sanchez posing in GQ was a dumb idea because a. He's in New York, b. He's a rookie and hasn't accomplished crap, and c. GQ is certain to attract national headlines. Pennington is not playing in New York anymore, a 9-year veteran coming off his career best season, and taking his shirt off for a local, upstart fitness magazine. Nothing to see here....unless you like Pennington's pecs...can't offer too much wisdom on that front.

2. Dennis Green says on Sirius that he expects Michael Vick to end up with the Fins because "Bill Parcells has that creativeness that says that no matter what it takes, he’s going to find a way to get Michael Vick." Sure, the Tuna, like his successor, is willing to role the dice on players with checkered pasts and love to think outside the box. But somehow, I'm guessing Denny Green forgot about the Fins second-round pick when making that declaration.

Bosh the Texan Goes Home?

2009-06-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

So Yao Ming's plexiglass foot is injured again? How does that affect the Miami Heat?

Maybe not in a positive manner, at least in terms of advancing their roster for the 2009-2010 season.

There's already been some chatter about the Rockets making a play for a big man, either as insurance or a replacement for Yao. I have to imagine right on the top of Daryl Morey's list: Native Texan Chris Bosh.

Such a manuever makes all the sense in the world for Houston, and could even benefit them more if Yao's healthy for at least part of the season. That way, Bosh slides back to his more natural power forward spot, and the Rockets have twin towers that can potentially exterminate Gasol-Bynum.

Plus, Houston has the contracts to do it, namely Tracy McGrady's 23-million dollar albatross. I think the Rockets would have to also throw in Luis Scola(a perfect fit in Toronto's system), and take back Marcus Banks's crapburger deal to make it happen. And yes while the T-Mac experience came to a very unsatisfactory ending north of the border, that was 2000. Nine years should be enough time to patch up wounds. Plus, T-Mac gives the Raps star power for a year, and cap flexibility after that.

If such a deal is consummated, the silver lining for the Heat is that Bosh probably wouldn't be extended until Yao's future becomes less cryptic. And that could mean either Bosh hits free agency in 2010, or maybe Yao catapults himself at the top of the list.

But with Yao's latest ailment, and the news that the Colangelo's aren't exactly enamored with Michael Beasley, the chances of wearing Chris Bosh wearing Heat colors in 2009-2010 are looking more remote to me.

LeBron is Still the King

2009-05-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to stay away from the ESPN-led Who's better: LeBron or Kobe argument. One, because I'm sick and tired of it. And two, because it's not entirely accurate.

But with Orlando seemingly about to dismiss Cleveland from the playoffs, and the tarnishing of LeBron's reputation in certain circles, it's time to separate fact from fiction.

Before the year started, my BOW(Best in World) list went like this:

1. LeBron
2. Kobe
3. Spot up for grabs. A healthy Dwyane Wade gets the first crack to claim the spot, but Chris Paul and an aging Tim Duncan should still be included in the conversation.

Certain things have changed. Not only is Dwyane Wade easily in the top 3, but he has vaulted himself ahead of Kobe Bryant for No. 2. You can label me a homer all you want, but to me, Dwyane Wade is equal or better to Kobe in virtually every single category. He's more explosive. He's better at getting to the line. He's a better distributor, and a better ball handler. Defensively, they are about even now. I will say both are even as a scorer, but Wade led the league this year. I can argue that Wade's jump shot has become as lethal as Kobe's, or at worst, near Kobe's level. And Kobe only has more clutch moments, because he has a longer resume. I defy anyone to name a major spot where Wade has faltered in the clutch.

So now to the King. From an offensive standpoint, anyone who blames LeBron James for the Cavs' 3-1 deficit is just lost. He's averaging 42.3 points, over seven assists, over seven rebounds and shooting 51 percent from the floor! Against one of the best defensive teams in the league. OK, there have been some missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch, but seriously, he's kept the same assists/rebound numbers, and averaging 12 more points per game.

That said, here's where I deduct a couple points from the "LeBron will exceed Michael Jordan as the greatest ever argument."

Defense.

The Cavs aren't losing this series because Mo Williams is firing up blanks. They are losing this series because the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA has allowed over 104 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. And as the guy who finished 2nd in the league in Defensive Player of the Year, LeBron has to shoulder some of the blame, sorry. Individually, he's kept Turkoglu in check outside of Game 2, and Rashard Lewis has cooled down the last 2 games(16 ppg) with LeBron getting the assignment more often. But King James is the central figure in the Cavs defense, and he'd be the first to tell you that he's not getting it done on that end.

Of course, neither is Kobe. What the hell has he done defensively to ignite a Lakers team that has shown chinks in the armor the whole year? So Kobe isn't closing the gap this playoffs. Where it gets more interesting is LeBron vs. Wade. I can't argue with the sentiment that Wade has accomplished more in his career. The 2006 Heat were better than the 2007 Cavs. But while LeBron got trounced in the finals that year, Wade staged one of the most brilliant title round performances in league history.

But most accomplished doesn't mean Best in World, or else Tim Duncan still has the crown. The sheer fact is LeBron is a better player, because there are things LBJ can do that Wade can't. But it doesn't work that way vice versa. Yes, it's not fair to Wade cause he's four inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter, but it is what it is. Numbers can tell you 75 percent of the story, and your eyes the other 25 percent. And according to both the stats and the eyes, we're witnessing Best in the World facing a 3-1 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals.

But the gap between LeBron and his best bud is smaller than the gap between LeBron and his Western Conference rival.

Shaq-Kobe Revisited

2009-05-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

First things first, credit goes to ESPN's always excellent TrueHoop Blog and Henry Abbott for coming up with this revelation.

Watch this NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercial of the famed Kobe-Shaq one-hand baseline alleyoop again from the 2000 Western Conference Finals.

Not the pass, or the dunk. But Shaq's complete and total stiffjob of Kobe after the play. Shaq ignores Kobe's hand, extended out for a high five, and even snubs him when Kobe grabs his forearm.

The Big Fraud. Always a real class act!

Also, great point by my buddy Evan Cohen at ESPN 760: Why would the Magic allow Shaq into the building last night? After tearing into Dwight Howard and calling Stan Van Gundy a "master of panic?" There's no chance I'd allow Shaq to gain entry to the Magic Kingdom, let alone Amway Arena.

What the Eastern Conference Finals Have Taught Me...

2009-05-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Besides that my prognosticating lack of skills showed up again?

That a Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Heat team could be a legitimate contender in the East.

Orlando still presents matchup problems in the frontline, but Bosh would make Dwight Howard play defense all over the court. And Udonis has defended Rashard Lewis well throughout his career.

Most people agree that the Celtics have one run left in them in 2009-2010. But who knows what shape Kevin Garnett will be in next year? Or if Father Time catches up to Ray Allen?

And I believe without a shadow of a doubt now that Wade-Bosh is a superior team than the LeBrons.

The Heat certainly need help elsewhere. They don't have a true perimeter stopper on defense. And they need help at the point, although D-Wade will likely run the point during most critical junctures.

But it's time for Pat Riley to work his magic again, excuse the pun. Get the extension done with Dwyane Wade in July, and then get Chris Bosh, even if it means trading Michael Beasley.

Tuesday Tidbits

2009-05-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

-From a production standpoint, it makes all the sense in the world for the Dolphins to make an offer to Anquan Boldin. But I believe actions like firing the most powerful agent in football today are part of the reason why Bill Parcells and company aren't touching Boldin with a 10-foot pole, even at the inexpensive price of a second or third rounder.

Yes, the Fins have been inhibited for years by various regimes treating draft picks like they are items on the Wendy's 99 cent value menu, and that's probably Reason No. 1 why they are saying "No Deal."

But I do believe that Boldin relinquished any chances of donning aqua and orange with his ill-fated decision to A. Not celebrate with his team after it improbably won the NFC Championship, and B. Rehashing his trade demands during the two biggest weeks in Cardinals history, or at least since they've been in Arizona. That shows that Boldin is in no way, shape or form, a team guy, which goes against the culture Bill Parcells has implemented in South Florida. That's what he means when he talks about "character." Yes, Will Allen gets an extension amid his legal issues, but he buys into the Fins uber-team oriented culture. And I would expect Randy Starks to still retain his spot on the roster, despite his alleged dumb-ass stunt over the weekend.

But to the Tuna regime, there's no place for a guy who only sees green. And so much so that he creates distractions during Super Bowl Week and fires the best agent in football.

Other quickies:

-The Jordan Bulls in six championship seasons, had two playoff series that went the distance. The Spurs had one series(the 2005 NBA Finals) that went seven games in their four title years. Even the Shaq/Kobe Lakers lost only two playoff games over their last two title runs, outside of the infamous seven-game Sacramento West Finals in 2002.

So even if the Lakers get past Denver, and beat an inferior Orlando team in the finals, don't even think about comparing them to the great NBA teams of the past 20 years. They are closer to the 2004 Detroit Pistons and 2006 Miami Heat, highly flawed teams which still took home the hardware but were by no means, dominant forces.

-There cannot be a worse medical staff in the history of sports than the Mets. Seriously, can you put Jose Reyes on the DL before his calf snaps in 900 pieces?

-I'm pretty confident Cleveland wins in Orlando tonight. But I still think the Magic will return the favor at the Q, either in Game 5, or even Game 7.

Another Plus Towards Getting Jason Taylor

2009-05-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

On one hand, you have tormented former hero Jim Leyritz, trying to atone for allegedly killing a drunk driver while he was also intoxicated.

And then you have Dolphins defensive lineman Randy Starks, busted for allegedly driving his truck into an officer. His truck designed to sit four, but carrying, oh only 13 people, including a woman on his lap(no word on if she stayed there the whole time).

Yes, the result of Leyritz's offense is much worse because it resulted in a death. But I'm more horrified with what Starks allegedly did. Carrying 13 people in your car, and then driving into an officer? That reeks of someone that simply doesn't give a you know what about anybody and anything other than himself.

I'm not sure if the Dolphins will take action, but if this is true, I have no problem seeing Starks be freed to find another uniform in 2009.

LeBatard and Leyritz

2009-05-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

One of the world's greatest sportswriters, Dan LeBatard is back after a year-long sabbatical with a haunting piece on sports hero turned real life goat Jim Leyritz, who's of course, awaiting trial on charges of vehicular homicide.

Just like all of Lebitz's pieces, this column will not appease everyone. It paints Leyritz, a battered person in the public eye, with a sympathetic brush. How he lost everything financially, and professionally. How he's admitted to being over the legal limit, but has been accumulating evidence to show that the deceased victim was even more culpable(a Florida toxicology report confirmed that her BAL was .18 versus Leyritz's .14). How he used to get paid for speaking engagements, but would stay 3-4 times the required amount, just telling stories and getting to know people. And how he says the portrayal of his post-accident life is chock full of misnomers.

And guess what? I do have sympathy for Jim Leyritz. Maybe because I met him two years ago pre-accident, and he was that fun-loving, articulate, introspective person that LeBatard paints him out to be. But in an unforgiving society, I want to be the one that believes in second chances, that believes someone can still be a good person even after committing a terrible mistake.

DUI to me is an unthinkable offense. I've lost a 17-year old cousin and a 17-year old friend over the last decade in alcohol-related accidents. But while I understand that in Leyritz's case, jail time may be required to prevent another accident from happening, the real albatross is living with the fact that you took someone else's life.

As someone who knows and likes Dan as a journalist and a person, well done, and welcome back! I understand why you took a break. But I hope you are back to stay.

1 For 1 on the Prediction Front...

2009-05-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Nuggets 106, Lakers 103 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

And immediately sticking out to me....the Hall of Fame Coach Formerly Known as Phil Jackson on the Lakers sidelines.

Over the last 30 seconds, Phillip
-Did not protest what should have been a violation by J.R. Smith cutting behind the jump circle before a jump ball between Chauncey Billups and Pau Gasol was finished. Gasol outjumped Billups of course, but the Lakers coughed it up trying to nab the ball. Had the violation been called, L.A. would have inbounded from the sidelines.
-Down by 4, he did not advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt despite calling a timeout.
-On the final play, seemed to use Kobe as a decoy, and instead had Derek Fisher, of all players, flash to the wing and take the 3. Suffice to say, it came closer to Jack Nicholson than the basket.

I guess when you have nine rings, you can pull off the feat of retirement, even when it appears to the naked eye that you are at least coaching.

Quick Baseball Hits

2009-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

-The Marlins have a litany of problems, but speed and defense is not near the top of my list. In fact, the bigger problem I have is Marlins braintrust thinking that they could transform a "homer or strikeout team" into the 2003 Fish overnight. That's why the deal for Emilio Bonifacio deal was so dumb. One guy doesn't change the landscape of your team. Only a complete overhaul would. Which doesn't make sense.

The reality is that Dan Uggla(who could be gone by July) will never be a good defensive second baseman, and has major holes in his swing. Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross will always be below average outfielders, and will always strike out a lot. Chris Coughlan fits that profile right now. This is what happens when you operate a team with ZERO payroll, and rely on guys with off-the-charts talent, but could use an extra year in the minors. You bet some of that blame goes on Larry Beinfest and Michael Hill. Which is why they should not rush Cameron Maybin back, and they should scrap any notions to infuse this roster with speed and defense, and just accept it for what it is. Speed doesn't win you a championship anymore, and frankly defense doesn't either in the steroid era. Homers and power pitching does.

That's why the Marlins stink right now. Because they are 14th in the NL in OPS(an anemic 707), and the vaunted starting rotation is in reality one ace(Josh Johnson), a good middle-of the rotation arm(Chris Volstad), a supposed No. 1 getting his brains bashed in(Ricky Nolasco), an always injured starter(Anibal Sanchez) and to this point, a lefty bust(Andrew Miller). That's not getting it done.

Other tidbits:

-As a Met fan, Omar Minaya PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not trade Bobby Parnell for Mark DeRosa. Or Nick Johnson. Or Todd Helton. I said it before the year and I will say it again: The Mets are not a contender. They need to spend a year rejuvenating the farm system, even if it means temporarily getting worse. They should have shopped Delgado. David Wright's value is taking a nosedive by the second. And as much I hate to say it, Steve Phillips isn't completely off-base in suggesting dealing Carlos Beltran. He's the top player who could give you a lot of value right now.

-Let's see eight straight victories for the Yankees after a horrible start. Wasn't that the script every year under Joe Torre? So can people get off Girardi's back now?

-And why in the world would the White Sox trade for Jake Peavy? Other than Carlos Quentin, Josh Fields, and Gavin Floyd, there are no up and coming players, except three that could be off to San Diego. Congrats Kenny Williams, you will once again be the best team in a laughable AL Central, and then get promptly dismissed in the ALDS again. And then toil around in 60-winville for the next three years.

On Second Thought, the Cavs Could Be in Trouble

2009-05-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Guess I asked for this when I said Kris Allen beating Adam Lambert on Idol last night was as improbable as if the Magic beat the Cavaliers.

Magic 107, Cavs 106 in Game 1. In a building that Cleveland was 43-1 in games they fielded an NBA team in.

Don't ambush me for sounding overdramatic here, because when push comes to shove, I still think the Cavs win this series on the strength of having a superior all-around club.

But the Magic drew first blood, in spite of:

1. LeBron James playing one of the most remarkable playoff games I've ever seen. 49 points, 20-30 shooting, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals. The discussion over best player in the NBA is laughable. D-Wade and Kobe(yes in that order) are incredibly gifted players that are as competitive as anybody who's ever stepped onto the deck. But LeBron makes basketball look like a video game. He seems to be playing a different sport. Not sure we were ever praising Jordan in that manner.

And the idea that LeBron lost Cleveland the game because he went into selfish one-on-one mood is just asinine. He wasn't selfish. Selfish players don't have 8 assists. Selfish players don't set up Delonte West and Mo Williams on the two biggest shots of the game. The Cavs lost because the trio of Z, West and Mo Williams couldn't hit a shot inside of 65 feet.

2. Cleveland not only taking a 15-point advantage into the locker room, but precisely executing their game-plan of defending Dwight Howard straight up, and trying to wipe out Orlando's bombs away attack and eviscerating their pick and roll game. At least for one half. Then we learned that Rashard Lewis is a horrible matchup for Anderson Varejo, who's not used to extending himself to the three-point arc on defense. And that Mo Williams in a clutch spot, still can't guard a chair. And that Stan Van Gundy transformed himself from the Master of Panic back to a coach capable of carving out a Hall of Fame career. Moving Hedo Turkoglu to a point forward role(4-11 shooting but 14 assists) and thus making others besides LeBron guard him was a masterful stroke.

3. And while I am in the Dwight Howard is overrated camp, he's unstoppable within 5 feet from the basket. And this is surprising to say about the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, but I don't think Cleveland has anyone who can force Dwight Howard out of that comfort zone. Z is immovable at this point. And the other three "bigs"(Varejo, Wallace, and Smith) work hard but are undersized. I think we took Kendrick Perkins defense for granted because that's the guy you need on D-12, the 6-11, 275 pound widebody defensive lineman. The Cavs are bereft of anyone even close.

The summary is this: I still expect Cleveland to win this series. But it will be quite a series.

And just for the record, I expect Denver to even it up tonight at Staples. They were the more impressive team in Game 1, despite Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith shooting 7-20. And there's no evidence the soft Laker defense can stop Carmelo.

WHAT?!!! Adam Lost?????

2009-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I will post a longer entry on the great tragedy known as the American Idol season finale tomorrow when I’m further able to collect my thoughts(yes, some males do spend time analyzing A.I.)

But after eight seasons, I am done with the show. And I’d like to thank 100 million people worldwide for curing me from Idolitis.

Because if you all are stupid enough to pick Boring, Blasé and whiny voiced Kris Allen, over Adam Lambert, the most daring, talented, and flat-out-best singer in the history of Idol, then I don’t want to be there to experience the next ring of worldwide stupidity. I mean, seriously have you all been infected with swine flu? The person who I feel was better than Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Daughtry rolled into one just got unseated by Kris Allen? What’s next, the Magic beating the Cavs tonite?

And yes I understand that 1. I’ve never brought myself to ever cast a vote, and 2. Adam is probably better off not being hamstrung by the Idol contract. But how is it worth watching what’s supposed to be a singing competition and constantly not seeing the best singer win?

American Idol has become the Harlem Globetrotters. And I stopped watching the Globetrotters a long time ago.

Derek Jeter: Still Overrated

2009-05-20T14:29:00.001-07:00

I've long been a supporter of a committee of current and ex-players, coaches and executives being the ones to vote on the Baseball Hall of Fame. And not overly sanctimonious writers.

But perhaps I should cease that line of thinking after the Sporting News survey of the top 50 players in the game was released today. The subjects of the survey were a panel of 100 Hall of Famers, award winners, and other baseball personalities.

Albert Pujols, consensus best hitter in the game, occupies the top spot. OK. Then A-Rod, Johan Santana, Manny, and Hanley Ramirez. No problems there.

But No. 8: Derek Jeter.....I kid you not. Apparently, we know that Joe Morgan must have been interviewed 99 times for this survey.

If we are talking career accomplishments, Derek Jeter is a unquestioned first-ballot Hall of Famer. But today? El Capitan has a 771 OPS. Just like his 771 OPS last year. Everyone outside of Joe Morgan and Suzyn Waldman know that Jeter is a below-average shortstop that should be switching positions with A-Rod. And for the "intangibles" that everyone loves going to? Yeah, the same ones that allegedly empowered the Yankees to four World Series titles last decade, have resulted in zero playoff series wins since 2004.

Right now, Derek Jeter wouldn't even make my list of the top 5 shortstops in baseball(Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins, Troy Tulowitzki, J.J. Hardy). So how exactly is he the 8th best player in baseball?

See the list HERE, at your own risk.

George Brett Pissed Over More than Just Pine Tar

2009-05-20T13:49:00.001-07:00

As you may have been able to tell, I've tried to tweak the format of this blog over the last couple of weeks. Less cynicism and more thoughtful sports issues. Less off-the-field comedic stories and videos, and more in-depth entries.

This is not to take a shot at the Deadspins and Sports By Brooks of the world. I love those blogs and read them daily. But they expound on the lighter side of sports much better than I do. So I'm reverting back to what I'm good at, and what provides more value.

That said, sometimes there are videos that need to be shared for the general public. And George Brett going postal on a reporter from the Kansas City NBC affiliate about manager Trey Hillman needs to be viewed.

Too bad Stacy London and Clinton Kelly weren't there to see those pants. Otherwise, they may have had a few choice words.

Marve to Purdue

2009-05-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

With reports that former UM quarterback Robert Marve has finally chosen to transfer to a school-Purdue-I think it's time to once again examine the domino effect that he may have on the University of Miami.

Randy Shannon has two seasons left on his current contract. AD Kirby Hocutt continues to act cryptically towards the issue of a long-term extension for his football coach. In public, Hocutt supports his coachh with glowing praise, but there's been no talks, or even a timetable towards extension talks. Now eeople close to the situation have told me Hocutt really does love Randy Shannon. Outsiders still believe UM is playing out the string, before dumping him for say, Kirby Hocutt's former coach Jim Leavitt.

My opinion is Shannon's future at the U will be tied to his decision to pick Jacory Harris over Robert Marve.

Now to me, Harris over Marve was the right decision. I think Jacory Harris was and is the better quarterback. And more importantly, on a school still going through wholesale rebuilding, Jacory possesses the much higher ceiling. He seems like a naturally cerebral quarterback, and willing to put in the hours to improve on and off-the field.

Quite a contrast to Marve who for me, was not a pleasure to deal with at all. Very abrupt and terse with the media, thinking he was for lack of a better term hot shit. On the field, he had the propensity to continually start running anytime his first read wasn't open, rather than go through progressions. It's one thing when a freshman or first-year quarterback does that in Game 1. But falling into the same habits by Game 12? Smells of a guy letting the cockiness overshadow putting in the work needed to get better. And his off-the-field transgressions(allegedly breaking a windshield, fleeing from cops, suspended for the Emerald Bowl for missing class) upholds all of this.

Still, it's Randy Shannon's job to decide whether he needs to pick one, or try and win with both. He chose Option A. So going forward, it's very simple to me: If Jacory Harris becomes the best UM QB since Kenny D, the Canes should be able to return to at the very least, the top of the ACC standings, and maybe even the title picture by 2010/2011. If that happens, Randy Shannon is the long-term answer in Coral Gables.

But if Harris flops in the same way the more heralded Brock Berlin and Kyle Wright did, and Marve flourishes at Purdue, then Randy Shannon gets tagged as the guy who can't develop his own talent, just like his predecessor Larry Coker. And just like Larry Coker, Randy Shannon will likely be out of a job in a couple years.

Don't Pick An Upset Just to Pick An Upset....

2009-05-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

I've strayed from making wholesale predictions on the NBA Playoffs until now. But I need to step in to feed a little reality check to those that are really prognosticating an Orlando upset over Cleveland.

I mean, seriously?? Yes I know Orlando is more talented than Detroit and Atlanta, but what part of eight straight double digit wins was not convincing to you? Even I thought the Pistons and Hawks had a chance to swipe a game.

The Magic's number top two individual defenders are Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus. One is a 6-5 shooting guard, the other is an undersized 3. What makes you think they can turn LeBron into a jump shooter?

And while those two guys are trying to lock up King James, who is gonna guard Mo Williams? Rafer Alston? Sure J.J. Reddick actually played like he cared against Ray Allen last round, but can he do it two rounds in a row coming off a grueling seven game set?

And let's look at how the Cavs match up versus Orlando. We know that as dominant as Dwight Howard can be, the Magic offense functions best with their pick and roll game, and letting D-12 get points off dunks and putbacks. Easier said than done versus the No. 1 rated defense in the league. Plus, the Cavs have the numerous bodies(Z, Joe Smith, Wallace, Sideshow) that the Celtics didn't have to throw at the big guy. I don't see Hedo Turkoglu having a great series versus LeBron. And Cleveland can afford to throw Mo Williams on Orlando's revolving No. 2 guard, and put Delonte West on Nelson.

Bottom line, I'll stick with my Cleveland probably drops a game in this series. Which means it could easily be another sweep. But I'll be surprised if Mike Bianchi is covering games at this time next week.

Now to a series that will have drama, the Lakers-Nuggets West title. Why? Because, with the giant turd that Andrew Bynum has been this playoffs(5.6 pts, 3.8 rbs), Lamar Odom's back acting up, and Phil Jackson taking an I don't care pill, are the Lakers really much more superior than Denver? Phillip is just asking for Mr. Big Shot to go nuts against the Artist formerly known as Derek Fisher. The Nuggets have several options(Dahntay Jones, Kenyon Martin, some Chauncey) to throw at Kobe.

But then there is my favorite part of the NBA: The officiating! Take my word, it will be ridiculously one-sided. Like as bad as the Sacramento series one-sided. You can drum up all the LeBron-Carmelo matchup carries intrigue all you want, but I'm not buying it. And I don't think David Stern is either.

The Lakers problems are more legitimate than just disinterest. The Nuggets should give them a hell of a series. But I don't think they can overcome four games on the road, and potentially playing 8 on 5 at times. Lakers in 7.

Stephon Marbury Still Thinks He's a Starter

2009-05-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Seriously.

After the Celtics got walloped by the Magic 101-82 last night, Marbury on his future plans:

"I got to wait and see. I'm not going to make any hasty decisions. But I loved playing here. Being a sixth man coming off the bench is not a bad thing. I know I'm a starter so it really doesn't matter as long as I'm on the court."

And I thought he was starting to get it......

Mushnick Drops an A-Bomb on Sterling

2009-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

He thinks he's high. He thinks he's gone too far. He wants him GOOOONE!

Now that Mike and the Mad Dog aren't around(not together at least) for NY Post media critic Phil Mushnick to kick around, he has set his new target on Yankees play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling, calling for his firing barring any major improvement.

Sterling is an acquired taste. Either you like his schtick or you don't. As a play-by-play broadcaster, I don't do schtick because I'm not good at it, and I prefer to describe the action in front of me. But I don't condemn it, if someone can pull it off. And as much as Sterling can often represent the snobby "The Yankees are better than you" attitude, he's able to pull off his own style.

That said, if he's making up things Mushnick documents such as purposely calling a ground-rule double a homer, then yeah we have a problem. But if you are going to get on Sterling for being late to describe a wild play at the plate- seriously, get some alcohol in your life.

After all, I have heard much worse than John Sterling in terms of play-by-play broadcasting. I will leave it at that.

Not to Go All Political But...

2009-05-18T08:14:00.001-07:00

Something about the news that Steelers LB James Harrison is refusing to accompany his teammates to their visit to the White House just irks me. And no, it's not that I'm a Democrat and approved of Nick Saban's elected skipping in 2006.

At least that was work related, or so Saban says, which probably means it wasn't. But Harrison's rational:
"If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. So as far as I'm concerned he would have invited Arizona if they had won."

Wow James, I'm sorry that in the middle of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, the war in Iraq, even overcooked health crisis es, that Mr. Obama couldn't fit a mano y mano with James Harrison on his busy schedule.

Maybe the reason is just that you are a flat-out punk, James?

UPDATE: Somehow, I have a hunch that the Dan Rooney being an Obama appointed ambassador to Ireland thing will play a part in Harrison going anyways, whether he likes it or not.

I Hate to Give The Big Cactus Credit But....

2009-05-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

"OBEY YOUR MASTER.....MASTER
MASTER OF PANIC PULLING STRINGS."
-Modified Metallica as sung by Shaq today

I'm unabashedly rooting for the Celtics this series. I root for the Boston teams second. But it's painful to see another Stan Van Gundy coached collapse. It's painful to see another big man tear into SVG, even though I have no problem with anything Dwight Howard said.

And it's painful to give any sort of credit for Shaquille O'Neal. By the way, how the bleep does Shaq get NBA All-Third Team? I didn't know being the anchor of a defense that allows 140 points a game, and getting a coach(Terry Porter) canned is the criteria for being named one of the NBA's top 15 players. The NBA where amazing happens!

OK back to Stan.

Off the court, Stan Van Gundy sounds like a coach who gets it. Who understands how to motivate. Who understands how to use personnel(even tho he thought Jameer Nelson was too short for the Heat to draft). Who knows how to teach defense. Who was well schooled by Pat Riley.

But here's one thing about coaches that I've learned from being around them the last couple years. They are sado-masochists. They spend a lot of time gameplanning in fear of the worst possible situation coming true. Take the NBA question of whether to foul a team down by 3 in the final seconds of the game. I would foul 100 times out of 100. But most coaches don't foul 99 out of 100 times because they fear "What happens if we don't foul right and the shooter just jacks up a 3?"

And Stan Van Gundy is the ABSOLUTE WORST at this type of coaching. Last night, he didn't get Dwight Howard more than 10 shots, because he's scared that the Celtics will foul him on every post touch. Just like Shaq didn't touch the ball in the last 2 minutes of Heat-Pistons in Game 7 of the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, thus the Heat cough up a six-point lead. Just like not having Dwyane Wade in the game during the Heat's final 2004 playoff possession, because he wasn't a good 3-point shooter at the time.

There were other strategical blunders too. Like actually having D-12 in the contest down by 3 knowing the Celtics are going to foul him. And then panicking by having him intentionally miss the 2nd free throw. And why would J.J. Reddick be on Ray Allen late in a tight game, with defensive stopper Mikael Pietrus on the bench?

I think SVG knows how to coach, and can be a great NBA coach for a long time. But I truly have doubts whether he knows how to trust his players, and put his own fears aside. If he doesn't do that, then he will be known as the "Master of Panic."

JT is Back

2009-05-13T14:20:00.001-07:00

After five hours of absorbing the news that Jason Taylor signed a 1-year, up to 1.5 million dollar deal with the Fins, it's STILL HARD for me to put my thoughts together, not just on the move, but how it came together.

So thankfully my good buddy Evan Cohen summed it up best on his ESPN 760 show today: "I don't think there's ever been a move rumored for months that I'm this shocked actually happened."

I couldn't agree more. I never thought 99 would end up in aqua and orange again.

Sure, I could buy that all things equal, JT would choose a return to the Dolphins. It's his home, it's his family, and it's where he built his legacy. But just like most other superstars, I thought he would also adhere to his wishes when asking for a trade last year. I figured an opportunity to win a championship with New England would be too good to pass up. An opportunity to conclude his career as a "Belichick guy." An opportunity to morph himself from a on-the bubble Hall of Famer to a first-ballot Cantoner.

And I truly did not think that Bill Parcells and the Fins wanted JT back. Sure, they need another outside pass rusher, and didn't snare one in the draft. But beyond the rift and any sort of lingering feelings, the Tuna(or the Big Kahuna as someone on my former station called him today) is all about bringing in his guys and eliminating distractions. His well documented number one no-no is no celebrity player. Just ask kicker Jay Feely, fired for amongst other things, talking to the media too much. Jason Taylor automatically becomes the face of the DOlphins franchise. Even if Cameron Wake plays 75 percent of the snaps at his position. And this team cut one of it's four core veteran leaders(as named by Tony Sparano a bunch of times last year) Vonnie Holliday, to pave the way for more snaps for younger players like Merling and Langford. Now, they are bringing in a 34 going on 35-year old player to depending on whether he plays more DL or OLB in the 3-4, take away snaps from potentially three younger players?

Listen, as a Dolfan, I'm all for bringing in Jason Taylor, even if I think he could be at this stage of his career, a situational pass rusher and nothing else. At the very least, he bolstered their depth and at most, he and Joey Porter could be a lethal sack duo, in addition to the frontline(It's also possible they could trade Porter now too.) The players want him back. He's reportedly been a self-participant in the Dolphins off-season program, getting the regime from Sparano. He'll make the younger guys better. He'll help sell tickets and jerseys. It will be great to see JT end his career here, and passing up an extra 7 mil to play for the organization and fan base he loves is a nice feel-good story.

And for Patriot haters, it leaves them without a replacement for Mike Vrabel. Especially since my roommate, as plugged in with Belichickville as anyone, says Julius Peppers is not an option anymore.

But there's still a lot of questions that I would love to get answers to:

-Did Parcells really have interest all along and he was pulling a major smokescreen to try and screw around with the Patriots?

-Is this only a keep him away from New England and get him on the cheap move?

-Did Stephen Ross ask for this to happen?

-And will Parcells call him "Jason Taylor", "JT", or "The Player?

The Rocket Throwing Junk

2009-05-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

So as we all know by now, the pervasive juicing that has gone on and still goes on in sports does not bother me one bit. But that doesn't preclude me from ripping and/or laughing at an athlete for the way he tries to maneuver out of quicksand.

Case in point Roger Clemens. 16 months ago, after appearing 82 times in the Mitchell Report, Clemens decides to play the role of Mr. Defiant. He's gonna be the one to look right into the eyes of his accusers and punch them in the face. Well, not literally, but by proclaiming his innocence and throwing everyone from Brian McNamee to his wife under the bus not just on a million different media outlets, but testifying in front of Congress. OK, admirable strategy except 1. Nothing that came out of his mouth was remotely believable, and 2. He looks like a raging buffoon doing it.

So, then Mr. Defiant does what every other juicer does, run and hide. Only to come back today on ESPN's Mike and Mike show to defend himself from the release of American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America's Pastime. And the quotes come straight from the handbook of how to defend yourself from steroid allegations:

"The allegations are hurtful to me and my family." CHECK

"Everything in the book is false." CHECK

And of course, "I'm trying to move on." CHECK

What I love is how Mr. Defiant now thinks he can suddenly go to not wanting to talk about his past, when the original defense strategy was "I'm gonna take the steroid accusers head-on." Or how I'm supposed to believe that 100 percent of a book written by 4 NY Daily News writers whose JOB is to tell the truth and report accurate information, is a lie. Especially when it comes from someone who has zero responsibility to be truthful.

Sometimes you just have to wonder how these PR people actually have jobs, especially in an enviroment where people are begging for work. I mean, who thinks that Sammy Sosa can restore his reputation by pretending not to speak English? Who thinks A-Rod is going to score points by plastering his lips to a mirror? And note to Roger Clemens and his peeps, it's not a good idea to go all Hulk on your accusers, when it turns out you are likely just crafting one lie after another. And then can't go back on it, because otherwise he gets arrested for perjury.

Tuesday Recommended Reading

2009-05-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

First off, sorry for the inactivity Monday. I was wrapped up with other things. It's gonna happen from time to time when I'm not getting paid to write/update/edit the blog. Don't mean to sound defiant, but it is what it is.

That being said, let's start off Tuesday's readings with this article about the Marlins bullpen which technically appeared in the Miami Herald but is really more of a PR piece. I'm not going to name names but the print media covering the Marlins is on the whole, the softest coverage I've ever seen. Except with Joe Girardi of course, because he didn't supply off the record information. But what irks me here is this statement: "The Mets spent 35 million more on the bullpen than the Marlins spent on their team." Actually the number is 8.5 million dollars. Sure, K-Rod's contract is 37 mil, but that's over THREE YEARS. His 2009 salary figure is 8.5 million dollars. And they didn't spend anything on J.J. Putz and Sean Green, they traded for them.

Last I checked, a reporter is supposed to write ACCURATE INFORMATION to his/her readers.

Pahokee HS's President won't allow Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin or his staff on campus until he apologizes for one of the 1,000 foot in mouth statements he's made since presiding over Rocky Top. Hope the same ban is extended towards Nick Saban.

Always need a little daily dose of Kobe-bashing. It's good for the soul.

Late Monday Recommended Reading

2009-05-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

In the midst of Glen "Big Baby Davis" hitting his game-winner in Orlando, and then going KG afterwards, he trucked an unassuming 12-year old kid sitting along the sideline. And now the father wants an apology. Of course, he also calls the Celtic forward a "raging animal" in an e-mail, which could be construed as racism. But never mind that. The dad is already a better defender than J.J. Reddick.

Video: Uncensored Phil Jackson

2009-05-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Following Game 4 of the Lakers getting a rocket shoved up their ass.....I only curse because it's the theme of the video.

If Phil Jackson lets his assistants/Kobe run the huddle half the time to think about smart-ass press conference comments, keep it going Phillip!

Best NBA Commercial That Will Never Air

2009-05-10T20:12:00.001-07:00

An Indictment of A-Rod That Doesn't Come from Selena Roberts

2009-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Joel Sherman, who's one of the best writers in baseball when he's not scripting venom about Joe Girardi, tells the story of how A-Rod and Jeter almost became real enemies. It was the fall of 2000, and Alex Rodriguez and my beloved New York Mets were closing in on a record-deal. But that was before the following demands were allegedly made by Rodriguez and Scott Boras:

-A Shea Stadium office for A-Rod to handle off-the-field issues. Like potentially, where to put you know, those substances MLB would eventually prohibit you from taking.

-Instant, on-demand charter jet service for friends and family. We assume Madonna and Jocelyn from Scores count in the friends department.

-And here's one to improve the A-Rod-Jeter relationship. A guarantee that Rodriguez would have the largest billboard presence in the Big Apple, over "The Captain."

So does Steve Phillips and the Wilpons get a pass for saying thanks but no thanks? Not really. As much as I don't like A-Rod the person, there's nothing bad to say about A-Rod the player, roids or no roids(and you know how I feel about that). Hey, I'm even the guy that thinks the "he's not clutch" statements are ridiculous.

But let's face it, I'm not losing sleep over missing a chance to root for Alex Rodriguez.

Photo courtesy of NY Daily News

And NBA Officiating Has Gone from Sucking to Even Worse...

2009-05-10T18:13:00.001-07:00

Just in case you still haven't witness Saturday's embarrassing end by the zebras, stealing a victory from Dallas and giving it to Denver, here's the video from one of the worst non-calls in NBA history.

You know it's got to be downright horrific when a Heat fan actually has sympathy for the Mavericks and Mark Cuban.

Or maybe it's just I detest the job NBA officials are doing, and the absolute hard-headedness from David Stern on-down to not address it. And a statement two hours after the game saying "We F'd Up," does not count.

What gets me is this: If you really want to make the situation right, wipe the Carmelo 3 off the board, give Antoine Wright the foul and gather everyone to replay the final 4 seconds with Dallas up 105-103, before the tip-off of Game 4. Sure, it's not the most fair scenario to Denver. But isn't this about getting calls right? What's a more fair scenario: Taking a win away from Denver that it didn't deserve, or screwing Dallas by standing by a call you've already admitted was wrong?

Until those things happen, everyone should be allowed to take unlimited shots at the officiating without any ramifications, beginning with the commish's best friend, Mr. Cuban.

Well Since the Dolphins Went from 1-15 to the Playoffs...

2009-05-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Now it's the new fad to predict that your team ascends from crapburgerville to the postseason.

Today's example, Lions RB Kevin Smith on his blog, not only guaranteeing that Detroit will make it to the playoffs next year, but also says "Believe it or not we weren’t far off last year. Almost every game we could have won, we were one play or one player short. Except for Tennessee on Thanksgiving, they just came out and beat us to sleep. They manhandled us, but nobody else did."

A quick review of the Lions 0-16 season, in which they were allegedly as Kevin Smith says "close."(Dave Wannstedt also seemed to say that every year)

Week 2: Lions get nipped by Green Bay 48-25
Week 3: Lions lose a 31-13 heartbreaker to San Francisco
Week 5: Lions just needed that one play to turn around a 34-7 loss to Chicago.
Week 10: In an instant classic, Jacksonville squeaks past the Lions 38-14.
Week 12: Another close call, Tampa 38, Detroit 20.
Week 16: And who can forget the game of the ages that dropped the Lions to 0-15, a 42-7 nailbiter to New Orleans?

Two other thoughts here. Number one, how did that Jon Kitna 10-win projection work out in 2007? All they need is a 3-13 season to match that 10-win guarantee-in three years. Number two, nice way to help alleviate pressure on top pick Matthew Stafford, Kev!

NBA Officiating Still Sucks

2009-05-09T13:05:00.001-07:00

Magic vs. Sixers GM 5 First Round: Dwight Howard blasts Samuel Dalenbert with an elbow. Officials call technical foul. League overrules, suspends Howard for Game 6.

Celtics vs. Bulls GM 5 First Round: Late in overtime, Brad Miller drives to the hole and gets smacked in the face by Rajon Rondo. Clearly a flagrant one by the NBA rulebook, yet both the officials and league say two-shot foul.

Heat vs. Hawks GM 5 First Round: Mo Evans on a fast break rises for a dunk, Dwyane Wade clearly going for the ball gets Evans arm. Officials call it a flagrant foul one. League overrules and retracts the flagrant.

Heat vs. Hawks GM 7 First Round: Zaza Pachulia gets pulled down by Udonis Haslem late in the game. Officials call it a flagrant two and toss Haslem. League reduces it to a flagrant one.

Magic vs. Celtics GM 2 East Semis: After hitting a 3, Eddie House gets slapped in the head by Rafer Alston. Officials assess double technicals on House and Alston. League gives Alston a 1-game suspension.

Lakers vs. Rockets GM 2 West Semis: While battling for a rebound, Kobe Bryant elbows Ron Artest either in the throat or the upper shoulders. Officials call nothing on Bryant and eject Artest. League overrules and gives Bryant a flagrant foul.

Magic vs. Celtics GM 3 East Semis: If the location of Kobe's elbow was questionable, then we know where Kendrick Perkins landed his elbow: Above Mickael Pietrus's shoulders. Automatic suspension according to the rulebook. But both officials and league give Perkins only a flagrant one, perhaps applying the new Kobe rules.

Lakers vs. Rockets GM 3 West Semis: Late in the game, Pau Gasol gets dropped by Ron Artest in what seemed like a hard foul/borderline flagrant one. Officials give Artest a flagrant 2 and eject him. League reduces foul to flagrant one.

And David Stern still thinks his officials are good???

Weekend Reading

2009-05-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Urban Meyer off the field is Matt Millen on the field, according to this Lehigh Valley blogger. Suffice to say, Matt Millen off the field is Urban Meyer on it.

Bio on the late great Chuck Daly. Certainly makes a case of ranking him as a top 5 NBA coach. And a few did you know's, such as he was an assistant for six years at Duke.

ESPN's John Hollinger says LeBron James's PER rating is 42.28 through the playoffs so far. WOW! You can get an explanation to how PER works here, but it's the best barometer for an NBA players success in my opinion.

SI's Steve Aschburner becomes the second person this week to call Kobe Bryant a dirty player. Some former Heat studio host was the first of course...

It's an A-Bomb for A-Rod! And Georgie Girl needs another clothing change. John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman's call of Alex Rodriguez's first pitch homer.

Marlins Putting the N/A in Defense...

2009-05-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

On one hand the news of calling up Chris Coughlan and putting him at a position where he hasn't played since Litthe League days isn't a terrible idea. Coughlan is a very highly touted prospect, and the Marlins .238 combined average proves the "home run or strikeout" lineup doesn't do a lot of good without plenty of Option A. And, let's face it, the Fish's defense is going to be terrible until the roster goes through a major facelift. That's what happens when you take players who have plenty of skill but aren't fully developed in the minor leagues, and put them in the Show a year early.

But, on the other hand, are we serious here? Have you ever heard of a major league team assigning someone a position they haven't played since the 7th grade? Maybe other things than the Marlins payroll comes closer to mirroring Westminster Christian than a MLB team.

And of course, this is the same franchise that canned Joe Giardi because of stuff like this. Funny that Miguel Cabrera is now at......oh yeah first base!

Great Song For Mature Ears

2009-05-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have no reason to post this other than to provide a laugh. My roomie just called attention to this Fatboy Slim classic.....how many chicks were seduced by this in the 90's?

Duke Athletes Are Sissies

2009-05-07T17:45:00.001-07:00

Not that anyone confused Mike Dunleavy say for Ron Artest.....except maybe Kobe.

In Dunleavy's own words:

"I spent the first three weeks of my recovery out in Colorado. They wanted me to stick around because flying wasn't the best of ideas and the team was traveling quite a bit. It was a pretty good setup: the people were very helpful and friendly, the hospital was real close to the hotel and I got two sessions of rehab in a day. The rest of the time, I passed by catching up on a lot of movies and books. Boredom set in immediately. Case in point, I found myself watching the Sex and the City movie one night. I can't believe I am admitting this but I sat through the whole thing by myself."

I Love Ron Artest.....

2009-05-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Even if I don't want the Heat to get within 1,000 miles of the pending free agent.

Here's Ron-Ron after getting the heave-ho for taking an elbow in the chops from the NBA's most under the radar dirty player, Kobe Bryant.

By the way, the NBA rulebook is VERY straightforward. Strike an opposing player above the shoulders with an elbow foul, and you are finito. Without a shadow of a doubt, Kobe needs to be suspended for Game 3.

NOTE: And Kobe is allowed to play. The NBA says Kobe's elbow connected with Artest's chest, and thus only assessed him a flagrant foul. In fairness, everyone who has watched the Zapruder film numerous times say it's still not conclusive where the elbow landed. But are we surprised that in a coin flip situation, the league chooses not to jeopardize LeBron v. Kobe?

Thursday Recommended Reading....

2009-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Always nice when you have perhaps the most revered columnist in South Florida on your side. Dave Hyde telling Michael Beasley to pack his bags and enjoy Toronto.

Here's the part that all of the people in the "keep Beasley and pair him with Bosh" camp are missing. Chris Bosh is probably not going to be in Toronto in six months. So if the Heat don't make a deal, then Toronto would feasibly deal him to another contender/up and coming team that would become the instant favorites to re-sign him in 2010. So while there's still a myriad of free agent options in 2010, Chris Bosh is essentially a free agent in 2009. Are the Heat players or not?

ESPN's Buster Olney suggests a new no-tolerance steroid policy: One positive test, and you are out. Finito. Like gambling. My opinion is that's a dangerous path to walk on because you can't convince me that there aren't occasional errors in a testing policy that goes through modifications year after year. But for those who are bothered by pervasive juicing(don't count me in that group), what's in place is not good enough. And frankly, if Congress is going to waste everyone's time trying to retroactively slap steroid user tags on baseball players, perhaps they can tighten the screws on Bud Selig, and put the pressure on the commish to resign.

Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice calls conspiracy on the NBA for the lack of a Kobe Bryant suspension, even before the non-suspension happens. See my thoughts above.

Others Reaction to ManRam...

2009-05-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

The two most insecure athletes have weighed in on Manny Ramirez allegedly taking an illegal female fertility drug:

Shaquille O'Neal on Twitter: "Dam manny ramirez, come on man Agggggggggh, agggggggh, agggggh."

Brett Favre on Yahoo Sports: "I'm still retired. I've got to have a source make that clear because Rachel Nichols is only doing one report an hour from my farm, instead of three. And Bus, get on the phone with ESPN, how dare they post Manny on the front page and give me second billing in the other stories section!"

Swine Flu Day 15.16

2009-05-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

The mother of all Swine Flu Updates is coming......Be scared in

Trembling Yet?

Per the AP....

The World Health Organization says up to 2 billion people could be infected by swine flu, if the current outbreak turns into a pandemic.

WHO flu chief Keiji Fukuda says the number wasn't a prediction, but that past experience with flu pandemics indicated one-third of the world's population gets infected.

Fukuda says that with a world population of 6 billion people, it's "reasonable" to expect that kind of infection tally.

He said WHO is unable to know what the future holds, and it is impossible now to say whether the pandemic would be mild or severe.
WHO has said it believes a global swine flu outbreak is imminent, and last week it raised its alert to five, one step short of a pandemic.

So Who's Left to Make the Hall of Fame?

2009-05-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

That question will get debated ad naseum on the Mothership after the news that E-Bay Shopper of the Year Manny Ramirez got busted for PED's today. As far as I'm concerned, I could care less about roiders because if I were in there position, hell yeah I would do it. So it's not right for me to wag the finger at them. And in my Hall of Fame, everyone from Bonds to Clemens to A-Rod to Pete Rose to Shoeless Joe gets admission. But hey, I don't like sharing the soapbox with 300-pound uber-cynical know-it-all baseball writers.

So I guess this confirms that Ken Griffey Jr is the only "clean" slugger from the juicer era. Allegedly.

Last Random Thought of the Day: Who will be the first Red Sox fan that screams conspiracy? Cmon on now, Mr. Young/Naive/Stupid is about to make his return, so what better time for Manram to turn himself in and help seize the spotlight away from the Yankees.....cmon you can run with that Red Sox fan!

OK It's Time To Stick Up for Girardi Now....

2009-05-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

This is ridiculous.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Has the Joe Girardi era been deemed a smashing success so far? Obviously no, since the Yankees are 13-13 this season following their first non-playoff season since 1995.

But if anybody thinks that the manager is the person culpable for this start, seriously get your frigin heads examined.

Let us count the ways why the Yankees are 13-13:

One of the top 3 hitters in baseball hasn't registered a plate appearance this season(Alex Rodriguez, or Bitch Tits)

Their next best hitter, Mark Texiera(198 average) has encountered the typical crappy New York first season troubles that everyone from Carlos Beltran to A-Rod ran into.

So the top 2 hitters on the team who combined for 68 homers and 224 RBI's, have combined to practically not show up. And two other position players, Jorge Posada and Xavier Nady are on the DL. And you expect this team to be good Yankee fans?

But those are just the sticks. Now to the arms. No. 1 starter C.C. Sabathia, the 500-billion dollar man: 1-3, 4.85 ERA. No. 2 starter Chien-Ming Wang: 0-3, 34.50 ERA, now on the Disabled/what the bleep is going on List. No. 3 starter A.J. Burnett: 2-0, 5.40 ERA.

So the top 3 starting pitchers, combining for a robust 3-6, 7.39 ERA. And since that means more work for Girardi's bullpen, what does the skipper have to work with? Oh yeah, his top 2 set-up men Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte? Also on the DL.

Just to review, the New York Yankees are 13-13 because 3 of their 8 starting hitters are hurt, their best player hasn't gotten an AB, their 2nd best hitter has sucked, as have their top 3 starting hurlers and their top 2 setup men are banged up.

And that's Joe Girardi's fault? Please......

Headlines in Wilponville

2009-05-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the NY POST, which is not allowed in Mets clubhouses. Why would any paper be passed out on team property?

Wednesday Recommended Reading

2009-05-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Dave Hyde's blog has a hillarious prediction on the year of the Favrah and a channel that would make you yearn for ESPN Ocho.

The venerable Greg Stoda writes all is not well in the dysfunctional relationship between the Marlins and Hanley Ramirez. For the record, I've never thought that he will be on this team if and when the new stadium opens up in 2012.

The Heat Owner Speaks....

2009-05-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Great job by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, speaking with Heat owner Micky Arison. Amongst other things, Mr. Arison says "If a player you would be targeting became available in 2009, why wouldn't you do it? We have not historically been a very patient organization. We're an organization that moves quickly. If the opportunity came along, we would consider it. If something becomes available that would make us significantly better, we'll look at it."

Translation: It's looking more likely that Michael Beasley should find his passport.

One thing sticks out from my first interview with Micky Arison. I asked him what impresses him the most about Pat Riley. He said "Pat wants to win more than anybody, except for ME."

So while Pat Riley has and always will get free reign to alter the roster however he chooses, it certainly helps trigger his impatient sensibilities if the man who signs his checks also is in favor of a big move NOW.

There's a Fleetwood Mac Movie?

2009-05-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

So comes this news that Stevie Nicks wants the American Idol tattoo chick to portray her in a Fleetwood Mac movie, after saying "over my dead body" to Lindsay Lohan.

Bigger Question: What would sell more now, a 2009 Fleetwood Mac album or a Fleetwood Mac movie? Or a Marlins game? May go with Regis Philbin's favorite team.

Video: Potty Humor on the Price is Right

2009-05-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dr. Michael Bummer, gynecologist and avid fan, taking his job a little too literally on the Price is Right. Ever heard of a 69 dollar diamond ring?

Perhaps he was just playing a game of "Can you top this" with this stoner dude from back when Bob Barker asked you to help control the pet population.

An Idea for Struggling Professional Franchises

2009-05-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Do what the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League is doing! Got six grand, you could have a ballpark named whatever you want it to be named.

From the Peoria-Journal Star:

Unable to sell permanent naming rights to O'Brien Field for the time being, the Peoria Chiefs are doing the next best thing.

The Chiefs are selling "Naming Rights for a Game" to the Downtown ballpark. It is believed to be the first such promotion in Minor League Baseball.

"We've been talking about it for a couple of weeks," Chiefs president Rocky Vonachen said by phone Monday evening. "We put together a decent plan we can sell, and it's something fun and unique we can do with the naming rights."

For $6,000, businesses get signage on top of each dugout, mentions in the Chiefs radio broadcasts and over the park's public address system, a 30-second commercial on the video board, 50 tickets to that night's game and the opportunity to distribute promotional material to fans.

JMP Note: Maybe a major radio giant can hold a pay to be a DJ or talk show contest on a regular basis.....better option than laying off 2,400 employees nation-wide eh?

Celebrity Fans

2009-05-05T17:58:00.001-07:00

The Lakers have Jack Nicholson.

The Knicks have Spike Lee.

Kentucky has Ashley Judd.

USC has everyone else in Hollywood.

The University of Miami has 80 percent of the NFL.

The Florida Marlins have.....

REGIS PHILBIN????

Is there any stranger celebrity/fan combo? Post your comment below.

Photo courtesy of Sun-Sentinel.com.

Brett Favre Thoughts...

2009-05-05T15:09:00.001-07:00

1. Don't worry. I hate Brett Favre as much as you do. And Packers fans should KILL him because you can preach love of the game, hard to let go as much as you want. Favre meeting with the Vikings reeks of getting back at Green Bay. And the more intelligent Jet fan should be thankful Brett the Jet was a one and done disaster, but this feels like an elaborate two-year scheme: Retire from Green Bay but make it look like they shut the door on me. CHECK. Then since I can't go to Minnesota, I will go to the media capital of the world. CHECK. Then after I suck away the end of the year, retire and get let out of my deal even though Woody Johnson wants me to come back. CHECK. And now I'm free to be a Viking.

2. From ESPN: A source close to Favre told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that how the injury heals will play a role in the quarterback's decision. Translation: Daily Brett Favre updates on ESPN, and weekly Peter King Monday Morning QB columns for at least the next month.

3. Rip Favre all you want. But why isn't anyone blaming the Vikings? Do they really think Brett Favre makes the difference from 10-6 to 13-3? Did they watch the last five games of 2008? Do they understand that his shoulder and arm is being connected by a string right now? Do they really think Mr. Wrangler Jeans Captain America Gunslinger is a great fit for an offense predicated around the best RB in the NFL, and a bunch of track star receivers who thrive taking short passes and turning them into big plays? This can't make sense as anything more than an economy play on the Purple People Eaters part.

The Yankees Really Don't Get Recession....

2009-05-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Silly Rabbit.

Sure, the Yankees infuriated everyone in baseball with their 200-gazillion dollar payroll. Sure, they hiked up premium seat prices to a ridiculous level at the new Arlington, I mean Yankee Stadium. But does that mean they are completely oblivious to the major economic recession hitting our country? Well, not exactly. If teams have money, they should be allowed to dispense as they see fit to improve talent. And let's face it, the 8 percent of Americans cashing an unemployment check aren't battling for 3rd row seats behind the plate at the Bronx.

But I stupidly gave them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe because I have and always will be a Joe Girardi fan. Not anymore. Not after what they are doing to the opposing media, as documented by the Daily News' Bob Raissman. In the words of Buzz Bissinger, this column pisses the shit out of me!" And probably not as much as the Big Apple TV outlets who get to spend 4 grand or more for the privilege of doing live hits from "The Stadium." Or the channels spending 12 K per game to park their trucks/equipment in the lots at "The Stadium."

Be outraged HERE.

The other Serena....

2009-05-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Why don't I root for Serena Williams? Let me count the ways:

-She's a diva.

-At one time, she had the potential to be the greatest tennis player ever. That is if she cared enough.

-She's a diva.

-Richard Williams

-She's a diva.

-She never gives other tennis players credit when they beat her(apparently she's trained Rafael Nadal well)

-She's a diva.

-She makes the media wait two hours after she's done with her matches.

-Oh yeah, did I mention she's a diva? Don't get mad at me Mike Leach!

The latest example of her divaness, courtesy of ESPN.com.

Serena Williams still rates herself as the best player in the world even though she has been toppled from the top spot by Russia's Dinara Safina.

"We all know who the real number one is," Williams told a news conference at the Italian Open on Monday. "Quite frankly, I'm the best in the world."

Second-ranked Williams, who will face Swiss Patty Schnyder in her opening match in Rome, felt she could back up her claim because she owns 10 Grand Slam singles titles while Safina's tally stands at zero.

Asked which opponent she feared most, the American quipped: "Probably myself. I always beat myself."

Safina, the younger sister of former men's No. 1 Marat Safin, said time would tell if her rival was right.

"She can say this because she won many more Grand Slams than me," the 23-year-old said.

"But she's also older than me so she has more experience. So let's see when I'm her age how many titles I have and then we can say," added Safina, who has contested 10 finals over the past 12 months, winning four titles.

"It's not luck. Nobody gave it to me. I played two Grand Slam finals and last year I won four titles. This didn't come out of sky."

The 27-year-old, who has already dabbled in fashion designing and acting, said she was thinking about expanding her off-court interests.

"I've been writing, but I haven't been writing. In my mind I've been saying I want to write, but I haven't actually physically picked up a pencil and started writing," the U.S. Open and Australian Open champion said.

"So that is my next challenge, to actually to sit down and do it. No [not my life story]. A screenplay. Nothing is impossible."

Video: Swine Flu Day 11.7

2009-05-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

Who says football players aren't smart? Well, at least they were in the 1970's.

The Most Fire From the Mets Since 2006....

2009-05-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Of course it happens from someone too fat, probably too drunk, and at the time too bloody to actually don a uniform and baseball cleats.

Mike Bibby Don't Take No Bleep from Mike Woodson...

2009-05-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

The concept of the coach as a scary, authoritative figure can be very overrated. Sure, there was a time where the Vince Lombardi's and Don Shula's could undress their team without any fear of retaliation. But that was before athletes started making millions of dollars. Now coaches like Nick Saban can get MF'd by Zach Thomas for trying to rip into him on a Dolphin practice field like he's an Alabama freshman. Even Pat Riley and Shaquille O'Neal had to be separated from practice.

That said, this little anecdote about Mike Bibby and Mike Woodson seems to confirm what we all thought.....you aren't getting very far with a stand-in of Perry Clark running the sidelines.

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

MIKE BIBBY’S BEST SHOT of the entire first round of the playoffs came before halftime of Sunday in Game 7 and it had nothing to do with his 3-point stroke.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson roasted him for passing the ball to Smith in the corner on in the final seconds. As Smith’s 24-footer bounced off the rim with 10.9 seconds left, Woodson jumped Bibby’s case for making the pass.

The surprise was Bibby’s response. He jumped Woodson right back, much to the delight of those of us sitting close enough to hear the entire exchange.

“If you don’t want me to throw to him put him somewhere else,” Bibby shouted. “He’s wide [@*&$%] open. Wide open. What do you want me to do? If you don’t want him shooting that then put him somewhere else. You tell him.”

After getting it back as good as he gave it, Woodson crossed his arms, did a pirouette and smiled at everyone watching as he strolled back toward the Hawks’ bench.

Woodson said later it was the first time Bibby’s “really lit into” him. And that’s why he was smiling about it. He loved seeing that kind of fire and emotion from his veteran point guard.

Video: A Great Cleveland Recruiting Tool....

2009-05-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dwyane Wade needs to pass the word along to Chris Bosh- after all he's probably on Wade's Fav Five after today's game.

Video: Hoff Reportedly Almost Drinks Himself to Death....Again

2009-05-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

I don't even want to fathom what type of alcohol intake goes into 0.39.

FROM NYPOST.COM.

In the latest chapter in the agonizing chronicle of David Hasselhoff's multiple falls off the wagon, a new report surfaced today that the former Baywatch hunk was hauled off to the hospital after his youngest daughter found him passed out at home.

Vodka-swilling Hasselhoff registered a mind-numbing 0.39 blood alcohol level when he was taken to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Saturday, radaronline.com reported.
The legal limit in California is 0.08.

The 56-year-old "America's Got Talent" judge was found passed out at his home in Encino, Calif., by 16-year-old daughter Hayley, the Web site reported. The teen called mom Pamela Bach, from whom Hasselhoff is estranged.

The site reported Hayley kept "slapping her dad's face" to keep him alive. "He was barely breathing when they got him at the hospital," citing an anonymous source.
It's not the first time Hasselhoff has thrust his drinking issues upon his young girls.

A videotape made two years ago by Hasselhoff's daughters shows him lying on the floor of a room and clumsily eating a hamburger while one of his daughters reproves him about his drinking.

His oldest daughter, Taylor-Ann, is 18.

The tape was made by his older daughter in his home in Las Vegas, where he'd been appearing in "The Producers."

On the tape, a girl's voice is heard saying: "Dad, you need to promise me you're not gonna get alcohol tonight, OK?

"If you get alcohol tonight you're fired from your show tomorrow," the girl continues. "And a doctor's coming over here in the morning to check your alcohol level and if there's any alcohol in your system you're gonna be fired from the show. Tomorrow. You hear me? No alcohol."

"OK," Hasselhoff replies in a slurred voice.

2008-2009 Miami Heat: It's Over

2009-05-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have a Heat post-game anymore, I'll surmise my end of the season thoughts here. First things first, while it's a disappointing way to go out(especially since Wade wasn't healthy the whole 7 games), 2008-2009 was a TERRIFIC season for the Miami Heat. Period. End of story. Obviously, repeating 15 games wasn't realistic, but most projections, even after seeing Wadeapalooza 2008 in Bejing, was 33-38 wins, and seeded anywhere from 7-10. So this team essentially won 5-10 more games than we thought, and 2-5 seeds higher than we thought. And that's with a major midseason trade, two rookies getting prominent minutes, and a rookie coach.

That said, this series hammered one major point home: There's still a LONG WAY to go before the Heat can be anointed a true championship contender. They never got a consistent No. 2 scorer behind Wade. There's still major questions at two of the five starting positions, and that's not including the Jermaine O'Neal health question. And a mediocre bench.

How much can Pat Riley reconfigure the roster? Not much, if the Heat stick to their longstanding plan of being a major 2010 spender. Miami(69 mil) will be right up against the projected luxury tax next season, which means room for veteran minimum guys, and a midlevel. But that's if no one gets dealt. And with Pat Riley, that's always a possibility. Especially when the number one goal of 2010 is keeping MV3 in South Florida, and he may want some changes immediately.

So who's staying and who's going? Here is our immediate analysis, in ascending order of importance.

C Mark Blount 7-0, 230, 33 yrs old

Contract Status: 1 year, 7.9 million left

This Season: Missed significant time with family/personal issues and was either wearing a suit or warm-up attire virtually the rest of the year.

Future: Was the salary throw-in for the Oct 2007 Ricky Davis trade. Heat have been trying to move him for the last 18 months. Maybe they get a taker since he's an expiring contract, but don't count on it.

SF/PF Dorrell Wright, 6-9, 210, 23 yrs old

Contract Status: 1 year, 2.8 mil left

This Season: Probably a long-shot to make rotation anyway, but played just 6 games due to a knee injury that may be career-impacting.

Future: Sure the Heat could use his athleticism, especially at a position where there's no clear answer. But he's had plenty of chances. Likely riding the bench for another year.

C Joel Anthony 6-9, 245, 26 yrs old in August

Contract Status: UFA(made 711K this year)

This Season: Despite his status as a long-term project, he started 28 games, and two in the playoffs. But there's still no discernible skills besides shot blocking.

Future: Since he and Jamaal Magloire are both free agents, I'm guessing only one is brought back. And I'm guessing its Magloire.

PG Chris Quinn 6-2, 175, 26 yrs old in September

Contract Status: Has a player option for 1.05 mil in 09-10

This Season: Despite being lauded by coach Erik Spoelstra numerous times as the consummate professional, was in and out of the rotation the whole year. Led team with 41 percent shooting from 3.

Future: Probably doesn't have one here beyond a No. 3 PG. I'm guessing he opts out and some team considers forking over a multi-year deal based on his long-range shooting ability. If not, then the Heat try to bring him back as a No. 3.

SF Yakhouba Diawara 6-7, 230, 27 yrs old in August

Contract Status: 1 year, 855 K left

This Season: Made 21 starts. But is a limited offensive presence(even tho he could get hot from 3). Defensively, he has his moments but came well short of the Bruce Bowen comparisons that were internally thrown around at the beginning of the year.

Future: Probably will reprise his role as 10th or 11th man, at best.

PG Luther Head 6-3, 185, 26 yrs old

Contract Status: UFA

This Season: 10 games as a late-season edition, getting an opportunity to seize considerable minutes from Quinn/Cook. Then broke his hand and missed the playoffs.

Future: Has shooting/defensive skills that could be valuable off bench. But his only chance of coming back is as a No. 3 PG, or if the Heat deal Cook.

C Jamaal Magloire 6-11, 265, 31 yrs old in May

Contract Status: UFA(made 1.1 mil this season)

This Season: Was the much needed "physical enforcer" and essentially kicked some ass in the post and setting screens along the perimeter. In other words, a great 10-15 minute per game role. Also a good locker room presence.

Future: I think the Heat would love to bring him back for the same role around the same money.

SF Jamario Moon 6-8, 200, 29 yrs old in June

Contract Status: RFA

This Season: 21 starts with the Heat after coming over in the Jermaine O'Neal trade. Is a better, more athletic version of Dorrell Wright, but with the same shortcomings.

Future: If the Heat can get him for minimum money, they will probably look to re-sign. And with an entire training camp of absorbing the Heat's defensive system, perhaps he can become a first-rate perimeter defender.

SG Daequan Cook 6-5, 210, 22 yrs old

Contract Status: 2 yrs left in his rookie deal(1.4 mil in 09-10)

This Season: At one point, seemed like the Heat's sixth man of the future. But after winning the 3-point shootout, shot just 35 percent from the floor in the second half and playoffs.

Future: Is a frustrating enigma. When he's on, he's as deadly of a 3-point shooter as there is in the NBA, and can be a solid defender. When he's off, the rest of his game takes a major nosedive. They want to keep him but could be a trade chip.

SF James Jones 6-8, 220, 29 Yrs old

Contract Status: 4.3 mil next year, then team options for 2010 thru 2013.

This Season: Missed the first three months of the season with a fractured wrist. Then shot 21 percent from 3 in January and Febuary. But came back to hit 42 percent of his treys the last two months, and had a very good playoff series.

Future: I was a huge fan since Day 1. Now, there's plenty of confidence that Jones is the deadly consistent 3-point shooter this team has been lacking since Jason Kapono. But he's not an ideal starter, and with one year left on his deal, could be an add-in to a trade.

PG Mario Chalmers 6-1, 190, 23 yrs old in May

Contract Status: 2 yrs left on rookie deal(773K next season)

This Season: Surprised everyone by snaring the starting PG spot at end of training camp, and starting 82 and all 7 playoff games. Results were mixed on both ends of the floor, even though Mario finished 4th in the NBA in steals.

Future: The Heat need their PG's to distribute well, hit 3's, play strong defense and not turn the ball over. Chalmers has the shooting ability at times, is efficient, but lacks great court vision, and is on-the-ball defense was awful at times. Look I think he will get better and can be an everyday NBA point guard. But this team at least needs to split his minutes with a Jason Williams-like veteran next year.

PF Udonis Haslem 6-8, 235, 29 yrs old in June

Contract Status: 1 year left at 7.1 mil.

This Season: On the court, a typical Udonis year(10.6 pts, 8.2 rbs, 52 FG, 300 charges taken). Off the court, inherited the Alonzo Mourning vocal locker room responsibilities and took some ridiculous criticism from fans screaming for Michael Beasley(see below) to play more.

Future: Some believe he will be the primary trade chip, and the PF spot will go to Beasley next year. My feelings differ, in large part because Dwyane Wade prefers to play alongside the co-captain. I don't know whether UD is part of the 2010 blueprint, but I think he's back next year.

C Jermaine O'Neal 6-11, 258, 30 yrs old

Contract Status: 1-year left at the infamous figure of 23 mil.

This Season: Averaged 13 points and 5.5 rebounds after he was acquired from Toronto. If you are realistic, then he met expectations and suffered from an offense without a post identity. If you aren't, then JO disappointed. It's a universal disappointment that he played 42 seconds in the last 2 games of the year.

Future: As you can tell, I am a Jermaine O'Neal fan and am intrigued by the possibilities of him being more of a force with a full offseason of rehab. I also think it takes a full offseason before the coaching staff can fully integrate how to use him in the offense. But he will have the best expiring contract in the league next year. That cannot be ignored.

SF/PF Michael Beasley 6-9, 230, 20 yrs old

Contract: 3 yrs left on rookie deal(4.3 mil next season)

This Season: Became the most polarizing player in Heat history after one year. Was he a major disappointment(14 points, 5.5 rebounds) or was he not playing enough. Backup power forward or starting small forward? Indifferent defender or overwhelmed? Locker room problem or just a goofball?

Future: I think Beasley's a huge offensive force who can go to a crappy team and average 22 points a game. So I totally approved of the way this team is trying to develop his all-around skills. I also think he tries to play on defense. But he is a polar opposite of what the Heat culture is all about. And his antics at time drew the ire of Spoelstra, Riley, and most importantly Dwyane Wade.

On one hand, it seems way too early to give up on Beasley. But he has a long way to go to become the right No. 2 player on a Dwyane Wade led team. And if it takes flipping him to get a Chris Bosh like player to ensure Wade stays here, then so be it.

SG Dwyane Wade 6-4, 216, 27 yrs old

Contract: You shouldn't have to ask.

This Season: LeBron James will win the MVP. But the best season in the league belonged to D-Wade. Led the league averaging 30.2 points. In the top 10 in assists(7.5). Number 2 in steals(2.2). Top 20 in blocks(1.3). Became absolutely unguardable with his lethal jump shot, which wasn't there early in his career.

Future: Wade is the franchise. The number one task for Pat Riley, regardless of what the Heat do next year, is make sure Wade is re-signed. I cannot envision that not happening. In fact, I've been of the belief that especially with an uncertain CBA and the current economic recession, that D-Wade will be re-signed this offseason. But that may come with concessions. Including trading a large piece of the future(Beasley) and others to build a contender in 2009. But Dwyane Wade will be a Miami Heatian past 2010.

Heat-Hawks GM 7 4th Quarter Comments...

2009-05-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

-Did Mike Woodson really say "defense is daggon good?" No wonder no one on the Hawks listens to him.

-Josh Smith one-hand throwdown on 1st play of quarter. Can't blame that on Beasley. He's on the pine. No chance the coaching staff trusts him in this spot.

-Just as I type that, time out. Insert Beasley. Gets faked out of his jockstrap on a Josh Smith backdoor cut, Smith dunks.

-Johnson 3 from the wing, 82-56. After Daequan Cook steps on the sideline making a cut. How does he make that mistake so many times?

-I don't think I've seen a team have a bigger imbalance of high IQ players(Wade, Haslem, Jones) and low IQ players(Beasley, Chalmers, Cook). And I know those guys are young and will improve, but IQ is something that you usually either have or don't have.

-My boy Evan Cohen has a great point on WQAM: Beasley shown smiling in the 4th quarter smiling is the equivalent of Josh Smith's between the legs dunk.

-And Udonis is about to get suspended for the 1st game of 09-10, getting called for a flagrant two for pulling down Pachulia(should have been a flagrant one). And then tosses his jersey in the stands. I hope that's not how his Heat career ends.

FINAL: Atlanta 91, Miami 78. It wasn't that close.

Back with my final season wrap-up later.

Heat-Hawks GM 7 3rd Qtr Comments

2009-05-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

ATL 68, MIA 52

-Apparently Zo spoke to Beasley before 2nd half. See that did a lot of good with a turnover on first touch.

-The idea of starting Beasley in the 2nd half and going small is understandable, especially with a hurt Horford. But it doesn't work if he's playing in Spongebob land.

-Miami's been down big three times in this series. This is the first time they've generated a third quarter response.

-But they still can't buy a 3. And Johnson drills one from the corner to vault ATL up 13. Not a good sign when you work your ass off to have nothing show for it on the scoreboard.

-Beasley has fumbled the ball twice in the last minute. This is pathetic.

-Horford plows into James Jones before scoring from 8 feet out. Time out Spoelstra with the Heat down 15 4:58 left. If they don't have a response, season over.

-They had a short 7-3 response. That was before a horrible Wade turnover(see below) and 5 straight Atlanta points. That's the problem in this game: No MIA runs beyond 4 or 5 points.

-The Wade MVP detractors are gonna feast on his not getting the ball over in 8 seconds.

-Not a huge believer in the playoff experience argument. But there's something to be said when the inexperienced team has 15 turnovers and the experienced one has 4.

-A 16-point fourth quarter comeback is possible when Dwyane Wade is on your team. But it seems like today is gased/frustrated D-Wade versus taking over the world D-Wade. Don't see it today.

3rd Quarter Quote of the Day: "Sometimes your best bench is no bench." JVG.

Heat-Hawks GM 7 2nd QTR Comments....

2009-05-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

ATL 49, MIA 36

-Erik Spoelstra hates the end of quarter interviews. I love the 6-word responses. Especially when he usually gave me 30-60 seconds per question this year.

That was the only thing I loved from a disastrous 2nd qtr. Atlanta has outscored Miami 74-38 in its 2 second quarter home wins. The Hawks just pummeled Miami 29-18, capped off by Joe Johnson weaving through the would-be-defense for a scoop with 2.8 seconds left.

-Wade was 0 for 6 in the second, now 4-13 for the game. And he's in pout to the officials mode. One of those instances leading to a Johnson 3. He also has 3 of the Heat's 8 second quarter turnovers.

-It took a game and a quarter, but Mike Woodson has figured out that Joel Anthony is not an NBA starter. They are double teaming Wade.

-Tracking the whereabouts of the supporting cast: Chalmers has been horrible(1-5 FG, 4 pts, 3 turnovers). Jones(1-3 FG, 0-2 3PT) is not getting touches. Daequan Cook played 3 invisible minutes. Jermaine O'Neal is probably done for the day.

-And I can't help but think that this may be Michael Beasley's(4 pts, 2 rbs) last game in a Heat uniform. People in and around the organization tell me there's some serious legs to the Beasley and others for Chris Bosh rumors. That would prompt Wade to sign an extension this year. Otherwise, it may be 50-50 he leaves.

-2nd Quarter Quote: Jeff Van Gundy, in an attempt to stir up trouble: "I can't believe that Pat Riley's coaching career would end with a 15-win season. If I'm one of these teams with a coaching vacancy, I throw 10-million dollars a year at him."

-2nd Quarter Quote No. 2: Also from JVG following a Josh Smith missed alley-oop dunk: "He should have gone between the legs." OITA!

-Wilbon and Scott are already previewing how the Hawks measure up to Cleveland. Can't say I disagree going there.

Heat-Hawks GM 7 1st Quarter Comments

2009-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

END OF 1: ATL 20, MIA 18

-The team that ends the 1st quarter ahead has won the game all 6 times. That bodes well for Atlanta. But that was the most evenly played start of the series.

-Hawks took the lead thanks to a 6-0 run and a bad turnover/accidental James Jones foul bumping into Mike Bibby.

-Dwyane Wade(8 pts) looks completely healthy and is taking everything to the paint. Obviously easier to do with a limited Horford.

-Udonis Haslem, next to Wade is the most clutch player on the team. 6 pts, 7 rbs.

-Unfortunately, the good Josh Smith has also showed up.

-Not a fan of Beasley at the 3 in GM 7, since that means he gets Joe Johnson on him. Really not a fan of Beasley passing up a 2-foot fastbreak layup.

-Jermaine O'Neal surprises everyone with a 2-min stint off the bench, which produces 2 fouls and an air ball. There may not be an encore performance today.

-Quote of the quarter: "The Heat may be young, but that's overrated because everyone knows what to do. The wildcard is Beasley." Marc Jackson.

Life After the Matrix....

2009-05-03T01:23:00.000-07:00

And some smart people seriously thought Shawn Marion would give the Heat a better chance to beat Atlanta than Jermaine O'Neal....

Here's the Matrix at the Kentucky Derby, courtesy of SportsbyBrooks. No doubt he's thinking about how to blitz Joe Johnson.

Heat-Hawks GM 6 Comments

2009-05-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

First off, I TOLD YOU SO!!

Now for the rest of the comments following the Heat's 98-72 Game 6 destruction of the Hawks, as narrated by Atlanta radio play-by-play broadcaster Steve Holman:

-What kind of franchise is the Miami Heat? They are embracing the label of "street thugs." And they've even got street thugs coming off the street and holding up T-H-U-G- in front of my booth!

-What a classy act by J-Smooth apologizing to Little Spoelstra before the game for the between the legs dunk. I'm telling you, the only thing he should apologize for is missing the slam. Somebody needs to nominate Josh Smith for the Citizenship Award! At the very least, little Spoelstra won't be cooking up some street thuggery.

-Or maybe not! They kicked our ass from start to finish. That's total thuggery. We might as well call them the Bloods and the Cribs. And four technical fouls from our angelic team? All Dwyyyaaane Waaaaaade's fault for crying about his hurt head!

-41 points for Dwwyyyyyane Waaaaaaade? What is he crying over a hurt head or a hurt back?

-Gotta hand it to Little Spoelstra for subbing the concussed Jermaine O'Neal with Joel Anthony. He went from doing his best Braylon Edwards imitation to looking like a mini-2006 Zo.

-25 shots for Michael Beasley? He's gotta be the most selfish player ever. Never mind that needs that type of game to get into a rhythm for Game 7.

-Those street thugs for all intents and purposes took three players from us: Marvin Williams, Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia. Nevermind that Horford was the only legit inactive. But Pachulia can't neutralize the street thugs with with his energy when Stiff-o-rama Solomon Jones is playing ahead of him.

-Play of the series from Dwyyyyyyaaane Wade, blocking Flip Murray with 7:39 left in the fourth quarter. And of course it's a goaltend. Those refs must be NBA Employees of the Month!

OK back to JMP: We'll write a preview piece for Sunday. But the Hawks, in spite of the home court advantage, have NO SHOT to win if Horford and Williams aren't getting major minutes. Regardless of whether Jermaine O'Neal is playing.

Swine Flu Day 8.4

2009-05-01T13:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, we are going for a Daily Swine Flu Update.....

And one of the U's most eclectic characters has made our jobs easier....

From the WASHINGTON POST....
Running Clinton Portis, who often expresses his disdain for minicamp, training camp and preseason games, was not happy about being on the field in the rain, especially given the threat of swine flu.

"With the swine flu going around, this water could have some swine flu in it, then all of us gonna be dead," Portis said during a group interview session with reporters on the field as it rained. "You should cancel minicamp, especially in bad weather. Right now in Mexico, they canceled all sporting events. They need to do that in the U.S. ... This is a scary, dangerous situation."

Amazing? Try Average or Annoying

2009-05-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Since we're on the topic of annoying announcer homerism with the Steve Holman uproar, may I suggest watching the beginning of the Marlins-Cubs day game on FSN Florida, and hearing Rich Waltz say "The Amazing Alfredo Amezaga is in the lineup again."

The amaaaaaazing Amezaga. You mean the guy who's batting 250 with 2 RBIs and a wait for it, wait for it, 639 OPS this year? Amaaaaaaazing alright!

I'm scared to ask what happens if the Amaaaaazing Amezaga's OPS climbs above 700?? Guess he becomes the best multi-position player since Pete Rose.

Get Off the Ledge Heat Fans....

2009-05-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

I picked the Heat to beat Atlanta in 6 games, before losing to Cleveland in 6 games at the start of the playoffs. Well, another prediction gone wrong, at least the first part of it.

So in danger of jinxing the Heat again, I'll offer this prediction: The World won't be watching LeBron James Sunday. They'll be watching Heat-Hawks Game 7.

Heat fans take note, because I've gotten too many calls from people asking "So this series is over, right?"

1. Miami is at home- The Heat were 28-13 at home, 15-26 on the road in the regular season. And all the factors that ignite a team at home, rub off this team any more.

2. Dwyane Wade is getting healthier- Watching GM 5, to me, DWade's back spasms were not as much of a factor as he probably thought they were. Hence why he was playing very tentative in the 1st half, and much more aggressive as the game went on. And he should also be more of a factor on defense, an area non-existent for the Heat in GM 5.

3. Guess who's not healthy?- Besides Luther Head and the Moon-man.....sorry this is a pro-Heat blog. Al Horford has been ruled out of tonight's game. And Marvin Williams is still out. That leaves the Hawks, a depth-challenged team to begin with, boasting a lineup of Bibby, Johnson, Smith, Evans, and Solomon Jones with Flip Murray and Zaza Pachulia coming off the bench. Frightening.

4. The Heat will kick Atlanta's ass physically- I've read plenty of voices, including some I respect tremendously, say that it would be unwise for Miami to try and send a message to Josh Smith. Sorry still not buying it. Look, they don't need to start the 2009 version of the Brawl at the Palace. But there can still be a major benefit to a message-sending hard/flagrant foul. The crowd will go nuts. The Hawks, an extremely soft team, will become tentative. And not that I'm endorsing intentional injuries, but if it happens, then its minus three Atlanta starters. And worse comes to worse, the Heat can win a Game 7 without Jamaal Magloire if that's what it boils down to.

So you're telling me that in a series where both teams are very evenly matched, that I shouldn't be picking Miami to win in a backs against the wall scenario, when they are at home, with a healthier playing against a Hawks team without two starters? Not going there.

Miami 101, Atlanta 93.

-As for Hawks old-school announcer Steve Holman, the most vilified person in Miami since Fidel Castro, calling the Heat "street thugs" and Erik Spoelstra "Little Spoesltra" is a little much. But as he said on Dan LeBatard's show yesterday(hear the interview HERE), it's his shtick. Basically, he's a wanna-be Johnny Most who did the same thing and never took hear for years in Boston. So I'm not as outraged as the rest of Heat Nation. But he isn't exactly painting an accurate picture of the basketball game for those who can't see it.

-Picture is courtesy of Sun-Sentinel.com.

Video: Pyramid is Back?

2009-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

So while tuned into Dan Patrick's radio show today(on my former station-the one that has more balls than anybody), DP says in the middle of the show the producers of the new "Pyramid" game show contacted him about possibly hosting it.

Which I guess validates this article. Which is a great thing!

As somebody who fondly remembers the USA early 90's game show block, Dick Clark was the pyramid guy and the game show host. Not the American Bandstand or New Year's Rockin Eve guy.

So here's hoping that new Pyramid turns out like this:

And not like this:

What other classic game shows are need of a good remake? And notice I said good cause there's plenty of turdish ones.

Video: NBA on NBC Will Never Be The Same!

2009-05-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

File this one in the Oldies But Goodies Section since this video circulated around the blogs a few months ago.

But since we've been elsewhere for the last year, we'll be catching up on a few things.

Such as John Tesh rocking out.....on the old school answering machine. And then with the 25-piece band.

DA DA DA DA DA DA DAAA DA DAAA

Video: Another Great Celtics Playoff Series

2009-04-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

While watching the Celtics-Bulls play 700 overtimes, this series reminds me a lot of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Celitcs-Hawks.

AKA Bird vs. Nique

AKA Brent Musburger's "You are watching what greatness is all about."

Swine Flu Day 7.2

2009-04-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that it's officially a Red State that takes Swine Flu Paranoia to a new level!!

From ESPN.com

Alabama officials have shut down all athletic events following the discovery of likely cases of swine flu in Huntsville.

"Right now, we are being advised by our Medical Advisory Committee to shut down all activities until further notice," said Steve Savarese, executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. "We hope to be able to resume activities by next Tuesday, but right now we must study the situation and take it one day at a time."

The move means the Alabama state track and field championships, scheduled for May 1-2, will be rescheduled. All other postseason activities scheduled through May 4 in sports including baseball, soccer, softball and golf are postponed until further notice.

"This is not something we want to do," Savarese said. "Right now, we want to be cautious."
On Tuesday, Texas officials postponed all public high school athletic and academic competitions on Wednesday until May 11 because of the swine flu outbreak.

School officials say 53,000 students are out of school due to concern over the virus, and dozens of schools were closed to be sanitized. With 16 confirmed cases of swine flu in Texas, Gov. Rick Perry announced a disaster declaration Wednesday for the entire state.

"This is a particularly contagious virus that is easily transmitted by contact," ESPN medical analyst Dr. Michael Kaplan said. "Any physical contact or inhalation/ingestion can infect another person. While most flu viruses are more virulent or dangerous for the very young and old debilitated individual, this strain seems most devastating to the young healthy adult."

SI is the new ESPN.....

2009-04-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, first we learned that Jay Cutler, and not Tom Brady is the best quarterback in football. Then we learned that Dwyane Wade is the best player in basketball(well that one is true).

Now this bit of premature ejaculation from the folks at the Illustrated...

Don't get me wrong, I love Zack Greinke's story, I love Zack Greinke's fastball, and I love Zack Greinke's production in the Freakin Fantasy Baseball League. But unless Johan Santana has become a Kansas City royal and turned in 57 for 23, Zack Greinke ain't the best pitcher in baseball.

Come to think of it, maybe I should be careful what I ask for.....

NOTE: If you want some tangible statistical evidence, Greinke's best full season, was last year, where he managed a 13-10 and a 3.47 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Johan does that in his sleep.

Latest on A-Roid....

2009-04-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Who is the "Bitch Tits" in this photo???????

Maybe Osama Bin Laden is Responsible for Swine Flu?

2009-04-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to make light of the horrible swine flu epidemic going on now. But come on, is this not a little excessive? I'll trust that the Democrats won't treat this like their own Republic terrorist scare tactic.

And yes, this image is from a Mexico City airport. But CBS4, one of the local Miami stations, had video of Miami passengers walking around in oxygen masks. And as of 1 AM, there are no Florida cases of swine flu.

Now They Can't Trade Chad Johnson

2009-04-29T21:46:00.001-07:00

Not if THIS STORY is true.

ITS NOT TV. ITS OCHO CINCO!

Heat-Hawks GM 5 Thoughts: Bringing a Hockey Mentality to Miami

2009-04-29T21:09:00.001-07:00

Here's the bottom line from Atlanta's 106-91 victory over the Heat in Game 5:

More so than Dwyane Wade's 29 points through back spasms-which did not seem to be as severe as we all thought.

More so than the defense, going from GM 2-4 lockdown style back to its decrepit GM 1 style. Possibly even worse.

More so than the balance of the series, which is now obviously in Atlanta's favor, even though I fully expect the Heat to send it back to the ATL, and think they can pull off a GM 7 W.

The bottom line is the most ridiculous, despicable, classless, and childish thing I've seen in a longtime from an NBA playoff game: Josh Smith's between the legs dunk attempt. Yes in a playoff game.

It happened with the Hawks up 18 and 4:16 left. A errant D-Wade pass leads to a 3-0 Hawks break. The ball ends up in Josh Smith's hands. And although the respectful thing in that spot is a quick, non-flashy dunk, we all know respect is not in J-Smooth's vocabulary.

But apparently hot dog and flat out punk is. Smith attempts a between the legs, Isiah Rider like jam. Seriously. I'm not kidding. And the ball goes into the fifth row. Which would have been an embarrassing enough highlight if Atlanta's down 20 instead of up 20.

Sure, the Heat was plenty irate after the game, with Erik Spoelstra eluding to ATL trying to "embarrass" his team. But that's not good enough. Somebody needs to absolutely FLATTEN Josh Smith's punk-ass in Game 6. And by that somebody I mean the "Enforcer", the "Grande Gato", Jamaal Magloire.

Do it early in the game, on his first drive. It will fire up the Heat. It will absolutely embolden the AAA crowd. If they win, its setting a tone for Game 7. If they lose, its setting a tone for next year. And it just needs to happen, even if it leads to a suspension for Magloire. Some things just cannot be tolerated. Especially against a team ingrained in Pat Riley's culture.

This Team is Pathetic Part 106

2009-04-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Johan Santana seriously should ask to be traded. I know it's been one year, and five starts, but the most pathetically mediocre team in baseball doesn't deserve to have its starting rotation bolstered by the game's pitching god.

Because of my Heat/Clear Channel responsibilities, I haven't had an opportunity to be locked into baseball as much this first month or so. But you better believe I watched today's disaster with the Marlins.

I thought going into this year, warts and all, the Marlins were going to win the division. They have potentially the best 1-4 in baseball, a lineup that will mash 200 homers and a good-enough bullpen. The Phillies are the defending champs, but are no ones idea of a constantly elite team. The Braves upgraded, but don't have the big power hitter, or a good enough bullpen. And the Mets did what the Mets always do.

2007, the Mets participate in the worst collapse because their lacking a front-line starter, have a lousy bullpen, a terrible bottom of the order, plus a lack of leadership, fire, and players who can come through in the clutch. So what's the response? Throw 150 million dollars at the best pitcher in baseball, and expect him to also close/set-up, occupy the 6-9 spots, and be the one to bat in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs on October 1st.

2008, to say the Mets leave a mediocre manager but a great person(Willie Randolph) twisting in the wind would be the biggest understatement since saying Dwyane Wade is the entire Miami Heat. He gets let go in the most embarrassing job termination I've ever seen. Still, the Metropolitans start to surge under Jerry Manuel despite having a horrific bullpen, a lousy collection of 6-9 hitters, a lack of leadership, fire, and players who can come through in the clutch. Sure enough, they cough up a 3 1/2 game September lead and blow it AGAIN. At the hands of the Marlins AGAIN. What's the response? In any other corporation, the architect of the Titanic wouldn't get a chance to create the Exxon Valdez.

Except for the Flushing baseball club of course. They reward him with a four-year extension.

And Omar Minaya goes out and implodes the bullpen, but does nothing at second base, nothing at the corner outfield spots, nothing at catcher, nothing in shaking up the clubhouse, and leaves the clutch opportunities in the hands of non-clutch performers. Oh yeah, and amidst all of that, Johan Santana having the best pitching season I've seen from anyone since Pedro Martinez 1999. But because he has 15-8 to show for it instead of 23-4 on any other team, no Cy Young.

So what do we have for 2009? A 9-12 start. A lack of clutchness, fire, and consistent hits. A bullpen that's better but not completely fixed. Horrible pitching from inconsistent arms. And oh yeah, Johan Santana with a 1.10 ERA. 1.10, but is only 3-1 in 5 starts. Why? Because the lineup has managed all of 13 runs in his five starts. Seriously are you kidding me? Does this team do this on purpose? These questions have to go through Johan's head.

Now of course this team will rebound, take a division lead from June/July to the end of September, and then blow it again. And this time, Omar Minaya will fix the back of the order, while not touching the rest of the starting rotation, or lack of clubhouse leadership, or clutchness. So time to guess what will be the downfall in 2010?

Maybe it will be your superstar pitcher saying he doesn't want to be around the organization Joe Beningo once said was run like a "corner deli."

We're Back......

2009-04-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

All good things must come to an end. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you probably will soon.

In the meantime, as they say, when one door closes, another opens. I don't think they meant to apply that to blogging, but it works here.

We're up and running again!

We've Moved....

2008-07-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, we've been on a hiatus. There's a reason for that. We're relocating.

My new and improved blog, featuring daily updates, videos, and interviews can be found here.

JMP's NEW BLOG!!

Erik Spoelstra Interview

2008-05-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

My Sports Sunday conversation with new Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra can be found at the NewsRadio 610 WIOD page. That means GO!!

Among things I took out:

-Considering that Spoe may have never partaken in a non-Sun Sports halftime interview in 13 years, it's incredible how sharp and prepared and natural he is. It's fair to not immediately anoint him a success, but I really wouldn't worry about the lack of head coaching experience.

-He won't be a puppet the way Tony Sparano is expected to be(Pat Riley allows his coaches a lot more freedom), but make no mistake, Spoelstra is an extension of Riles. The defensive first culture will be upheld. The weight and body fat requirements will be there. Now it's a question of whether he will be flexible to the personnel, or if the personnel will have to fully adapt to the culture. Probably a mixture of both.

-Between talking with Spoelstra and a couple people in the organization, I don't think the Heat trade the pick no matter where they land. While I've speculated for weeks that Derrick Rose is the guy targeted at No. 1, there seems to be a lot of interest in Brook Lopez potentially at No. 3. And I've heard both Jared Bayless and Kevin Love prominently mentioned. Both interesting because I don't think a shoot first point guard is a great choice with Dwyane, and while I'm on the Kevin Love will succeed in the NBA bandwagon, top 4 is awfully high. But it seems like all these options are more appealing to the braintrust than acquiring a veteran in lieu of the pick.

-Perhaps most interesting are Spoelstra's comments about D-Wade. We know they have, if not a friendship, then at least an extreme respect for one another. But while some people in the organization seem to begrudgingly go with the company line of praising Dwyane's Olympic aspirations, I think Spoelstra genuinely believes it's the best thing for Wade. And I agree 100 percent. Wade performed much better on back to back and 1 day of rest this year than 2+ days rest. Barring injury, the Olympics will get Dwyane into game speed and shape much easier than anything else.

-Of course, all of these could be smokescreens. After all, Pat was the master of saying something one day and pulling a reversal the next. Stan Van Gundy had Riley's bluntness(without as much charisma), but didn't pull many sleight of hands. Where does Spoelstra lie, excuse the pun? Stay tuned.

Hanley Ramirez Thoughts.....

2008-05-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

So many places to go with the news that the Marlins are about to announce a 6-year, 70 million dollar extension for Hanley Ramirez.

-Shocked, Surprised, Stunned, Amazed, Flabbergasted, Astonished, Dumbfounded, Incredulous. Are those enough adjectives to describe my reaction?

-The biggest reason for the shock is not the sharp 180 degree turn from pouring in no money. Or Jeffrey Loria's comments stating they would continue to not pump in money until the new stadium opens its doors. The main reason has to do with the stadium possibly hitting a snag. On Friday, Norman Braman's lawsuit, minus one facet, got the green light to be decided in court in July. And speaking with multiple people who are close to both parties, ignore the false confidence the Marlins may be showing: They are SCARED of Norman Braman. And so is Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. Just reporting what I've been told.

-Obviously, the Hanley deal makes sense on a million different levels. But it doesn't validate the Miguel Cabrera deal at all. In fact, it exacerbates the bad taste. The Marlins DIDN'T have to make a choice between Miggy and HanRam. They could have and should have retained Cabrera's rights until 2009. And let's just say, considering the Fish are operating without a finalized stadium deal, they had a hunch this would go through before the season. Why not pay Miggy his 10 million price tag, sign Hanley to an extension, and replace Andrew Miller and Burke Badenhop's spots with say, Kyle Loshe(who signed a 1 yr 4 mil deal) and Chris Volstad? I know what you're saying, the Marlins got a once in a lifetime package from Detroit. You don't think they could have reached a similar deal following another 320-35-120 season from Cabrera?
And stop with all the justifications towards getting rid of Miggy. No team in its right mind would ever want to get rid of a 24-year old superstar who hasn't even reached his prime. I don't care how el gordo he is, that didn't stop Babe Ruth. I don't care if he's not a prototypical third baseman, move him to the first sack. And bad clubhouse guy? Bring in veterans to neutralize that. Just like the Red Sox did with Big Papi keeping Manny under wraps. Besides, the clubhouse scenario is so overstated, Dontrelle did more irreparable harm than Migy.

-That said, the Marlins sent this message to their fan base: We're in it to win it in 2008. Do I think they can sustain a 23-14 pace playing the creampuff part of their schedule? No. But as long as they're in the NL East mix, go get that ideal leadoff hitter and center fielder. Go acquire another veteran arm.

-And sign at least a couple other players up for arbitration. It's amazing I'm suggesting this, but if Scott Olsen doesn't encounter any brushes with the law, ink him with a 3 or 4 year extension. Same for a dependable bat like Josh Willingham. I'm not expected the Marlins to become the Yankees overnight, but they do need to spend wisely. Key word being SPEND.

Video: My Biggest Nightmare....

2008-05-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

For some it's ghosts, others it's snakes. For me, it was the PBS music that would come on after shows like Sesame Street and Reading Rainbow. Have a good laugh!

Yes, You Can Bet on the Draft Lottery........

2008-05-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

It shouldn't surprise anybody that wagers can be placed for who wins the NBA Draft Lottery(which we all know will be the Heat), since spring training baseball garners action. But, I feel obligated to provide degenerates with their PSA, so here ya go.

FYI, for bleep's sake, I'm picking the Heat, Bucks and Sonics as the top 3

Miami Heat +175
Seattle Supersonics +250
Minnesota T-Wolves +385
Memphis Grizzlies +400
New York Knicks +800
L.A. Clippers +1000
Milwaukee Bucks +1200
Charlotte Bobcats +1800
Chicago Bulls +2000
New Jersey Nets +2500
Sacramento Kings +5000
Indiana Pacers +6000
Portland Trail Blazers +6600
Golden State Warriors +7500

Making the Case for a Co-Co-Co-Co MVP.....

2008-05-06T10:01:00.001-07:00

The sign of a bad sports talk host is to show an inability to formulate a strong opinion. 99 percent of the time, that inability is bred out of sheer laziness. But once in a while, there's an issue which doesn't come equipped with a rubber-stamped answer. Such as the rightful winner of the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player.

I'm largely on the side of changing the Most Valuable Player to the Most Outstanding Player. Because, normally, there is no scientific way to calculate who had the greatest impact on their team. How can you definitively say that a superstar on a 55-win team INDIVIDUALLY delivered more victories through their presence than someone on a 40-win team. But of course, the old curmudgeons that cast their ballots usually don't concur with that analysis.

Based on that idea, LeBron James was the most outstanding player because he led the NBA in scoring, and has every single shred of that offense run through him. Plus, King James took an otherwise horrible Cleveland team to the NBA Finals, and with Danny Ferry poisoning the team by being Danny Ferry, it's amazing some are picking Cleveland to beat Chicago.

Then there is Chris Paul, who carries all of the qualities that most define an MVP by. Incredible statistical season(21 pts, 11.6 ast, nearly 5/1 assist to turnover ratio, led NBA in PER), and lifted an OK supporting cast to the West's No. 2 seed, while carrying the New Orleans story with him. Of course, some of his credentials are a product of his point guard position, but make no mistake, 2007-2008 may be defined by CP3.

Kevin Garnett's numbers weren't as shoddy(19 pts, 9 rbs) and he missed 11 games, but Bill Simmons article documents how Garnett is one of the rare players that ACTUALLY bring intangibles, and transcends statistics. He was the reason the Celtics went from having Don Nelson architect the defensive gameplan, to having five Bruce Bowen's on the court at all times. And this is when the other two stars(Pierce and Ray Allen) are at best, mediocre defensive players. KG changes the mindset of practice, and even small things like blocking shots after the whistle alter the culture in Beantown.

And of course, there is the man who's about to win his first MVP, Kobe Bryant. Was this his most dominant season? No, the Jordan like 05-06 campaign was his most dominant. But this was Bryant's most complete season, and led L.A. to a No. 1 seed out West with the similar cast of characters, save 35 games from a more dominant Andrew Bynum, and 27 from Pau Gasol. And while the idea of a "Lifetime Achievement Award" leaves a sour taste, it's washed out from the scenario that the best player in the game needs at least one MVP mantle.

Gun to my head, I'm giving the award to Garnett since this is one of the rare distinguishable years to separate Most Valuable from Most Outstanding. But how can you come up with a tangible argument any of the four?

This Rivalry is Going Way too Far

2008-05-06T09:55:00.001-07:00

This is why we give you guys surgeon's general warnings that taking sports too seriously is bad for your health. And this also proves that anybody who still calls Yankees-Red Sox a non-rivalry is an imbecile.

Story Courtesy of the AP. Picture courtesy of the Nashua Telegraph

NASHUA, N.H. - A Yankees fan who got into a Red Sox-Yankees argument outside a bar aimed her car at a group of people to scare them and didn't brake, hitting and killing a man, authorities and witnesses said.

Ivonne Hernandez was arraigned Monday on reckless second-degree murder and drunken driving charges and was held without bail. She did not enter a plea.

Hernandez's public defender, James Quay, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Hernandez, 43, was speeding early Friday toward a small group that included the man, Matthew Beaudoin, 29, and never hit her brakes, a prosecutor said Monday.

"She accelerated at a high speed for about 200 feet. She went directly at this group of people," prosecutor Susan Morrell said. "She indicated to police that she wanted to scare this group of people. She thought they would get out of the way."

Beaudoin died of massive head trauma at a hospital, Morrell said.

Hernandez, of Nashua, was arrested at the scene. She said she had been drinking and refused to take a breath-alcohol test, Morrell said. Hernandez said she had been in an argument with the group.

Authorities won't describe the argument, but witnesses said it occurred after Beaudoin left a bar.

Owner Lisa Slade said one of her bartenders, who was with Beaudoin after the bar closed, stopped at a bush to relieve herself.

Beaudoin and another girl, Maria Hughes, laughed at her. Slade said the bartender told her that a woman getting into her car thought Beaudoin and Hughes were laughing at her.

She said the woman punched the bartender. "My bartender got slapped in the face," Slade said.

At that point, the group saw a Yankees bumper sticker on Hernandez's car and "said something to her about being a Yankees fan," and the conflict escalated, Slade said. Like the rest of New Hampshire, Nashua, 45 miles northwest of Boston, is Red Sox country.

Hernandez allegedly gunned her car and struck Beaudoin and Maria Hughes, 21. Hughes had only minor injuries, which Beaudoin's sister Faith said was because her brother shielded Hughes, a friend.

Faith Beaudoin described her brother as a jokester and social butterfly who liked to tease.

"I hope she's haunted by Matt's face hitting her windshield," she said of Hernandez. "It's been an absolute nightmare for all of us."

Video: This is What Should Have Aired on E-60

2008-05-05T20:17:00.001-07:00

So will ESPN remove the Sports Guy from E-60 just like they did Dana Jacobsen dirty for being the MVP of an ESPN roast?? Who knows, but enjoy this spoof of Miguel Tejada's "To Catch a Predator" appearance on E-60, with Jimmy Kimmel and Bill Simmons. Courtesy of AWFUL ANNOUNCING.

Monday Quickies......

2008-05-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

-My interview with Dolphins No. 1 pick Jake Long is on the WIOD website. It's a pretty standard meet and greet, although we talked about why so many of the rookies are SCARED of Parcells. Am I the only one who doesn't understand that dynamic? I get trying to cast a good first impression, but it's not like Tuna is going to wring your neck if you mess up a drill. And besides, I want people on my team EAGER to play for Parcells, not scared.

-Sorry but PETA's stretching with comparing horse racing to dog fighting. Larry Jones was holding back tears when Eight Belles' had to be euthanized. Versus Ron Mexico celebrating a day's work by sending the pup to the electric chair. There may be similarities surrounding the concept of treating animals like objects, but the perception/tone couldn't be more different.

-There's a clear difference between dancing with yourself, and dancing with someone else.

-And how does Miami-FT Lauderdale have four sports stations, and not one of them is carrying NBA playoff games?

Video: Nothing Like Banter Between Newspeople

2008-05-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

So does he say "sacks" or "sex?" You make the call.....

Video: What is Buzz Bissinger's Problem?

2008-04-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard by now, brilliant yet overly sanctimonious author Buzz Bissinger went all Hulk on Deadspin.com editor Will Leitch in Tuesday's episode of Costas Now. The argument emanated from blogs and how Bissinger thinks they are the "ROOT OF ALL EVIL."

Here's the Youtube video of the audio from Costas Now, with HBO prohibiting the actual video from being shown.

It bothers me to a certain extent to say this, because I've never met Bissinger personally, yet greatly admired "Friday Night Lights." But he sounds like an absolute moron when getting into arguments. This is the same guy who when I worked at 790 the Ticket, went on Boog Sciambi's radio show to attempt to tell him off about minor league pitchers(nobody knows more baseball than Boog), and while he's at it, throws a complete and total cheap shot at Sid Rosenberg. Suffice to say, it sounds like he has some serious anger management issues.

And on his comments from blogs, I can sympathize with his frustration over the extreme cynicism that seems to surround sports. Those of you that listen to my shows and read my work understand that I try not to be judgemental or stand on a soapbox, but rather approach an issue from all viewpoints and often times end up on the unpopular side of things.

But grouping blogs and bloggers in the guilty category is just as ignorant as the very same thing Bissinger is railing against. Yes, some blogs may exist in the uber-cynical category. But others provide the opposite. And some, like Deadspin, and like this one(and I love Deadspin), look to offer a balance between the lighter side of sports, while discussing the major issues in a light that not everyone chooses to see.

Three NBA Coaching Suggestions...

2008-04-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

1. Suns Fire Mike D’Antoni, Hire Rick Carlisle- Should a coach who’s averaged 58 wins over the last four seasons lose his job? Not necessarily. But D’Antoni is quickly becoming the Rick Adelman of running his players into the ground prior to the playoffs, and with Steve Nash and the Big Fraud well into the Back Nine of their careers, Steve Kerr needs to put Phoenix in the best position to win immediately.

That means hiring the one perceived retread who’s not a retread. Rick Carlisle has shown an ability to mesh both an up-tempo, and an inside-out style offense, while bringing a defensive mindset that D’Antoni left in Europe. And while Nash may initially object, just ask Chauncey Billups what Carlisle did to his career.

2. Knicks Hire Mike D’Antoni- With every job I want to take away, there’s another I need to create. While Marc Jackson may eventually be the perfect guy for the job, wouldn’t you rather hire an experienced coach to pull the Knicks out of the abyss so they can only occasionally make David Letterman monologues?

D’Antoni is the perfect guy to do that. In between all of the Isiah/Dolan/Starbury soap operas, everyone forgets just how turgid it has been to watch the Knicks. You think high pick and roll basketball is boring? How about swinging it around the perimeter until Eddy Curry gets open for a two-foot jump hook? D’Antoni can at least produce 40 wins with New York’s talent, and make them exciting. Then, you hire Marc Jackson to teach youngsters “the game of basketball.”

3. Memo to Marc Cuban: Let Things Be For One More Year- If anyone should be on the hot seat, it’s Donnie Nelson. Why would you give up your best defender(Devin Harris) who’s an underrated point guard to bring in a guy(Jason Kidd) past his prime to run an offense set up for isolations to Dirk and Josh Howard? Not even Red Auerbach could instantly transform the offense to a championship level in mid-season.
That’s why, as much as I think this trade was a dumb idea, give it a full training camp and season before rendering final judgement.

Editors Note: I forgot how much Mark Cuban hates bloggers. No further explanation needed to why Avery is now unemployed.

Video: Peyton Goes Nuts.....

2008-04-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Pro Football Talk, we've unearthed the angry side of Peyton Manning. Now don't get me wrong, I am a Tom Brady guy through and through. But I'm not stepping on the soapbox and railing at Peyton to not go "Let's go Insurance Adjuster" on teammates, it happens all the time.

However, it is pretty hillarious.

Video: Simon Cowell's Debut

2008-04-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I can't link the video, but click HERE to see an 80's Simon Cowell participate on some cheezy British game show "Sale of the Century." I seem to remember it airing on the USA afternoon sweep at one point....of course along side NO WHAMMIES, BIG BUCKS, NO WHAMMIES!

Video: The Downfall of John Daly

2008-04-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

So if he had some of the 60 million dollars he allegedly lost, would John Daly have at least sported a wife beater?

Why I Hate Right Wing Fascists.....

2008-04-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

Weird that that my political sensibilities burst out from a sports blog, but this Michigan show host's blog entry on seventh round pick Caleb Campbell picking football over the Army is downright offensive. Read this excerpt.

Caleb Campbell chose West Point. He was not forced to go there. If he wanted pro football then there are a ton of colleges where you can chase your dream.
The Army also is at fault for offering an opt-out for athletes. That sends the wrong message about character and leadership.

Men of character don't opt out.

Leaders lead by example.

Maybe Campbell should look at the stories of Tillman and Williamson to understand that when he entered West Point, duty, honor and country meant more than fame and fortune.

Here's what I have to say to you Mr. Simonson. How INSENSITIVE of you to suggest following Pat Tillman's footsteps of "honoring his country" when Tillman DIED, followed by the United States government massively covering up the way he died.

Are you suggesting that Pat Tillman would have made the same choice if he knew he would be gunned down by friendly fire? Or that the Tillman family would have signed off on it, had they known the ramifications? If so, you need to get your head examined.

It's people like this that make me sick.

Random Draft Notes.....

2008-04-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Quickly going through the other 31 NFL clubs, in a non-Mel Kiper kind of way....

AFC East

Buffalo- See what happens when Marv Levy's AARP card has been revoked? You don't reach for a receiver.
New England- How many positions can Jerod Mayo play? And while everyone raised their eyebrows at QB Kevin O'Connell in Round 3, he will probably end up as a monster tight end/special teams player.
Jets- I love the fact that the unanimous "boom or bust" player is a Jet. Hellooooo Mike Mamula!

AFC South
Houston-How did Steve Slaton slip into the third round?
Indianapolis- The 1st round wouldn't have been recieverless if Indy had a pick. And it would have been a good one because of that Peyton Manning guy.
Jacksonville- Trading up 18 spots for Derrick Harvey was dumb. But not as dumb as Baltimore not snaring an '09 1st or 2nd round pick in return.
Tennessee- This may be the time where you hear Sal Palontonio drum up the brigade of "Jeff Fisher is overrated" pundits.

AFC North
Baltimore-Joe Flacco No. 18? The guy who Wannstedt ran out of Pittsburgh? Oh yeah, there offensive coordinator has him thumb pointed THIS WAY! And see Jacksonville.
Cincinatti- Perhaps the draft room explains why Marvin Lewis hasn't been fired. And that makes the decision not to trade Chad Johnson that much more indefensible.
Cleveland- Their real draft was Brady Quinn, Corey Williams, and Shaun Rodgers. And that could make them one of the winners.
Pittsburgh- I don't know where the fibula is, but apparently its a motherbleeper of an injury to take Rashard Mendenhall.

AFC West
Denver- Not a bad draft, but this seems to be the team ready to really bottom out pretty soon.
Kansas City- The annual winner of the "Let's not start bleeping each others bleep yet." Keep in mind Jared Allen is gone, and there is no quarterback to challenge Brodie Croyle before you fawn all over Carl Peterson.
Oakland- Cannot tell you how much I love the Run DMC pick. He may be what makes JeMarcus Russell's career.
San Diego- The Chargers always seem to get burned by their corners, so adding one in the first round makes sense. Knock it down Cason!

NFC East
Dallas- Felix Jones yes, but why Tashard Choice who has NFL potential? Either way, the Cowboys weekend boils down to not trading for McFadden and the punk they picked up from Tennessee.
Giants- We will know immediately whether Kenny Phillips is the real deal or not. Because I'd love to see him bring the '07 attitude to Drill Sgt. Coughlin.
Philadelphia- Did you ever think we'd say the Eagles are clearly the worst team in the NFC East? I just did.
Washington- Santana Moss and Antwan Randal-El are receivers. They are not top-notch weapons. But Malcolm Kelly could be.

NFC South
Atlanta- Don't like Arthur Blank making the pick when you bring in a Pats personnel guy. But Matt Ryan makes all the sense in the world for a franchise that NEEDS to turn the page from Ron Mexico.
Carolina- If Jonathan Stewart turns D'Angelo Williams into a change of pace back, doesn't that make Williams a bad pick?
New Orleans- Seem ready to contend again now that they are actually addressing the D and should be healthy. And don't bother trading for Shockey, you don't need him.
Tampa Bay- It's a B minus/C plus draft because of the lack of another pass rusher. If they acquire Jason Taylor, make that an A draft. Even with 97 quarterbacks.

NFC North
Chicago- Great job not drafting a quarterback, Jerry Angelo. Even Kyle Wright in Round 7 would have been something.
Detroit- Just when you think Matt Millen actually can pat himself on the back, most scouts say there were better O-Linemen on the board than Gosder Cherilus at 17. Wah-wah-wah.
Green Bay- Jordy Nelson is primed to join the best receiving corps in the NFL. And Brian Brohm will be throwing them the ball by midseason.
Minnesota- The most interesting team in the NFL. Could be a Super Bowl contender(explosive offensive skill players, great O-Line, Williams boys and Jared Allen beefing up D) or can be the bust of the year(no QB, suspect secondary).

NFC West
Arizona- So much for the Ken Whisenhunt is going to sack Matt Leinart talk. Nice move going defense early.
St Louis- My rationale for the Dolphins not targeting a D-Lineman No. 1 doesn't extend to the Rams. They score points.
San Francisco- I hope Joe Staley is working out for you Mike Nolan. That and the 75 dollar SYMS suits.
Seattle- If they are the most obscure team in the NFL, it's only fitting they have the most obscure draft.

A Lack of Draft Drama....

2008-04-27T21:16:00.001-07:00

I will have more NFL Draft stuff tomorrow, when my brain isn't half-asleep.

In the meantime, Gregg Doyel wrote a great column on CBS Sportsline about how anti-climactic NFL Draft coverage has become. And especially ESPN reporting what picks are, before they happen. Excerpt below:

After 10 picks of the first round, ESPN was 10-for-10 in predicting, and sometimes flat-out reporting, who the pick would be. The draft is Christmas come to April, and ESPN was telling us what was inside the wrapper.
The first pick was obvious enough. Jake Long had already signed with Miami. No drama there. None expected. Fine.

But then it stayed that way. Analyst Chris Mortensen told us the Rams would take Chris Long with the No. 2 overall pick. Reporter Rachel Nichols, standing outside the Falcons' draft room in Georgia, told us the Falcons would take Matt Ryan third. Mortensen said Oakland would pick Darren McFadden fourth.

About this time, it occurred to me: This is not fun. ESPN is winning its game of gotcha, but the rest of us are the big losers. This was like buying a book for your birthday, maybe the latest by James Patterson, and having the stupid store clerk read the last page out loud. Or like sitting down for M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller and inadvertently starting with the last scene, the one where Bruce Willis realizes he's dead or Samuel L. Jackson reveals himself to be an insane killer.

This sets up an interesting question: Would you rather wait for the dramatic announcements, or are you feeding into the "always having it first" frenzy?

Read the entire article HERE.