The Bosh is Back

Irina Shayk, who is also the girlfriend of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, graces the cover of the SI Swimsuit issue.  Another reason to hate Ronaldo, if you're so inclined.  All kinds of Swimsuit goodness here.

Champions League play yesterday saw a couple good results for the road teams.  As predicted here, Tottenham downed AC Milan, 1-0, in a game where Milan's Gennaro Gattuso went insane post-game and grabbed Spurs assistant coach Joe Jordan and head-butted him.  Nice knowing you, GG.  Valencia were held to a draw at home with German side Schalke.  Up today are a nice pair of matches in Shaktar Donetsk visiting AS Roma, and a gem in London with Arsenal hosting Barcelona, a game that Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere says Arsenal will need to get "nasty". I'm betting Barca win on the road here.

Any thoughts on the news that OJ Simpson was severely beaten - into unconciousness - by a skinhead while in prison, and suffered injuries that kept him in the infrimary for three weeks?  Seems to confirm karma exists.  Except his lawyer says it didn't happen.

Baseball trivia: Only one team has two starting pitchers with 100 starts combined over the past three years. Name team and the 2 pitchers.  Answer at bottom.

Says one Twitterite for Chris Bosh' visit to Toronto tonight: "Don't boo Chris Bosh tomorrow, take the piss. Example: 'You're not even Robin. Not eveeen Robiiin.'" because he's not even second fiddle.  Love it.  For those wondering if Bosh gets booed tonight, let me assure you, he most certainly does.  Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun looks at Bosh years as a Raptor and concludes few had a better run in Toronto.

Very classy of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson to ask Peyton Manning if he needed help reading the financial reports during a CBA bargaining session.  I'm no fan of Manning, but he's put a lot more money in owners pockets than Richardson has.  That was just one of the insults thrown at the players, Drew Brees included, by Richardson.  Looks terrible if you're wanting a full, non-scab NFL season, but I maintain they get a deal done.  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says "the time has come" to get a deal done.

Bruce Arthur at the National Post says it would be a mistake for the Toronto Blue Jays and Jose Bautista to work a long term deal right now.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is not done dealing, with talk of Tomas Kaberle being next to bolt the 416, with Boston said to be the destination.  I'd love to see the Leafs get the #1 this year they traded for Phil Kessel back and go into the biggest tank job of all time down the stretch only to lose the lottery and get the, like, 4th pick.

Suspended UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen - and hands down the best trash talker anywhere in any sport - says he's 5-1 against UFC Champion Anderson Silva.

The best Toronto acquisition, any sport: Dan Shulman is back at TSN.

If you don't listen to Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy) and his podcasts, here's a wrap-up of his annual chat with NBA Commissioner David Stern, in which Stern mentions that Vancouver is among the cities looking to move the New Orleans Hornets.  As luck would have it, the owner of the Vancouver Canucks is interested.  Here's a thought for Stern: if he is interested in fixing the mistakes made in leaving Seattle and Vancouver, send the Hornets to one, and the other can have the disaster area known as the Toronto Raptors. 

Trivia answer: New York Yankees CC Sabathia and - believe it or not - AJ Burnett, are the two to start 100+ games over the last three years.  CC credits a 30 pound weight loss to not eating Cap'n Crunch every day.  Guess Joba Chamberlain was getting down with the Cap'n at least every other day?

Speaking of Sabathia.  Let there be no doubt he will opt out of his Yankee deal at the end of this season, knowing the Bronx Bombers have money to spend and there's nobody remotely on his level due on the market.  He'll stay in New York, extending the remaining three years on his deal by another three or so.  Smart business.

Final bit of Yankee for the day: Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports suggests the St. Louis Cardinals way out of the Albert Pujols mess, and possibility of him going to the hated Chicago Cubs, would be to work a deal for say, Mark Texeira.  Wow.  That would be big.  Or perhaps Philadelphia Phillie Ryan Howard, who also happens to be a local boy to St. Louis.  Word is the Cards offered an eight-year deal worth over $200 million to Pujols, one he's expected to turn down.  Cards manager Tony LaRussa says the MLB Players Union is behind Pujols desire for a mega contract.  Maybe partly, but he's in the driver's seat.


I really, really can't get enough of the Foo Fighters "White Limo", song and vid.

World Cup, LeBron in C-Town, and the Leafs suck

So much for all the talk of England and especially the U.S. being slam dunks to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.  Instead, it'll be mob-run Russia taking the ball in 2018, and a whole-lot-more-head-scratchingly Qatar in 2022.  Yeah, a  World Cup in the desert in mid-summer, in a country that doesn't widely allow people to drink, what a great idea!  For their part, Qatar is saying that they plan on air conditioning outdoor stadiums.  At least that isn't ridiculous.

Not sure what my fav moment was in the Miami Heat blowout of the Cleveland Cavaliers last night: the "like father like son" chant in warm-ups (LeBron's dad, of course, left the family when he was a child), the  "We should have drafted Darko" sign, or one of the Cavs assistant coaches telling 'bron to, well, pretty sure you can read his lips here (oh, and LOADS more below the vid...just mixing things up):

And speaking of the Heat, my GOD is Chris Bosh ever invisible there.  He looks as lost as Rafael Araujo did in his Toronto Raptors days, and that is some tough task.

Did I hear Deion Sanders say about Michael Vick:  "From Levinsworth to the limelike"?  I think you mean "limelight", Prime.  Vick was fantastic in last night's entertaining 34-24 win (and Prime Time Pick win) over the Houston Texans.

What could Rogers buying Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment mean for Hockey Night in Canada?  The end, speculates the Toronto Star.  

In case you didn't know, Dan Shulman is the new lead guy on Sunday Night Baseball.  This is a very, very good thing.

A breath of fresh air is new Toronto Raptor Jerryd Bayless, who writes in this piece of how excited he was to come to Toronto, and how excited he is to be a Raptor.  He keeps up with that attitude and he'll be a far greater fan fav than a defensively bankrupt never-was who holds up six fingers to indicate a three pointer.  Thanks to Boris D for that linkage.

A good week is about to kick off for the New York Yankees. Mariano Rivera is about to sign a two-year, $30 million deal today, after turning down three-years and $45 million (or more) from the Boston Red Sox, who clearly don't trust Jonathan Papelbon, and the LA Angels of Anaheim.  Hope you're paying attention, Captain Jeter.  The Cliff Lee chase is going to get heated up, with some predicting it'll be done before the end of next week, and Jeter should re-sign too with talk the Yankees may slightly - and wrongly - up their 3-year $45 million offer.

One thing this sports fan could do without: the big story of Tuesday-Friday of each NFL week being what guys are being fined.  Heard one laughable stat that Richard Seymour's fine for punching Ben Roethlesberger amounted to one quarter of a percent of his annual salary.  Yeah, that'll hurt.  So for the average guy making $50,000 a year, that's $125.  Back breaking stuff it is not.

None of Phil Jackson's 11 championship teams has ever lost four straight games in a season, something this year's LA Lakers have already accomplished.

Christmas gift idea for a New York Yankee fan: PlayStation 3/XBox MLB 10 The Show, because Derek Jeter will still be half decent in it.  Next year's edition won't be so kind.  If anybody has that game or another sitting in their desk drawer, send it my way.

So sour that the powder LeBron James throws up before the game wasn't swapped out for anthrax.

So the alleged Public Enemy #1 in Ottawa Dany Heatley made his first return to Ottawa with the San Jose Sharks last night and was met with plenty of empty seats.  Speculation is a rumor was floated that Heatley would be driving one of the buses moving fans out to Kanata.

Somehow, this guy dated Kate Moss.  What a freaking world.

Explain to me how Ron Wilson still is employed as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs?  When they're not blowing late leads like they did again to Tampa Bay a couple nights ago, they're getting shut out by last year's league doormat, the Edmonton Oilers, 5-0...at home.  Predictably, fans booed.  But they'll be back next game, they always are.  And if you're wondering, that makes you more sucker than fan.

Best hockey goal celebration ever?  Easy button?  Awesome.

Get a coffee, we're in for a long one today...

A wild one in Atlanta yesterday saw the San Francisco Giants working a shutout into the eighth before - who else? -  Eric Hinske hit a 2-run homer to give the Braves their only two runs of the game, and 2-1 lead. Hinske, you may recall, has been in the last three World Series with the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Yankees. Could he make it four with Atlanta?  How crazy is that streak as it stands?  I digress.  The Giants came back and won it with a pair of their own in the 9th for a 3-2 win.  Probably helped that Braves 2B Brooks Conrad had a day for the ages with three brutal errors.  The Giants now lead that series 2-1.

The Philadelphia Phillies did the expected yesterday and eliminated the Cincinnati Reds with a dominant start from Cole Hamels, a complete game shutout, for a 2-0 win.  The Reds managed all of 11 hits in the series, not good for a team that led the NL in hitting this season.  Chase Utley was greeted by chants of "Cheater!" after selling a hit by pitch.  Funny, don't see the front page debate on that like it was when Derek Jeter did the same which, of course, was my point back then: if it isn't a Yankee, people don't care near so much.

Arizona Cardinals beat the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints yesterday. Guess if anyone is going to have a Super Bowl hangover, you'd have to bet on New Orleans. Looks like the Madden Curse is alive and well.

Phil "Any Dead Air" Simms is at least the spiritual brother of Pierre MacGuire, no?  Never a moment of silence. Loved his saying that Miles Austin is one of the key reasons the Dallas Cowboys got rid of Terrell Owens. That would've been some serious crystal ball work, since Austin surprised everyone last October after having no previous impact or even consideration, six months after they cut ties with T.O.  Keep swinging, Simms.   The Cowboys once again were their own worst enemies in a 34-27 loss to Tennessee.

The AFC South is a four-way tie at 3-2.

Word is the Brett Favre/Jenn Sterger case is on the fast track with the NFL. No word from Tiger...errr...Favre since. He may even be suspended. Somewhere, Ben Roethlesberger is smiling.

Had a debate recently over the merits of Carson Palmer, who I think has been ridiculously overrated in general, but especially since blowing out his knee almost five years back. Yesterday's showing against Tampa Bay convinced me he's more than just overrated, he's terrible.

Speaking of QB's having rough days, I didn't expect much from the Chicago Bears Todd Collins (4 INTs), but Aaron Rodgers brutal showing in a 16-13 loss in Washington was unexpected.

Settle down, Toronto Maple Leafs fans, the salute the players did to the fans at the end of Saturday's game is not something so original you should be celebrating. It is something teams like the New York Rangers have done for years, and something soccer teams the world over have done forever.  Stay in your lane, the season is but two games old.

Carolina, Buffalo and San Francisco are all 0-5 on the NFL season.  While Buffalo's mark isn't that surprising, and Carolina's you could have maybe seen coming, San Francisco's is something else when they were touted to win their (joke of a) division.  The Bills Donte Whitner says they're the "laughingstock of the league".  Don't be see hard on yourself, DW, you've got plenty of company.  That said, moving to a 3-4 defence hasn't done wonders, as the Bills have given up a league high 161 points.

After divorcing the Toronto Raptors and separating from the Leafs, I'm looking at counseling with the Dallas Cowboys.

A real tough call tonight for the Prime Time Picks (now sitting at 7-3, details on the right side of the page).  Minnesota badly needs at win and are visiting the New York Jets, who appear to be rolling.  Mix in Randy Moss on a Monday Night for the second straight week and you get even more plot-lines. My inital thought was Jets -4.5 (+102) and I'm sticking with that.

Love Chris Berman's Freudian slip here...

Best/Worst Owners Revealed

Sports Illustrated has put together a Top 5 Best and Worst owners in the big four team sports. Here's MLB, and the NFL, and the NBA and finally, the NHL where a certain team in Toronto finished - not surprisingly - with the worst owners in hockey...so much for the economy affecting the NFL. Teams will have a record increase of $12 million to spend on the salary cap, bringing the total to $128 million in the last year of this labour agreement. You'd think they would let teams know what they've got to spend before they actually started spending it, no?...the Pepsi Center in Denver, home of the Nuggets, is booked for WWE Monday Night Raw next Monday. Problem is the NBA wants the arena for Game 4 of the Nuggets/Lakers series the same night and it looks like the WWE is out of luck. Of course, that left WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to needle the Nuggets for not having enough faith to book potential playoff dates earlier. Love it...in addition to today's pic of the day, here are an assortment of Mike Tyson motivational pictures, sure to be a hit with Bukkake...for the first time this year, the Tampa Bay Rays are .500, and you have to think stud prospect David Price is on his way soon from AAA. In his last start, Price tossed 5 innings of no hit ball - striking out 9 - but didn't finish as the Rays are keeping his innings down...the Pittsburgh Penguins won the first game of the Eastern Conference final 3-2. For their part, the Carolina Hurricanes have lost the opener of the last five series they've won. They're now off until Thursday in the first of what could be three two-day breaks. Man I miss the every two days thing that they used to do by conference back in the day, which I believe GBVH also mentioned last week...Milwaukee Brewer 2B Rickie Weeks is done for the year after a wrist injury. Shame for the Brew Crew, who have been rolling of late in winning 11 of 13...the Toronto Blue Jays are off to Boston for a big series. The Sox will see Kevin Youkilis return in the series at some point, as will Daisuke Matsuzaka on Thursday...Mark Teixera continues his hot streak, at the plate where he hit homers from both sides, and in the field where his glove has saved runs each of the last three days. Somehow, despite some pretty solid Minnesota Twins teams over the years, the Twins are in a 3-23 run at Yankee Stadium since 2002 after last night's 7-6 loss. 40 of the 63 homers at Yankee Stadium have been hit to right field...pretty clear I'm becoming more selective on the PTP front. Forcing it wasn't working...have a great Tuesday.

Big Papi wants a no-hitter

As predicted here, that Pittsburgh/Philly series is really shaping up to be doozy. The Flyers staved off elimination with a 3-0 win to send the series back to Philly. Two other shutouts last night as the New Jersey Devils beat Carolina 1-0 in a game where Martin Brodeur tied Patrick Roy's playoff shutout record, and Anaheim put San Jose one foot into the grave with a 4-0 win to take a 3-1 series lead...remember when Hull City was in the top five of the English Premier League earlier this year? They've fallen all the way to being potentially relegated...how weird will it be to see Tight End Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta Falcon gear after he was shipped for a second round pick in 2010?...how's this for a Toronto Raptor trade rumour: Tayshaun Prince for Chris Bosh. Discuss...if Boston Red Sock David Ortiz is chirping New York Yankee Joba Chamberlain to not buzz Kevin Youkilis - again - it must be with a Sox/Yanks series around the corner, and that's what we get this weekend for the first three of the season in Beantown. Big Papi doesn't have to worry about Joba or anyone buzzing him, he's far easier to just pitch to...the Tampa Bay Lightning leaking that they were in discussions with the Montreal Canadiens to trade Vinny Lecavalier may be unusual, but I'd hardly call it a contributing factor to the Habs flameout versus Boston the way Bob Gainey is painting it. If that's the case, then a late season coaching change and benching of a star player for a couple games is even more of a distraction...reason #862 it is embarrassing being a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs: the sheer number I've seen on Facebook celebrating the Habs demise. Kind of odd to celebrate that when your team was out since November, no? Had one guy tell me he's just annoyed by the superiority complex of Habs fans. Well, why wouldn't they act that way towards the Leafs and their fans? The Leafs haven't done jack. Damn you, TV, for airing Leafs games when I was a child and making me a fan of that joke of a team, and worse, aligning me with the most moronic group of fans. I'm begging for a second team closer to home...back with your PTP later today.

Streeters Revenge

If you're a pro athlete who has cheated on your spouse, fathered multiple children out of wedlock, not paid taxes, used drugs or any kind, committed armed robbery or any other crime, were once female but now male, killed anybody human or animal, today is your day to come clean because nobody will care. If you're a pro franchise, today is the day to increase ticket and beer prices, move the team if you so desire, and trade your star player because nobody will notice. Why? Because Terrell Owens has been cut by the Dallas Cowboys, and that is all you're going to hear about. Fire up the circus music, you've got your cover now for at least a couple days. It'll be interesting to hear what comes out of T.O.'s mouth now...the New England Patriots have four picks in the first 58 of the upcoming draft, cap space and just signed a very motivated Fred Taylor on the cheap. Seriously, when was the last time they were in bad shape in any way?...Warning: the following constitutes The Best Thing Ever. If you're not interested in seeing the height of human achievement, skip this section. Remember that prank that got pulled on Streeter at College Humor.com at Yankee Stadium in 2007? All-time hilarious, that one was, and be sure to click that link for a view if you need a refresher of have never seen it before you move on. Anyways, Streeter arranged his revenge, and hooked his boy Amir into thinking the half-time shot he was taking - and hit - paid $500k. Beautiful. Must see stuff that should be on every news channel...so much for Ray Lewis and Kurt Warner shopping around in free agency, both are staying with their current teams...the NHL trade deadline came and went and there wasn't many deals of consequence. The Calgary Flames look like they came out the winners of the day in landing Olli Jokinen and Jordan Leopold, most notably. The Edmonton Oilers took the most interesting shot of the day in landing Patrick O'Sullivan. The Toronto Maple Leafs had to view the day as a letdown after only landing a couple second rounders for Dominic Moore (to Buffalo) and Nik Antropov (New York Rangers). And as is seeming deadline tradition, Bill Guerin was dealt again, this time to Boston. Mostly yawn inducing, though I'm sure Pierre Macguire is still waxing on about the significance of the most minute details...another PTP winner last night. The NCAA has been exceedingly kind to date. May need to ride that for a bit like I did the NBA last month during a hot streak. Back with your pick later. Have a great Thursday.

Damn you, Rogers!

Thanks to the fine folks at Rogers who took "I'm moving on March 13th" to mean "disconnect my stuff now", I'm internetless for the time being so a bare bones RandoMango it is today...the NCAA is looking at a rule change in football that would see taunting after a touchdown cost the team that scored that very touchdown. That might be the mose ridiculous rule idea I've ever heard in sport. I want to crack that Florida, Miami and USC would never score again but am more stunned that they're even contemplating it...the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to get good in a hurry. They've got a young stud in Kevin Durant to build around, and in the next two years, have five first round draft picks...as hot as the PTP was, it is cold this week. Almost following the weather patterns. 0-5 going against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Weird...couldn't have scripted it better for the meathead Leafs fans who have gone with the lame "Mats Sundin isn't a leader" garbage or questioning his talent over the years to see the Leafs lose in a shootout with the former captain delivering the death blow on the final shot. Beautiful. More impressive was the ovation Sundin received in the first frame...UFC95 had some fantastic finishes, Nate Marquardt's in particular in which he hit Wilson Gouviea from a half dozen angles in a few seconds. Diego Sanchez was a worthy winner over Joe Stevenson in the main event...the Toronto Raptors? You're dead to me...GBVH made an eye-popping comment last night: Toronto FC is but a month from opening the season at Kansas City. That has to mean it is going to get warmer fast, right?...when an Israeli born player is barred from competing in the United Arab Emirates like was the case this week with Shahar Peer, what is Serena Williams, frequent speaker on racism, doing at the tourney?...finally the Toronto media is asking the question. Says Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun: "Shawn Marion must appreciate what he doesn't have in Steve Nash every time he looks for a pass and Jose Calderon isn't moving the ball to the open forward. And we wonder: is Calderon the guard to play the up-tempo style Colangelo desires?" No, plainly and truthfully...wonder how smart JP Ricciardi feels now inking Vernon Wells to his contract when producers of equal value like Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu are pulling in fractions of his salary? Looked good at the time though, no?...with an inspired return yesterday, Alexei Kovalev got back in the good graces of Habs faithful, if not his coach and GM. He also became unofficially the first player to say he had a "hankering" to play...quick, get down on Liverpool -1 +109 for your PTP...have a great Sunday.

Sid The Kid bows to the pressure

Classy move of former-Tampa Bay Ray and now Boston Red Sock Rocco Baldelli to take out an ad in the Tampa papers thanking them for the support over the years. I'm sure both their fans appreciate it...if the Jacksonville Jaguars are the "Jags", the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the "Bucs", what does that make the Tennessee Titans? Blame the latest Playboy for that one - it was a party joke in the February 2009 issue...for a team that isn't exactly lighting the world on fire, the belief that the Toronto Maple Leafs can pull high draft picks and young talent for some of their talent seems awfully ambitions. Shame they didn't do that Tomas Kaberle for Jeff Carter deal last year, no?...sounds like the threat of being forced to sit a game because of skipping the all-star game has convinced Sidney Crosby to make the trip to Montreal, though he won't play. Not so much for Niklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk, who will miss Detroit's game Tuesday. How lame of the league to mess with the competitive integrity of its season for a nothing game...Toronto FC finally signed an extension with local boy Dwayne DeRosario that most importantly, will not see him tagged as a designated player, so TFC still has that option available to them...Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to fumble the ball. One of the obvious moves would be to fire Wade Phillips and hire a proven winner like Mike Shanahan. Instead, Jones is dawdling and will more than likely see Shanahan continue his tour of the AFC West by taking the now-vacant Kansas City Chiefs job after Herm Edwards was axed...and as if my beloved Cowboys weren't a circus enough, they're working on a reality show that will see one of 12 make the 80-man training camp in the summer. Lovely...Gabe Morency of Drive This on Troy Aikman's criticism of Tony Romo: "if a classy guy like Aikman is calling him out like that, what do you think the rest of the guys on that team think of Romo?" Morency has to be the sharpest sporting mind in this country, and the sharpest tongue to boot...that's three on the spin for Prime Time Picks, and look for the fourth later today, most likely NBA. After all, streaks only end once!...no EPL action today, but there are some F.A. Cup matches being played, with the featured one being Tottenham facing Manchester United...have a great Saturday.

PRIME TIME PICK: Just posted the play of the day - the "under" on the New York Knicks/Philadelphia 76ers game. Liked it at 206, and when I saw it moved to 207, I liked it that much more. Good luck, four straight, comin' up!

Ron Wilson: health ad-visor

If it isn't a first, it is at least a first in a long time: the Toronto Maple Leafs can be called forward thinking. Or at least, coach Ron Wilson can. Wilson thinks all players should be wearing properly fitted helmets and visors because they protect from injury. Given what players are paid and what injuries can do to a team's playoff hopes, it is shocking teams, if not the league, aren't pushing heavily for it...who knew the Toronto Raptors had three point guards capable of running the team not named Jose, and all cheaper than Jose?...well that didn't take long. World Baseball Classic tickets can now be bought one game at a time. Betting the "strip" method that forced you to buy tickets to all game at a given venue went over like a fart in church...in six games with the Vancouver Canucks, Mats Sundin's most impressive stat is that he's been in the penalty box when the Canucks gave up three game-losing goals...ESPN is taking a run at picking up the English Premier League broadcast rights for the U.S. for 2010-2013, stealing them from Setanta Sports. Meantime, nobody wants the NHL for any meaningful price...the always hilarious Noel Gallagher of Oasis chimed in on Arsenal's Arsene Wenger whining about his fav team Manchester City breaking the bank for star players...what a death spiral Prime Time Picks are in right now. Damn you, Tim Cahill, and your late goal!. Back with today's death sentence - err - lock - later...could the Hartford Whalers be back? Word is city of Hartford officials met with the NHL to discuss the return of a team. Good luck trying to figure out which of the half dozen teams could be on the move...it is a big day south of the border and around the world, if you're buying the hype. Here's hoping Barrack Obama can live up to the hope people have in him not as a black President, but as one of the world's leaders and the responsibility that goes with that...have a great Tuesday.

PTP: Chicago Bulls -4 -108. Send me a winner, Lord!

In a move that should surprise nobody after the Tom Brady setback stories surfaced last week, the talk is the New England Patriots will place the franchise tag on quarterback Matt Cassel, giving him a nice raise to $14 million giving the Pats $29 million in two quarterbacks. Seems crazy on the surface, but when your backup can bang off eleven wins in a season, you're crazy not to when Brady is a question mark...if the story I heard is true and that the Toronto Maple Leafs may ship Tomas Kaberle and Vesa Toskala to the Ottawa Senators for a draft pick and Jason Spezza, that is a trade Leafs GM Brian Burke needs to make now...after last night's New York Knicks loss and non-cover, Prime Time Picks sit at 4-2 for the year. Up today, taking Manchester United in Carling Cup play to top Derby at -1 -107. Yes, the Carling Cup is an annoyance in many ways, but United has enough depth to knock off a team from a division lower who set a Premier League record when they were up last year for fewest points in a season. And hey, all world defender Nemanja Vidic insists United are very much interested in winning this one. Mix in Derby is lacking a manager at the moment and United takes this one with ease. This game kicks off at 2:45 Eastern so get over to Pinnacle now. Coverage on Setanta Sports...here's one take on the 20 Hottest TV Sports Personalities "of all da times". Clearly, whoever put this together must not consider UFC a sport - wrong! - because there's no other way to explain how Rachelle Leah isn't top, well, two...wonder where the NHL ranks in the pecking order in the U.S.? In the new set-up at ESPN.com, it is printed furthest to the right of the page, behind soccer and the rest of the sports you'd expect. Now, I'm sure some will brush this off and look for things like alphabetical order and the like but let me assure you, there's no other reason than where it stands in the minds of "the worldwide leader" who know that people read left to right in most places...reading lists of athletes with illegitimate kids never ceases to amuse me. Here's an update...the Boston Celtics lost for the fifth time in seven games, this time to the lowly Charlotte Bobcats...have a great Wednesday.

Thursday, December 25th, 2008 - Merry Christmas!

It has been a fantastic year in sports, and AskMen presents a look at the Top 10 moments of the year and you could easily argue for others...thankfully, the NBA will break the sporting darkness that started with the conclusion of the Notre Dame-Hawaii game last night, including three games getting TV coverage. The big one goes at 5pm as the LA Lakers host the Boston Celtics in a rematch of last year's championship series...I know leagues value divisional setups for the rivalries they create, and how teams stay in playoff races longer. But something seems wrong with the idea that the San Diego Chargers could be in at 8-8 while the 11-5 New England Patriots could be out in the cold come playoff time...ESPN's Rob Neyer says that after the three big moves, the New York Yankees are indeed the team to beat in 2009. Me, I cannot wait to see if it pans out that way...so there are no college bowl games today, only a handful of hoops games, and the NHL has no games scheduled? Makes no sense to me, either. But at least the Toronto Maple Leafs Brian Burke's moratorium on not trading players withing the 10 days leading up to Christmas is up. Ought to be some interesting moves in the offing now for Tomas Kaberle and others...have a great Christmas. Back tomorrow.

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

Don't get me wrong, I hate the Boston Red Sox, but for the life of me, I can't figure why a team with as long a tradition as theirs - and recently, a winning one - would change their logo to "hanging socks" as well as their road uniforms...I was convinced for much of last night that there was no way it could be Saturday. After all, the Toronto Maple Leafs weren't featured on Hockey Night in Canada...as predicted, Hull did indeed give EPL leaders Liverpool a tough game in a 2-2 draw. As a result, Chelsea will most likely go tops again today as the busy Christmas schedule approaches...16-12-2 on the year of Prime Time Picks after Thursday's push, but going to ignore those and just call it 16-12. Already mentioned tonight's pick on Friday and it is the Dallas Cowboys at -3 as they host the New York Giants, minus Brandon Jacobs. It is a must win essentially for the Cowboys, not even remotely the case for the Giants. When one team is desperate, they're the play. That said, imagine the hand-wringing in Dallas if they lose tonight? Also like Miami (-6) and against all I normally believe in, Indy -17. I usually don't like giving that many points, but this one has beatdown written all over it. As always, drop your wagers at Pinnacle...oh, if you're thinking Jacobs is just saving himself for the playoffs, you must've forgot he's a free agent after this year...General Motors may end sponsorship of the Daytona 500. [Sarcasm] Why? [/sarcasm]...Francisco Rodriguez says the New York Mets are now the team to beat in the NL East. Seems a certain World Champion might have something to say about that. But, love the talk coming from the Mets and Phillies...Memo to Brian Cashman: if your plan is to get one of Mark Teixera or Manny Ramirez, go for the former...have a great Sunday.

Friday, December 5th, 2008 - Triano Loves Rock

The best name I've heard so far for Plaxico Burress: 2-Plax...why the World Baseball Classic seems amateur: Alex Rodriguez played for the U.S. in the inaugural edition. Next time around, he's playing for the Dominican Republic. Part of me hopes it is as a shortstop just to remind some New York Yankee fans that the best shortstop on the team plays third...Don Cherry told Jim Rome that Sean UNS-Avery's™ comments were worse than a hit from behind. Not sure about that, Grapes. As classless and out of line as it was, nobody's spine was under threat. Why I think Avery is done in Dallas, and perhaps the NHL: when you're willing to leak personal information, how is your own team to trust you? I'm quite sure Avery has seen some things with teams past and present - guys straying from their wives while on the road, drugs and such - and nobody wants a guy like that around that will say anything to anyone. He's Jose Canseco without waiting until he's done in the game. Word is the Stars are looking to get out of the contract signed this past summer. Check out his exchange with an elderly fan in Nashville earlier this season, which the NHL allegedly knows about. How was he not booted from the league for that? Avery got six games, and has been ordered to go to counselling...the Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game in Toronto this weekend is sold out, we're told. Anybody else smell a work?...Jay Triano - 1-0 lifetime as Toronto Raptors head coach after winning a game last year - makes his debut with a toughie at Utah. Memo to Triano: Welcome to 1-1...Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson benched Tomas Kaberle for the first period of a 6-3 loss last night in Phoenix, and he promptly went out and played horribly. His days in Toronto are winding down fast...have a great Friday.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

How good is Kobe Bryant? If he could've scored another 15 points on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, and we all know he's treated them like a hotel employee in Denver over the years, he would have reached 22,000 at the age of 30 years and 99 days, beating Wilt Chamberlain by one day to become the youngest to achieve that mark in league history...Cris Collinsworth on NBC's Football Night In America: "I was an idiot for believing in the Jets."...Bob Costas, same show: "when is the last time a player brought a gun to a public place that helped make the situation better?" Sounds more and more like Plaxico Burress time with Big Blue is done. The big loss will be if Antonio Pierce gets suspended by the league for helping him dispose of the gun...remember that mess that the Pittsburgh Steelers called Heinz "Field" last year when they replaced the grass late in the year? Well, they've done it again, and it could be a big factor come Sunday when they host the Dallas Cowboys in the game of the week, though you could argue that Tampa visiting Carolina is just as big in terms of playoff implications...it wasn't the three point bulge they wanted, but Liverpool went top of the table with a draw against West Ham to give them a one point lead. Wonder if the NHL will ever see the wisdom of the three points for a win system?...when Stephanie McMahon says she'll make Monday Night Raw "bigger", and you only see her shot from the chest up, you have to wonder if she is referring to herself literally...one angle that the Bills in Toronto haven't tried - yet - the return of Ricky Williams to his old stomping grounds. That is about the only stone left unturned in their desperate bid to sell out. Well, that and to buy tickets in honour of the now-deceased Ted Rogers...speaking of Rogers, wonder what his departure from this mortal coil means for the Toronto Blue Jays? Interesting times ahead...the Week 12 NFL average for points was a whopping 52.3. And the CFL thinks it has the market cornered on high scoring football. Nope, not even close. In fact, the two are moving in opposite directions...just what the world needed: a Toronto Maple Leafs team 2-0 since hiring Brian Burke after beating L.A. 3-1 last night. The Leafs Nation no doubt thinks the turnaround will be that easy and fast...have a great Tuesday.

Friday, November 28th, 2008

It took longer than anyone expected once he came free, but Brian Burke has finally landed in the Toronto Maple Leafs GM chair. Burke has a six year deal to do what nobody has been able to in forty plus years. Not sure who will be happier about the move, Leafs fans, or the media? Burke is nothing if not a good quote...it was romp central in yesterday's NFL action, though the Philadelphia Eagles sure surprised in showing signs of life in hammering the visiting Arizona Cardinals. The Dallas Cowboys are starting to look like they've turned their season around as the offence is moving the ball with ease, though it was Seattle they played. Up next: Pittsburgh, the New York Giants, Baltimore. That'll tell the tale. Oh, and the Detroit Lions are looking every bit like a team that has "0-16" in its sites..Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh is eyeing the MVP award for this year and openly talking about it. The way he's playing, it shows...Toronto FC goalkeeper Greg Sutton thinks the squad can make a run for the playoffs and championship next year. He must know something about pending player moves because the team still lacks scoring punch...Allen Iverson skipped practice. Go ahead, say it to yourself, you know you want to...a pair of Buffalo Bills fans have a petition going to have the Rogers Centre roof open for the Bills game against Miami in a couple weeks. People who start petitions are losers, as are those that sign them...three straight losses for Prime Time Picks after six straight wins. Streaky...the three leading scorers in the NBA: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh. All free agents in 2010..have a great Friday.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

Clearly, the sports editor in Tulsa was having some kind of fun in the picture at the left...Toronto Raptor Jose Calderon is to defence what Gilligan is to navigation. His "coverage" of Vince Carter in the dying seconds of overtime was abysmal, and that is putting it mildly. For all the credit he gets heaped on him for his efficient (read: dull, predictable, plodding) running of the offence, he gets no true criticism of just how dreadful he is defensively. The Raptors kept the wrong point guard...not much better in my books than a cold Saturday morning spent catching some English Premier League action and today, there are a couple great matchups. Arsenal visits Manchester City for one, and Manchester United visits Aston Villa for another. Should be great stuff...8 years and $160 million for Mark Teixera is the rumored offer coming from the Anaheim Angels. That is a big, big deal. That said, Tex could well be worth it as arguably the best first base bat and glove this side of Albert Pujols...word is that Brian Burke could be the Maple Leafs GM by tomorrow. Frankly, if that pans out, that took longer than I figured it would...a big night in Montreal tonight as Patrick Roy returns to the Canadiens inner circle for his jersey retirement. Wonder if he'll have any words for Mario Tremblay? Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs will be honoring Wendel Clark's #17. That there tells you all you need to know about those two franchises: one is honoring a Hall of Famer and champion, the other an overrated blue collar fan fav. Who's next, Tie Domi? Ripping off the New York Yankees Jason Giambi promo this year, the Leafs will be giving fans moustaches...in typical enabler fashion, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says he owns some of the blame for Adam "Pacman" Jones most recent brush with the law because he hired the bodyguard Pacman mixed it up with. In related news, Jack Daniels has also declared he's partly to blame...have a great Saturday.

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

The New York Yankees are about to offer AJ Burnett a five year deal worth $80 million. Seems a lot of money to offer a guy whose best year would be in 2014 but then again, when he's sliding into Andy Pettitte's salary slot, tough to argue against it too much. Mix in that possible deal, talk of $140 million to CC Sabathia for six years and $30 million to Derek Lowe for two years and you've got $250 million for three arms. Mix in Chien Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain and that there is a playoff lock, and leaves plenty of time to develop Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, or move them as necessary... Didier Drogba picked up a three game suspension for firing a coin into the stands. Seems more than a little light, no?...it was a fairly weak field overall in the American League's MVP voting, but I think Boston Red Sock Dustin Pedroia was the right choice for 2008. That said, I'd also bet - a lot - he never wins again...a mere 40 point night for Toronto Raptors all-world star Chris Bosh, albeit in a losing effort. More and more, I think the odds of him staying beyond his current contract are decreasing, and how does that franchise survive losing that guy if it ends up that way?...the Toronto Maple Leafs are now going where everyone assumed they would be in chasing Brian Burke. One question, how do the Leafs spin it if they don't get Burke? It'll take one hell of a name to not sour people on whomever ends up getting the gig...tie-breakers 7 through 11 in the NFL all are impacted negatively for the Pittsburgh Steelers by Sunday's non-touchdown call. One Vegas sportsbook operator even says the NFL should get it right and call the score 17-10...now that Mark Cuban has had charges pressed against him, he ought to be front of the line for NHL franchise ownership...Lebron James was booed at home a couple nights ago because rather than jacking up a shot to break 100 points - which would give everyone a free Taco Bell Chalupa - he ran the clock out in a Cleveland Cavalier win. For his part, James was none too impressed and said he'd have no problem signing with the New York Knicks when his contract runs out. Okay, I'm making up the part about the Knicks, but he did say ""I can't believe people who buy season tickets get worked up over a goddamn $1 (expletive) taco"....Ryan Dempster nailed down the first big contract of the baseball free agent season, $52 million over four years to stay with the Chicago Cubs...have a great Wednesday.

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Evander Holyfield will fight Nikolai Valuev for one slice of the world heavyweight boxing championship on December 20th. This tells you all you need to know about the state of heavyweight boxing...Jose Calderon will miss at least a game? Memo to Pinnacle: I'm betting against the Raptors, money line...things I love about Hi Def: sports, Sarah Meehan, Kelly Kelly, Rachelle Leah...Nick Swisher is a Yankee? I think the Yankees have finally found a heart and soul guy like Paul O'Neill, provided Derek Jeter can't suck the personality out of him. And hey, they picked up Texeira - Kanekoa Texiera. Yes, I know the spelling is different, but the idea that Tex could be a Yankee has me moist...the MLB free agent season starts today, just over two hours ago. This is gonna be the best one in recent memory with the Yankees having lopped $90 million off their 2008 payroll. Here's a solid primer on who is available. It sounds like the Yankees will pounce on CC Sabathia, and fast..missed out on a Prime Time Pick yesterday, I blame this whole "not used to Thursday games" thing...rumors are flying that the Tampa Bay Lightning might soon be unable to meet payroll, which of course the NHL vehemently denies...the New York Jets are in first in the AFC East after a 34-31 OT win last night. Colour me shocked...Jason Blake wants to be moved from the Toronto Maple Leafs. No doubt they'd love to move him, if there was a big market for an overpaid goal scorer who can't score...Diego Maradona may quit as Argentina coach after a disagreement with a big wig in the Argentine FA. Hard to believe that situation would be volatile with the notoriously volatile Maradona, no?...UFC President Dana White says tomorrow's Randy Couture/Brock Lesnar fight will be the biggest pay-per-view fight in MMA history. Here's betting he's right...with three weeks to go, the amount of advertising for the Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game in Toronto is incredible. Is anybody going to this thing?...in a result that should shock nobody, Cliff Lee is your AL Cy Young winner. Unlike the NL voting, there were not real candidates from winning teams that should've been ahead of Lee, unless you take the view a closer - Francisco Rodriguez - should be in the running..have a great Friday.

Thursday, November 13th, 2008

Houston and Phoenix got in a brawl last night - how is Yao Ming not raining haymakers in this or any picture?...Brian Burke's days in Anaheim are done, and no doubt some Toronto media outlets (read: Toronto Sun) will have their chests puffed out over predicting he'd be free by Christmas. If he's not the Toronto Maple Leafs GM and President before the week is out, I'll be shocked...Gregg Zaun railed on about his allegedly poor treatment by JP Riccairdi this past season from Toronto, and hopes to land with a contender. It would be good if somebody told him that he is Gregg Zaun...Liverpool could be for sale, unless American owners Tom Hicks (also owner of the Texas Rangers) and George Gillett (also owner of the Montreal Canadiens) can come up with $525 million (USD)...also needing some cash to cover some bad debt and rising stadium construction costs: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who needs $350 million...the Baltimore Orioles are getting new uniforms, if you care...the latest FIFA world rankings are out, and somehow, Canada climbed three spots to #81. England is also back in the Top 10...Stephon Marbury is going to the Gregg Zaun School of Self-Esteem. He thinks the San Antonio Spurs would be a good fit for him. Guessing the Spurs think a little differently...if Mats Sundin is coming back to the Maple Leafs, he'll be looking for a new place to live as he sold his previous house last week for a mere $5.7 million. Sundin, for his part, told a Swedish publication he'll likely be back this calendar year...if anyone were to say that Ontario could "probably" support another NHL team, their sanity would be questioned for even suggesting that it is anything less than a certainty. When it is the commissioner, Gary Bettman, you have concrete evidence the man just doesn't understand the game or the people who support it. In any other industry, a leader would be fired for such a plainly wrong statement...Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz says he knew Manny Ramirez had to go. He didn't mention that his bat disappeared at the precise time the far better ManRam jetted off to L.A...with The Office making a trip north to Winnipeg tonight, how about the 20 Funniest Moments From The Office?...the Toronto Raptors thin roster is about to be seriously exposed if Jose Calderon is out for any length of time. Judging from last night, it doesn't look like Will Solomon or Roko Ukic are ready to carry any significant minutes. Meantime, TJ Ford is averaging 17 points and 5 assists in Indiana...have a great Thursday.

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

With a win over the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots will tie the longest active win streak against one team with 10 wins...the New York Giants have won 13 of 14 on the road. Tough not to like them plus the points today as they travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles...Josh Childress life as a basketballer in Europe: commercial flights, five hour bus trips, roommates in modest hotels and occasional games in 1,000 seat gyms. Yeah, I can see Kobe and Lebron going there, approximately never...somehow, the Tennessee Titans have gone 8-0 despite not having a single 200-yard passing game...Manchester United's Gary Neville really should retire. His brutal performance yesterday could be a championship deal breaker as United dropped a 2-1 thriller to Arsenal...CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter have been exchanging phone calls. Here's hoping it is for CC asking Jeter about a good place to live in New York...I know Remembrance Day is around the corner, but anybody able to guess what pictures of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan are doing airing between periods of a hockey game? I prefer religion, politics and sport to not cross into each others domains...Al Strachan suggested on Hockey Night in Canada that if General Motors, Ford and Chrysler go bankrupt as some are predicting they will next year, the Detroit Red Wings won't last a year in Detroit because there will be a mass exodus from Detoilet. Scary thought, no? And actually seems possible in this environment...the last decade, no Stanley Cup winner played lower than .636 hockey in October (1999/2000 New Jersey Devils), with the other nine going .750 or better and an overall average of .801. Make of this what you will...the New York Rangers are looking for a compensatory draft pick because - wait for it! - Alexei Cherapanov was unsigned when he died last month. Seriously...Pat Gillick to run the Toronto Maple Leafs? Hardly ridiculous...the Leafs hammered the Montreal Canadiens last night 6-3, shocking anyone who cares about hockey...11-6 (+435) and that increases to 12-6 tonight when the New York Giants win outright at Philadelphia. The three points you're being given by the fine folks at Pinnacle are just a bonus. Also a big fan of Atlanta (-1), and have a weird belief that the Buffalo Bills (+4) can win in New England...have a great Sunday.