UFC 126 goes tonight, with a juicy Middleweight title bout between Champion Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort headlining things. Those two got into an awesome stare down at the weigh ins when Silva donned a mask after accusations by Belfort that he's a fake and wears a mask in public. Rich Franklin and Forrest Griffin is guaranteed to be a slugfest, with somebody - or both - busted open and up before a winner emerges, and there's a real interesting Light Heavyweight bout between the electric and eclectic Jon Jones and undefeated Ryan Bader. The entire card here.
The focal point of the EPL schedule this weekend has to be Liverpool's visit to Chelsea tomorrow morning, especially with former Liverpool star Fernando Torres to make his debut for the Blues. Leaders Manchester United face lowly Wolves today on the road. United boss Sir Alex FergusonUnited to wrap up the season figures it will take 84 points for , or 30 more in the 14 games remaining. Former United striker and now Man City star Carlos Tevez says his team is out of the running this year.
There are at least 12 annoying and obnoxious people at every Super Bowl party, and as usual, if you can't identify one, that means you're likely it. Your final Prime Time Pick of the NFL season comes tomorrow morning. Wager accordingly.
Pretty sad that a win over the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves is enough to get the Toronto Raptors a trending topic on Twitter. Of course, the Raptors are "competing" with Minnesota for a higher draft pick so not all wins are created equal.
Because mullets never get old.
The first song off the new Foo Fighters record, due out April 12th, live last night in Hollyweird, because I freaking love the Foos. Bridge Burning:
White Limo. Holy hell!
Dear Rosemary, with Bob Mould of Husker Du fame:
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
That Mickey Mantle, New York Yankee legend, sure was a funny dude. In 1973, the Yankees were looking to celebrate 50-years of the previous Yankee Stadium so they asked many players for their personal highlites. Check out the letter requesting his input, and his epic, epic reply, confirmed by Snopes as legitimately his.
Madden's video game series has run its annual simulation for the Super Bowl, and is on a six of seven run. This year's simulation has Pittsburgh as a 24-20 winner, for what it is worth, on a TD in the final two minutes.
Have to say, I'm utterly stunned that an Associated Press poll in the U.S. found that only 27% of those asked were in favor of expanding the NFL season to 18 games from the current menu of 16. I'd have guessed it was closer to 100% in favor, quite honestly, than as low as 27. Then again, maybe they took the poll only to Buffalo and Cleveland?
Deadspin delivers the ten worst men in sports. Clearly, Ontario Teachers Pension Fund or MLSE don't count as "men" in the traditional sense.
Tom Verducci at SI.com tags San Francisco Giant Madison Bumgarner and San Diego Padre Mat Latos among the starting pitchers most at risk of injury due to the Year After Effect - too many innings pitched in 2010 over the year before, 2009 in this case, while under the age of 25. He's had stunning success working this formula to predict injuries in the following year, 2011 in this case.
Saw the NHL Trade Centre ad on TSN for the first time last night. Barely slept last night thinking about the horror being inflicted on an unsuspecting public who get suckered into enduring that.
Clyde Drexler sees a day when London, England will have an NBA franchise of its own. Clearly, concussion issues extend beyond the NFL and NHL. The chances of that happening ought to drop considerably (sub-zero) when two games are played there shortly between the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors. Both will be home games for the Nets however, because the NBA figures nobody in Jersey would notice.
One of my all-time fav Yankees is calling it a career today. Andy Pettitte never threw the hardest or was anybody's first pick to start a playoff series. But he was as money as it came in the playoffs for so many years, not to mention 240 regular season wins, and I've got so many memories of Pettitte nailing down key playoff wins year after year. I couldn't care less that he used HGH, whether for a couple times or for years, he was always a class act in my eyes, and I was glad to be at Yankee Stadium to see his 200th win a few years back. See you at Old Timer's Day, someday, #46.
Ever wondered how much a Super Bowl flyover costs? A mere $450,000. They should charge double when doing it over a domed stadium.
"This is the most illegal thing I've seen in the history of wrestling". Incredible vid.
Madden's video game series has run its annual simulation for the Super Bowl, and is on a six of seven run. This year's simulation has Pittsburgh as a 24-20 winner, for what it is worth, on a TD in the final two minutes.
Have to say, I'm utterly stunned that an Associated Press poll in the U.S. found that only 27% of those asked were in favor of expanding the NFL season to 18 games from the current menu of 16. I'd have guessed it was closer to 100% in favor, quite honestly, than as low as 27. Then again, maybe they took the poll only to Buffalo and Cleveland?
Deadspin delivers the ten worst men in sports. Clearly, Ontario Teachers Pension Fund or MLSE don't count as "men" in the traditional sense.
Tom Verducci at SI.com tags San Francisco Giant Madison Bumgarner and San Diego Padre Mat Latos among the starting pitchers most at risk of injury due to the Year After Effect - too many innings pitched in 2010 over the year before, 2009 in this case, while under the age of 25. He's had stunning success working this formula to predict injuries in the following year, 2011 in this case.
Saw the NHL Trade Centre ad on TSN for the first time last night. Barely slept last night thinking about the horror being inflicted on an unsuspecting public who get suckered into enduring that.
Clyde Drexler sees a day when London, England will have an NBA franchise of its own. Clearly, concussion issues extend beyond the NFL and NHL. The chances of that happening ought to drop considerably (sub-zero) when two games are played there shortly between the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors. Both will be home games for the Nets however, because the NBA figures nobody in Jersey would notice.
One of my all-time fav Yankees is calling it a career today. Andy Pettitte never threw the hardest or was anybody's first pick to start a playoff series. But he was as money as it came in the playoffs for so many years, not to mention 240 regular season wins, and I've got so many memories of Pettitte nailing down key playoff wins year after year. I couldn't care less that he used HGH, whether for a couple times or for years, he was always a class act in my eyes, and I was glad to be at Yankee Stadium to see his 200th win a few years back. See you at Old Timer's Day, someday, #46.
Ever wondered how much a Super Bowl flyover costs? A mere $450,000. They should charge double when doing it over a domed stadium.
"This is the most illegal thing I've seen in the history of wrestling". Incredible vid.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
James Harrison delivers the sarcasm
Count the Wynn Las Vegas, a ridiculously filthy rich hotel that cost $2.5 billion to put up, with another $2.7 billion (yes, BILLION) going to its sister hotel Encore next door, and a place that hosted yours truly in November on a work trip, among the casinos worried about the damage an NFL work stoppage would do to their sports books in the second half of 2011.
Ben Roethlesberger isn't exactly staying down while in Dallas for the Super Bowl. Here's vid of him at a Dallas piano bar, lighting it up on stage. Word is he bought rounds for the entire bar. No word on if there was any rape.
The Atlanta Trashers have 20% of all the NHLers black players.
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte says it takes about half a game to figure out what the Green Bay Packers defence is doing. And his Bears had the benefit of three games against them this year. More and more, I'm liking the Packers this weekend.
The funniest part of Toronto Maple Leaf Kris Versteeg whining about vandals writing in the dirt on his Audi R8 was that he had to mention they wrote "stuff all over my $150,000 car." Now, I think messing with a guy's sled is usually a dick move - save for spitting on someone's windshield that parks too close, which I know a few people are partial to - but I'm sure the world is not overly sympathetic to something you can fix with a $10 car wash. Guess Versteeg didn't notice what happened when the waffle tossing at the Air Canada Centre started to get covered - more people did it. He can expect more writing on his sled now.
AskMen.com presents its annual list of the Top 99 Women.
Make that 22 straight losses for the Cleveland Cavaliers who are getting historic with their ineptitude. The Toronto Raptors have dropped 13 straight themselves and now own the third worst record in the NBA. Bruce Arthur at the National Post says the Raptors are losing right.
Nick Webster at Fox Sports Soccer says the money Chelsea dropped to grab Fernando Torres signals their intent to splash the cash around after a quiet year and a bit prior, and want badly to take a run at the Champions League this year. Worth mentioning: Chelsea had a huge operating loss of £68.6m ($110 million Canadian) for their last full financial year.
Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison, he of the $100k worth of fines for some questionable hits this year, got off this gem: "I don't want to hurt nobody, I don't want to step on nobody's foot and hurt their toe, I don't want to have no dirt or none of this rubber on the field fly into their eye and make their eye hurt, I just want to tackle them softly on the ground and, if y'all can, lay a pillow down where I'm going to tackle them so they don't hit the ground too hard, Mr. Goodell." Harrison also thumbed his nose at the concussion debate, saying it isn't an issue if you don't tell your teams' medical staff. Guessing that comment will draw Commissioner Goodell's attention more than the previous.
Perhaps the worst rap or parody (both?) ever, on the subject of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Sloppy Ben Roethlisberger
True story: the NHL came back to play last night and I had no idea til I saw a Twitter blast about the Toronto Maple Leafs winning.
Albert Pujols batting average has gone down the last three year's while his strikeouts have gone up, so not sure where he figures a mid-market club - at best - in St. Louis should drop a 10-year deal on him. I don't think a 10-year deal is a wise play for anybody. If his agent is looking to the big boys in New York, the Yankees have first tied up with Mark Texeira and the Mets have some money problems thanks to Bernie Madoff, and both Boston (Adrian Gonzalez) and Philadelphia (Ryan Howard) have first locked down too. Doesn't leave much, does it? Oh, relax Blue Jays fan, it ain't happening.
Wayne Rooney scored a pair of first half goals for Manchester United in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa and that has to be an ominous sign to the rest of the EPL if he's finding his form, which would effectively make him the best transfer deadline pickup. In other action yesterday, Chelsea had to rally for a 4-2 win over Sunderland, while Arsenal had to come from behind to down Everton 2-1. Six more games on the schedule today.
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a Chelsea man for less than 48 hours, is already talking about how he'd like to score against his former team. Bad form, FT. Besides, you're more likely to be hurt anyways.
Crazy NFL stat of the day: it costs $25,000 per game for Fox Sports to have the yellow first down line visible to TV viewers. Here's how they do it.
In ten days time - February 13th - the Washington Wizards, 0-25 on the road, will visit Cleveland, losers of 21 straight and 31 of 32. Appointment viewing it is not.
Can't avoid hearing that new Rihanna song where she keeps asking "What's my name?" repeatedly. Chris Brown must have one wicked right hook.
Check out this coach who not only (1) drove drunk, but (2) did it with a student in the vehicle and (3), well, read on.
Don't believe me when I say there are no new dunks left in the NBA Dunk Contest? Check out this incredible work to plot each dunk in dunk contest history by score, with a simple click taking you to the YouTube vid of said dunk. Somebody had some serious, serious commitment to this project!
Remember that gas station brawl we had vid of last week? Seven people were arrested in the aftermath.
Still trying to figure out what happened in the last episode of The Sopranos? This compelling piece says Tony was killed, with fantastic evidence to illustrate why.
There's been talk recently that CBC would be hard pressed to keep its sports properties. Word is they've lost the rights to hosting MLS to TSN. Wonder if TSN or SportsNet pony up for Hockey Night in Canada? Do they keep Don Cherry? Here's hoping not.
Those crazy kids at EpicMealTime are back with The Sloppy Roethlesberger, just in time for Super Bowl.
The greatest sports pep talk ever. How did Emelio Estevez "win, win, win!" from The Breakfast Club not make the grade?
Albert Pujols batting average has gone down the last three year's while his strikeouts have gone up, so not sure where he figures a mid-market club - at best - in St. Louis should drop a 10-year deal on him. I don't think a 10-year deal is a wise play for anybody. If his agent is looking to the big boys in New York, the Yankees have first tied up with Mark Texeira and the Mets have some money problems thanks to Bernie Madoff, and both Boston (Adrian Gonzalez) and Philadelphia (Ryan Howard) have first locked down too. Doesn't leave much, does it? Oh, relax Blue Jays fan, it ain't happening.
Wayne Rooney scored a pair of first half goals for Manchester United in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa and that has to be an ominous sign to the rest of the EPL if he's finding his form, which would effectively make him the best transfer deadline pickup. In other action yesterday, Chelsea had to rally for a 4-2 win over Sunderland, while Arsenal had to come from behind to down Everton 2-1. Six more games on the schedule today.
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a Chelsea man for less than 48 hours, is already talking about how he'd like to score against his former team. Bad form, FT. Besides, you're more likely to be hurt anyways.
Crazy NFL stat of the day: it costs $25,000 per game for Fox Sports to have the yellow first down line visible to TV viewers. Here's how they do it.
In ten days time - February 13th - the Washington Wizards, 0-25 on the road, will visit Cleveland, losers of 21 straight and 31 of 32. Appointment viewing it is not.
Can't avoid hearing that new Rihanna song where she keeps asking "What's my name?" repeatedly. Chris Brown must have one wicked right hook.
Check out this coach who not only (1) drove drunk, but (2) did it with a student in the vehicle and (3), well, read on.
Don't believe me when I say there are no new dunks left in the NBA Dunk Contest? Check out this incredible work to plot each dunk in dunk contest history by score, with a simple click taking you to the YouTube vid of said dunk. Somebody had some serious, serious commitment to this project!
Remember that gas station brawl we had vid of last week? Seven people were arrested in the aftermath.
Still trying to figure out what happened in the last episode of The Sopranos? This compelling piece says Tony was killed, with fantastic evidence to illustrate why.
There's been talk recently that CBC would be hard pressed to keep its sports properties. Word is they've lost the rights to hosting MLS to TSN. Wonder if TSN or SportsNet pony up for Hockey Night in Canada? Do they keep Don Cherry? Here's hoping not.
Those crazy kids at EpicMealTime are back with The Sloppy Roethlesberger, just in time for Super Bowl.
The greatest sports pep talk ever. How did Emelio Estevez "win, win, win!" from The Breakfast Club not make the grade?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ron Wilson finishes where his team's do
A survey of 318 NHLers ranked Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson as dead last among coaches players would like to play for. Leafs GM Brian Burke was said to be furious at the results, but he might want to pay attention to them if he's got intentions of signing free agents with a coach so unappealing on a mass level.
Think the Green Bay Packers are thrilled the Super Bowl will be indoors this year? Since 2008, their offense has averaged 31.8 points-per-game indoors and they have over 40 in their two playoff games indoors. Rodgers has 26 touchdowns, five interceptions for those 12 games.
Joel Sherman at the NY Post ranks all MLB team's off-seasons, and ranks the Toronto Blue Jays off-season as tops in the game, though he also says their contention window is 2013 and onward, not 2012 as many seem to think.
Things are going well in Dallas so far. The Dallas Fort-Worth airport is closed this morning thanks to some horrible weather that we'll be seeing in these parts of Ontario today and tomorrow. Do the world a favor, don't be the loser whining on Facebook about the weather. Ever. People already know. Mock those tools.
How popular was Ben Roethlesberger six months back with this Pittsburgh Steeler teammates? So popular that when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell interviewed two dozen Steelers while deciding on Big Ben's suspension last fall, not a single one said anything supportive of their QB. That, or he interviewed two dozen NFLers, some of whom were Steelers. Important distinction you blew there, Peter King. As always, the original story grabs more spotlight than the retraction.
The Minnesota Twins announced last week that they'd retire Bert Blylevin's #28 jersey. I thought it only appropriate to wait before mentioning it.
There's something very refreshing about watching soccer games from around the world and not having to hear the constant nonsense about a "Hall of Fame" that you hear as it relates to sports on this side of the pond, as if that is the be all and end all.
NFL jersey's in soccer jersey style.
It'll take a few minutes, but here are the 100 Best Nicknames in Sports History.
After signing Freddy Garcia yesterday, and earlier no-risk deals with Mark Prior and Bartolo Colon, the New York Yankees are looking like good bets to win the 2005 World Series. Had to give my squad the business after lighting up the Tampa Bay Rays for their ManRam and Johnny Damon signings.
As mentioned here yesterday, Fernando Torres did indeed make the jump to Chelsea from Liverpool, with the latter buying Andy Carroll from Newcastle to go with Luis Suarez, who we assume will play striker and not in goal. Fox Sports Soccer looks at the winners and losers at the transfer window deadline for most of Europe.
Hands down, THE most racist ad you'll ever see in your life.
Think the Green Bay Packers are thrilled the Super Bowl will be indoors this year? Since 2008, their offense has averaged 31.8 points-per-game indoors and they have over 40 in their two playoff games indoors. Rodgers has 26 touchdowns, five interceptions for those 12 games.
Joel Sherman at the NY Post ranks all MLB team's off-seasons, and ranks the Toronto Blue Jays off-season as tops in the game, though he also says their contention window is 2013 and onward, not 2012 as many seem to think.
Things are going well in Dallas so far. The Dallas Fort-Worth airport is closed this morning thanks to some horrible weather that we'll be seeing in these parts of Ontario today and tomorrow. Do the world a favor, don't be the loser whining on Facebook about the weather. Ever. People already know. Mock those tools.
How popular was Ben Roethlesberger six months back with this Pittsburgh Steeler teammates? So popular that when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell interviewed two dozen Steelers while deciding on Big Ben's suspension last fall, not a single one said anything supportive of their QB. That, or he interviewed two dozen NFLers, some of whom were Steelers. Important distinction you blew there, Peter King. As always, the original story grabs more spotlight than the retraction.
The Minnesota Twins announced last week that they'd retire Bert Blylevin's #28 jersey. I thought it only appropriate to wait before mentioning it.
There's something very refreshing about watching soccer games from around the world and not having to hear the constant nonsense about a "Hall of Fame" that you hear as it relates to sports on this side of the pond, as if that is the be all and end all.
NFL jersey's in soccer jersey style.
It'll take a few minutes, but here are the 100 Best Nicknames in Sports History.
After signing Freddy Garcia yesterday, and earlier no-risk deals with Mark Prior and Bartolo Colon, the New York Yankees are looking like good bets to win the 2005 World Series. Had to give my squad the business after lighting up the Tampa Bay Rays for their ManRam and Johnny Damon signings.
As mentioned here yesterday, Fernando Torres did indeed make the jump to Chelsea from Liverpool, with the latter buying Andy Carroll from Newcastle to go with Luis Suarez, who we assume will play striker and not in goal. Fox Sports Soccer looks at the winners and losers at the transfer window deadline for most of Europe.
Hands down, THE most racist ad you'll ever see in your life.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Yes, the NHL All-Star Game and NFL's Pro Bowl Still Suck
Yours truly is rarely shy about giving an opinion, and the All-Star concepts of the NFL and NHL were no strangers to that in the last week. But, in the spirit of keeping an open mind, I forced myself to tune in at least for a few minutes yesterday and was reminded of why both are an utter waste of time. You've got a 21 goal NHL game, in a league and era where you're lucky to see 21 goals over five regular season, and yet the All-Star game was actually more boring as far as I could tell. What's more exciting than a goal and literally nobody gets out of their seats and almost as many applaud? That said, seeing the small net accuracy in the Skills Relay on Saturday was damn impressive. Still, if you spent your weekend absorbing all that, and the draft...well, you know where I sit on that. As for the Pro Bore, caught the dying minutes to see a series of snaps where not a single lineman touched the guy lined up across from him as the AFC worked a meaningless TD in a very representative-of-the-real-thing 55-41 win for the NFC.
The best stat you'll hear during Super Bowl week: the 60 - SIXTY - strip clubs in Big D are looking to bring in a few extra strippers to meet the demand of the fans descending on Dallas for the game. And by "few extra strippers", we mean 10,000.
During yesterday's Boston Celtic visit to the LA Lakers, when asked by a Lakers ballboy to sign a ball, the always classy Kevin Garnett was heard replying: "You got a better chance of catching Bin Laden"
Spring Training isn't far off, so why not take a peak at baseball's best 50 prospects, or, if you have ESPN Insider, Keith Law's Top 100.
One final thing on the NHL All-Star game. Sure, Phil Kessel may have been picked last, but isn't the bigger joke that Cam Ward went first? At least Kessel can say he's got as many goals as Alexander Ovechkin and Dany Heatley.
If the rumor is accurate, Liverpool's Fernando Torres is on his way to Chelsea today, with the move about to be completed.
Forbes Magazine says 17 of 30 NBA teams lost money last year. If you're the players unions, shouldn't you be asking what kind of impact the financial sinkhole that is the WNBA had on that, and ifthey it goes to the glue factory in the next labor war?
Kevin Durant - who by all accounts is a fantastic guy in addition to player - lit into Chris Bosh, calling him a "fake tough guy". I think the "fake" tag extends a lot further than the "tough guy" bit with Bosh, but he's definitely right on that one. After all, it was Bosh who asked for extra games off last year with the Toronto Raptors in the playoff hunt, the very same guy that whined this year of a player diving near his toesies for a loose ball.
The clock for the St. Louis Cardinals to extend the great Albert Pujols is ticking quickly, and word is he will decline any trade proposals with his veto on that. The Cards best get the chequebook out, or call in McGruber.
Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun, for the second Monday in a row here, sheds the light of reality on the Toronto Blue Jays: "I seem to be in the minority on this, but I worry about the Blue Jays. I wonder how they’re going to replace the 60-plus home runs they’re bound to lose with Vernon Wells and John Buck gone and Jose Bautista certain not to hit 54 again. I wonder who is going to step in for the 195 innings Shaun Marcum pitched, the 15 starts that he took them into the seventh inning or deeper? I wonder how many infield errors there will be with Adam Lind playing first base instead of Lyle Overbay? I wonder if it’s possible for Brett Cecil to go 8-2 against the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays, again. I wonder if the Baltimore Orioles, 34-23 after Buck Showalter took over as manager, push the Jays closer to the bottom of the American League East, rather than closer to the top. The Jays were 15-3 against Baltimore last summer, most of those wins coming before Showalter took over. That won’t happen again. There is little doubt that GM Alex Anthopoulos is building for the future and his intense and private work has been indeed impressive. The Jays won 85 games last season, but the only on-field area in which they’ve improved is in the bullpen. An 80-win season might not be possible." But fear not, Jays fan, the Jays will have a lot of money to spend in 2012, and Paul Beeston thinks Toronto is a market that should be able to sustain a payroll of $140-$150 million. Shame free agents don't look to Toronto as a destination. Can't wait for higher Rogers bills!
I'm sure Peyton Manning will be thrilled to hear the terms "not immortal" and "hit a wall" associated with him, especially when they were dropped by teammate Reggie Wayne. We all know how kindly Peyton takes to being criticized by teammates.
Okay, really the last word on the wastes of time that were the Pro Bowl. Here are nine sporting events less relevant than the Pro Bowl.
For those that don't have ESPN Insider, Buster Olney got off a series of great would-be tweets if George Steinbrenner used Twitter. Enjoy.@TheBoss_Yankees
Finally today, beforea video, some of the better Super Bowl prop bets from Bodog.com, with my picks in brackets:
The best stat you'll hear during Super Bowl week: the 60 - SIXTY - strip clubs in Big D are looking to bring in a few extra strippers to meet the demand of the fans descending on Dallas for the game. And by "few extra strippers", we mean 10,000.
During yesterday's Boston Celtic visit to the LA Lakers, when asked by a Lakers ballboy to sign a ball, the always classy Kevin Garnett was heard replying: "You got a better chance of catching Bin Laden"
Spring Training isn't far off, so why not take a peak at baseball's best 50 prospects, or, if you have ESPN Insider, Keith Law's Top 100.
One final thing on the NHL All-Star game. Sure, Phil Kessel may have been picked last, but isn't the bigger joke that Cam Ward went first? At least Kessel can say he's got as many goals as Alexander Ovechkin and Dany Heatley.
If the rumor is accurate, Liverpool's Fernando Torres is on his way to Chelsea today, with the move about to be completed.
Forbes Magazine says 17 of 30 NBA teams lost money last year. If you're the players unions, shouldn't you be asking what kind of impact the financial sinkhole that is the WNBA had on that, and if
Kevin Durant - who by all accounts is a fantastic guy in addition to player - lit into Chris Bosh, calling him a "fake tough guy". I think the "fake" tag extends a lot further than the "tough guy" bit with Bosh, but he's definitely right on that one. After all, it was Bosh who asked for extra games off last year with the Toronto Raptors in the playoff hunt, the very same guy that whined this year of a player diving near his toesies for a loose ball.
The clock for the St. Louis Cardinals to extend the great Albert Pujols is ticking quickly, and word is he will decline any trade proposals with his veto on that. The Cards best get the chequebook out, or call in McGruber.
Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun, for the second Monday in a row here, sheds the light of reality on the Toronto Blue Jays: "I seem to be in the minority on this, but I worry about the Blue Jays. I wonder how they’re going to replace the 60-plus home runs they’re bound to lose with Vernon Wells and John Buck gone and Jose Bautista certain not to hit 54 again. I wonder who is going to step in for the 195 innings Shaun Marcum pitched, the 15 starts that he took them into the seventh inning or deeper? I wonder how many infield errors there will be with Adam Lind playing first base instead of Lyle Overbay? I wonder if it’s possible for Brett Cecil to go 8-2 against the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays, again. I wonder if the Baltimore Orioles, 34-23 after Buck Showalter took over as manager, push the Jays closer to the bottom of the American League East, rather than closer to the top. The Jays were 15-3 against Baltimore last summer, most of those wins coming before Showalter took over. That won’t happen again. There is little doubt that GM Alex Anthopoulos is building for the future and his intense and private work has been indeed impressive. The Jays won 85 games last season, but the only on-field area in which they’ve improved is in the bullpen. An 80-win season might not be possible." But fear not, Jays fan, the Jays will have a lot of money to spend in 2012, and Paul Beeston thinks Toronto is a market that should be able to sustain a payroll of $140-$150 million. Shame free agents don't look to Toronto as a destination. Can't wait for higher Rogers bills!
I'm sure Peyton Manning will be thrilled to hear the terms "not immortal" and "hit a wall" associated with him, especially when they were dropped by teammate Reggie Wayne. We all know how kindly Peyton takes to being criticized by teammates.
Okay, really the last word on the wastes of time that were the Pro Bowl. Here are nine sporting events less relevant than the Pro Bowl.
For those that don't have ESPN Insider, Buster Olney got off a series of great would-be tweets if George Steinbrenner used Twitter. Enjoy.@TheBoss_Yankees
- Just bought the Yankees. This is the last you'll hear from me. Best owners are absent owners.
- For the record, I'm against free agency. It will ruin the game. Also, we just signed Catfish Hunter. Good man.
- BILLY IS BACK!! Nobody knows more about baseball than Billy. Born leader.
- Just talked to Billy about that one's-a-born-liar, the-other's-convicted quote. I assured him he never said it.
- You heard it from me -- Billy just resigned. Anybody who says I had anything to do with it is a complete liar.
- Forget what you've read. I never called a manager in the dugout to dictate who should play or to say that he'd made a mistake.
- Bowie Kuhn has rejected Vida Blue acquisition. What a bozo.
- REGGIE!!! REGGIE!!! REGGIE!!! WHAT AN AMERICAN!!!!
- How about that joke of a performance. Ken Clay spat the bit. He's a morning glory.
- Billy is hired. He'll be taking over the club in two years. Not sure what Lemon's next role will be, but he'll love it.
- BUCKY DENT!!!!!!! To the Red Sox fan who threw that slice of pizza at me in the second inning: Have a nice cold winter!!!!!
- Dumb decision by MacPhail re: Brett's pine tar bat. I would not want to be him living in NYC. He better start house-hunting close to KC.
- Don't mean to brag, but it has been a really, really, really, really bad night for marshmallow salesmen. More later.
- To all Yankees: Sorry for that embarrassing performance against the Dodgers. There will be changes.
- Misquoted again re: Yogi. I am often misquoted. I am supportive of my managers, even though they all may not think so.
- I'm really 95 percent Mr. Rogers, and only 5 percent Oscar the Grouch.
- Mr. October, my A##! How about a clean single with a runner at third in April??????????
- Dave Winfield is Mr. May, as far as I'm concerned. I long for the days of Mr. October.
- Doyle Alexander stinks. I'm afraid some of my players will get hurt playing behind him.
- The team just hasn't looked ready to play in this first week. Change necessary. Sorry, Yogi.
- I wouldn't sell the Yankees for anything. Owning the Yankees is like owning the Mona Lisa. You don't sell it.
- Mattingly's hair has gotten so long that he looks like one of the Beatles -- one of their girlfriends, I mean.
- Sometimes I am unreasonable. I have to catch myself. But at least I can catch, right @DonSlaughtMachine??
- @FayVincent. I accept the suspension. Doesn't mean I like you. Please go take flying leap off Thompson Memorial Chapel.
- During my suspension, considering following @BanShman -- big Yanks fan.
- Saw that Jeter kid at exhibition game. He looks like a winner. Except that he's from Michigan, and not Ohio. :)
- Our guys just didn't look ready to play against Braves in Game 1. Shaping up to be a national embarrassment.
- Just left Torre's office. Told him he has all the resources he needs, he has all support he needs. Time to win. Or else.
- Congratulations to the Braves for being the second best team in baseball!!!!!
- I see Paul O'Neill and I think: Warrior. But he needs to pick up his batting average.
- @BrianCashmanGM just told me @RandyBigUnitJohnson was traded to Astros. If we lose World Series to Houston, it will be @BrianCashmanGM's fault.
- AL President Gene Budig has fined the Yankees for alleged misdoings. I bet that guy has never worn a jock in his life.
- @HidekiIrabu_Yanks is a fat pus-y toad.
- Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser.
- Every time I go out on the streets, the cab drivers here love me. They are real New Yorkers.
- The first Subway Series in more than 40 years. I'm pretty sure the Mets have bugged our clubhouse.
- @BrianCashmanGM. Get on a flight to Tampa now, go to complex and wait for my call. No XMAS vacation for you.
- Looked like Joe's players weren't ready for Game 1 vs. Arizona.
- Larry Lucchino called us The Evil Empire. All I can say is, how's the Babe Ruth trade working for you guys?
- AARON BOONE!!!!!! He is A WINNER!!!!!! The third baseman of the future for the Yankees!!!!!!!
- Re: loss to the Red Sox in playoffs: Nice fat fastball that @JavyVazquez threw to Damon. You will never see him wear pinstripes again.
Finally today, beforea video, some of the better Super Bowl prop bets from Bodog.com, with my picks in brackets:
- How long will it take Christina Aguilera to sing the Star Spangled Banner? -- Over/Under: 1 minute 50 seconds (over, most at YouTube are in the 2 minute range)
- How long will Christina Aguilera hold the note "Brave" at the end of the National Anthem? -- Over/Under: 6 seconds (gotta go over)
- How many times will FOX show Jerry Jones on TV during the Game? -- Over/Under: 3 (over, lock of the day)
- Will a punt hit the scoreboard during the game? -- Yes: 10/1 (has only happened once, not happening)
- Will a Steelers player do the Aaron Rodgers Championship Belt Celebration during the game?
Yes: Even; No: -140 (no) - How many current NFL players will be arrested during Super Bowl week? Over 0.5: +150; Under 0.5: -200 (over, value play)
Friday, January 28, 2011
What is going on in Neckessee?
Not a clue what is happening with the Tennessee Titans. It appeared they had settled on coach Jeff Fisher winning the power struggle with QB Vince Young when they announced a few weeks back they'd be looking for another QB to lead the team. Turns out they're looking for another coach too, as the Titans announced they've parted ways with Fisher. ProFootballTalk looks at what it all means, beyond Fisher pocketing $8 million to not coach. Does Young come back, or does he go to the Minnesota Vikings, as has been mentioned? Looking like Albert Haynesworth will be able to say he's played for two of the most disfunctional franchises in the NFL. Albert is a stint in Oakland from completing the trifecta.
UFC President Dana White says if Anderson Silva and Georges St Pierre win their next two fights, GSP will move up to 185 pounds to set up perhaps the biggest fight in UFC history, though with the way those two fight on occasion, it might not be the best fight.
If you're watching the NHL All-Star draft tonight, you're a loser.
UFC Heavyweight Roy "Big Country" Nelson has a conspiracy theory in play for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. He figures that Brock Lesnar is on board to boost ratings - nobody said Nelson couldn't identify the obvious - but adds that Lesnar will walk out half-way through because he's "done" after first giving his opposing coach and next opponent Junior Dos Santos, the other coach and his next opponent, a lot more profile in the U.S. He names Shane Carwin and Frank Mir as replacement coaches. Interesting theory, and with all the "Lesnar wants out" talk, could well play out. You can start counting down to a "Nelson is an idiot" response from UFC boss Dana White any minute now.
Might Kirk Muller be the next Toronto Maple Leafs coach? Sure would be an improvement over the arrogant curmudgeon Ron Wilson, no?
Not sure about you, but I'm pretty bumbed I didn't get this t-shirt of New York Ranger Sean Avery under the Christmas tree. The shirt is actually part of a series to promote awareness of protecting your skin, and also features far better options like Miranda Kerr, Marisa Miller, Miranda Kerr, Heidi Klum, and loads more. Oh, and Miranda Kerr.
Really dreading this sports weekend, what with the NFL Pro Bowl and the NHL All-Star Game dominating things. Makes me really anxious to get baseball back on the go. Fortunately, there is tonnes of soccer to fill the weekend, though the EPL is in on an FA Cup weekend, and maybe some hoops.
With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal out at the Australian Open, this weekends final will be just the fifth - fifth! - Slam since 2004 that someone else has won. Five out of 29. The Scottish Premier League thinks that competition has been one sided.
I'm sure the NHL will be thrilled to go into its All-Star Weekend with rumors floating that the $100-million sale of the Phoenix Coyotes is about to fall through. Wind up Gary Bettman and watch him spin.
The Oakland A's have unveiled a third jersey, and it is gold, or at least gold coloured.
Chelsea have put in a bid on Fernando Torres of Liverpool this week with the transfer window closing at the end of the month. Liverpool said thanks, but no thanks. If half the rumors are true, Chelsea is chasing every above average striker in the world. Guess they forgot their central defence is super soft.
First Memphis Grizzly OJ Mayo gets his face caved in on a team charter after not paying a gambling debt, and then weeks later he fails a drug test, testing positive for steroids. He's on the sidelines for 10 games as a result.
Back Monday folks, have a great weekend.
NBA pre-game, a live mic...and Tracey Morgan giving his thoughts on Sarah Palin.
UFC President Dana White says if Anderson Silva and Georges St Pierre win their next two fights, GSP will move up to 185 pounds to set up perhaps the biggest fight in UFC history, though with the way those two fight on occasion, it might not be the best fight.
If you're watching the NHL All-Star draft tonight, you're a loser.
UFC Heavyweight Roy "Big Country" Nelson has a conspiracy theory in play for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. He figures that Brock Lesnar is on board to boost ratings - nobody said Nelson couldn't identify the obvious - but adds that Lesnar will walk out half-way through because he's "done" after first giving his opposing coach and next opponent Junior Dos Santos, the other coach and his next opponent, a lot more profile in the U.S. He names Shane Carwin and Frank Mir as replacement coaches. Interesting theory, and with all the "Lesnar wants out" talk, could well play out. You can start counting down to a "Nelson is an idiot" response from UFC boss Dana White any minute now.
Might Kirk Muller be the next Toronto Maple Leafs coach? Sure would be an improvement over the arrogant curmudgeon Ron Wilson, no?
Really dreading this sports weekend, what with the NFL Pro Bowl and the NHL All-Star Game dominating things. Makes me really anxious to get baseball back on the go. Fortunately, there is tonnes of soccer to fill the weekend, though the EPL is in on an FA Cup weekend, and maybe some hoops.
With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal out at the Australian Open, this weekends final will be just the fifth - fifth! - Slam since 2004 that someone else has won. Five out of 29. The Scottish Premier League thinks that competition has been one sided.
I'm sure the NHL will be thrilled to go into its All-Star Weekend with rumors floating that the $100-million sale of the Phoenix Coyotes is about to fall through. Wind up Gary Bettman and watch him spin.
Chelsea have put in a bid on Fernando Torres of Liverpool this week with the transfer window closing at the end of the month. Liverpool said thanks, but no thanks. If half the rumors are true, Chelsea is chasing every above average striker in the world. Guess they forgot their central defence is super soft.
First Memphis Grizzly OJ Mayo gets his face caved in on a team charter after not paying a gambling debt, and then weeks later he fails a drug test, testing positive for steroids. He's on the sidelines for 10 games as a result.
Back Monday folks, have a great weekend.
NBA pre-game, a live mic...and Tracey Morgan giving his thoughts on Sarah Palin.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Suck it, BF
TSN is getting into the radio business in April. I'm going to guess The Jim Rome Show and other ESPN gems like Colin Cowherd are about to get much more prominent in Canada, and that's a good thing. But please, TSN, no Mike & Mike.
ProFootballTalk looks at how teams will look to have unofficial workouts, led largely by their QB's, once the lockout is in full swing come March 4th, to get an edge if and when the 2011 season goes off. For the record, I'm still saying a full 2011 season gets played.
The Cleveland Cavaliers really aren't opposed to the idea they were a one man show in previous years, or it at least seems that way for a team that has lost 18 straight games. Good thing the draft is loaded with a franchise player at the top. Oh, wait...moving on.
Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Follet will not make himself a lot of friends this week by calling Drew Stafford, his team's QB, a "China Doll".
Every NIKE logo, ever.
It seems New York Yankees main man Hank Steinbrenner looks like The Boss more every day, literally. Now, he's also starting to act the part and sound it too with this: "We just have to (bleeping) win." Gonna be a tough go, Hank, especially when you likely insulted Andy Pettitte with a $12 million offer yesterday but dropped $12.5 on a set-up man last week. Bad play.
Just wondering if all the NFL players that were cracking on Jay Cutler as a "quitter" will be so quick to hammer guys when their union inevitably caves to the owners, just like they always do?
After their win Sunday, in the face of President Barrack Obama pulling for his hometown Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packer Charles Woodson led the team in a "'White House' on three!" chant. A question: is he referring to winning the game to get a trip to meet the President, or the White House frequented by the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990's, the drug and hooker filled palace?
HBO Real Sports says in 1980, there were 3 - THREE - NFL players over 300 pounds. Now there are almost 400!
You're already hurt, or at least, appear to be. You climb on a stretcher. Probably the last thing you expect is to get repeatedly tea-bagged by some dude who doesn't know how to work the stretcher.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Giggs lights a fire
Manchester United dug themselves a hole yesterday at Blackpool, who dominated the first half and took a 2-0 lead before United, aided largely by Ryan Giggs coming off the bench, rallied for two in two minutes with less than 20 to go from Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez - both having dynamite years - before Berbatov sealed the awesome comeback with a second, and his fifth in two games, to give United a 3-2 win. United remain undefeated, and a win like that puts the championship into slightly better view.
SI's Jon Heyman says the Toronto Blue Jays paid $5 million to the Anaheim Angels to take the Vernon Wells deal off their hands. One of the players the Jays acquired for Wells, Mike Napoli, was dealt to Texas yesterday for reliever Frank Francisco.
Chad Ochocinco is planning to ditch the last name and reclaim Johnson. Anything to stay in the news, huh Chad?
Word is that Albert Pujols starting spot in contract negotiations with the St. Louis Cardinals is ten years and (gulp) $300 million.
No idea what it will cost, but the three courses being served to the Super Bowl's VIP's in Dallas next Sunday are freaking insane, mostly because I'm not sure what half of it is.
Here are the NFL's highest paid players, if you didn't know. What is funnier, that Carson Palmer is on the list, or Albert Haynesworth? And how did the $20 million bust Brett Favre not top the list?
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is saying he views Derek Jeter as a centre fielder before his career and contract run out. Wouldn't it be funny seeing that ridiculously unnecessary jump throw coming from the track? And how are those legs, which we often say look like he dips them in cement before going to the field, going to cover that much ground? Here's the position I think Jeter should be in before his contract is up: his palatial digs in Tampa, though I'm not sure he'll ever make it to the left side of the house. Check out his current penthouse pad, which can be yours for a mere $20 million in the Trump Tower in Manhatten.
Top 5 EPL goals of the week, including one off the foot of a Canadian!
<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video?vid=69154bf7-3dc3-4b5a-bb10-735d141995f1" target="_new" title="">PL: Goals of the Week</a>
Not sure how Didier Drogba's bullet on Monday didn't make the list.
SI's Jon Heyman says the Toronto Blue Jays paid $5 million to the Anaheim Angels to take the Vernon Wells deal off their hands. One of the players the Jays acquired for Wells, Mike Napoli, was dealt to Texas yesterday for reliever Frank Francisco.
Chad Ochocinco is planning to ditch the last name and reclaim Johnson. Anything to stay in the news, huh Chad?
Word is that Albert Pujols starting spot in contract negotiations with the St. Louis Cardinals is ten years and (gulp) $300 million.
No idea what it will cost, but the three courses being served to the Super Bowl's VIP's in Dallas next Sunday are freaking insane, mostly because I'm not sure what half of it is.
Here are the NFL's highest paid players, if you didn't know. What is funnier, that Carson Palmer is on the list, or Albert Haynesworth? And how did the $20 million bust Brett Favre not top the list?
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is saying he views Derek Jeter as a centre fielder before his career and contract run out. Wouldn't it be funny seeing that ridiculously unnecessary jump throw coming from the track? And how are those legs, which we often say look like he dips them in cement before going to the field, going to cover that much ground? Here's the position I think Jeter should be in before his contract is up: his palatial digs in Tampa, though I'm not sure he'll ever make it to the left side of the house. Check out his current penthouse pad, which can be yours for a mere $20 million in the Trump Tower in Manhatten.
Top 5 EPL goals of the week, including one off the foot of a Canadian!
Not sure how Didier Drogba's bullet on Monday didn't make the list.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A fantastic Super Bowl angle...
That's ten straight year's that the NFC has sent a different representative to the Super Bowl.
For UFC 129 in Toronto, in addition to Georges St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields for GSP's Welterweight Championship fight, add Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo defending his Featherweight title against Canadian Mark Hominik (who was awesome at Fight For The Troops on Saturday with a superb first round knockout win), as well as Canadian Rory McDonald facing Nate Diaz. More on the card here. Tickets go on sale February 12th. Get your first born ready.
Damien Cox of the Toronto Star wonders if the NHL put Sidney Crosby in a position to get hurt, along with the rest of the players that day, by allowing the Winter Classic to be played in the conditions it was played in.
Toronto FC's Nana Attakora is excited for the new coaching staff and season of TFC.
Says GS, huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan, looking to the Super Bowl:
Pittsburgh Steeler Rashard Mendenhall gives Ben Roethlesberger a taste of his own medicine late in Sunday's win over the New York Jets.
Think Chicago Bears Fan is bent with Jay Cutler (apparently/possibly) quitting on Sunday? Whole page here.
Monday, January 24, 2011
It is going to be Packers vs. Steelers
Yesterday's Conference Championship games were virtual clones. The winner raced out to a first half lead and looked like they'd have the game easily put away, only to take their foot off the gas in the second half and make the game a lot more interesting than it looked to be in the opening half. 21-14 win for the Green Bay Packers, and a 24-19 win for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now we've got two weeks to listen to Ben Roethlesberger redemption stories, of which I'd start with "Big Ben is as clutch as his defence attorneys" or "Big Ben sneaks those balls in when you least expect it," and stories of Aaron Rodgers finally getting Brett Favre's legend off his back. The Super Bowl line has opened at -2 and an over/under of 45.
He may not get much right otherwise, but Sports Illustrated's Peter King's pre-season prediction was Pittsburgh over Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
I get the feeling Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun isn't liking the Toronto Blue Jays chances this year. And I quote: "Here is the Blue Jays starting lineup, or so we think: Catcher: J.P. Arencibia, A rookie just learning; First base: Adam Lind, Terrible defensively coming off terrible offensive year; Second base: Aaron Hill, Coming off an awful offensive and defensive season; Third Base: To be determined; Shortstop: Yunel Escobar, a terrific player when interested; Left Field: Travis Snider, Still don't know what he is; Centre Field: Rajai Davis, A slap-hitter and below-average fielder; Right field: Jose Batista, The one sure thing in the Jays lineup, although don't count on 50 homers again; Designated hitter: Mike Napoli, Hits home runs or strike outs. Never at the same time.
Ray Lewis and Roy Williams (the Cincinnati Bengals version) have been linked to a product that contains HGH, with Williams openly admitting he uses it. Problem is it is only detectable by blood test.
Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler left the game yesterday with a knee injury, and is already being glossed "Jay Quittler" amid a debate where he ranks on the biggest wuss-outs. Also, a bunch of former and current players crushed him for not gutting it out.
Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who is about the only guy that doesn't know he's finished, is demanding to be traded or he'll shut it down. Good thing for him there are the Washington Redskins, always looking for past it talents.
New Toronto Mayor Rob Ford wants to put the full court press on the NFL to bring a team to Toronto, and guarantees that if he's successful bringing a team in, Toronto will host the Super Bowl within four years. Uh-huh. Good luck with all that, RF. Says Ford: "the NFL cannot ignore the fourth largest market in North America." Well, they've ignored Los Angeles for a decade now, haven't they? Love that he essentially smacks the Argos and the CFL, saying Toronto can't be world class without the NFL. Missing from Ford's talk: who is going to own a billion dollar (plus) franchise, and how he figures the federal government will be so willing to drop a billion on a stadium that would get used 8 times a year.
Bukakke uncovered the secret world of the "McGangbang" last week, and has not been heard from since. This off-the-board sando at McDonald's is a McChicken stuck between a double cheeseburger, and weighs in at a mere 800 calories. Check out pics here. More off-the-board items here, though none with as cool a name.
With the signings of Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, the Tampa Bay Rays have been installed as the favorites by Vegas to win the 2004 World Series.
As meth lab pictures go, this one is tops.
Red astroturf? That's what a Texas high school has dropped as a playing surface. Makes Oregon's new basketball court - trees, if you look closely - seem far less distracting.
Crazy vid sent my way by GBVH last week from the Aussie Open, in which there was a dead spot on the court. This has to be seen to be believed.
He may not get much right otherwise, but Sports Illustrated's Peter King's pre-season prediction was Pittsburgh over Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
I get the feeling Steve Simmons at the Toronto Sun isn't liking the Toronto Blue Jays chances this year. And I quote: "Here is the Blue Jays starting lineup, or so we think: Catcher: J.P. Arencibia, A rookie just learning; First base: Adam Lind, Terrible defensively coming off terrible offensive year; Second base: Aaron Hill, Coming off an awful offensive and defensive season; Third Base: To be determined; Shortstop: Yunel Escobar, a terrific player when interested; Left Field: Travis Snider, Still don't know what he is; Centre Field: Rajai Davis, A slap-hitter and below-average fielder; Right field: Jose Batista, The one sure thing in the Jays lineup, although don't count on 50 homers again; Designated hitter: Mike Napoli, Hits home runs or strike outs. Never at the same time.
Ray Lewis and Roy Williams (the Cincinnati Bengals version) have been linked to a product that contains HGH, with Williams openly admitting he uses it. Problem is it is only detectable by blood test.
Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler left the game yesterday with a knee injury, and is already being glossed "Jay Quittler" amid a debate where he ranks on the biggest wuss-outs. Also, a bunch of former and current players crushed him for not gutting it out.
Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who is about the only guy that doesn't know he's finished, is demanding to be traded or he'll shut it down. Good thing for him there are the Washington Redskins, always looking for past it talents.
New Toronto Mayor Rob Ford wants to put the full court press on the NFL to bring a team to Toronto, and guarantees that if he's successful bringing a team in, Toronto will host the Super Bowl within four years. Uh-huh. Good luck with all that, RF. Says Ford: "the NFL cannot ignore the fourth largest market in North America." Well, they've ignored Los Angeles for a decade now, haven't they? Love that he essentially smacks the Argos and the CFL, saying Toronto can't be world class without the NFL. Missing from Ford's talk: who is going to own a billion dollar (plus) franchise, and how he figures the federal government will be so willing to drop a billion on a stadium that would get used 8 times a year.
Bukakke uncovered the secret world of the "McGangbang" last week, and has not been heard from since. This off-the-board sando at McDonald's is a McChicken stuck between a double cheeseburger, and weighs in at a mere 800 calories. Check out pics here. More off-the-board items here, though none with as cool a name.
With the signings of Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, the Tampa Bay Rays have been installed as the favorites by Vegas to win the 2004 World Series.
As meth lab pictures go, this one is tops.
Red astroturf? That's what a Texas high school has dropped as a playing surface. Makes Oregon's new basketball court - trees, if you look closely - seem far less distracting.
Crazy vid sent my way by GBVH last week from the Aussie Open, in which there was a dead spot on the court. This has to be seen to be believed.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Conference Championship Winning Picks Are Here
The Super Bowl contestants will be sorted before today is out. The NFC Championship goes at 3pm with Green Bay a 3.5 point fav at Chicago. It has been two tight games between the two this year with each owning a win. That said, the last handful of games the Bears have done well to limit Aaron Rodgers, and today they'll have the aid of some strong wind in Chicago I hear. Am I taking the Bears? Hell yes I am. The wrong team is favored here, and only three teams have won three straight playoff games on the road, so I'll gladly take the points on the Bears.
Check out the prayer being used in a Chicago church this morning, sent my way by AO:
Let us pray: Our Papa, who art a Bear, Halas be thy name.
Thy championship come, thy play be run, at home as it is away.
Give us this day our Sunday win, and forgive us our turnovers,
though we pounce on those who turnover against us, and lead
us not into fourth and long, but deliver us from Rodgers.
In the name of Ditka, Butkus and the Holy Payton.
As it was in 1985, so shall it be in 2011, reign without end, Amen.
The AFC game should be a tight one with two strong defences in the New York Jets and the home Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 3 point favs. The Jets seem to be the sexy trending pick, much like the Packers, but they too are trying to win a third straight on the road, and I really can't see it happening. Sure the Jets have a great defence, but so do the Steelers. The difference here is the Steelers have a proven big game QB in Ben Roethlesberger, and the Jets have erratic Mark Sanchez. I'm playing the Steelers, no question. And you should too.
Back tomorrow with the usual mega Monday update.
Check out the prayer being used in a Chicago church this morning, sent my way by AO:
Let us pray: Our Papa, who art a Bear, Halas be thy name.
Thy championship come, thy play be run, at home as it is away.
Give us this day our Sunday win, and forgive us our turnovers,
though we pounce on those who turnover against us, and lead
us not into fourth and long, but deliver us from Rodgers.
In the name of Ditka, Butkus and the Holy Payton.
As it was in 1985, so shall it be in 2011, reign without end, Amen.
The AFC game should be a tight one with two strong defences in the New York Jets and the home Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 3 point favs. The Jets seem to be the sexy trending pick, much like the Packers, but they too are trying to win a third straight on the road, and I really can't see it happening. Sure the Jets have a great defence, but so do the Steelers. The difference here is the Steelers have a proven big game QB in Ben Roethlesberger, and the Jets have erratic Mark Sanchez. I'm playing the Steelers, no question. And you should too.
Back tomorrow with the usual mega Monday update.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Silly, silly Anaheim
Notice anything wrong in the picture at the right? Look closely. Answer below.I don't know if Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous has some incriminating pictures of his counterpart in Anaheim, but the fact he unloaded Vernon Wells contract for anything of value, nevermind a real nice player in Mike Napoli who could easily produce more than VW is damn impressive. When your payroll is in the $80-$90 million range for 2011 and you ditched a guy slated to make $23 million of that number, you've done a damn fine job. Maybe executive of the year worthy before the season even starts. Okay, I'm just gushing now. A good day for Jays fans.
Interesting study on NFL announcement teams and how many words per minute they spew. Kevin Harlan and Solomon Walcots ranked as the most verbose due at 189.20 words per minute. They must not have included the Monday Night team, as I'm pretty sure that Jon Gruden would approach that himself, and all syrupy at that.
Busy weekend in the English Premier League with six teams playing twice in the next few days to make up games put off by bad weather, including leaders Manchester United, who will look to extend their lead at the top with one of the two games in hand they hold on second place Manchester City.
I only have a peripheral knowledge of Glee, but I love hearing that Slash will not allow Guns 'N Roses songs to be used by the show. No word if he's licensed Velvet Revolver tracks.
The picture above has Rob Niedermayer's name spelled incorrectly. He actually played three games with it that way. Guess he can at least say he's not worried about the name on the back.
Jimmy Kimmel provides some song suggestions for the next Britney Spears record...
Kim Clijsters pwns Todd Woodbridge at the Australian Open.
Friday, January 21, 2011
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi can anticipate a serious, serious fine from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after this comment last night with regard to a video review of a goal: "When the guy in Toronto making the decisions on the goals, in Ottawa and the one tonight, wanted the G.M.'s job in L.A. and was not happy about not getting it, you have to assume you are going to get those type of calls.'' Guys that run leagues love when you call the integrity of the game into question.
Last month's issue of Playboy says that 60% of NBA players are bankrupty within five years of retirement and 78% of NFL players are bankrupt or in serious financial stress within two years of retirement. Wonder if the NFL owners are paying attention to the latter beforeputting a gun to the players heads negotiating the new labor agreement?
New York Yankees GM has a simple request for Andy Pettitte as he contemplates retirement: "don't Brett Favre us." Awesome.
I really, really hope the lack of talk from the final four NFL teams is not a product of Roger Goodell telling teams to curb the trash talk. Solid piece from the Tampa Tribune that says Goodell is out of line for reigning teams in.
ESPN's Jim Caple ranks all 30 major league baseball logos. Memo to Toronto Blue Jays fans: prepare to scroll.
Mean Gene Okerlund says that New York Jet Bart Scott's post-game rant on Sunday reminded him of work.
Wherever Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho goes, drama follows. And he's throwing fuel on the fire with talk that he may not stay beyond this season.
Silly Pittsburgh Penguin fan...
"Put dirt on the roads"? Only Emmitt Smith, discussing Super Bowl preparations in Dallas.
Last month's issue of Playboy says that 60% of NBA players are bankrupty within five years of retirement and 78% of NFL players are bankrupt or in serious financial stress within two years of retirement. Wonder if the NFL owners are paying attention to the latter before
New York Yankees GM has a simple request for Andy Pettitte as he contemplates retirement: "don't Brett Favre us." Awesome.
I really, really hope the lack of talk from the final four NFL teams is not a product of Roger Goodell telling teams to curb the trash talk. Solid piece from the Tampa Tribune that says Goodell is out of line for reigning teams in.
ESPN's Jim Caple ranks all 30 major league baseball logos. Memo to Toronto Blue Jays fans: prepare to scroll.
Mean Gene Okerlund says that New York Jet Bart Scott's post-game rant on Sunday reminded him of work.
Wherever Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho goes, drama follows. And he's throwing fuel on the fire with talk that he may not stay beyond this season.
Silly Pittsburgh Penguin fan...
"Put dirt on the roads"? Only Emmitt Smith, discussing Super Bowl preparations in Dallas.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Endless, nameless
I'm not sure there are three quarterbacks historically that I have despised and viewed as overrated more than Dan Marino, Peyton Manning and especially - surprise - Brett Favre. Might it be their combined playoff record of 30-31? Probably. Marino checks in at 8-10, Manning 9-10 (and sinking) and Favre is 13-11, but with the awesome achievement of back to back playoff runs ending with crippling interceptions.
Not sure if the MLS understands simple "supply and demand", but why entertain the notion of a second New York franchise in 2013 when the first isn't even selling out? Sure, they franchise is reaching into the past by going with "Cosmos" as the franchise name - they often played to a full Giants Stadium in the 1970's with Pele, among others, on the team - and even hired a gem of a soccer name in Eric Cantona to run things.
Toronto Blue Jays (2010) slugger Jose Bautista is looking for $10.5 million in arbitration this off-season, the Jays have countered with $7.5 million. The best thing the Jays could do with Bautista is see if he comes back in 2011 and produces like he did in 2010 on a one-year deal. Even if he produces and it costs them extra millions on an extension, it would be less of a gamble than extending him now only to see him revert to the form he showed, well, every other year of his career.
The New York Yankees and Carl Pavano entertained a one-year deal for the free agent pitcher. Seriously. Guess the Yanks didn't learn enough from their second go-round with Javier Vazquez last year? Pavano agreed to a two-year deal with Minnesota that could see him pull $17 million.
Clearly, I didn't know Caroline Wozniaki like I thought I did.
Phil Anschutz, billionaiire sports owner of the LA Galaxy, LA Lakers and LA Kings, has agreed to finance an NFLLA if certain conditions are met stadium in , among them a tennant. Enter the San Diego Chargers.
Hello, Dallas Stars ice girls.
The Miami Heat are 1-7 in games decided by 8 points or less. Not exactly a recipe to get started on those five, six or seven rings LeBron et al mused about last summer, is it?
Quietly, the San Antonio Spurs are on pace for a 70-12 season.
Still can't believe that Al Davis presser a couple days back. Vince McMahon thinks this guy is over the top. Here are 10 highlites from it, and yes, that picture of AD is from Tuesday.
Sidney Crosby is said to be so sour the NHL hasn't done more to eliminate head shots that he's essentially boycotting the All-Star Game. Good for Sid, but it would help if he were more vocal about it. Question: how does the NHL eliminate head shots without eliminating fighting? Isn't that nothing but head shots?
Not sure if the MLS understands simple "supply and demand", but why entertain the notion of a second New York franchise in 2013 when the first isn't even selling out? Sure, they franchise is reaching into the past by going with "Cosmos" as the franchise name - they often played to a full Giants Stadium in the 1970's with Pele, among others, on the team - and even hired a gem of a soccer name in Eric Cantona to run things.
Toronto Blue Jays (2010) slugger Jose Bautista is looking for $10.5 million in arbitration this off-season, the Jays have countered with $7.5 million. The best thing the Jays could do with Bautista is see if he comes back in 2011 and produces like he did in 2010 on a one-year deal. Even if he produces and it costs them extra millions on an extension, it would be less of a gamble than extending him now only to see him revert to the form he showed, well, every other year of his career.
The New York Yankees and Carl Pavano entertained a one-year deal for the free agent pitcher. Seriously. Guess the Yanks didn't learn enough from their second go-round with Javier Vazquez last year? Pavano agreed to a two-year deal with Minnesota that could see him pull $17 million.
Phil Anschutz, billionaiire sports owner of the LA Galaxy, LA Lakers and LA Kings, has agreed to finance an NFLLA if certain conditions are met stadium in , among them a tennant. Enter the San Diego Chargers.
Hello, Dallas Stars ice girls.
The Miami Heat are 1-7 in games decided by 8 points or less. Not exactly a recipe to get started on those five, six or seven rings LeBron et al mused about last summer, is it?
Quietly, the San Antonio Spurs are on pace for a 70-12 season.
Still can't believe that Al Davis presser a couple days back. Vince McMahon thinks this guy is over the top. Here are 10 highlites from it, and yes, that picture of AD is from Tuesday.
Sidney Crosby is said to be so sour the NHL hasn't done more to eliminate head shots that he's essentially boycotting the All-Star Game. Good for Sid, but it would help if he were more vocal about it. Question: how does the NHL eliminate head shots without eliminating fighting? Isn't that nothing but head shots?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Karma hits you in the face, like an 18-pound sledge...
Ever since LeBron James "karma" blast on his former team, his Miami Heat have gone 0-4. God is indeed watching, self-proclaimed Chosen 1.
ESPN SoccerNet looks at the potential moves to be made this month by EPL sides Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool. Apparently, all is quiet in Manchester as far as they're concerned.
Will there be an NBA lockout next season? Carmelo Anthony says "without a doubt". Imagine a stretch next fall with potentially no NFL or NBA?
Since losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl in 2003, the Oakland Raiders are 37-91. And why can't the NFL get over the Roman numeral thing and just call it "Super Bowl 2011", for example?
Now that is a Lego project at right, a replica of Ohio State's Horseshoe. Thanks for the hook up, Bukakke.
Sports Illustrated has a piece in an issue next week that ties Lance Armstrong to a doctor connected to performance enhancing drugsand blood doping. If true, baseball has to be thrilled. After all, nobody has more vehemently denied usage, or profited from his image and story thanLivealie "Livestrong" Lance. Not surprisingly, Lance is denying. If there's one thing SI is great at, it is getting its story in line every year around this time on a drug case.
The NFL Players Association has filed collusion charges against the NFL, because if there's one thing a union knows about, it is collusion. SI's Peter King says, however, that there are some owners that would rather lose the entire 2011 season than to continue under the current system. I'll believe that when I see it. Besides, if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has time to think about defining what is over the line in trash talk, then all must be well, right?
Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut has put together a hell of an auction to benefit Australian flooding relief on eBay. This is as good a package as a sports fan with a pile of cash will ever win.
10 must-see sporting venues.
Green Bay Packer Ryan Grant is telling Packers fans to book their flights to Dallas in early February for the Super Bowl. Of course, said fans will have as much impact on the game as Grant, who has been sidelined since Week 1 with an injury, so not sure why he's talking so much.
Sergio Ramos, about as good a defender as there is in the world, wants out of Real Madrid after a bust-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho.
The Indianapolis Colts are set to make Peyton Manning the highest paid player in the NFL. Not sure why, given he'd rank below Tom Brady, Ben Roethlesberger and probably Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers on most people's lists of best QB's right now, and certainly not going forward in his mid-30's.
A little food for thought as you contemplate the NFL Conference Championships this weekend:
ESPN SoccerNet looks at the potential moves to be made this month by EPL sides Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool. Apparently, all is quiet in Manchester as far as they're concerned.
Will there be an NBA lockout next season? Carmelo Anthony says "without a doubt". Imagine a stretch next fall with potentially no NFL or NBA?
Since losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl in 2003, the Oakland Raiders are 37-91. And why can't the NFL get over the Roman numeral thing and just call it "Super Bowl 2011", for example?
Sports Illustrated has a piece in an issue next week that ties Lance Armstrong to a doctor connected to performance enhancing drugsand blood doping. If true, baseball has to be thrilled. After all, nobody has more vehemently denied usage, or profited from his image and story than
The NFL Players Association has filed collusion charges against the NFL, because if there's one thing a union knows about, it is collusion. SI's Peter King says, however, that there are some owners that would rather lose the entire 2011 season than to continue under the current system. I'll believe that when I see it. Besides, if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has time to think about defining what is over the line in trash talk, then all must be well, right?
Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut has put together a hell of an auction to benefit Australian flooding relief on eBay. This is as good a package as a sports fan with a pile of cash will ever win.
10 must-see sporting venues.
Green Bay Packer Ryan Grant is telling Packers fans to book their flights to Dallas in early February for the Super Bowl. Of course, said fans will have as much impact on the game as Grant, who has been sidelined since Week 1 with an injury, so not sure why he's talking so much.
Sergio Ramos, about as good a defender as there is in the world, wants out of Real Madrid after a bust-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho.
The Indianapolis Colts are set to make Peyton Manning the highest paid player in the NFL. Not sure why, given he'd rank below Tom Brady, Ben Roethlesberger and probably Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers on most people's lists of best QB's right now, and certainly not going forward in his mid-30's.
A little food for thought as you contemplate the NFL Conference Championships this weekend:
only three teams have won three straight road games to get to the Super Bowl: the 1985 New England Patriots, 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2007 New York Giants. Seems plenty are thinking that total will grow by two this weekend with Green Bay and New York Jets wins.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Gang green?
Since I've beaten up on the New York Jets quite a bit the last month or two, here's one for the Jets fans: what do the New England Patriots and Zsa Zsa Gabor's leg have in common? Both were owned by Gang Green.
Going into last weekend, the AFC was a 4 point fav in the Super Bowl. It is now down to AFC -1. Updated Super Bowl odds from The Hilton: Pittsburgh 2-1, New York Jets 7-2, Green Bay 8-5, Chicago 9-2.
So the Toronto Blue Jays told Russell Martin they'd match whatever the New York Yankees offered to bring him to his homeland. He still chose New York. The Jays were in hard on Brian Fuentes. He chose Oakland. More than a few second place finishes for Toronto, which, of course, is a vast improvement. Oh, the Jays did sign Jon Rauch yesterday, but I wrote the previous bit before that happened and didn't feel it worth ditching over that mere detail.
For signing former Tampa Bay Ray Rafael Soriano last week, the Rays will get the Yankees first-round pick, adding more to Tampa Bay's huge haul of picks for this summer's draft, which is thought to be the deepest in years. The Rays will have nine picks before the start of the second round. Of course, it bears mentioning that the baseball draft remains a crap shoot. After all, Tim Beckham, who was a No. 1 pick for the Rays, is struggling mightily, and Tampa Bay, who do drafting perhaps better than anyone, passed on San Francisco Giant Buster Posey to take Beckham.
ESPN's Buster Olney says the St. Louis Cardinals have about a month to sign Albert Pujols to an extension. After that he's going to be intent on exploring free agency. Betting his agent wishes the Yankees and Boston Red Sox didn't have first base already tied up. Pujols is said to be after A-Rod money, and the Cards don't seem willing to oblige.
Toronto boy and reigning NL MVP Joey Votto signed a three-year extension with Cincinnati worth $38 million. Good for Votto, good for the Reds.
Don't let the "Brett Favre has filed his retirement papers" fool you too much - he can ask to be reinstated, and has before. But, he is shilling "Thanks for the memories" memorabilia on his website, and in what is likely a bid to suck up to the Packers fans, he's picking them to win the Super Bowl.
1,023. That's the number of league managers that have been sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson took over as Manchester United boss in 1986. Mindblowing.
Those voodoo dolls of mine are in fine form - LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Ringo Bosh all missed practice yesterday with injuries. Maybe they just needed some time to "chill".
If you're wondering what every happened to former first rounder of the Toronto Raptors, Rafael Araujo, here he is, shattering a backboard this past weekend.
Going into last weekend, the AFC was a 4 point fav in the Super Bowl. It is now down to AFC -1. Updated Super Bowl odds from The Hilton: Pittsburgh 2-1, New York Jets 7-2, Green Bay 8-5, Chicago 9-2.
So the Toronto Blue Jays told Russell Martin they'd match whatever the New York Yankees offered to bring him to his homeland. He still chose New York. The Jays were in hard on Brian Fuentes. He chose Oakland. More than a few second place finishes for Toronto, which, of course, is a vast improvement. Oh, the Jays did sign Jon Rauch yesterday, but I wrote the previous bit before that happened and didn't feel it worth ditching over that mere detail.
For signing former Tampa Bay Ray Rafael Soriano last week, the Rays will get the Yankees first-round pick, adding more to Tampa Bay's huge haul of picks for this summer's draft, which is thought to be the deepest in years. The Rays will have nine picks before the start of the second round. Of course, it bears mentioning that the baseball draft remains a crap shoot. After all, Tim Beckham, who was a No. 1 pick for the Rays, is struggling mightily, and Tampa Bay, who do drafting perhaps better than anyone, passed on San Francisco Giant Buster Posey to take Beckham.
ESPN's Buster Olney says the St. Louis Cardinals have about a month to sign Albert Pujols to an extension. After that he's going to be intent on exploring free agency. Betting his agent wishes the Yankees and Boston Red Sox didn't have first base already tied up. Pujols is said to be after A-Rod money, and the Cards don't seem willing to oblige.
Toronto boy and reigning NL MVP Joey Votto signed a three-year extension with Cincinnati worth $38 million. Good for Votto, good for the Reds.
Don't let the "Brett Favre has filed his retirement papers" fool you too much - he can ask to be reinstated, and has before. But, he is shilling "Thanks for the memories" memorabilia on his website, and in what is likely a bid to suck up to the Packers fans, he's picking them to win the Super Bowl.
1,023. That's the number of league managers that have been sacked since Sir Alex Ferguson took over as Manchester United boss in 1986. Mindblowing.
Those voodoo dolls of mine are in fine form - LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Ringo Bosh all missed practice yesterday with injuries. Maybe they just needed some time to "chill".
If you're wondering what every happened to former first rounder of the Toronto Raptors, Rafael Araujo, here he is, shattering a backboard this past weekend.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Shocker in Beantown (suburb)
I really, really cannot say I even gave the New York Jets a 1% chance of winning yesterday in New England. Not with Tom Brady et al's home record over the years, not with the Jets poking the Patriots all week with their smack talk, not when the Patriots had their way with them just 6 weeks ago in a 45-3 beatdown. But credit in particular to the Jets secondary, who stuck to the Pats receivers for long periods and gave Brady nothing to throw to all day and the Jets won 28-21. I have a feeling that's their Super Bowl, however, and the Green Bay Packers are now the likely winners. The Jets will travel to Pittsburgh next Sunday, where they are 3.5 point underdogs. Patriot Deion Branch, who before he dropped a key fourth down pass late in the game taunted the Jets bench after an earlier catch, called the Jets classless, and refused to shake hands with certain players post-game, as did a few of his teammates.
On the NFC side, the Chicago Bears were easy 35-24 winners over Seattle in a game nowhere near as close as that score suggests, and will host Green Bay next Sunday in the early game. Somehow, the Packers have opened as 3.5 point favs. Don't get me wrong, I think the Packers win, but how are the Bears home dogs like that?
Not sure if it is a sign of the apocalypse, but there have been thousands of dead birds in Arkansas, and this weekend, another 53 won't be making it back to their respective homes in Baltimore or Seattle, and 53 more perished in Atlanta.
Credit to the Jets through, if they're going to go the distance, they will and may have to navigate some pretty impressive quarterbacks in Peyton Manning (fading, though he may be), Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and potentially Aaron Rodgers.
After the Jets win, Bart Scott channeled his inner WWE Superstar with this promo.
And speaking of the WWE, if you're wondering where Randy "Macho Man" Savage is these days, turns out, everywhere. Amazing site.
I have to ask: why couldn't Fireman Ed have been in the Twin Towers?
The 2008 0-16 Detroit Lions lost seven games by at least 15 points. The Seattle Seahawks were a late run yesterday from losing their tenth.
Manchester United and Tottenham played to an entertaining scoreless draw - yes, it is possible, people - in London yesterday that sees the Reds through. Spurs dominated the first and last 20 minutes, the latter aided by a weak red card call on Rafael. Nemanja Vidic was an absolute rock in the back for the leaders. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp figures there's no chance that United stays undefeated for the year if they couldn't do it a couple year's back when they had Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez in the lineup. The way they defend, I wouldn't put it past them.
Christal Bosh whined after an opponent had the audacity to go to the ground after a loose ball, which resulted in Christal getting a boo-boo. Wince Carturd thinks this guy is embarrassing with the whining. Bosh says you shouldn't dive at loose balls around players legs. One, I'm pretty sure that would be the only ball around Bosh' legs. Two, I don't recall a time - ever - where there has been a loose ball on an NBA floor without a guy around it. Shut your mouth, Christal.
So Christina Aguilera is singing the U.S. anthem at the Super Bowl. Two things. One, is the game still slated to start on time? She might delay the start 20 minutes with a less-than-faithful rendition. Two, what year is this? Xtina to open, Black Eyed Peas at the half?
I finally figured out why Ben Roethlesberger wears a visor: because mace stings.
One thing I won't be doing on January 28th: watching this lame NHL draft for the all-star game. Get Dr. Kevorkian, stat.
Things got testy in Los Angeles last night as the "visiting" Clippers downed the "home" Lakers. With 5.7 seconds on the clock, four players were ejected.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Pats/Jets finally get it on
In the NFC yesterday, the Atlanta Falcons started well and then lost their game in a hurry as the Green Bay Packers roared back and absolutely crushed them 48-21. Silly me for giving the Falcons love after a year of thinking they were way overrated.
Today's NFC contest is about the least appealing of the bunch this weekend, so it'll likely end up being a gem the way the Seattle/New Orleans game was last weekend. The Seahawks are 10 point dogs in Chicago today, a place they won earlier in the year as 7 point dogs. I really, really can't see the Seahawks winning - they're 8-9 on the year, travelled to a cold city across the country, and are facing a team that has been up a lot more than down all year - so lean to Chicago. It would be funny seeing a Seahawks win, however, as they'd host the NFC Championship with a win.
A guy who knows a thing or two about delivering when it matters - Reggie Jackson - had some choice words for the New York Jets, telling them to shut up and focus on playing instead of a meaningless campaign to trash talk the New England Patriots. Says Mr. October: "Go look at the hardware, dude. Walk through the lobby up there and look at the stuff that's there. You don't have that, you don't have anything close to that [what the Patriots have]. You might want to shut up, you might learn something. Read, you might figure something out. Watch film, you might get educated. If not, you have a chance to get embarrassed on Sunday.
The big game of the English Premier League this weekend comes from London, where first place and undefeated Manchester United will visit Tottenham. Historically, these two play some wildly entertaining games, but I suspect a far tighter affair with so much at stake for both teams. Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are back to health for United. Should be a cracker, as the saying goes. 11am on Setanta Sports.
Enjoy the games!
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