Saturday, October 4th, 2008 - He chutes, he scores

Kimbo Slice faces MMA legend Ken Shamrock tonight on Elite XC on CBS. "The World's Most Dangerous Man" - and those quotes are getting more sarcastic by the minute - says he's going to knock out Kimbo and shave his beard. He best bring a sledgehammer, or a gun. Last I looked, Shammy lost his last five fights in craptacular form...Toronto FC travel to the swamps of New Jersey to face New York Red Bull tonight. Kickoff for that one is 7:30pm with coverage on The Score. Here's hoping they can put in another strong effort like last week, particularly with the pressure of making the playoffs virtually off...how about adding a second Wild Card to the MLB playoffs, and have the two wild-carders meet in a one game showdown, winner advancing? I kinda like it...is there anybody that believes the story that Tim Donaghy was the only NBA referee in on fixing games? No chance. Sorry, David Stern...what the schedule makers were thinking having Boston and Anaheim play the first three games over five days is beyond me. They're off again today...the NHL season starts today with a pair of games in Europe. Here's hoping CBC shipped Don Cherry overseas and a mob of Euros take him to the proverbial woodshed...Rich Harden had to get a cortisone shot to make it to his start in L.A. today and may not be in the game by the time most Dodger fans arrive. The Cubs are in a world of trouble. Have I mentioned best of five is terrible?...it wasn't all negative for the New York Mets this year. They're the first team in baseball history to lead in consecutive September's by at least 3.5 games and blow those leads...the Milwaukee Brewers are batting .115 through two games of their series. A-Rod circa 2005-6 and Barry Bonds think that's embarrassing...true story: the Jacksonville Jags Maurice Jones-Drew drafted himself first overall in a pool with fellow NFLers...who went 12 for 12 last night? The prosecution in the O.J. Simpson case. Looks like the Juice is going for a lengthy stay in the Crow Bar Motel...an elderly lady in Ohio was about to have her home foreclosed - not rare in the U.S. these days - so she "musta done shot herself" in the words of her neighbor. I only include that because I get a kick out of red neck misery...in the history of the divisional series, only 7 times (out of 54) has a team down 2-0 come back to win the series...seven sky divers were to bring the game ball for a soccer game in France. However, going 6 for 7 in terms of survivors probably wasn't something they planned, and the guy with the game ball kissed the ground after his parachute malfunctioned...loving Manchester United at -1 +106 at Pinnacle today. That one starts at 12:30...have a great Saturday.

Friday, October 3rd, 2008 - Cubs on the Brink

Raider Fan beware: Al Davis mom lived to 103. Despite appearances, he's only 79. Former Raider Warren Sapp took a blowtorch to Davis and his meddling ways in an awesome beatdown. On the comedic scale, former Raider coach and now Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan piled on further in this hilarious send up of his days there...did you see the Cubs defence in the second inning last night? I've seen slo-pitch teams who played better defence than that. They reminded me of the bumbling Detroit Tigers in the World Series a couple years back. The Cubs are down 2-0 after a 10-3 loss and heading on the road. Looking like the streak is on to 101 years real soon...CC Sabathia channelled his feeble playoff performances of last year and picked up the loss. Walking the opposing pitcher to load up the bases is almost always a sign that the next guy is jumping ship with a grand slam, and that's just what Shane Victorino did to take a 2-0 lead in that series...the Hateorade is flowing early in the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox series. Evan Longoria went deep twice to give the young Rays the lead in that set...in a sure sign that hockey season is here, that loser Don Cherry is spouting off about European players. His latest take is that Alexander Ovechkin - hands down the best player in the game - will not improve. With high hopes, I'm adding Don Cherry to my Death Pool for 2009. Hate that guy...Habs goalie Carey Price went Matrix for a save a couple nights ago. This has to be seen to be believed...the heat is now starting to build on Toronto FC general manager Mo Johnston. I think it is too early to declare him a failure, as they're only two years in and hurt badly by the MLS lame international games rule, but he best have a strong off-season and deliver a quality team next spring, and not just one that can compete for a playoff spot, but one that is a lock for one...in related Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment news, they're said to be out of the running to buy a European soccer franchise. The fans of any such franchise should consider themselves lucky...

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Bob McCown and the Grumpy Old Men at Fan590 report that Jim Balsillie is close to a deal to buy the Nashville Predators. In related news, Gary Bettman's getting his blood pressure meds...whatever happened to Red Patch Live?...magician David Blaine is said to be unhappy with Liverpool's Robbie Keane for breaking his record of doing nothing in a box for two months. Keane finally scored for Liverpool, in Champions League play yesterday in a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven...who to cheer for in this baseball playoffs? Because of Yankee and Canadian content, going to have to say the Chicago Cubs, even a game down, though the LA Dodgers aren't lacking in Yankee and Canadian content themselves...former NFLer Travis Henry is going to have a tough time paying for all those kids across America if he continues to get busted for purchasing coke...I was sure I wouldn't see it the entire MLB playoffs, but there it is after one game: a sub three hour game...informal poll time: what organization is a bigger joke: Oakland Raiders or the Toronto Maple Leafs?...Chelsea was held to a draw with the surprising Romanian side CFR Cluj. Anything that is bad for Chelsea is good for the world...the Philadelphia Phillies won their first playoff game since Mitch Williams was serving up meatballs to Toronto Blue Jay Joe Carter...it took all of one game to once again show why the best of five idea is a lame one in baseball. The LA Dodgers rode a trio of long balls en route to taking home field advantage over the Chicago Cubs, despite being 13 games behind them this season. The noose is gonna get tight fast in ChiTown. The Boston Red Sox also ripped home field from Anaheim, despite being five games worse. This best of five thing is borderline criminal, or at least, cruel...in an si.com poll, 41% of NFL players polled called Peyton Manning the least mobile QB in the game...in a shocking development, members of Twisted Sister have decided that now, they will in fact take it...have a great Thursday.

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Rickey Williams said all the free time in the bye week led him to be tempted to hit the herb again? I'm sure The Tuna is thrilled to hear that...The last time the Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, they did it with strong pitching. In two must win games, they've given up all of three runs to move on and face Tampa Bay...sprinkled a wager on all the available underdogs for the first round with the fine folks at Pinnacle. Seems the wise play with the five game series. In order of likelihood, I'd rank them Milwaukee (+162), Boston (+117) and LA Dodgers (+194)...get your votes in at the poll to the right for which fav you think is most likely to expire early...the Boston Red Sox have won nine straight playoff games over the Anaheim Angels...who but the Cincinnati Bengals would sign Cedric Benson, he of the multiple arrests this year...to borrow from Joe DiMaggio, "I want to thank the Good Lord for not making me a Raider fan"...the Vancouver Canucks have named goalie Roberto Luongo captain. Yeah, that ought to fix everything...no huge upsets in Champions League play yesterday, other than Juventus drawing a Belarussian squad 2-2. Another batch of games go today...distant cousin Tony Mandarich says he used steroids while at Michigan State, but not the pro's. That surprised nobody...two and a half minutes of killer NFL hits...Yankees GM Brian Cashman will stick around for another three years as there is a "job to finish". Go get 'em, Cash!...Bates College in Maine is offering a class on "Red Sox Nation". What a freaking world...have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 - One Step Closer

Is Toronto not the most backward sports market in the world? I can't think of another that would see the team President confirm the manager and General Manager one day, and less than a few weeks later, announce he's quitting like Paul Godfrey is with the Blue Jays. So where does that leave the incoming President? With a GM and Manager he might not want. Yet another reason why for the Blue Jays the playoffs will remain something other teams do, just like the Maple Leafs down the road. Backward...Anaheim Angel Torii Hunter says that drug testing is what is resulting in the lower home run totals this year. What's he going to say next, lack of eating leads to starvation? The home run total per game is at its lowest in 15 years...the Pittsburgh Pirates have finished sub-.500 for the 16th straight year, and had zero pitchers with 10 wins. At least they've got the Pens and Steelers in Pittsburgh...stop me if you've heard this one before. Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" is coming out November 25th...while writing this blog, Ray Lewis delivered another hit...the Chicago White Sox had to go through a nearly four hour rain delay and played 8 innings in a nailbiter they were losing before blowing it open and winning 8-2 over the Detroit Tigers to give them a slice of the AL Central. Today, they face Minnesota in a one game playoff, their third opponent in three days, with a date with the Tampa Rays on the line...including last night, there have now been five overtime games this NFL season. Seems unusually high, no? Less surprising is that four of the teams that won the coin toss won the game. And people deride soccer's penalty kicks as a coin toss...how do you know Jose Morinho's Inter Milan lost on the weekend? Easy. He's bitching about the referee and opposing fans as the reason his team lost...Tony Romo and Ben Roethlesberger: have you seen either without a helmet on and not wearing a hat backwards?...speaking of Romo, seems that he and Terrell Owens had a pretty healthy conversation about the balls he's been getting. Memo to T.O.: Romo isn't the problem, the lack of a legit #2 receiver is. That said, they'll go out Sunday, he'll get a pile of catches, yards and sixes against the inept Cincinnati Bengals, and all will be fine, and then repeat it against Arizona and St. Louis in the weeks following...have a great Tuesday.

Monday, September 29th, 2008 - Almost playoff time!

Not sure any player in baseball history has ever had a bigger contract year - Carlos Beltran in the playoffs with Houston a few years back, maybe - than CC Sabathia...the New York Mets went out on the last day of the season for the second straight year, both at the hands of the Florida Marlins...how is this for weird? 89-73 record, 48-33 at home, 41-40 on the road. If you have "New York Yankees 2008" in mind, you're right. But you'd be also right if you had New York Mets. No kidding. Exact records. The Mets scored 10 more runs and gave up 12 fewer. Oh, and both closed their stadiums...the Chicago White Sox play today in a must-win game today against the Detroit Tigers. A win and they finish tied for the AL Central pennant. From there, they'd face current Central leader Minnesota in a one game playoff. Loads of high tension baseball starts today...I've seen the hilites and still can't believe it. The Kansas City Chiefs downed the Denver Broncos...Tennessee and Buffalo are the lone teams at 4-0, with the New York Giants at 3-0, as the lone undefeated teams. I have a hard time thinking the New England Patriots will be cracking open champagne bottles when the last goes down like those pathetic souls of the 1972 Miami Dolphins...make that 5-3 (+206) on the year in PrimeTime picks. Tonight, going to play the underdog Baltimore Ravens to cover the +9 at Pittsburgh. Not really loving that pick, but have to figure that minus Willy Parker and with a banged up Big Ben, the Pittsburgh offence shouldn't pile up too many points on the traditionally tough on Monday Ravens defence. As always, get your wagers in at Pinnacle...worth catching on Showcase: Cock'd Gunns...here are the 10 funniest signs by homeless people...Josh Beckett is being held back until Game 3 of the Boston/Anaheim series because of an injury. If Beckett isn't his usual playoff self, the Red Sox are in big trouble...have a great Monday.

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 - DeRo to T.O.?

Good of the Oshawa Generals to get around to retiring Bobby Orr's number from his junior days. Of greater interest, what took them so long?...local boy Dwayne DeRosario was being heavily touted as a possible designated player - one whose salary doesn't count against the cap - for Toronto FC next year. That'd be fantastic. Maybe the two first round picks, currently the top two picks, get a deal done. TFC drew with DeRo's Houston Dynamo, playing their most inspired game in months...New York Met Johan Santana is now unbeaten in 18 starts. And to think he'd have been a Yankee for Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera. The Mets and Milwaukee Brewers are all square going to Game 162 of the season today. Could be a play-in game tomorrow...Hull City downed Arsenal in a shocker of a result yesterday in English Premier League action. They're the surprise of the season so far...cannot believe the NHL season starts in less than a week now. More surprising is that the Leafs twice appeared above the fold in the Toronto Star this week despite far more pressing sporting events on the go such as, well, everything else...wow are the Toronto Argos ever brutal. 20 points total scored the last two games...Ole Miss downed Florida in NCAA football action, continuing a week of some big time upsets...Sam Mitchell says he hasn't sworn in months and won't be going forward. I call fuckin' bullshit...Week 4 of the NFL goes today and it is the first bye week of the year. For the PrimeTime picks (4-4, +3), going to ride Chicago +3.5. With Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb a little nicked up, tough to take the Eagles on the road against a team with a strong defence. Also liking Cleveland +3.5 and San Diego -9 today. Get your wagers in at Pinnacle...have a great Sunday.

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

Ian O'Conner at Fox Sports says that A-Rod won't play out his contract with the Yankees and is sure to move. He predicts 2011. To his credit, he predicted A-Rod would go to New York in 2003, before it happened...nothing says "team" more than fighting to have your fine reduced but accepting the game suspension issued by the team like Plaxico Burress has. If this is a statement of the state of the New York Giants for this season, it is not a good one...Warren Sapp is being a diva on Dancing With The Stars? Well, at least he's in the right place...if you're a coach with a horrible record, getting into a public staredown with a QB with a big contract isn't a great idea. Word is St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger said he will no longer play for coach Scott Linehan after he was benched by him in favor of Trent "Concussion" Green. Adios, Linehan. Probably doesn't help that Steven Jackson is siding with his QB, either...speaking of the Rams, check out their team photo. No, really, check it out...Ricardo Mayorga is coming back to the boxing ring tonight to face Sugar Shane Mosley. Mayorga smokes a mere three packs a day...Toronto FC are down to two home games in this season gone wrong. The first goes today as they host local boy Dwayne DeRosario and the Houston Dynamo. Kickoff is 3:30, coverage on CBC...Bill Simmons, aka "The Sports Guy" brings us new rules for guys, and they are beauties one and all...the 10 best Chris Rock stand-up clips...you know JP Ricciardi loves his former A's, and here's one you could well be seeing in Toronto: Jason Giambi. The story is already brewing. Can't wait to see the hypocrites who booed Giambi the last few years for his drug use while cheering that plank Greg Zaun all year suddenly sport Giambi jersey's...always a good day when cross-the-street rivals Liverpool and Everton - their stadiums are within a couple kilometres of each other - line up. They're the highlite of the English Premier League schedule today. I'm thinking draw in that one. In other games, look for Manchester United to romp over Bolton...rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall of the Pittsburgh Steelers sent Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens, a friend of his, a text message talking junk ahead of their Monday Night tilt and now it is bulletin board material. No clue why this is even a story, what was he supposed to say to a friend, that he was going to have a terrible night?...the Tampa Bay Rays finally wrapped up the AL East, thanks to a Yankee beatdown of Beantown...the New York Mets dropped a game off the pace in the NL Wild Card race, losers to Florida while the Milwaukee Brewers were downing the Chicago Cubs...have a great Saturday.

Friday, September 26th, 2008 - Save A.J.!

George King at the NY Post says when A.J. Burnett got hit by a ball on Wednesday off the bat of Robinson Cano, one Yankee player told Yankees trainer Gene Monahan to go out and check on him. Seems a few players want A.J. too, though they might not realize that while Burnett is 3-1 with a 1.64ERA against the Yankees, he's 15-9, 4.57 against everyone else...a couple Cleveland Browns went Roddy Piper on Willis McGahee and are being looked at by the NFL for raking his eyes...borrowing a page from Jeff Kent's book on "How To Hide The Real Cause of Your Injuries", the Golden State Warriors Monta Ellis didn't get hurt playing pick-up hoops, but riding a mo-ped. I can see why you might want to hide that. Checking the out of town scoreboard: Vespa's 1, Monta Ellis 0...Lance Armstrong says he's coming back to the Tour de France, among other races, to prove you can race clean. Umm, weren't you clean before, Lance? Granted, he's referring to his team in this case, but just seems an odd way to handle it, though I suppose if he had something to hide, his former teammates would be coming clean right about now when he's thrown them under the proverbial bus...there are reports that there have been a few domestic disturbances at the home of New York Giant Plaxico Burress in recent months. Seems like a reasonable assumption that something was afoot at Casa Burress that led him to miss practice and not respond to calls, leading to a suspension...anybody got any HGH to spare? Andy Pettitte was scratched from his last start this weekend...speaking of PED's, seems the feds have documents that prove Barroid Bonds used steroids. Shocker...as Rando reader Bukkake predicted, USC would go down. Wonder how many headlines are reading "Trojans can't penetrate Beavers" today?...staying with NCAA footbally, check out the the quarterbacks of Michigan for the 25 years who have made the NFL: Elvis Grbac, Jim Harbaugh, Todd Collins, Brian Griese, some guy named Tom Brady, Drew Henson, and Chad Henne. That there is a QB factory...Joe Girardi hasn't done himself many favors with the New York media, but there are a flurry of stories today calling him a liar for trying to cover up what appears to be an injury to Mariano Rivera. Not wise, Joey G...into the final weekend of the MLB season, and not all is decided yet. For some reason, I really find myself hoping the Mets choke and flame out...a couple Seattle Mariners were planning to go after Ichiro, and one vowed to knock him out. That is one messed up squad. Bank on Ichiro moving this off-season. Hey, don't the Yankees need a centre fielder?...quite the day in Blue Jay land. Cito Gaston was rightly extended through 2010, but J.P. Ricciardi will also be back. Ricciardi is the longest serving GM without a playoff appearance...have a great Friday.

Thursday, September 25th, 2008 - Millen Out

Who knew that a few bags of excrement could get the job done so fast in Detroit? Matt Millen. Out. Anybody want to make some deliveries to Dick Peddie's doorstep in Toronto?...Kurt Angle guarantees he'll be in the MMA world at some point next year, likely in the UFC...the RCA Dome in Indianapolis has seen the lid deflated, in preparation for the implosing coming in December. The Colts might want to mix in a few games there beforehand as playing at is hardly panning out for them thus far with an 0-2 home record...Lucas Oil Stadium...Dr. Z at SI.com has his power rankings up. Not sure there has ever been three teams from the same division atop the rankings, but the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants have done just that...Jason Kidd is talking about three more years in the NBA? Has he seen tape of himself lately? His shot has gone from bad to worse, and his speed is a non-factor. Year-by-year, JK. Just be glad Joumana is out of your life. Small victories...are you sitting down? You might want to before reading this. Move all liquids away from your PC. Ready? The New Jersey Nets are looking to Wince Carter to lead. And I'm looking to Britney Spears for parenting tips...that knee issue that cracked St. Louis Blue Erik Johnson in a golf cart is a nasty one, he's out for the season...it was 20 years ago yesterday that Ben Johnson got busted for roiding up in Seoul. Funny that what was a shock then is now a regular occurrence...odd stat: Yankee Stadium is on 161st Street. There were 161 playoff games in the history of Yankee Stadium...still waiting for that wager-winning 84th Jays win...enjoy The Office tonight. Have a great Thursday.

Wednesday, September 24th - Wanted: Bags of Excrement

Last week on The Ultimate Fighter, one contender was saying he's as bad as Hitler. His opponent responded that the "bad as Hitler" guy had a better chance to get him pregnant than to defeat him. Best response to trash talk I've heard in some time, and the latter delivered. Watching Ultimate Fighter on SportsNet in HiDef is awesome. Episode 2 airs tonight on Spike and SNet...the Detroit Lions are 31-84 under Matt Millen's leadership since 2001. In response, fans are calling for bags of excrement to be delivered to the teams practice facility. Millen, interestingly, is the second highest paid team President behind Bill Parcells and ahead of, well, everyone else...UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has an eye on retiring next year. Bet on a few large paydays and fights before this machine packs it in...first the Buffalo Bills in Toronto are strugg-a-ling to sell tickets, and then comes word even free tickets couldn't get people out to watch the Leafs in an exhibition game at the Air Canada Centre. Are Toronto sports fans wising up? Dave Feschuk at the Toronto Star closes with a serious bomb on the Leafs and President Richard Peddie...all this talk of how Joe Torre would've made a difference to the Yankees this season is a joke, unless, of course, Torre could beef up a starting pitching staff thinner than the stars of 90210 or keep that outfield from aging like Shannen Doherty. He's in the playoffs - maybe - in the worst division in baseball and only because Manny Ramirez is playing out of his head for a contract...in a week, the first round of baseball's playoffs will be under way and you can bet one of the Anaheim Angels or Chicago Cubs - runaway winners this year in their respective leagues - will be down a game and eying a quick exit in the lame best of five format. It needs to change, fast...if baseball games were 8 innings long, the New York Mets would be 5.5 games up on Philly. Instead, they've lost 14 that they led in the 8th or later and trail by 1.5 in the NL East...have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 - Show Me Your Lightning Bolt!

Nice showing last night, Brett Favre. How's retirement looking right about now?...back in April, made a wager with the fine folks at Pinnacle on the Blue Jays to win more than 83.5 games this year. The Jays are at 83. Why do I fear "Operation Shutdown"?...it was a week ago, but check this portion of Dave Dameshek ESPN podcast on September 16th around the 7:50 mark. Freaking hilarious stuff...when told that women's tennis players shouldn't be paid as much as the men because they play two of three sets instead of three of five, Billy Jean King responded that that is because women used to play in corsets and playing longer would be dangerous to their health. Okay, BJK, that may be the case, but I don't see anyone saying they're willing to go three of five to get the equal pay...no NFL team - and there are four - from Ohio or Missouri has won a game this year. 0-12...so much for fewer blocking duties helping preserve the health of one Jeremy Shockey, now of the New Orleans Saints. Shockey is now out up to six weeks with a hernia...after three games, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlesberger has been sacked 12 times, including nine on Sunday against Philadelphia. He'll be getting a place on the sidelines before long at this pace...Bang! Cartoons presents "Patriot Games", an inside look at the world of the Patriots on the heels of Tom Brady's injury. Speaking of Brady's injury, not only did it continue in the long line of the fabled "SI Jinx", the picture also had Brady with his left knee extended towards the camera...good to see the 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals hamming it up in the front row on WWE Monday Night Raw last night...seems "Rocket" Roger Clemens was "heartbroken" at being snubbed by the Yankees in the stadium close Sunday and I can see why. After all, Andy Pettitte did get the start and Jason Giambi was front and centre at first base...if once is notable and two is cause for concern, then a third time has to be a conspiracy. The Denver Broncos are working on #3 after another blown call late helped them out...Memo to JP Ricciardi: trade BJ Ryan to the Mets as soon as possible and pick up one of their pitchers...what a weekend a Yankees sweep of the Jays would set up if the Red Sox lose til Friday: four games. Fenway. A Yankee sweep there and they're somehow in the playoffs, with a severe lack of infield dirt at Yankee Stadium. For the record, not happening...first Boston sports fans had to deal with Manny Ramirez shutdown, now they could be looking down the barrel of a really unhappy Randy Moss...it hit me hard last night when scanning the fish wrap: Toronto FC. DFL. Dead Freaking Last...and this concludes the only publication on sports to come out of Canada today to not mention the start of the inane NHL pre-season. Have a great Tuesday.

Monday, September 22nd 2008 - Last Call at The Stadium

All this talk about who will captain the Leafs is pathetic. And who would want to? It'd be like discussing who should've captained the Titanic while it was taking on water...the Arizona Cardinals are the NFL's longest running team without a playoff appearance at 9 years. Buffalo Bills sit second at 8...missing in yesterday's pre-game ceremony at Yankee Stadium? Roger Clemens. And nary a word during the broadcast...so much for the CFL's rep as the more offensively minded league: two teams - Toronto and Edmonton - managed four points each in losses this past week...Tony Romo tied the NFL record for most wins in his first 15 starts as QB with 13 after the Cowboys dominated Green Bay and Lambeau Field, their first win there...the Indianapolis Colts are now 0-2 at their new home and looking like they've aged...when it starts to fall apart, it really falls apart: the New England Patriots, demolished at home to the lowly Miami Dolphins...the U.S. finally won the Ryder Cup again after a decade in the wilderness. Less surprising? That Sergio Garcia took a giant beating on a Sunday...stop me if you've heard this one before - Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook and Donovan F. McNabb with injury concerns...sounds to me like the Brady Quinn era is about to begin in Cleveland. The way Derek Anderson is going, it is for the best...as storied as Yankee Stadium is, hard not to look at the pics of the new stadium coming along and not be in awe. Best part? No corporate name attached, as you can see at the top of the wall behind left field. Derek Jeter's closing speech was off the cuff, and awesome...4-3 in Prime Time Picks (+103). Tonight, the New York Jets are 8 point dogs at San Diego. The Bolts have lost two last second games to good teams, and have some injury concerns around LaDanian Tomlinson. As much as my dislike for Brett Favre is well documented, I think the Jets have enough to cover that spread, though I think the Bolts win the game. So, the Jets are your play. Get your wagers in at Pinnacle...have a great Monday.

Will Ferrell answers fan mail...

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this morning at 9am (The Score). This game almost borders on must win - or at least, can't lose - for United. Tough sledding though. Am thinking draw...I believe Chelsea manager Luis Scolari once chose John Terry as the FIFA Player of the Year about as much as I believe in the Easter Bunny...Western was a 61.5 point favorite against York, with the over/under at 68. Final score? 71-0 Western...the U.S. leads the Ryder Cup entering the final day of play 9-7. A bit of a surprise given the lack of Eldrick Woods...try this again. Megan Fox pics. Good stuff...entering the week at 3-3 on Prime Time Picks (+$3). Going back to the well tonight and taking the Cowboys at -3 as they travel to Lambeau to face Green Bay. I am dreading how much Brett Favre love we are going to hear from John Madden lamenting the departure of his man crush. Also today, like Jacksonville (+4.5) and Washington (-3). Get your wagers in at Pinnacle...if there is a soccer god, Tyrone Marshall will never put on Toronto FC colours again. He looked like a total hack in costing TFC two goals in a 2-0 loss that all but closes the door on the playoffs. You suck, Tyrone...Charlie Weis, head coach of Notre Dame, contends that the laptop in the coaching area - illegal by NCAA rules - wasn't there for any purpose. Right, and his previous employer just happened to catch opposing teams signals on hidden camera...the 20 best ESPN GameDay signs...Oasis main man Noel Gallagher has never been one to shy away from stating his opinion, and stating he wouldn't write a song for Amy Winhouse because he figures she'd be dead before he finished is top drawer stuff...I'm still laughing over episode two of Entourage, freaking amazing show...last home game at Yankee Stadium goes tonight. If all goes well, Andy Pettitte gets the win, Mariano Rivera the save, Derek Jeter goes 3 for 4, and A-Rod goes yard...have a great Sunday.

Saturday, September 20th, 2008 - Hefty not wimpy, or garbage

Hefty Mickelson, of all people, led the way for the U.S. in day one of the Ryder Cup. If he's leading, then the losing streak must be coming to an end...Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt has had all of one player - Johnny Damon - try to steal on him all year. Damon was busted...from the Department of Lame: Pearl Jam's Eddie Veddar has written a song for the playoff-bound Chicago Cubs...staff on MLB teams are now being drug tested. Umm, why?...a split schedule in the English Premier League today, with half the games going today, half tomorrow, including the big one with Manchester United facing Chelsea. Liking Fulham to continue their solid start, and Arsenal will blow out Bolton...is there anything that doesn't make it to YouTube? Here's baseball Hall of Famer George Brett, talking about soiling himself in spring training this year, and that he manages that feat twice a year. Awesome....Toronto FC are at Kansas City tonight to face my fav frosted tipped goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman. TFC must win tonight to make a playoff run and while I've repeatedly pronounced them dead in the water, they remain mathematically alive. A win, which they'll get, helps that. Kickoff is 8pm on SportsNet...Megan Fox pics. Why not?...JP Ricciardi's 2009 season is off to a roaring start. Now he's got Shawn Marcum's looming Tommy John surgery to pin an excuse on...why is Emmitt Smith continually destroying all my great memories of him? As a sportscaster, he's looking like he might make Don Cherry seem cogent...if you thought baseball players had the market cornered on ridiculous injuries, St. Louis Blues defenceman Erik Johnson might change your mind. He hurt his knee at a team golf outing. By getting his foot stuck between the gas and brake on the golf cart...have a great Saturday.

Friday, September 19th, 2008 - Boys Will Be Boys

In a new book that looks at the Dallas Cowboys of the 90's entitled Boys Will be Boys: The Glory Days and Party Nights of the Dallas Cowboys Dynasty, author Jeff Pearlman dishes the dirt on a variety of topics, none more disturbing than Charles Haley. Not sure which is scarier: (1) that Haley liked to rub one out in team meatings; (2) once responded to a coach telling him to sit on a chair properly by leaving the room, wiping his rear with toilet paper and coming back and throwing it at the coach or (3) called on a teammate to turn around only to have his erect crank sitting on the desk in a meeting. Of course, this can only mean one thing: I ordered the book at amazon.ca...Kobe Bryant told Jim Rome that winning the Olympic gold is bigger and better than winning the NBA Championship. Good for him...missed in yesterday's technical issue: another record in this Yankee season gone wrong. A-Rod has hit 35 or more homers in 12 years now, tying a record by some guy named "Babe". Also impressive is that Ichiro has had 200+ hits 8 years in a row now...the CFL lost a legend yesterday, as Ron Lancaster passed away after a battle with cancer...Curt Schilling teed off on Manny Ramirez, calling his behavior while with Boston disrespectful to teammates and manager Tito Francona. You know what else is disrespectful, Schilling? Speaking for other people when they haven't asked you to. You're done. Walk away, and write your book. I think he's rapidly ascending to my list of Athletes I Hate which, in no order, includes Brett Favre, Vince Carter, and Deco...not sure what the cowbells are about in the stands at the Trop in Tampa, but can see that trend getting real annoying to visiting players...figure this. In the first two weeks of this season, with both games played in great weather, the New York Jets have run the ball 49.5% of the time. So with Favre, they're 50-50 run-pass, essentially, and with Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens over a full season last year, they were 56-44 pass...only two teams in the salary cap era have made the NFL playoffs after 0-3 starts, so a big weekend for the likes of San Diego, Jacksonville and Minnesota, who were all highly hyped coming in. 8 teams made it last year after starting 1-1...the 2009 baseball schedule is out and if the World Series goes to seven games, it'll be played November 5th. Not a good idea...Julian de Guzman as Toronto FC's designated player under the "David Beckham" Rule? Me likes!...another Ryder Cup gets off today and as usual, the U.S. should be out of it by about noon...and hey, whatever happened to Ted Arcidi?...have a great Friday.

Thursday, September 18th, 2008 -

Manchester United's title sponsor - insurance giant AIG - is now being run by the U.S. government who bailed them out with a mere $85 billion. Wonder if they put the U.S. flag on the jersey now? This comes hot on the heels of an English travel company - XL - going under. Last weekend, West Ham United had to get a seamstress to sew patches over the sponsorship because they have ZERO jersey's without the sponsor name on it. How does The Score still have Zoom Airlines Football Fantasy? It is a rapidly changing world in these economically turbulent times...the Detroit Lions have trailed 21-0 in both games this year. It wouldn't shock anyone if it went to three..answering the question of "does a fool ever learn?", as Reggie Bush ran a punt back 55 yards to put New Orleans up 24-15 over Washington at the end of the third quarter, he pointed at Redskins defenders and taunted them. Reggie clearly didn't you learn from taunting the Bears during the 2006 NFC Championship Game, where the Saints promptly collapsed. Of course, following Sunday's taunt, the Saints promptly collapsed, and the Skins came back to win 29-24...why am I still talking about last week's NFL action? Because the machine never stops. Always something to talk about there...looking for a jersey of your fav player? Have a friend that can get you a jersey - all legit, fully stitched numbers and lettering - for $75-80. May cost you a few bucks more if you don't live in this end of the 519 to ship it. Let me know if you're interested. Most players of any reputation are available. He's also got access to soccer and hockey jersey's too...have a great Thursday.

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Derek Jeter set the all-time hits record at Yankee Stadium, passing Lou Gehrig in the final week of The Stadium...in a bit of surprising news, Wayne Gretzky will not be returning to his familiar role as Executive Director of Canada's 2010 Olympic entry. Could he be in line for the coaching role?...SI.com's Jon Heyman says that CC Sabathia might have his heart set on moving back to California, and specifically says he might not be interested in taking the bundle of cash the Yankees are ear-marking for him...more Champions League action today at 2:45. Cristiano Ronaldo is back for Manchester United in a return that should settle Man United's choppy start...as of August 18th, the top two selling NFL jerseys were Brett Favre's Jets jersey and Brett Favre's Packers jersey. People are strange...as predicted back in July, the Tampa Bay Rays schedule would catch up to them in September. Here's another thought: they won't win the division, and will make a quick exit as they'd be facing Anaheim as the Wild Card...Steven Gerrard scored maybe the finest goal of the year as Liverpool downed Marseille in Champions League play...just over a week until The Office returns. I'm pumped for that. "That's what she said". All of them...looking at the NFL lines this week, I'm shocked how many over/unders are in the 35-37 range...until the Denver Broncos did it Sunday, the two-point conversion for a win had only been done twice before. It may have worked, but it was about as smart as putting four bullets in a revolver, rolling the barrel and pulling the trigger by your head. 65% of the time, you're dead. Speaking of the Broncos, afte two games, they're on pace to break the points record set by the New England Patriots last year...last weekend in the English Premier League saw every game but one go over the posted totals...if you're at all a fan of the MMA game, then the Ultimate Fighter series that starts again tonight on Spike will have your attention. Always entertaining stuff...USC has not lost to a Big 10 opponent in over a decade now. Things you wish you knew before the game...have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 - A Whole Lotta "O" in Big D

Maybe it is the benefit of being fresh in the memory, or maybe it is my Cowboy fandom, but have you ever seen a Monday Night Football game as great as last night's 41-37 win for the Cowboys over the Eagles? Crazy, crazy game...Blue Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg believes AJ Burnett will stay in Toronto. Unless the Jays are going to extend him another few years at $15 million plus per season, I really can't see it happening...Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall's nickname is "Heim". Put it in the middle...Champions League action gets under way in earnest today. Kinda crazy how much the top players play. Here's Wayne Rooney's schedule: two Saturday's ago in Barcelona as England faced Andorra. This past Wednesday in Zagreb as England faced Croatia. Sunday for Manchester United on the road as they faced Liverpool, and tomorrow at home to face Spanish side Villareal. That's too many games, plain and simple...NHL camps are on the verge of opening. Wake me when the playoffs start...a soccer game in the Congo saw 13 die when there was suspected witchcraft at play. At least there was a good reason...Washington Redskins Tight End Chris Cooley was working a picture into his blog when he didn't notice that the picture he was taking of his playbook also included his little red skin. Of course, the Deadspins of the world hopped on it before he could take it down. Not a smart play, Cooley...the Milwaukee Brewers GM Doug Melvin went Lou Lamoriello and axed manager Ned Yost but two weeks before the playoffs as the Brewers stumble to the finish...Bloomberg Radio reported that Fred Wilpon and the New York Mets are looking to buy an MLS team. I'm hoping not to play at Citibank Field, new home of the Mets. The MLS has done well going into soccer only buildings, and a 50,000 seat baseball venue is not the way to go...Jake "The Snake" Roberts rehab has paid huge dividends. If by "dividends" you mean "drunker than ever"...have a great Tuesday.

Monday, September 15th, 2008 - Cowboys/Eagles - As Good As It Gets

No, Adidas isn't a sponsor of the Houston Texans - those missing pannels in the lid at right are why their game against Baltimore tonight is off...I've seen some good football games in my time, but yesterday's San Diego/Denver game had it all - huge offence, big plays, controversial calls, and a wild finish. Down one with 30 seconds on the clock after a non-fumble call, Denver went for two instead of taking the single and sending the game to overtime. Heard one suggestion this morning on Fan590 that knowing they should've lost, Denver went for the deuce to give San Diego a chance at the win. No chance that is true. Kneeling the ball instead would've assured the right result if that was the intent...yesterday's Jets loss to New England was vintage Brett Favre. INT's at the worst possible times that went back for points. Poor New Jersey, having to suffer the two guys I hate most in sports in Brett Favre and Wince Carter. That's the price you pay for living next to New York City...when a team's training staff comes out to check on a pitcher's health, it usually draws concern from the fans over the chucker's health. When that pitcher is Carl Pavano, the hometown fans break out the venom and boo. Lots. Pavano walked off in the 6th with an injury...there will be few Monday Night Football matchups as attractive as tonight's Eagles vs. Cowboys clash. Had to laugh at the NFL Countdown crew for chiding Terrell Owens for talking about his time with the Eagles in an interview they staged and asked him about. Here's an idea: if you don't ask him, he won't talk. And since when did any media outlet prefer "no comment" as a response? Here's guessing when they interview Favre every other segment, they don't hold him to such a standard...looks like Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambramo is just fine, as he tossed a no-hitter yesterday...3-2 (+103) on the PrimeTime Picks now thanks to Pittsburgh not kicking a chip shot field goal. Love when that happens. Or not. Tonight, I'm going with an admittedly homer pick and taking the Cowboys -7. As Pacman said, "(Philly) did only play the Rams". That said, Marion Barber's sore ribs give me pause. Place your bets at Pinnacle...if you're a fan of the Detroit Lions or St. Louis Rams, don't worry about making plans for the playoffs. Not happening...have a great Monday.

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

The Oklahoma City Thunder sold out all their season tickets in five days time. This is impressive, til you remember it is Oklahoma City, and it isn't like there are a tonne of entertainment options...Billy Wagner is out for 2009 for the Mets. Wonder if J.P. Ricciardi is thinking what I'm thinking?...Toronto FC couldn't get it done on a wet day at BMO Field. Is it me, or does Carlos Ruiz look really uninterested out there? A 1-1 draw with Columbus all but finishes their playoff hopes...3-1 on the Prime Time Picks today and up +206. Tonight, we've got the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover the 6 points at Cleveland. That's right, I've got the Browns - the only team opening with two straight at home - going down two straight. Get your wagers in a Pinnacle. Really like New Orleans and New England in other action. Yep, roadies all..and why not like the Patriots today? Troy Aikman does...a 35-3 win for USC over Ohio State really firms the Trojans up as the #1 in the NCAA. Maybe the pollsters give Ohio State another chance when Beanie Wells returns, but hard to imagine him being that kind of difference maker. The Buckeyes got crushed...Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy promotion has handed Affliction a lifeline and will be co-promoting four events in 2009 that will include both boxing and MMA fights. Interesting idea...Bugs and Cranks has put together an interesting schedule of events for Derek Jeter, now that October baseball is all but out of the question. The campaigning bit is awesome, and certainly speaks to Jeter's middle of the road, fence riding tendencies...Wayne Gretzky thinks it is just a matter of time before an NHL squad is in Hamilton or Kitchener. If you happened to catch SportsCentre on Friday, a 10-year old boy wearing a Leafs jersey asked a question of Gretzky on what it took to be a successful professional athlete. Gretzky's response? "First of all, you have to lose that jersey." No, I'm not making that up...it is never, ever, a bad time for a compilation of the funniest Mike Tyson moments...have a great Sunday.

Saturday, September 13th, 2008 - Super Saturday of Sports

ESPN.com's Buster Olney figures the Blue Jays will finish with 86-90 wins, and could've been higher had they (1) had a DH produce the first couple months (2) not lost Aaron Hill for four months (3) had a different GM. Okay, I added the third part. Olney also spoke of the the Blue Jays promise for next year, even with A.J. Burnett out...speaking of Burnett, he's now the majors leader in pitches thrown this year. Check this out for an interesting look at the 2007 leaders. You'll note that most have had injuries this year. That doesn't bode well for the traditionally China Doll Burnett. Roy Halladay is also on the Top 10 for this year...Manchester United travels to Liverpool in the marquee matchup in the English Premier League today. Kickoff is 7:45am Eastern and if Wayne Rooney is on like he was Wednesday against Croatia, Liverpool is in for a hurting. Suspect Rooney plays just behind Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov in a dangerous attack...Affliction's second event, set for October, has been called off. Might be something to do with 700 tickets sold out of 19,000. Looking like Dana White's prediction that it'll collapse by Christmas is right on schedule...Toronto FC welcome back a host of players today when they host Columbus Crew at BMO Field. It is the return of yours truly to BMO after nearly three months in the wilderness. Incidentally, the June 14th game I attended was the last game TFC won. I will guarantee they win today...Beanie Wells is out for Ohio State today for the big showdown with USC at the Rose Bowl. Not liking the Buckeyes chances with that difference maker out...Vince Young talked suicide to his therapist? This is not going to end well...Wince Carturd - easily my most hated athlete ever - is said to be ready to ask for a trade. Seriously, does anybody want that guy? I think I'd take a guy who sleeps with teammates wives and holds out of a playoff game before that guy...here's a solid list: The 25 Hottest Female Sportscasters. What, no Kathryn Humphries?...you can call Carlos Delgado a lot of things, but this year's MVP is not one of them. The National League would be better off not awarding the title than giving it to a guy who was clearly tanking it in the first couple months of the year to get his manager turfed...speaking of MVP's, the St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols needs to get his elbow cut on, but is hitting .360? That guy is a freak...have a great Saturday.