In descending order of relevance....
8. Boston 104, Atlanta 81- The punching attack Leon Powe sustained from his own teammates in the fourth quarter will be more punishment than anything he receives from the Hawks. Or the whole team for that matter. Wake me up when this series is over in 2 minutes.
7. Orlando 114, Toronto 100- Sam Mitchell is the reigning Coach of the Year. He also may be unemployed in the next couple weeks. You all know my feelings on starting T.J. Ford over Jose Calderon. But how about a frontcourt of Bargnani, Bosh and Nesterovic to try to contend with Dwight Howard? Nevermind all three are "soft", including Chris Bosh. D-bo had lots of trouble with the tall trees, 25 points and 22 boards later.
6. Utah 93, Houston 82- I know it's a 4-5 series, but I'm anointing this one finito after one game. Don't care how woeful the Jazz are on the road, they are 37 and FREAKING 4 at home. And I think the Rockets would prefer Skip to My Lou running the point with a dangling hamstring than Bobby Jackson/Aaron Brooks.
5. Lakers 128, Denver 114- I probably shouldn't have been too dismissive of Denver making this a series after being reminded that there was only a seven win differential. Then I was also reminded the Lake Show had Pau Gasol(36 pts 16 rbs), and Chris Wallace shouldn't be allowed within 1000 yards of any NBA arena.
4. Cleveland 93, Washington 86- Two things: One, in the midst of some laughable trash talking, it's amazing how a year ago there was prevalent chatter on LeBron being "unclutch." Right....Speaking of unclutch, Gilbert Arenas is an amazing talent, but until he develops a brain, the Wizards aren't for real.
3. Philly 90, Detroit 86- Great win by the Sixers, but sorry to disappoint you rabid fans: Detroit is still winning the series. Don't think Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups will shoot 8-26 again. However, after that, is what Piston fan should be concerned about. That and Mr. Big Shot pulling a Jamal Mashburn.
2. New Orleans 104, Dallas 92- Yeah, so that playoff experience thing? Existed for one half of one game. And this should probably not be the second most important result, except I can file it in the I told you so category!
1. San Antonio 117, Phoenix 115- After all the twists, and turns, and game-winning shots, here's my prevailing thought besides the fact that Mike D'Antoni is a horrible tactician: The Suns win this game without the trade. Shaq was totally worthless, right down to the blocking foul because the Big Genius doesn't realize his Size 23 feet will NEVER BE OUT OF THE RESTRICTED AREA! More importantly, Shawn Marion defends Ginobli on that last play and knows that Manu always goes to his left. Still, this has the makings of an incredible series.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Lottery Video...
I know the lottery is a month away, but David Stern needs to take some notes from his Oscar worthy performance 23 yrs ago. Only this time substitute the Knicks for the Heat! Hey, didn't Jane Fonda go like 15 yrs between movies?
BTW, why is Chris Berman hosting Baseball Tonight?
BTW, why is Chris Berman hosting Baseball Tonight?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Video: Making the MU Tigers Their Biatch
KU-Missou is actually a rivalry that I get caught up in, because I lived in Columbia for six months right after college doing minor league baseball play-by-play. And while UM-Florida State is a good college rivalry, KU-Missou permeates through the entire area 365 days a year, versus a game you get jazzed up for that week.
Of course, I was on the black and yellow side of the rivalry. But after the national championship, and this video, good luck muting Rawk Chalk Jayhawk. Not even Quin Snyder's free meals can save you MU fans.....
Of course, I was on the black and yellow side of the rivalry. But after the national championship, and this video, good luck muting Rawk Chalk Jayhawk. Not even Quin Snyder's free meals can save you MU fans.....
The NBA Playoffs.....Where Predictable Happens
First round predictions with the postseason beggining today....
Eastern Conference
1 Boston vs. 8 Atlanta: Like Brent Musburger said 20 years ago when these teams hooked up, You are watching what greatness is all about. Only this time it's one team that resembles greatness. Boston in 4
2 Detroit vs 7 Philadelphia: Pistons normally come out blazing out of the gates, and their starters are rested. Detroit in 4
3 Orlando vs 6 Toronto: Raptors stay in it with point guard play. But the Magic are a better team. Orlando in 6
4 Cleveland vs 5 Washington: The Cavs resemble the 06-07 Heat which are not a good thing. And the Wizards have their triumvate back, even if they are "the dumbest team in the history of civilization." Washington in 6
Western Conference
1 L,A. Lakers vs 8 Denver: Some feel this is going to be a series. They forget that the D in Denver does not stand for defense. Los Angeles in 5.
2 New Orleans vs 7 Dallas: This will be the most shocking pick for some, considering the Hornets seem to be perceieved as the underdog. They are forgetting that Chris Paul is going to destroy Jason Kidd. And the Mavericks are soft until I see otherwise. Playoff experience is overrated. New Orleans in 5
3 San Antonio vs 6 Phoenix: Deep down, I really think Phoenix takes this series. But one, I don't want to root for the Big Cactus, and two, I don't have the balls to go against the Spurs. San Antonio in 7
4 Utah vs 5 Houston: The Jazz ineptitude on the road worries me. But not as much as Rafer Alston being out the first two games, at least. When did you think you'd ever say that? Utah in 6.
Eastern Conference
1 Boston vs. 8 Atlanta: Like Brent Musburger said 20 years ago when these teams hooked up, You are watching what greatness is all about. Only this time it's one team that resembles greatness. Boston in 4
2 Detroit vs 7 Philadelphia: Pistons normally come out blazing out of the gates, and their starters are rested. Detroit in 4
3 Orlando vs 6 Toronto: Raptors stay in it with point guard play. But the Magic are a better team. Orlando in 6
4 Cleveland vs 5 Washington: The Cavs resemble the 06-07 Heat which are not a good thing. And the Wizards have their triumvate back, even if they are "the dumbest team in the history of civilization." Washington in 6
Western Conference
1 L,A. Lakers vs 8 Denver: Some feel this is going to be a series. They forget that the D in Denver does not stand for defense. Los Angeles in 5.
2 New Orleans vs 7 Dallas: This will be the most shocking pick for some, considering the Hornets seem to be perceieved as the underdog. They are forgetting that Chris Paul is going to destroy Jason Kidd. And the Mavericks are soft until I see otherwise. Playoff experience is overrated. New Orleans in 5
3 San Antonio vs 6 Phoenix: Deep down, I really think Phoenix takes this series. But one, I don't want to root for the Big Cactus, and two, I don't have the balls to go against the Spurs. San Antonio in 7
4 Utah vs 5 Houston: The Jazz ineptitude on the road worries me. But not as much as Rafer Alston being out the first two games, at least. When did you think you'd ever say that? Utah in 6.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Nice Job, Jeff Ireland......
There are some delusional Dolphins fans that believe Bill Parcells and his entourage/staff will break the Fins playoff drought this season. Not as many as I thought, considering the collective lack of intelligence South Florida sports fans can show sometimes. But some.
Well, after events around 12:45 PM this afternoon at Fins HQ in Davie, I'm here to lower the ax on you Dolfans: 2008 will be the seventh consecutive non-playoff year for the aqua and orange. And for that matter 2009 and 2010 will probably be the eighth and ninth years.
Actually, let me re-phrase that. I'm not lowering the ax. I'm letting G.M. Jeff Ireland's stupidity do that for me.
In what he deemed as a Freudian slip(Ya think?), Ireland midway through a mandatory pre-draft presser with the media, let the cat out of the bag big time. Asked whether signability will drive who the Fins select No. 1, Ireland picked the worst time to have a Miss South Carolina moment:
“I’m going after the player who best fits us. That’s the best way I can say it. I don’t want bad guys on my team. Of course I want guys who have great upside; it’s the first pick in the draft. You hope that this guy is a pillar of your defense for a long time."
Hooooooold on a second: Pillar of defense?? Weren't you supposedly negotiating exclusively with OFFENSIVE Tackle Jake Long? Aren't you supposed to bluff interest in QUARTERBACK Matt Ryan? And most importantly, why the bleep are you belting out your intentions???
Now of course, Ireland's boo-boo was roundly called out by several reporters. And Ireland, after acting befuddled over what he blurted out, corrected himself and passed it off as a misspeak. And in most cases, it would be possible to believe that Ireland just got mixed up with his words. Or that he was trying to plant a smokescreen. Or that he was sending a message to Jake Long's agent Tom Condon since negotiations have reportedly hit a snag.
Except I'm not giving Jeff Ireland the benefit of the doubt. Because this is the same guy who two months ago, opened up the Senior Bowl by declaring the Dolphins "Open for Business." Great way to completely piss away your leverage, eh. The "consigliere" thought so, enough to shield Ireland away from any future public speaking engagements, until now. That included the Owners Meetings, in which most other GM's/personnel directors spoke.
But now, Ireland has completely outdone himself. Now, there is no prayer of the Dolphins making a trade. And today would have been a perfect time to start "negotiating" with Matt Ryan, considering that Baltimore is probably desperate for a franchise QB to fall out of the sky. And outside of Chris Long, no potential pillar of defense is likely to sign with the Dolphins prior to the draft, especially at a reduced rate.
What boggles my mind is how inept Jeff Ireland has been so far in handling one of his most important job responsibilities. While I believe Ireland and his minions are very important in terms of unearthing talent and laying the groundwork, virtually everyone believes that Bill Parcells, a la Pat Riley, calls the shots. Of course, unlike the Heat, the Fins are trying to disguise that for numerous reasons. Which means it's that important for Ireland to give off the guise that he's able to competently convey the message from the Tuna upstairs.
And so far, he's 0 for 2 with a pair of 3-pitch strikeouts.
The worst part about it is while I don't know Jeff Ireland personally, he seems to resemble many of Nick Saban's worst traits, from cockiness, to impatience in addressing certain questions, to operating as he's the Smartest Person in the Room. I got news for you Jeff, so far you are nothing more than an extension of Rick Spielman and Randy Mueller. And they were nowhere near the Smartest People in the Room.
Well, after events around 12:45 PM this afternoon at Fins HQ in Davie, I'm here to lower the ax on you Dolfans: 2008 will be the seventh consecutive non-playoff year for the aqua and orange. And for that matter 2009 and 2010 will probably be the eighth and ninth years.
Actually, let me re-phrase that. I'm not lowering the ax. I'm letting G.M. Jeff Ireland's stupidity do that for me.
In what he deemed as a Freudian slip(Ya think?), Ireland midway through a mandatory pre-draft presser with the media, let the cat out of the bag big time. Asked whether signability will drive who the Fins select No. 1, Ireland picked the worst time to have a Miss South Carolina moment:
“I’m going after the player who best fits us. That’s the best way I can say it. I don’t want bad guys on my team. Of course I want guys who have great upside; it’s the first pick in the draft. You hope that this guy is a pillar of your defense for a long time."
Hooooooold on a second: Pillar of defense?? Weren't you supposedly negotiating exclusively with OFFENSIVE Tackle Jake Long? Aren't you supposed to bluff interest in QUARTERBACK Matt Ryan? And most importantly, why the bleep are you belting out your intentions???
Now of course, Ireland's boo-boo was roundly called out by several reporters. And Ireland, after acting befuddled over what he blurted out, corrected himself and passed it off as a misspeak. And in most cases, it would be possible to believe that Ireland just got mixed up with his words. Or that he was trying to plant a smokescreen. Or that he was sending a message to Jake Long's agent Tom Condon since negotiations have reportedly hit a snag.
Except I'm not giving Jeff Ireland the benefit of the doubt. Because this is the same guy who two months ago, opened up the Senior Bowl by declaring the Dolphins "Open for Business." Great way to completely piss away your leverage, eh. The "consigliere" thought so, enough to shield Ireland away from any future public speaking engagements, until now. That included the Owners Meetings, in which most other GM's/personnel directors spoke.
But now, Ireland has completely outdone himself. Now, there is no prayer of the Dolphins making a trade. And today would have been a perfect time to start "negotiating" with Matt Ryan, considering that Baltimore is probably desperate for a franchise QB to fall out of the sky. And outside of Chris Long, no potential pillar of defense is likely to sign with the Dolphins prior to the draft, especially at a reduced rate.
What boggles my mind is how inept Jeff Ireland has been so far in handling one of his most important job responsibilities. While I believe Ireland and his minions are very important in terms of unearthing talent and laying the groundwork, virtually everyone believes that Bill Parcells, a la Pat Riley, calls the shots. Of course, unlike the Heat, the Fins are trying to disguise that for numerous reasons. Which means it's that important for Ireland to give off the guise that he's able to competently convey the message from the Tuna upstairs.
And so far, he's 0 for 2 with a pair of 3-pitch strikeouts.
The worst part about it is while I don't know Jeff Ireland personally, he seems to resemble many of Nick Saban's worst traits, from cockiness, to impatience in addressing certain questions, to operating as he's the Smartest Person in the Room. I got news for you Jeff, so far you are nothing more than an extension of Rick Spielman and Randy Mueller. And they were nowhere near the Smartest People in the Room.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Two players that Need to Come to South Florida....
It's taken a while, but I have come to a definitive decision on what needs to be the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat draft plans.
The Fins need to select
- OT Jake Long, Michigan
Let's eliminate some of the other candidates here first. Darren McFadden is probably the most skilled player in this draft. He's also a running back. NFL teams find running backs almost as easily as Derek Jeter finds ass. Just ask the Giants, who won the Super Bowl with a running back tandem of 4th and 7th round picks. Or the previous SB winners, Indianapolis which sacked all-world Edgerrin James, and took the title plugging in rookie Joseph Addai. It's probably worth a footnote that the Fins already have Ronnie Brown, might have dare I say it Ricky Williams, and I don't think the corporate like spending habits of Bill Parcells and Co are interested in pumping in 40 plus mil guaranteed in two backs.
Then there is the guy that I'm afraid Miami will select, DE/OLB Chris Long of Virginia. The lineage is there, and I'm sure he's gonna end up being a very good player, but when you are a team in desperate need of rebuilding virtually everywhere, DON'T START WITH A D-LINEMAN!! Look at Jason Taylor. He's been undoubtedly the best Dolphin over the last dozen years, and what did it get this team? A couple of second round blowout dismissals, and six straight years of no playoffs. And the chances are very minuscule that Chris Long ends up compiling as productive of a career as JT. The only thing positive about this pick is it would have made perfect sense last year, at least I would have liked Chris Long's family to be rushing the passer.
And I'll go ahead and wipe Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Ghoulston from the list. If I'm opposed to Chris Long, then I'm certainly against Ghoulston. And besides injury concerns that have enveloped regarding Dorsey, he's not a 3-4 fit.
So that leaves the good Long and Matt Ryan. I think Matt Ryan is legit. I think while the Tom Brady comparisons were premature hard-ons from scouts, Matt Ryan to me will be better than Matt Leinart, better than Jay Cutler, better than Brady Quinn. He uses the whole field more, seems to have the full skill set that Leinart and Quinn don't have, and can be a franchise QB. And the common denominator for the Fins constant collapse, has been first and foremost the stench they put out under center.
So what is stopping me from screaming for Matt Ryan in aqua and orange? Ted Ginn Jr, Derek Hagan, and Ernest Wilford. And a few other names: Vernon Carey, Drew Mormino, Justin Smiley, Samson Satele, and the man who fills the big shoes of Corey Lekerkerkerkerkerkerker. You can't subject a rookie QB to Ted FREAKING Ginn as your No. 1 receiver, or expect to be ducking for cover with a mediocre at best O-Lineman, without expecting his confidence to be shattered. If Tuna wants to acquire Ocho Cinco in the next couple weeks, then you will see a new blog replacing this one. But with the roster as is, I don't like putting Matt Ryan in this spot.
I guess you can say in some regards, Jake Long is a default choice. But he played against big
time competition(rip on Big 10 offense all you want, but the D-Line's are nasty), and scouts have uniformly called him a manchild. And the Fins need a franchise left tackle, almost as much as a QB. More importantly, they need to not completely screw up this pick while realizing the need to pick a player that will be a difference maker for the next 10-12 years. That player is Jake Long.
The Heat need to select- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
The Fins need to select
- OT Jake Long, Michigan Let's eliminate some of the other candidates here first. Darren McFadden is probably the most skilled player in this draft. He's also a running back. NFL teams find running backs almost as easily as Derek Jeter finds ass. Just ask the Giants, who won the Super Bowl with a running back tandem of 4th and 7th round picks. Or the previous SB winners, Indianapolis which sacked all-world Edgerrin James, and took the title plugging in rookie Joseph Addai. It's probably worth a footnote that the Fins already have Ronnie Brown, might have dare I say it Ricky Williams, and I don't think the corporate like spending habits of Bill Parcells and Co are interested in pumping in 40 plus mil guaranteed in two backs.
Then there is the guy that I'm afraid Miami will select, DE/OLB Chris Long of Virginia. The lineage is there, and I'm sure he's gonna end up being a very good player, but when you are a team in desperate need of rebuilding virtually everywhere, DON'T START WITH A D-LINEMAN!! Look at Jason Taylor. He's been undoubtedly the best Dolphin over the last dozen years, and what did it get this team? A couple of second round blowout dismissals, and six straight years of no playoffs. And the chances are very minuscule that Chris Long ends up compiling as productive of a career as JT. The only thing positive about this pick is it would have made perfect sense last year, at least I would have liked Chris Long's family to be rushing the passer.
And I'll go ahead and wipe Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Ghoulston from the list. If I'm opposed to Chris Long, then I'm certainly against Ghoulston. And besides injury concerns that have enveloped regarding Dorsey, he's not a 3-4 fit.
So that leaves the good Long and Matt Ryan. I think Matt Ryan is legit. I think while the Tom Brady comparisons were premature hard-ons from scouts, Matt Ryan to me will be better than Matt Leinart, better than Jay Cutler, better than Brady Quinn. He uses the whole field more, seems to have the full skill set that Leinart and Quinn don't have, and can be a franchise QB. And the common denominator for the Fins constant collapse, has been first and foremost the stench they put out under center.
So what is stopping me from screaming for Matt Ryan in aqua and orange? Ted Ginn Jr, Derek Hagan, and Ernest Wilford. And a few other names: Vernon Carey, Drew Mormino, Justin Smiley, Samson Satele, and the man who fills the big shoes of Corey Lekerkerkerkerkerkerker. You can't subject a rookie QB to Ted FREAKING Ginn as your No. 1 receiver, or expect to be ducking for cover with a mediocre at best O-Lineman, without expecting his confidence to be shattered. If Tuna wants to acquire Ocho Cinco in the next couple weeks, then you will see a new blog replacing this one. But with the roster as is, I don't like putting Matt Ryan in this spot.
I guess you can say in some regards, Jake Long is a default choice. But he played against big
time competition(rip on Big 10 offense all you want, but the D-Line's are nasty), and scouts have uniformly called him a manchild. And the Fins need a franchise left tackle, almost as much as a QB. More importantly, they need to not completely screw up this pick while realizing the need to pick a player that will be a difference maker for the next 10-12 years. That player is Jake Long.
The Heat need to select- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Yes, your Heat pre-game host is finally on the bandwagon. And of course, I'm outspoken about this because I'm pretty sure Pat Riley has developed a major man-crush on the Memphis point guard. "I'm really interested in the players that are still in the tournament," remember that quote two weeks ago? I'm guessing he wasn't referring to Psycho T.
This one is trickier, because as much as a healthy DWade with Marion and whoever should make the Heat a better team, they were still 22 games out of the 8 spot. And did health cost this team 22 games? Don't think so. Which means, the Heat won't be a legit playoff contender, much less a title contender, without more talent. And the most talented offensive player in this class is Michael Beasley.
But the Big Dance has convinced me the most talented overall player is D-Nasty(I prob shouldn't take credit for that nickname). Look at what he did against Drew Neitzel, D.J. Augustin, and Darren Collison, three of the best guards in the country. 7 FOR 35!! And we are talking about Pat Riley, a defensive maestro. Plus, Rose helps facilitate the gelling of Wade and Marion, who didn't get a chance to play alongside each other very much this season. I'm not buying the Beasley is Derrick Coleman claims, but in a team built to win now, Derrick Rose helps you win now more than anyone else!
This one is trickier, because as much as a healthy DWade with Marion and whoever should make the Heat a better team, they were still 22 games out of the 8 spot. And did health cost this team 22 games? Don't think so. Which means, the Heat won't be a legit playoff contender, much less a title contender, without more talent. And the most talented offensive player in this class is Michael Beasley.
But the Big Dance has convinced me the most talented overall player is D-Nasty(I prob shouldn't take credit for that nickname). Look at what he did against Drew Neitzel, D.J. Augustin, and Darren Collison, three of the best guards in the country. 7 FOR 35!! And we are talking about Pat Riley, a defensive maestro. Plus, Rose helps facilitate the gelling of Wade and Marion, who didn't get a chance to play alongside each other very much this season. I'm not buying the Beasley is Derrick Coleman claims, but in a team built to win now, Derrick Rose helps you win now more than anyone else!
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