Baseball is Back

The Sun Will Come Out... Today, Today, Bet your bottom dollar that today... there will be SUN!
It is opening day folks, time for every baseball fan to reset and know deep down that they have a clean slate.  162 games are ahead of us and your team has just as good of a shot as any other.
Unless... Your team is the Philadelphia Phillies. Sorry Phillies Fans.  But you should look into developing other horrible habits instead of watching baseball. Maybe like biting your nails or harness-less rock climbing.  Something a little more exciting.
The Phillies currently have no direction, they have no talent, and they have no hope.  When the day comes that they do have at least some direction, we can all start going to baseball games again.
Until then, Happy Opening Day!

If you have been itching for an update?

Check out the new Writing Spot for all your "NBA Updates" MLB Trade and Predictions, and so much more at:
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BM WEST WAS WON STYLE

The Western Confrence playoff race may be one of the best in the history of the NBA. The number one see Lakers could fall from their number one rankings to anywhere from 2nd to 8th. No one is really safe. So when you break this down, predictions are really hard to come by. For most people, but not for me. I see the big picture, I see past the records and can see how this thing will pan out. There have been many great articles breaking down the race here on Blearcherreport.com. Lets start at the bottom and work our way up. The Race ends around the 9th seed. The Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets are locked into a playoff duel that should continue well into the end of season. The Nuggets have the talent to get in and create havoc for the number one seed. But Golden State will take this title behind Baron Davis.
What will the fall out be in Denver? Really, George Karl will be fired, Iverson will opt out and the team will need to be rebuilt. They have some over inflated salaries that need to be moved. Golden State will push in and probably lose to San Antonio int he first round.
The 5-7 seeds are tough to predict. Dallas and Phoenix are playing up and down. But I really think that both teams are just kind of starting over. They are in the first or second week of the season, while these other teams have been playing the same basketball style all year. Kidd makes the team play a different style of basketball, same with Shaq. So it is start over time for them and they are showing flashes of greatness. Dallas played San Antonio very tough last weekend, then lost when Jason Kidd fell apart. The big question for both teams is do the news guys have playoff greatness left in them? We all know Shaq does. The guy played his heart out against San Antonio Sunday and finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Shaq does make this team better, but Jason Kidd really does not make Dallas better.
The Fall out is that Dallas will stay where they are and finish as the 7th seed. A weak Houston team that is playing out of their minds will realize that they are playing without Yao and fall to the 6th seed. New Orleans drops a bit and pulls up the number 5 seed behind CP3. It will be nice to see if CP3 can keep up his big games come playoff time.
What next? Utah is no threat at all come playoff time. I predict that no matter what they face in the first round, they are done. They are very close to wrapping up the division and will finish with atleast a 4 seed as a division winner. Home court against New Orleans sounds nice, but the Hornets play well on road.
Seeds 1-3. The La Lakers are looking sharp, but they don't have a 5th gear that San Antonio has that they will shift into come playoff time. The Spurs have switched over to 5th gear and make a run at another Championship. The Lakers will get the second seed, but we still have not seen how good they will be once Bynum returns. Gasol is too weato beat Duncan, Stoudamire, and Dirk in the playoffs. He is not strong enough on D. Phoenix steals the 3rd seed because they will learn how to play with Shaq. The Diesel may even get a couple das off between now and the end of the year so he can flip into 5th gear too. San Antonio is really starting to pick it up. Kurt Thomas looks great as a sub and is playing big late minutes. The Spurs will be even better come the playoffs, but it will be a great race.

NFC EAST BM

The NFL is a crazy business. The next two months are my favorite time of the year. We have Spring Training and then Opening Day for Baseball. The NBA Playoffs are coming around. But most importantly we have the molding of each football team with free agency and the draft.

So why not drop an NFC EAST BM on you, the best of the best divisions in the NFL.

The New York Champion Giants:

It is always mind boggling to me to watch a team win then everyone start to leave. The Giants locked up Tom Coughlin... hmmm... Wasn't he the guy who was responsible for making them bad for so long? Now one year and he is a hero. Ok, I still agree with that. They start off free agency by losing Gibril Wilson to the Raiders and Kawika Mitchell to the Bills. But this is what they did last year, they took their time and waited it out and signed the desperation guys who needed a team. But this year, it is so shallow at most of the positions, that this may not work as well this year. So right now nothing to report besides waiting for the annual decision from Michael Strahan and seeing if Eli can pick up a little more accuracy in the offseason.

Next, the Cowboys, with the best record in the NFC last year.

The Cowboys are looking to make some offensive moves this offseason. They are starting by trying to get Javon Walker into town. Javon is said to be unhealthy and may need microfracture surgery. Now that is scary. The Cowboys moved tackle Jason Ferguson to Miami and resigned Flozell Adams. So far their biggest splash has been the signing of Zach Thomas. That could be a very minimal signing based on his injury history.

The Birds:

The Eagles have hit the free agent market big time. They wanted to add to the secondary and did by adding the only big name out there in Asante Samual. This makes Lito Shappard expendable and coule help them land some offensive help in a trade. They released Jevon Kearse and franchised LJ Smith. Last night, they signed Cleo Clemens to a contract to come in and help the D-line. They have lost Thomas Tapeh at fullback, but that position is almost irrelevant in the offense.
Look for a Lito trade soon, and Andy Reid will not let this hang over his head for long.

The Washington Forskins:

The Redskins normally spend and spend. They are the team that makes bad decisions and dumb moves. But this year, they are going to sit back and see what comes to them. They resigned Todd Collins immediatly to make sure they have a back up QB. Washington will look at DJ Hackett and Drayton Florence. The Skins will only give minimal deals to anyone who comes in.
They only have 3.5 million to work with barring any veterans who will take less money this year.

Other news:
Justin Smith got his money! word that this guy is a very overated DE but he got 6 years from San Fran.

And last, the veteran great guy John Lynch will take a pay cut to stay with the Broncos and return as a starting safety. What a guy...

NBA BM

Playoff Matchups (predicted)

East
1 Boston Vs 8 Atlanta
A fun playoff matchup that will result in a sweep of Boston.
2 Detroit vs 7 Philly
Another exciting playoff series, philly wins a game or two
3 Orlando Vs 6 Washington
Orlando is so dominate and Washington is really hurt.
4 Cleveland Vs 5 Toronto
Cleveland is going to put it together for another real run.

West
1 San Antonio Vs 8 Denver
SA is totally dominate and Denver has no reason to being in the playoffs
2 LA Vs 7 Golden State
LA is putting together a real team, GS wont put up a fight
3 New Orleans Vs 6 Dallas
What a series, def the best first round series
4 Utah Vs 5 Phoenix
Phoenix needs home court, but without a huge end of the year run. Phoenix wins this series though.

Moving around:

Theo Ratliff is Detroit bound. Last time he was there is before the Sixers traded for him.

Sam Cassell is headed to Boston, will that make them stronger?

Brent Barry resigned with SA and that puts them over the top, better than LA or Phoenix.

Ronald Murray signs with the Clipps, for what? I dont know.

Others to be bought out, Antoine Walker, Smush Parker, Michael Doleac, and Ricky Davis from the Heat.

NFL BM

Wow...
After a crazy day, I guess the only thing left to do is drop a crazy NFL BM on you guys.
I apoligize for the delay. I know your upset with me, but here it is:
Asante Samual: Let me get this straight, the Birds signed Asante Samual? WHAT?!?
I know what you are thinking, this is great. Amazing! Crazy! INSANE!
The last time the Eagles spend money like this on D, they did it on Offense too. SO what is next? I think a trade. Roy Williams, Larry Fitz, or someone of that stature. No matter what happens, someone will not be happy. Either the fans will cry, or the players will. Westbrook or McNabb will be unhappy because the new guys make more money. Either way someone will cry. The Golden Tissue today goes to Lito Sheppard. Boo hoo, no body cares about you anymore. You are the third best corner on the team now. You want more money. You can not stay healthy. You are HISTORY!
What does this signing mean? The Eagles will subtract 2 million for Lito and add about 9 million for Asante. They have 12 million left to play with and a couple DE's and a WR to go. Very Scary!

Gibril Wilson Signs a 6 year deal with the Raiders. Wow, the Raiders just keep signing on the one side of the ball. Will they ever spend money on Offense? I really don't think so.

Derek Anderson gets a 3 year deal for more than what the Browns are paying Brady Quinn. Brady is totally working on more power bar commercials...

Shaun Rogers turns the Bengals into a 3-4 D. Leaving Detroit to make the Bengals into a somewhat respectable team again was what Shaun was thinking. They need alot more though.

Michael Turner is looking very closely at the Atlanta Falcons. They are far apart on a deal but Turner is ready to be a number one back

Jevon Walker- Probably headed East to the CowBoys. This makes them better presuming that he plays and is healthy.

This is just day one, what lies ahead are 2 months before the draft and 2 months of free agent activity.

Spring Training News AKA The Baseball BM

Cards are concerned with Albert Pujol's elbow:

Word out St Louis camp is that Albert has a possible serious elbow injury. He opted to not have surgery on a strained ligament in his right elbow. Some Doctors recommend that he had the surgery in the offseason but Pujols decided against it. Pujols has said "if it blows out, it blows out, there is nothing you can do about that."
I would be very worried about his performance this year, and the Cards could immediatly be done for the year without Pujols.

New Old Pitchers:

Mike Hampton and Randy Johnson are attempting to help their respective teams out this year. The big unit had a very impressive first workout. The D-backs are very impressed and are hoping he can step back into the 2nd starting spot int he rotation. The Big Left hander could be key to the D-backs stepping up and pulling ahead of the very potent National League West.
Hampton on the other hand has not pitched a full year since 2004. It is one of baseball's longest comebacks, and he plans to be right behind Smoltz, Hudson, and Glavine in the rotation fighting for the NL East crown against the phils and mets.
Other pitchers looking to be strong in the NL East are Pedro Martinez who had an excellent mound session on Sunday. Tom Gordon of the phils has said he plan on being healthier than the past 3 years because new strength training.
Also Jason Schmidt is looking good in Dodgers camp. The Dodgers don't know what to expect from Schmidt but are hoping he can step up like Randy Johnson and be sharp.

Josh Fogg:
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Rockies have talked again about re-signing Josh Fogg, but again, Fogg's side has turned down a one-year offer. The Rockies dangled a $5 million deal, while Fogg has been looking for a multi-year contract. The ROckies need all the pitching they can get. Right now I would say that Fogg would be a key Re-add to their lineup.

Some Trade Talk:
Inge should probably be moved by mid way through spring training. He has officially lost his spot to Miguel Cabrera. If he sticks around, he will not play much at all.
The Joe Blanton situation is at a stand still. The Reds needed a starting pitcher and have watched others pick up and pull the triggers on deals for starters. The A's are apparently asking too much in return in their quest to rebuild once again.
Brian Roberts was pretty sure that he would not be coming to camp for Baltimore, but it looks like that will be happenning. The Cubs and Orioles have been in talks since before Christmas. The Orioles have asked for Joe Ceda who is untouchable in the Cubs eyes and that is stahlling the talks.

One last note, Sammy Sosa may not be playing baseball this year. He has been turned down by Texas and KC let alone other teams.. They are saying Sammy is high maintenance. HAHA

NBA BM TIME!

Super man never existed until last night. Super Man is black and was never in a wheel chair. Super man never pissed himself and passed out every time some lady named Lois Lane came around. Super man never tried to take up the very A La Fem sport of Equestrian and never made it. What I saw last night, was half man, half the most amazing thing I have ever seen.
Dwight Howard started the night off by jumping from out of bounds while banking the ball off the back of the backboard and then catching and dunking. I can not explain what he did because it was just that awesome. Then Gerald Green showed him up. Not by an amazing dunk, but by being flat out creative. And that is something that we missed for so long in this contest. Gerald put a cupcake on the back of the rim and blew it out before dunking the ball. I was so happy that something new was brought into this contest. But then, SUPER MAN returned. Dwight Howard brought out the cape, he flew through the air and caught a pass from a team mate, and he threw the ball through the basket. Thats right, he didnt dunk it. He threw it from about 4 feet away. It was insane. Sure he could of reached out and put it in. But he didn't, he did the amazing. Dwight Howard stole the show, and that man just showed how big of a star he is. Gerald Green did a great job too, but the best part about Gerald Green's night was the comments from Sir Charles. That kid has too much time on his hands, he needs to get in some games.

Now back to the NBA Action.
Big Trade yesterday! Out of no where, the Hawks get Mike Bibby for a bunch of expiring contracts. Names are not important, because these guys are not names. They are all expiring contracts. That is all they are. The Kings move forward and could make another move. Ron Artest could be next. The Kings still remain above the salary cap, and have alot of work to do to get under.

The Jason Kidd trade could officially be dead. It looks like neither team will be able to finalize thier end. It sounded like David Stern thought the deal could get done, he just didn't want the clause that Jerry Stackhouse would get bought out.

Stay Tuned.

Three Point Time

After watching D Wade come apart and Deron Williams win the Skills Competition, Now its time for the real stuff to begin. Peja gets to come back from being off last year and letting Jason Kapano win it. All this is just a warm up
Rip Hamilton goes first in the 3 point, and steps on the line pretty much every time he shot. But he finished with 14 and that probably will not be enough to get him in the finals.
Boobie goes second, and Lebron Sparks him to a solid performance. El Boob gets 17.
Nash is next, and he is slow, and steady. Nash falls flat on his face with a 9 point finish. Amare on the court cheering him on.
Nash was just a filler for this competition.
Dirk goes next and throws BOMBS! These things are so high its ridiculous. Dirk finishes with a tie for first at 17. Cuban is standing up and cheering for his German Hasselhoff lover. It is actually kind of gay how excited Cuban is. He will probably buy him a nice german gerbil.
Peja comes in as my favorite and misses alot early. peja hitting the side of the back board a couple times. VERY NICE! But he catches fire at the end and does finish with 14.
J KAPS goes last and goes off at the end to get to 20. HELLO, there is a new sheriff in this competition. The Man can flat out shoot. He is over 50 percent for the year, and shows how a quick release is so good in this event.


First Round points:
Nash 9
Boob 17
Rip 14 really I think he got 4 or 5
Dirk 17 Hooked on a feeling!
Kapano 20 Miami Missing him more and more
Peja 14

Kapano ties the record and goes for 23 in the final round. The record from 1986 is now tied.
What a shooter.

NBA ALL Star Beginning and Observations

Tonight is the big night. One of the single best sporting events of the year. One night, and the NBA will show all of their skills.
Two teams have gone in the skills competition, Chicago and Phoenix, and what have I learned? Nothing yet, except Eddie Johnson isn't that smart. He missed a shot out of turn, then couldn't make a three in turn.
So far the most terrible shooters from the field in the skills are the old timers. Eddie Johnson is garbage. David Robinson hit the half court, but couldn't hit the shot that he based his career on. An 8 foot bank shot. Detroit is going now, and Bill Lambier is fat and officially old. That dude has been eating his share of fast food. Detroit is eliminated already and they are not even done yet.
Looks like Chicago with a team of BJ Armstrong, Chris Duhon, and the woman from the WNBA and David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and another WNBA player for San Antonio.
Team SA not only the champions of the league, but now champs of the shooting stars comp.
The stars are all out, and some of them brought teamates. Dwight Howard come I came in with Jameer Nelson. I am sure Jameer will be helping him out.
News from Kobe Bryant is in. He has stated that he plans to play one minute possibly two tomorrow night. I hope the 2 million plus fans who voted for him learned their lessons. He wouldn't rather give up his spot and face a fine, he will just take up a roster spot and piss off the fans. Because I am sure a 50,000 dollar fine is more important than the fans and the game. One thing is for sure, when Kobe changes for the all star game, he will be the only player in the Women's locker room. BOOOOO!

All Star BM

That's right, we are a little past half season and it is NBA All Star Weekend time. Seriously one of my favorite nights will be tonight! I love the three point, Slam Dunk, and Skills competitions. But first, some business had to be decided tonight.

"Hey Coach, If you Wanna Win Put Booby Inn...." That's right, Lebron's little buddy Daniel Gibson went off last night to propel the sophomores to a huge win. Boobs shot 11 threes. ELEVEN!!!!! He scored 33 points, that is all he did. Well I guess Boobs is ready to compete in the three point contest tonight. Like I was thinking, Kobe had to bail on the three point competition because his finger got stuck up his ass.
The competition will now include: Peja Stojakovic and Jason Kapono will be joined by The David Hasselhoff lover and listener Dirk Nowitzki, Booby Gibson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Richard Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons and two-time MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. I am not really sure why Rip is in this. He is terrible and maybe will score 7 points. Rip has no shot, neither does Dirk. I will take Booby and Peja to face off in the final. With Peja winning the thing.
Next, Dwayne Wade has had SKILLS for the past 2 years and he is going for three. Steve Nash has to be the favorite in this every year, but Wade has won twice. This competition includes passing, dribbling, a shot, weaving in and out. Its all good fun, so they say. But really this stuff is for real and these guys want to win. This may be the only thing Wade wins all year. Chris Paul will be involved this year, and he has been flat out outstanding. Chris could pull a fast one on veterans Wade, Nash, and young stud Deron Williams. I am going to take Wade again though, because he is my boy, and he pointed at me after he embarrassed Rodney Carney. BOO YAH!
and last and most fun, The shoulda coulda woulda Champ Dwight Howard is competing against young studs Jamario Moon, Rudy Gay, and Gerald Green. Green showed up and played well last year. Moon is the quite dark horse. I think Howard is pretty bad ass, but he may have shown all he has last year. I am taking Moon, and this guy may arrive with style. Actually, any guy can win.

Here is some news.
The Biggest news in a long time from the NBA may be coming out tomorrow night. The NBA may be expanding to Europe. adding a 5 team division that would compete for the NBA championship and play 82 games. This would be insane. I am excited for it, I am just not sure how it will work. What a great move, David Stern is a genius.

Some player news, We are less than a week away from the NBA Trade Deadline. Will this Jason Kidd trade Work? First, Devean George tried to ruin the trade, then Jerry Stackhouse. George vetoed the trade. Stackhouse pointed out how fast he would be back to Dallas and the NBA wants that to not happen. Way to be Jerry!
The only way this trade will work now is with Keith Van Horn. The guy who has been retired for 2 years could be traded for one of the best true point guards in the league. haha
It looks like this is all going away though. Kidd was so close, so close to be traded, but it looks like the deal is dead. It is just terrible planning, to put the trade on the shoulders of two players one with a big mouth and one with a huge ego and asshole.
I really believe the Nets are going the wrong way with this. They plan on adding the draft picks either way. Take them, And add all the one year contracts they can. Van Horn will be given a one year contract and sent. Awesome, now take Eddie Jones, Juwan Howard, Van Horn as the filler, Devin Harris, and Diop. Evaluate Diop and sign that man.
They won't do it though, because Cuban has his head so far up his own ass, he can't pull this off.

WHO started this fire?

SomeBODY CALL 911!
Holy Sh*t! It’s a fire!
Those Damn Arsonists that call themselves the LA Lakers started a fire. And the Western Conference is scared as hell. They not only started a fire, but they declared war. That’s right the same team who tried to trade their star the whole offseason because he cried about not getting any help. By the way, looks like that worked. But that same team traded not much for Pau Gasol. Big Pau, the guy who was also unhappy in Memphis is playing big time minutes for LA. But seriously, wha did they add? They added a guy who could score, to a team that has no problem scoring. Ok… They also added a guy who has very slow feet and can not defend elite power forwards. The west is loaded with dominating power forwards. Dirk, Duncan, Boozer, Amare, just to name a few playoff teams with talent at that position. The Celtics showed how to beat San Antonio last Sunday. They put Glen Davis with quick feet and strength on Duncan to shut him down. It worked and they won without Kevin Garnett.
So the Lakers somehow started this out of control fire in the eyes of the Western Conference. Phoenix immediately moved to add Shaq and move Amare to Power Forward. Ok, not too crazy. In some eyes it is, but in mine this will work. And now today, Jason Kidd is going back to Dallas. Dallas will be giving up Devin Harris and Jerry Stackhouse. They are losing Diop and George. Really no one in the core of this team. Now Dallas is ready to try and compete with the big boys. Will Kidd put them over the top? Jason Kidd has helped New Jersey to no Conference title games. But he is one of the best point guards in basketball still.

The Grizzlies called Philly to see if they were interested in Kyle Lowry. Nothing in too much detail has been talked about, but it does give both teams time to think. They may try to get rid of Lowry but also include the over paid Brian Cardinal who has 3 years 6 million each year left.

I am starting the Sam Cassell to Cleveland rumor. It makes sense, and the Cavs must be scared now that Kidd is off the market. Damon Jones could be moved as a pawn with a draft pick or something as compensation.

Mikael Pietrus is ready to go and he is publicly stating it. The Warriors want something in return and won’t budge on that.

An All Star Weekend Blog will be coming on Friday night. Stay tuned kiddies.

NBA BM

Larry Brown May Be Coming Back!
The Bulls are thought to be after coach Brown. Good news for Chicago Veterans. Bad news for everyone on Chicago under three years of experience. Larry Brown is a killer for young players.
Noah? Your F-ed. Yep, Your NBA career is doomed.
Chicago needs stability. Someone to grow under. And Larry Brown is everything but that. Mr. I pull the carpet out from under you, is the opposite of what they need. When things are going great, Larry could go. When things are going bad, Larry will go. When things are… point is that Larry likes to hump and dump. Whether it was good sex, bad sex, or just drunken blumpkin sex, Larry will hump then jump.
Was Scott Skiles really that bad? Or is Ben Wallace just worthless?

Speaking of Wallace, and worthless, guess who is unmovable? Ok you got it. Ben Wallace is on the trade market. He is on billboards sent to different cities, for sale by owner. The asking price? It’s a large bag of shit worth 17.8 million a season. This bag of shit is going to be around for a while too. Wallace has 3 more years left after this one.
Rumor has is that Kirilenko for Wallace is realistic. Ha, who would do this?
That is insane, the Jazz are smarter than that. They have Carlos Boozer who does everything Ben does, but he actually scores too. If this trade is pulled off, it would be crazier than the Shaq deal.

Rebuilding on the FLY?!?
Wow, the Heat were fun to watch on Sunday. It was the best basketball they played all year, and Shawn Marion had a lot to do with it. They had no plays for him, but he still looked great. Wade and Marion gelled immediately. The Heat are rebuilding, but they will look sharp doing it. They could be back at the top of their division come next year. Add a summer of Wade and Marion playing together, Add Banks who will learn the offense. Add a top five draft pick. And HERE WE GO!
The Cavs are actually going into rebuilding mode. I am sure Lebron does not like hearing that. A rebuilding team with Lebron should probably still make the playoffs. Both Lebron and Wade can jet after 09 if they want. So both teams will struggle to rebuild and make their stars happy at the same time. The Cavs have ZERO movable parts. This summer they may have a couple more, but not right now. Boobie Gibson is Lebrons brother and he would be the only guy that people would be interested in. So again I repeat, zero movable parts.

Sam Smith reports that these are players who could be on the move:
Jason Kidd, Jermaine O'Neal, Ben Wallace, Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph, Ron Artest, Mike Bibby, Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis, Charlie Villanueva, Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick, Andre Miller, T.J. Ford, Earl Watson, Luke Ridnour, Wally Szczerbiak, Andrei Kirilenko, Raef Lafrentz, Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry, Vince Carter, Travis Outlaw, Eduardo Najera, J.R. Smith, Sam Cassell, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Jerry Stackhouse and Jason Terry. Also add Al Harrington to that list.

Mark Cuban loves Sammy Dalembert. Hmmmm then why don’t you take him? How about Sammy and Carney for Diop, Stackhouse, and Eddie Jones? The sixers free up about 4 million and have Stackhouse for three years for 6 million instead of Sammy for 4 and 10. Stack could be bought out next year. I say do it on both teams sides.

Keyon Dooling will probably be with Miami next year. A former Heat player will probably not be signed next year by Orlando.

Looking forward to the All star game, here are my picks for the weekend.

I will take the East in a surprise win.
The skills competition belongs to D wade.
I will take Boobie in the three point over Kobe and J Kaps
The Slam dunk will belong to Dwight Howard, who should have won last year.

I am psyched for this weekend. Coverage of the Sophomore Rookie challenge is on TNT at 8 on Friday and then the Saturday night festivities will also be on TNT at 8.

I will be live blogging the All Star Skills on Saturday night, Stay tuned!!!

Huge BM

Trade Updates:
Still over two weeks remain before the NBA trade deadline comes, but two huge trades have already gone down. The Shaq trade was inevitable, but really was not talked about until it happened. The Gasol trade was two years in the making, but the Lakers pulled off a huge win. The Phoenix Miami trade could really go either way. It looks right now that Marion will stay in Miami and not Opt out. He is too smart too. The Heat were hoping that this will either work out, or that Marion will be a free agent. Only time will tell. Here are some other people or teams that may be ready to make moves or be moved.

Word out of Chicago is that they are looking to get a taker for Ben Wallace. NY may be the team that would make such a terrible move. Like Shaq though, Wallace may be much better off in the right situation. I don’t think NY is that team. That team would be a Dallas or Phoenix, not NY. The Trade would look something like, Wallace for Quentin Richardson and Malik Rose and probably Fred Jones.
Everyone thinks that Andre Miller will go before the deadline, but why would they? He makes the Sixers so much better. He will be more valuable next year when he is in his last year of his deal. But he may be part of a three way deal that lands Jason Kidd in Dallas. Chances are he will stay put, but that is really the way he would be moved.
Phoenix is trying to make a move to add a 13th player. They have one roster spot open from the trade. They are looking for a defensive guy who can shut down the go to guy in a playoff series. Grant Hill believes he can be that guy, but they should sit him to the playoffs if that is the case.
The Celtics and Nuggets are both trying to get Sam Cassell. Sam could put either team over the top and make them even bigger contenders.


Draft Updates:
Here are the top five teams and who they will probably take.
Miami- They could play themselves out of the top pick with the Marion trade. But right now Michael Beasley is the best option and he is a guaranteed winner. He is however a small forward and if they keep Marion, where will Beasley go? If the Heat agree with a long term contract, they could trade the pick, and it could help them get rid of an unwanted contract of add a veteran piece to what they want to build. Hibbert is projected to go around 10-14 and they could trade down to take him and do what I said above. If the Heat fall, they will take Derek Rose who is a top notch Point Guard.
Minnesota will take Derek Rose with the second pick. Minnesota already has youth, and they may opt to trade too. Minnesota may end up with the top pick while they only sit one game ahead of Miami.
Seattle and New York sit at 3 and 5 and they will probably take centers Deandre Jordan and Brook Lopez respectively. Both Centers could have immediate impact.
Memphis has the 4th pick right now and they are projected to take Eric Gordan.
OJ Mayo has seen his stock fall a lot all the way down past 10. He was a lock to be number one a year ago.


Playoff preview:
As of right now the playoffs are so far away, but here is a preview of what is to come. The East is anyone’s to win. The top three of Detroit, Boston, and Orlando can all make a case to win. Detroit has the experience, they have been there before and they know what to do to make it in the NBA playoffs. More importantly, they have chemistry. Boston and Orlando are way different, but they have the star power to make the run. Orlando has won some big games this year. They know they can beat Boston. But Boston in any 7 game series will be tough to beat with the big three. All three can make a case for the Eastern conference title.
The East right now looks like it will be Boston and Philly, Detroit and Atlanta, Orlando and Washington, and Cleveland and Toronto. The top three seeds will get walks to the second round. Although Philly is starting to play better and they are really young.

In the West, We are waiting to see how LA and Phoenix will respond to the trades. It really looks like LA got a steal and they are going to get even better. San Antonio is just coasting right now and will turn it on come playoffs. Here are the Matchups:
One note, 5.5 games separate the top playoff team and the bottom, so this could all change tomorrow.
Phoenix and GS, Dallas and Denver (what a series this will be especially if Denver adds Cassell) NO and LA, and Utah and SA.
The Top four seeds will probably end up Phoenix, Dallas, LA, SA, with Denver, NO, Utah, and Houston probably rounding the playoffs out.

The Diesel

The Miami Heat are down. Yep, they are down and out. They are done. They cashed this year in at about the 15 game mark. They just don't have it. That veteran team that once surrounded Shaq and D wade is no longer in existance. The last thing I want to see is Shaq leave Miami. But really, it is the only thing that will work. D Wade may have been the MVP of that team in 05, but Shaq brought Miami a title. Without the Diesel, this team would have never been assembled.
With that said, its time for him to go and help another team win in his own way, or take a pay cut in Miami. They can not build around him without dropping payroll.
So today the Heat told Shaq he is close to being traded. Sources around Shaq have said that he has admitted that this trade is very close to happenning. The team is Phoenix, and they want to send Shawn Merion and Marcus Banks over for shaq.
The Trade matches up and should pass but Shaq must first be examined with an MRI and go through some tests.
Phoenix could have a Thunder (Shaq) and Lightening (Stoudamire) combo.

NBA BM

The Sixers are for Sale! It's official and the rumors are there to show it. No! not the team, but many of the players. Starting with Gordon Giricek and Andre Miller. The Cavs are said to interested in Giricek. They would have to offer an expiring contract and atleast a second rounder. The Sixers are merly babysitting him until the offseason. They would possibly offer him a small contract in the offseason to stay, but really he is a free agent waiting to move on. He would be a shooter the Cavs need. The Bulls are looking ot make a trade for a veteran poing guard. Kirk Hinrich is probably going to be included. I believe they will go after Kidd first, but when his asking price is too high, they will switch to Andre Miller.

From the New York Daily News: Jason Kidd requested a trade last week and the Nets are trying to get a deal done. But team president Rod Thorn has said that he won't trade the point guard unless the move makes sense for the Nets. So far nothing has come close to happening.

Thorn said over the weekend that no one on the team is untouchable and it is believed that the team would like to trade Vince Carter as well. Carter is averaging 20.5 points after signing a four-year, $61 million deal over the summer. He averaged 25.2 points last season.
Vince is down right not good any more. If I were the Nets, expiring deals would be good enough to pull this trigger. Enough is enough, Vince and Kidd need to go. Start over with Free agency and the draft.

Devean George should be moved by the NBA trade dealine. The Mavs have buried him deep on the bench, and have no need for him.

With the Sixers, the Heat, Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves should all be making some moves soon. The Gasol Trade should spark more moves.
Players on the move...
Jeff Foster could leave Indiana for the Jazz, a trade is possible
There is a possible deal for Larry Hughes to leave and Mike Miller to come back in return.
TJ Ford could be on the way to his couch, maybe retiring is his best option. Go for it little man, don't ruin your life.

100th Post MLB BM

Nothing makes me happier than to do my 100th post. Not only is it special for that reason, but because we are going to talk baseball. Baseball on the eve of the Super Bowl. What is better than that? 26 hours from now, football will be over for the year and the only thing sports fans will have on thier minds is that in 10 days the boys of summer report to Florida and Arizona.
With Baseball so close, doesn't it feel like the unemployment rate in this country has spilled over even into baseball? ESPN reports that over 150 players are unemployed, but some of these guys can help. Reason that these guys are out of work, is because there simply wasn't big money to go around this year.
So who can help? How about Mr. Roid himself, Barry Bonds? He is available, but no one wants to get that dirty. Slammin Sammy Sosa is out there too. Guys who hit for a solid average in Kenny Lofton, Shawn Green, and Shannon Stewart.
Bartolo Colon is still a free agent. He would look great near the bottom of a top pitching rotation somewhere. Don't forget about Kyle Lohse. I guess he was wrong to think he could get 5 years guaranteed. Or maybe Scott Boras just F-ed him over that bad. But he would be lucky to get 3 guaranteed right now and may be pitching on a one year contract somewhere. The Phillies are still interested in Lohse and Benson. Benson is throwing in Atlanta again this week. God knows plenty of teams need help, but the money simply isn't there to help themselves out.

Lets switch gears to the NL East. Johan Santana was swept up by the Met for an unGodly amount of money. Johan may actually be god. He is getting paid like it. I warn him to have his family moved immediatly, because they are probably more vulnerable now to kidnapping now that he is making more money than some countries do.
Johan could make over 150 million if he gets a couple cy youngs, but if he doesn't he will get 137.5 million. He has a ton of innings on him. And even God is vulnerable to an arm injury. The Mets are better no doubt about it. But on all cylinders, they can not compete with the Phillies just like the Braves can not compete with the Mets. The Rotations are now pretty even with the addition of Santana. Who says the mets ace is even going to be the best in the division? Cole Hamels is going to get better as we go.
The NL East finish order will be Philadelphia, NY, Washington, Atlanta, Florida

And Last, I want to look at the 5 best players who will help their new teams. Who will have the biggest impact on their new destination. These guys in my opinion will have a healthy and great statistical year and lead their teams to more wins in the end.
1 and 2 not in rating order are Andruw Jones who went form Hotlanta to the Dodgers and Torii Hunter who left the Twins for the LA Angels. Jones is going to excel under Torre and have a great year, a return to normal for him. The Dodgers are going to have stiff competition out in the West, but they should do better this year because of Andruw and Joe Torre.
Player three is actually two players, Randy Wlf and Mark Prior. Basically the same pitcher, but out of the two of them, one will stay healthy and earn the Pads some big wins. These guys both can be all stars when healthy. The Padres signing both should guarantee one healthy starting pitcher.
Player four is the Phillies addition of Geoff Jenkins and Pedro Feliz to basically replace Aaron Rowand. Both guys will platoon at their respective positions, but both will just crush the ball in Philly. When Feliz actually gets ahold of the ball, that thing may be hitting scyscrapers in down town Philly. All he wants to do is win, and I am pretty sure he will show it. His glove is also incredible. Jenkins will be playing alot of right field, maybe alot of left. He is going to get his at bats, and if Burrell Struggles both him and So Taguchi will be playing more. The Phillies made smart additions and really filled thier bench up in the right ways.
Player five is Dontrelle Willis. Ther Tigers made that trade to get Cabrera. He is going to have contract problems, but Dontrelle should return to form. Here we go.

Rating Game

After the Griz dropped that Crazy BM on us yesterday, we have to analyze the lineups. We are going to take the A rating for the new Celtics, the champion Spurs and the Lakers and analyze their starting or playoff lineups...

Rating System is out of 10, ratings include 2.5 for defense, 2.5 for team improvement, 2.5 for Offense, and 2.5 for your actual play and experience.

Boston Celtics-
Forwards Garnett- 10
Pierce- 8.75
Center Kendrick Perkins-6.25
Guards Ray Allen-8.50
Rajon Rondo-7.0
Bench James Posey-6.75
Eddie House- 6
____________________________Total: 54

LA Lakers-
Forwards Gasol- 9.50
Odom- 7.5
Center Andruw Bynum-8
Guards Kobe-9.75
Derek Fisher-7.75
Bench Jordon Farmer-7
Luke Walton- 5.75
____________________________ Total: 54.25
San Antonio Spurs-
Forwards Tim Duncan-9.75
Bruce Bowen-7.25
Center Oberto-7.5
Guards Parker-9.25
Finley-7.25
Bench Ginobli-8.75
Brent Barry- 6.25
____________________________ Total: 56


The Point of this post is that no matter what you do. No matter who you add, Come playoffs you shouldn't be able to hang with the Spurs. They are the model team, the dynasty, and the Lakers addition of Gasol is huge, but not huge enough.

Big 'OL' NBA BM

Paul Gasol heads to LA for Kwame Brown.

The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. Mckie is a toss in for the Griz and so is Marc Gasol. Kwame will give the Griz almost 10 million off the books next year. SO it looks like the Griz will get nothing for Gasol pretty much, but they will make out with 2 first round picks from the Lakers. the 08 pick and 2010.
This years picks hould end up somewhere around 20. Hardly something that will replace Gasol in the offseason, but they will also get that 10 million in extra salary.
Wow, a trade right out of the blue. I was shocked to see it. I am sure Kobe will celebrate by going out and tossing around a white chick.

A 12 PLAYER TRADE?
Rumors are swirling, but it sounds like a huge trade could be in the works for Jason Kidd. Portland and Dallas will be the other two teams. These types of trades are very difficult to complete, but we will see how this one pans out.

Dallas would recieve Jason Kidd, Malik Allen, and Darrell Armstrong..... Wait can that be right? I thought he died in Rush Hour 3?

Portland gets... Devin Harris, Brandon Bass,

New Jersey gets... Jarret Jack, Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Jerry Stackhouse, Diop, Devean George and a first round from both teams and cash from both teams.

This trade is insane. But I really think the Nets get what they want and Cuban is crazy enough to pull it off. He is getting rid of Stackhouse who has 3 years left. It works out for all teams involved.
Damon Stoudamire made the right decision and signed with the Spurs. He dissed the Celtics who thought they had the inside track. Good work DS, good work!


Both the Nets and Griz seem to be the most active teams in the trade market. The Nets are close to getting Stromile swift for Jason Collins. Stromile is in the last year of his deal while Collins has one more year left.

Word out of Miami is that the Heat are shopping Shaq. The Heat deny this rumor, but I would believe it is true especially since Shaq is committed to playing his contract out the final two years.

Duke Blue Devils Suck
That's right folks. You may have been the college basketball player of the year, but you have spend the second year in a row with at least 2 bodies in front of you at your position.
JJ Redick has barely smelled the court. Two coaches, and the same result. Sorry JJ coach K may have made you into and incredible college player, and taught you how to get out of DUI's, but he can't get you on the court int he NBA. Reddick should be traded sometime before the deadline for a second round pick and maybe another garbage player. He may fit in well somewhere where he can camp out on the wing and shoot.

Mirror oh Mirror, What do you see?

Screech says: Oh I wanna announce to one and all, that I love the Mirror from the mall (in our case wall)
and we do love that mirror.
The mirror points out that in Super Bowl XL Deuce (that is what we are calling it) (ok what I am calling it) that everything does look like it seems. We take a closer step to our beloved mirror, and what do we get? Clarity. Thats right BM fans, here is a clearer picture of what will go down this weekend at Super Bowl Xtra Large Deuce.
Ok so the line of 12 is holding tight right now. It is only that low because until the bettors find out what the breed of Gerbils Tom Brady purchases for this weekend are and until they find out how bad he is faking this ankle thing, it will move to 13.5.
The Over under for the amount of Viagras Tom Petty pops this weekend is 6.5. I am going to say its going to be a crazy weekend in Arizona, so take the over.
So lets get down to the game.
QB comparison. Which Brady and Eli will show up? I guess that is the largest of the questions. We all know that the Giants can run. We know that New England may run, but the QB identities are up in the air. Take it from someone who knows ankle injuries. If what he is going through is real, Arizona is the right place to be playing. That ankle will not feel the cold. It won't feel the weather that it would any where else. So all signs point to the Real Slim Brady standing up. I also see that same Ball protecting Eli showing up too. Eli has been an ace in the playoffs keeping that ball from the other teams arms. Lets hope that continues for a good game.
So what really will happen? Eli will get pressured and cough one up, but only one. Brady will get pressured too, and he will give one away too. Both QB's will have great games, only one will be remembered.
Both running games are capable of taking off. Maroney is always going to be there. Will he be used? Ok the real question is will he be needed? Jacobs should pace the game, and if things are going well for the Giants, he could get 100.
The Receiving corps are not even, whatever Plexi glass says. No need to talk about them.
The Giants Defensive front is so solid. If they come in and dominate this game, the tide could turn early. The Pats D is so old, but their secondary is great. If the D gets to Eli, you can sign this one on the bottom line, its over.

SO how is it really going to play out?
Pats, overall better offense.
Giants take the defense, but don't get burned on the corners.
Special teams are close but go to the Pats
Coaching, if that Mother F__ker wears a cut off sweatshirt to this game, I swear I will... sorry this goes to the Pats too.
Intangibles, Pats have been here before, but I guess this one depends on the Brady injury.

SO here is the prediction. Patriots 34 Giants............................32
I want to pick them to win. I want this perfect season to go belly up. But it won't.
So go get your gerbils Tom, its time to win another.

Mid Way Review/Preview

Basketball is at the mid season and this is what we learned so far.
Miami is bad. New Orleans is good. Kobe is back in LA and better than ever. Boston's moves have paid off. Orlando is real and Portland is too.
The solid teams have stay enact, and are putting it together for playoff runs. These teams include SA, Dallas, Detroit, and Phoenix.
Right now the league MVP in my book is Kobe. But KG will win it hands down. I really wish Caron Butler and Chris Paul can finish out this year like they have the first half. They have carried their teams to great records.
Coach of the year should be Stan Van Gundy. The man needs to be shown respect. He is a top tier coach and was in Miami too.

Who will make the playoffs?
Logically you would think San Antonio would put it all together and win their division. But they are 8-9 on the road and have the most road games left out of the top Western teams.
In the West:
1. BIG D- Dallas wins southwest
2. Phoenix wins Pacific
3. Utah Wins Northwest
4. New Orleans 2 in SW
5. SAN AN 3 in SW
6. Denver and out in the first round...
7. LA Lakers- Injuries have them Bummin 2 in the PAC
8. Portland and I wouldn't want to see them inthe first round with nothing to lose

The Western Conference finals will dull with Utah and Dallas, but I really think Utah can win. Utah is playing tough with Kirelenko, The booze and Deron Williams all at the top of their games.

In the East: Boston looks unstoppable, but Orlando is playing great basketball. Detroit is the same team, but just as solid as they were in previous years. No one is more than 10 games out of the playoffs as of today meaning no one is eliminated. Atlanta sits in the 7th seed right now. That is how unsettled the East is.
1. Detroit Number 1 in the Central
2. Orlando Number 1 in Southeast
3. Boston Number 1 in Atlantic
4. Cleveland On Bron's back make it into a home court playoff series
5. Toronto and hopefully getting Ford back for the playoffs
6. The Wiz and hopefully not getting Gilbie back
7. Chicago should put it together to get in
8. Surprise Philly will make the playoffs.
Eastern Conference finals of Detroit and Orlando with Orlando winning and winning the Championship.

Some story lines:
Chris Webber is going to sign in Golden State with big Nellie
Damon Stoudamire has been bought out and should end up in Boston to help them make their run. Should be a one year and done kind of thing.
If the Nets make a trade and get Nocioni or Sefolosha from the Bulls they should steal that playoff spot from the sixers.
the Sixers should create some room around the trade deadline. Look for the knicks to try and unload anyone they can.
Miami may be going the same.

My All Stars

Roses are red,
Violets are Blue.
10 men strong
A one night dream come true.

The All Star game is about 10 men strong. You may argue that its the 10 best players in the league should be starting in the all star game. I think the 10 guys who make their team better should be starting in this game. The 10 men who make the sport better. So who are they? Well here is who is starting.
East- Center: Dwight Howard (Orlando) Forward: Kevin Garnett (Boston), LeBron James (Cleveland)Guard: Jason Kidd (New Jersey), Dwyane Wade (Miami)
West- Center: Yao Ming (Houston) Forward: Carmelo Anthony (Denver), Tim Duncan (San Antonio) Guard: Kobe Bryant, (L.A. Lakers), Allen Iverson (Denver)

Who must be immediately taken away from this list? Yao first. Jason Kidd Second. Dwayne Wade this year has to go, two years ago he should have been the top vote getter. Carmelo and AI have to go. And on the fence should be Kobe. A case can be made on both sides for them to start a 3 forward or 3 guard lineup.

My lineup-
East- Lets get KG out of the way, because he is the so dominant and the best player in the game. He is the man who makes that team go. The other forward Should be Caron Butler. The best player on the Wiz. Thats right, better than even Gilbert. Caron has this team playing team ball for the first time. Caron should not be pushed aside when Gilbie comes back, he deserves to be the number one option. I hope Washington really thinks about their options if Gilbert opts out.
The East will start a center, because Dwight Howard is that good. He is Shaq 10 years ago. He is the future of the NBA.
It gets really hairy in the back court. I would love to see a point guard like Jose Calderon get in. He is great, and can help any team. But Chauncy Billups really should be starting in this game. Kidd is done and not a starter anymore. He is on the edge of his career, about to fall down hill.
And lastly, but not least, Lebron. He has the Cavs above 500 and they are just not good at all. Without him, that team is battling Miami for the celler.


West- And at guard for your Western Conference Stars, Chris Paul! Chris Paul is The best player and leader of the best team in the West. He must start in this game. Kobe on the fence any other year , playing like a beast. He scores like every other year. But unlike any other year, he makes his team better. The 500 Lakers are 27-14 and that is because Kobe is making them that much better.
The Western front court should round out with a surprising name and Tim Duncan. Duncan is the best player on the best team for many years. He does deserve the start. Lamarcus Aldridge is all star material. Portland may be unstoppable once Greg Oden comes back.
And lastly, who is the 5th? Chris Kamen is playing out of his mind. But no. Yao, No..
Carlos Boozer keeps the Utah Jazz on pace by getting a double double every night. I would love to throw Nash in a 3 guard All star lineup, but Boozer is the starter that deserves it.

Lets add a couple reserves. In the West, AI, Carmelo, Yao, Dirk, Nash, Brandon Roy, and Chris Kamen

The East, Calderon, Bosh, Wade, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace, Shaq, and Ray Allen.

NBA BM TIME!

The New Jersey Nets are desperate. They are considering sending Vince Carter, Jamal Magloire, and Marcus Williams to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neil. The Pacers get a new injury problem in exchange for their own injury issue. They get 4 million off the books next year from Magloire. The only reason why he will be included. This trade will be huge headlines, but really have no impact on either squad. O'Neil can not be dealt until he is injury free. With his history, this trade may not go down until 2012. That would mean that both men must be healthy and that could be a long time.

The Clippers may be ready to make a couple deals before the trade deadline. Teams are interested and everyone is trying to jump the gun and beat everyone to the punch.
Sam Cassell may be headed to Boston to help the Celtics finish out their team makeover from 06. Elton Brand is getting closer to coming back, and as soon as he does he could be dealt. Elton could be the final piece to a winning team, or could be a beginning for a team makeover. Chris Kamen has been thrown around, with his value at top notch. But The Clips are reluctant to deal him. He has had a great year and he could really bring back some salary cap space and a number 1 pick.

Damon Stoudamire is close to being a free agent. The Grizzlies recently presented point guard Damon Stoudamire with a buyout offer that would have required the 34-year-old to give back nearly 80 percent of his expected salary for next season. Damon could be headed for Phoenix or Boston depending on what Boston does in the trade market.

Miami is close to deciding on whether to add some pieces for building next year or to start dropping some guaranteed long term players. They will either deal Jason Williams, Ricky Davis and Dorell Wright to add the pieces or they will keep all three and possibly deal Blount, Daquan Cook, and or Udonis Haslem. Shaq could also be out there on the block but dealing him would require a desperate team needing a final big man piece.

Tracy McGrady is close to coming back. But every time he touches the court he gets hurt. The Rockets will be looking to get him back and move him. The Bulls are interested, but who knows who is ready to take on this big contract and injury issue.

They Think It's a Sleeper!

The NFL thinks that the Pats are yesterday's news. We don't need to watch them this weekend, because they are locked for Super Bowl Sunday.

In the NFL's mind, there are three locks for Super Bowl Sunday.
1. Pac Man will be arrested for punching a stripper and deficating on her when she is down.
2. Kevin Federline's super bowl Sunday commercial days are over.
3. There will be a run at Happy Harry's discount Gerbils in Arizona because Brady is locked to be there.

I am here to show you why the Pats will not win and why they don't deserve it!
If the world were perfect, Phillip Rivers would have not made it out of Indy after that showing he had with the fans. Who knew that we had a grade A asshole on our hands. The Chargers won a tough hard fought game without him, but he was on the bench putting it in the fans face the whole time. Rivers expects to play this weekend, but the Chargers are confident with both QB's and should be. Rivers is starting to play better, but Volek will always be solid and spread the ball.
Breaking this game down is tough. The Pats are completely healthy, and the Chargers are not. LT, Rivers, and Gates should all play. Rivers and Gates are doubtful though and will be decided on the field come game time.
If the Chargers pull this off, it will not be because of coaching, it will not be because of the Weather, and it won't be because they have an advantage in the injury situation.
It is now Sunday Morning and the hands have been dealt. The Chargers got the Old Maid and are on a one way trip to becoming her. The Pats are sitting in the clear. Tom Brady sent Jeeves to the store to pick him up some of finest Gerbils Money can buy. Belichek has laid out his best sweatshirt and big T-shirt for the game. Everything is going their way.

The Undefeated Pats can be beat. If they are beaten it will be because of one thing, and that is that the Chargers D has out played them. The Chargers will score a bit. Probably in the high 20's or lower 30's. The injury situation will hopefully work itself out. If Rivers plays, then Gates must play. Rivers is squat without him. Volek should be able to hit the WR's easier. Rivers needs to be able to go 100% or not at all. Although Phillip Rivers thinks he is better than Volek at 50%, he is barely better at 99%.
The Chargers will need to run the ball early and often. Let the Winds go off and not effect the passing game. If they run with LT and then change it up with Turner, then a pass here or there in the Gusty winds should be more open. Small passes to he backs will be huge. Sproles needs to touch the ball on offense too. He will out run every player on the Pats line backing core.
Finally and most importantly, they must force the turnovers. The Chargers have a positive 48 turnover ratio to the Pats plus 16. Both teams are great at getting turnovers, but pressure on Brady could force some INT's.
If this game comes down to the run, then the Chargers 3 headed monster will dominate Maroney and Faulk.

The Prediction:
The Chargers will cover, but they are going to win this too. Jacksonville was a great pick last week and they just gave the game away. The Pats are not playing up to the 17-0 record. Honestly, undefeated is all well and good. No one will remember that though if they don't win the whole damn thing.
The Chargers will rack up over 200 yards rushing easily, and win this game 31-30.

The Cold Hard Truth! NFC Edition

Well football fans, this weekend is going to prove who the real men are. The New York Football Giants rolled into Dallas and showed them who the real men are. A team that can somehow just dominate on the road stood up and took their shots and in the end won the game. NY won because of Eli and Strahan. They did it without Tiki, which makes me a happy man. Eli has shown some kind of confidence on the road that is so unheard of. Before this year the fans, the experts, and the Giants front office must have been wondering if they made the right move to trade Phillip Rivers for Eli. But now, they sit one game away from the super bowl and have only Brett Favre to go through to get there.
We can Break down both teams, their offense, defense, special teams. We can do that all we want, but the cold hard truth is that weather and the identity of the QB on that day will win the game. Brett Favre could throw 5 touchdowns, but he could also throw 5 picks. Eli could do the same thing. No one knows. I would love to sit here and say that Jesus Favre will earn an NFC championship ring and send the Giants on their way. But who knows.
What I do know:
It will be zero degrees come kick off time. ZERO! The Packers have home field, but you can not be ready for zero degrees. So throw out the advantage.
I also know that all the experts are picking the Packers to win. ESPN.com's so called "experts" are straight across Packers picks. Their Pregame show analysts are all Packers picks. So advantage Pack right? Wrong...
The Giants played in the toughest division in the NFC. They won on the road when most teams buckle. Now 9-1 on the road through the playoffs after taking out the Boys and the Bucs. Coughlin has rallied his team to impressive wins in both playoff games.
I know that this Eli Vs Jesus aka Favre will not be the real story line. This game will come down to Brandon Jacobs Vs Ryan Grant and Special Teams. The Giants will also not allow Ryan Grant to run for 200 yards. They will also not allow him to fumble the ball twice in the 1st quarter and still win the game.
Lastly, the game will come down to turnovers. And this is how I will pick the game. Green Bay is plus 4 for the year in Giveaways and takeaways, while the Giants are -9. The Pack are clear favorites, but the playoffs have shown this new NY team. The Giants are protecting the ball and creating turnovers. They have 3 picks and 1 recovered fumble leaving them plus 4 in the 2 playoff games. The Pack was negative 1 against Seattle last week and that will not win this game.

The PICK: Brett Favre throws 3 td's and Grant runs for 1. Favre turns the ball over once but Grant will not. Eli plays well but the biggest game of his career proves to be just a little too much for him as he does not throw a td. The Giants end up losing this one 34-27. What a game but the NFL gets what they want with Favre playing in the super bowl.

oh yea and by the way. Tiki Barber sucks... Why don't you talk some more shit on Tom Coughlin and Eli now that the Giants are winning without you! God's way of punishing you is putting you next to the Bus and Collinsworth every week. A personal hell no man should have to deal with.

Trades That Work

Let's break down some things that may happen before the Trade Deadline this year. Who will move? We don't know, but if they are going to move, these trades could be the way they go. Now let's make some teams better.

Mike Bibby is back, and that means he is ready to go. Reggie Theus cleared the air with him, but that doesn't mean he is staying. Bibby will get a couple weeks under him, then probably be shipped to Cleveland.

Cavs get: Mike Bibby

Kings get: Donyell Marshall, Eric Snow, and Shannon Brown. A number one draft pick and Damon Jones or Ira Newble would also probably be included.

No one has anything to really offer, so the biggest thing is to try and include another contract that they don't want to keep. The kings could add in John Salmons if the cavs include Newble.
A large trade, but this would be huge for both teams. The Cavs would be able to compete with the East and Bibby wouldn't have to play large minutes until the playoffs.


The Bucks want to gut their roster.... Here it goes.

Bucks get: Paul Gasol and Mike Miller

Memphis gets an expiring Voshkul, Charlie Bell, Andruw Bogut, and Bobby Simmons. They will then probably try to trade Bell and Simmons. They would also get atleast two or three draft picks.


Its the 76ers turn to trade and clear space.

6ers get Nesterovic and Juan Dixon, totalling almost 10 million in expiring contracts.

Raptors get Andre Miller.

It explains itself.


I would think that a possible Kwame Brown for Ron Artest trade would help both teams. LA gets Artest and the Kings get an expiring contract.

I have no clue if Jason Kidd will go anywhere, but Chicago seems like the right place to go for him.

NBA BM

Mirror, Mirror, On the wall, which team will show their large black balls?

We may not hear about it, but the phones are ringing. Everyone's phones are ringing and its a great feeling. You can change your team at the touch of a phone. But who will? Ed Stefanski Knows that he has the upper hand to clearing cap space. He has the right idea. He said he is not calling anyone, he waits for his phone to ring. The way I see it, the sixers have the most cap room right now. They can clear more, or keep the players who are contributing. Like Andre Miller. If he goes, awesome, clear that cap room. If he stays, awesome, he can be your court general.

Houston is Nervous, and may sell everyone on the team without chingy eyes. Yoa may be the only one who stays. Ok, i am over reacting, but they will be looking to clear room. McGrady may go first and for some reason Chicago is interested in him. Someone please tell me why.

The bucks want someone, actually anyone to come in and play the small forward spot. Someone who likes playing offense and defense. They are leaving these men open for the taking, Charlie Villanueva, Bobby Simmons, Charlie Bell or Dan Gadzuric. Good luck finding takers.

Many teams could break up at the deadline. Chicago is one. Houston another. Philly may do it and so may Miami. New Jersey is always a candidate.

SO here here for February 22!!!!

Pete Carroll Sucks

That's right. I said it. You want him to right your ship? Well I guarantee you that if he comes pro he does no better than Bobby Petrino did. Not only am I shocked that Atlanta would even speak to a college coach, but actually consider him for a dual role. Carroll wants the GM position too. These college coaches are coming for one thing. They know they can go pro, get a signing bonus, a year or two of service, and then get the HELL out of there. They are used to dealing with kids that if they don't behave, the coach has the power to ruin the career of that kid. USC had 8 or 9 running backs last year that could have been the next big thing. Carroll could play anyone of those kids and they would be selected in the first three rounds of the draft. These NFL pro's aren't college kids. They have seen the money, they have seen the injured vets who can't walk, and they know that they can do whatever the hell they want. They are getting paid whether it be that team or another. Bottom line, Carroll can not do this job.

Whether or not Pete Carroll takes this job is a different story, the fact that this is being talked about is ridiculous. The number one candidate has to be Jason Garrett. He was allowed to interview last week during the bye week for the Cowboys. My instincts tell me that unless Wade Phillips wins the Super Bowl, the Cowboys will fire him and hire Jason to be the new coach. So the Falcons must move quick. It is crazy to think that winning 14 games is not good enough. But Wade did not build this team. He did not even make them good this year. His assistants starting with Garrett did. Their offense was better than what Parcells put on the field last year, and it is exactly the same. He has out coached the Tuna. Garrett will be one of the top coaches in the NFL. The big question is whether someone will out smart Jerry Jones and beat him to the punch. Jerry gets what he wants, but hopefully Arthur Blank will turn the Falcons around and make a change. Garrett is a pro coach and Carroll will never be a good pro coach.

NBA Update

The Miami Heat are in a roller coaster year. Except the Roller coaster broke down when it left the gate. What will come out of this? Well for one, Riley will be aloud to step down after this year. Who knows if he will be done with everything or not. Hopefully he will be kept away from practice and games. Next, they will be rebuilt, but in one year. The Boston Celtics of 08 will be Miami. Udonis will probably go and Blount will be shopped. Ricky Davis is done after this year and so is Jason Williams. Next year they will return with Wade, Shaq, Wright, Cook, and a top 5 draft pick. They will also bring in 2 free agents and pack the bench with the guys who should have made this team this preseason.

Indiana has made a statement that they will be looking to deal before the trade deadline. But that doesn't give us anything to talk about. They don't have moveable parts.

Philly should be looking to make some moves too. Only Andre Miller will probably move. Andre will make any team much better. It wont be so bad if he stays.

Two things that will happen on the trade deadline. Kobe will return to his LA home and Flip Murray will go somewhere new. He might end up in Dallas. Flip can play and needs to be able to show it.

Last thing: The Blazers are for real. They are going to make some noise, and just wait til next year. I would not want them in the first round, or second for that matter.

The Real PostSeason

The best post season in the world started this weekend. Everyone talks about how College is better than pro football, but it just isn't. Not without a playoff. I sit here and watch the College Championship game and all I can say is... YAWN!

So let's talk real football until the college game fixes itself.

Jacksonville looks solid and was able to pull out a big win in Pittsburgh this weekend. Will they continue that?

The AFC will end up like this. Straight and to the point this post will be, so here it is.

Jacksonville pulls off the biggest shocker in the history of football. Beating a New England team that went undefeated. Here it is, 37-34 the Jags win and are headed to the Championship. Byron WHO?

The Colts continue their playoff dominance from a year ago and will face Jax in the big game. Jacksonville is built to beat Indy, but not indoors on the turf. A tight game but Indy wins 31-24.
No need to really elaborate on what will happen in Indy this weekend, it will be ugly.


AND THE NFC:

I really would like to watch Brett aka Jesus Favre roll into the Super Bowl. But it is hard to decide if he can pull it out.

In the NFC, one thing is for sure, it will be 1 vs 2 in the Championship.
Dallas gets home field, but Jesus can't be stopped this time. The Pack beats Seattle on a so-so game by Jesus. Then He turns around and throws 4 td's in Dallas for a 38-24 win.

Green Bay and Indy match up for the big game and the preview will be to come.

Put your money on it, because its a lock!