Friday, June 30, 2006

GGGOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLL

Wow what a match. I just watched Germany beat Argentina in penalty kicks. But I have to say that the penalty kicks ruined the game. No one deserves to move on in the greatest championship in the world by kicking a soceer ball into a huge net from 10 feet away. Its soo stupid to me. It is soo hard to score a goal in soceer, yet it is almost impossible not to score on a penalty kick. It's ridiculous. Make the penalty kick harder. Move it back another 10-20 feet. I dont mind ending games in penalty kicks but its way to easy to score. In hockey penalty shots to decide a goal are ok because it's still hard to score on a goalie on a breakaway. But, even though my wishful thinking champion is out, my 2nd place prediction (Brazil) and my third place predicition (Germany) are still alve. So all in all, I'm not doing too bad with my predictions this World Cup.

Now, let's talk about baseball and the AL Central. Does anyone else realize that the Twins are winning 55% of their games are are still a double digit number of games behind the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox. There is still a whole half of a season to go, but it would be a shame to see the Wild Card be 6-8 games worse then the Red Sox or Yankees and not have home field advantage in the first round. What is great though is that the Yankees will not make the playoffs this year like I predicted. Yes the Yankees are doing pretty well without a number of their stars in the lineup, but the Red Sox are just way too strong and such a complete team. The Sox seems o have finally put on the cruise control and I expect them to strenthen their lead to 5 games by next week's All-Star game.

Tonight starts the battle of some inter-city rivals. Mets/Yanks, Cubs/Sox, and Angels/Dodgers. The Mets were made to look real vulnerable by the Red Sox the past 3 days. This weekend we will find out if it is the Sox that are amazing or the Mets that are scuffling. However, I do expect tonight's starter El Duque to put on a stellar performance for the Mets. He loves the spotlight and loves Yankee Stadium. He will win tonights game unless the Mets bullpen blows it for him.

Do I even have to talk about Cubs/Sox. All Sox all the time even though I hate Ozzie Guillen. The Cubs really are cursed. PERIOD.

Angels/Dodgers is very interesting. The Angels are my biggest dissapointment of the season, not the Indians. The Angels were my World Series pick and they have just underachieved all year. If they wanna be in this race in the West they must get some momentum in the LA series. Bartolo Colon starts tonight and must start making quality starts. Maybe Jered Weaver should be brought up again to provide a spark. Something has to be done.
For the Dodgers, they are in the best race in any division. 4 teams hanging around to fight it out. SO for the NL West, these interleague games mean sooooo much more. They can get out of division wins before battling it out with each other in August. The team with the best interleague record will control this division after the All-Star break.

Happy 4th of July everyone

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Mark Cuban and Dan Marino?

Ahhhh finally I'm back and posting again. I lost my password to update and it took me until this afternoon to figure it out. I'm such an idiot.

Hockey on my mind to start the day. The Boston Bruins fired head coach Mike Sullivan and will reportidly hire Dave Lewis who is a former Detroit coach. And if anyone didn't know Mike McOnnell was ousted as the GM of Boston a month ago. I stated a few posts back about Joe Thornton being traded from Boston and this is the fallout of that horrendous trade. Unfortunately even though it wasn't Mike Sullivan's fault, he still gets the blame for a horrible season. The Bruins are correctly cleaning house, but they have a long road ahead of them to rebuild one of the most proud franchises in the NHL. If the rest of the NHL is smart, they will never hire McOnnell ever again. He was a horrible GM and doesn't even deserve another chance.

One more hockey thing. As everyone should know Mario Lemeiux is selling the Penguins. I personally hope the buyers keep the team in Pittsburgh and the newest group to bid on the Pens would do just that and they are my favorite choice. Mark Cuban and Dan Marino have joined the newest bidders to try and get the Pens. If you don't know, Mark Cuban is from the burgh and so is Marino. If Cubs and Marino get their hands on the Pens, there is no chance in hell that team moves from Pittsburgh, which is best for that city. Pittsburgh is the best sports town I have ever been to. Boston is up there, but never before have I seen a city embrass their sports teams like in the burgh. So I really pray the Pens stay in the burgh and get a beautiful new arena for me to come visit when I come into town with the Panthers.

And speaking of Pittsburgh, I wish Cuban and Marino could buy the Pirates too. Its soo sad that the Pirates havent had a winning season since Barry Bonds was on the team and they now are in the midst of their longest losing streak in 70 years. This was supposed to be the year the buccos won 75-82 games. Instead it will be a year they try not to lose 100 games. I dont blame front office, coach or players. I blame the OWNER who bought the team a few years Kecin McClatchy. He promised that he had millions more dollars then he really does and since he took over, he got one the the Top 5 stadiums in the country in PNC Park, the All-Star game this year and he traded away Jason Schmidt and Aramis Ramirez. In 2 years, maybe less, Jason Bay will be gone too because he can't afford them. McClatchy if you couldnt afford it, why did you do it? Let someone else buy the team and bring back the Pirate tradition. And if that person doesn't have too much money, maybe they should go next door to the Steeler and ask the Rooney family how they have been successful for soooo long while not having the revenue a NYC or Boston based team does. Sure the NFL has a salary cap, but why then do the A's and Twins, and even the Marlins compete year in and year out. Its absurd that the Buccos cant put together an 80-win season. JUST DO IT MCCLATCHY. GET IT DONE

Enough ranting for now. One week from today I start my job with the Florida Panthers and then I will be documenting a few times a week what goes on in a professional spots teams front office.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Like Old Times


It was a great week at home. I saw everyone I hadn't seen in a while. Last night I went to a bar in DC with my groupies from high school. Everyone was married, engaged or in a serious relationship except me. Oh well, my Ms. Perfect hasnt arrived yet.

But anywaz, this bar had beer from all over the world so I made a world tour and had at least one beer from every continent. It was a lot of fun drinking LION beer from Sri Lanka. That was my favorite.

Tomorrow its back to the sweltering hot South Florida. 10 days until I begin my job with the Florida Panthers. By the way, the NHL Draft was Saturday night and for the first time I can ever remember, the majority of the first round players were American born. While hockey is still not a very popular sport in this country, it is growing at amazing rates among young people. More kids want to play hockey now and thats really really good.

Today I went to Oriole Park for my dad's birthday. I have been to many ballparks and still Oriole Park is by far the best Stadium for baseball. I absolutely love it. The O's lost today but I still had a blast because of the setting. Oriole Park set the precedent for what the new stadiums look like and you can never beat the Original.

Did anyone else see David Beckham's goal today. Wow, he sure Bent it like Beckham and England again looks bad but wins a game. I wonder how good this team will be when they finally play well. And a shocker to me was the Netherlands losing in the Sweet 16. Now if Ghana can handle Brazil Tuesday (hahahahaha) Ill be very very happy.

Thats all for now. Im hoping the Fish can hang on to this 5-0 lead they have in the 8th against the Yanks!!

Friday, June 23, 2006

All I want is competitive teams

Sorry I havent posted in a while, it's been a crazy week at my parents house. First I spent the night at GW. That was a lot of fun. I got to meet my friend's new boyfriend and spent the night at my other friend's new place in DC, which has a view of the Washington Monument (very cool).

I got to go to the Orioles game Wednesday night. Thank God it wasnt Thursday night, I will get into that in a moment. But Wednesday night I got to the game as the gates opened at 5:00. As I was walking through the gate onto the flagcourt in Orioles Park, I almost got hit by a home run ball. It bounced next to me and I caught in on a bounce. The Orioles played an amazing game that night. Erik Bedard pitched a beautiful game, only 2 pitches away from being perfect. I also got to go to one of my favorite bars after the game, Pickles Pub.

Now to the Orioles game last night. I dont know if I've ever seen a bigger meltdown then that. 5-1 in the 9th, and between three pitchers the Orioles lose 8-5 in 10 innings. What was most shocking was Todd Williams' attempt at a pitch-out that Miguel Cabrera spanked into centerfield for an RBI single. Williams tried to throw a pitch-out and it ended up looking like a slow pitch softball pitch right over the middle of the plate. Now I dont agree with what Ozzie Guillen did to his rookie the other night, but if Sammy Perlozzo didnt go ape-shit on Williams after that, I dont know what it will take to fire up this team.

Everyone says the Knicks are the worst franchise in sports, but I look at the Orioles (my favorite team, and always will be) as right there with the Knicks. The payroll on this team in over 100 million. Tejada is the best SS in the game. Melvin Mora is a superstar. But with all this money they spend, it NEVER EVER produces results. I know the AL East is ridiculously stacked, but its getting to the point where enough is enough. Its time for a complete housing of the front office and I wish that could include Peter Angelos. As much as I hate the Yanks and Sox, you have to respect the way both of those front offices go get whatever it is they need. And if money is the issue, which is isn't, why can't anyone take a hint from the A's or Twins, who are always involved in the race. I'm rambling now because I'm tired of the Orioles Never being in the race.

As for USA Soccer. Did anyone care besides Brian McBride? Landon Donovon, dont ever play for the USA again. Demarcus Beasley, nice pass against Ghana, but thanks for RUNNING like we wanted you to. Capitan Reyna, thannks for nothing. Great capitan work. I got no problem with people who show effort. No one except McBride showed me any effort.

And Bruce Arena, who I love from his DC United days, what happened to you. You became timid, shy, unwilling to take a risk. OK the Czech kicked our ass, but in Game 2, you only used 2 subs when we were down to only 9 men. I dont care if you thought I sub wouldnt make a difference in the result. How about giving one of those 9 guys a breather since they were hustling their ass off out there. What a dumb decision. In game 3, there was never any attacking. Why was there only 1 attacker at a time? This "new" ball they are using makes it easy to score by 30-50 yards out. If thats the case, how did we manage only 4 shots in 3 games. Could it be because you only had 1 attacker at a time? I will not give up on USA Soccer. I only want to see a different way to chose players next time. And maybe a different coach, unless Arena goes back to his aggresive ways.

Congrats to the Miami Heat I guess, or should I say congrats to Dwayne Wade. Billy Simmons said it on Page 2 of espn.com and Mark Cuban talked about it on his blog. The Mavericks were more of a team that almost and should've won the NBA Championship. The Spurs and Pistons are real teams. The Heat are Dwayne Wade. Shaq is done, Zo is done, Payton is done. Wade single handidly won the championship and the NBA is now in trouble. Only Wade, LeBron and maybe Kobe can singlehandidly take their teams by themselves. But if the NBA teams think they can now win with one superstar we are going to go back to the Allen Iverson days of superstars going 10-99 from the field. I'm very critical of the NBA, I know, but I watched a few games and I find it boring when its a 1 on 1 game. Just my opinion.

Last thing I want to talk about it Joe Thornton. For those of you that don't know, Joe Thornton led the NHL in points and just won the MVP for this season. He was traded to the San Jose Sharks from the Boston Bruins on November 20th. Why the Bruins traded him, no one knows. The Boston papers said it at the time and it really is true. That trade might be the worst trade in sports history. For the Bruins, it might be like when the Red Sox gave away Babe Ruth, its that dumb. Thornton led the Sharks to second round of the playoffs and has the weapons in San Jose to win the Cup next year. The Bruins on the other hand are going nowhere. The draft is Saturday night, but there is no Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin in this draft. Wow, Boston, you mess up again.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Carolina Hurricanes


What a Stanley Cup Finals it was and thank goodness for the NHL, the team from the USA won. Someone is going to luck out now and get Martin Gerber as their goalie since I think Cam Ward just won the starting job for the Canes next season. Incredible Game 7 atmosphere. Bravo, Carolina fans. Not only did u sing the National Anthem, you didnt sit down the entire game. That was awesome. I loved the enthusiasm. 2 times in a row now a team from the Southeast has won the Cup. I believe hockey is growing in the USA.

The NHL Draft is Thursday and the experts are expected the majority of players to be American born for the first time in a long time. The USA has better junior leagues now and college hockey is thriving. The NHL is down because of the lockout but I truely see it making a complete recovery when stars like Sidney Crosby and Ovechkin start making the playoffs and winning cups.

So to the NHL, I say congrats on a great recovery season and here's to looking forward to next season and the NHL getting better and better and reaching what it was back in the 1990's.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Sunday Heroics

I went to the Nats/Yankees game today and I have to say it was one of the best baseball games I have ever been to. Now you must understand I hate the Yankees more then anything else in this world, so of course I'd say the Yanks win about 90% of the time I go root against them. Now today's game was nowhere near as good as some of the Orioles Playoffs games I went to, and it will never match up to when I saw Rob Mackoviack hit two game winning home runs in the same doublerheaer in Pittsburgh. However, anytime the Yankees lose, my day is made. And today Ryan Zimmerman, a phenominal rookie from the DC area, hit a 2-run Walk-off home run to beat the Yanks 3-2. Nothing is better then Yankee fans thinking they have a win and then grasping it from them on a walk-off. Nothing beats Yankee fareweather fans like they are, with their heads up their asses after losing on a walk-off. It is almost surreal. It also made it better because I was with my dad and we both share the Yankee hatred passion together.

I also just watched the end of the Cal State Fullerton/Georgia Tech elimination baseball game. CSF was down by one and scored 3 runs with 2 outs in the top of the 9th to win. I think college baseball is awesome. Although I do hate the "ping". Miami looked awesome against Oregon State yesterday, but I still think Clemson is the team to beat in Omaha. North Carolina has two starters who were picked in the 1st round so you cant go against pitching. It does seem to be the ACC's tournament. What a conference they had this year.

Game 7 tomorrow night in the NHL. As soon as the Oilers won game 5, I think everyone knew this series was going 7. Now, I do think Edmonton has the edge going into this game, but once Carolina hears the roar of its home crowd, I expect it to be Carolina's night. I'm going with a 4-2 win for Carolina and the Cup stays in the USA. What a wonderful thing for hockey to have their finals go 7 games this season. I hope people watch tomorrow night because Game 7 in any sport is something you can't miss, but in hockey Game 7 of the finals means Lord Stanley's Cup will be given away regardless of what happens and that is a special thing.

Game 5 tonight for the Heat and Mavs. I said it a few days back, I expected the Heat to take 2/3 at home and lose in 6 games. So I'm sticking to my words and saying Dallas adjusts and wins this game without Stack. Dirk will go for 40 and Dallas wins by 7.

Happy Father's Day Everyone

Friday, June 16, 2006

Party Weekend

Last night was awesome. I watched the Heat game at my buddy's house who just got back from Iraq. We ended up watching the game, talking and drinking till 5 AM. Now today I'm heading to Deleware to see a fraternity brother who I havent seen in a long time. Its nice to come home and see old friends.

Anyway, the Heat finally showed up yesterday and made this series, well, a series. I still believe the Mavs will win in 6, but at least the Heat finally showed up. I can't imagine Dirk having another bad game on Sunday. In fact, I'd expect him to light it up for about 40 on Sunday. I think the 3 day layover is better for the Mavs then the ailing Heat. Yes, Wade gets to rest, but as he said post-game, he is in a rhythm right now and 3 days off could only hurt that rhythm.

The Mavs on the other hand have 3 days to regroup and find a way to defend Wade. I expect a steller performance from the Mavs on Sunday and to win 101-94. Then Tuesday night will finish the series off in Dallas.


Tomorrow the USA has a chance to get some revenge on its nay-sayers. I'm excited to watch and as said in previous posts I expect the USA to win 2-1.


I also see Edmonton winning game 6 tomorrow night and I cant wait to sit on my ass all day Saturday, watching the USA and then the STanley Cup Finals. Should be a fun day.


Interleague play resumes tonight. While Im still not the biggest fan of interleague play, it does bring some unique match-ups. DC will get to see the Yankees, the O's and Nats resume their rivalry next weekend. The Mets play the O's this weekend, splitting my family in half. So its fun, and at the end of this week, baseball will be in fun swing with the NBA, NHL and US Open being over and the USA most likely out of the World Cup within the next 8 days. Then I will start analyzing baseball a lot more.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

And on to Edmonton for Game 6



Oh My God, did you see that game? I really thought Carolina would put away Edmonton tonight, but the Oilers just wanted it more. Its amazing to me how much was made over the Power Play for the Oilers and it ends up being their penalty KILL that wins the game for them.

You have to think the Oilers have all the momentum right now. They head home for Game 6 and Can Ward, who was gonna be the MVP of the Playoffs, gave up 4 goals tonight. Now that award is up in the air and so is this series.

However, I still believe Carolina wins this series, I just believe it will take 7 games now. What I will be curious to see is the ratings for this game. There was no NBA, or World Cup to watch. The game was on National TV (NBC) and the only other thing to watch was Wednesday Night Baseball on ESPN.

I would bet that the ratings in the 3rd period and OT were a lot better then the other 4 games. With an exciting game like this one, hopefully more people tune in Saturday night for Game 6. I can't wait. This is why I love hockey soooo much. I was on the edge of my seat for the duration of this game. Phew!!!!! I can breathe now and rest knowing I have at least one more hockey game to watch this year!!

End of the NHL Season

Tonight in Carolina comes the greatest trophy presentation in all of sports.........the Stanley Cup. I believe Carolina will seal the deal tonight with a 3-1 victory. Cam Ward will be his brilliant self, and Rod Brind'Amor will score the game winner. Staal will most likey add one of the other goals and add an assist.

On a side note, one of Staal's brothers is in this year's draft which takes place next week. I hear the Panthers are interested in him. If he is as good as his brother, I'd love to work with him next season.

Anyway, I feel for Edmonton, but they did have a nice run this year that they will build off of next year as long as Rholesen is healthy. Chris Pronger must put the defense on his back and take over this game if Edmonton has any chance of winning. He must provide the spark on the power play which is a pathetic 1-26 in this series. Only way the Oilers win tonight is by scoring a power play goal. Not gonna happen. Cup goals to Carolina.


On to the World Cup where Germany pulled out an amazing win this afternoon against Poland. In the last minute of regulation Germany hit the post twice in a span of 5 seconds. Then in stoppage time, Germany final gets the only goal of the game and wins 1-0.

As for the USA, Im going to say this 3 days in advance. The USA will beat Italy. Now we are back to how the USA played so well in 2002, they are the decisive underdog. Everyone in the USA heard for a month how this was the best US Soccer team ever and how they could beat anyone. I fell for the hype and so did the rest of this country. And now after the Czech debacle the USA is again the underdog where no one expects them to win EVER AGAIN. Soooooooo, this is when the USA will be at its best. Plus, I found out that Bruce Arena scouted Italy himself. Scouting is normally something assistants do. So I believe Arena knew this Italy game would big HUGE. I expect lineup changes and I expect the USA players to actually hustle on Saturday. USA wins 2-1 Saturday at 2:30. You heard it here first.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

USAwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I haven't written since the USA World Cup debacle. Unbelievable how flat footed they came out yesterday. Unfortunately it doesnt look like my prediction of the USA winning it all will happen this time. If the USA can somehow get out of their group they will almost assuradly face Brazil in the Round of 16................ouch!!

Yesterday was a set back for American soccer. I'd go as far as to say that the USA is still 4 years away from being a decent soccer program. What a dissapointment.

It looks like the NHL and NBA Finals are all but over. The Heat are down 0-2, but they do get 3 straight home games. However, the Heat just look flat out awful. Lets not talk about how bad Shaq is because Shaq isnt the only problem. His free throws are big, but everyone on the Heat have looked slow and old compared to Dirk and Company. Must win tonight for the Heat and I believe they do win 2 of 3 at home, but Dallas will get this series in 6.

The Carolina Hurricanes look like they will do as I predicted and win the Cup in 5 games. A great win for the Canes last night and Cam Ward looks like he will pick up the MVP of the playoffs. I'm happy for Rod Brind'Amor. I hated him with the Flyers but you have to appreciate what he is doing and feel good for him. This will be the 2nd straight southern team to win the Cup (TB 2 years ago), which is awesome for hockey. The north and Canada will always be hockey fans, but it is the south that needs to be won and NHL teams in the south constantly winning will help with the painfully process.

Please, even if you do not like hockey, turn on Game 5 in the 3rd period and watch the greatest trophy presentation in any sports including soccer, football, baseball, whatever. The raising of Lord Stanley's Cup is the most unbelievable site in sports. Please watch it even if you do not like hockey.

Baseball is my sport and there is a lot going on in baseball, and in about 3 weeks baseball will take center stage when the NBA, NHL and World Cup are over. Im enjoying watching the Tigers, and Reds right now. Great stories!!

Im also going to 3 baseball games next week. Yanks at Nats, Marlins at O's and Nats at O's. I can't wait, should be great!!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Brackets

I just finished completing my bracketology for the World Cup and I wanted to share it before we get any deeper into the Tournament. For those of u who are unfamiliar with how this works, the top 2 teams from Group Play move on to a single elimination Sweet 16 Tournament.

My Group winners and runners-up (teams that advance)
A: Germany, Ecuador
B: England, Paraguay
C: Argentina, Netherlands
D: Mexico, Portugal
E: USA, Italy
F: Brazil, Croatia
G: France, Korea
H: Spain, Tunisia

In the Sweet 16 I have Germany defeating Paraguay, England over Ecuador, Argentina over Portugal, Netherlands over Mexico, USA over Croatia, Brazil over Italy, France over Tunisia and Korea over Spain.

Elite 8 I have Germany over Argentina, England over Netherlands, USA over France and Brazil over Korea.

Final Four sets up England vs. Brazil and Germany vs. USA
I think that Brazil is the most dominate team in the World Cup. They have the Michael Jordan of soceer in Ronaldinho and they have all the experience from 5 previous World Cup winners. So for that reason they should easily handle England who will be completely overmatched.

The USA would be a shocker to the world if they get this far. I have them winning a killer group with the #2 Czech and an Italy team that seems like they are in disarray now but they always show up and play well in this competition. Germany as the host country has an edge in this year's Cup and their offense is very explosive (4 goals in their first match). However, I think their defense leaves a lot to be desired and the USA can exploit that and score almost at will. This should be a high scoring semi-final, somewhere around 4-3 USA.

That sets up a USA vs. Brazil Final. I know I'm crazy but I'm taking the USA. Taking Brazil would be like taking Duke in the NCAA Tournament. You got to go out on a limb here. The USA would be completely overmatched in this game, but this could be the "Miracle on Grass". It's been a quarter of a century since a USA National team did something absolutely remarkable. I think it happens here and the USA wins the World Cup.

3rd place winner goes to Germany.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Shaka Hislop

Never heard of the name Shaka Hislop? Well now you should. What a performance by the backup goalie for Trinadad and Tobago. This country has never been to a World Cup and just tied Sweden 0-0. That is just as big an upset as George Mason getting to the Final Four. I just dont understanf how Americans dont like Soceer. That game and the England game for that matter were sooo exciting to watch even though in 4 hours of watching the World Cup today I've seen one goal and it happen in the first five minutes or at about 9:15 AM this morning. Great start to the World Cup, now Im gonna watch Argentina play another heavy underdog, the Ivory Coast.

Tonight Miami plays Ole Miss in the Super Regionals and I think Miami is the much better team, but so far the first game of the Super Regionals has been upset city. Unfortunately Clemson came back to win yesterday, but Georgia just got BLOWN AWAY by a heavy underdog South Carolina team that hit 5 homers in 2nd inning alone. I think Miami just hit its stride and should handle Ole Miss tonight.

Well it only took 10 days, but we finally have our first Tropical Storm on its way, forming off the west coast of Cuba. Here we go again. Thankfully Im just supposed to get rain, but it puts a real damper on my beach opportunities this weekend.

Now back to watching the World Cup!!

Friday, June 09, 2006

WORLD CUP

And so it begins....................

The World Cup that is. I've been saying for four years now that this is the USA's year to win it all. I believe they have the talent to do it. We will find out right away as the US plays #2 Czech in the first game. I dont expect the US to win this game, but I do expect them to beat Ghana and then it will all come down to the Italy game to move on to the Round of 16. Obviously Brazil, Germany and Czech are favorites, but I loved how Ecuador played today and their game against Germany should be awesome. I will try to write more on the Cup as it goes on. I'm going to study some games and try to predict outcomes. I know I didn't post them today but I was 2-0 picking Germany (easy pick) and Ecuador (not as easy a pick).

The Heat flattened out in Game 1 of the finals, but that was to be expected. The Mavs at home should've won game 1. I want to say this about the NBA Finals. It is soooo fricken dumb to have the 2-3-2 format. This gives the Heat or underdog team almost no chance of winning at home. It is hard to win 4 of 5 games against a team that has already won 12 previous playoff games. I love how baseball and hockey have the 2-2-1-1-1 format. I know it is rough on travel, like it is in the NHL this year with teams on completely opposite ends of North America, but it is the best for the fans, and without the fans there is no sport. In today's world, it is sooo incredible easy to get an interview, travel, etc, so there should be no excuse about writers not having enough time to write stories because of travel, or teams being tired from tavel. COME ON, they charter a plane for crying out loud. And they sleep on the plane. Its not like they even carry their own luggage. Its carried for them. Go with the 2-2-1-1-1 format. Its much better.

I must also comment on the Jason Grimsley incident. Does anyone else realize the magnitude of this. The Feds are involved with the Steroids issue and the HGH issue. If that doesnt scare anyone away from using illegal substances, I dont know what will. Go ahead Jason, tell them allllll the names u know. I completely am in favor of keeping locker room talk secret, but normally locker room talk is about whos wife is hott, not something illegal like this. I honestly never thought Jose Canseco's book would have this amazing impact on the game of baseball. But I want people to remember this.............there was a dead ball era in baseball......why?.........because pitchers were cheating with scuffed balls, spitballs, and much more. In every sport people try to gain an edge and now that juicing is no longer hidable, something else will happen to try and gain that edge. Its gonna happen. The sport is still pure. I'll end this pointless blabber on this............If you go 85 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, but dont get pulled over, did you break the law?
So if Barry Bonds took steroids or HGH and didnt get caught, did he break the law?

All responses welcome.

Last note for the day. College World Series. If Miami can get to Omaha I might go to the Series to see my friend play. Miami plays Ole Miss in a best of 3 series for the right to go to Omaha. Currently, Clemson (#1 seed) is losing to Oral Roberts. ORU has to win 2 games, but even if they win one thats amazing. Go ORU!! and I never thought Id say this, but Go CANES!!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Game 2

First to update you, my friend Chris was drafted as the 42nd overall pick to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was pretty excited last night when we went to dinner to celebrate. The Single-A team for the Cards is in West Palm Beach and he thinks that is where they will send him to start.

As for tonight. The Stanley Cup FInals Game 2 is about to begin. How can you go against Carolina now. Momentum and a real goalie has the Canes the heavey favorite now. But as Lee Corso would say.............not so fast my friend. In this new hockey games, goals are coming more often then ever. I expect lots of blocked shots by Edmonton's Defense and I expect lots of goals from the Oiles. They know they must step up and score 5 goals tonight. I'm sooooooo pumped. Game 2 about to begin!!

Now to the TV!!

Game 2

First to update you, my friend Chris was drafted as the 42nd overall pick to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was pretty excited last night when we went to dinner to celebrate. The Single-A team for the Cards is in West Palm Beach and he thinks that is where they will send him to start.

As for tonight. The Stanley Cup FInals Game 2 is about to begin. How can you go against Carolina now. Momentum and a real goalie has the Canes the heavey favorite now. But as Lee Corso would say.............not so fast my friend. In this new hockey games, goals are coming more often then ever. I expect lots of blocked shots by Edmonton's Defense and I expect lots of goals from the Oiles. They know they must step up and score 5 goals tonight. I'm sooooooo pumped. Game 2 about to begin!!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

MLB Draft

I am all moved into my new apartment. I'm just waiting on a dresser to be delievered by my friend Chris. However, he isnt going to be delivering it today because today is the MLB Draft and Chris is the closer for Miami's baseball team and is projected to go in the first round today.

Chris is projected to be somewhere between pick 15-35. He invited me to go out to dinner with his family and a few friends tonight after he essentially becomes a millionaire. We are going to a fancy Chinese restaurant on South Beach to celebrate. I'm pretty pumped. The online menu said items at this place are between $35-$50 A PLATE. HOLY TOLEDO!!!!

So in other news, I went grocery shopping today for my new place and I got stopped by a draw bridge on my way home. How cool is it to be stopped by a draw bridge on the way to ur house? Its the little things that excite me, really!!

How bout the Stanley Cup Finals Game 1. What a game!! Rohlesson being hurt really kills Edmonton. I cant see this series going more then 5 games now unfortunately. But Carolina deserves it. They have played well all year and while Edmonton is a nice story being an 8-seed, Id rather see the team that had the better season win the Cup.

As for the Miami Heat, this city is going nuts. Every radio station, store, etc. has Heat fevor and I cant blame them. It is exciting and I hope the Heat win just so I can say I live where Champions play. Go Heat tonight!!!

The Orioles have looked good the past two nights. Destroying the Yanks, then shutting out the Blue Jays. I hope this can keep up and I sure hope the Red Sox can turnj it around and beat the Yanks. I cant stand when the Yankees win. Even though I hate Boston, Id perfer the Sox over the Yanks anyday.

Thats all for now. I cant wait for dinner tonight and I'll write back later with where Chris was drafted and how dinner was.

MLB Draft

I am all moved into my new apartment. I'm just waiting on a dresser to be delievered by my friend Chris. However, he isnt going to be delivering it today because today is the MLB Draft and Chris is the closer for Miami's baseball team and is projected to go in the first round today.

Chris is projected to be somewhere between pick 15-35. He invited me to go out to dinner with his family and a few friends tonight after he essentially becomes a millionaire. We are going to a fancy Chinese restaurant on South Beach to celebrate. I'm pretty pumped. The online menu said items at this place are between $35-$50 A PLATE. HOLY TOLEDO!!!!

So in other news, I went grocery shopping today for my new place and I got stopped by a draw bridge on my way home. How cool is it to be stopped by a draw bridge on the way to ur house? Its the little things that excite me, really!!

How bout the Stanley Cup Finals Game 1. What a game!! Rohlesson being hurt really kills Edmonton. I cant see this series going more then 5 games now unfortunately. But Carolina deserves it. They have played well all year and while Edmonton is a nice story being an 8-seed, Id rather see the team that had the better season win the Cup.

As for the Miami Heat, this city is going nuts. Every radio station, store, etc. has Heat fevor and I cant blame them. It is exciting and I hope the Heat win just so I can say I live where Champions play. Go Heat tonight!!!

The Orioles have looked good the past two nights. Destroying the Yanks, then shutting out the Blue Jays. I hope this can keep up and I sure hope the Red Sox can turnj it around and beat the Yanks. I cant stand when the Yankees win. Even though I hate Boston, Id perfer the Sox over the Yanks anyday.

Thats all for now. I cant wait for dinner tonight and I'll write back later with where Chris was drafted and how dinner was.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Moving Day

Today is moving day. I am about to move from the MIA 305 to the FLL 954. I leased an apartment in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. It is 6 blocks from Las Olas Blvd where everything is in the FLL. I think it's nice, but you have to come check it out for yourself.

Well Miami is going crazy over the Heat. Everyone here was sooooooo worried about the Heat and how much better the Pistons were during the regular season. I think I was the only one that said who cares. As long as they didnt finish worse then 3rd in the East, they were fine (dont wanna face Det in the Conf. Semis). Now we have a great NBA Final with 2 teams who have never been there before. I believe that the Heat are just too strong and have way way way too much experience in SHAQ. Who is going to guard Shaw in the finals? Dirk........no, dont wanna get him in foul trouble. Do they still have Shawn Bradley? Maybe he can play. I LOVE the Heat in 6.

And on to the better sport.............the Stanley Cup Finals!! Emonton vs. Carolina to begin tomorrow. I want to say Carolina is the better team, with the better goalie. However, Edmonton has suprised everyone they have played so far.But Cinderella's slipper is coming off. For the second year time a row a Canadian team will lose in the Finals. I like Carolina in 5, but I hope it's 7.

As for baseball, Im soo dissapointed in my Birds. As I said they got the Yanks when the Yanks are the most vulnerable. But of course the O's pitching didnt hold up and the birds have lost 6-5 in both games of the series. Today is a must win.

DAMN IT, it just began to rain. Moving in the rain is no fun.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Apartment Searching

So the past 2 days I have spent looking for apartments in Ft. Lauderdale. I am down to 2 options I think. Three guys who know my boss at the Panthers need a 4th roomate. They have talked to a few people and that probably is my best option if they offer it to me. The other choice is a nice little 1 bedroom in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. It is 4 blocks from Las Olas Blvd. which is the main restaurant/bar strip in Lauderdale. I can also roller blade to the beach from there. This is my #1 choice but living with 3 other people is a lot cheaper so I'll have to take that place if its available. I'll keep you posted.

As for tonight, Miami is buzzing. The Heat should and in my opinion WILL win the Eastern Conference tonight at home. I'll probably go out to a bar to watch and enjoy the atmosphere even though most people there will be bandwagon fans.

Did anyone watch game 7 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals. WHAT A GAME!! I'm telling you, hockey keeps me on the edge of my seat for 3 hours. It's amazing. I'm happy for Carolina and the NHL because we (i can see we now since i am in the NHL) need the Carolinas of the world to be good and better improve the hockey fan base. I cant wait for the Stanley Cup Finals. I like Carolina in 6, but it wouldn't suprise me to see this series end in 5 or 7 because those are home games for Carolina. It's very very very hard to win in Edmonton.

Orioles vs. Yankees also starts tonight. To me this is a big deal. I cant stand losing to the Yanks and right now the Yanks are the most vulnerable they have been in 10 years. Too many injuries for them. For the birds, its all about the pitching and I like Kris Benson going tonight. I hope for the birds to take 2/3. They can do it. I know they can. ORIOLES MAGIC

Thats all for now. I'll post again when I get an apartment.