Friday Funnies

If I didn’t already have an amazing costume (Blossom Russo from “Blossom”) I would totally have gone as Subtle Sexuality!

Crazy Eyes

Baseball: Albert Pujols wants to spend the rest of his career in St. Louis...Looks like Melvin Mora will be on the move after the Orioles decided not to pick up his option...If your name is not Thad Bosley, Rusty Greer, Clint Hurdle or Gerald Perry, then I am sorry you are not in the running for Texas Rangers hitting coach...Tampa Bay will cut nearly 40% of ticket prices for 2010.

Basketball: The Bulls topped the Spurs, 92-85 in Derrick Rose's return to the lineup...Carmelo Anthony had 41 as the Nuggets edged the Blazers, 97-94...

College Football: UNC stunned Virginia Tech, 20-17...Chad Dawson will honor Japser Howard prior to his next fight in Hartford...In other Howard news, the popo has arrested Christopher Mutchler after placing an anti-snitch posting on a message board. Good job idiot. Oh and watch out Chrissy, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Vince Young is the Titans new starting QB...Seattle's middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu was place on IR after having surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle...Meanwhile the Saints did the same with fullback Heath Evans who tore his ACL...Giants backup running back Ahmad Bradshaw says he will play despite having a cracked bone in his foot. That's my boy!

Hockey: Their balance at the luck bank must be very low after the Red Wings lost Valtteri Filppula for six to eight weeks with a broken wrist during their 6-5 shootout loss to the Oilers...The Wings aren't the only team reeling, the Penguins will be without Evgeni Malkin for two-to-three weeks with a shoulder injury...Alexander Ovechkin netted two goals in the Capitals 4-3 win over the Trashers...Not to be out done, Steven Stamkos had two power play goals as the Lightning struck the Senators, 5-2...Canucks topped the Kings, 2-1 SO...The Devils remain undefeated on the road thanks to Dainius Zubrus' third period goal which gave them a 2-1 lead over the Bruins.

(Photo: AP)

Nascar: Elliott Sadler will be in a Ford this weekend at Talladega...Juan Pablo Montoya had tacos yesterday. Thank you twitter for that update.

Best of the Rest: According to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. does not want to fight him. I'd be careful what I'd say about him, his family members are crazy!...The NCAA is trying to clean up its members' recruiting practices. Good luck on that one...Bob Knight has rejected a request to enter the Indiana University Hall of Fame...In their first ever postseason appearance, the Sounders tied the Dynamo, 0-0. Gee, I just don't know why the MLS is not catching on in America.
(Photo: AP)

Check this Out: The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge remains closed today. I can only imagine what kind of diaster this has been for commuters.

Battling Back: 2009 MLB Playoffs

Worlds Series
Yankees v. Phillies
Game 2 Recap:

Yankees 3, Phillies 1
A night after the Phillies got a dazzling pitching performance by Cliff Lee, it was the Yankees turn to dominate. A.J. Burnett was steady going seven innings and allowing just one run while Mariano Rivera pitched a two inning save that allowed the Yankees to tie the Series at 1 game a piece. The Phillies got a run off of Burnett early in the second after Raul Ibanez hit a double that just narrowly stayed fair and then Matt Stairs followed with a single that drove in Ibanez to give the Phils an early lead. But the Yankees bounced back. Mark Teixeira hit his first homerun since the ALDS, a long bomb that hit the glass enclosure in the Yankees bullpen and tied the game at one. Hideki Matsui followed in the sixth inning with a go ahead homer that put the Yanks out front for good.
WP: A.J. Burnett (1-0) LP: Pedro Martinez (0-1) S: Mariano Rivera (1)
Yankees Lead the Series 1-0
Next Game: Saturday, October 31 at 7:57 PM/est on FOX

News&Notes: If you missed the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys performance, click here to check it out…Even though they pretty much cancelled each other out, those two errant calls are still not good news for the already embarrassing umpiring this postseason…The Yankees replaced Nick Swisher with Jerry Hairston, Jr.…With Greg Dobbs home with the flu, the Phillies called on Matt Stairs. Which was a good thing considering he got the only Philadelphia RBI in Thursday’s game…Game 1 of the World Series had the highest ratings since 2004…Congrats to Derek Jeter who received the Roberto Clemente Award.
(Photo: Reuters)

It’s Always Sunny on Thursdays

On tonight’s all new episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the gang is giving back, although this time it’s all for the troops. And since Rowdy Roddy Piper is making a guest starring appearance, you kind of can’t miss it.

Click here for a preview of tonight’s show and here to catch up on past episodes.

Don’t forget to tune into FX tonight at 10 PM/est!

PS – Since every place I looked to find a picture of the green man costume said it’s sold out, I am thinking it’s going to be a hot Halloween costume. So if you see anyone wearing it, take a picture and send it in. I’ll post them next week!
(Photo: FX)

This Bud is Not for You

I maybe going out on a limb here, but I think the worst offense anybody could make who drives cars at high speeds around a track for a living would probably be getting arrested for DUI. Unfortunately for Richard Petty Motorsports’ A.J. Allmendinger that is just what happened when the former open wheel star was pulled over by the popo early Thursday Morning.

In a statemnt, Allmendinger admitted to having a bit too much to drink while out to dinner with friends and then reiterated his complete stupidity:

“I made an error in judgment last night for which I take full responsibility…I honestly felt fine but I obviously should have erred more on the side of caution particularly given what I do for a living.”

He blew a .08 on a breathalyzer test.

It was announced on Wednesday, that RPM would be moving the sponsor Best Buy from Elliott Sadler’s ride to Allmendinger, who will be taking over the famed #43 in 2010. But with his recent arrest, the team may want to reconsider things. He still, however, is scheduled to race at Talladega this weekend.

Watch out A.J., because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; Source)

There is nothing wrong with a little blood

Baseball: Tim Hudson is close to signing a three year deal to stay with the Braves. YEAH!!!....Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman has met with the Red Sox...Gary Matthews, Jr. doesn't feel like being an Angel anymore...Rusty Greer has interviewed for the open batting coach position with the Texas Rangers...The Rangers also met with the third potential buyer...Is Sandy Johnson's return to the Mets a bad sign for GM Omar Minaya? I am confused, isn't Jeff Wilpon secretly the GM anyway...This McCourt divorce is hititng new lows and thusly will be left out of the blog until a settlement is made, so somewhere around 2015...Camden Yards may undergo its first major facelift since opening in the early 90s.

Basketball: The Cavs fell to the Raptors, 101-91 to open up the season 0-2. Try not to panic Cavs fans, it's literally just the second game of the season...The Celtics, meanwhile, are 2-0 after hammering the Bobcats, 92-59. Ok Bobcats fans, it is time to panic...The Heat retired Tim Hardaway's #10 and then the Knicks, 115-93...Tony Parker was injured in a hard fall, but cheer up San Antonio, at least you whipped the Hornets, 113-96...The Rockets had a very Amazing Race like trip to their game against Golden State...If you were excited to get your hands on the Tim Donaghy tell all, well you're out of luck.

College Football: The Chick-fil-A Bowl and the ACC have agreed to a four year extension. Now I am just hunger for their waffle fries. Thanks a lot!

Football: I know you're on pins and needles, so luckily Jeff Fisher will end your wondering and announce the QB for the Titans on Thursday...The Bucs are going with Josh Freeman...Reggie Bush thinks the Saints can undefeated. It's always good to have goals, even if they are unattainable Reggie...Roger Goodell defended the NFL on Capital Hill.

Hockey: The Rangers dropped their third game in four tries, falling to the Islanders, 3-1. What the frick?...Marian Gaborik was noticeably absent due to his latest injury which may also keep him out of Friday's game in Minnesota. Isn't that a shame on multiple levels?...Sidney Crobsy scored a hat trick before the third period even started in the Penguins 6-1 romp over the Habs...The Sabres shelled the Devils, 4-1 to sweep their three game road trip...The Avs rallied to snuff out the Flames, 3-2...The Senators edged the Panthers, 4-3...Roberto Loungo is going to be out for a bit.
(Photo: AP)

Nascar: Best Buy will move from Elliott Sadler's car to the #43 which will be driven by AJ Allmendinger...Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage is expecting a hearty crowd at next Sunday's Dickies 500...Sad news, longtime PR man for Martinsville Speedway Dick Thompsno has died. He was 74.

Best of the Rest: Kansas is number one in the first college basketball poll of the year...Not only was Andre Aggasi doing meth, but he also hates his father. Oh this book sounds like a real page turner...Venezuela has decided to help conserve energy by hosting daytime soccer matches.

Check this Out: Still stuck on what to be for Halloween? Let EW help you out.

K-Zone: 2009 MLB Playoffs

World Series
Yankees v. Phillies
Game 1 Recap:

Phillies 6, Yankees 1
Cliff Lee dominated while Chase Utley added two homeruns as the Phillies took game 1 of the 2009 World Series. Lee opened the game with a strike out of Derek Jeter - who ironically was the only Yankee able to get anything going against the 2008 Cy Young Award winner, going 3-for-4 on the night – and then finished off the night striking out Alex Rodriguez and then Jorge Posada to close out the win.
WP: Cliff Lee (1-0) LP: CC Sabathia (0-1)
Phillies Lead Series 1-0
Next Game: Thursday, October 29 at 7:57 PM on FOX

News&Notes: Was it just me, or was the strike zone a bit iffy last night…Chase Utley has set a postseason record for reaching base safely in 26 straight playoff games…Along with all the celebs (Alec Baldwin, Loren Michaels, Jeff Gordon, Mark Messier…) and the first ladies (Michelle Obama and Jill Biden) last night, George Steinbrenner was also in attendance…Pedro Martinez was a wealth of information during Wednesday’s press conference. Apparently at times, he’s the most influential person at Yankee Stadium and he’s sorry he drop kicked Don Zimmer…The Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performance was postponed to Game 2 due to the crappy weather.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Hump Day Hair

Nick Swisher debuted his World Series hair. I think Joe Girardi really likes it!
(Photo: AP)

For All the Marbles: 2009 MLB Playoffs

World Series
Yankees v. Phillies

Entering into this year’s fall classic, the Yankees and Phillies present one of the best match-ups in recent years. Both teams feature powerful lineups which have seen their former MVPs – Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Howard – leading the way. They both have spectacular number one starters – CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee – who both happen to be former Cy Young Awards winners with the Cleveland Indians. Sabathia and Lee are both backed by veteran pitchers – Andy Pettitte and Pedro Martinez – who have come through in the clutch this October and shaky starters – A.J. Burnett and Cole Hamels – who are question marks in their respective rotations. Finally each teams’ bullpens have had mixed results over the last three weeks, mixing steady holds with game ending blunders. It is anyone’s to take but it’s not going to be easy.

Game 1: Wednesday, October 28 at 7:57 PM/est on FOX

News&Notes: Jimmy Rollins is saying Phillies in 5. Which lead to Chase Utley’s response: "I think if this one sticks I think I'll take him to Vegas with me."…Philadelphia has added Brett Myers and Eric Bruntlett to the roster while dropping Miguel Cairo…Tickets for Game 1 have dropped in price if your interested…Maybe it has something to do with today’s forecast…If you are planning on attending the World Series, arrive early…Apparently NJ is the real Yankees/Phillies battleground…You know how much I love my separated at birth. Click here for SI.com’s World Series edition.
(Photos: Reuters & AP)

Hot Dogging

Baseball: The Houston Astros hired Brad Mills as their new head coach. Mills spent six seasons as the bench coach with the Boston Red Sox...The Blue Jays have dropped the interim tag off Paul Beeston's title as the clubs' President and CEO...The Nationals have been forced to pay Jose Baez $75,000 for wrongful termination...The Rays have re-signed Gabe Kapler to aone year deal...Tigers prospect Scott Sizemore has undergone surgery on his fractured left ankle...The Braves have pulled prospect Jason Heyward out of the Arizona Fall League.

Basketball: It was a night to celebrate for the Los Angeles Lakers who picked up their championship rings and a 99-92 win over the Clippers...Lakers foward Pau Gasol missed the opener with a strained right hamstring...The Celtics topped the Cavs, 95-89...Cleveland was without their troubled guard Delonte West...Meanwhile Rajan Rondo and the Celtics are still talking contract...Glen Davis is claiming he injured his hand protecting himself after a friend hit him while he was driving. With friends like that

College Football: Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant will remain suspended for the rest of the year...John William Lomax III has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of UCONN football player Jasper Howard. Watch out John, because the popo are on your tail!



Football: Mark Sanchez is spreading his love of hot dogs to the less fortunate. The Jets QB donated 1,000 hot dogs and hamburgers to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook could miss this week's game against the Giants with a concussion...Chris Cooley will undergo surgery to repair his broken ankle...Are the Chiefs ready to cut Larry Johnson after his twitter outburst?

Hockey: The Capitals won their fifth straight on the strenght of two goals by Alex Ovechkin...The Red Wings rallied with four goals in the third period to nip the Canucks, 5-4...Vancouver center Ryan Johnson was carried off the ice after sliding headfirst into the boards during the second period...The Avalanche blanked the Oilers, 3-0...Colorado back-up goalie Peter Budaj has swine flu...And so does the Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid...Rangers foward Marion Gaborik was held out of practice. I am not panicking, it's just practice. Better to save him for the game anyway...The Blue Jackets' center Andrew Murray will miss four weeks with an injured shoulder...Flyers forward Simon Gagne has two small hernias in his right groin and could be looking at surgery...Sidney Crosby and Trevor Linden have been tapped to run the Olympic torch across Canada...An Idaho junior hockey team has been temporarily banished from a local rink for engaging in a game of strip hockey. I guess it's best to leave things like that to the professionals.

Nascar: Joe Gibbs is probably not going to return to the NHL...Speaking of JGR, Kyle Busch and teammate Joey Logano were on WWE Raw.

Best of the Rest: Andre Agassi reportedly has admitted to using Meth in his soon to be released autobiography. Well if it's good enough for Fergie and Stephanie Tanner...Bob Knight is returning a check offered by Indiana...Michael Whan will reportedly become the new commissioner of the LPGA.

Check this Out: The long awaited arrival is here. (And no I am not talking about Lucky returning to General Hospital, even though it's awesome news) This Is It, a documentary following the final days of Michael Jackson has hit theaters. Click here for the trailer.

Going the extra Mile

Getting World Series tickets can be a hard thing, especially if you’re not rolling in dough. That’s made some Phillies phans a bit creative, but unfortunately for this buxom blonde, her idea turned out to be illegal. 43-year-old Susan Finkelstein was arrested on Tuesday after offering sex in exchange for two tickets for the Series.

In an ad posted on Craigslist, Finkelstein advertised she was a huge Phillies fan in dire need of tickets. She went onto write that she was “the creative type! Maybe we can help each other!” When an undercover popo officer responded to the ad Susie ended up with a set of handcuffs instead of the tickets. She has been charged with prostitution among other offenses.

Watch out Susan, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: New York Post; Source - thanks Howard)

Big Baby’s Childish Behavior Could Cost Him Big Time

Celtics forward Glen Davis will likely be suspended by the team after being involved in an altercation on Sunday that resulted in a broken thumb. Davis will undergo surgery to repair the thumb on Tuesday and be out for sometime although that’s not stopping the team from teaching him a lesson.

"We'll deal with it," Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck told WFXT. "I'm not going to call him 'Big Baby' anymore. He's Glen. He needs to act like Glen. We'll decide what to do once I talk to him, once we talk to him today."

"It's very likely he'll be suspended. And he'll have some time to think about it. It'll be a message, a teachable moment for the rest of the guys on the team."

Davis signed a two year, $6 million contract to stay in Boston this off season and was expected to be a major asset coming off the bench for the team.

(Photo: AP; Source)

Fan of the Game

In this week’s edition we have a flair off between this crazy Pats fan who flew all the way to England to show his love of all things Patriotic and this down on her luck Redskins fan who could show Jennifer Anniston a thing or two about flair. So which one should be declared this week’s fan of the week? Make suggestions in the comments section below.
(Photos: Getty Images & Reuters)

Definition of Awkward Family Photo

Baseball: The Indians have hired Manny Acta as their new manager...Meanwhile the Cardinals added Mark McGwire as their hitting coach. Which is totally ok with Commissioner Bud Selig...And brought back Tony LaRussa for another year...Former Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima signed a four year deal with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan...Speaking of opting out, Tyler Yates is kissing Pittsburgh goodbye...The sale of the Cubs has been completed...Ratings for Sunday's game 6 of the ALCS actually topped that of the Giants/Cardinals football game...World Series news: Pedro Martinez will start game 2 for the Phillies...George Steinbrenner is coming to New York...Jay-Z and Alicia Keys will perform during Game 1.

Basketball: The NBA season officially begins tonight, but Blake Griffin won't be joining the fun for at least six weeks with a broken knee cap...The Bulls have exercised contract options for Derek Rose and Joakim Noah for the 2010-11 season...Charles Barkley wants to be a NBA GM. A reporters dream I am sure...The wife of Cavs star Delonte West has filed a domestic violence report against her husband. Kimberly West claims she and her husband had an argument "in which he grabbed her and took her wedding ring and purse." Watch out Delonte, because the popo are on your tail!

College Football: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford has decided to undergo surgery for his broken shoulder. He will also enter the NFL draft. Good call kid...Michigan is being investigated by the NCAA.

Football: The Eagles pounced on the Redskins, 27-17...Both Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and Redskins tight end Chris Cooley sustained injuries during the game...Titans owner Bud Adams wants Vince Young to start. Why not, things couldn't be any worse?...The 49ers are going with Alex Smith as their QB after this weekends improved play...Speaking of this weekend, click here for a complete wrap up of scores...The Cowboys have extended DeMarcus Ware's contract...Larry Johnson put down the keyboard and stop twittering! Or whatever it's called...Former Browns/current Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been charged with misdemeanor assault after alledgedly beating up LeBron James' friend. Watch out Braylon, because the popo are on your tail!

Hockey: Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes has agreed to sell the franchise to the NHL...The Rangers finally got of their three game slide hitting up the Coyotes, 5-2...Although it wasn't all good news, after netting two goals, Marion Gaborik left with an injury. Gee, it took longer than I thought...In other injury news, Thrashers Ilya Kovalchuk is out three to five weeks with a broken right foot...The Devils Paul Martin and Jay Pandolfo will both miss four to six weeks...The Avalanche placed Darcy Tucker on IR after suffering a concussion from a Tuomo Ruutu check...Panthers winger David Booth is out of the hospital after sustaining a concussion from a hit by Flyers captain Mike Richards...Congrats to the Maple Leafs who finally got a win after doubling up the Ducks, 6-3...The Canadiens topped the Islanders in OT, 3-2...Patrick Kane added some flash to the Blackhawks 3-1 victory over the Wild...Both Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook missed the game for the Hawks.

Nascar: Congrats to Denny Hamlin for winning at Martinsville...Click here for complete results...And here for updated standings...Kyle Busch has a new crew chief, Dave Rogers...ESPN's Bob Griese has been suspended a week for his taco joke. I don't think Juan Pablo Montoya was laughing Bobby...Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is hitting up the CMAs.

Best of the Rest: The Swine Flu is hitting the Premier League hard. After announcing three players and two staff members at Blackburn had the virus, Bolton reported that four players and an employee are also affected...An illness has caused Brock Lesnar to postpone his fight with Shane Carwin.

Check this Out: Congrats to Jennifer Esposito and tennis ace Mark Philippoussis on their recent engagement. Not that I have kept up with Mark's life since his reality show Age of Love, but this announcement kind of came out of left field. Click here for more details

Halloween Reiminder

It's only five days and counting until Halloween, do you know where your zooba pants are?

(Photo: Getty Images)

Double Fisted: 2009 MLB Playoffs

ALCS
Yankees v. Angels
Game 6 Recap:

Yankees 5, Angels 2
After a six year absence, the Yankees are heading back to the World Series after topping the Angels, 5-2. New York broke out in the fourth with a Johnny Damon two run single that scored Robinson Cano and Nick Swisher. Derek Jeter score two batters later when Alex Rodriguez was walked with the bases loaded. But The Angels held on, cutting the lead to one run in the eighth when Vlad Guerrero singled in Chone Figgins. But the Bombers put the game out of reach with two runs in the bottom of that inning sending them into a battle with the defending World Champion Phillies.

Andy Pettitte was on top of his game, withstanding a bumpy third in which he gave up his only earned run on his way to a major league best 16th career victory in the playoffs.
WP: Andy Pettitte (1-0) LP: Joe Saunders: (0-1) S: Mariano Rivers (2)
Yankees Win Series 4-2

News&Notes: CC Sabathia was named ALCS MVP…He’ll be going up against his old teammate Cliff Lee in Game 1…Angels manager Mike Scioscia is not a fan of the current playoff schedule…So the all LA World Series didn’t come to fruition, but what about a nice Turnpike Battle? The State of NJ will become even more divided over the next week…Could an impending transit strike in Philadelphia impact the World Series?...The latest round of complaints from the New Yankee Stadium has to do with cracking concrete. Ok, now that’s a serious problem.

(Photo: AP)

Friday Funnies

Too bad there I couldn’t find the after photo. You know the one that has him being lead away in hand cuffs.
(Photo:Getty Images)

Take a bite

Baseball: This McCourt divorce is getting ugly in a hurry. Lawyers have revealed that Jamie McCourt has been fired from her post as Dodgers CEO...Tony LaRussa is still unsure. Good another Brett Favre will he or won't he...Tim Wakefield has no plans to retire, if anyone was wondering...Twins' Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan both underwent surgical procedures...Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod Parker will undergo Tommy John Surgery on October 28th.

Basketball: Isiah Thomas is upset with Magic's new book...Kevin Love will miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his broken hand...The 76ers have cut Dionte Christmas who was arrested on firearms charges. How can you have a last name of Christmas and get arrest for firearms chargers. It just seems wrong. So that's why Dionte you should watch out, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Football: Florida State rallied with 24 points in the second half to take down UNC, 30-27...Ole Miss is looking to change their fight song by discouraging fans from chanting "the South will rise again."...The University of Minnesota is sorry their Goldy Gopher mascot was making fun of a Penn State football player who was praying. People really need to stop being so sensitive.

Football: The Jim Zorn saga continues in DC. Officials say Jimmy will finish out the season, but then he'll probably get the ax...Speaking of days numbered, Terrell Owens' time as an impact player is reportedly over...Raiders head coach Tom Cable will avoid any assualt charges...Even without a team, LA is building a new football stadium after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that would allow the construction of a 75,000 seat-stadium.

Hockey: The Rangers went from being unbeatable to dropping their second game in row after falling to the Devils, 4-2...The Flyers topped the Bruins, 4-3...The Capitals scored three goals in 88 seconds to help lift them past the Thrashers, 5-4...Anze Kopitar got his first career hat trick in the Kings 5-4 edging of the Stars in OT...The Coyotes picked up their sixth win in eight contests, sneaking past the Red Wings, 3-2 in OT...The Canadiens hammered the Islanders, 5-1. At least the Isles already got that first win...The NHL has suspended Ducks forward Ebgeny Artyukhin for three games without pay for his "slew-footing incident."

Nascar: Michael Waltrip was given a ticket for failing to yeild after a collision with a motorcycle on Wendesday. Waltrip took a field sobriety test but blew a .06 below the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina. Watch out Mikey, because the popo are on your tail!...Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Tony Eury, Jr. and teaming up - in the Naitonwide Series.

Best of the Rest: SEC commissioner Mike Slive confirmed that there are eligibilty issues with Kentucky's top recruit John Wall and Mississippi State's Renardo Sidney...Is Duke back? I hope so!...Fans of the football club Liverpool will march against its American ownership...Sad news, Real Madrid's longest serving fan Felix Perez Alvarez has died at the age of 99.

Check this Out: Hulu.com may begin to charge viewers to watch content beginning in 2010. Say it ain't so. How will I ever be able to keep up with all of my shows?

Escape from LA: 2009 MLB Playoffs

ALCS
Yankees v. Angels
Game 5 Recap:

Angels 7, Yankees 6
Despite most people agreeing the Yankees participation in this year’s World Series was a foregone conclusion, the Angels proved they were not ready to just throw in the towel and allow the Bombers to walk into the final round of the playoffs. Los Angels garnered a four run lead before A.J. Burnett even had a chance to blink but the Yankees stormed back, stunning the Halos with a six run seventh in which all of the runs were scored with two out in the inning. The Angels, however, stung right back with Kendry Morales driving in the go-ahead run to cap a three run seventh that gave the Angels a 7-6 victory and a trip to back to New York.
WP: Kevin Jepsen (1-0) LP: Phil Hughes (0-1)
Yankees Lead Series 3-2
Next Game: Saturday, October 23 at 8:07 PM on FOX

News&Notes: Thanks to a rash of blown calls, MLB is switching up the umpiring crew for the World Series…A.J. Burnett may want to start playing like he deserves all those zeroes in his pay check…Is Cole Hamels tipping his pitches?
(Photo: Getty Images)

It’s Always Sunny on Thursday

A day after the Phillies clinched their second straight trip to the World Series, the gang looks back at where they were the night the Phillies won their first World Series since 1980 in this week’s all new episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (tonight at 10 PM/est on FX).

If you’ve missed any episodes from this season, click here to catch up.

Fan of the Game

Here at PIMC, we are always looking for new weekly specials. So this week we're staring the Fan of the Game, where we put the spotlight on the fans, people like us who live and breathe for our teams. Today's fan of the game is this kid:



A true Phillies fan whose parents allowed him to draw all over himself and even gave himself a gotee. Thank goodness it was warn yesterday or this would be on the verge of child abuse. Also we hope he didn't use a sharpie.

You child we solute, as this week's fan of the game!
(Photo: AP)

Love is in the Air

Baseball: Prized Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman arrived in New York on Wednesday to start meetings with several major league clubs...The Braves are not likely to sign Matt Holliday. Even though he's the perfect piece to their puzzle...Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge will undergo surgery on his left knee...Bobby Valentine is having his second interview with the Indians. He's facing off against former Nats manager Manny Acta and Don Mattingly...The Padres are reportedly close to hiring Jed Hoyer - who is currently an assistant general manager with the Red Sox - as their new GM...The Cubs have hired former Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo...And the Rays picked up former Indians hitting coach Derek Shelton...ESPN analyst Steve Phillips is taking a mandatory leave of absense after his mistress turned all Glen Close.

Basketball: LaMarcus Aldridge has verbally agreed to an extension with the Trail Blazers worth $65 million...Good news, Derek Rose is feeling better.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor has talked with LeBron James about his hard times...Sam Bradford is opting for surgery...The SEC has suspended all officials involved in last weekend's Arkansas-Florida game...Nick Saban admits that the kicker was using tape but that he did not know about it.

Football: Reports say Redskins coach Jim Zorn almost left. That's what they want you to do so they don't have to pay the rest of your contract. Make them man-up and fire you!...Dallas' Patrick Crayton let the cat out of the bag, Miles Austin will start in his place...Cedric Benson thinks the Bears tried to blackball him...Injury Round-Up: Bob Sanders may make his season debut for the Colts against the Rams this weekend...Ryan Fitzpatrick may start in place of injured Bills QB Trent Edwards...Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin missed practice and remains a question mark for Sunday's game against the Giants...Despite having fractured bones, Cowboys RB Marion Barber and Linebacker DeMarcus Ware will play this weekend against the Falcons...Richard Seymour thinks the Giants got what they deserved against the Saints. Yeah, so what, they got their asses handed to them but at least it wasn't like playing a scrimmage! Oh and the Raiders are no not making the playoffs.

Hockey: The Islanders are winless no more after #1 pick John Taveras scored the game winning goal in the shootout to upend the Hurricanes, 4-3...Also ending their winless streak were the Canucks, who got their first road victory, beating the Blackhawks, 3-2...Both Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook left Wednesday's loss early with upper body injuries. Not a good night for the Hawks...By the way, SI has an article on Captain Serious in this week's issue...The Bruins rallied to edge the Predators, 3-2...The Habs have suspended Sergei Kostitsyn for the second time...While the Capitals sent the benched Michael Nylander to the AHL for some conditioning...Bad news for the Pens, Sergei Gonchar will miss four to six weeks with a broken wrist...Congrats to Mark Messier and Mike Richter on earning the Lester Patrick Award.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: With the championship out of sight, Denny Hamlin is just hoping to salvage the final few weeks of the season...Click here for the latest installment of Brian Vickers' Chase Diary.

Best of the Rest: The Olympic flame has begun its march to Vancouver...Tennis authorities are looking into a match involving Caroline Wozniacki that saw bettors put big money on her opponent...Senator Oran Hatch is urging President Obama to investigate the BCS. I'd rather he work with lowering unemployment and getting everyone basic healthcare, but yeah, this should definitely move to the top of the list.

Check this Out: I am in a bit of Glee overload. Last night's episode was awesome and so are these 10 photos from this week's Entertainment Weekly.

Lovelier the Second Time Around: 2009 MLB Playoff

ALCS
Yankees v. Angels
Yankees Lead Series 3-1
Next Game: Thursday, October 22 at 7:57 PM/est on FOX

News&Notes: The Angels need to solve A-Rod if they hope to stay alive…Don’t worry kids, Derek Jeter is fine despite a cough…Hold your bleep buttons, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen will be a color analyst for Fox’s broadcast of the World Series.

NLCS
Dodgers v. Phillies
Game 5 Recap:

Phillies 10, Dodgers 4
The Phillies hit the ground running – with a three run homer by Jayson Werth in the first – and never looked back, hammering the Dodgers on their way to a second straight World Series. Cole Hamels may have not been at the top of his game, but Philadelphia’s offense picked him up as Werth added a second homer in the seventh and Pedro Feliz and Shane Victorino knocked out their own long balls in the win.
WP: Chad Durbin (1-0) LP: Vincent Padilla (0-1)
Phillies Win Series 4-1
Phillies Next Game: World Series, Wednesday, October 28

News&Notes: Congratulations to Ryan Howard who was named the MVP of the NLCS…Cliff Lee will start Game 1 of the World Series…Got a minute? Here are fifteen reasons to love the Phillies…The popo were ready for the rowdy Philly phans.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Hump Day Hair

Well if things don’t work out for her as a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons she could always work her magic on the stage of a 80s cover metal band. Or maybe try her luck on Rock of Love 4.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Arm Shelf

Baseball: Don't cry too hard for the Mets. A day after fans were greeted with a reminder that their team is still not in the playoffs, it was revealed that the Mets had actually profited from the Madoff incident. Of course they are still being sued by those looking to recover funds from the Ponzi scheme so it's not all roses in Flushing...Donald Fehr will receive an $11 million compensation package when he steps down as head of the Player's Union. I'll take it!...Players and Owners have pushed back a deadline for a collusion grievance...All-Star first baseman Albert Pujols will undergo eblow surgery to remove bone spurs...Who knew former Mets GM/ESPN analyst Steve Phillips was fatal attraction worthy? Hopefully this will teach people *cough* David Letterman *cough* to stay away from the youngsters...The Sporting News has named Zach Grienke and Tim Lincecum as their Pitchers of the Year.

Basketball: The NBA and the refs union are close to a deal...Bobcats guard Raja Bell may need season ending surgery on his wrist. So you need two good wrists to play basketball?...Mavs owner and master of the spotlight Mark Cuban agrees with medically supervised steriod use. Kind of like when I use my inhaler at the gym?

(Photo: Getty Images)

College Football: Lane Kiffin signed a six year, $14.5 million contract to stay with Tennessee...Steve Spurrier is claiming foul, saying Alabama used tape trickery on their field goals. I think some one was tricked by a carny...UCONN held their first practice since the tragic death of teammate Jasper Howard.

Football: The Bears really like Jay Cutler, because they signed him to a two year extension with $20 million guaranteed...The Eagles acquired linebacker Will Witherspoon from the Rams for rookie WR Brandon Gibson...People really need to get over this Jeff Fisher story. Yeah he's the coach of the Titans and was seen wearing a Peyton Manning Colts jersey. But it was at a charity event. I'd be more concerned with Tennessee's 59-0 loss last weekend...Things have gotten worse in Cleveland. 12 players have been sent home with flulike symptoms. I hope they weren't hanging out with LeBron James or his friends because that could mean only one thing, a trade to the Jets...For $4.99 you can iPhone stalk Ochocinco. You can also ask him advise, although I would suggest not asking him to translate your spanish homework considering he can't even translate 85 in spanish.

Hockey: The Pens ripped the Blues, 5-1...In a unrelated side note, after watching Marc-Andre Fluery's post game interview I am even more upset that Robin is still on Top Chef. If Mattin had to leave then Robin should have been long gone!...The Canadiens have ended a five game losing streak by topping the read hot Thrashers, 2-1 in a shootout...The Flames doubled up the Blue Jackets, 6-3...The Lightning played a little game of strip shootout after their practice on Tuesday. Totally upset I missed it, especially since Vinny was involved...The Wild have named center Mikko Koivu their team captain...The Sabres sent Daniel Paille to the Bruins...Who lost their leading scorer Marc Savard for four to six weeks with a broken left foot...Chris Chelios will make his debut with the AHL Chicago Wolves on Friday.

(Photo: AP)

Nascar: Is Jamie McMurray taking over the #1 car?...Todd Berrier will be taking over the crew chief role for Jeff Burton...Looks like Shane Victorino and Tony Stewart have something in common, they both like to go commando...Congrats to Carl Edwards and his wife Kate who are expecting their first child somewhere around the Daytona 500.

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Tiger Woods on being named Player of the Year...So apparently James Blake was on The Colbert Report a few weeks ago and I missed it. But if you're like me and you didn't get to see it, click here. It's worth a view, if only to see Colbert's fashion choices...Martina Hingis may not be returning to tennis, but former #1 Justine Henin has announced she will begin her comeback at the Brisbane International two weeks before the Australian Open...University of Michigan althetic director Bill Martin will retire effective September 4, 2010.

Check this Out: So I know there is still a week until Friday Night Lights is back (for DirecTV subscribers only :() but Auisello is giving you a some scoop from the set here.

I Don't Know is on Third: 2009 MLB Playoffs

ALCS
Yankees v. Angels
Game 4 Recap:

Angles 1, Yankees 10
For those clamoring for instant replay, Tuesday night’s game would be your exhibit A. Besides two blown calls involving Nick Swisher (which basically canceled each other out), there was the even more hilarious debacle at third base involving Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano. If there is one thing I know about baseball it’s that you have to physically be touching the base to be safe. Neither Robinson Cano nor Jorge Posada were on the base when they were tagged by Mike Napoli although magically only Posada was called out.

Even with those umpiring blunders, no one can say that any of them had a real affect on the outcome. CC Sabathia was dominant on three days rest allowing one run, a Kendry Morales homer in the fifth, while striking out five in eight innings. Meanwhile Melky Cabrera went three-for-four with four RBIs and Alex Rodriguez added two RBIs in the win.

WP: CC Sabathia (2-0) LP: Scott Kazmir (0-1)

Yankees Lead Series 3-1

Next Game: Thursday October 21 at 7:57 PM/est on FOX

News&Notes: Mariano Rivera is not doctoring the ball...Down three games to one, the Angels are not ready to give up.

NLCS
Dodgers v. Phillies
Phillies Lead Series 3-1
Next Game: Wednesday October 20 at 8:07 PM/est on TBS

News&Notes: While the Phillies were completing their ninth inning rally in Game 4 of the NLCS, Manny Ramirez was taking a shower. I guess he wanted to be the first one on the team bus…The Dodgers have given GM Ned Colletti an extension...Cooch is quietly making a name for himself this postseason. Of course if you are my brother's dog Maggie Schmitter Ruiz, you already know all about him.

(Photo: AP)

Separated at Birth

Everyday as I stand online waiting to order my morning frapaccino at a coffee bar (I won’t name names but it starts with a Star and ends with a bucks) I see the above photo of Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson on the cover of their CD. (Yes she’s an “artist” now and I have to admit in finding that photo I was coerced into listening to the single and my eardrums did not bleed.) At first when I would look at the photo I would think, who knew Xavier Nady took time out of his busy schedule of hanging out in his New York City apartment while waiting for his elbow ligaments to reattach to record an album with Mrs. Ryan Reynolds (still a bit jealous about that). And then I would quickly realize that it was not Nady but in fact Pete Yorn. But I can’t be blamed they do look freakishly alike. I mean you try telling the Olsen twins apart.
(Photo: New York Daily News)

Happy Birthday Keith

Today is Keith Hernandez’s 56th birthday. So in honor of this special day, I ask those reading now to go slap on a stache for Keith. It’s a great way to get a jump on Halloween (which is just 11 days away.)

Did you lose your helmet?

Baseball: Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima has opted out of the final two years of his contract giving him the ability to sign with a Japanese team...Are the Red Sox trying to acquire Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez?...Scott Boras forgot to take his meds again...Bobby Valentine and Manny Acta are the finalists for the Indians job...Rick Peterson is joining the Brewers as their pitching coach. He'll join Ken Macha and Brad Fischer whom he worked with in Oakland and Willie Randolph whom he was fired with in New York.

Basketball: Sad news, lontime manager of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club Moni Fanan was found dead...Don Nelson has left the Warriors for a family emergency...For just $25,000 you can get courtside seats to the Nets and one of the players will stop by for your kids birthday party. That's still like $15,000 too much...Speaking of the Nets, former star Jayson Williams will have to face a second manslaughter trial. I can't believe he's not in jail yet.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Arrests are expected in the Jasper Howard stabbing...In other Howard news, his t-shirt has sold out as students, faculty and fans rushed out purchase it in memory of the young football player. The school is hoping to acquire more in time for UCONN's next home game on October 31st...Texas QB Colt McCoy may lose his thumbnail but he should be ready to play Saturday against Missouri...Meanwhile Cincinnati QB Tony Pike showed up to practice with a cast on his left forearm...And Sam Bradford will be out for Oklahoma's game against Kansas this weekend. His status beyond that is unknown but probably not very good.

Football: Denver hammered San Diego, 34-23 to remain unbeaten. Do you believe they are the real thing now?...Michael Crabtree is expected to start for the 49ers against the Texans this weekend...With Sherman Lewis taking over play calling from head coach Jim Zorn, it is important to note there is someone on the Redskins who is not losing his job, Jason Campbell will remain the starting QB...Also keeping his job for now is Mark Sanchez who remain the Jets' #1 QB...Of course they'll need a new nose tackle with Kris Jenkins out for the rest of the season...The Bengals' Antwan Odom underwent surgery for a torn Achilles' tendon, ending his season.
(Photo: AP)

Hockey: The Rangers win streak ended at seven as they were destroyed by the Sharks, 7-3. I know it had to end but I was hoping the game would have been a bit closer...The Kings ended their three game slide with a victory over the Stars, 4-1...Dallas center Brad Richards missed Monday's game with a sore groin...Kyle Wellwood's goal was disallowed giving the Oilers a narrow 2-1 victory over the Canucks...Bruins winger Milan Lucic will miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his right index finger...Penguins forward Max Talbot is practicing with the team but he is still a month to six weeks away from returning.

Nascar: Turns out a case of pneumonia prevented Kyle Busch from participating in the Nationwide Series event at California. The driver is still suffering after affects but that didn't stop him from winning in the Nationwide Series race at Charlotte. Ok fine, I admit it, that takes guts. Now try not to infect your fellow drivers.

Best of the Rest: The White House has not responded to a request to have the late black boxing champ Jack Johnson posthumously pardoned...Former number 1 tennis player Martina Hingis will not make a comeback because apparently she likes her life too much.

Check this Out: This past weekend I went to see Good Hair and I highly recommend it. It's a hysterical look at the money women spend and the pressure they are under to have pretty hair. It also features an amazing haircutting contest you'd have to see to believe. If you haven't seen the trailer, click here.

Walk it Out: 2009 MLB Playoffs

ALCS
Yankees v. Angels
Game 3 Recap:

Angels 5, Yankees 4
The Yankees have ended their unbeaten streak in the playoffs thanks to the Angels' dramatic 11th inning walk-off victory. Well it appears we may have a series after all. Derek Jeter led off the game with a solo homerun and Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez added solo shots of their own to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead. But the Angels are playing for something bigger and that desire could only be quenched with a win. Howie Kendrick got the Halos on the board in the fifth with his own solo homerun which was followed an inning later by Vlad Guerrero’s two run dinger that tied the game at three. LA took the lead briefly after Kendrick scored on a Maicer Izturis sac fly. But an inning later they were all tied again when Jorge Posada hit a solo shot. The game remained knotted until the eleventh inning when back-up catcher Jeff Mathis hit a two out double which drove in Kendrick. Two-out walk-off double with the home team wearing red winning and the road team in blue being coached by a guy named Joe losing, I think I am sensing a pattern on the night.
WP: Ervin Santana (1-1) LP: Alfredo Aceves (0-1)
Yankees Lead Series 2-1
Next Game: Tuesday, October 20 at 7:5 7 PM on FOX

News&Notes: Should Joe Girardi have replaced Dave Robertson with Alfredo Aceves? And what the heck was he doing putting in Mariano Rivera in the 10th of a tie game?...CC Sabathia will take the mound on three days rest going up against Scott Kazmir…Click here for a Q&A with Nick Swisher.

NLCS
Dodgers v. Phillies
Game 4 Recap:

Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
Late game heroics by Jimmy Rollins have placed the Phillies one game away from their second straight trip to the World Series, but this win was in no way guaranteed even after Ryan Howard got the Phils ahead early with a two-run homer in the first. The Dodgers, fighting for their playoff lives, tied the game in the fourth with RBI singles by James Loney and Russell Martin and took the lead an inning later with a Matt Kemp solo shot to centerfield. Philadelphia threatened in the eighth with Howard at bat and two runners on, but he struck out and Jayson Werth followed with a soft fly to right. An inning later, LA would not be so lucky. Stepping to the plate with two outs and two on, Rollins hit a double to right which scored Eric Bruntlett and Carlos Ruiz and gave the Phillies the Game 4 victory.
WP: Brad Lidge (1-0) LP: Jonathan Broxton (0-1)Phillies Lead Series 3-1
Next Game: Wednesday, October 21 at 8:07 PM/est on TBS

News&Notes: Ryan Howard has tied Lou Gehrig with his eighth consecutive game with an RBI…Jonathan Broxton should not be a fan of game 4s of the NLCS. Especially ones against the Phillies…Cole Hamels will take on Vincente Padilla for Game 5.

(Photos: Reuters)