Bronx Brawl

The Detroit Tigers have two pitchers with ERA's below 4.5 since the all-star break. They'll play their last 13 against Minnesota and the Chicago White Sox, so the AL Central could well be up for grabs yet. And if the pitching doesn't turn, they'll be a quick out for the New York Yankees in the first round.

Monday Night's Buffalo/New England game had an astounding 94% of the money wagered on the New England Patriots, who of course did not cover. Vegas 1 - Gamblers 0. The Oakland Raiders ended an 0-7 run on Monday Night's with their coverMonday.

Speaking of the Bills, seems the lawn of Leodis McKelvin, who fumbled a punt return, was vandalized by some fan or fans after the game. The police are staying strangely silent as to what the actual damage was, other than something was spray painted on the lawn. Racist undertones, perhaps? Regardless, going to a guys home to do that kind of thing is way over the line. Period.

UFC Fight Night Live goes tonight on Spike TV. Nate Diaz and Melvin Guillard may be listed as the main event, but the more attractive matchup for my money is Gray Maynard facing Roger Huerta.

The Toronto Blue Jays showed a bit of heart for a rare occasion last night as they got into a brawl with the New York Yankees. The result left Jays pitcher Jesse Carlson with a lump on his head that was starting to rival the famous growth on boxer Hasim Rahman's head once in a fight against Evander Holyfield, which you can see here if you like. If the Jays had shown that kind of fight before, they might not be 26.5 out. Maybe 24.5? Word is that it was John McDonald that gave Yanks manager Joe Girardi a bit of a shiner. If so, that is McDonald's first hard hit since...ever. All joking aside, the Yankees don't need to be getting into it with a team that is well below them, nothing to gain at this time of year when you should have your eye on the playoffs.

Group play in the Champions League got under way yesterday and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a pair from long range in Real Madrid's 5-2 win over FC Zurich. Manchester United downed Besiktas and Chelsea knocked off Porto, among others. As far as today goes, they don't get much more attractive than Barcelona and Inter Milan, who will play in Italy today at 2:45.

Have a great Wednesday.