Name That Palace

A couple more interesting Roger Clemens facts. Before going to the airwaves to attack the latest book on him, it was stuck in the 2000's on Amazon's best seller's listing. It has since jumped into the top 100. Why do I get the feeling he'd use dynamite to knock out a kitchen wall? With regard to his brother's heart issues, author of another Clemens bio Jeff Pearlman mentioned on The Michael Kay Show that Clemens failed to mention that some or all of his brother's heart problems might have had something to do with his addiction to the Devil's Dandruff. Rocket is making Pete Rose and Barry Bonds seem intelligent...all 8 of the Cleveland Cavs wins this playoff season have come by at least double digits. Don't often see that...Toronto FC host the Chicago Fire today with a 4:00pm kickoff at BMO Field (coverage on CBC). While TFC is unbeaten in six now, they'd be wise to score more than a goal at home, something they've struggled to do of late, as noted by GBVH...Manchester United only need a draw at home with Arsenal to lift the English Premier League crown for a third consecutive year, and record tying 18th time overall (Liverpool). Bank on the win at -1 -130 (yes, that is your PTP). Kickoff is 8am on Setanta...Bert & Ernie are on a boat. Just sayin'...who says when you drop over a billion on a new stadium that you need a big fancy name? The Dallas Cowboys new digs will be called "Cowboys Stadium", or at least until they can get someone to pony up some big cash in this depressed economy to throw their name on it...have a great Saturday, go TFC!

Half an Octopus Away

It went down to the final minutes in Detroit, but a Daniel Cleary goal put the Red Wings half way to another Stanley Cup with a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Carolina Hurricanes went to the seventh game and overtime to down the Boston Bruins in the upset of the round when Scott Walker, who sucker punched Aaron Ward a few days earlier, scored the winner near the end of the first overtime period to put the 'Canes through with a 3-2 win. And speaking of Ward's, this country is a little out of whack when people are discussing whether Ward should be the starting Canadian Olympic goalie because of his performance this year. There's a load of time between now and February people, let it breathe and see who the hot hand is then. Poll question to the right. Have a feeling this one will be heavily slanted in one direction..never in the history of the NBA has a team come back from a 3-0 deficit. How is that even possible?...Jason Taylor has returned to the Miami Dolphins after a year in which he went to Dancing With The Stars, feuded with Dolphins bossman Bill Parcells and was traded to Washington. Time heals wounds, or the Tuna has softened, or getting a guy only a couple years removed from defensive player of the year for $1.5 million is a worthy bargain and gamble. I'm thinking the latter...the first streaker in the history of the New York Mets CitiField spent 8-years planning the deed. Awesome...it is official: Chad Ochocinco is now a Cincinnati Bengal - officially - and will be rocking that jersey this year...Toronto FC: Coach killers. A day after dominating the Montreal Impact, the Impact ditched their head coach John Limniatis...in an interview with A-Rod conducted by the great Steve Simmons, A-Rod almost comes off as a normal guy comfortable. If so, look the hell out. A-Rod's constant pressure cooker has kept him from being even better than he is over the years in more than one opinion. And, turns out he's become a big hockey fan...speaking of the New York Yankees, they won 3-2 last night after Godzilla Matsui went yard in the 8th to take the series 2-1. In other Blue Jays news, the hottest selling item at merchandise booths at home games this year, to the tune of 6,000 plus a game over last year: outfits that leave you decked out as an empty seat...when the LA Lakers are struggling to close out a decimated Houston Rocket team, you have to start thinking they're not going to get it done. The Rockets staved off elimination with an easy 95-80 win. Charles Barkley's Denver call, at least for the West, is looking better by the minute. The Lakeshow are going to game 7. Also going to a seventh are the Boston Celtics and the Orlando "Panic", as one caller to the Jim Rome Show dubbed them in honour of their coach, Stan Van Jeremy (aka "The Master of Panic" or M.O.P. as Shaq glossed him)...tonight, playing the Toronto Blue Jays at -128. Good luck, back tomorrow early with your Man United Takes The Title edition.

After yesterday's knockout of 2009, here's perhaps the best submission you'll see in MMA this year, courtesy of SW.

Twice in 8 seconds the Pittsburgh Penguins scored en route to booting #8 and the Washington Capitals from the playoffs. More and more, you have to view the Penguinos as the team to beat. They've been on fire since bringing in Dan Bylsma to coach, and if they can take care of their own end, you know the goals will be there...Toronto Blue Jays starter Scott Richmond remembered he is Scott Richmond last night and the New York Yankees won 8-2...it took a pair of second half goals, but Manchester United all but sealed up the English Premier League with a 2-1 win at Wigan. The trophy will be at Old Trafford Saturday and all Man U needs is a draw. Consider it done. The idea that United won't bring back Carlos Tevez is absurd. He's a money player who scores when needed. They'd be better off selling the incredibly talented but even more incredibly lazy Dimitar Berbatov and keeping the younger, hungrier workhorse in Tevez...the Minnesota Vikings open organized team activities May 19th and have told Brett Favre he has to be in attendance if he's to play this season. While you'd think that's the deadline, who knows with that clown...here's a Top 10 wrestling injuries, mostly with video. Surprised Brock Lesnar nearly killing himself landing on his head after flipping off the top rope in his last WWE match didn't make the list, but he's well represented regardless...people are funny. ManRam gets suspended for 50 games and suddenly, I've got one guy getting in touch to see if I can swing him a ManRam LA Dodgers jersey...on The Ultimate Fighter last night, Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson faced off in a tennis match. Was scary how two athletic freaks like that can be so bad and uncoordinated at tennis...20,000 in attendance at the Rogmahal last night, on the day the local fish wraps were trumpeting how baseball is back in Toronto? Clearly, they were all wrong. If that's what you're drawing against the Yankees when you're in first, you're in trouble. Maybe it is because Derek Jeter has been out? I kid. That said, looks like Jetes is out for a third straight which if you know Jeter at all, has to mean this injury is more serious than is being let on..America's Next Top Model wasn't Allison? Boo-urns...Toronto FC downed the Montreal Impact 1-0 in their latest Canadian Championship game to go 2-0 before they head to the road. Should've been a load more, says GBVH...back later with your PTP.


Hands down, the MMA Knockout of 2009...around the 38 second mark on this vid.

Stepdad?

How do you like that shirt to the left coming out of the ManRam drug suspension? Classic...Roger Clemens should be working the comedy circuit through North America. He said given the history of heart trouble in his family, it would've been "suicidal to even think about taking these drugs." He then referenced his brother and - wait for it - his stepdad! That's edging out "misremembered" and "I'd be growing a second head out of my forehead" at the moment...Jim Balsillie is said to be looking for $120 million from local, provincial and federal governments to renovate Copps Coliseum and really, why not? It isn't as though a team downtown wouldn't do plenty for nearby restaurants, hotels and parking lots to generate heaps of taxes...Gabe Morency of Hardcore Sports Radio talked of how NHLPA President Paul Kelly lamented the three first round sweeps because of the revenue - badly needed - lost. And suddenly, we've got three of the four second rounders going to seventh games. Coincidence? Maybe. But when Kelly makes an ill advised comment like that, doesn't it make you think?...tonight, the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins in the deciding game of that fantastic series. My money is on Pittsburgh...Ferrari will not be entering the 2010 F1 season unless planned caps on spending are cancelled. I'm not a big F1 fan by any means but know enough they'll get their way...the Tampa Bay Lightening have offered the Toronto Maple Leafs the 2nd pick overall in the June NHL Draft from for Tomas Kaberle, Luke Schenn and the 7th overall pick. Leafs GM Brian Burke not only confirmed the offer, but declined because of Schenn's inclusion...Cito Gaston says for every game you win in May "you don't have to win one in September." Really? If you win one and lose one, doesn't that make you .500? That won't get it done, Clarence. That said, Roy Halladay got it done against a very sub-par New York Yankee lineup last night now that Derek Jeter is on the shelf with the trendy injury of the season, the strained oblique, which seems particularly problematic for U.S. World Baseball Classic players as it has also put Boston Red Sock Kevin Youkilis on the D.L. for 15 days. Mark Teixera can show up at anytime...why doesn't anybody refer to the Chicago White Sox as the "pale hose" anymore? Loved that one back in the Sportsline days with Mark Hebscher...going into yesterday, the Toronto Blue Jays offence had scored 20 runs more than anyone else in the majors and were on pace for 976 runs on the year. If you believe that they'll continue that pace, you believe that you shouldn't take steroids because your stepfather had a history of heart trouble. On May 12th of 2005, the Baltimore Orioles had a 22-12 record, the same as the Toronto Blue Jays had yesterday but the O's were also 16-6 against the division. The O's finished 74-88. I'm not saying the Jays aren't better than the O's of 2005, but a little perspective is in order. They won't maintain that offensive pace, not even close, nor will they play .657 ball for the year...oddest stat of the baseball season: the Boston Red Sox starting pitching is the worst in baseball by ERA yet they float dangerously close at the top of the AL East...Toronto FC host the Montreal Impact in their second game of the Canadian Championship at BMO Field. TFC seems to be rolling, unbeaten in five across all competitions, and Dwayne DeRosario is in fine form. With TFC and the Yankees in town, feel sorry for anyone driving around the Lakeshore...Dallas Cowboys quarterback and scratch golfer Tony Romo failed to qualify for the U.S. Open. Seems somebody told him the final round was being played in December...tonight, playing the St. Louis Cardinals at -113. Enjoy.

A.J. returns to face Blue Jays

First the talk of a second NHL team in the Toronto area, and now talk of a second MLS team? As logical as it might seem in both cases, the idea of an MLS team at this early juncture is too much too soon, but for rivalry sake, would be interesting to see a team in Hamilton or somewhere else close by...in typical Brett Favre fashion, the subject of his return continues to linger like a rotten fart. The Minnesota Vikings remain open to his return...AJ Burnett returns to the Rogmahal tonight and starts for the New York Yankees and Roy Halladay is on the bump for the home Toronto Blue Jays. Could the story set up better for an early season game? Prediction: my Blackberry is going to get a workout...the Cleveland Cavaliers are a perfect 8-0 this playoff season, with every game a comfortable win. Guess when you go 40-1 at home in the regular season, some kind of playoff run has to be assumed...on this day, as the latest book detailing his rise and falls hits bookshelves, Roger Clemens is going to take to the airwaves of ESPN Radio and no doubt say something regrettable...for what it is worth on May 12th, Peter King is already ranking the NFL teams...holy deluge of goals in the NHL last night! The Washington Capitals forced a game 7 - their second in as many rounds - after a 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. That matchup might give the game a higher rating in the U.S. than reruns of the 2004 spelling bee. The Vancouver Canucks were up 5-4 in the third but blew it, losing 7-5 to the Chicago Black Hawks...check out the Top 19 post-game (mostly) rants...thanks to a 3-1 win yesterday, Newcastle United looks like they just may stay up in the English Premier League for the upcoming season...Tampa Bay Ray Evan Longoria is on pace to hit 227 RBI. Let that marinade for a moment...tonight, playing the Texas Rangers -144...have a great Tuesday.

Cuban don't do Mother's Day

Interesting that Manny Ramirez never failed a steroid test. He had elevated testosterone levels in March and in the process leading up to determining if it was natural or unnatural, MLB got their hands on documents showing he purchased HCG which was enough to suspend. Last Wednesday was to be his appeal but he relented at the last minute. Strange all the way round. LA Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is none too impressed, and wants Manny to address the team, which would go something like this: "until I came, you guys were going nowhere and are now a playoff team. Any questions?"...if the Toronto Blue Jays send Roy Halladay to the bump to face former Jay AJ Burnett and now New York Yankee tomorrow when they're near the top of the AL East in a game at Rogers Centre and they don't draw north of 45,000, consider baseball on life support in Toronto...if Cristiano Ronaldo isn't done with Manchester United this summer because he wants to leave for Real Madrid, he'll be done because Sir Alex Ferguson will want him out. Check out CR7's reaction to being taken off 58 minutes in to yesterday's 2-0 win over Manchester City...former Boston Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni is on record as talking about a meeting with doctor's in a previous spring training where the doctor's showed players how to use steroids properly, though they weren't encouraging their use...Dallas Mavs owner Mark Cuban wasn't feeling the Mother's Day vibe this past weekend as he told Kenyon Martin's mother her son is a thug while walking off the court on Saturday night. I absolutely love Cuban for his open honesty...the Carolina Hurricanes should have let sleeping dogs lie. Up 3-1 in the series, they took a couple shots at the Boston Bruins, including slashing Zdeno Chara, and the Bruins rose and won 4-0 to take the series to a sixth game. In the other game yesterday, the Detroit Red Wings downed Anaheim 4-1 to take the lead 3-2 in that series. Tonight, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Black Hawks look to finish their series with wins..how about Aubrey Huff's act after hitting a homer off of Joba Chamberlain yesterday, riffing on Joba's fist pump only doing it right at him as he rounded the bases. Twice. Fortunately, Joba was non-plussed, though I'm going to guess down the road Huff is getting a heater between the numbers...with Yao Ming out for the year, who would've guessed the Houston Rockets still beat the LA Lakers? Figured that series was done. I figured wrong...back with your PTP later. Got some catch-up to do there, in more ways than one!

Knee-yet

The last five years, only 12 of the 30 teams leading their division on May 8th made the playoffs in Major League Baseball. That's 40% for the mathematically challenged...it has gotten to the point of evaluating health records for Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikes as things appear on again. Or, as I hope it ends up, they're reviewing the "before" information. For their part, some of Favre's former teammates on the New York Jets aren't impressed with his act...the Philadelphia MLS entry will be known as the "Union", and have a snake on their logo as you can see here. Who would've guessed Duran Duran wielded that kind of influence?...Toronto FC travel to Washington tonight to face DC United at the always rocking RFK. This one sees the hosts - first in the east - trying to keep their spot to the second place TFC. Coverage is 7:30 on Rogers SportsNet...the first pitch Alex Rodriguez saw in his return left Camden Yards for a three run shot. More impressive was CC Sabathia who went the distance in pitches, and retired 17 straight at one point. Now would be a good time to win 5 or 6 straight...Alex Ovechkin nailed Sergei Gonchar - and what is with all the Russian on Russian crime? - with a knee on knee hit that has the Pittsburgh Pens seething. The Pens evened the series with a 5-3 win over the fading Washington Capitals. Game 5 in this all-even series goes today, thanks to the geniuses at the NHL that pander to a TV deal that pays them peanuts south of the border..the Carolina Hurricanes are on the verge of upsetting the Boston Bruins after they took a 3-1 series lead. Coach Paul Maurice is looking pretty good now that he's got some talent around, no?...gotta love the way this Phoenix Coyotes sale is transpiring, especially when they're characterizing the NHL as running things like an "illegal cartel". The Coyotes also referenced the Toronto Maple Leafs in court filings as being an impediment to good business...another night for the Houston Rockets, another loss, and another ejection for Ron Artest. Things are unravelling fast for the Rockets...have a great Saturday.

Maria-NO!!!

Manny Ramirez is the first high profile Major Leaguer to be suspended under MLB's drug policy, and he'll be out 50 games as a result. Somewhere, as RMer J.C. notes, Selena Roberts has to be figuring karma dealt her a cruel blow for her less than sound reporting on A-Rod with this story now sure to dominate headlines the week that her book hit the shelves. To that I add this: that book is going to sell less than a Chris Brown record at a battered women's shelter. I'll leave the lame "Roidmerez" moniker's to others..Buster Olney notes this is a chance for baseball to finally get it right and go zero tolerance. Why does it feel like that time is long past?...as for A-Rod, he returns to the New York Yankees tonight and the way they've been going, not a moment too soon. Wonder if he finally ends up a hero and brings them back from mediocrity? They've gone nowhere without him, that much is certain...Brett Favre is now back in the retired camp, or at least that's the latest word. For now. We think. The more I think about it, the more I'd love to see him come back to play for Minny just to see the hate he'd get from the Green Bay Packers fans when the Vikes visit in Week 8. In a perfect world, his consecutive game streak would end at Lambeau Field, perhaps with a few unnecessary roughness, spearing and other personal fouls called on the Packers defence...while at The Beer Store yesterday, some guy rolls in, about 28 I figure, and asks the cashier when they'll be getting their summer clothes. Seriously. You're 28 and are asking to buy beer gear? Why don't you just grow the mullet and complete the mental picture...how is a 2-1 comeback called "remarkable"? Must not be a heap of offence in your sport if that is the word used, no? Well, that's the word used to describe the Chicago Black Hawks 2-1 overtime win over the Hongcouver Canucks. That series sits a 2-2 now...the Detroit Red Wings hammered the Anaheim Ducks 6-3, chasing Jonas Hiller from the Ducks goal and killing the suggestion he was bullet proof. The Wings have won six straight road playoff games when trailing 2-1 in a series...Mariano Rivera is now BJ Ryan with a resume. Yes, that's how sour I am after another blown game last night...back with the PTP later. Have a great Friday.

Gretzky would pocket $22.5 million if Coyotes sold

The bad blood is starting to flow in the Houston/LA Lakers series, one evened up by the Lakers yesterday. The Tru Warrior got into it with Kobe Bryant after The Rapist flicked an elbow at Artest's mellon, leading to the rather unfortunate haircut at right, and Artest's ejection...it took until the dying minutes of injury time for Barcelona to generate their first real chance of the game, one which they trailed 1-0, but Andres Iniesta dropped a dagger into Chelsea's hearts with a killer shot from the top of the box to even the score, and put Barcelona into the Champions League final against Manchester United. And really, could there be a more appealing final? Those two have been the best all year, with United also doubling as the defending champion. Develop a cold on May 27th, this is gonna be a great one...on the heels of Arsenal bowing out of the Champions League on Tuesday, one fan figured that was enough, and decided to hang himself, wearing his jersey no less. Good thing he's not taking things too seriously...Derek Jeter isn't even looking to pull an employee discount in renting a private box for the season at Yankee Stadium. The cost? A mere $850,000. Word is the box is even equipped to not show replays of balls going past him to his left side...shame for Manchester United that Chelsea flamed out. After all, with the Blues having Michael Ballack in their side, it would have guaranteed a win for United with the perennial bridesmaid on the other side...Charles Barkley has the Denver Nuggets to win the NBA's ugly trophy. If that happens, can you think of a more important trade in any sports history than the Nuggets acquisition of Chauncey Billups?...Memo to New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman: go get Huston Street or somebody that can work out of the bullpen other than Mariano Rivera or Brian Bruney. Then purchase a gun and shoot Phil Coke...the nicer the weather gets, the less I care about the NHL playoffs, but for what it is worth, Pittsburgh won to get to within a game of their series with Washington, and Carolina surprisingly leads Boston after a 3-2 win...think Wayne Gretzky wants the Phoenix Coyotes sale to Jim Balsillie to happen? He stands to pocket $22.5 million if it does...Toronto FC won the opening game of the Canadian Championship, 1-0 over the Vancouver Whitecaps...back with the PTP later.

Alone, the terms "Pittsburgh Steelers fan", "gynecologist" and "The Price is Right" aren't that funny, but when you put them all together and the guy doesn't go with the traditional $1 bid when he thinks the rest have overbid, well, that is worth a look.

Arsenal outgunned

The LA Dodgers are now a perfect - and MLB record - 12-0 at home to open the year. They're going to destroy that division and have it wrapped up by mid-August, if not sooner...Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony gives the fourth most to charity in the U.S. Not just among athletes, anyone. That's damn impressive for a guy with a less than stellar reputation among most observers. Good for Melo...Bill Simmons ("The Sports Guy") asks if people really think that General Motors would have been worse off if it were run by Gary Bettman and Isaiah Thomas. Ouch...somebody get Jason Bay off of the New York Yankees. He pwns them, with three homers and 10RBI in five games this season, all Sox wins...see the video of Britney Spears where a fan jumped on stage and scared the life out of her? Watch her reaction at 2:15 and note the lack of change in audio...RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie is at it again, with an offer of $212.5 million in to buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes. Would be nice to have the former Winnipeg Jets back in Canada, but given Bill Simmons question above as it pertains to Gary Bettman, you're as likely to see them land in Mexico. Now would be a great time for the Player's Union to recognize that their pay is based on revenues, and pushing for another team in Toronto/Ontario can only help them, not hurt them. A fight with Bettman should be a given...I've solved the New York Yankees problems by dropping a 140 kilotonne nuke on Boston. Very therapeutic website here...it didn't take long for Manchester United to essentially finish their semi-final with Arsenal. Two goals in the first 11 minutes will do that kind of thing, and they cruised to a 3-1 win. United defender Patrice Evra said it was 11 men playing against 11 boys, which is notable in that it is the first time a Frenchman is smack talking anyone as being weak. Three weeks from today, they'll meet the winner of the Chelsea/Barcelona semi-final, which goes today at 2:45 on TSN...New York Yankee outfielder, and former Red Sock, Johnny Damon on the difference between the two clubs and how the Sox treated captain Jason Varitek this off season: "I couldn’t believe that they were letting him walk and try to find a team. That’s the difference between New York and Boston...If you’re a part of New York, they’re going to keep you there: Posada, Jeter, Mariano, it’s the first time in history guys have been on the same team for 15 years. It goes to show you something about how the Yankees think, and how many Yankees players have been exclusive with one team. They keep them forever. (The Red Sox) were ready to let (Varitek) go." Not sure if Damon has paid much attention, but moving in younger, cheaper talent has served the Sox well, and Varitek didn't deserve a dime more than he got after a horrific 2008. The Yankees keeping Derek Jeter at short when he's as much a statue as those in monument park, or keeping a catcher past his mid-30's (Posada) has done what, exactly, other than weaken the defence and waste payroll? But good of Damon to back a guy who shares Scott Boras as an agent...Selena Roberts, the author of "A-Rod", was also the author who burried the Duke lacrosse players well in advance of them being 100% cleared of any wrongdoing - something she never retracted or apologized following, notes Jason Whitlock, who takes her to task for flimsy deductions and rushing to judgment...Toronto FC host the Vancouver Whitecaps tonight in the first game of the Canadian Championship. Kickoff is 8 bells on SportsNet...for tonight, play the Yankees/Rays over 10. Enjoy.

Cinco de Mayo

Whatever happened to Geddy Lee at Toronto Blue Jay games? Maybe he's one of the average of 6,428 fewer fans attending Jays games on average this season, the third biggest decline in baseball...and what about the voice of Geddy Lee, how did it get so high? I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy?...a pair of hat-tricks from Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin in a series that so far is living up to the hype. The Caps managed another goal, however, and held serve at home to lead the series 2-0. Hilites below. Those lit UPS ads on the the rinks boards in Washington and elsewhere have to go...anybody figure the KC Royals would be first in the AL Central in May? Granted, hardly the best division but still. Zach Greinke is now 6-0 with another complete game shutout registered...Buster Olney, maybe the most informed voice in baseball in my opinion, was on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike Show yesterday and called most of the evidence in Selena Roberts book "A-Rod" "circumstantial" at best, and notes he knows plenty of guys who gain 25lbs in a year in high school, as I'm sure most do. Doug Mientkiewicz, a high school teammate of A-Rod's, said there it was "99.9% impossible" he used then without D.M. being aware of it. Olney said there is absolutely no smoking gun telling us any more than what we've already had confirmed. He called the book "wanting, badly" and lacking in attribution of even the simplest details. On pitch tipping, Olney said what was presented was a hypothetical and that when his former teammate and second baseman Michael Young says the allegation is "ridiculous", you have to believe that. His manager at the time - Buck Showalter - also said there was no way he tipped pitches, and if he had, it would have been addressed immediately in the dugout. Showalter is a hardass, if you didn't know. But at least Roberts had named sources for the notion he only tips 15% at Hooters, which puts him about 15% ahead of Tiger Woods and Scottie "No Tippin'" Pippen. Ought to get interesting this weekend when A-Rod returns. He'll get booed, sure, but he'll resume slamming the ball off walls and out of the yard, same as always...Megan Fox video. Enough said. I swear to you it is the real deal or may my Yankees never win another game...SI.com's Jon Heyman looks at the contenders and pretenders among the early season surprises. Jays fans - don't expect to be impressed...New York Yankee pitcher AJ Burnett must be some kind of movie buff. How else do you explain this swank theatre in his home? Scroll down for more pics here at the right of the page. Burnett's Yankees have got a load of pressure on them tonight as they try not to get swept in a two-game series at home that would leave them 0-5 against Boston on the year after last night's 6-4 loss...hands up, who had the LA Lakers losing Game 1 at home to Houston and the Boston Celtics losing at home to Orlando?...the latest on RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie is he's looking to bring an NHL team to Burlington. Burlington?...Arsenal hosts Manchester United today in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. United won their home leg 1-0 last week, and can advance with a win or tie of any score. A 1-0 loss and the game head's to overtime. My bet is United advance whatever the case, they simply won't be shut out today and with Rio Ferdinand healthy, their defence will be strong. Can't wait for this one...RMer J.C. asks what's the most shocking Tampa Bay Ray stat: Carl Crawford has 18 steals, Evan Longoria has 31 RBI, Carlos Pena has 11 HR, or that Tampa is 11-16?...back with your PTP later.


Caps vs. Pens hilites...

Leroy ain't moving...unless...

It took triple overtime, but the Anaheim Ducks managed to even their series with the Detroit Red Wings. I would not be shocked at all if the Ducks finish off the Wings. How much has Ryan Getzlaf's profile grown with his playoff performance? Call him a Team Canada lock for the 2010 Olympics...Cam Ward made 36 saves for the shutout as the Carolina Hurricanes evened their series with the Boston Bruins, the B's first loss in this playoff...the subject of trading Roy Halladay came up again, and while Toronto Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi didn't call him untouchable, he did say it would take a "boatload" to move Leroy...after Saturday's devestating knockout, Ricky Hatton's trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. and others are thinking it is time the Hitman pack it in. Somehow, you have to figure boxing doesn't really want a guy who brings people from across the pond into Vegas for fights to shut it down quite yet, and can't imagine Hatton wants to go out that way either...seems yesterday's "Rick Roll" wasn't a hit with some RMers. Guess the title wasn't clue enough...hard to believe that a club like Newcastle United are in the relegation zone. The Magpies were pounded 3-0 by Liverpool yesterday, and word is it could've been triple that...speaking of Liverpool, their manager Rafa Benitez is talking smack again, saying Manchester United will slip up in the final handful of games. Somebody needs to explain to Rafa that United can afford to slip up a lot more than Liverpool, what with a three point lead and a game in hand...I really don't understand the logic behind having the second round of the NBA playoffs start while some are still playing the first, but that's what we saw yesterday as the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavs tipped off their series - with the Nuggets an easy winner while the Miami Heat were going down meekly to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of their first round series. If you're David Stern, you'd think you want to sports world focused on a Game 7, no?...the CFL Draft went this weekend, still awaiting confirmation that no dead people were drafted...your PTP today is the Blue Jays/Indians over 10. Enjoy.

Ricky be rolling...

Ricky Hatton suffered one of the scariest knockouts you're likely ever to see at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. Three times he hit the canvas in under two rounds, the last looking like he might be dead quite honestly. Pacquiao is incredible, particularly the speed with which he delivers his punches, and when Hatton started round two looking to brawl and flailing wildly, you had to figure it was only a matter of time before he hit the canvas for a final time...if you believe in omens - good or bad - then this one falls under the latter. In the middle of a storm, the Dallas Cowboys practice bubble collapsed and injured twelve at a rookie camp. No matter really, none of their picks were first rounders as it was...the Minnesota Vikings are seriously considering bringing in Brett Favre. Right, because that'll put them over the top. Can't wait to see the venom that would flow his way going back to Green Bay with a divisional rival...the Washington Capitals held serve in Game 1 of their series, downing the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Heard at least a dozen people bitch about the start time of 1pm yesterday...suddenly, Don Cherry is taking up for Sidney Crosby, calling him the best player in the NHL...WWE star Batista was in Pacquiao's corner last night. Guess that explains the tat on his shoulder...a funny thing happened on the way to a comfortable 2-0 series lead for the Vancouver Canucks. With the 'nucks up 2-0 early, the Black Hawks rallied for five unanswered to take the game and even the series...the Boston Celtics did what champions do last night and defended their turf and finished off the Chicago Bulls at home...after a 1-1 draw in Toronto, the Columbus Crew 0-4-3 on the season, the worst ever record to open a season for a defending MLS champion...best email of the week to the Jim Rome Show comes after Rome interviewed Carolina Hurricane Ray Whitney, who had one of his kids crying in the background. The email read: "Dear Jim, why is Ray Whitney doing his interview from Sidney Crosby's house?"...Real Madrid were smashed 6-2 at home by Barcelona, effectively giving Barca the Spanish championship. Nice showing, Real...finally today, Bukkake gives you a great link to a sports site worth seeing...have a great Sunday.

Tough on the 'ol ticker

Game 7 of the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics goes tonight. Wonder if Danny Ainge has a coronary doctor on standby? The way this series has gone, he may need one...into the final month of the English Premier League we go and you'd have to assume Manchester United gets it done with a lead and game in hand. They'll face Middlesboro this morning - 7:45 Eastern - and are your PTP for today at -1 +109. In other games of note, it'll be interesting to see how Chelsea fares in a London derby against Fulham, who have been a tough mark of late. Liverpool play tomorrow..in what should be an electric atmosphere given their fan support, Ricky Hatton will face Manny Paquiao in yet another compelling boxing matcup this year. With everyone banking on Paquiao, it is almost worth a small wager on The Hitman. He's +203 at Pinnacle...a little late for my NHL Playoff picks, but I've got Anaheim, Vancouver, Boston and Pittsburgh advancing. Who ya got?...shame that what should be a huge series - Pittsburgh and Washington - starts with a 1pm game today...Toronto FC host defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew today as they aim to go 3-0 under coach Chris Cummins...the Kentucky Derby goes today. Not going to pretend I know jack about it other than a lot of ladies will be wearing ridiculous hats...the Montreal Canadiens 100th year continues on in inglorious fashion. Guy Lafleur has been convicted of giving contradictory evidence in his son's trial, and facing jail time...best theory I've heard on Toronto Raptor Jose Calderon's finger injury, which required surgery: he hurt it with his incredibly lame, ineffectual hand clap defence. Awesome..have a great Saturday.

Don't ya wanna see how it ends?

Seldom have I seen such a swell of emails as came last night the hotter Game 6 in the incredible Chicago Bulls/Boston Celtics series. Yet another overtime game, the fourth in the series - this one a triple affair - that saw the Bulls escape with a 128-127 win despite Ray Allen's 51. If you haven't seen hilites, they're below. Expect to be hearing about this one 'round the water cooler today. Game 7 goes tomorrow...the Vancouver Canucks nearly blew a 3-0 lead in game one of their series last night, but Sammy Salo put them ahead for good and they downed the Chicago Black Hawks 5-3 to remain unbeaten in the playoffs...now comes word that Brett Favre has hired a personal trainer to get him fit. Seriously, I know the world is fearing Swine Flu, terrorism and a collapsed economy, but I'd be most impressed if President Obama put an end to the joke that is Favre and tossed him in Guantanamo Bay or something. I'm betting there are more than a few Minnesota Vikings fans that agree too...Jaromir Jagr is still entertaining the idea of returning to the NHL and the Edmonton Oilers are his preferred destination. I'm expecting some comment from Bukkake on this one...speaking of Obama, found it odd yesterday to get an email from a guy I work with who has in his signature "Yes we can!" with credit to the source, especially given (1) we're in Canada and (2) nobody of the 6,000 people in my company has anything in their work email signature other than their contact information, maybe a privacy message and one about not printing the email if not needed. People are strange...the New York Rangers are interested in Martin St. Louis. Right, because they don't have enough undersized forwards...maybe it was lost in translation, or maybe it was years of (alleged) performance enhancing drugs have caused some "interal" changes, but David Ortiz said watching Pedro Martinez pitch earlier this year at the World Baseball Classic gave him "hot flashes". Suspect he meant "flashback"...guessing not too many would have pegged the Orlando Magic, minus Dwight Howard, to close out the Philadelphia 76ers last night, but they did just that, and may have saved Stan Van Jeremy (aka "The Master of Panic" as Shaq said) his job...if you haven't seen the latest Gillette ad with Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter and Roger Federer, take a peak here. Speaking of R.F., word is John McEnroe is interested in coaching him. Not sure what McEnroe - himself a great - could teach arguably the best of all the times, but it sure would be interesting. The coolest part of that is that a guy with McEnroe's resume is so willing to praise Federer. You don't see legends of any sport do that too often. Federer has not surprisingly politely declined and when I say surprising, I'm not sure if it is the politeness or the decline that is more surprising...back later with your PTP.

April PTP

April Prime Time Picks

• Apr30 - Angels/Yankees O 10.5 -105 (14-16-1, -129)(55-57-3, -326) - W
• Apr29 - KC Royals -120 (13-16-1, -229) (54-57-3, -426) - W
• Apr28 - LA Angels/Baltimore Over 10 -105 (12-16-1, -329) (53-57-3, -526) - W
• Apr27 - LA Dodgers -1.5 +119 (11-16-1, -429) (52-57-3, -626)
• Apr26 - Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 +106 (11-15-1, -329)(52-56-3, -526)
• Apr25 - Florida Marlins -139 (11-14-1, -229) (52-55-3, -426)
• Apr24 - Toronto Blue Jays +112 (11-13-1, -90) (52-54-3, -326) - W
• Apr23 - San Jose Sharks -1.5 +220 (10-13-1) (51-54-3, -438) - L
• Apr22 - Chivas USA Pk Pick +114 (10-12-1, -$102) (51-53-3, -338) - L
• Apr21 - Florida Marlins -120 (10-11-1, -$2) (51-52-3, -228) - L
• Apr20 - Atlanta Braves -1.5 +120 (10-10-1, +118) (51-51-3, -$108) - L
• Apr19 - Man Utd +127 (10-9-1, +218) (51-50-3, -8) - L
• Apr18 - KC Royals +105 (10-8-1, +318) (51-49-3, +92) - W
• Apr17 - NY Yankees -1.5 +100 (9-8-1, +213) (50-49-3, -$13) - L
• Apr16 - San Jose/Anaheim O +135 (9-7-1, +313) (50-48-3, +87) - L
• Apr15 - Man Utd to advance -105 (9-6-1, +413) (50-47-3, +187) - W
• Apr14 - NY Yankees +111 (8-6-1, +$313) (49-47-3, +$87) - W
• Apr13 - Boston Red Sox -1.5 +104 (7-6-1, +$202), (48-47-3, -$24) - L
• Apr12 - NY Yankees -1.5 +117 (7-5-1, +$302), (48-46-3, +$76) - L
• Apr11 - Man Utd -1 +105, Chicago Cubs -1.5 +126 (7-4-1, +402) (48-45-3, +176) - Push, L
• Apr10 - Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 +125 (7-3, +502) (48-44-2, +276) - L
• Apr9 - NY Yankees -1.5 -114 (7-2, +602), (48-43-2, +376) - W
• Apr8 - New York Yankees -1.5 +105 (6-2, +$502) (47-43-2, +$276) - L
• Apr7 - St Louis Cardinals -1.5 +146 (6-1, +602) (47-42-2, +376) - W
• Apr6 - LA Dodgers +114 (5-1, +$456) (46-42-2, +230) - W
• Apr 5 - Atlanta Braves +121 (4-1, +$342) (45-43-2, +116) - W
• Apr4 - Chelsea -.5 -1 +106 (3-1, +236) (44-43-2, +10) - W
• Apr3 - Cleveland Cavs +3.5 +103 (2-1, +130) (43-43-2, -$96) - L
• Apr2 - Cleveland/Washington O 197 -105 (2-0, +$230) (43-42-2, +$4) - W
• Apr1 - Spain +130 (1-0, +130) (43-43-2, -$96) - W
• Apr20 - Atlanta Braves -1.5 +120 (10-10-1, +118) (51-51-3, -$108) - L

Ref killer

Come to find out that Tracy McGrady - Houston Rocket - picked the LA Lakers to win the NBA Championship. I appreciate honesty in athletes, but if I'm a teammate, I want to pop him in the mouth...not sure how the story of Slovak hockey player and Philadelphia Flyer prospect Ladislav Skurko escaped more widespread coverage. He is the guy who merely killed and buried a referee. No hyperbole or metaphors, he literally killed him. Thanks to RM reader Norway for passing that along...New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera has blown 12 of 70 save opportunities against the Boston Red Sox. They own him more than they own Bud Selig...if not for the incredible performance of Arsenal's Manuel Almunia, Manchester United would be well on their way to the Champions League final. Almunia made at least three incredible saves to keep the United scoreline to 1-0, and was aided by his crossbar on a rocket from Cristiano Ronaldo. The second leg goes Tuesday...speaking of Ronaldo, I'm thinking his desire to go to Real Madrid will be more easily received from United given AC Milan star Kaka is reported to be wanting a move to United, and AC Milan management won't stand in his way. Talk about making an upgrade out of a seemingly lost position...Chicago and Vancouver will open their Western Conference semi-final tonight. Doesn't it feel like the Canucks have been off for weeks? Hopefully "Canada's Team" isn't too rusty from the layoff...Chris Cummins, 2-0 as Toronto FC's fill-in head coach, will take on coaching duties for the balance of the season...the Pittsburgh Pirates have now lost 18 straight at Miller Park in Milwaukee...the New York Jets have released Brett Favre from their reserve-retired list, but interestingly, it was Favre himself who was said to be clamoring for his release though he denies he's coming out of retirement. Surely he's not still thinking about a year in Minnesota, is he? This is becoming more embarrassing than Jerry Rice final years where he bounced from Oakland to Seattle to Denver...Zach Greinke finally gave up a run for the KC Royals - his first two of the year - but the Royals still pounded the Toronto Blue Jays 11-3 and Greinke is now 5-0...for your PTP today, play the LA Angels and Yankees over 10.5. May the winners be ours!

Hughesus is risen!

Nobody ever said sports were fair. The New York Rangers thoroughly deserved to win last night's game seven at Washington, but old war horse Sergei Fedorov had different ideas, scoring late in the third to put the Caps into the second round for the first time in 11 years. Up next is a date with the Pittsburgh Penguins - yep, Sid The Kid vs. Alexander The Great - that has to have Gary Bettman legitimately smiling...the other Eastern semi will see Boston face Carolina, who scored two goals late - including a couple uncharacteristic softies on Martin Brodeur - to knock the Devils out...May 8th can't come soon enough for the New York Yankees. Seems that's the date A-Rod will return, on the road at Baltimore...Phil Hughes - Hughesus if you prefer - pitched more innings last night filling in for Chien-Ming Wang than Wang has in three starts this year. The Yankees halted their losing streak with a 11-0 win at Detroit, on the strength of Hughes 2-hitter over 6 innings. Asked post-game about his time in the minors with Scranton, Hughes talked of how much he'd love to stay with the Yankees, despite being a huge fan of The Office and tracking down the sites from the show. Not making that up. Hughes, you may recall, ran a contest on his blog to guess his fav Office quote and gave away the game ball from his first playoff win...Barcelona went 50 games without being shut out but shut out they were yesterday as Chelsea looked to bar the doors and hold on for an ugly road draw. So much for the offensive show that Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink promised...it didn't take long for the New York Yankees to slash ticket prices for those mostly unused seats between the dugouts. They've been cut from $2675 to $1200 per game. Sign me up! Those who paid for seasons already will be refunded or credited. Still far overpriced, but good for them for recognizing things have changed since last year...from the Department of Bad Ideas: a White House hack authorizing a low flying 747 with a fighter jet tailing it over Manhatten as a photo op for Air Force One. Check out this video of Manhattenites freaking out...the other Champions League semi-final starts today with its first game, as Manchester United host Arsenal. I'm expecting a United win, frankly. Too much quality and Arsenal is too inconsistent...and that's all for the San Antonio Spurs, a rare first round victim...good of the Chicago Bulls to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with a late collapse and then overtime loss to give the Boston Celtics a 3-2 series lead...back with your PTP later, have a great Wednesday.

Rangers/Caps going to seven tonight

Pedro Martinez, Toronto Blue Jay? If JP Ricciardi is smart - and able - why not? He's a proven big game guy, a gamer, looked good in the WBC, and he'd surely be motivated getting to face his former team in Boston and the hated New York Yankees again. At $5 million - pro-rated presumably - seems a good idea when you're feeling good about your chances...enjoy the San Antonio Spurs game tonight. The end of their era is tonight, if not soon...it is funny that a lot of people that know a lot more about hockey than they do about baseball have a great time cracking on A-Rod's recent playoff performances, but ignore that Joe Thornton flamed out - again. The Sharks went down 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks in the game and lost the series 4-2...I know the Chicago Black Hawks swept the season series with Calgary, but didn't figure the Flames would go down so easy in the playoffs. Prediction: Mike Keenan will need to have his resume polished shortly...the New Orleans Hornets lost at home to the Denver Nuggets last night 121-63. That is not a typo, not a "6" that should be a "9" - 63 points, at home. They were outscored 60-24 in the second half...speaking of A-Rod, with the black hole at third base and the lack of hitting from his replacements, think Yankee fans have figured out how important he is to that team yet?...not sure why this is surfacing now, but there are pictures of departed New York Ranger prospect Alexei Cherapanov happily blood doping in bed the day before he went for the dirt nap...speaking of the Rangers, they've got game seven tonight at Washington in what should be a wild one. Donald Brashear picked up a six game suspension for his shot to Blair Betts head. Funny that Chris Pronger has had similar shots in recent years - and the plural is accurate - but only ever saw a game at most...pretty sure that when former NBAer Jayson Williams needed a lift to the hospital after being reportedly suicidal, there weren't too many limo drivers looking to hook him up...Reid Flair - son of Ric - wants to give his dad's rep for hard partying a run. He was busted for a DUI and had heroin in the vehicle. Heroin? Finally the offspring of a wrestler who is bound to be outlived by his father...former Toronto FC manager John Carver has finally come out of hiding, and in an interview with the Toronto Star, says that meddling from the MLS is what led to his departure, along with the feeling that his team was being harshly treated by referrees because of his run-ins with them...the first leg of a juicy Champions League semi-final goes today with Chelsea traveling to the Nou Camp in Barcelona to face the favored home side. Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink predicts a feast of attacking. Can't wait! Prediction: Barcelona go through. Chelsea is just giving up too many goals of late and the dynamic Barca attack should make them pay accordingly...and finally today, here's a list of John Daly milestones, compiled by the Arizona Republic's John Davis and printed in the Toronto Sun:

2 Major championships

2 Trips to alcohol rehab

4 Failed marriages

5 PGA Tour titles

5 Years since his last tour title

6 Months suspension, which is nearing an end

10 Withdrawals from tour events since 2005

43 Pounds lost since February

280 Pounds at his heaviest

787 Current world ranking

Back with your PTP later. It is hard picking losers like that of late!