Craziness

If I had twitter, which I don’t partly because I don’t really get it, my status would be something like, got ushered out of Comerica Park last night, something to do with false alarm and interrupting a baseball game. Stole fellow inmate’s smuggled in iPhone to write this message. Be back tomorrow after things cool off. Until then enjoy the rest of your Thursday!

But I don’t so instead I write the truth, at off-site retreat bored out of my mind. Using co-worker’s iPhone to write this message. Be back tomorrow. Enjoy your Thursday!

Hump Day Hair

Part of why I love the NHL playoffs…ok one of the main reasons why I love the NHL playoffs is the playoff beards. Sadly after yesterday’s Rangers 2-1 loss to the Capitals, the world will be deprived of Paul Mara’s classic facial hair. Well at least until September.

Why is it when I would see him on the TV screen I would start to sing “Cha-Cha-Chia?”
(Photos: Reuters)

Separated at Birth

I can’t help it if the Flyers got knocked out of the playoffs last weekend, like I told you, I’ve got quite the stockpile on my computer. But I figured since it’s Wednesday, the day Make Me A Supermodel airs on Bravo (at 10 PM/est) it would be the perfect time to unleash Jeff Carter’s double, Jonathan from the aforementioned show. Judge for yourself:

To Prove I can be a Good Sport

I give you this photo of Capitals fans seated behind the Rangers bench during game 7 of the conference quarterfinal round:



Admittedly the ponchos are brilliant. The signs are funny enough. But the guy in the Rangers jersey a few rows over is obviously the smartest of the bunch.
(Photo: Reuters)

Elimination Night or The Time to Change my Screensave Edition

Baseball: The Yankees drilled the Tigers, 11-0. Phil Hughes pitched six scoreless inning in his season debut...Helped out by Jorge Cantu's five RBIs, the Marlins were able to top the Mets, 7-4...Mets skipper Jerry Manuel said he will give Oliver Perez one more start before banishing him to the bullpen...Or maybe cutting him like they did with Freddy Garcia? Probably not, they'd owe Ollie way too much money...I think Cole Hamels may have emptied out his account at the luck bank last October. One start after getting drilled in the shoulder, Hamels twisted his ankle in the Phillies 7-1 rout of the Nationals...The streak is over for the Red Sox after falling to the Indians, 9-8...Trevor Hoffman notched his first save as a Brewer in their 6-5 victory over the Pirates...Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano almost hit for the cycle as Chicago demolished the D'backs, 11-3...Could Josh Hamilton be heading to the DL?...Florida prep star Patrick Schuster's consecutive no-hitter streak ended at four. Still not too shabby...Not to be outdone, West Virginia State's Bo Darby hit homeruns in five consecutive at bats over two games.

Basketball: The Mavs eliminated the Spurs, 106-93...Dwight Howard powered the Magic to a 91-78 win over the 76ers with his 24 points and 24 boards. But after his flyng elbow, could the big man be out for gave six? And I am not talking about the one that sent his teammate Courtney Lee to the hospital...It came down to another overtime game for the Celtics and Bulls with Boston outlasting Chicago, 106-104...The Blazers aren't quite ready to call it a season yet, after taking down the Rockets, 88-77...D-Wade says he's ready for game 5 despite a stiff back...The NBA is making it clear to the coaches, do not criticize the referees after fining Houston's Rick Adelman, Portland's Nate McMillan and Boston's Doc Rivers $25,000.
(Photo: AP)

Football: The Cardinals have granted RB Edgerrin James his release...And Jets gave the retired Brett Favre his release as well. Why would a retired football player need a release? Please Brett, DO NOT COME BACK!

Hockey: The Hurricanes scored two goals in the closing minutes to stun the Devils, 4-3. With the win Carolina advanced to the second round...Also eliminated were the Rangers who were stung by a third period goal by the Capitals Sergei Fedorov in their 2-1 loss...On the brightside for the rest of hockey, with the win, the Capitals advanced to play the Penguins in the second round. [Insert Ovechkin/Crobsy/Malkin rivalry talk here.]...Speaking of the Pens, things are going so well they have removed the interim tag from coach Dan Bylsma's title...After getting eliminated by the Ducks, Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick is considering retirement...So are his teammates Rob Blake and Claude Lemieux...Congrats to Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk, Philadelphia's Mike Richards and Vancouver's Ryan Kesler on being named finalists for the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward).
(Photo: Reuters)

Nascar: Sad news, longtime Nascar journalist David Poole died of a heart attack on Tuesday. He was just 50 years old...Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. both agree there is a problem with Talladega, they are just differing on how to fix it.

Best of the Rest: With the swine flu getting worse, Mexican officials have announced all Mexican football games this weekend will be played without fans in attendance...Swine flu fears even caused the Arsenal's Gunner Carlos Vela to be quarentined after some of his friends visited from Mexico...Six Olympians including two medalists from the Beijing games have tested positive for doping...Win Willy is out of the Kentucky Derby with a possible ankle crack....Sad news, the oldest former Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Kladis has died. He was 92.

Check this Out: There maybe some good news for Privileged fans. It is looking more and more likely that it will be picked up after the network announced it will air repeats on Fridays during the summer.

Yankees dropping ticket prices

I was literally about to run out the door until I read this news article about the Yankees ticket prices. I few days ago I had blogged about the sky high ticket prices and it seems the Yankees listened. Well actually they listened to the more influential articles written in papers like the New York Times, but that's another story. Basically the prices go something like this:

Tickets for the suite seats that used to be $2,500 are now $1,250. Those who already purchased full season tickets at the original price can either receive a refund or a credit. Similar reductions have taken place in seats that coast $1,000, $800 and $600. For more information click here.

More to come tomorrow...

My Boys Tuesday

Last night I found myself watching baseball, not unusual I know, and I got to thinking, wow, I wish the Braves offense wasn’t so anemic and then OMG Cardinals pitcher Joel Pineiro really reminds me of Brendan (Reid Scott). Judge for yourself:



While I don’t think the gang - diehard Cubs fans and all - would appreciate the St. Louis shout out, I do think they’d want you watch tonight’s all new episode at 10:30 PM/est after The Office. Click here for a sneak peak from tonight’s ep and here to catch up on anything you may have missed from this season.

The Talladega Dilemma

This past weekend’s race has once again opened up the on going debate over restrictor plate races. Fans love it. Drivers hate it. And it all derives from the same thing, those tight packs that house 10 to 30 cars which make lead changes almost an ever lap occurrence also force drivers to brace for the inevitable big one that lurks around each turn.

So who should Nascar disappoint; the fans or the drivers? Well judging from their quick reply to Sunday’s crash-fest it seems the fans have won this battle. But have they won the war? With Sunday’s incident as an example the inherent danger that comes from racing at 200 MPH has transferred from the track itself to the fans in the stands and that’s not an issue to take lightly. But Jimmie Johnson’s solution to the problem is more extreme than Nascar or the track is currently willing to do. Johnson has called for a complete restructuring of the track that would erase the tremendous banking and length of the Superspeedway, which are deemed the major culprits in the current “crisis.”

However, former crew chief and Nascar owner Ray Evernham has offered his own advice. He has suggested that Nascar must slow down the cars to lessen the chances of the cars going air born, much in the way the restrictor plate and roof flaps have been designed. My uneducated mind would say that they should make the holes smaller in the plates reducing the air flow, thus reducing the horsepower and then speeds, as a quick fix before Daytona in July, but once again I am not an engineer.

I am a fan. And as a fan, I have to say I look forward to both the Daytona and Talladega races each season. It beats the craptastic but much safer races at California and its similar cookie cutter siblings. The tight packs make the action heart pounding, the danger is almost palpable and the finishes are usually very satisfying, flying vehicles aside. To transform these tracks into 1 ½ or 2 mile shadows of their former selves is to modernize Wrigley Field, removing the ivy and grandstands and replacing them with foam padding and seas of silver concrete. It’s just not acceptable.

For their part, Talladega is evaluating the catchfence, which serves as the primary barrier between the fans and the action. All early indications are that the fence did it’s job but is that enough?

The fact of the matter is, Nascar’s stance on increasing the policing of cars is not the answer. The plates were introduced after Bobby Allison’s car went flying towards the flag stand in 1987 and 22 years later, it has happened again. So tell me Nascar, what else are you going to do?

Super Cuts

I have so many hair related stories this week that I am in overload, not that that is a bad. It ends up being a good thing for the hump day hair fans out there, because you’re getting two posts this week. And it’s even better for David Wright fans because today’s focuses on the Mets third baseman. Seems Dave has been looking for an answer to fix his batting woes and if hitting coach Howard Johnson’s techniques won’t help him, maybe a new haircut will.

While watching part of last night’s game, I noticed Wright’s newly shaved head when they cut to film of him during batting practice, which looked something like this:

(Although the photo was actually from 2007, I am still looking for a photo from yesterday. So far this is the best I can do.)

Attempting to relive 2007? I don’t think that’s a good call.
(Photo: AP)

UPDATE: I found written confirmation that it debuted yesterday, but still no photo.

UPDATE 2: Found photo but cannot cut and paste on the blog. Darn those copywrite laws! hah Click here for the photo. You have to go to the sixth photo of the gallery.

UPDATE 3: It has finally been found not only a photo of the new haircut, but one I can post on the blog:

(Photo: Getty Images)

A tough night

It was a frightening day for two of Major League Baseballs bigger stars. Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez left Monday’s 7-1 loss to the Mets in the first inning after being hit by a pitch on his hand. X-rays that were taken of Ramirez’s hand were negative. Although it still “hurts a lot.” I bet it does.

Across the country, the Rockies Brad Hawpe had to be carted off the field after being hit in the neck during a pick-off attempt by Padres catcher Nick Hundley. Hawpe was taken to a local hospital with a possible concussion. (For video, click here)

(Photos: AP)

Yo estuve en Mannywood

Baseball: The Red Sox maybe hotter than the surface of the sun right now after racking up their 11th straight win with a 3-1 victory over the Indians...The Yankees meanwhile, dropped their fourth straight, 4-2 to the Tigers...But that doesn't compare with the Marlins who have hit a seven game slide thanks to a 7-1 loss to the Mets. Thank you John Maine for finally having a good game after I've dropped you from my fantasy team...Newly drafted Jets QB Mark Sanchez threw out the first pitch for the Mets game...The Nationals and Phillies certainly did not lack for offense, but in the end, the Nats could not overcome the Phils two grand slams in a 13-11 loss...Dexter Fowler stole five bags in the Rockies 12-7 bashing of the Padres. I believe in just one game, Dexter has more steals than the Braves team has had in 18 games...Speaking of the Braves, they fell to the Cardinals, 3-2...But on the up side, Tom Glavine is getting healthier...Trevor Hoffman made his first appearance for the Brewers. He pitched a scoreless inning in Milwaukee's 10-5 rout of the Pirates...With Barry Bonds looking on, the Giants upended the Dodgers, 5-4...The Dodgers will put in a special Mannywood section Dodger Stadium. For $99 fans will get two tickets and Mannywood t-shirts. Sporting dreds is optional.

(Photo: AP)

Basketball: Are you there New Orleans? It's me, playoff basketball...The Lakers wrapped their first round series delivering a 107-96 knock out blow to the Jazz...The Hawks tied their series with the Heat at two thanks to a 81-71 victory...The Bulls Ben Gordon is listed as day-to-day after an MRI confirmed he has a strained left hamstring...Lakers guard Derek Fisher has filled a restraining order against Symone Fisher, whom he claims is stalking him...Former crazy NBA star, now just plain crazy Dennis Rodman has been ordered to pay casino employee Sara Ure $225,000.

Football: Sad news, Former Chiefs coach Frank Gansz passed away. He was 70...The Dolphins released QB John Beck just two years after he was taken in the second round of the draft...The Bengals dropped RB Chris Perry...Redskins QB Jason Campbell was shocked by Washington's play for Mark Sanchez. Shocked like you didn't see this coming after the Jay Culter debacle or shocked like you thought this was going to be your chance to get the heck out of DC?...Meanwhile the Skins have signed Missouri QB Chase Daniel. I wonder if third string QB Colt Brennan is shocked by this decision.

Hockey: The Ducks completed their surprising series victory over the Sharks with a 4-1 win. See the regular season really doesn't mean anything...Meanwhile the Blackhawks polished off the Flames, 4-1 to advance for the first time since 1996...Congrats to the Wild's Niklas Backstrom, Blue Jacket's Steve Mason and the Bruin's Tim Thomas on being named finalists for the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)...Both the Rangers and Capitals and Devils and Hurricanes will go at it in a winner takes all game seven tonight. Hopefully the Rangers will come to play to night if only to avenge Bettsie.
(Photo: Reuters)

Nascar: More fallout from this weekend's races at Talladega. A woman who was injuried during a wreck at the Superspeedway remains at UAB hospital and is listed in fair condition...Despite the high speeds and flying debris, Nascar will not make any changes to the surface of the track...And finally Bobby Allison does not agree with Carl Edwards. Is it wrong to say I believe everything Bobby Allison says?

Best of the Rest: A shin problem has forced Square Eddie out of the Kentucky Derby...Lance Armstrong cannot catch a break. The seven time Tour de France winner has been bumped from the Tour of Gila event in New Mexico this weekend on a technicality...Michigan QB Steven Threet has decided to transfer to ASU...Sad news, former heavyweight boxing champ Greg Page has died. He was just 50 years old.

Check this out: Click here to see Matthew Stafford on Letterman from last night. And It only gets better for Stafford who will show get fashion advice from tennis ace Maria Sharapova on E:60 tonight at 7 PM/est.

Jayson Williams subdued by electrical devise

Former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams’s life has gone from bad to worse, if you can imagine that, after he was involved in a scary incident early Monday morning at his Manhattan hotel room. The popo were called in after it was reported that a man had locked himself inside his room. The man was described as violent and suicidal. Williams was then subdued by an electrical devise (is that what we are calling tasers now?) and taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital for observation. For those of you wondering, St. Vincent’s is the same hospital Rangers winger Sean Avery walked himself to after lacerating his spleen during a playoff game in 2008. It’s also where pretty much every gun shot victim south of 34th is sent.

Monday morning’s incident is just another in a long line of missteps the promising star has made. Williams is still facing a retrial on manslaughter charges as well as four counts related to a shooting of a chauffeur which took place at his Alexandria Township, NJ estate in 2002. Williams claims he was showing around Costas “Gus” Christofi when he accidently shot and killed him. A wrongful death suit was settled in 2003.

Jayson has also been involved in a very public divorce battle with his estranged wife Tanya Young Williams. Ms. Williams claims he threatened to kill her and their two daughters among other things.

Growing up in New Jersey, I have to say, I remember him more for playing with the Nets than his time with the Sixers or even while at St. John’s. While he was in New Jersey, he seemed to be a nice guy who had finally gotten his life on track until the sad incident that took place at his home in 2002. Besides the trial itself, Williams has been able to keep himself off the radar until now. I have to admit, I am very sadden by this news. I know that many of you would brush it off, calling him a murderer and such, but in my mind, he’s still that guy who was playing for the Nets. For his children’s sake, I hope he is able to get the help he needs.
(source)

Adding insult to flaming injury

Not only did Carl Edwards get nudged into a horrendous crash, while leading…on the final lap, but because of the configuration of Talladega, what could have been a top five finish ended up being a 24th place. On most tracks, the start finish line is in middle of the front stretch, but at Talladega, it’s past the exit of pit road. And no, it doesn’t count if you personal walk over the start finish line, you car has to pass it too.

The accident put an exclamation point on what was a crash filled day which began with a 13 car pile-up and included another major accident on lap 179.
(source)

Only Two Minutes for This?

Talk about cheap shots. Donald Brashear nailed Blair Betts in the head so badly he was unable to return to the game and only got two minutes while Brandon Dubinksy got a ten minute misconduct on top of the two minutes for boarding for his hit on Mike Green because he complained to the officials that Shoane Morrisonn bit him?

“Dubinsky had to get a tetanus shot because he was bit,” explained Schoenfeld. “Then he gets a 10-minute misconduct when he tells the referee about it.”

That's beyond crap!
(source)

UPDATE: Donald Brashear has been suspended six games, one for his pregame chat with the Rangers' Colton Orr and five for his nasty hit on Blair Betts. Betts broke his orbital bone and will be out for Tuesday's game.

Stealing Home in a Flaming piece of Junk

Baseball: Jacoby Ellsbury stole home as the Red Sox completed their sweep of the Yankees, 4-1...After a fast start, the Marlins continued to slide, falling to the Phillies, 13-2...Speaking of routs, the Nats pounded the Mets, 8-1...The pirates overwhelmed the Padres, 8-3...The Reds hosed the Braves, 8-2...The Rockies hammered the Dodgers, 10-4...And the Cardinals ripped the Cubs, 10-3...On the same day they activated closer Trevor Hoffman from the DL, the Brewers four game win streak came to a close as they lost to the Astros, 3-2...Scott Rolen hit the go ahead RBI single in the eighth as the Jays nipped the White Sox, 4-3...Conor Jackson's single in the 12th sealed the win for the D'Backs...Injury Update: The Braves placed catcher Brian McCann on the DL with an eye infection...Stephen Drew will be out for a while with a hamstring injury...Brandon Webb's return will not be until late May at the earliest...Meanwhile Joe Mauer could return to the Twins by Friday...Tigers back-up catcher Matt Treanor will need surgery to repair his hip.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Basketball: The Bulls tied the Celtics in the series after a double overtime thrilling victory...Also tying things up were the Magic who held off the 76ers, 84-81...The Cavs eliminated the Pistons, 99-78...The Rockets moved one game away from advancing to the second round, edging the Trail Blazers, 89-88.

Football: As expected, Matt Stafford was taken number one overall by the Lions in this weekend's draft...The Jets traded up to get USC QB Matt Sanchez, I hope he can adjust to playing for New York's other football team...The Pats traded cornerback Ellis Hobbs to the Eagles for two draft picks...Despite a car accident, the Chargers chose LSU WR Demetrius Byrd...Click here to see how the rest of the draft shook out...The Jets may have also tried to add WR Plaxico Burress until they realized he may miss some time with that gun problem...The Seahawks have taken the franchise tag off of linebacker Leroy Hill.

Hockey: Watching the Rangers's swoon on Sunday, I was wondering if they have given up completely or if they would just hoping they wouldn't be late for their tee time. Well kids, you have to wait until Wednesday to start playing golf, because you'll have to lose on Tuesday to the Caps before your season is officially over...Of course Coach John Tortorella got the day off Sunday, but that wasn't exactly a planned vacation...The Hurricanes forced a game seven against the Devils after routing them, 4-0...Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk, New Jersey's Zach Parise and Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis were announced as finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship and gentlemanly play).

Nascar: Talladega is always wild, but this weekend's race seemed wilder than usual, ending with Carl Edward's Ford in a smouldering piece of rubble...Congrats to Brad Keselowski on winning his first ever Cup Series race...Click here for the full results...And here for the updated standings...Seven fans were injured, none serious, when they were struck by parts of Carl Edward's car on Sunday...Michael Waltrip is debating his retirement at the end of the season...Jeff Gordon is starting to feel his age. The 37-year-old will continue to race this season with a bad back. And those salt and pepper side burns.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Jerry Kelly who won the Zurich Classic...Congratulations also go out to Rafael Nadal who continued his dominance on clay with a title at Barcelona...Due the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, two soccer matches had to be held without any fans in attendance. Frankly it kind of looked like a scrimmage more than an actual game.

Check this out: Very sad news over the weekend, The Golden Girls and Maude star Bea Arthur has passed away at the age of 86. So now we are down to just two Girls. I am so going to need a lifetime marathon to help me get through this. Dlisted, one of my favorite celeb blogs had this say about her passing.

Friday Funnies

Spirit the Atlanta Hawks mascot who famously stopped play during Game 2 of the Hawks first round series with the Heat on Wednesday has been grounded for the remainder of the playoffs. Serves you right Spirit for trying to be the Heidi and Spencer of the NBA playoffs.

Fear not Hawks fans, because Spirit will still be involved in “game night activities” he’s just not going to be able to spread those wings and fly inside Philips Arena.
(source)

Yankees and Mets not swindling all fans

It’s hard not to notice the large sections of empty seats at the Mets and Yankees new ballparks, especially since these pockets fall in the lower levels, behind home plate and beyond where tight camera shots cannot hide them. It’s also hard not to notice how packed the rest of the stadiums are. But that fact has been neatly hidden in bottom paragraphs of essays that have been composed about the expensive seats that appear to be unsold at both new Ballparks. (Although it is also possible that said seats are sold, but those with tickets did not come to the game.)

Yes, $2,625 for one ticket is outrageous. And yes, I have sat in a similar seat at Turner Field and paid only about $50 for it in 2006. And yeah, I’ll be in seats at the Metrodome this summer that cost me under $40 that would be in the neighborhood of $500 at the new Stadium. To face facts, those bargains are found in cities like Atlanta and Minneapolis while we’re talking about New York City. More in line with the sky high prices of the big apple would be Los Angeles, where tickets behind home plate at Dodger Stadium go for $500 a pop. Still over $2,100 off of the Yankees prices! And compared with tickets for a platinum game at Citi Field, they would still be $195 less. (For a value date, it would actually be $205 more at Dodger Stadium.)

This isn’t to say that there are not affordable tickets, because I can tell you from experience there are. You just need to make compromises and plan ahead. The Yankees themselves have $5 tickets in the bleachers (which are sold out for the season) and also host $5 nights (which I assume are similarly sold out.) And with all that noise about increased prices, the Yanks kept bleacher and upper deck tickets at the same price as a year before.

Correspondingly, the Mets also have value seats and value games that fans can get tickets for as low as $11 for the upper deck.

A quick glance at StubHub, a popular resale site, and bargains can be found for $9 a ticket at Yankee Stadium and $5 for Citi Field in the next month.

The fact of the matter is that while both the Yanks and Mets will most certainly have to adjust ticket prices for their more premium seats, at least as we amble along in this recession, there are still ways for baseball fans to see the new parks without spending boat loads of money. All it takes is planning, ingenuity and compromise.
(Prices were found on team's offical websites)

Girl Power

A 12 year old Bayonne, NJ girl is making noise for her incredible play during a little league game. On Tuesday Mackeznie Brown became the first girl in Bayonne Little League history to throw a perfect game and she did it by striking out 18 boys in a row. In celebrating her tremendous accomplishment, the Mets have asked her to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field on Saturday when the Amazins take on the Nationals.

The way the Mets pitchers have been throwing this season, they may just want to sign her to a contract.
(source)

Band-Aids

Baseball: The Cardinals polished off the Mets, 12-8. I know it's still early, but I am thinking the Mets are going to spend a boatload on starting pitching during the off season...The Brewers bashed the Phils, 6-1 after Prince Fielder smoked a liner that hit Phillies starter Cole Hamels in his pitching shoulder...Ichiro's solo homerun in the first inning was all the M's needed as they blanked the Rays, 1-0...Chad Billingsley improved to 4-0 as the Dodgers topped the Astros, 2-0...Grady Sizemore's three run blast powered the Tribe over the Royals, 5-2...The Blue Jays stroked three homeruns to get the victory 5-2 over the Rangers...Jays closer B.J. Ryan and starter Ricky Romero have hit the 15 day DL...With all those empty seats in the lower level, the Yankees and Mets will discuss ticket prices.

Basketball: Well hello Paul Pierce, who nabbed 24 points in the Celtics 107-86 victory over the Bulls. Boston leads the series, 2-1...Security was upgraded for the game after a death threat against Celtics guard Tony Allen was received...The Jazz got back into their series with the Lakers after nipping LA, 88-86...The Spurs threw up the white flags during their 88-67 loss to the Mavs...The Kings have fired interim coach Kenny Natt and four assistants.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: Former Memphis recruit Xavier Henry has announced he's going to Kansas not Kentucky.

Football: The Chiefs have sent tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons for a second round draft pick in 2010...Looks like a deal that would have sent Braylon Edwards to the Giants has stalled...The Carolina Panthers have signed QB Jake Delhomme to a five ryear, $42.5 million contract that will alst through the 2014 season...The Colts have restructed receiver Reggie Wayne's contract...Could the Super Bowl be headed to London?

Hockey: The Devils broke up their series tie with the Hurricanes with a 1-0 victory. It was Marty Brodeur's 23rd post season shut out tying a record with Patrick Roy...On the verge of elimination, the Flyers broke out with a 3-0 rout of the Penguins...The Ducks have put the Sharks on the edge of elimination with a 4-0 pounding...A last minute goal by the Red Wings sent the Columbus Blue Jackets packing...The NHL has supsended Flames forward Andre Roy one game for his contact with Hawks defenseman Aaron Johnson...Congrats to the Bruin's Zdeno Chara, the Capital's Mike Green and the Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom on being named finalists for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman)...Good news for the NHL, looks like more Americans are watching the playoffs.
(Photo: AP)

Nascar: Move over New York, the Nascar Awards banquet is heading to Las Vegas. Well I guess it ties in well with the Nascar casino.

Best of the Rest: Former Toledo reserve running back Adam Cuomo has admitted his involvement in a major point-shaving scheme involving both the men's bastketball and football team at the university...Sad news International Drag Racing Hall of Famer Chester "Chet" Herbert has died at the age of 81.

Check this out: If you're a fan of Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty, or Dancing With the Stars you're in luck, because these are some of the 12 shows ABC has picked up. Click here to see which other shows will be back. And fans of such shows as Castle and Better Off Ted this would be the time to start writing in to ABC, because the network will announce any additional pick-ups on May 19th.

Checking up with Roger Clemens

I know many of you have been wondering just what Rogers Clemens has been up to? Well, after being asked not to mingle with the young Astros prospects during spring training, fearing he maybe a bad influence on them or something, it seems Roger has been enjoying his retirement, running over to the salon to get his hair did, stopping at the Mercedes dealership to test drive a new ride just so he could get that killer new visor, went to Claire’s to get the wife something shiny and that fun new seashell necklace he’s wearing, then headed over to the apple store to get the new iPod touch before finally wrapping up his busy day by taking in an Astros game. With such a crazy day, maybe he needs a retirement from retirement.
(Photo: AP)

Separated at Birth

With the NBA and NHL already in the playoffs and a large stock pile of separated at birth featuring coaches and players from both leagues on my computer, I think I may need to start burning off some of them. So today I bring you two coaches that couldn’t be any different from each other and their celebrity look alikes:

FYI - Dave Maloney said during the MSG broadcast of Game 4 between the Rangers and Capitals on Wednesday that Boudreau reminded him of Alfred Hitchock. I would say that's a good secondary SAB.

The Dodgers would like you leave your alcohol at home

…Or at least in your car, you crazy kids. The team has announced a crack down on any patrons trying to bring in any alcoholic beverages into the Stadium. This all comes on the heels of an unfortunate incident following LA’s home opener on April 13th when a fan was stabbed multiple times after an argument in the parking lot. How about putting the kibosh on weaponry entering Dodger Stadium as well, it seems quite apropos given the situation. I mean if the Waffle House can do it, why can’t the Dodgers?

Extra signs will be placed around the Stadium in both English and Spanish starting April 30th to remind fans that alcohol will not permitted inside. Rather, for fans looking to get sauced, the Dodgers have kindly lowered alcohol prices from $8 to $6 at most concession stands.
(Photo: getty images; source)

you can't catch me

Baseball: Evan Longoria got his 100th career RBI in only 135th game, a 9-3 Rays victory...It was sweeps a plenty as the Pirates finished off the Marlins, 7-4...And the Red Sox sweeped the Twins in a doubleheader...The Red Sox victory in game 1 was a little controversial, to say the least...Meanwhile the Braves blanked the Nats, 1-0 to avoid a sweep...It was also a day of walk-off victories, as the Giants passed the Padres, 1-0 in the 10th...Melky Cabrera homered to give the Yankees the victory over the A's in the 14th...And Kevin Millar played hero for Jays in their win over the Rangers...the According to Forbes, 10 major league teams have declined in value.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Basketball: The Nuggets blewout the Hornets, 108-93...A runaway Hawk delayed game two of the Hawks and Heat series. Eventually, the Heat went on two beat the Hawks, 108-93...The Magic avenged their game one loss with a 96-87 rout of the 76ers...The Wizards have given Flip Saunders a four year, $18 million contract to coach the team.

College Basketball: Davidson's Stephen Curry and UNC's Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington will announce their future plans on Thursday.

Football: The Lions are reportedly working a deal with Matthew Stafford which have the QB in line to be the #1 pick this weekend's draft...Former Jaguars WR Jimmy Smith is in big trouble after the popo found crack and marijuana in his car. No word on whether Whitney Houston was with Smith at the time of the discovery. Watch out Jimmy, because the popo are on your tail!

Hockey: The Rangers overcame two stupid penalities by winger Sean Avery thanks to an incredible performance by goalie Henrik Lunqvist to beat the Capitals, 2-1. The Rangers have a 3-1 series lead...The Bruins knocked out the Habs with a 4-1 victory...The Flames tied their series with the Blackhawks after two late goals in the third period gave Calgary a 6-4 advantage...Congrats to Anaheim's Bobby Ryan, Columbus' Steve Mason and Chicago's Kris Versteeg on being selected as finalists for the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year)...Canucks forward Alex Burrows is making a lot of friends at local bar in a Vancouver suburb.

Nascar: Richard Childress Racing will swap crews and crew chiefs for Kevin Harvick's #29 Chevy and Casey Mear's #07 Chevy...Bobby Labonte will also have a new crew chief at Talladega this weekend, Ben Leslie.

Best of the Rest: Jeremy Tyler, a 6-foot-11 junior will drop out of his San Deigo High School to play basketball professionally in Europe...The BCS is considering adopting parts of the Moutain West Conference's new playoff plan...Polo players are blaming a supplement for the deaths of 21 horses.

Check this Out: If you haven't watched it yet, tonight might the perfect time to catch an all new episode of Southland on NBC at 10 PM/est. Click here to watch the first two episodes.

Hump Day Hair

I haven’t been watching Nascar like I used to so I can’t say if this was the debut of this look or not, but Jeff Gordon’s stunning wife Ingrid Vandebosch was in Phoenix this weekend wearing a stylish white suit and sporting much shorter locks ala Katie Holmes. Of course when you look like Ingrid, you can pull off any look, but I think that this new cut could spark a trend around the garage area.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Culter loves the nightlife; maybe loves to boogie

Bears newly acquired QB Jay Culter has been making noise around Chicago for his frequent nights out. (I am guessing Chicago’s nightlife has got to be a step up from Denver so he’s enjoying the change of scenery.) But many are loudly wondering how his partying will affect his play on the field. Frankly it’s April and if he wants to go out and enjoy his QB status than more power to him. Come talk to me in October or November when he has trouble standing up on the sidelines because he’s so hung over. Then it’s a problem.

Personally, I am more interested to know how drinking all that alcohol affects his diabetes. If I have learned anything from the magical VH1 show Rock of Love, it is one, people do buy the whorish dresses at Mandees and wear them on days that are not Halloween and two, sometimes alcohol and diabetes don’t mix. Thank you Bret Michaels for your show of wisdom!
(Photo: Getty Images ; source)

Madoff’s Mets Tickets Sold

Bernie Madoff’s season tickets were auctioned off on Tuesday for $38,100, well below the face value of $56,000. The tickets were for the 75 remaining games held at CitiField, while tickets for the Opening Night game were auctioned off separately with a winning bid coming in for a cool $7,500. The auction was set up by lawyer Irving H. Picard who is handling the liquidation of Madoff’s assets.

Let it be known, that while I did attempt to bid on these seats, I did not win, so please do not ask me for two tickets behind home plate at CitiField, because I don’t have them. And if I did, for some reason obtain said tickets, I would be using them, or selling them on StubHub, I certainly wouldn’t be giving them away. Marc Jacobs bags just don’t buy themselves!
(source)

Junior and Mears are really shaking in their boots Nascar Officials

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Casey Mears have been punished by Nascar for their little skirmish in the desert last Saturday. Both drivers were placed on probation but neither were docked any points or received any fines.

Can someone explain to me what exactly Nascar does when a driver is on probation. Is it like purgatory, a fun in between to scare the crap out of young Catholics into behaving themselves but in all reality an empty threat? Or are there classes or community service involved? Because if you want to punish drivers, I think a monetary fine or docking points would probably do the trick better than being placed on probation.
(source)

Double Play Madness

Baseball: The Astros ended the Dodgers eight game win streak with an 8-5 victory...The Yanks got four runs off of A's pitcher Dana Eveland in the second, cruising to a 5-3 victory...A's reliever Joey Devine will be out for the season after undergoing elbow surgery...More good news for the Bombers, outfielder Xavier Nady will not need season ending surgery...Bosox SS Jed Lowrie underwent surgery on his wrist the same day they placed Rocco Baldelli on the DL...Memories, of a year ago at Shea (well Busch Stadium in this example), Mets reliever J.J. Putz allowed two runs in their 6-4 loss to the Cardinals...The Pirates edged the Marlins, 3-2. Either the Pirates are better than expected or the Marlins are coming back down to earth...Bucs catcher Ryan Doumit will be out 8 to 10 weeks with a broken right wrist...The Indians turned double plays in six innings of their 8-7 win over the Royals...Home plate umpire Kerwin Danley left Tuesday's game between the Rangers and the Jays on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a broken bat.

Basketball: The Pistons rallied in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Cavs downed Detroit, 94-82 to take a 2-0 series lead...Also taking a 2-0 lead were the Lakers who cruised to a 119-109 win over the Jazz...The Blazers have tied their series up after topping the Rockets, 107-103...Dikembe Mutombo will likely call it a career after injuring his knee in the Rockets loss...Congratulations to Dwight Howards on being named Defensive Player of the Year...Congrats also go out to Derek Rose on being named Rookie of the Year, if this report is true.

Football: WR prospects Percy Harvin and Brandon Tate tested positive for marijuana during the NFL combine. You couldn't wait until after you signed your huge contracts to do this?...The Lions are hoping to have their #1 pick locked up before the draft...Get well wishes go out to William "The Refrigerator" Perry who is in a South Carolina hospital dealing with complitcations from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Hockey: Well that was quick. We've got our first team ousted from the Stanley Cup playoffs and it is...The Blues who fell to the Canucks, 3-2...The Sharks finally showed the Ducks who's boss...Jussi Jokinen scored with 0.2 seconds left to give the Hurricanes a 4-3 win over the Devils and the tie the series at two a piece...The Pens rebounded from their Sunday loss to take a commanding 3-1 Series lead with a 3-1 victory over the Flyers...Meanwhile the Wings are up 3-0 after routing the Blue Jackets, 4-1...Bob Gainey would like Montreal fans to stop booing during the US National Anthem. Thank you.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: A Toyota Camry hybrid will be the official pace car of the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Take that IndyCar.

Check this out: You all know how much I love separated at births, well si.com has compiled a gallery of NHL player and their celebrity look alikes right here.

My Boys Tuesday

After having far too much fun searching around YouTube this afternoon, I found this clip of the cast of My Boys on Good Day LA from June 2008:



In other MB news, I have to admit that since I learned what tonight’s episode was going to be about (through this spoiler) I have been on pins and needles waiting for it to air. After all it’s time for the annual decathlon, a board game marathon that we first learned about in "Free Agent" from season 1.

For a preview of tonight’s episode click here. And don’t forget to watch the all new My Boys episode tonight on TBS at 10:30 PM/est in between episodes of The Office.
(Photo: TBS)

Shockey to Hire a New Agent?

It seems like ages since I’ve written a new post for former Giants TE Jeremy Shockey. Being traded to New Orleans will do that for a person. But the latest word on the street is that the No. 14th overall draft pick has fired super agent Drew Rosenhaus. Although the firm Rosenhaus Sports claims Shockey has informed them that he would be willing to re-sign with them at a later date. Further proof that Shockey may go back to the agency, he is not actively looking for representation.

Well Shockey, if you are just making noise so I can post another awesome photo of your killer tattoo on the blog, then Sir, mission accomplished!
(Photo: Newsday blog; source)

Elijah Dukes does good; still gets fined

Often troubled Nationals centerfielder Elijah Dukes was fined $500 by the Nats for being late to their game on Saturday. Usually this kind of punishment for such behavior would be justifiable, especially with Duke’s long list of infractions, but this time, Elijah may have been punished for doing something good. A shocker I know.

Turns out Dukes was speaking to the Great Falls Little League and the event caused him to be late to the game. Even more amazing, Great Falls Little League president Jim Mraz says the League will pay his $500 fine.

"The point is, this guy gave back to our community, and now he's in a hard spot. We need to help him," said Jim Mraz, the Great Falls LL president, according to the Post. "It's not a question of whether this guy can afford the 500 bucks. We're just trying to send a message to our kids: He was here for us. Now we've got to be there for him."

The Nats are staying steadfast in their punishment because the community outreach was not sponsored by the team itself and because Dukes had been warned about his tardiness in the past. (Photo: AP; source)

UPDATE: As if this Elijah Dukes story isn't enough by PR for the Nats, they had a minor jersey malfunction during their game on Friday. They just can't get no respect. Unless they are playing the Braves, but that's another story for this blog to deal with.
(Photo: AP)

oh, baby!

Baseball: The Marlins ended their 7 game win streak after being shut out by the Pirates, 8-0. The Pirates? Maybe the Braves aren't that bad...Oh wait, they lost to the Nationals, 3-2. Scratch that thought...Braves catcher Brian McCann will see an eye doctor on Tuesday for his blurred vision in his left eye...The Red Sox pounded the Orioles, 12-1...Boston SS Jed Lowrie is leaning towards having surgery on his left wrist...Bronson Arroyo improved to 3-0 on the season after the Reds nipped the Astros, 3-2. I think it's the hair, I think Bronson's having an amazing hair day everytime he pitches and it's mesmerizing the batters...The D'backs beat the Rockies, 6-3...MLB attendance average for the first week was 30,298, 6.9% lower than last year's...Mitchell High senior Patrick Schuster tossed his fourth consecutive no-hitter. Atlanta sign him up, he's got to be better than Jo-Jo Reyes.



Basketball: It was Ray Allen's night to shine as he knocked in a game winning three to give the Celtics a 118-115 victory over the Bulls that tied the series at one a piece...The Spurs tied their series with the Mavs up after besting Dallas, 105-84...Congrats to Cavs coach Mike Brown on being named NBA coach of the Year...Magic star Dwight Howard will get his eye examined after it was scratched by 76ers center Samuel Dalembert...Top Spanish prospect Ricky Rubio will enter the NBA draft.
(photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: Davidson's Stephen Curry is expected to announce his decision to enter the NBA draft...Memphis freshamn Tyreke Evans will test the NBA draft...Mississippi Basketball coach Andy Kennedy avoided jail time by pleading guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct in connection with his incident with a cab driver last fall. Watch out Andy, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Terrell Owens highlights the cast of the newest version of "The Superstars" on ABC...Meanwhile Pacman Jones will be on "Pros v. Joes" on Spike TV...Get well wishes go out to former LSU receiver and NFL prospect Demetrius Byrd who was in critical but stable condition after a car accident in Miami...The Jaguar signed Torry Holt to a three year, $13 million deal. The deal can be worth up to $20 million with incentives...The Eagles will not trade Sheldon Brown, no matter how unhappy he is.

Hockey: The Capitals froze the Rangers, 4-0, to cut the Rangers series lead to 2-1...The Bruins now stand just one game away from eliminating the Habs after their 4-2 win...The Flames finally got a win after downing the Blackhawks, 4-2. The Hawks still lead the series, 2-1...Dominik Hasek will come out of retirement to play for his former club HC Moeller Pardubice in the top Czech league...Because who doesn't love a good spleen story, Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick had his removed on Saturday afternoon. What is up with the rash of spleen injuries? First it's Chris Simms, then Sean Avery and now Hunwick.

Nascar: Kasey Kahne is staying with Richard Petty Motorsports, at least until his contract is up in 2010...Is Jamie McMurray's 26 car going to be history next season? If it is, Jack Roush is not saying.

Best of the Rest: Apparently Charles Barkley is not very good at golf. And Michael Jordan plays better when there is a monetary incentive. Thank you Tiger Woods for your thoughts.

Check this out: It's more than just the snuggie commercial that is keeping you awake at 3 AM in the morning. Click here to see the top 34 infomercials on TV.

I always feel like somebody’s watching me

You know those creepy Gieco commercials with the money that spies on people? Well that was kind of like Alexander Ovechkin at Rangers practice on Monday, sitting on the visitor’ bench, watching his playoff opponents. That was until, of course, he got kicked out. Oops. I am thinking that when I read his autobiography he won’t be divulging that he’s a spy sent to the US to play hockey while collecting information for the Russians.
(Photo: Reuters ; source)

Homerun Factory?

$1.5 billion apparently doesn’t buy you as much as it used to. Like only a few cheap homeruns and a couple of sections of bleacher seats, which have such an obstructed view, you literally cannot see the entire left or right side of the field. But at least you can enjoy prime aged steaks or 800 calorie milkshakes to drown your sorrows. Such is the new Yankee Stadium.

After watching Saturday’s game (I've called it my Mt. Everest because I sat and watched the whole thing), which saw the Indians score 14 runs in the second inning alone, it became clear the Yankees have created a band box in line with Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia, the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati and Coors Field in Denver (before the humidor lessened the effects of the thin mountain air). Fine for a team built around power hitting, maybe not so great for a team that invested $243.5 million on pitching in the off-season.

However this may not be as big a problem as the media has made it out to be. Doesn’t ever chick dig the long ball? And didn’t homeruns get fans back into the seats after the 1994 strike? While watching the Yankee game on Saturday, you couldn’t help but notice all the empty seats on the lower level. It was a Saturday afternoon game and the weather couldn’t have been any better to sit and enjoy a baseball game yet almost entire sections were missing. Sure part of that is based on the $2,625 price tag for just one of those cushy seats, something the Yankees will most likely have to adjust next season, but part of that is making such high priced seats justifiable with great action on the field.

As the season progresses, the new launching pad may not be as horrible as one might think. When you go to a game at Citizens Bank Park for example, the threat of the homerun makes no lead safe and creates more exciting games. Sure I’d prefer a low scoring thriller to the 45 minutes it took the Indians to complete their half of the second inning, but I could be in the minority here. I am sure most people like to see the ball clear the fences more so than a 15 strike out performance by a pitcher.

I am sure the Yankees will make adjustments so pop-ups don’t turn into cheap homeruns, but in the meantime I’d run to your computer and adjust your fantasy team accordingly, because if Derek Jeter’s got three homeruns in the first two weeks of the season, any other Yankee could be racking up the power offensive numbers as well. And if you haven't already, it may be a good time to drop Chien-Ming Wang.
(Photos: Getty Images)

oh no you didn't

Baseball: The Marlins improved to 11-1 on the season after a four run ninth that pushed them ahead of Washington, 7-4...It wasn't all bad news for the Nats, they signed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to a five year, $45 million extension...Proving once again just how hard a no-hitter is to come by, Giants ace Randy Johnson lost his bid in the seventh inning, but San Fran still blanked the D'Backs, 2-0...The Dodgers made it eight straight as they crushed the Rockies, 14-2...Speaking of routs, the White Sox demolished the Rays, 12-2...The White Sox will visit President Obama at the White House on Monday. One of the perks of being President, getting your favorite team to make a personal appearance at your home...Josh Beckett got his suspension lessened from six games to five...While the BoSox outlasted the O's, 2-1...The Braves ended a five game slide by whipping the Bucs, 11-1...Rual Ibanez hit a walk-off homerun in the Phillies 5-4 victory over the Pads...The Yankees had their first ever use of instant replay at the new stadium. The umpires gave Jorge Posada the homrun and the Yanks mopped up the Indians, 7-3. I guess the Tribe left their offense in the second inning of Saturday's game...Milton Bradley received a two game suspension for arguing with a umpire.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Basketball: Chauncy Billups racked up 36 points as the Nuggets handled the Hornets, 113-84...The Lakers took down the Jazz, 113-100...The Hawks held Miami to just 64 points in Atlanta's game 1 victory...The Sixers surprised the Magic, 100-98...Good news, Celtics GM Danny Ainge has been released from the hospital after suffering a heart attack on Thursday. There is just one small cavet, he is not allowed to watch the Celitcs.

College Basketball: The FBI is investigating claims that the estranged wife of Louisville's equipment manager tried to extort money from Louisville head coach Rick Pitino.

Football: Sad news, the 1945 Heisman Trophy winner Felix "Doc" Blanchard has died at the age of 84...The Eagles introduced Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters to the media...The Los Angeles Avengers of the AFL have folded after 9 years...As mentioned in Friday's post, the NFL has granted the Jets a time change for their week 3 game against the Titans on September 27th.

Hockey: The Ducks jumped out to a 2-0 series lead after edging the Sharks, 3-2...Meanwhile the Canucks are just one win away from eliminating the Blues after beating St. Louis, 3-2...Travis Zajac scored an overtime goal to give the Devils a 3-2 win over the Hurricanes and take a 2 games to 1 lead in the series...NJ Captain Jamie Langenbrunner will miss at least two games with an undisclosed lower body injury...The Flyers got their game on, drubbing the Pens, 6-3 to edge back into the series, which the Pens still lead 2-1...Boston left winger Milan Lucic was suspended one game for a blow to the head of the Habs Maxim Lapierre.

(photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: Congratulations to Mark Martin on winning his first race since 2005!...Click here for full results...And here for updated standings...Michigan International Speedway is planning a $17 million renovation of the infield area.

Best of the Rest: Dinara Safina has taken over the top spot from Serena Williams on the WTA tour...UFC president Dana White says Chuck Liddell will probably not fight again...21 horses that were supposed to play in a Florida tournament have died. The cause of death is still unknown.

Check this out: Zac Efron's lasted 17 Again topped the box office this weekend. Somehow I think I'll just catch this when it comes out dvd.