tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering whatever happened to real statesmen in Washington, here's what's on my mind this morning:

* For all the tabloid writers in New York questioning whether this is the end for Derek Jeter, the Captain is hitting over .350 since getting his 3,000 hit.

* Wednesday will be a big day for the Yanks as it will be Phil Hughes' last start before the trade deadline. I still feel the Yankees need to make a deal.

* Brian Cashman has been awfully quiet of late. Is he playing possum or is he content with what he has on the roster??

* With close races in 5 of the 6 divisions, there seems to be more buyers than sellers this year.

* Who would you rather have: Carlos Beltran or B.J. Upton?? How about Hunter Pence?

* What will be more exciting, the baseball trade deadline or the NFL free agent frenzy??

* The NFL free agent grab begins today at 10am. This will be real interesting since teams do not have exclusive right to deal with their own free agents.

* Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Derrick Mason were all cut by the Baltimore Ravens to clear cap space. Can't imagine Heap won't be re-signed and its possible Mason will too. Not so sure about McGahee, who has never lived up to all the hype when he came out of college.

* I nearly threw a shoe at the TV the other day when it was reported that the Philadelphia Eagles may be the landing spot for the return of Brett Farve. I can't believe that Andy Reid would do that. Farve and Michael Vick on the same team??? It doesn't work for me.

* Canton, Ohio it appears is a casualty in the senseless NFL lockout as the Hall of Fame game is canceled. The induction ceremonies will go on as planned but no game.

* In October we will find out what the NCAA plans to do to the North Carolina football program as a result of an investigation into charges of academic misconduct and players receiving improper benefits. If you recall, 14 players were held out of one game last season due to the investigation.

* Guess who really benefitted from the 2004-2005 NHL lockout?? Gary Bettman. Its reported that Bettman made $7.5 million last year nearly doubling what his salary was before the lockout. Hmmmmmm...I wonder if Florida, Tampa, Phoenix, Nashville, and Columbus have seen their revenues go up 50%??? At least losing a season increased Gary's pay handsomely.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While enjoying the July heat, here's what I'm thinking about today:

* Sunday's outing by Phil Hughes was certainly encouraging as he gave the Yankees 6 solid innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and striking out 5. Hughes' fast ball was clocked in the low 90's but was most impressive was the command on his curve which gave him the perfect strike out pitch. Last year when he enjoyed success, Hughes had command of his curve which really augments his fast ball. Hopefully, he can continue on this path in his next start Friday at home against the A's.

* Tonight Bartolo Colon faces a critical start as he tries to recover from two bad outings. If Colon gets roughed up again tonight, the pressure will really be on Mr. Cashman to get some help for the rotation. The next two days will be real interesting with Colon going today and Freddy Garcia going on Wednesday. In my opinion, bring up Ivan Nova and make a deal.

* The Yankee bullpen did a great job bailing out AJ Burnett last night. Hector Noesi, David Robertson and the incomparable Mariano Rivera shut the door on the Rays while the Yankees fought back to win 5-4. Burnett was awful last night yet kept the damage down to 4 runs. However, this type of start won't cut it in the post season.

* In today's NY Post George King is reporting that the Yankees continue to scout other starting pitchers. While Brian Cashman says that he's happy with his pitching staff, its clear that the Yankees have to make a move if they want to have a legitimate shot of going to the World Series. To me the two guys who I would be going after are Ubaldo Jimenez or Matt Garza.

* The ratings came out last week for this year's All-Star Game and the numbers were not good. In fact, less people watched the game than they did last year and last year's ratings were bad. The excuse being given was that there were too many players who didn't go to the game or didn't play. This is all nonsense. The ratings are down because of interleague play. There is no reason to get excited when I may see Roy Halladay face David Ortiz in May. It was once called the Mid-Summer Classic. It should now be called the Mid Summer Farce.

* As you know in an attempt to get people involved, MLB allows people to vote on the internet up to 25 times for their favorite players to make the all-star team. This I believe also makes the game more of a popularity contest than ever before. I can remember as a kid my friend and I walking down to the local single A team's offices and voting. We could only take a few ballots at a time before the lady in the office asked us to leave.

* It's looking like the NFL lockout should be coming to an end and the free agent period is going to be real interesting. I guess teams will have 3 days to have exclusive rights to sign their own free agents before free agent frenzy will really begin.

* Sure would like to see the Browns go after a running back and possibly a safety. How about Ahmad Bradshaw to complement Peyton Hillis and Donte Whitner paired with TJ Ward?

* Reports out of Columbus that Jim Tressel was not reporting violations to the Ohio State compliance office in 2005-06 should not be a surprise. What is interesting that the previous AD did confront Tressel about it which would lead one to believe that the current administration knew what was going on. The revelation also makes the Ohio High School Football Association's attempt to honor Tressel at all Ohio high school football season openers this year a complete and total joke.

* And finally, I hope you enjoy the new site. The blog now has its own twitter account so feel free to comment either here or on Twitter @tonytalkssports.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering what Nancy Gray is going to next rant and rave about, here's what's on my mind this morning:

* Derek Jeter's perfromance on Saturday was one that I will never forget.  That one game typified Jeter's career: clutch player and a winner.  It's evident where Jeter gets his passion for winning after watching the interview with his dad after Derek hit the home run to reach 3,000.  The first words out of Mr. Jeter's mouth was: we have a game to win today.

* The criticism directed at Jeter over not going to the All-Star Game is ridiculous.  The talking heads at ESPN started the nonsense but others in MLB are very miffed that Jeter did not show up.  Quite frankly, I don't blame Jeter for not going.  He just went through a pressure cooker to reach the 3,000 hit plateau.  On top of the fact that he was just coming off the DL and played 7 staright games.  Derek Jeter is the best ambassador for baseball: he's been a champion and he played the game clean.  Maybe ole' Bud ought to remember that before he has his minions take shots at the Captain.

* Buster Olney on Sunday continued on his ASG rants with a Twitter post that stated that players should be asked in March whether or not they will play in the ASG if they are not on the DL.  If they say they will not play, their name will not appear on the All-Star ballot.  A couple of questions for Olney: 1.) what about pitchers?? and 2.) what if its a situation where a player has not been put on the DL but has been nursing an injury should they be required to go and harm their team's chances to qualify for the playoffs??

* I wonder if Olney and his compatriots at ESPN would be saying anything if David Ortiz elected not to go to the ASG. 

* Take a look at John Harper's article in the NY Daily News about the ASG.  One of the points that Harper makes is the fact that the best pitchers cannot pitch in the game because they pitched on Sunday.  If this game is supposed to matter then how come we can't see the best pitchers???  Yet, MLB is going to go off on Derek Jeter for not being there.  What a joke!!!!

* It's being reported that the NFL lockout may be coming to an end.  The main sticking point seems to be the rookie salary cap.  I can't see that preventing a settlement.  It's going to be interesting to see the free agent activity once this thing gets settled.

* It appears the NBA lockout may be going on for awhile.  Not only are the players and owners at odds but the owners are fighting amongst themselves.  This shouldn't be a surprise as the small market owners are struggling to keep their heads above water.  Unless something gets done for the Charlottes, Oklahoma Citys and Indianas of the world, the NBA might be looking at contraction.

* And finally, congratulations to Robby Cano for winning the Home Run Derby.  He certainly hit some monster shots and what was really nice was the fact that his pitcher was his dad.  Not to mention that Cano beat out Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if there is a better month than July for weather, here's what is on my mind today:

* The New York media's obsession with Derek Jeter's place in the batting order is borderline annoying.  In today's editions, the fact that Jeter was 0-4 last night was the major story despite the fact that the whole team was hitless through 6 innings.  Here's hoping the Captain gets to 3,000 before the All-Star break.

* The fact that CC Sabathia was not chosen to the American League All-Star team is a complete and total joke.  It's hard to pick a pitcher who is more important to his team than CC.

* The Baseball All-Star Game has lost its luster for me.  Interleague play has destroyed the novelty of the game.  I can remember wanting to see how Reggie Jackson would do against Steve Carlton.  In today's game, they may have faced each other in a weekday series in May.

* The whole idea that the league winning the All-Star game gets home field advantage in the World Series is a joke and an over reaction to the tie game that took place several years ago.  Another one of the dumb moves made by clueless Bud Selig. 

* The trading of Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney for Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson was a good move on the part of the Maple Leafs.  Lebda was flat out terrible last year and Slaney was a low level prospect.  Lombardi is trying to come back from a concussion which kept him out of action for Nashville all of last year.  If he can bounce back he will certainly help the Leafs particularly in face-offs and penalty killing.  But the prize of the deal is Franson, a 23 year old defenseman who played on the Predators second power play unit.  He's big and has offensive skill.  Suddenly the Leafs have 8 NHL defenseman to choose from and hopefully some assets to make another move.  Nashville made the trade in order to free up cap space in order to take care of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

* Still shaking my head as to why the Leafs would sign Tim Connolly.

* A group of retired NFL players (Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, to name a couple) have filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the NFLPA for failing to address the pension issue.  Shame on the current players and the owners if they don't do right by the retirees.  If it wasn't for these old NFLers, the league wouldn't be where its at today and the current players wouldn't be making the money their making today.

* The NBA players are locked out and the season is in severe jeopardy.  Who cares??

* And finally, is there anything more disgusting than watching idiots fill their faces to see who can eat the most hot dogs??  What's more disgusting is the fact that ESPN covers the whole mess.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

 As I consider when's the last time I had steak & eggs while eating my greek yogurt, here's what's on my mind today:

* If you have never been to an Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium you really need to do it.  There is nothing like it in all of sports as you get to see so many former stars once again.  The ovation for Joe Torre and Bernie Williams was very special and of course its always great to see Whitey and Yogi.

* For those who are a little bit younger than me, at one time Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium had Yankee Old Timer's and Major League Baseball Old Timer's.  The old Yanks would play the old major league players seeing the likes of Detroit's Al Kaline, Baltimore's Frank Robinson play against Mickey Mantle and Moose Skowron.

* Speaking of those days, as a kid seeing Mantle with Joe Di Maggio on the same field was really special.  Joe D didn't play in the game it was just something to see.  Phil Rizzuto who was on the Yankee broadcast team was also involved and always had great stories to tell during the regularly played game.  And you could only imagine the ovations that Mickey and Joe Di received.

* By the way the Yankees are the only team in the majors that does old timer's day.  That wasn't always the case as I remember it being done by other teams.  Not sure why the other clubs stopped.

* Great piece today in the NY Post by Joel Sherman examining the trade market as we head toward the July 31st trade deadline.  It doesn't appear on the surface that there is a lot out there and according to Sherman the Yankees may feel that if Colon, Hughes and Chavez can come back ready to play that they may be better than anything the Yankees can get in a trade.  If you get a chance check out the article.

* Frank McCourt is filing for bankruptcy and the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers franchise takes another hit.  Bud Selig continues to take the lead in the dumbest dope for a commissioner of any major sport (and that's hard to do since the other 3 are morons) as he now has been placed in a difficult position as a result.  What's more ridiculous and illustrates Selig's utter incompetence is that Mark Cuban is definitely interested in owning an MLB team and Selig reportedly would never allow that to happen.  Selig talks about how McCourt's deal with Fox is not in the best interest of the Dodgers because some of the proceeds would be going to pay off his wife in the divorce, yet he is putting the kibosh to someone who has demonstrated the desire to invest in his team to make it a champion (The Mavericks).

* There are conflicting reports coming out of Tampa pertaining to the Lightning's ability to sign restricted free agent Steven Stamkos.  Some are saying a deal will get done others are saying it won't.  One thing is clear, after Brad Richards, the unrestricted free agent market does not have a lot of top line players making it a good possibility that offer sheets will be flying around to RFA's.

* If you haven't seen Mariano Rivera bust Michael Kay's chops in his interview with Kim Jones you need to see it.  Mo calls Kay a big head because Rivera wanted Kay to introduce him during the Old Timer's Day pre game because he is older than some of the guys that were out there.  Its funny though the good natured Rivera at the end says that he still loves Michael.  I'm glad Mo does because I surely don't.

* The ESPN Sunday Night baseball experience is totally annoying.  Baseball Tonight is nothing more than a group of opinionated wind bags who really know nothing with John Kruk leading the way.  This past Sunday I was really surprised at how bad Barry Larkin was as he seemed to have a difficult time making a clear and concise point.  And the woman who was filling in for Karl Ravitch was terrible.  The other thing that irritated me was that during the play-by-play there was the constant repeating of the same thing over and over again.  If I heard it once I heard a 100 times that Fausto Carmona was pitching for his job and how Madison Baumgartner didn't make it out of the first inning in his last start.

* And finally, the Red Sox play the Phillies tonight in what many are considering to be a preview of this year's World Series.  I'm saying right here on June 28th that the Red Sox are not in the World Series.  And as for the Phillies, don't count the Brewers or Giants out just yet.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when I can get back to the Billy Goat Tavern, here's what's on my mind today:

* If you have never been to Wrigley Field I recommend that you go there to catch a game.  It's an old quaint stadium, a virtual throwback to a much simpler time.  There's no canned blaring music imploring people to cheer.  No flashing scoreboards.  It's just baseball with the organ playing in the background at the appropriate time.  Reminds me of baseball when I was kid.

* Had the opportunity to see both Yankee wins over the weekend.  Brett Gardner, who I have been critical of, certainly had a great series and I think will give Joe Girardi a tough decision to make when Derek Jeter comes back.  Nick Swisher seems to have bounced back which will be very important from here on out.  Must tell you, I still have concerns about Eduardo Nunez.  You can see some potential but has a ways to go.

* Wrigley Field is called "the Friendly Confines" and the title fits the game experience.  There were plenty of Yankee fans in attendance for both games and no disturbances between fans reported.  In fact, we sat next to Cub fans and it was a pleasure to have an educated discussion with the opposing team's fan without fear of getting into any type of altercation.  I've been to many stadiums and arenas rooting for the visiting team and I can tell you there is no better place than Wrigley Field.  By the way, the staff at Wrigley were super nice and respectful.  Can't tell you how many times I was wished a Happy Father's Day.

* Ivan Nova looked really good last night and showed the potential that the Yankees see in him.  There is no question that the Yankees need to stick with him realizing that there will be ups and downs.  Last night he had the Reds completely off balanced.

* Read that Peter Gammons lambasted Wrigley Field saying that the Cubs owner Tom Ricketts needs to upgrade the stadium.  A plan is in place to do just that but having been to both Fenway and Wrigley I'll take Wrigley any day.

* By the way, the atmosphere outside Wrigley is unreal.  Plenty of places to have a cold one before the game.

* T-shirt they were selling outside Wrigley: "Jesus said to the Cubs, Wait until I Come back."

* The NBA players and owners are meeting today.  Reports indicate that the Association is looking for a hard cap and a reduction in players' share of revenue.  Looks like a lock out is looming.

* Speaking of lock outs, the NFL owners are meeting today in Chicago to get their own house in order.  Apparently, it seems that proposals are in place that both the owners and players can agree on and that an agreement could be reached sometime in mid-July.  However, the problem is that a group of small market owners are not happy with the proposals and this will be addressed today and tomorrow.  The big problem is that the small markets can't make the money that the big market owners can with luxury boxes and all.  If they cared about the game, the big market owners might make some type of allowance for their small market brothers.  But then again, Daniel Snyder and Jerry Jones will never be confused with Art Rooney and George Halas.  It will be interesting to see if Roger Goodell can be Pete Rozelle and get everyone on the same page.

* The Maple Leafs made coaching changes yesterday, firing Tim Hunter and Keith Acton.  Brian Burke made the decision that a change was needed and I agree.  This is a sure sign that Burke is telling Ron Wilson that a contract extension is predicated on a winning Leaf season.

* The NHL Draft begins this Friday and there are plenty of reports of possible wheeling and dealing.  No surprise that the Leafs are in those reports and Burke has indicated that he would not be opposed to dealing one or possibly both of team's 2 first round picks.  This is why I think Burke will get it done in Toronto, he is not afraid to make a deal to improve his team and he has a track record to prove it.

* And finally, have you had enough of the endless reporting by ESPN on the Boston Bruins victory celebrations??  I have and it seems that ESPN seems to be coronating the Red Sox as it was proclaimed over the weekend that they have a championship line-up.  The question is: Do they have a championship rotation???

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While getting ready to go to work and thinking about my personal problems while Lebron thinks about the fact that he blew it again, here's what I'm thinking about:

* How much more can the Yankees endure??  Derek Jeter pulled up lame last night and it was determined that he has a Grade 1 calf strain.  Not sure what that means but there is a possibility that he could be out for awhile.  Here's hoping he's back soon.

* Well, it looks like we will get a look at Eduardo Nunez at shortstop for at least a few games.  Remember this was a guy that Brian Cashman would not part with in order to get Cliff Lee from Seattle.

* More bad Pinstripe news:  Russell Martin could be facing a stint on the DL.  Martin was not in the lineup last night as his back was giving him problems again.  If Martin is out for an extended period of time, how about bringing up Jesus Montero. 

* This season is eerily reminding me of the Red Sox season last year.  Plenty of injuries and no playoffs.  However, the only advantage the Yankees may have is that Tampa Bay is not as good as last year and I'm not sure there is another team in the league that could challenge for the wild card spot.  However, it's only the middle of June.

* The Stanley Cup finals continued home ice advantage with the Boston Bruins forcing a Game 7 by defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-2.  For the second time in this series in Boston, Roberto Luongo was pulled from the game.  Maybe next time Luongo should keep his mouth shut.

* Not sure what to expect in Game 7.  The games in Vancouver have been one goal affairs with the Canucks coming out on top.  Hard to predict but somehow I'm thinking the Canucks will end up winning.

* Lebron James is the gift that keeps on giving.  His ridiculous comments Sunday night after the Heat's bitter loss shows that this guy is an immature, self-centered jerk.  Somehow when its all said and done I think D-Wade may regret the day that he recruited the self-proclaimed king.

* As the Mavs were running the clock down to a championship, I could only think about how this was reminding me how satisfied I was on the night that Joe Frazier defeated Muhammed Ali back in the early 70's.  Of course, they would face each other two more times with Ali coming out on top but only after enduring a beating both times.

* Who would you rather have in their prime: Shaq or Lebron??

* With the Finals over, the NBA could be headed for a lockout.  It wouldn't surprise me because many franchises are struggling and the debacle that was created by Pat Riley & Company in Miami last summer needs to be addressed.  Otherwise, the league should contract down to 10 mega teams.

* The Knicks should learn a lesson from the Mavs victory, you don't need any more stars.

* There are reports that there could be a deal in the NFL lockout on or about July 4th.  You know what, I could care less.

* And finally, is it me or does it seem that there are a lot of mediocre teams this year in Major League Baseball???

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when we will be spared of the stupidity of Sarah Palin, here's what I'm thinking about this morning:

* Last night's Cup Final game had a real ugly tint to it.  Aaron Rome's hit on Nathan Horton was flat out terrible.  It was totally uncalled for and nothing but a cheap shot.  Based upon the shellacking the Bruins gave the Canucks this hit could be the turning point of the series.

* Don't know if I have seen a bigger actor than Alex Burrows.  Last night he gets into a scrum behind the Bruins net and he goes down like he was shot.  The guy may be a good hockey player but he's a disgrace.  Should have been suspended after Game 1.

* The Vancouver power play came up big against the San Jose Sharks but has gone into a 1-17 slump against the Bruins.  Prior to the Sharks series, their power play was abysmal.  If they are to win the Cup, they will need to get it going.

* Funny on the day that I went after the 4 Commissioners, a story came out that the NHL was in hot water by giving the exclusive beer rights of the league to Molson/Coors while Labatt's still had the rights.  I think Boy Gary is an attorney.  Maybe he needs to go back to law school for a Contracts course.

* If the Mavericks don't win tonight the series will be over in 5 games and the continued deification of Lebron James will be in full force.  James is a great athlete and basketball player but his act last year gets him a permanent spot on my black balled list.  Other members of that list include Ray Lewis and Brett Farve to name a few.

* Plaxico Burress was released from jail yesterday having served his jail sentence.  It will be interesting to see which team takes a flyer on him.  Reports are it won't be the Giants.

* Carlos Zambrano went off on his team calling the Cubs a "Triple-A" team.  He apologized the next day but Big Z does get you to think: why can't the Cubs be perennial contenders???  Must be that Billy Goat Curse.

* Tonight begins the renewal of the Blood Rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox.  The Yankees need to show up and avenge the embarassing 3-0 sweep that they suffered at the hands of the Sox at the Stadium in May.  One thing is for sure, the Yanks need to play smart baseball.  No dumb baserunning mistakes and errors.  It seems that lately when they've played the Sox they seem to give leads up right away because of some bone-head play or a couple of walks that start a rally. 

* Tonight's game is being carried on MY9 so get ready for watching the game as looking through a telescope.  Terrible picture quality and having to put up with Michael Kay melodrama will be enough to send me to the radio.

* And finally, it's being reported that the NFL is developing a contingency schedule which will result in an 8 game season starting in November.  Are you kidding me??????  One more reason for my disgust with the arrogance of the NFL.  Does this mean season ticket holders will get refunds???  Stay tuned.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if Tupac is living in New Zealand here's what's going on in my head this morning:

* What can you say about Bartolo Colon?  There was no one more critical than me when the Yankees brought him along to start the season.  Now he is the team's second best starter.  Colon did yesterday what Burnett and Nova couldn't do, put the hammer down after the team staked them to early leads.  Where would the Yankees be without him??

* Interesting story over the weekend about Ivan Nova.  It looks like a bad start on Friday against the Angels could mean his removal from the starting rotation.  Will be interesting to see who the Yanks will bring up.  One thing for sure it won't be one of the Killer B's.

* Can anyone explain to me why does there need to be such a long break between the Conference Finals and the Finals in the NHL and NBA??? Whatever excitement that is generated from the Conference Finals slowly goes away with such an extended break.  I remember when there was no more than a day or two break.  Of course I'm sure the culprit is television.  So much for the fans.

* Much has been made about the Stanley Cup Final games starting at 5pm Vancouver time.  Quite frankly it's much to do about nothing since the same thing happened with the World Series last year in San Francisco.

* The Boston-Vancouver should be a good one.  Both teams like to play physical and have great goaltending.  The key will be special teams.  The Boston power play has been terrible while the Canucks really improved against San Jose.  The other interesting match-up with be the Sedins against the defense pair of Chara & Seidenberg.  The Canucks have never won the Cup.  Boston has not won since 1972.  Unfortunately, I am picking the Canucks in 6.

* If there is any justice the Mavericks and Mark Cuban will win the NBA title.  I can only hope.

* Isn't it a total joke that the NHL & NBA champions will be crowned in mid to late June.  Once again thanks television.

* Jim Tressel resigned yesterday amidst an SI report which chronicled a history of violations under Tressel going back to his days at head coach at Youngstown State.  If you have the opportunity read the story it is incredible particularly because of his pristine image.  Tressel's resignation is only the tip of the iceberg.  I'll have more on this tomorrow but the NCAA should put the hammer down big time on Ohio State and the alumni should also call into question the dopey Athletic Director Gene Smith, who up to a week ago was defending Tressel.  Bottom line is that Tressel and the University lied to the NCAA in order to keep their star quarterback on the field in order to try to win a national championship.  More on this tomorrow.

* If you were a team in need of a shortstop would you trade for Jose Reyes and what would you give up for him??

* And finally, if your a Yankee fan hasn't it been a pleasure not listening to the self-promoting, controversy-creating Michael Kay during this West Coast trip??

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While trying to survive my allergy-ridden morning, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* Another night, another brutal Yankee game.  Last night, Bartolo Colon had a bad sixth inning and the Blue Jays went on to defeat the Yankees 7-3.  Fortunately, both Boston and Tampa lost so the Yanks remain tied for first with the Rays.

* While the Yanks are tied for first, they are only 3 1/2 games out of last place.  Don't know what to make out of the state of the AL East.  I guess we can conclude that Baltimore and Toronto have improved but New York, Tampa Bay and Boston have taken a step back.

* Where would the Jays be if they had held onto Shawn Marcum and Roy Halladay?

* In the last two weeks, the Yankees are 1-4 at home against the low payroll Royals and Blue Jays.

* I don't know how many times I have seen an NHL team have multiple power plays and not score only to have the other team go on to score and win.  That's what happened to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.  Things look bleak for the Sharks as the Canucks can close them out tonight.

* The Boston Bruins took game 5 at home last night against the Lightning winning 3-1.  Game 6 should be a dandy and I think I can see a Game 7 on the horizon. 

* Guy Bouchard made the right move starting Mike Smith last night in net over Dwayne Roloson.  Smith could hardly be faulted on the Bruin goals.  In the end the big difference was Tim Thomas.  As I've stated in an earlier post, he could end up being the difference in a series where the Lightning have the better talent.

* In looking back at the Leaf-Bruin trade involving Tomas Kaberle, I think its apparent that Brian Burke did a great job in getting a 1st rounder, prospect Joe Colborne and a conditional pick for Kaberle.  Kaberle has not looked good since going to the Bruins and probably is costing himself a lot of money this off season as he is a free agent.  Kaberle is a nice guy but his better days are behind him and Burke did a great job of getting in return what he did.

* Wouldn't it make some sense for the Leafs to bring back 27 year old Ian White to quarterback the power play along with Dion Phaneuf??

* Being a Browns fan, I should be really enthusiastic about the upcoming season as things appear to be looking up for the Brownies.  However, the NFL continues to live up to its name. the No Fun League, by continuing this ridiculous lockout.  Usually by now I'm reading about OTA's.  Instead all you hear about is posturing and more posturing.  Disgusting!!

* Of course, then you have American societal expert Ray Lewis.  Lewis says that unless this labor situation is settled, we are going to see an increase in crime.  What???  This from a guy who was involved in a murder right after his team won the Super Bowl and only escaped jail time by ratting on two other guys.  Actually crime would go down since there will be less illegal gambling taking place.  The only increase in crime will be those committed by NFL players!!!

* Lewis brings up a long standing sore subject with me.  After his involvement in the incident in Atlanta, the NFL took it upon themselves to make him the face of the NFL.  How appropriate!!!  This guy is a disgrace.  He should thank his lucky stars that he has extraordinary God-given talent because if he didn't he'd either be dead or in jail.  I still go crazy thinking about the sideline shot of him with Jamal Lewis after Lewis had a run-in with the law.  "You do like I do and don't worry about nothing".  It gets me so hot thinking about it I want to spit!!!!!!!

* The only good thing about the Browns leaving Cleveland when they did is that Ray Lewis is not a Cleveland Brown.  I would have had a fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Tonight the Yankee game will be broadcast on MY9.  It is a total joke watching the games as the broadcast feed is terrible.  I've seen better productions from local cable companies and high school media students.  I have an HD TV with an HD receiver and watching MY9 is like watching the game through a telescope.  Better off just listening to the game.

* And finally, I don't know if there is another more annoying, self-promoting, broadcaster than Michael Kay.  Another reason to listen to the radio tonight.