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

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????