Indians @ Red Sox Preview

Shit has got so bad that it is tough to write these previews and be objective.

Tonight we get Buchholz vs Ubaldo Jimenez. Jimenez has been kind of a disappointment since coming over from the Rockies. Not Red Sox disappointing with guys like Crawford, Lackey, Beckett, Buchholz, Jenks, but of the level of most teams disappointing. He is 3-2 with a 4.04 ERA. In his only start against the Red Sox he got lit up giving up six runs and 10 hits over 5 2/3 inning, but that was in 2010. He has a 2.70 ERA and .134 opponent batting average in three outings in Cleveland, but a 5.74 ERA in three starts away from home while allowing opponents to hit .338. So, as a Sox fan you hope that continues.

Then there is good old Buchholz. What is left to say about this guy? I guess one could still say he is shacking off the rust, but when you're ERA is 9.09 it's hard to believe it is something more than just rust. The odd thing is that he is 3-1, he has basically turned into Lackey. I thought in the beginning of the year the Sox could actually be better then last year, because they wouldn't have to deal with the worst pitcher in the league. Well, Lackey has trained Buchholz well. Hopefully that day golfing with Beckett will help him to stop leaving his curveball up.

Probably not.

Indians win 10-4
Player of the Game: Buchholz, but for the Indians.
Game starts at 7:10pm

DP is going to be at the game. Maybe he can do us all a favor and just hill Beckett, Buchholz, Lackey, Crawford, because if they're dead I don't think they count against the cap.

Why Not?

Why not try some E and rock out like Captain all weekend?

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #8 Blake Griffin

Born: March 16, 1989 (age 23)
Team: LA Clippers
Position: PF

There was so much love for Blake Griffin last year, that the inevitable happened and everyone seems to hate him more and more now. Some of it is Sportscenter's fault, some of it is his faking injuries/flopping, but when you make a top 25 under 25 list this guy has to be on it.

In his two years in the NBA Blake Griffin has turned around a franchise and a fan base (yes, some it Paul too). In those two year he has averaged 21.7 ppg, 11.5 rebs, and 3.5 assists. He already has an NBA Rookie of the Year under his belt and is a 2 time All-Star and a Slam Dunk champion. He is one of the two reasons the Clippers are in the playoffs this year.

There are some negatives in his game (defense), but I think when we talk about talent Griffin is near the top, especially in an era that really doesn't have a lot of big men. Griffin is just 23 years old, and if he progresses in his all around game he could be the best power forward in the game.

Josh Smith Already Hinting About Joining The Celtics

“When you’re playing in an environment like the Boston Garden, they have probably the best fans,” Smith paused, and then thought better of completely throwing Atlanta fans under the bus, adding, “some of the best fans in the whole entire league. Like I said before, I was a little jealous, you know what I mean?

“The fans out here are so supportive of their team,” he said. “You go out and look in the stands, there’s nothing but Celtics jerseys and I don’t see a trace of red in there, you know what I mean? Understanding that the fans are that passionate, it adds an extra advantage for them. A bad shot can be as good as a turnover when you’re playing against a team like Boston, especially with the fanbase that they have.”

I have always wanted Josh Smith and I have always wanted KG to tutor him. With the team in limbo after this year and with the Celtics having 2 1st round picks, this could be the year. There have been rumors that Smith and the Celtics have been flirting for years and he never has anything but good things to say about Boston. So IF we were able to get a guy like Josh Smith and have Rajon, Bradley, Smith, KG, Pierce, Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, we are talking about a great transitional team going forward. The Hawks are in a bind with Joe Johnson making a ton, and with Horford needing a max contract coming up.

This could be a pipe dream, but man.

Also, thanks Josh for giving our fans praise, we do own the best fans in Boston.

Why Not?

Why not kick Kris Humphries in the dick?

Kris Humphries is a Douchebag from Kris Humphries

Lakers Lose, Kobe Promptly Throws Teammates Under The Bus

"He's the one guy that I can rely on night in and night out to compete and play hard and play with that sense of urgency and no fear," Bryant said of World Peace. "I'm looking forward to having that by my side again."

That's what he said, and I think this quote is very dangerous. You have a guy like Bynum who acts like a child if anyone calls him out, and Gasol who's weakminded, and maybe Sessions who's knew to this and they may say, "Hey Kobe, you want to just do this alone with Artest, go ahead." Kobe Bryant wanted his Michael Jordan flu game and he didn't, and it's ridiculous he took it out against his teammates, although Gasol has sucked and Bynum is an ass. In my pre playoffs predictions I had Denver in 7. Although it's extremely difficult to win 3 in a row, I see Kobe's words hurting the Lakers rather than helping.

Jets Are Off Hard Knocks Again

Despite a report this week that the New York Jets were still under consideration to be the team featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" -- and the great value for the network in having Tim Tebow on its show for four weeks -- it's going to be another team. The Jets are out of the running, according to what television industry sources have told Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News.

I would have really loved for them to have been on Hard Knocks, I would have loved to see the dysfunction of that whole franchise and the whole Tim Tebow thing. I really believe the Jets aren't doing this to shy away from the spotlight, but to not have Tim Tebow be exposed in practice, and show how bad he actually is. Remember in Denver he wasn't a "practice player" whatever the fuck that means. The Jets would have a gold mine with the players they have on the roster, the uncomfortableness of Tebow/ Sanchez, Rex Ryan, Revis hating Bill Belichick and more contract shit, Antonio Cromarti, etc.

Why Not?

why not watch this kid have an unassisted triple play?

So The Birdman Is Kind Of A Sicko

Denver Nuggets reserve center Chris "Birdman" Andersen was excused indefinitely from all team-related activities after sheriff's deputies searched his home Thursday as part of an investigation by the department's Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

The unit investigating Andersen investigates child porn, Internet luring, child predators and child pornography. ESPN

What is with all the diddlers this year? Sandusky, Fine, The Thunder PA announcer and now the Birdman Chris Anderson. To be honest, I would never have guessed it with him, I could have seen him get back into drugs or shit like that, but kiddy porn, definitely not. It just goes to show you, you can't trust these motherfuckers and that anyone could be gross.

I'm glad the Nuggets immediately dismissed him, they are in a game 7 against the Lakers. They don't need to be distracted by this scumbag.

Indians 8, Red Sox 3

Fenway Park became a driving range last night. The Indians teed off on Beckett. It was really a subpar performance. The next time Beckett's resting some sore muscles, he should go down to Connecticut and play some slots. Because last night he recorded 7 outs, allowed 7 hits, and gave up 7 runs.

He was booed very loudly once Valentine took him out. It was the one part of the game I enjoyed.

I was hoping he'd feel the need to take the mound and shut everyone up. I was hoping he'd be throwing fire. I was extremely disappointed. The golf thing aside, he's been inconsistent this season. As he's been his entire career. This is the second time he's failed to go 5 innings. He's also had 4 Quality Starts, 2 of which were good, 2 were really good. You just don't know which Josh Beckett will show up.

In his postgame press conference, Beckett resembled and sounded like a child. Fervently shaking his head and repeating "no" when asked about the golfing thing and whether it affected him. And even if he's right and the golf incident wasn't a physical problem or wasn't a distraction, just how childish he looks and sounds annoys me. I'd rather see him get pissed and counter-attack.

He's a toddler. A spoiled baby.

One bright spot in all this is that the Sox bullpen hasn't been half bad lately. Maybe it's all the extra practice they've been getting. Then again, Aceves is supposed to be the best healthy reliever on the team, and he allowed another run last night.

Beckett's golfing buddy Buchholz takes the mound tonight. He faces Ubaldo Jimenez, who's coming off a brilliant 7 inning, 2 hit, 0 run outing against Texas. This could be loss #20. The Sox lost their 20th game on May 11 last year too.

-The Captain

83 Celtics, 80 Hawks

Phew, this game was weird and way too close for comfort. It was weird game, Rondo didn't necessarily have a great game, Brandon Bass was an embarrassment, Ray had a real bad game including huge free throws, and Doc Rivers did some kooky things like putting Marquis Daniels in on Horford at the end of the game, benching Mikael Pietrus, The Ryan Hollins experiment, and resting KG during a very important stretch during the 4th quarter BUT that aging PF turnered C played like a man possessed.

Kevin Garnett was an absolute monster and the reason the Celtics are where they are. He put the whole team on his shoulders and brought them to round 2. KG had 28 hard points (he was backing Horford/ Smith/ Dampier down) and 14 rebounds, 3 steals and 5 blocks. My friend and I were talking about it yesterday, I was arguing that for THIS year, I would take KG over Blake Griffin. I think what KG brings in an all around game blows Blake Griffin out of the water. And last night was the case and point.

As for the game, the final 10ish seconds are all that mattered. Ray Allen missed 1 of 2 free throws. Now it's Atlanta ball, trailing by two, 9.3 seconds to go. Joe Johnson drove by Paul Pierce, but Pierce blocked the ball off the glass at the last second sending it out of bounds with 3.1 seconds to play. Atlanta's last chance went to Horford who was fouled by Marquis Daniels while shooting. In token Atlanta fashion Horford bricked his first then hit his second making the score 81-80. Pierce was fouled on the ensuing inbounds pass and went to the line at the other end. And knocked both down.

I'll take the win, but I certainly wasn't happy the way the game went.

Celtics vs Hawks Preview

The Celtics will be home and the Garden will be rocking. After a 1 point loss in Atlanta the Celtics come home with a 3-2 lead in the series to close out the Hawks.

The Hawks may have had Al Horford back and everyone else healthy, but Doc now has a day and a half to put an end to the Atlanta offensive schemes. I guarantee there will not be as many open dunks/ layups this game as in game 5.

As for the Celtics offense, look for a much more aggressive Rondo (I smell a triple double game), last game, especially in the 1st half he looked tentative at times and with him being pissed off for letting the team down on that last possession I would not want to be Jeff Teague tonight. Kevin Garnett needs to get the ball more, he's getting every look inside, and can do everything he wants to Josh Smith and Al Horford. I haven't heard anything about Pierce's knee yesterday, so I guess he's good to go, and Ray Allen seems to be alright. I do get a little concerned with our bench, I would like to see Mikael Pietrus hit some shots, offensively he has been awful so far, and I would like to see Greg Steimsma in instead of Ryan Hollins. I know Hollins was OK the last game, but something about him pisses me off. Like most of Celtics games, Rondo is the key to the game and I believe he gets it done.

UBUNTU!
Celtics win 101-89
Tommy Award: Rondo

CBS Sports Is Racist (UPDATED)

Remember a little back when ESPN had a headline that said "Chink in the armor" and everyone got made, and rightfully so. Well here is the headline from our fantasy baseball league about Jake Peavy's night vs the Indians...

"Peavy scalps Tribe for fourth win"

Really CBS? All I am saying is that if you're going to be all PC it needs to be for all races.


***UPDATE***

Sounds like someone was listening as the title as not been changed to "Peavy takes Tribe for fourth win".

Indians @ Red Sox Preview

Beckett will try to help the last-place Red Sox avoid a sixth straight home loss Thursday night when they open a four-game set against the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians. Funny how much better of a team that friggin' Indians are then the Red Sox.

Hopefully Beckett shows up tonight, but I don't know what he has on his schedule. Maybe some bowling? Or a Beirut tourney or something?

One would hope he would come out pissed off tonight and throw a gem, but I am sick of picking the Red Sox to win every night then watch them get housed by some team that has about a 1/4 of the talent.

Lowe has had a nice year for himself letting up two or fewer runs in four of his first six starts for Cleveland. Johnny Damon is also on the Indians, so maybe fans can just sit back and remember when we were good.

Indians win 7-5
Player of the Game: Jason Kipnis
Game starts at 7:10pm



How bad do you think Beckett gets boo'ed when he takes the hill tonight, like percentage wise? I say about 75%.

Why Not?

Why not shotgun 6 beers in 5 mins?

Beer Speed Drinking Fail - watch more funny videos

Celtics Injury Update

The Celtics announced today that Paul Pierce has a sprained MCL, so I guess that explains why he was jumping like a 60 year old man last game. The team also announced that he will be playing through it and will be in the starting lineup. The Celtics also announced that there are no tears or spurs in the knee, so if the Celtics can win tonight and get him some rest I think he will be close to 100% heading into the next series.

The Celtics also said that Avery Bradley has been playing with a sore rotator cuff in his left shoulder. He also is expected to start and play in Game 6 tonight. Bradley said that he has been playing with it all season, and that it really shouldn't slow him down.

DP has a preview coming up, but I think the Celtics win by 15 points. I think Rondo has a crazy line like 22 pts, 17 asts, 11 rebs, and I think KG has a huge game (28 pts, 14 rebs).

Reason Why Rivera's Surgery Was Delayed

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who suffered a torn ACL shagging fly balls last week, also has a blood clot in his right calf and has been placed on blood-thinning medication.

“I was more concerned about the blood clot than the knee,” Rivera said at a press conference Wednesday. “For a minute I thought, ‘What else is going to happen?’ … I was scared. I never hear good things about blood clots (WEEI).”

We were wondering the reason, and this seems to be it. Makes sense since when you have a blood clot they put you on blood thinners, and that's not something you want to be on when they cut you open.

Rivera says that if he comes back next year he is going to continue to sag fly balls...

"It happened doing something I love," he said of the injury. "After 22 years of shagging, it happened."

Which is one of the funniest statements I have heard in awhile.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #9 Justin Upton

Born: August 25, 1987 (age 24)
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Position: OF

On August 2, 2007, Upton was called up to the big leagues at the age of only 19, which made him the youngest player in baseball. Since then he has made 2 All-Star teams, and won a Silver Slugger in 2011, hit 94 HRs, 305 RBIs, and 67 SBs.

So far this year Justin Upton has struggled, but I am not reading too much into that. He is a hell of a defensive player, winning "Fielding Bible Award" for RF last year, which recognizes the best defensive player for each fielding position in the MLB based on statistical analysis. On top of that, last year he hit 31 HRs with 88 RBIs and 21 SBs while hitting .289 (while coming in 4th for MVP of the NL). When you say "5 tool player" you think Justin Upton. There is nothing this kid can't do.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Day 24

Washington forced a Game 7. And I'm not shocked at all. The good news is we get to see a Game 7, the bad news is we have no hockey until Saturday.

CAPITALS 2, RANGERS 1 - (Series tied 3-3)

I'm finally respecting Braden Holtby. He's withstood the pressure, clung to his confidence, and he's making big saves. He gives the Capitals confidence to play their game. Which isn't the high-flying offensive hockey that we've seen from them in years past. They've become more hardcore. They grind goals. But they also have that skill and talent to take advantage of odd man rushes and Power Plays.

Game 7 should be fantastic. It will be played Saturday night in Madison Square Garden. Winner faces New Jersey.

-The Captain

Why Not?

It's Putins world, we just live in it. Watch Vladimir Putin score the game winning goal

Good For Barack

I normally don't talk politics because frankly, I don't care about politics. Politics to me are like the rest of the NHL Playoffs, no interest at all. However, I do think it's pretty cool Obama came out and openly was in favor of gay marriage. To me, I could care less if gays get married, to me, if two people are happy why the fuck can't they marry. Kind of seems silly to not allow that.

In 50 years from now, it's going to be funny to look back at this and be like, IT TOOK THAT LONG FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. This will be like having women rights (which sometimes I still question) and having blacks be able to vote and shit. People will belittle his claim and say, he did it just for votes, etc. Who cares if he did, he's still the 1st president to do it.

Take it away Young Geezy:


P.S.
Does this mean we can make gay jokes now without the threat of being called ignorant?

Andrew Bynum Is A Loser

Something that doesn't get highlighted enough in the Media is how much of an asshole Andrew Bynum is. So far in the playoffs, he has been late to a playoff game that was away(I don't even know how that's possible figuring they travel to everything together), then he sulks during the last Laker loss for only getting 8 shots.

BMack had him at 14 in the top 25, and I completely disagreed with it. His immaturity he's shown this year doesn't deserve to even be regarded as a top 4 center this series. Yes, he should have had more than 8 attempts and Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake need to feed him in the low post more, but if he's not getting the ball enough, he needs to play with urgency and go after offensive boards and get back on defense instead of jogging the whole way up. His attitude when Mike Brown benched him for shooting a 3, was absurd, and his overall demeanor bothers me. Skip Bayless, BMack and Other NBA Talking Heads say they would take Bynum over Howard, I preseason thought this too, however, I need to give Dwight Howard the nod. Take away all the contract BS, Dwight Howard never really gives up on the court.

Centers I would take over Bynum; Howard, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler then Bynum.

Bynum has been in the league 7 years and has played on Championship teams, it's time he grows up big time and stop getting dominated by Jevale McGee.

Carl Beane; Sox PA Announcer Dies

Carl Beane, the public address announcer at Fenway Park since 2003, was killed in a single car crash in Sturbridge on Wednesday.

Beane, 59, was pronounced dead at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge shortly after the crash. Officers were alerted to the crash on Holland Street at around 12:40 on Wednesday afternoon by golfers at Hemlock Ridge Golf Course, which is located close to the scene of the accident.

Beane, a native of Agawam, began his broadcasting career in 1972. Globe

Well when it rains, it pours for the Red Sox this year. This is just one of the awful things that has happened since September last season. I have been to plenty of Sox games, and while I can't say I have noticed Beane all that much, that probably means he did his job well. I would figure it would be a real tough game, because some of the spanish names and stuff. My initial plan was that I think the Red Sox should make Carl Crawford or John Lackey do it, so they can at least earn some of their contract. However, I listened to their voices on Youtube and they suck, especially Kermit the frog Lackey Voice.

Royals 4, Red Sox 3

The umpires strike back. That's all Eck could talk about on the NESN broadcast last night, was the umpires. Jim Rice touched on it in the postgame. And I'm sure there are many out there who are holding the umpiring responsible for last night's loss. But let's lose with some dignity here, folks. Do the Sox need perfect umpiring to beat the Royals? Is that how low this team has sunk?

The Red Sox failed at a number of little things last night. Catching a ball on a bounce thrown in from the outfield. That's not too hard is it?

The Sox failed at a number of large things last night. Getting hits with runners in scoring position. Failing to make Bruce Chen look like Bruce Chen.

I'm still waiting for Lester to be as elite as he claimed he ought to be viewed as. He wasn't bad last night. He could've had more help behind him. But he hasn't been an Ace this year, he hasn't even been a good #2. He's 1-3 with a 4.29 ERA and he's had 30+ pitch innings in 4 starts already. He's got to be more efficient than that.

And elite pitchers are able to pitch around bad calls and bad luck.

This was the tenth series of the season for the Sox. They've lost 7 and won 3. Close to a fifth of the season is gone and the Sox are on pace for 65 wins.

They open a 4 game series with the Indians, who lead the AL Central. Derek Lowe, who I'm told is a very respectable golfer, opposes Josh Beckett. Tee-time, I mean first pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm. I'm going to milk that Beckett story until I get cheese.

-The Captain

Red Sox @ Royals Preview

Remember a week ago when the Red Sox were .500 and we all thought "well, they have an easy schedule coming up, we should be right back in this". Yea, well now the Red Sox are 12-17, 6 1/2 games out of first, and have injuries piling up. Middlebrooks says his injury isn't serious and that maybe he will be playing tonight. We haven't got the lineup for tonight yet, but I would be surprised if he was.

Tonight we get Lester vs Chen. In every way this should be an easy win. Lester ( is 100X the player Chen is. Lester has had success against the Royals in his career (5-1 with a 1.30 ERA in seven career starts), and yet can you fell all that confident? You just never know what team will show up. Maybe Middlebrooks has a tee time for early tomorrow morning and doesn't feel like playing, who knows?

Chen sucks. He is 0-4 on the season with a 4.98 ERA, and is 3-6 with a 5.98 against the Red Sox in his career. I'll pick the Red Sox tonight, and they better fucking win, because there is no reason to lose a series against the Royals.

Red Sox win 9-2
Player of the Game: Lester
Game starts at 8:10pm

"Resting" Beckett Still Able to Golf

Last Wednesday, Josh Beckett was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday so he could rest a sore shoulder and lat muscle. According to 98.5, he was golfing with Clay Buchholz on Thursday. So why is the supposedly resting Beckett out swinging golf clubs with his teammate?

Because he's Josh Beckett. And these are the Red Sox. And no matter who the Manager is, this is Josh Beckett's clubhouse.

The whole series of events seems odd. Beckett claims that before his start last Sunday, he felt "a little thing going on" in his back and shoulder. Then Bobby Valentine kept Beckett on the mound for 126 pitches. Which seemingly aggravated that "little thing going on," so Valentine shut him down for Saturday's start. Beckett claims he was surprised to be shut down.

But what's Valentine thinking? He goes from throwing caution to the wind on Sunday and letting Beckett throw 126 pitches, to being extremely cautious and scratching him from a start.

And what about Beckett? He complains about soreness and stiffness, but still manages to golf on Thursday? Golf isn't an exhausting pursuit, but it does involve the back and shoulder, and does so in a very weird, start-and-stop kind of way.

If it were another pitcher, it wouldn't be a story. But Beckett has a reputation for soft injuries, and a reputation for having a careless attitude, doing what he wants, and not taking care of himself.

He doesn't care.

Aaron Cook cares. Aaron Cook pitched with his legs half-amputated. Beckett cried about his shoulder, then still made his tee-time with Buchholz.

I'm tired of this type of crap. Maybe I'm overreacting because it's Beckett, but Beckett's track record merits a reaction. This is a guy who has been inconsistent on the mound, and has been a major headache off it. And he's not good enough on the mound to make these character flaws worth it. He's not reliable. He's won some big games in the past, and lost some big ones. He's only occasionally there when his team needs him.

If things for this team don't turn around, it might be time to consider trading Beckett. For anything. Like Nomar in 2004 only worse. I know he's a 10-5 guy and would have to agree to being traded, but just find a team that allows beer in the clubhouse and he might consent.

-The Captain

John Travolta Sexually Assults Male Masseur (UPDATED)

Did not expect to read a story like this when I woke up today...

John Travolta is being sued by a male masseur who claims the actor tried to have sex with him during a massage session -- but the "Pulp Fiction" star's rep labeled the claims "complete fiction" and threatened legal action in response. Court documents filed in Los Angeles claim Travolta, 58, touched the unnamed plaintiff's genitals, propositioned him and touched himself lewdly.

Travolta allegedly stripped naked in front of the masseur before beginning the massage. After about an hour Travolta allegedly rubbed the man's leg and touched his genitals. The plaintiff said he told Travolta he would not have sex with him but claims the "Saturday Night Fever" star responded by offering to perform a sexual act. The lawsuit goes on to say that Travolta subsequently masturbated and told the masseur that his Hollywood career could only progress "due to sexual favors (FoxNews)."

Wow.

Travolta is obviously denying all this and is saying that he was actually on the opposite side if the US during this alleged assault. I guess I'll believe him. We have seen so many celebrities have crazy stories about them come out (Bieber knocking up that chick), only to find out it is some sad sack of a person looking for their 15 minutes of fame.

Then again...

This is the same dude that decide it was a good idea to do the movie Hairspray.

That happened, and we didn't say anything.


***UPDATE***

Wow, this story is starting to get out of control. I read earlier today that there was another accuser that has stepped forward. Now we get this...


According to the lawyer representing two masseurs in a sex assault case against actor John Travolta, the publicity surrounding this week's court filing has caused more potential accusers to come out of the woodwork.

"By the time this case is over, [John Travolta's lawyer] Marty Singer will have to accuse more than 100 men of lying, because I have been contacted by people, mostly men, that have first hand information about similar behavior on John Travolta's part to that contained in the lawsuits I have already filed against him," Okorie Okorocha told RadarOnline.com. "I have witnesses and the potential for more accusers in virtually every state of the union who have called me. I'm currently in the process of investigating their claims and verifying the information before possible further action is taken."

I really don't want to believe any of this. I want to think of John Travolta as being a cool dude from Pulp Fiction (and Face-Off), not some dude who rapes other dudes. When I heard another person had stepped forward I wasn't surprised, even if it's false people see money and run to it, but if this is true it's hard to dismiss all these different accounts. I won't believe it till we actually get some proof, but it certainly sounds worse than yesterday.

Plus, anyone who calls America a union I don't trust. This isn't 1861, there is no need for that.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #10 Stephen Strasburg

Born: July 20, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Washington Nationals
Position: Pitcher

If it wasn't for Strasburg needing Tommy John surgery in 2010 he would probably be in the top 5. He has made only 23 starting in his major league career, but they have already shown that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball and as long as he stay healthy will be dominant for years. In those 23 starts Strasburg is 8-4 with a 2.28 ERA with 154 Ks in just 130 innings. The only reason he probably won't win the NL Cy Young is because he is going to be on an innings count this season, but so far this year he is 2-0 in 6 starts with a 1.66 ERA.

The guy is a stud, and the only concern is health. Not matter what team you are a fan of you have to hope that he is able to stay healthy, because we could be watching the best pitcher on our generation.

Middlebrooks vs. Youkilis vs. Time

Who plays third base for the Sox? Middlebrooks or Youkilis? It's a question designed for sports radio. It's an old formula for a contentious debate. The new kid who's tearing it up versus the seasoned veteran who is torn up.

It's a stupid question to ask right now because Youkilis won't be coming back any time soon. His back problems seem to require extensive rest.

And also, as promising as Middlebrooks is, he's not going to hit like this forever. Sox fans are drooling over his .409 average, his 1.000 SLG, his 3 homers and 4 doubles in 5 games. But if you think he'll end the season with numbers anywhere close to these, you're insane. I'm surprised Sox fans aren't debating whether or not to retire #64 now, or wait for Middlebrooks to receive a real number and retire that one.

So Youkilis won't be back for some time, and Middlebrooks will come down to earth in some time. So it's a silly question to seriously think about right now. It's smarter to wait to see how Middlebrooks is performing when Youkilis is healthy. Then make the decision.

It's pointless to even think about, until GM Ben Cherington does something stupid and gives an answer to a question that doesn't need answering until Youkilis is healthy:

"If Youk returns in a week and is ready to go, he plays third base. He's been here. It's great that Will has come up and done a good job and we like him a lot and he's a big part of our future. But Youk's on the DL and he didn't lose his job because he got hurt."

Imagine if someone said the same thing about Wally Pipp.

I don't agree with Cherington's answer. If Middlebrooks is producing close to what he is now, it's his job to lose. He belongs in the lineup. It should be just as tough for Youkilis to dislodge Middlebrooks as it would be for Middlebrooks to dislodge Youkilis. I know this will sound ludicrous, but the best players should see the field. Youkilis needs to earn his spot in the lineup.

How do you logically justify taking someone out of the lineup when they're hitting over .400?

Youkilis could still find his way into the lineup, giving Ortiz or Gonzalez a day off. Gonzalez could use a few days off, actually. And Middlebrooks has this nagging hamstring complaint that could give Youkilis a chance to play third.

And anyway, Cherington shouldn't be answering such questions now. There's no point. Youkilis isn't coming back today, or next week. Let sports radio and bloggers debate irrelevant questions like this one. Why stir the pot now. You can at least wait until Middlebrooks' slugging percentage has dipped below .800. Maybe wait for him to play a game without an extra-base hit. Why talk about sitting him when he's scorching hot?

So I don't like what Cherington's decision is, I don't like any decision being made at this point, and I don't like Cherington disclosing his decision to the Media.

-The Captain

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Day 23

Another team eliminated last night. Right now only the Caps and Rangers haven't decided their series yet.

DEVILS 3, FLYERS 1 - (Devils win series 4-1)

A puckhandling mistake by Bryzgalov allowed David Clarkson to score the goal that wound up being the game-winner for New Jersey. Last off-season, the Flyers decided to focus less on offense, more on goaltending, and this was what happened. They did have some injuries for the playoffs (Pronger, most notably), and maybe their series with Pittsburgh took a big toll on them. Giroux being suspended last night didn't help either.

Only eight more years on Bryzgalov's contract. Enjoy that, Philly.

Tonight's game:
7:30pm - Rangers @ Capitals - NBC Sports - Rangers lead series 3-2

-The Captain

Why Not?

This really made me laugh for some reason.

More Goodell Douchebaggery

I'm sure you're getting sick of my Goodell hatred and I'm sure you just think I'm incredibly biased due to my affiliations with the Steelers and Saints, however, what was the NFL thinking when the voted on and passed Goodell to be the judge and jury when it comes to suspensions and appeals. Only one team (The Steelers) voted against this and now every player is going to be unfairly punished because the Dictator is an ego maniac.

I can just imagine Goodell being one of those Sheriffs in old western movies where the deputy is also the judge. Rick Reilly's article put it perfectly;
And here was the most hilarious part. The NFL hired a former U.S. attorney named Mary Jo White to "review" the evidence, and you'll never believe what she concluded. She said the NFL was right. "[The players] always had the option to say no," she wrote. "They didn't say no." And who knows the intense peer and coach pressure of an NFL locker room better than Mary Jo White?


On May 7, Vilma and his former teammates announced they would appeal their suspensions.


So who does somebody like Vilma go to when he thinks the sentence handed down by Goodell is unfair? Who does he see to get his hands on the evidence that Goodell will show Mary Jo White but not him?
Goodell, of course.


Goodell: Jonathan, we have evidence.
Vilma: What? What evidence?
Goodell: You don't get to see it. You're suspended one year.
Vilma: What? I appeal!
Goodell: No problem.
(Goodell flips "Commissioner" sign around on his desk to the other side. It reads, "Appeals Court.")
Goodell: Court's in session. What's your beef?

It is almost laughable that he will be able to be a fairly judge not just these suspensions, but ANY suspensions or penalties going forward. I mean remember there's no video of any Saints player making illegal hits on Brett Favre or Kurt Warner in the two bounty games in question. To be ordered to carry out a hit and then doing it are two different things.

What Goodell has set up is absolute power and almost like a Castro like dictatorship. And the scary thing about this, is that it's 9 more years of this nonsense because that is when the CBA runs out. Also the only reason why teams had to vote on Goodell getting absolute power, is because he forced teams to either vote on an 18 game season OR him to be a 1 man judicial system. That's just fucked to me and Goodell must be stopped.

Two Dolphins Die From Heroin

Two dolphins apparently died of a heroin overdose after the aquarium lent the land to a rave party in Switzerland More

Not to sound like an asshole here, but if you rent out an aquarium to a bunch of douche bags doing dubstep, what could you possibly have expected to happen. In my lifetime, I have seen numerous people try to get their pets high whether it be a lizard to a cat. Why wouldn't you think a couple of f'd up people would be like, "Yo man, lets get these dolphins messed up on heroin..." I don't have much sympathy for the zoo as much as I do for the Dolphins. What an awful way to die, high off a drug that makes you melt, but the only thing is if you melt, you drown.

Royals 6, Red Sox 4

For the most part, Daniel Bard has adjusted well to his new role as a starting pitcher. One thing he seems to be struggling with is ignoring baserunners. As a reliever, he didn't worry about them. He'd just focus on the batter, get the 3 outs he needed to get, and essentially ignore any baserunners he inherited or allowed.

Last night he became preoccupied with baserunners in the 2nd inning. And in that one inning he threw a wild pitch, balked twice, and surrendered 3 runs. And it could have been much worse.

He was able to get over it and move on. Which is one very promising thing I've noticed in his starts.

He kept his pitch count low, but started to struggle in the 7th. He got out of a jam thanks to some bunts, but walked two to lead off the 8th. And with no Daniel Bard in the bullpen, Valentine was forced to bring in Albers. Who gave up a 3 run homer.

Right now, especially with Cook and Matsuzaka on the DL and Buchholz struggling, the Sox need Bard in the rotation. But if these guys get healthy, I think you have to consider moving Bard back to the pen. While you get more innings from him in the rotation, what's the point of getting 7 good innings from him or any starter if the bullpen can't consistently give you 2 good innings to close the game.

Anyway, Will Middlebrooks left the game with tightness in his hamstring. Hopefully that's just a precautionary thing. He was 1 for 1 with a double, and is the first player since Enos Slaughter to start off his career with extra-base hits in each of his first 5 games.

Jon Lester faces Bruce Chen tonight. Chen is 0-4, with a few good starts and a few horrible starts.

-The Captain

87 Hawks, 86 Celtics

I was afraid that the Celtics would take the foot off the gas during this game, they do it a lot. And there can be a lot of things this game could be blamed on lack of execution on the last "play", Paul Pierce not being himself, Doc Rivers not having a timeout left, etc. But the fact is the Celtics had them in the 1st quarter and thought they could lollygag the rest of the game. The Celtics raced out to a early lead just to blow it. And then the Hawks had a double digit lead the blew. Ultimately the Hawks were lucky to get out of this one.

Al Horford was a monster for the Hawks. 19 points, 11 rebounds in 41 minutes. He hit a lot of jumpers and was alone in the paint too much last night.

Paul Pierce's knee is an issue, but Paul refuses to use that as an excuse. He airballed a shot to take the lead with 18 seconds.

Rondo had a weird game, he was nonexistant, not aggressive basically in the 1st half. But in the second half he started getting going being huge in the late 3rd/ early 4th to get the Hawks lead to dwindle. He still finished with 13 points, 12 assists, 5 steals.

Doc also had a weird game, as I alluded to earlier he didn't have a timeout in his back pocket that normally never happens. Also, why didn't Greg Stiemsma play? Ryan Hollins was his go to man off the bench, and he looks very all over the place out there. Tommy said during the game that The Stiemer had a deer in the headlights look, I never saw that, but maybe this was just a statement from Doc. Still thought it was weird.

Next game is Thursday

Celtics vs Hawks Preview

Depth Chart

	Boston (PPG)	Atlanta (PPG)
PG	A. Bradley 8.8	J. Teague 15.8
SG	M. Pietrus 1.5	K. Hinrich 5.5
SF	P. Pierce 23.3	J. Johnson 17.8
PF	B. Bass 8.5	J. Smith 17.7
C	K. Garnett 17.0	J. Collins 3.0
View full depth chart: Boston | Atlanta

The Celtics have them on the ropes. And this is a perfect chance for the KO of Atlanta and their shit arena, in their shit city, with their shit fans. The Celtics absolutely shellacked the Hawks in Boston the last game out and ended up winning the game 101-79. What does scare me about this game is that the Celtics have been known to take their foot off the gas when they smell blood and get a little cocky. I would think that Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Jeff Teague and others would be prideful and try not to let Sunday happen again. But then again Joe Johnson, Jeff Teague and Josh Smith have also been known to suffer from the give up syndrome.

Everyone seems to be healthy, everyone seems ready to go. Our point guard is playing on an MVP level, Pierce is playing out of his mind, KG has been great too defensively. I would like to see more production from Brandon Bass, who has kind of disappeared in the playoffs. However, the Celtics still keep their foot on the gas and win this one.

UBUNTU
Celtics win 97-82
Tommy Award: Rajon Rondo

Red Sox @ Royals Preview

DP made the comment the other day that Danny Duffy is the best pitcher the Royals have and I 100% agree. Duffy is a very good left hander that has more K's (26) then innings (22 2/3). He is currently 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA. Duffy has faced the Red Sox twice in his career. Duffy lasted only 3 2/3 innings while surrendering six runs in a loss at Fenway Park in July, but pitched better at home a month later giving up two runs and five hits over six innings during a 6-1 loss.

The Red Sox counter with Bard, who is 2-3 with a 4.38 ERA. Last time out Bard struggled letting up 4 runs over 5 1/3 innings to Oakland with only 1 K. The one strikeout I found to be alarming. Overall, Bard hasn't been bad for the Red Sox. He has showed promise as a starter, but when you covert a guy like Bard from bullpen to starter he is going to have an up and down type of year.

The I am picking the Red Sox tonight is because of how bad the Royals have been at home (2-13).

Red Sox win 6-5
Player of the Game: Middlebrooks
Game starts at 8:10pm

Rivera Surgery Delayed

"Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (knee) "ran into complications" during his visit with doctors on Monday, his agent told the New York Post. Rivera is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL while shagging fly balls during batting practice last Thursday at Kansas City. However, according to ESPN.com, the issues are not considered serious, but the team was unable to set a date for surgery."

This is a huge blow for the Yankees as it makes a bullpen that looked to be pretty good a lot weaker, and with a weak starting rotation the Yankees look vulnerable. I hate the Yankees more than anything, but I do hope Rivera comes back next year. He is the greatest closer of all-time and I don't want to see his career come to an end while shagging fly falls for some journeyman call up.

Rivera, for his part, has said he is coming back. I believe him. You have to question how good he will be after missing the rest of the season, and being yet another year older, but if anyone can do it it's probably Rivera.

More Concerns With Dice-K

Daisuke Matsuzaka re-started his Triple-A rehab assignment on Monday for Pawtucket. Matsuzaka lasted 4 2/3 innings for the PawSox and struck out four batters with three walks as he did not give up a run. Matsuzaka allowed just two hits in the performance in his third rehab start. Matsuzaka required 87 pitches and threw 49 (56.3 percent) for strikes. Overall, in his three starts, Matsuzaka has a 2.84 ERA, 14 strikeouts and five walks in 12 2/3 innings. He has yet to pitch five complete innings

Not bad. You would like to see him throw more strikes, but we have come to kind of expect that from Dice-K. What is concerning is there are reports that his velocity dropped during his outing, and he even admitted there are days where his elbow feels better then other days. You don't want to go overboard here, and start thinking he needs to be shutdown or anything, but I do feel this shows he needs more time in the minors. He needs to show that the elbow is 100%, because calling him up to the majors and having him push it isn't good for anyone. I am with DP that I think Dice-K could actually be a very nice addition at some point this season, but we may need to delay that a little bit.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #11 Cam Newton

Born: May 11, 1989 (age 22)
Team: Carolina Panthers
Position: QB

Cam Newton was amazing in college, but I don't think I was the only one questioning him as he came into the NFL. It was really about the whole "Gruden Camp" thing. He didn't seem to really know about picking apart a defense, or even many plays. Boy, was I wrong.

- AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Sporting News Rookie of the Year (2011)
- PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Pro Bowl (2011)
- 3× Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week
- NFL record for most passing yards by a rookie: 4,051 (2011)
- NFL single-season record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback: 14 (2011)
- Most passing yards by a rookie in a game (432), September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[62]
- Most passing yards by a rookie in a season (4,051), 2011
- First rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back to back games, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[62]
- First rookie in NFL history to throw for 10 touchdowns and run for 10 touchdowns in a season.
- Fourth rookie quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season.
- Third most pass TDs (21) in a rookie season.
- Most total touchdowns by a rookie NFL player: 35 (21 pass, 14 rush).
- Most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback: 706
- First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 10+ rush TDs in a season.
- First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 500+ rush yards in a season.

Not bad list of accomplishments for your first year in the NFL, especially when we aren't even talking about what he did in college (2 time National Champion, Heisman Trophy, ect). Newton played in all 16 games for the Panthers, completed 60% of his passes, threw for 4,051 yards with 21 TDs and 17 INTs. Sure, that isn't the greatest TD/INT rate, but when you add in his 706 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs it really starts to look even more impressive.

At 22 years old, he has the chance to be what Vick was supposed to be, but an even better passer. Newton is breaking the mold of QBs, and is probably a big reason why RG III was taken so high.