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

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when did the Yankees turn into the Mets, here is what I'm thinking about this morning:

* Last week was a sad day in the sports world with the death of 28 year old Derek Boogaard and the announcement that Harmon Killebrew was entering hospice.  Killebrew was an awesome power hitter back in the day forming a dangerous duo for the Minnesota Twins back in the 60's with Tony Oliva.  Killebrew wasn't that tall and certainly didn't have a body builders physique but his arms were huge and he had tremendous power.  Classy till the very end.      Anytime a young athlete dies its sad and usually leads to speculation as to why.  It's unfortunate that some are using Boogaard's death to start up the band for the banning of fighting in the NHL.  Boogaard suffered a concussion back in December as a result of a fight and never played again.  Very sad.

* So happy that the Bulls took Game 1 of their series with the Dream Team.  Here's hoping that they can keep it up.

* The NHL playoffs resumed with Vancouver and Tampa Bay scoring Game 1 victories.  The Lightning have more offensive fire power than the Bruins and I think will come out on top in this series.  The Sharks blew a 2-1 lead in the third period which seems to be a perplexing pattern.  This series will go seven games and unfortunately I think the Canucks will win.

* The streak is now 6 games and losing 10 out of their last 13.  Last night the Yankees blew a 5-1 lead to fall to the Rays 6-5.  AJ Burnett reverted to 2010 blowing up in the 6th inning.  If this becomes a pattern with Burnett, look out!!!

* The obvious discord between Yankee management and Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada is outright ridiculous.  It was Yankee management that gave Posada a four year contract.  No one twisted their arm but for the fact that they couldn't take it if the Mets signed him and they needed damage control after their break up with Joe Torre.  With respect to Jeter, in reading his comments there was really nothing for the China Dolls in Yankee management to get their shorts in a knot over.  Instead of moving on, they needed to keep this front and center.  Maybe the reason for this is to mask the total failure of Cashman and company in fielding a team worth $200 million being beaten down by the low spending Royals and Rays.

* Joe Girardi is saying all the right things about believing in his guys, everyone goes through this during a season, blah, blah, blah, blah.  I'm waiting to hear the classic, "the sun will come up tomorrow..."line that was used quite a bit when Torre was manager.  Unfortunately, Girardi is not Torre.  I have a feeling if Torre was manager this whole thing would not have spun out of control.  However, tough guy Cashman is the new Marshall Dillon and he's not taking any guff from anybody, even if they are 5 time champions.

* I wonder if since the Yankee brass is so pissed off at Jeter whether or not there will be any big ceremony when the Captain cracks the 3,000 hit mark, becoming the first Yankee to do it.  Think about that for a moment.  A team with the likes of Ruth, Gehrig, Di Maggio, Mantle, etc. has never had a player get 3,000 hits.  That will change this summer.  If I had to bet, they'll do something so they can make a boat load of money off of Jeter's accomplishment.

* Will the Yankeeographies on Jeter and Posada be forever banned.

* The NFL owners have been victorious as the 8th Circuit Court is putting a freeze on the injunction of a stay and as a result the lock out is back on.  You know what I hope they don't play a single down and lose a ton of money.

* It's looking like the Atlanta Thrashers could be moving to Winnipeg.  While I have no problem with Canada getting another team, I question why the NHL has gone out of their way to subsidize the Phoenix Coyotes to keep them in Glendale while they are sitting idly by with the Thrashers.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't think Atlanta deserved another team after losing the Flames many years ago.  But why the inconsistency.  Gary Bettman: another super genius running a sports league (Goodell, Stern and Selig other geniuses in their own minds).

* And finally, how long will it take before the Yankees make a move, Hank Steinbrenner erupts and Joe Girardi takes the fall for Brian Cashman's ineptness???

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While looking out my back window finally seeing flowering on trees and bushes here is what's going on in my head:

* Funny how getting four hits, 2 of which home runs, has the New York dailies now focusing off of Derek Jeter and on the rest of the greybeards on the roster something I have been complaining about since the beginning of the season.

* Staying with the Yankees, Bill Madden's article today in the Daily News might have been written by me.  Take a peek if you get a chance today.

* Animal Kingdom wins the Kentucky Derby and I think its pretty much a given that we will not have a Triple Crown winner this year.  For those of you 40 years old and younger you have never seen this feat accomplished.  I consider myself lucky as from 1973 - 1978 there were 3 Triple Crown Winners: Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978).

* Speaking of Secretariat, if you get a chance go on YouTube and search Secretariat.  You will get to see all 3 races and I can tell you there was nothing as dominating as watching this horse win the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown.

* Vancouver took out Nashville last night 2 - 1.  Kudos to Barry Trotz and his staff for a valiant effort.  Loved the catfish being thrown onto the ice.  Wonder if that will be restricted as the octupi are on Detroit.

* Speaking of Detroit, the Joe Louis Arena will be rocking tonight.  The Sharks have to be kicking themselves blowing a 3-1 lead at home in Game 5 and could have finished the Red Wings off.  I still think the Sharks are the better team, but if Wings win tonight they could win this thing in San Jose.

* I can't figure out Damien Cox of the Toronto Star.  Last week he proclaimed on Twitter after the Bruins advanced to the Conference Finals that the Bruins have now won the Kessel trade.  I must be missing something but Tyler Seguin has been a healthy scratch the first two rounds.  The kid will dress and play on the third line against Tampa Bay as a result of the injury to Patrice Bergeron.  Let's see what happens in this series before we proclaim Bruin victory in the most talked about trade in recent Toronto sports history.

* In a recent edition of SI, there was a story about the old ABC show, Wide World of Sports.  For those of you too young to remember, this show was on every Saturday afternoon.  It was incredible as it went around the world covering sporting events that went beyond the 4 major sport leagues.  The best was the boxing coverage, as you had the opportunity to watch the most recent heavyweight fight which included Muhammed Ali. 

* They'll be a new champion in the NBA as the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks.  Lamar Odom and Andruw Bynum should be ashamed of themselves for their late game actions.  Hardly befitting of champions.

* Unfortunately, the Miami Heat look like they will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.  Boston looked really old last night.  Can't quite understand why Ray Allen didn't take the final shot in regulation time which would have tied the series for the Celtics.

* And finally, the 2011 NFL Draft had a big decline in the television ratings this year.  Do you think it had anything to do with the stupid and ridiculous labor situation????

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While thinking about when we will go 2 days without rain, here's what going on in my mind this morning:

- I was really pleased with the Browns draft.  The trade that saw the Browns garner four more picks from Atlanta, 2 this year and Atlanta's 1st and 2nd next year, was just what they needed to get more talent on their roster.  The first three picks went a long way in helping to get some playmakers on their defense, particularly on the D line and the selection of Greg Little should help the receiving corp.  I also thought the selection of the big OL Jason Pinkston was a very good pick and can really make a good offensive line even better.  The selection of Jordan Cameron, the TE from USC, could end up being a diamond in the rough pick.  Kudos to Tom Heckert.  Go Brownies!!!

- Congratulations to the gallery gods at the Radio City Music Hall for booing Roger Goodell.  It made me proud.  Goodell and his band of owners continue to blacken the eye of the NFL.  The sad thing is that if this thing gets settled, people will go back like lemmings, unlike what happened after the last MLB work stoppage.

- Here's a prediction: Cam Newton becomes the next 1st overall bust.

- The Cleveland Indians have the best record in baseball and after one month you have to wonder if they are for real.  Heading into May 3: they are 8 games ahead of Detroit, 9.5 games ahead of Chicago and 10 games ahead of last year's Central Division champs Minnesota.  If the Indians keep this distance heading into June it will be a fun summer for Chief Wahoo!!!

- The NHL Playoffs continue to roll along.  I was really happy to see Nashville knock off the Canucks the other night in double OT.  What is also pretty impressive is the number of people who showed up to welcome the Predators back to Nashville.  The Canucks better be ready for a raucous crowd when Game 3 begins.

- The Sunday game between the Sharks and Red Wings was probably the worst game I've watched this playoff season.  It almost reminded me of a youth hockey game.  The Red Wings better get their act together or it could be an early exit.

- Boston defeated the Flyers last night in overtime to take a 2-0 lead heading back to Boston.  Is this deja vu' all over again???

- Can't be any happier for Vinny Lecavalier.  The Lightning have the Capitals on the ropes and Bruce Boudreau's job could be in jeopardy if his team gets knocked out.  Quite frankly, I believe the Caps are done.

- Some joker has said that the NBA playoff was just as exciting as the NHL.  Please!!!! There hasn't been one Game 7 yet in the NBA playoff.

- And finally, now that the tests on Phil Hughes have come back negative what's next???

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if I will need a boat to get to work today, here is what's on my mind this morning:

*http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/04/25/judge-nelson-lifts-lockout-nfl-appeals  Judge Susan Nelson issued a ruling yesterday for all football fans by lifting the NFL lockout which means that players can report to work this morning.  This is great news, particularly for teams like the Cleveland Browns who are looking to install a new offensive scheme under new coach Pat Shurmur.  Of course, the owners continue to look like the greedy hogs that they are by planning to file an appeal today to place a stay on Judge Nelson's ruling.  Their appeal will be presented to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.  The players have indicated through DeMaurice Smith that they are williing to continue negotiations with the owners.  The owners: they would rather go to court and prove their point.  And Commissioner Roger Goodell tells us he cares about the fans.  Pleeeeeeaassseeee.

* http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/04/25/ohio-state-tressel-ncaa/index.html  Well, the NCAA has issued its Notice of Allegations to Ohio State University regarding Coach Jim Tressel.  As is accurately stated in the article  from SI, the wording of the notice is similar to that submitted to the University of Tennessee regarding basketball coach Bruce Pearl.  By the way, Tennessee removed Pearl from his job.  The same should happen to Tressel.  He lied to his employer and in essence was involved in a cover-up.  Great example for the student athletes who he cares about so much.  If Tressel is not removed, Ohio State is a joke.  Up to this point, people in Columbus continue to defend Tressel.  This defense could lead to severe NCAA imposed sanctions against the Buckeyes.

* Tonight three of the most exciting NHL playoff series resume tonight, two in Game 7 situations.  The early games match Game 6 between the Bruins and Canadiens and the Game 7 war between the Flyers and the Sabres.  I'll be watching the game at the Bell Centre mainly because I can't stand Sabre broadcaster Rick "Pork Chop" Jennereat.  The Sabres have blown two 3 goal leads, ultimately winning one game in overtime and losing one in overtime.  Anything can happen tonight and I would not be surprised with whoever wins.  The Bell Centre will be ablaze tonight as the Canadiens will try to stave off elimination.  Meanwhile, the late game pits the defending champion Black Hawks against the choking Vancouver Canucks.  The Canucks led this series 3-0 and led in Game 6 throughout the game except for when it counted, in overtime.  For a hockey fan, tonight is going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

* The NFL Draft begins on Thursday and I am not sure who my Browns will pick.  I'm not sold on Robert Quinn.  The Browns don't have very good luck with players who have had issues in college.  I have to have faith in Tom Heckert based on the excellent draft he had last year.  Would love to get Marcell Dareus but he probably won't be there when the Browns pick at number 6.  Also wouldn't mind seeing the Browns take a flyer on Alabama QB Greg McElroy late in the draft.  The kid's a winner.

* http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-worst-No-7-pick-ever-Choosing-biggest-bust?urn=nfl-wp1194  Take a look at this article.  It's pretty interesting.

* Bud Selig wants to expand the number of playoff teams by adding an additional wild card team.  The plan is to have a best 2 out of 3 with the winner playing the team with the best record.  Many players have come out against it.  I wonder how is this going to prevent the World Series from being played in November.  Once again, its all about the money and Selig shows again that he doesn't give a damn about the integrity of the game.

* And finally, can you find 4 bigger lackeys that run major sports than Goodell, Selig, Gary Bettman and David Stern.  The NHL, NBA and MLB have teams in financial trouble which probably is a good reason for contraction and is a result of the mismanagement of their commissioners who are all about lining the pockets of their bosses who are the owners.  The NFL?? Financial trouble??  Please!!!  I guess I've answered my own question: it's Goodell.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering if it's April 19th or November 19th, here is what's on my mind this morning:

* The most exciting playoff games are in the National Hockey League.  The emotion, the desperation and the fan involvement is just incredible,  The Bell Centre in Montreal last night was unbelieveable and the Ranger-Capitals and Duck-Predators game on Sunday were really entertaining and far surpass watching an MLB, NFL or NBA playoff game.

* While watching the NHL playoff games it had me thinking about the last time the Maple Leafs were in the playoffs.  Guess I was spoiled from 1999 to 2004.  The intensity was unreal and I lived and died with them.  However nothing can match the 1992-93 playoff run that I still blame Kerry Fraser for missing Gretzky's high-stick on Doug Gilmour in overtime in Game 6.  In case you don't remember, minutes later Gretzky scored the game winner which pushed the semi-final series to Game 7 that the Leafs lost in a heartbreaker.

* Having the NHL Center Ice package I watch a lot of games and listen to a lot of different broadcasters.  There are some really bad ones out there:  Howie Rose, Rick Jennerat to name a couple.  But one guy who is right up there is Jack Edwards of NESN.  Last night, he was brutal.  Crying after every non-call against the Canadiens and at one point screaming at Roman Hamrlik to "get up" after a collision with Michael Ryder where Edwards was accusing Hamrlik of trying to draw a penalty.  May Hamrlik been trying to draw a penalty? Possibly.  However, did it call for Edwards to literally be screaming??  No way.  Flat out terrible.

* It was reported that Mike Leake, pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, was arrested for shoplifting at a store in downtown Cincinnati.  Alledgedly Leake removed the tags off of a bunch of t-shirts, the total cost being $59.  Are you kidding me??  This guy makes $425,000 a year and he has to steal t-shirts!!  I can't wait to see what he has to say at a press conference today.

* Sunday night I watched the Knicks-Celtics playoff game and I have to say I was into it.  My first favorite NBA team was the 1969-70 Willis Reed Knicks team.  I guess I've always been an estranged Knicks fan and I strayed during the Larry Bird Celtics years.  But they have me back again.  It was really a tough one to lose against an experienced playoff tested Boston team.  Not sure why Amare Stoudamire didn't touch the ball in the last 3 minutes of the game.  It was obvious they couldn't stop him.

* Carmelo Anthony had a terrible game Sunday and it was capped off by his decision to take a three point shot when a two pointer sends the game to overtime.  He better play tall tonight.  There was a funny take in one of the NY dailys: "Marsh- Melo Anthony".  More to come if Anthony doesn't produce.

* The NFL 2011 regular season schedule comes out today and I don't sense as much anticipation as in years past and rightfully so.  Personally, I'm a huge Browns fan but if the season was canceled I could care less.  I'm sick of the smugness of the NFL.  The product is boring and terrible.  I've maintained all along that if it wasn't for gambling and fantasy football the NFL ratings would plummet.

* The MLB baseball season heads toward the end of April and there have been some surprises.  The Indians and Royals have played well and the AL East isn't much better than the NL Central.  It will be interesting to see how long it lasts.

* And finally, I'm simply amazed at the number of empty seats that are shown at Yankee Stadium.  The Sunday night game against the Rangers was embarassing.  They showed a shot of the Stadium from above and I couldn't believe the number of empty seats throughout the Stadium.  Could you imagine if their record was 5-9 as opposed to 9-5???  I guess that's what happens when you price out the die-hard fans.  You'll probably see more die-hard Yankee fans at the Rogers Centre tonight in Toronto!!!

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While wondering when will it ever stay warm outside, here's what I'm thinking about:

* The Yankees open up a 3 game series against the East Division leading Baltimore Orioles.  Should be interesting to see how the Yankees bounce back from the weekend and how Baltimore looks against an East Division rival.

* The Maple Leafs season came to an end Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens.  The off season will be the biggest one during the Brian Burke era.  Expect Burke to announce today that Ron Wilson will get a contract extension.  My thoughts are a one year extension with a mandate to make the playoffs next year.  I'll have more on the Leafs later this week.

* There is nothing like watching an NHL game with a playoff spot on the line.  The Dallas - Minnesota game Sunday night was unbelievable as the Stars needed to win to make the playoffs but came up short.  The Wild were every much into the game as were the Stars and the game was very compelling as it was 3 - 3 going into the third only to see the Wild win it 5 - 3 allowing the defending champion Black Hawks to make the playoffs.

* Also watched a good portion of the Knicks - Pacers game on Sunday night.  I was truly amazed at the lack of defense and what I would describe as "backyard basketball" particularly by the Knicks who would just run down and put up shot after shot.  It will be interesting to see how the Knicks perform against the Celtics.

* There has been plenty of talk about the decline of Derek Jeter.  The Captain does look uncomfortable at the plate and hopefully this is a slow start.  I can tell you its not easy watching an icon perform at a level below his career numbers as I remember Mickey Mantle in his final 2 years.

* With the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting tomorrow, here are my 1st round picks: East - Penguins over Lightning, Bruins over Canadiens, Sabres over Flyers and Capitals over Rangers.  West - Ducks over Predators, Red Wings over Coyotes, Kings over Sharks and Black Hawks over Canucks.

* The 1st round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is the best round as upsets are always a possibility.  The top seeds are guaranteed of absolutely nothing!!

* And finally, a peek at the AL standings show that the Cleveland Indians have the second best record.  Do you think they will make the playoffs????

Tuesday Thoughts

While wondering when we will go awhile without rain or snow here's what's going on in my head this morning:

* Ivan Nova's 2011 debut was certainly encouraging going 6 solid innings leading the Yankees to a 4 - 3 win over the Twins.  Nova got Delmon Young  to bounce into a double play and then induced a Jim Thome strike out to end the 6th inning to preserve the Yankee lead.

* The Yankee game recipe worked out just fine yesterday with six solid innings from their starter and a dominant 7-8-9th inning performances by Joba Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera.  If this continues throughout the year, look out!

* One thing that is a little troubling to me is how in the early going the Yanks have been relying big time on the long ball.  There's no way that will continue throughout the long 162 game schedule. 

* Great story as reported by YES last night during the game about CC Sabathia taking Ivan Nova under his wing and purchasing for him a number of suits.  Sabathia indicated that Ellis Burks did that for him when he was a rookie with the Indians.  Tells you something about the character of CC.

* Can't tell you how bitter I've been over the last 48 hours watching the Flyers lose to the Rangers and then seeing the Bruins blow a 3 goal lead, including giving up 3 goals in the last 4 minutes of the game at MSG.  I see an early exit for both teams.  Disgusting!!

* While I knew the Leafs chances to make the playoffs was on life support, it still pisses me off that they have received no help.  Only gets me fired up more for the 2011-12 hockey season.

* Check out this article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer:  http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2011/04/oregon_state_ed_ray_jim_tressel.html

* The NCAA March Madness Final game was really anti-climatic.  UCONN's march to a championship is kind of a throwback to year's gone by as they were led by a guard to a national title.

* This weekend the Yankees face the Red Sox for the first time this year.  As a Yankees fan, I really need to dial down the hype.  It's the best thing for your health and helps to reduce property damage at home.

* Watched the tail end of the Orioles - Tigers game on the Oriole baseball network.  Gary Thorne and Jim Palmer are ridiculous.  As the Orioles went on to win their 4th game in a row, the two homers went on and on about how the last Oriole team to do this was the 1997 version which was playoff bound and how the 1970 World Series team accomplished this feat and everyone in baseball ought to look out.  Please, give me a break!!!

* There is nothing better than watching a game at Wrigley Field, particularly when the Cubs win.  The best song played after a team wins is "Go Cubs Go"!!  The fans stay in their seats until they are done singing.  It's awesome!!!

* And finally, if the Orioles continue to win they will set the record for most wins ever by a major league baseball team.  Oh Brother!!!  Gary Thorne should know better.  Maybe this is why he's been relegated to MASN.

Tuesday Thoughts

While wondering why the hell I'm up at 4:30 in the morning here are some thoughts running around in my head:

* The Major League Baseball season begins on Thursday and it should be an interesting one.  My picks for this year:  NL -  East: Phillies,  Central: Brewers, West: Giants, Wild Card: Reds.  AL - West: A's,  Central: White Sox, East: Red Sox, Wild Card: Yankees.  World Series: Yankees over Reds.  Two wild cards make it.

* The Yankees announced their final roster cuts sending Jesus Montero and Austin Romine back down to Scranton and Trenton respectively.  Hopefully, Cervelli gets well soon.  Good news, it looks like Curtis Granderson will not go on the DL.

* The Yankee season beginning usually comes with high hopes for a championship.  I have to tell you this year I'm not so sure I have the same feeling.  The starting pitching is scary and Yankee hitters will need to produce.  What will be interesting is if the team starts off poorly what will Brian Cashman do to beef up the rotation and how will Joe Girardi handle it.  Could be real interesting.

* Being a Yankee fan, I watch every Yankee game I can.  However, the incessant self-promotion by Michael Kay is so disgusting that I wonder how long it will take before I'm yelling at the set: "Shut Up Kay!!!"

* The Leafs host the red hot Buffalo Sabres tonight at the ACC.  Here's hoping they can pull out a win and Carolina is victorious tonight.  Would like nothing more than to make Sabre fans sweat.

* The constant refrain from some up in Toronto that this is more of the "same old, same old" Leafs is just flat out wrong and quite frankly I say stop following the team.  Don't get me wrong, I have criticized this organization in the past going back to the Ballard days.  But if you can't see the difference and the hope this team brings then you are blind or bitter like Bill Watters.

* The Final Four matchups should really be fun to watch.  It's a shame that Butler and VCU have to face each other in the semi-finals.  This should be a fun game to watch.

* One other compelling item of the Final Four: one semi-final pits two coaches who have been around and the other semi-final pits two up and coming young coaches.

* Isn't it interesting how March Madness has captured the imagination of the country.  I mean people who know nothing about basketball are following the tournament because they are in some type of pool.  Does this tell us something about ourselves as gambling and office pools are what make the NFL so popular.

* What do you think will be watched more: March Madness or the NBA Playoffs.

And finally, could you imagine the interest in an 8 team college football playoff.  It would surpass the NFL.

Tuesday’s Thoughts

While cursing the weatherman who is calling for 2 to 4 inches of snow tomorrow, here's what I'm thinking about this morning:

The NHL issued a 10 game suspension to Penguins rock head Matt Cooke plus suspending Cooke for the first round of the playoffs.  It's a good first step.  Ray Shero did come out in support of the suspension and supposedly Mario Lemieux has had a conversation with Mr. Cooke.  Now what needs to happen is two things: 1.) the Penguins need to add to the suspension and the NHLPA needs to back it and 2.) the League needs to institute financial penalties to the teams when one of their players commits such an act.

It seems the Yankees have awarded the No. 4 spot in the rotation to 24 year old Ivan Nova.  I think its the right move and hopefully the kid can have a good year.  My understanding is that there is no innings limit for Nova.  The No.5 spot is another story.  The team is impressed with Bartolo Colon and not so much with Freddy Garcia.  I have some concerns about Colon.  I'd almost go with Garcia and leave Colon in the bullpen or send him down to Scranton.  Colon's overweight and needs to get in shape.  Funny how Cashman hasn't indicated concern over Little Andre the Giant's huge gut but came out guns a-blazing about Joba Chamberlain.

This past week we had the two most ridiculous statements made by athletes when Jalen Rose called Grant Hill and every black Duke basketball player an Uncle Tom and Adrian Peterson equated the NFL players to slaves.  With respect to Peterson, maybe Adrian didn't take any history classes or watch Roots because blacks who were slaves weren't driving fancy cars, living in fancy houses and wearing designer clothes.  They were in chains and at the whim of their masters.  Somehow I don't see the same scenario for NFL players.  I'm on the players side in this situation but when you hear this garbage from Peterson it makes you wonder.  As far as Rose goes, I think that he is a disgrace.  Hill, Johnny Dawkins and others are not "black enough" because they had the opportunity to go to Duke University??  Quite frankly, the idolization of the Michigan Fab Five is a joke and Jalen Rose should be thankful that he has had the opportunity to play basketball for a living.

The Maple Leafs signed Tyler Brenner, a power forward from R.I.T.  Brenner is 6' 2 200 pounds and scored 26 goals in 37 games this year.  Five teams had been scouting Brenner.  Not sure how this kid will pan out but once again Brian Burke has dipped into the college ranks to get a prospect.  Prior to Burke, I never remember the Leaf organization doing this.  Keep it up Brian.

Yesterday it was announced that the University of Tennessee fired head basketball coach Bruce Pearl.  Pearl was in hot water for lying to NCAA investigators about a cook out he had at his home with high school seniors.  Pearl brought the Volunteer men's team back to the NCAA Tounament several times, including a Sweet 16 appearance.  He had a record of 148 - 65.  My question:  How is this any different than Jim Tressel??  Tressel lied to NCAA investigators and to Ohio State.  If a player did that he would be suspended and probably thrown off the team.  Tressel should be fired.  But Ohio State doesn't have the guts to do it.

Last night while walking the dog I was thinking about how I can't wait until the weather warms up and I can sit outside with a cool drink and a cigar and listen to a baseball game on the radio.  Radio you ask??  Try it if you get the chance this summer.  Before Extra Inning packages and cable TV, you followed your team via radio broadcasts.  There's nothing better!!!

Here's hoping Curtis Granderson has a big year in 2011.  There's not a better guy in all of sports.  This guy has his head screwed on straight and does a lot for the community and is an excellent goodwill ambassador for the game.  In an era when you have many spoiled and pampered athletes, Granderson is one of the guys who understand what a privilege it is to play a kid's game and earn a great living.

And finally, sports fans finally won one with the coverage of the NCAA Basketball tournament.  The four network partnership allowed fans to watch every game without having to purchase a premium package through your cable or satellite provider.  Too bad my bracket didn't do as well. 

It's looking like a Ohio State - Kansas final.  Not a fan of either team but what else is new.  Oh well, enjoy the rest of the toournament.

Tuesday Thoughts

While complaining about losing an hour sleep because of the time change, here are some things running around in my head:

- Last night's Leafs game probably puts an end to the improbable dream of making the playoffs.  By far, this was James Reimer's worst game since he's been with the team.  Hopefully, they can bounce back and finish the season strong.

- Sticking with hockey, last week the NHL extended the contract of Commissioner Gary Bettman.  I'm not a Bettman fan.  He's not a hockey guy and I think his crazy expansion to non-hockey markets has been a failure.  Let's also not forget the season ending lockout of 2004-2005.  What was described as being needed to restore financial stability for all of the league's franchises, the lockout was a failure as 15 teams are losing money.  Let's also not forget losing ESPN as the league's television partner.  With that track record would we get a contract extension at our jobs??

- Plenty of controversy over the Chara hit on Max Pacioretty.  It's clear to me that the injury was caused by the uncovered metal stanchion at the Bell Centre.  First off, why wouldn't that be covered??  Secondly, the bigger issue is that shots to the head need to be banned.  I like Mario Lemieux's idea, substantially fine the team along with a player suspension which should be equal to the amount of time the injured player is out.

- Well, its look like Jim Tressel knew that his players were selling items to memorabilia dealers in April 2010 and did nothing about it.  Tressel has created this straight laced persona as evidenced by his sweater vest and neat appearance but in reality he is a fraud.  What's even more disturbing is the reaction by his defenders.  The President of Ohio State joked about the fact that he had to watch what he said because Tressel could get him fired.  And then there's Bobby Knight who defended Tressel to the hilt saying that Tressel is good for college sports.  This is the same Knight who has lambasted John Calipari.  Tressel should be suspended for the entire season.  What type of example is he setting for the athletes he coaches.

- It's interesting reading reports out of Tampa about the Yankees.  I can't yet put my finger on who the 4th and 5th starters will be.  If I have to bet Freddy Garcia will be one of them.  Not sure if it will be Nova or Colon.

- Eric Chavez has been having a good spring and I think he could be a nice addition for the Yanks.  I also think AROD will have a big year.  Looks in great shape.  And once again don't bet against The Captain.

- I'm really disappointed that St. John's drew Gonzaga in the first round.  Two teams that I would like to see move on.  Here's hoping that Louisville and Notre Dame do well.

- It was sad learning about the untimely death of Sabre great Rick Martin.  Martin certainly thrilled hockey fans in the 70's being part of the electrifying French Connection.  A big loss for the Sabres organization and for Buffalo in general.

- And finally, do you think if the NFL season is delayed because of labor unrest will fans boycott games like they did when MLB lost a season???