College Football vs NFL: Not Even Close!!!
As news continues to leak out that the NFL lock out is heading toward an end, there was a great article (check it out above) comparing the NFL and college football. Let me start out by saying that I have followed the NFL and particularly the Cleveland Browns for 50 years. On fall Sundays as a child, I would want my parents to schedule our weekly visits to both of my grandparents houses around halftime of the Browns game so I wouldn't miss anything when we went from one house to the other. So as you can see the NFL has been a part of my sports life for a long time. That being said, today. I'll take college football over the NFL anyday.
Gregg Doyell is right on the money in his article. But beyond his point, I think the actual game itself is better in college football. There's more excitement. Teams are willing to gamble. There's more scoring. I don't have to see some defensive lineman after a sack get up and do a jig because he sacked the quarterback even though his team is down by two touchdowns. I can't tell you how much that bugs me.
When it comes to overtime, I love the college format. Each team has a shot to win as opposed to a possible coin toss deciding the game and multiple punts resulting in a field goal to decide the game. The college game is much more wide open. The atmosphere is better. I've never been to a college game where I've seen fights in the crowd or drunken stupidness as I have at pro games. And while alcohol is not sold in college stadiums, there is plenty of tailgating that goes on before the college game.
If the NCAA ever woke up and established a playoff system to determine the national championship, the college football championship game would rival the Super Bowl in popularity. For me if the NFL canceled the season, I wouldn't miss it for the world and this from a kid who's grandparents knew that the Browns game needed to be on when I came over to visit on Sunday.
HHOF Selections/ Wimbledon/ Yankees
Yesterday's announcement of the new inductees into hockey's hall of fame were positively received in most quarters throughout the hockey world. I would fall into that category as Doug Gilmour, Eddie Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyck and Mark Howe are all deserving. With respect to Gilmour, it was a long time overdue. As a Leaf fan, there is no doubt that Gilmour led a team that provided us with plenty of thrills and but for a blown call by Kerry Fraser, a legitimate chance at the Stanley Cup.
However, I am not happy with the fact that Pat Burns was not selected. Burns coached three Original 6 teams (Montreal, Toronto & Boston) and won a Stanley Cup with New Jersey. Not only did he coach the three Original 6 teams, he instilled a winning attitude and excitement in three proud franchises. With respect to Toronto, Burns was as instrumental as Gilmour and Cliff Fletcher in turning the Maple Leaf franchise around in the early 90's. His numbers speak for themselves. It's a disgrace that he's not in the hall of fame.
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I always equate Wimbledon with the 4th of July as the finals are usually right around the same time. This year on the women's side, the US is shut out as both Serena and Venus Williams had early round exits. In fact, the only American left in the whole tournament is Mardy Fish on the men's side. While its still exciting to watch, there's always a little more to it when an American is in the semi-finals or finals. One also has to wonder what the state of tennis is in the United States as I'm not sure what youngsters are possibly the next generation of American stars. With the current state of affairs we may need some young blood. By the way, here's hoping Maria Sharapova wins.
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The Yankees pounded Zack Greinke last night early and often as they defeated the Brewers 12-2 and upped their lead on Boston to 1 1/2 games as the Red Sox were shut out 5-0 by Cliff Lee and the Phillies. Nick Swisher continued his hot hitting and I couldn't be happier for a guy who truly loves being a Yankee. Mark Texiera has really gotten hot as he hit his 24th home run.
The Yanks received some good news as its possible that Bartolo Colon could be available over the weekend against the Mets. That would allow them to put Brian Gordon in the bullpen. Phil Hughes pitches tonight in his 2nd rehab start in Trenton. Here's hoping we see continued improvement. I almost think that the Yanks should hold him out until after the All-Star break. The same may be the case for Derek Jeter. I'm not sure there is much sense to bring him back for games next weekend against Tampa with the All-Star break starting right after that series.
By the way, last night's YES broadcast illustrated why I think Michael Kay is terrible. Not only did he repeat himself a million times reciting mindless statistics. he went on a 15 minute diatribe about someone living rent free in the left field scoreboard. What added to this ridiculous crap was John Flaherty who played along with the infamous self-promoting Big Headed Kay. It is incredible that the most known sports franchise in the world can't have a first class broadcast team. Where is Ken Singleton when you need him??
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.
NHL News & Yanks Win On Old Timer’s Day
As we head toward July 1, there has been plenty of activity in the NHL prior to free agency kicking in. The Buffalo Sabres picked up Robyn Regher and Ales Kotalik for 2 young players which allowed the Flames to sign Alex Tanguay to a 5 year contract extension. Ryan Smyth, Captain Canada, has gone back to his roots as he has been traded back to the Edmonton Oilers. And Brian Campbell was traded from the Chicago Black Hawks to the Florida Panthers. Why all the activity??? Well part of it has to do with the fact that the new salary cap figures are out and there is a $48 million floor that each team must spend to. As a result, teams are willing to take on big salaries of players who may not be living up to expectations. This could make for more moves prior to July 1 and throughout the summer.
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Rumors are flying about where Brad Richards and Steven Stamkos may end up. The reported favorites to land Richards are the NY Rangers. However, the Philadelphia Flyers are now being reported as extremely interested with the Maple Leafs and LA Kings also in the mix. It does not surprise me that the Flyers are now in the Richards sweepstakes with the blockbuster trades that they made moving Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. I really do think this will come down to the Rangers and Flyers. At one point it was suggested that Richards would give the Lightning a discount because that is where he started his career but I don't see that being the case now.
Speaking of Tampa Bay, there are reports that the Lightning may not be willing to pay Steven Stamkos what the market would bear for a player of his caliber: $8.5-9 million a year for 5 years. Stamkos is a restricted free agent so the Lightning would be compensated if Stamkos signs with another team and it is being reported that several teams are looking into the possibility of submitting an offer sheet for the young superstar center. The Maple Leafs, Red Wings and Flyers are all teams that have been associated with this possibility. If the Lightning, (who reportedly lost $20 million dollars last year) do not sign Stamkos by July 1st, I can see the Maple Leafs making a move to get the Toronto-area center man. This would be a dream come true for the Blue and White.
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Realignment seems to be all the rage these days and the NHL is in on the act as a result of the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg. For this season, the Jets will be playing in the Southeast Division with Florida, Tampa, Carolina, and Washington. Initially it was reported that either Detroit, Columbus or Nashville would be moved to the Eastern Conference with Detroit being the favorite. The problem with this is that the remaining Western teams were not happy with the thought of losing the Red Wings from visiting their arenas 3 or 4 times a year.
So a report is out that the league is considering a complete realignment with the Eastern Conference consisting of 2-eight team divisions and the Western Conference consisting of 2-seven team divisions. The unbalanced schedule would be thrown away and each team would play every other team at least twice a year.
2 problems with this proposal as I see it. First, four teams in each division would make the playoffs with the first round being divisional and the second round would be reseeded with the other division in the conference. This means that there is greater opportunity for teams to make the playoffs in the West because there are 2 less teams. Second, with 2 less teams in the West there will be a push for 2 expansion teams which would be a disaster.
Bettman should just have the guts to swap a team with Winnipeg and throw out this crazy realignment proposal.
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Yesterday was Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees did not disappoint the big crowd with a come from behind 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher continued their hot hitting with back to back home runs that tied the game for the Pinstripers. It is really important for these two to continue to provide some offense to extend this lineup. Mark Texiera hit his 23rd home run of the year as the Yanks go into an off day still one-half game ahead of the Red Sox.
It was great to see Joe Torre back at the Stadium and he received quite the ovation. It was also great to see Bernie Williams back. Check out Tuesday's Thoughts for more on Old Timer's Day!!
Yanks Hop Into 1st
Unbelievably, the Yankees in spite of injuries and a weakened, duct taped pitching staff is one half game in first place this morning as a result of their 8-3 win Saturday and Boston's 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. Despite Boston's torrid June prior to hitting the Steel City, the Yankees have been able to keep up with their arch rivals. Not to mention the fact that the Red Sox hold an 8-1 series lead this season over the Pinstripers. If the Yanks had won 4 of the 9 games they would be 3 1/2 games up.
When you look at the season so far, both teams have flaws and injuries to deal with. The flaws are in both of their pitching staffs. Whichever team is able to stabilize their rotation and bullpen will probably win the division with the loser being the wild card. But one has to wonder what would happen in October when you will be facing another team whose pitching staff may be more consistent. Just look at what happened last year with Texas. And while we focus on what Boston and New York will do at the trade deadline, what happens if a Detroit for example is able to get a top pitcher to team up with Justin Verlander similar to what Texas did last year with Cliff Lee?? Verlander, Felix Hernandez and Max Scherzer.....mmmmm. I'm not suggesting Hernandez is available, particularly with the Mariners in the hunt for the AL West crown but you get where I'm going with this.
Time will tell and as we head into July things will certainly heat up.
Leafs Get More For Kabs, NHL & Yanks Fall
Yesterday as was anticipated, Brian Burke made two trades: one that will help the team immediately and the other that hopefully will bear fruit in the future. The first trade involved the 2012 second round pick that the Leafs received from the Bruins in the Tomas Kaberle deal. That 2nd round pick was contingent upon whether or not the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Well the Leafs used that pick to get John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche.
Liles is a 31 year old puck-moving, power play quarterback defenseman who scored 40 points last year for the Avs. The Leafs tried getting Liles at the trade deadline in February but the Avs wanted a first round pick and the Leafs declined. By waiting it out, Toronto gets the guy they wanted to replace Kaberle in the short term( as Liles has one year remaining on his contract) without giving up a first round pick. So if we look at the Kaberle trade, the Leafs sent Kaberle to Boston for Joe Colborne, a first round pick (which was used to move up in the draft to take Tyler Biggs) and John-Michael Liles. While Brian Burke gets constantly questioned on the Phil Kessel deal, it appears that the Maple Leafs won out on the Kaberle deal.
Tyler Biggs was the player taken as a result of the second trade Burke made. He packaged the Leafs second round pick and the 1st rounder they acquired from Boston to move up to get Biggs. He's a big tough right winger who's not afraid to throw his body around and has a scoring touch. This is a typical Burke-type player who will be headed to Miami of Ohio University for further seasoning. You never know with these picks but if this kid develops as Burke & Company anticipate, this could be the power forward that the Leafs have lacked for years.
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Not sure if we can expect anymore trades at the draft as we have already seen Brian Campbell, Troy Brower, Devin Setoguchi and Brett Burns all moved yesterday. July 1st is only 6 days away and as we know there will be plenty of action. Brad Richards is the big prize and the NY Rangers appear to be the favorites to land him. Tampa is indicating that they are not in the running and there are rumblings that the Flyers may be in the mix. In order for the Flyers to be serious players in the Richards sweepstakes they would have to move another salary and the rumors are that Kris Versteeg could be leaving Philly.
With Liles being moved, it seems unlikely that Colorado would be willing to move Paul Stastny because they will need to meet the floor cap amount and taking Stastny out would make it awfully hard for that to happen. It has been awfully quiet in regard to the status of RFA's Steven Stamkos and Zack Parise. There seems to be a feeling out there that teams may be willing to submit an offer sheet for both of these players or its possible that the Devils and Lightning could pull off a trade. Keep an eye on this.
And finally, there is a faint rumor that the Pittsburgh Penguins may be willing to move Evegni Malkin. This would be a major move. It's the silly season so we are going to hear a lot of things. But that's what makes it fun!!!
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The Yankees dropped a 4-2 decision to the Colorado Rockies last night missing out on another opportunity to pass the Red Sox who lost 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. A.J. Burnett continues to frustrate as last night he pitched well enough to lose. Today is Old Timer's Day at the Stadium and hopefully some of that old magic can find its way to the current team. You may think I'm being negative but I'm looking at October and the Yanks need Burnett. The news from Trenton on Phil Hughes was not encouraging. It doesn't look like he will be joining the Yankees soon meaning the pitching staff is still a problem. Brian Cashman will be very busy between now and July 31st.
NHL Trades & Rumors, Tiki/Mike Flap
Yesterday on the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers got things going by making two blockbuster trades setting the scene for a possible wild night in Minnesota today. The Flyers sent their captain, Mike Richards to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a draft pick. They weren't done as they then traded Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jacob Voracek and the Blue Jackets 1st and 3rd round pick. Not soon after all of this it was announced that the Flyers signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a multi-year deal.
The Flyers cannot be done because as it stands today, they are not a better team right now and that's nothing against the young players they acquired. Voracek, Schenn and Simmonds are all promising young players with Voracek and Simmonds showing some of that promise in the NHL and Schenn being acknowledged as possibly the best young player not in the NHL. However, they are currently not Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. The other thing to consider is that both Carter and Richards are only 26 years old.
Obviously, Paul Holmgren has decided that the team needed to go in a different direction. The Flyers in the past 2 years had signed Carter and Richards to long-term multi-year contracts. That's why I can't believe that the Flyers are done making trades because they are in no way a top 3 team in the East as they currently sit today. L.A. and Columbus have made major improvements. The Kings have appeared to be on the cusp of being a dangerous team in the West and showed flashes of that this year in its playoff series against the Sharks. Richards will provide veteran leadership and offensive skill which can only help this young hockey club. The Blue Jackets now have a center to pair up with Rick Nash that gives them a comparable 1-2 punch with any of the other Western Conference top teams.
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The Flyer moves have probably set the market for what could be more trades before the July 1st free agency date. The Maple Leafs were in on the Mike Richards talks, having reportedly offered Nazem Kadri, Nikolai Kulemin and a first round pick for Richards. The Flyers opted to take the Kings deal and it is reported that they did not want to deal Richards to an Eastern Conference team. Brian Burke has indicated that he would be willing to move both of the teams 1st round picks and their high second round pick to get a player who can help them now. It's rumored that they are in on talks with Tampa regarding Steven Stamkos and that they had a deal in place to acquire Brad Richards, however Richards turned down the Stars' request for him to waive his no trade clause. Its also rumored that the Leafs are looking to make a move with the Devils to get Zach Parise.
The NY Rangers seem to be the favorites to get Brad Richards. Reports out of New York indicate that the Rangers are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the 31 year old former Conn Smythe winner. The Calgary Flames have asked Robyn Regher to waive his no trade clause so that they can move him to Buffalo. No report as to what the Sabres would be giving up in order to get Regher. Its also reported that the San Jose Sharks are also interested in Regher.
Jason Spezza's name is being mentioned in possible trades with the Canucks and Sharks. Paul Stastny's name is floating around as possibly being on the move, along with Kevin Bieska and Christian Erhoff. For the next week if you are a hockey fan, hang onto your seat because it has the makings to be a wild one.
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If you have a chance go onto YouTube and type in Mike Francesa/Tiki Barber. You'll get the clip of Mike's interview with Tiki Barber on Wednesday. It's a classic. Francesa basically called Barber out as being a failure in the broadcast world, particularly with his stint on NBC. Barber took exception to Mike's criticism and Tiki's agent also gets in on the act. But, despite having to deal with the two, Francesa had them both on their heels. Take the time to go to YouTube. It was great!!!!
Yanks 4-2 On Road and Big Time For The Leafs
The New York Yankees split yesterday's doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds ending their Midwest road trip with a 4-2 record and pulling 1/2 game behind the Boston Red Sox. Since being swept by the Red Sox at home for the second time this year, the Yanks over their last 13 games are 10-3. They now head home where they will be hosting the Rockies with Jason Giambi and then the Milwaukee Brewers. The Yanks will need to take care of business before heading to Citi Field for a weekend series against the Mets July 1-3. They then head to Cleveland for a series against the Indians that begins on July 4th before heading home to take on the Rays before the All-Star break.
Over these next 15 games, the Pinstripers need to go 11-4. Over this same time period, the Red Sox hit the road against the Pirates, Phillies and Astros before heading home to take on the Blue Jays and Orioles. Beyond the Phillies and possibly the Pirates, the other teams could be cannon fodder for the Red Sox so the Yankees will need to be on their game. After the All-Star Game, rumors will be flying as we approach the July 31st trade deadline. For the Yankees we should also know more about Phil Hughes and Rafael Soriano. It's going to get interesting.
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Friday will be Round 1 of the NHL Entry Draft and it will officially begin the most important time for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they begin to prepare for the 2011-12 season. As I have stated many times, this off season will be the biggest one yet for Brian Burke and his management team as they try to get the Leafs back into the post season and be a legitimate Cup contender. With two first round picks, a high second round pick, plenty of money to spend under the newly increased salary cap, Burke is in a position to make some moves that could achieve these goals.
One thing is for sure, the Leaf GM and President will not be afraid to make a move to improve his hockey club. In my opinion, he has done a great job in adding young talent and putting on the ice a team that captured the imagination of many starving Leaf hockey fans from February through the end of last season. With the coaching changes that recently took place, its clear that Burke & Company are expecting playoff hockey next April. However, in order to accomplish that Burke will need to push the right buttons beginning on Friday.
Races Shaping Up In MLB
As we are officially into Summer 2011, a look at the Major League Baseball standings indicate that we may be in for some exciting pennant races. Over in the National League, the West Division is led by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dbacks lead the 2010 World Series champion SF Giants by 1/2 game. The Giants have dropped 5 games in a row, including being swept by cross bay rival Oakland A's. Lurking in third place are the Colorado Rockies, 2 1/2 games off the pace and a team which has a history of making late season runs.
The NL Central, possibly the worst division in baseball, has the Milwaukee Brewers leading the way by 1/2 game over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers certainly have the personnel to be in the hunt and possibly win the division. The Cardinals will have to figure out a way to deal with the loss of Albert Pujols. The defending Central Division champs, the Cincinnati Reds are only 2 1/2 games out and will be a factor. And a surprise team right now are the Pittsburgh Pirates who are only 4 games out of first and are one game under .500.
The division leader with the largest lead in Major league baseball are the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phils have a 4 game lead over the Atlanta Braves and may have the ability to run away with the divisional crown. What makes this very possible is that the 3 other teams in the East are not so good, particularly the Mets and Marlins.
In the American League, the West is vying with the NL Central to be the worst division in baseball as 5 1/2 games separate the 1st place Rangers from the last place A's. The Rangers are 2 games ahead of the second place Seattle Mariners, who are only one game over .500. A team to watch could be the Angels who are 4 games off the pace.
The AL Central sees the Cleveland Indians come back down to earth as their early season lead has been cut to one game over the Detroit Tigers. The Indians have been a nice story this season but I don't see them having the ability to hold off the Tigers. Also still in the picture are the Chicago White Sox who are 2 1/2 games behind the Indians. You would have to think that this will come down to the Tigers and White Sox. A team that has made a recent surge and could be a factor down the stretch are the Minnesota Twins who are only 6 1/2 games out of first place.
The AL East finds the Red Sox holding a 1 game lead over the Yankees and a 4 1/2 game lead over the scrappy Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox hold an 8-1 lead in the season series against the Yanks and still only remain 1 game ahead of the Pinstripers. Both teams have flaws but this one will go down to the wire with the 2nd place team probably being the wild card team.
A quick examination of the standings also illustrates something rather interesting. In the American League, 7 out of the 14 teams are under .500 and in the National League 8 out of the 16 teams are below .500. 50% of the teams in major league baseball are under .500. Not sure how this stacks up with past seasons but it says to me that season records are one thing and dominant teams can really make hay during the regular season. The true test comes in the playoffs where the teams are more even. That's why pitching is key and that's why both the Red Sox and Yankees are not necessarily shoo-ins to be the AL representative in the World Series.
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???
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