Monday, December 1st, 2008

Manchester United has yet to play a game on the road in EPL action against a team that wasn't in the top half of the standings last year. Translation? The schedule will lighten up with trips to Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all completed and they're well in range to win the title for the third straight year. Oh, and Cristiano Ronaldo? You mockingly clap a refs call in his face and you may as well punch him in the mouth because you're mere moments from getting tossed. Man U downed Man City in their chippy matchup yesterday...if you thought the cookie lick race ad was bad, just think how bad it could get if we see a Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl?...that's 0-12 on the year against the spread for the team that beat the Detroit Lions the week prior. Next up to not cover: Tennessee...Dan Dierdorf continues to murder the English language, calling the Plaxico Burress news "distractional". Speaking of Burress, here's ten reasons why he shot himself...losing Shawne Merriman doesn't turn you into a 4-8 team. Norv Turner sure can though. That's his track record after all...so about all that "this game in Toronto is wildly important" talk for the Buffalo Bills: nevermind. Think Rian Lindell's Monday Night wide right is still rattling around in his brain? He had two more misses yesterday, including one from 20 yards as the Bills came out flatter than piss on a plate in a 10-6 home loss. To San Francisco...wonder if Atlanta Falcon Michael Turner enjoyed pounding his former team yesterday? Methinks the San Diego Chargers kept the wrong running back...most impressive win of the day? Has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers destroying the New England Patriots, especially that it came in the second half of the game, a time the Pats notoriously dominate...Chelsea dropped another game at home to an amped up Arsenal and suddenly, the top of the English Premier League is very crowded. Liverpool could go top of the table with a win today over West Ham. When's the last time Liverpool was tops in December?...a very easy cover for the Minnesota Vikings to bring the Prime Time Picks to 15-10. Tonight, we're riding the mercurial Jacksonville Jaguars at +3.5 over the home Houston Texans...Las Vegas did it again. The LA Lakers were a 12.5 point fav over the Toronto Raptors, and won by 13...have a great Monday.

Sunday, November 30th, 2008 - "Yes, that actually is a gun in my pocket"

Brian Burke was the Vancouver Canucks GM when Todd Bertuzzi suckered Steve Moore. Wonder how current Maple Leaf and Steve Moore's brother Dominic feels about his new GM?...I'm sure NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be thrilled that New York Giant Plaxico Burress was packing heat in a New York bar. The gun went off and Burress shot himself in the leg. Giant teammate Antonio Pearce tried to hide the gun, and Burress is expected to be arrested on felony weapons charges any day now. That said, if you've read the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine, you'll see that NFL players have significant security concerns and live in constant fear...New York Knicks GM Donnie Walsh says that Stephon Marbury's status will be "resolved" come Monday. To me, if the guy refused to play and honour his contract, that should be a firing offence where there's no buyout...14-10 now on Prime Time Picks after three straight losses but up comfortably on the year. 15-10 is a tidy 60% so it'll have to be a winner tonight to do just that. Minnesota (-1.5) hosts Chicago and tough to not like the Vikes in this one: they're 4-1 at home, and have the revenge factor in play after losing 48-41 to the Bears on October 19th. The winner on this one could well be playoff bound while the loser is left reeling at .500. Also loving Buffalo today (-6.5) and New Orleans (+4.5), the latter simply because the team that beats Detroit the week prior still has yet to cover the following week, and that'd be Tampa Bay in this case. Get your gamble on at Pinnacle...thanks to the Detroit Lions historic run. 3-13 may only get you the 5th pick in the 2009 draft when since 2002, it has guaranteed you the #2...Gabe Morency, who needs no introduction, has a fantastic new website up. Check it out...in college hoops, the University of Dayton missed all 24 three point attempts they took, and still won. That 0-24 showing is a record...Andy Pettitte is feeling unloved by the New York Yankees, and may join old manager Joe Torre in L.A. as a result. Sorry, Pettitte, but you're not worth $16 million anymore, not after that season, and if the Yanks are playing footsie with younger, more talented guys, such is life...have a great Sunday.

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

Stephon Marbury was fined by the New York Knicks for refusing to enter a game in which the Knicks only had eight players dressed. Is anybody surprised it went like that?... the ratings are in, and the Grey Cup was a ratings disaster, if you figure dropping 25% of your audience from the year prior is a bad thing. Of course, the move to TSN - not as readily available as the CBC - is a big factor. I'd wager that the number dwindled as the game went on considering how very boring it was...a couple real interesting English Premier League matchups this weekend, though both go tomorrow. The Manchester derby is always of interest, and if City play the way they did in Thursdays UEFA Cup game, United is in for a serious battle. London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal renew acquaintances. Which Gunners side shows? The one that can beat a top side, or the one that drops points to a lesser team? My money is on United and Chelsea...Forbes magazine has the average MLS team valued at $37 million. Toronto FC is already valued at $44 million...are you looking forward to USC pounding Notre Dame? I am...Lebron James best response to Charles Barkley's criticism of his flirtation with New York was to call Sir Chuck "stupid". One, he's not. Two, he's right...Toronto FC coach John Carver looks like he'll be staying, rather than taking a job with Newcastle United. Amen to that...have a great Saturday.



Not that I'm one for parades, but this clip from the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is well worth a watch...

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.

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

It is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A. and that means a trio of NFL games go today, with the night game of Arizona visiting Philadelphia having the most intrigue far and away. That said, when you've got lines available, every game is interesting. For tonights Prime Time Pick (14-9), we're going to ride the Cardinals, despite them being now a 2 point fav on the road. Also love the Tennessee Titans (-10.5) to crush the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys (-13) to anihilate the Seattle Seahawks. As always, get your plastic out and get to Pinnacle to get your wagers down...Notre Dame faces USC on Saturday and is a 32 point dog, the biggest they've been a dog since 1975. Really looking forward to the Trojans violating the Irish...of the first 9 NHL games completed last night - the time at which this was written - only 3 saw 6 goals or more...been almost a week sans some kind of wrestling talk here. How about the 20 hottest women in wrestling?...the fine folks behind the Whizzinator are facing jail terms for “conspiring to defraud the federal agency that administers federal workplace drug testing programs,” presumably by creating said device...not sure what is more shocking, Inter Milan losing to Panathanaikos, who came in a 10-1 underdog, or Inter coach Jose Morinho (1) not making any excuses and (2) crediting the other team...have a great Thursday.

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Last year, Lebron James wore a pair of pinstriped shoes in New York for his beloved Yankees when the Cleveland Cavs visited. Last night, he wore another pair of shoes paying tribute to New York. There hasn't been such an overt display of desire since Michael Jackson last went for a ride on the merry-go-round...sounds like turmoil isn't merely restricted to one team in Dallas. Said Boston Bruins Marc Savard to Mike Modano during the chippy game a few weeks back on the subject of Steve Ott and Sean Avery: "too bad you'll be retiring after having to play with these clowns." Said Modano: "I know."...I love coaches - regardless of what level - going beyond the cliche when it comes to media dealings. And here's the latest: South Florida football coach Jim Leavitt. This is a beauty. Warning: you may detect sarcasm from Mr. Leavitt...the Donovan McNabb to the Chicago Bears rumors have started already. If you're the Bears, why do you want McNabb? He's been on a downward spiral for years, incapable of staying healthy, and, well, doesn't know the rules as we saw last week...the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed a pair of pitchers that haven't thrown baseballs before the last year and were discovered after winning a javelin throwing contest. In India. Yeah, that'll reverse years of futility...lost in the shuffle yesterday was another day of Champions League action that saw Manchester United and Real Madrid, among others, advance to the round of 16 when things start to get a lot more serious. Up today is another round of matches. Check out TSN, TSN2 and Setanta at 2:45 for a bevy of games...add the Globe & Mail to the list of Toronto media outlets that is questioning whether Sam Mitchell is long for the Toronto Raptors coaching job. I'll say this much: a loss tonight to the Charlotte Bobcats and it'll be a surprise if Mitchell makes it through the week...double digit underdogs in the NFL this year are 20-5 against the spread...as predicted last week, fading the Carolina Panthers was a good play because those that played the Detroit Lions the week prior were 0-10 against the spread heading into last week. Make that 0-11. Tampa Bay? You're on the clock for 0-12 this week...Bill Romanowski either has some insight, or has been hitting the pharmaceuticals a little too hard: he told Hardcore Sports Radio's "Drive This" that the New England Patriots will trade Tom Brady this off-season and keep Matt Cassell...interesting to learn that the Anaheim Ducks have all of five players signed for next year. While that may mean loads of cap room, it also means that a certain former General Manager of theirs may have some easy pickings for his future team...have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

It took a few days, but finally found a solid picture of Ricky Hatton post-fight on Saturday with a couple fellow Mancunians who he had carry his belts in. Awesome...while General Motors and the others in the Big Three automakers are busy fighting for a U.S. government bailout - and they showed up in Washington in private jets to underscore how desperate they are - they announced they will not be renewing their endorsement deal with Tiger Woods. I'm sure Tiger is thrilled he'll no longer have to maintain the charade he's a Buick fan and he can now move on to the BMW's of the world...the Arizona Cardinals are complaining because the New York Giants listed Brandon Jacobs as probable and he didn't play? They do know that Jacobs is good, right?...the Pro Bowl looks like it'll move to the week before the Super Bowl which will only make it slightly more relevant...After Tom Brady's first 11 starts in the NFL, his completion percentage was 66.3%. Matt Cassel's over the same time frame? 66.3%...a bad idea: the Philadelphia Eagles, circling the toilet bowl, and a Thursday night Thanksgiving Day game. Expect ugliness...Michael Vick is eyeing an early release once his last charge is resolved, and will be out July 20th, 2009 or sooner it appears. It'll be interesting to see how Roger Goodell handles his status following that...Doug Flutie is being mentioned as a possible Toronto Argos coach. Maybe they can look to see if he still feels at all like playing. With their inability to get a solid QB of late, it couldn't hurt...while completing today's entry, Drew Brees passed for another 300 yards. Wonder if San Diego would like a do-over on that deal that saw them favor Phillip Rivers?...have a great Tuesday.

Toronto Raptors Fan Loyalty For Rent

Seriously...buy it on eBay.

Monday, November 24th, 2008

I heard a rumor that the Dallas Cowboys traded for and gave a huge contract to wideout Roy Williams. Anybody able to confirm? Haven't seen him...one fine gentleman was ejected at Friday's Toronto Raptors game for riding coach Sam Mitchell a little too hard from the blue blood seats behind the Raps bench. The same guy was back yesterday and leading a very audible "Jeff Van Gun-dy" chant from the same seat. Not sure about you, but I'm loving this guy. Would also love to see Balki take over for SMitch...New England QB Matt Cassel is going to earn some huge cash as a free agent this off-season. No way he stays with the Pats. Meanwhile, the two guys he watched for four years at USC - Carson Palmer and Matt Leinhart - both hold clipboards. Cassel and the Patriots crushed the Miami Dolphins...the Tennessee Titans are unbeaten no more after a dismal performance against the New York Jets. I still don't believe in the Jets. When you lose to the Oakland Raiders, that tends to happen. As for the Titans dropping their first, somehow I don't figure the Patriots of 2007 are popping champagne corks like those grumpy old men from the 1972 Miami Dolphins...why PVR's rule: I watched the entire Dallas Cowboys win over San Francisco in just over 90 minutes. Watch a play, skip forward 30 seconds. Next play starts...good NBA teams do not open 2-5 at home. Ergo, the Toronto Raptors are not a good team. The Raps looked like boys to the Boston Celtics men in a 118-103 loss. Oh, and if you had "November" for when Jermaine O'Neal became an injury concern, you win. That's two straight now that slO'Neal started a game but didn't finish...the MLS Cup final, won by Columbus Crew 3-1 - and it said in these parts that was easy pickins' - was as good a one game final as you'll see in any sport as both sides went all out to win, and entertain. Who says a team from Columbus can't win a title?...in the last four games, the St. Louis Rams have been outscored in the first half 123-13...they might not be able to keep Ben Roethlesberger healthy but the Pittsburgh Steelers have managed to keep all 11 teams they've faced under 300 total yards. That there is an AFC side not getting nearly enough love in the championship discussion...the "Grey Cup is thrilling" thing seems more legend than reality of late, no? The Calgary Stampeders won 22-14 over the Montreal Als, who could only manage a point in the entire second half. An easy under!...one more mistake - including missing a meeting - and Adam "Pacman" Jones is in line for a lifetime ban. Talk about operating without a net. Does it even seem possible that he can stay out of trouble for the next two months, nevermind for years?...baseball writer extraordinaire Buster Olney at ESPN says he can see a reunion in New York of two guys who got their pro starts in Cleveland: CC Sabathia and Lebron James...14-8 now on Prime Time Picks thanks to a late drive by the Indianapolis Colts to down the San Diego Chargers. Bolts coach Norv Turner had best get the resume polished up. Tonight, liking Green Bay +3 at New Orleans. As usual, get your wagers down at Pinnacle, enjoy the ride...have a great Monday.

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

Another NBA team - the New York Knicks - is making deals to clear cap room for the prized 2010 free agents of Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade...funny that the Toronto Star mentions that Toronto Raptor Anthony Parker was beat by Wince Carter to send Friday's game to overtime, but when it came time to describe the dunk that finished the game, no mention was made of Jose Calderon going pylon...the Grey Cup goes today and as much as Calgary has been the class of the CFL all year, tough to go against Montreal when they're playing at home and it is a pick 'em. Love the under at 57. That game goes at 6pm on TSN...the MLS Cup goes on ABC today at 3:30 and represents the easiest wager of the day for yours truly. I'm tipping the Columbus Crew to down the New York Red Bull...the Prime Time Picks are a rocking 14-7 heading into tonight, and we're riding the San Diego Chargers at -3 to down the Indianapolis Colts...how can CBC not run a ticker of other scores during Hockey Night in Canada? Hell, they don't even do it between periods...incredibly, the top four in the English Premier League yesterday were all scoreless...I would never dare to call myself the biggest follower of NCAA football, but I do follow it enough to take great pleasure in any loss by Notre Dame. At home. To Syracuse. Yeah, good thing they've got Charlie Weis inked to coach well into the next decade...Guns N Roses Chinese Democracy hits stores today, I'm off to Best Buy to get me mine. Have a great Sunday.

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.

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Line of the day on Tony Romo taking a homeless guy to the movies comes from Jim Rome: "Romo is a tremendous guy! Of course, if he can’t get them out of the first round of the playoffs this year, he’ll be taking Wade Phillips to the movies next." Too true...a strange, strange silence has suddenly descended around the subject of Mats Sundin's return to the NHL. Odd, no?...it wasn't exactly going out on top, but Mike Mussina is retirning after a 20 year win, his first. With 270 career wins, you'd think he's a borderline Hall of Famer. Mix in that he pitched his entire career in the traditionally tough AL East and he'd get my vote, provided I had one. He's the first pitcher to retire since 1920 winning 20+ in his final year. Interesting Mussina fact: he's buying the giant flag pole from the closing Yankee Stadium and having it shipped to his house in Pennsylvania...RM reader Blake got me thinking: the more I watch Toronto Raptors point guard Jose Calderon play, the more I am reminded of Wince Carter. The guy cannot get breathed on without rolling an ankle. Fittingly, Wince visits Toronto tonight. Who goes down first? Calderon also reminds me of something else: someone who should be entered in Jim Rome's "Rat Family"...another day, another AJ Burnett rumor. Word is the Toronto Blue Jays are ready to go up to five years for Burnett. I still think the best deal you can give Burnett is to overpay him for one year deals. Then watch him pitch like a mad man when motivated...14-7 for Prime Time Picks now. Hope you're along for that ride...have a great Friday.

Thursday, November 20th - Prime Time Picks

Almost forgot to include a pick for tonight. As much as I hate giving ANYBODY 11 points, that is exactly what I'm going to do tonight in taking Pittsburgh -11. The Steelers - obviously - are the better all round team and I have to figure on a short week, at home, are better equipped for the game than the Bungles who went five quarters to tie last week. So, take the Steelers, and go 14-7 on the year with yours truly. Enjoy the game.

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

Average lifespan of an offensive lineman? 52. That is scary...remember that block the Pittsburgh Steelers' Hines Ward dropped on Cincinnati Bengal Keith Rivers that broke his jaw? Be on the lookout tonight for the Bengals to even the score...a couple interesting "name" stories in the soccer world. Manchester United's Gary Neville's father's name? Neville. And in Germany, there was once a coach named Wolfgang Wolf. And guess what team he coached? Who else but Wolfsburg.....UFC President Dana White vows that Ontario and the rest of Canada will soon be open for business for live UFC events. Right now, Quebec is the only province where MMA is sanctioned. Good for white, and shame on the Ontario Athletic Commission for pandering to boxing by not allowing MMA to go live here...two years and $24 million for Jason Giambi to be a Toronto Blue Jay? That's the prediction of one...either Pacman Jones has made a real impressive turnaround in rehab, or Roger Goodell is mellowing out some. Pacman has been reinstated and will be eligible to play December 7th when the Dallas Cowboys face Pittsburgh, which will start a murderous December schedule...Lew Wolff, owner of the Oakland A's, thinks the first round of the MLB playoffs should be a single game knockout. That's a great idea, if you think that a team that wins 98 games should be at risk of a knockout to a team that won 83. Lame idea, Lew, don't be making any plans for that one to fly...how about the Top 20 Victoria's Secret models of all time? All I know is I've got no beef with #1..."American Idle" Carl Pavano is open to returning to the Florida Marlins, and called his four years with the Yankees "exhausting". Right, those 26 starts over four years were a real grind...I've got two words for you: Bacon Hitler...of course, Brett Favre went Brett Favre - no, he didn't throw an INT, the other part of his personality - and brought up retirement...earlier this year, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo stopped to help an elderly couple change a tire in the pouring rain. His latest act of kindness? He ran into some homeless guy on the street and took him to a movie. Seriously. Love that guy. Also, because he rocks out with Mr. Belding of Saved By The Bell fame and Metal Skool on the Sunset Strip. Minus a hat!...the Boston Red Sox are in the AJ Burnett hunt, which can only mean his price is rising and fast...former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel has been linked to the Oakland Raiders and Toronto Argos coaching jobs in the same week. Not sure what is a less desireable place to work...have a great Thursday.

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.

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

That Donovan McNabb didn't know it was possible to tie in the NFL is absolutely mindblowing. A quarterback, of all positions, should know the rule book inside out. Tends to help you with, you know, knowing the game and all...each team that has beaten the Detroit Lions this year has failed to cover the spread the next week. Early Week 12 play: Atlanta to cover against Carolina. Remember gamblers, streaks only end once...Mark Cuban has been accused of insider trading. If they made an example of Martha Stewart for doing same, betting they'll treat him even more harshly...how much money was lost by people who had bet the Pittsburgh Steelers to cover on Sunday? A mere $66 million...true stat: the New England Patriots are 6-0 in games they win the coin toss in, 0-4 in games they don't...Buffalo Bills fans might have had enough of Monday Night games after the past two years. Last year, if you recall, they lost at home after a frantic Dallas Cowboys comeback and last second Nick Folk field goal. Last night, they lost when Rian Lindell went wide right. The loss dropped the Prime Time Picks to 13-7..I haven't a clue why Lance Armstrong says he fears for his safety at the Tour de France. Everybody knows that when encountered with any form of aggression, the French turn tail...Citigroup will be laying off 53,000 world wide, many in New York. But fear not, the New York Mets will still get their $20 million for naming rights to the new stadium - per year...have a great Tuesday.

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Detroit Red Wing Johan Franzen has 36 goals in his last 43 games yet somehow flies under the radar...the Department of Lame is at it again: if you want tickets to the World Baseball Classic, you have to purchase tickets to each game at that venue. Guess baseball hasn't learned from the Buffalo Bills that that kind of selling doesn't fly in Toronto, where Canada will host the U.S. I predict they'll have similar success...the New York Red Bull will face Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup next Sunday. Prediction? Red Bull win, and ratings that the NHL could only dream of...with the economic crisis where it is, you've gotta think that if the NBA is concerned about its impact, it has to be ready to euthanize the WNBA...it is a time honored tradition that Toronto Raptors fans point out that the back-up point guard is undefeated as a starter, which Will Solomon is after a 107-96 win over Miami. And what was with Jose Calderon doing his "six fingers" to indicate a three pointer thing for other guys buckets? Glory hound...usually a big fan of the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons, but when he says he misses Chuck Swirsky on Raptors broadcasts, I'm less a fan of Simmons. Matt Devlin is a night and day improvement...in a prison somewhere yesterday at around 7:00pm, Tim Donaghy watched the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers finish and thought the fix was in...seven Liverpool players have had their houses robbed in the last year while they were playing...the most popular ingredient on pizza in Costa Rica is coconut. Seriously...Marion Barber looked like a rejuvenated man coming off the bye week. His impact in the Dallas Cowboys win over Washington was far greater than Tony Romo's. There is still a pulse in that team...banner day for Vegas and gambling houses everywhere yesterday. When a tie in the NFL happens like it did with Philadelphia and Cincinnati, you've got money line losers across the board. That was the first tie since November 10th, 2002...most impressive win of the day? That has to be the New York Giants shredding the Baltimore Ravens 30-10, who came in real hot and playing airtight defence...Yankee fan Lebron James, good friends with CC Sabathia, says "we're gonna get him, absolutely." Good enough for me...13-6 on Prime Time Picks. Heady times, indeed. Tonight, going to make it 14-6 by riding the Buffalo Bills at home (-4.5) who will take the Cleveland Browns down with a double digit win in what should be a frigid, snowy Buffalo. Do yourself a favor and pick up some free Christmas shopping money at Pinnacle..have a great Monday.

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Anybody think it is a little suspicious that three Montreal Canadiens are flattening the field in All Star Game voting? Hell, Sidney Crosby has fewer than half the votes of Alex Tanguay. I find it incredible that anyone thinks fan voting is worthwhile...the Tampa Bay Lightning fired Barry Melrose and replaced him with Rick Tocchet? Bet that ends badly. Pun intended...how does six years and $140 million sound, CC Sabathia? Of course, that could just be the opening bid by the New York Yankees, who also intend to pursue AJ Burnett and Derek Lowe...since wrestling is always an entertaining topic here, how about 20 wrestling moves that sound like sexual acts? What, no "sidewalk slam", "sweet chin music" or "the gore"?...Clarence Seedorf, who isn't afraid to give his opinion whether asked or not, speculates that David Beckham might not even get into game action for AC Milan. Clearly, Seedorf doesn't know how huge Beckham remains globally, and his ability to move shirts still counts for something. What's with Beckham wearing #75 though? Lame...as if you needed any further proof that Lawrence Taylor isn't normal, check out this video from The Best Damn Sports Show Period...the Grey Cup is set, and it'll be Calgary facing Montreal for all the marbles next Sunday. In honour of that, how about a few cheerleaders, CFL style?...one day after a Jake Peavy trade to Atlanta was all but done, the Braves have backed off, citing the asking price as being too high...the red-hot Prime Time Picks are back (12-6, +635), and tonight, am picking the Dallas Cowboys (-1) to turn the tide. They really have to have this one if they're to have any playoff hopes, and Washington being minus Clinton Portis certainly helps. As always, get your bets down at Pinnacle Sports. Also like Atlanta today (-6)...it took just over three minutes of the second round for Brock Lesnar to floor Randy Couture and win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. It's tough to say anyone looks like they'll stay on top for a time in MMA, but Lesnar is just so big and fast he could be the one to do so, provided Lesnar doesn't get bored and decide he wants to try another sport. If Frank Mir wins his next fight, it'll set up a rematch with Lesnar..the Toronto Raptors game today will air only on TSN2, shutting out two million homes in Ontario that are Rogers subscribers, who are not offering it. I suspect an all-time low rating will be coming in...have a great Sunday.

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

The MLB off-season is about to heat up. Added bonus of the New York Yankees deal for Nick Swisher: he's good friends with CC Sabathia, though a deal with Mark Teixera seems unlikely now. Looks like Jake Peavy is almost Atlanta Braves bound to make the NL East even more interesting...Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be in a world of trouble. After scoring a couple days ago, a coin was thrown on the field, which he responded to by promptly firing it back into the crowd. Not smart, DD...another day of EPL action goes today. Interested to see if Tottenham continue their smoking form as they travel across London to face Fulham. Arsenal vs. Aston Villa also looks like a juicy matchup...it's actually hard to believe the Friday Night SmackDown is produced by the same company that brings us Monday Night Raw. The former is a terrible, terrible mess...the big sporting even of the day is of course UFC 91, when heavyweight champion Randy "The Natural" Couture faces former college and WWE wrestling champion Brock Lesnar for the title, in only Lesnar's third fight in UFC. Frankly, I'll be surprised if Lesnar doesn't win, though Couture can win the fight by outthinking the inexperienced Lesnar. Should be an awesome fight...have a great Saturday.

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.

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

The worst-last-year-to-first-this-year streak in the NFC Central could well continue if the Atlanta Falcons keep playing like they have been. And when they've trailed at home for all of 11 seconds this year and have four home games left, they just might finish tops after being a distant last last year...the New York Giants have the toughest schedule remaining, with no teams left that are sub .500...well it is a good thing Notre Dame has Charlie Weis signed for the next eight or nine years, especially with his 1-15 record against teams that are better than .500. If boosters want to dump Weis this year, it is estimated that it will cost $16-$20 million so that seems unlikely given the pinch that type would be feeling in these financial market conditions...must be rough being a fan of the San Diego Padres, what with your owner looking to cut payroll to pay for his divorce. That ought to be grounds for a forced sale, though I'm guessing the number of potential buyers is greatly reduced in these financial market conditions...the Russian Super League KHL might be going through a financial crisis of its own. There are reports that UFA, the team that signed Alexander Radulov even though he was still under contract to the Nashville Predators, hasn't paid players in three months...Tim Lincecum picked up the NL Cy Young? Sure he had some great numbers, but what was the impact in the end for a brutal team? Pretty negligible really. I know he wasn't there all year, but CC Sabathia would've had my vote, or Brandon Webb, or Brad Lidge, or Johan Santana...three more days until Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture lock horns - cannot wait for that one...U.S. President elect Barrack Obama would like to see a playoff system put in place instead of the lame BCS format for college football. Hardly takes a MENSA member to see the wisdom in that. In news that surprises nobody, the BCS committee disagrees with the idea...the Manny Ramirez offer from the LA Dodgers is for two years and $37.5 million, or a $2.5 million decrease from what he would've made had he stayed in Boston. But, there is an option for a third year for another $22.5 million or a $7.5 million buyout. I'll be somewhat surprised if he gets anything better than that, but Hank Steinbrennner could do something over and above Yankees GM Brian Cashman's head if he hasn't had a headline in a couple weeks...RM reader Big Headed Jerk is missing and presumed dead following his Habs beatdown loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday. He'll be missed...have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008

So if Matt Holliday's numbers weren't padded by hitting at Coor's Field - and his splits away suggest they were - we're sure going to find now that he'll be playing most of his games at the cavernous Oakland Coliseum. But what are the A's doing grabbing a guy like that who is a year from a big free agent deal? Doesn't add up, and seems like Billy Beane has another move up his sleeve...RM reader Gammy notes that somehow, the Denver Broncos are atop the AFC West at 5-4 despite scoring 27 points fewer than they've scored...is there anyone that can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory like Sam Mitchell and the Toronto Raptors? Up in the mid teens in the second half and they lost by seven to the Boston Celtics. It'd be nice if SMitch kept a tie on for his post-game interviews, at least then we'd know that the broadcasters aren't showing a taped interview of previous games. The man is incapable of saying anything that diverges from "they hit their 'shats' and we didn't"...can't believe how much the Arizona Cardinals have improved since Rod Tidwell roamed the field. Last night's thrilling 29-24 win was their first Monday Night win in 20 years..it gives me some perverse pleasure to know that outside of Dustin Pedroia's and Kevin Youkilis wives, pretty much all the Red Sox wives are well, pretty freaking unattractive. Hell, I'll go one further - David Ortiz wife looks like a dude! I'd have given a thumbs up to Curt Schilling's wife but being married to that guy automatically means she has to have the brain of a squashed grape to listen to that clown...the New York Jets signed Ty Law. How old is that guy now anyways?...not sure if these are the 13 worst pro-wrestling gimmicks of all time - no Duke "The Dumpster" Droese? Beaver Cleavage? The Goon? Red Rooster? That Australian Guy Whose Name Escapes Me? - but there are some great ones on the list to be sure...Toronto FC have ownership approval to pick up a designated player - now to find one...have a great Tuesday.

Monday, November 10th, 2008

The Charlotte Hornets draw fewer than flies. And the NBA went back there why, exactly? Some on hand might have noticed the visiting Toronto Raptors went on a 17-0 fourth quarter run to turn a two point deficit into a blowout win, 89-79...so much for the St. Louis Rams playing hard under Jim Haslett. Doesn't matter who you're playing, when you give up 40 in a half, you're more than just a bad team - you're also lacking desire...Chris Bosh broke the 7,000 point mark in his career in yesterday's Raptors win. 2,400 more and Vince Carter's Raptors record will - in fitting Wince fashion - fall. CB4 had a mere 30 points and 15 boards yesterday...not the same since he was concussed: Buffalo Bills QB Trent Edwards. That porous offensive line doesn't help the cause either. What seemed like a sure playoff trip is looking a lot more doubtful now after yesterday's 20-10 loss at New England...of course, after mentioning the Tennessee Titans went 8-0 without a 200-yard passing game, off went Kerry Collins for 289 yards to send the Titans to 9-0...14 teams since 1966 started the NFL season 9-0. 6 won the Super Bowl and 9 reached the big game. Bodes well for the Titans...a Sports Illustrated poll of NFL players listed Tom Coughlin (16%), Bill Belichick (11%), Eric Mangini (9%), and Tony Sparano (7%) as the four coaches they'd least like to play for. All were one time assistants of Bill Parcells, who despite now being a team President, still finished fifth in the voting...the Philadelphia Phillies had 16 days off in the post-season to play 14 games. They had 19 off to play 162 regular season games. Time to look at a flexible playoff schedule, no?...Edmonton Oiler Ales Hemsky is putting together quite the hilight real in the first month of the season, scoring one beauty goal after another...that is now 12-6 (+645) on the Prime Time Picks. If you ain't riding this wave, sucks to be you. Tonight, going to take the Arizona Cardinals (-9) to punish the San Francisco 49ers. Who knows, maybe Mike Singletary drops his pants at halftime again? Won't matter, the Cards are rolling and have way too much offense to not put up 40 tonight...wouldn't it be something if Brian Burke, Maple Leafs President and GM in waiting, instead went to the Boston Bruins?...have a great Monday.

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.