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

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??