Headlines
Red Sox rally, remain undefeated against Yankees
Want a good laugh? Head on over to Nick Swishers Twitter page and take a gander at his "tweets". In addition to being unbelievably boring, Swisher remains eternally optimistic about the Yankees. Okay, I guess that's the attitude you're supposed to have, but it would be nice if he could back up any of his tweets on the field. Here is his tweet prior to the game on Wednesday:
"Let's get 'em tonight"
Hey, way to be Swish! That's the spirit! Go get 'em! That's the kind of enthusiasm I like from my team's players. Based on that tweet, I am sure Nick had a stellar game. You would think, right? But no. A horrendous base running mistake and a dropped ball in right later, Swisher was back at the keyboard typing up another enthusiastic tweet. Here's his tweet from before last night's game:
"Alright...enough is enough. Let's get this one tonight."
Hmm, not as confident as I would hope, but he is trying. He wants to make up for his blunders from the night prior. Did he? Once again, no. He got doubled-up off of second on a fly ball to left field. If he were in little league, he wouldn't even get a snow cone. Toddlers don't even make that mistake.
I think it's time for Swisher to sit out the next few plays if you know what I mean. Trust me, I love effort and determination. But not at the expense of generic baseball smarts and intuition. Boy needs to read Baseball for Dummies. But it might be too advanced for him.
Fisher nails three at end of regulation, Lakers win in OT
I mentioned a few days ago that this was one of the least interesting NBA Finals ever. I take it back. What I will say now is that it will be one of the most interesting five-game series ever. Two overtime games, a missed potential game-winning layup, some serious pushing and shoving, J.J. Redick's sudden relevance. Just riveting stuff! But there is no way the Lakers lose on Sunday at home. The Magic are going to be too broken from blowing last night's game. I mean, how does Fisher get that shot off? My guess: Magic.
Headlines
Perfect life continues, Tiger Woods wins another tournament
Supermodel wife: Check. Endless talent and determination: Check. Closing in on a billion dollars in earnings: Check. Dog who poses for cameras and stares into your soul: Check. Yesterday, Tiger Woods added to his career winnings by coming from behind to beat Jim Furyk and the rest of the field in the The Memorial. That makes 67 career wins on the PGA Tour. How long until its called the Tiger Woods Tour? Because I am almost certain that Woods earns more money than the PGA itself. Hell, that dog probably earns more. Look at it, it's starting to creep me out. Moving on.
Lakers win in OT over Magic, take 2-0 series lead
Least. Interesting. Series. Ever. Well, if Courtney Lee doesn't miss that point-blank range lay-up at the end of regulation last night there would have been some interest. Rookies. I blame the mask. Nonetheless, he did not put the biscuit in the basket and the Magic find themselves in more or less a must-win situation in Game 3. I remember when I was a kid and the 2009 NBA Playoffs started. Players like Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson were in it. Those were the days. Wake me up when it's over.
Vikings give Favre deadlines to decide whether he will play in 2009
My indifference is suffocating me! Help! Someone give me something to care about!...Sweet, a video of a cat on a toilet. Thanks.
I'll be back.
Headlines
Yankees take lead early, sweep Orioles
I'm the type of fan who is never satisfied. The Yankees are on a 9-game winning streak. They are playing the best baseball I have seen in over two years. The offense is clicking, the starting pitching is stellar, and even the bullpen couldn't blow the game yesterday. Yet, if they lose tonight, I'll piss and moan and curse them for being "typical". It's a short-sightedness I have to deal with on a daily basis. I want and expect the Yankees to go 162-0 and sweep through the playoffs. I expect them to have a ticker-tape parade every October. I expect them to fulfill MY sports needs. And right now, they are doing it. But I am dreading the day when the offense sputters and they lose a few games in a row. I'll pace in my basement, curse at the TV, toss and turn in my bed and refuse to eat until they win (Well, not really). Bottomline: Don't lose!
Denver steal one from Lakers, series tied 1-1
I remember when I played basketball for the Police Athletic League (PAL) when I was 11 years old. The team consisted of me and a lot of my friends from school. We all had a great time. Of the three years I played in the league, there was one memory that sticks out the most. And that was how bad the officiating was. Even at the tender age of 11 I was able to differentiate between good officiating and bad officiating. There were times I would be called for fouls when I was on the other side of the court. Last night reminded me of PAL. It is kind of amazing how there are individuals who are paid (rather well) to essentially be invisible on the court and inevitably become the center of attention. They are like reporters who want to become the story rather than report it. Of the four major sports, basketball has the most controversial of officiating. I understand that it is the fastest moving and doesn't allow borderline assault like hockey does, but something needs to be done to fix this problem. Players should decide games, not Bennett Salvatore.
Former Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf indicted on drug and burglary charges
Can you believe this guy is 33 years old?! He has got to be the oldest 33 year old of all time. Since he was drafted in 1998 by the San Diego Chargers, he has periodically been in the news, and it's all for the wrong reasons. He was arguably the biggest bust in NFL history and was compared to Peyton Manning coming out of college. In fact, the Indianapolis Colts mused on actually taking Leaf number 1 in the draft. Entire Colts fan base wipes brow. Whew! Imagine if they did? No Peyton Manning. Probably no Marvin Harrison. No 2006 Super Bowl. Just a bust who couldn't handle the pressure. Say, I wonder what Vince Young is up to.
Headlines
Yankees beat Twins in 10 innings off third straight walk-off
Going to the game yesterday, I wasn't expecting much. After two straight walk-off wins, there had to be a let down. They had to come back to Earth. But after the Yankees came back in the seventh to tie it, I knew they weren't going to go quietly into the late afternoon. Other than the Damon walk-off and Teixeira's diving stop at first, the key to the game was Alfredo Aceves' scoreless 10th inning. New York's bullpen has a penchant for throwing a lot of pitches, walking batters and just being terrible at times. But Aceves did what the Yankees needed in the 10th. He worked quickly, changed speeds, and threw strikes. Eleven pitches later, it was off into the bottom of the tenth. Note to the Yankees: If Chien-Ming Wang comes back and is terrible again, it's time to put Aceves back in the rotation. With a sub-3.00 ERA and durable arm, he is perfect as a fifth starter.
Magic disposes of Celtics in Game 7, onto Cleveland
I thought I was going to watch this game, but then I remembered the Survivor finale was on. I couldn't miss that. It was the final four! Taj, JT, Stephen, and Erinn. JT ended up winning the million dollars. Which was expected. What wasn't expected was the utter domination Orlando displayed on the road against the Celtics. Well, Boston cut it to 5 at the end of the third. But the fourth belonged to the Magic. Now it's off to Cleveland where Lebron James and the rest of the Cavaliers have been resting for about, checks watch, a month. There is an off chance that Orlando makes a series out of it, but it seems as if James as a win-at-all-costs attitude this year. So I wouldn't be surprised if the Cavs sweep the Magic out of the playoffs and strut into the Finals.
Headlines (Happy Mother’s Day)
Denver goes up 3-0 on Dallas after controversial no-call
With six seconds left, Dallas Maverick's forward Antoine Wright fouled Carmelo Anthony. They had a foul to give. He fouled him, but it wasn't called. Realizing this, Carmelo Anthony continued play by hitting a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1.0 second left. Denver ended up winning and now have a stranglehold on the series. The foul was blatant. Wright reached in to swipe the ball and almost bumped Anthony out of bounds. But the referees who had called 61 fouls in the game up into that point, decided that it wasn't intentional enough. Is it that difficult to find competent officials for the NBA? The NBA has been criticized for years about their terrible officiating, yet they continue to trot out guys who would have a diffcult time calling a CYO game. I know that David Stern doesn't like Mark Cuban, but does he have to make his hatred for him so obvious.
Yankees lose to the Orioles 12-5
I do not want to talk about it.
Last night, Justin Timberlake appeared on Saturday Night Live for the (counting on fingers), thirtieth time. In the show, which runs for about an hour and a half, he sang for an hour. The SNL writers, which had three weeks to write quality comedic material, just made sure that Timberlake's ego was properly stroked. The whole episode was a Justin Timberlake comedy hour, minus the comedy. The audience was full of old N'SYNC fans who would cheer and scream if he picked his nose. Lines that were not funny were greeted with laughter and applause. It was rather self-serving.
I admit it, he is talented. He can sing, dance, and not forget his lines. But I can only take so much of him winking and pining for the camera. So Justin, take Jessica Biel and your millions, and go buy an island. Live there. Enjoy it. You don't need to dress up like a boob and do parody songs for a crappy skit show. By the way, the digital short was good (See above).
Headlines
Carl Crawford ties moden record, steals 6 bases
Ever heard of a pitch-out? During the course of the Rays/Red Sox game in St. Petersburg, Florida, Carl Crawford went 4 for 4 and stole six bases. By doing so he tied a modern major league record that has only been done by three other players: Otis Nixon, Eddie Collins, and Eric Young. Is it just me, or have stolen bases gone up drastically over the past few years. During the late nineties and early "oughts" (?), a stolen base was about as rare as a triple play. Since everyone was on steroids, speed was put on the back-burner. Why steal a base and run out of breath when you can hit a 900-foot home run? That way, you can have a nice jog around the bases. But now it seems speed is not taken for granted and for those teams who have it, they are taking full advantage. Earlier this season, the Rockies' Dexter Fowler swiped five bags. Now Crawford with six. Anyone have seven in them?
Hawks beat Heat in Game 7, face Cleveland in second round
Arguably the most boring seven game series of all time. Maybe it was because there were no lead changes after the first quarter in any of the games, or because it was matched up against the greatest seven game series of all time (Chicago/Boston). Whatever the case, the outcome was largely material. The Atlanta Hawks have no chance against the Cavaliers. Not only is Cleveland the best team, they have the best player and the best home court advantage. And they haven't played a game since April it feels. Wait, they HAVEN'T played since April. A well-rested Cavs team up against an exhausted Hawks team? It could get ugly.
Only two headlines today. Got to study. I'll be back.
Headlines
Celtics wins in OT over Bulls, lead series 3-2
I don't think I can take it anymore. Someone has got to stop the Celtics. The Bulls were up by 6 with 2:00 left in the game and still lost. Then Paul Pierce did what Paul Pierce does and hit every fade away jumper down the stretch. And he took them all from the same spot. John Salmons was wasting his time trying to man Pierce up around the court, he could have just stood on the right foul line extended and waited for Pierce to come to him. But no, Salmons fell for every head fake and juke thinking that Pierce was going to take him off the dribble. Which of course he wouldn't. The game could have been tied if Brad Miller had hit his two free throws with 2 seconds left. But you have to cut him some slack, he nearly got his head cut off by Rajon Rondo while driving down the lane. If there was wasn't so much home-cooking, the referees would have called that a flagrant foul. I have watched that replay 100 times, and I have yet to be convinced that Rondo was going for the ball. He may have had the intention of going for the ball pre-jumping, but once he was in the air and saw that the ball was out of reach, he decided to take a swipe at Miller's face making sure he didn't make the shot. But you can get away with that if you're a Celtic. Remember, it's good for the league. The Greater Good!
Capitals defeat Rangers 2-1 in Game 7, advance
Well it was fun while it lasted. Those seven games satisfied my hockey fix for the year. It really is a shame that the Rangers choked so bad though. Being up three games to one, it seemed they had a date with the Boston Bruins in the second round. Instead, they'll be heading back to Canada or Mother Russia, or wherever it is they go in the offseason. Now that the Rangers have been eliminated, I have to chose another team to root for. And obviously that team will be any team that is playing the Boston Bruins. So "Go Washington!" Boston has had too many championships over the past several years. The Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and even Boston University has won major championships recently. A Stanley Cup Finals Championship would just be icing on the cake for them. And I don't think I can take another reason for New England to gloat, they're already smug to begin with. With they're Sam Adams and Quincy Park, it's time for them to be cut down to size. Who's with me?!
New York Jets release Brett Favre
This is a fun story. On Tuesday night, Brett Favre was released from the reserve-retired list of the New York Jets. This being on the heels of New York's draft pick of Mark Sanchez. In a statement Favre said, "Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football". Oh he's a clever one, isn't he? "At this time". He knows what he's doing. Leaving the door ajar just a little bit, maybe for a possible 97th comeback. I have no problem with him wanting to play football. What I don't understand is his constant flip-flopping on the subject. If you want to play, say you want to play. He knows if he goes back to Pumpkin Nuts, Mississippi, they'll be no crowds, no gun-slinging, no river-boat gambling, no Madden, no fun. There will just be his John Deere tractor and acres of land for him to fiddle around on. He isn't a talking head. He would be lost on ESPN, on FOX, on CBS, or the NFL Network. He would show up to work in his Wranglers and act like Uncle Rico:
Headlines
Red Sox outslug Yankees 16-11
Despite the Red Sox best efforts to lose the game yesterday, the Yankees proved once again that currently, they are the inferior team in this rivalry. At no point during the game did I think the Yankees were going to win. Even at 6-0 I knew that Boston was going to somehow crawl their way back into it. They always do. New York was handed a gift in the seventh inning when a ball went through Dustin Pedroia's legs and two runs scored. At that point they led 10-9. But wouldn't you know it, Mike Lowell hits a three-run homer the next inning. And that's all they would need. Tonight, Andy Pettitte faces off against Justin Masterson looking to avoid the sweep. I feel stupid being so emotionally invested into an April baseball game.
Day 2 of the NFL Draft starts...now!
Day 1 had a few surprises. My team, the Jets, traded their first round pick, their second round pick, and three players to the Cleveland Browns for the #5 overall pick. With that pick they chose USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. In the days and weeks leading up to the draft, I became more and more enamored with Sanchez. He seemed to be more mature than any quarterback coming out of the draft in recent years. Also, he is mobile and has a fairly accurate arm. The one question on him was regarding his arm strength. That may have been an issue with another team, but with Jets west-coast style offense, downfield passes are a rarity. Bottomline, the Jets needed a quarterback. They must have felt that Kellen Clemens will never rise above holding a clipboard for his entire career and that Sanchez was worth what they traded for him. There will be a lot of pressure on Sanchez as the football season nears closer. As a top 10 pick he will be expected to win the quarterback's job and lead the Jets into the playoffs in one year. He'll have in his shadow Joe Namath, who Jet fans still stand at attention for every time his name is uttered. But at the risk of sounding like a "typical football analyst guy", I think he has "it". Whatever "it" may be.
UPDATE: The Jets have traded up to draft Iowa running back Shonn Greene. Here are some of his finer college moments. Oh, I'm excited.
Rangers coach Tortorella suspended for Game 6
In case you decided not to watch the third period of Game 5 when the Rangers were down by four goals, New York head coach John Tortorella got into a verbal confrontation with a fan behind the bench and then throwing a green water bottle at the fan. For his actions, the NHL has suspended him for one game. Makes sense. Because if players take a swipe at an unsuspecting opponent, they get a few minutes in the box. But throwing a water bottle at a fan because he was being antagonistic calls for an immediate one game suspension. Though, I guess I understand the NHL in this case. Fighting with a fan is never a good idea and the NHL needs to keep every fan they can get.
MLB Attendance Study (Day 6):
Pittsburgh Pirates at San Diego Padres (Petco Park)
Attendance: 41,665
San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field)
Attendance: 37,253
Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies (Coors Field)
Attendance: 31,476
Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Attendance: 26,412
Milwaukee Brewers at Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park)
Attendance: 31,335
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (Busch Stadium)
Attendance: 46,707
Washington Nationals at New York Mets (Citi Field)
Attendance: 39,960
Atlanta Braves at Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ballpark)
Attendance: 33,015
Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics (McAfee Coliseum)
Attendance: 15,432
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park)
Attendance: 37,699
Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
Attendance: 41,160
Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago White Sox (U.S. Cellular Field)
Attendance: 30,383
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians (Progressive Field)
Attendance: 23,186
Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals (Kauffman Stadium)
Attendance: 37,647
Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Angel Stadium)
Attendance: 43,542
Average: 34,459.47
Headlines
Deron Williams, Utah Jazz win Game 3. Lakers lead series 2-1
Does anyone know what this means? That's right class, nothing. Well, it means that the Lakers will not sweep the Jazz. Other than that, Utah is just delaying the inevitable. Deron Williams made up for an awful night of shooting by burying a jumper with 2.2 seconds left in the game and avoiding a 3-0 series deficit. Carlos also had a lot of points, and tattoos.
Girl, 12, throws perfect game in Little League
Yesterday, MacKenzie Brown (cool name) became the first girl to throw a perfect game in Bayonne Little League history. I remember playing against a few girls when I played in Little League. They were tough. One was my catcher for two years (maybe I should rephrase that). Anyway, they really held their own and to be honest, they were better than some of the boys. Most of the kids were forced to play by their parents and had a better time chasing butterflies in the outfield while the ball rolled right by them. Those kids were usually designated to rightfield. When a coach knew a kid wasn't too interested in playing, he stuck him in rightfield.
2009 NFL Draft tomorrow, Sunday
Some guarantees for the draft:
1. Matthew Stafford will go #1 to the Detroit Lions
2. Some player will drop far in the draft and will be in the green room for an awkwardly long time.
3. Mel Kiper Jr.'s hair will not move ONCE in the two days.
4. Roger Goodell will mispronounce at least 3 names.
5. We Jet fans will boo whoever they choose. Whoever.
6. I will watch the first round, then nothing else. As will many.
Headlines
"Headlines" is just an excuse to NOT write a post of any substance
Yankees defeat Athletics 5-3 (Homer link)
Five games into their first home stand and the Yankees finally had a night game in the new Yankee Stadium. And I have to admit, it looks nicer at night, as do most parks. Thankfully, only one homerun was hit, off the bat of Johnny Damon. It was immediately attributed to the wind, which every homerun to right will be. Every night is an event in my house when the Yankees win. Maybe it's because when the last out is recorded, I do a dance to this song:
Derrick Rose wins Rookie of the Year
In other news, water is wet. This season Rose averaged 16.8 ppg and 6.3 apg. He was the clear cut winner and looks to be a future all-star in the NBA. After watching the first two games of the Bulls series against the Celtics, I realized what all the hoopla was about. He's quick, intense, talented, and a leader. Hopefully he can carry Chicago far in these playoffs and beyond.
Company apologizes for Natinals Error
During a game last week, Washington Nationals' players Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman sported jerseys reading "Natinals" on the front (see below). The company, Majestic Athletic, who manfactures the jerseys are apologizing for the unfortunate incident. Still hilarious. O is important letter. Good thing that don't make Oriole jerseys.
- My Super Bowl prediction? You will get drunk.
- @jjarrigo where in westchesta?
- Just give me the moment. I'll take care of the rest.
- @jjarrigo whacha doin
- RT @Schoboats: Few things bum me out like a tired woman commuting home carrying a plastic clamshell of half-eaten salad.
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