Dario Wins a 2nd Indy 500

The last big race of the year is here with the Indianapolis 500 (The other two are Daytona 500 for Nascar and the Kentucky Derby for Horseracing). The IndyCar Series doesn't get much attention in the US despite Danica Patrick. She not that good anyway as she has only one win in her career. The season might as well end here with the Indy 500. The winner of the race would be Dario Franchitti. This is the second time he has won the event. Congrats to him and his team.

P.S. Okay, Danica's not the worst driver. She started 26th and finished 6th. I just don't think she deserves all the attention. I don't see any GoDaddy.com commercials with Dario in them. I mean she gets more attention than the last five IndyCar Champions combined. The media just loves to cover a somewhat hot woman in a mostly male sport.

P.P.S. See, even in my blog she gets more attention. WAIT?

Lakers Go On to Finals... STILL NOT NEWS!!!

Looks like a rematch is on. The Lakers beat the Suns yesterday, 111-103, to win the series, 4-2. "How Surprising." The Lakers get to the finals. Who could have predicted this? Maybe little Orphan Annie considering she made the other bold predication saying the Sun will come out tomorrow. This is the reason I hate covering the NBA playoffs. I already know one half of the NBA Finals already. Any analyst that gave any other team in the West a chance was simply trying to fool themselves or influence the odds in Vegas.

The real competition begins now for the Lakers as they will face their NBA Finals opponent of two years ago, the Boston Celtics. The Celtics manage to win that series, 4-2, what with KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen wanting a title so badly before they checked in to a retirement home. I will give the Lakers the edge but the Celtics do have a legitimate chance at an upset. The Past Two NBA Champions will play game one on Thursday.

P.S. No, I haven't watched any of the NBA Playoffs and for good reasons too. One: Hockey was on. That is actual news. So many twists and turns that keep the whole thing interesting. Two: I'm tired of watching Basketball. As I said, I'd rather suck at the game than watch the game. Plus the NCAA Tournament is so much better. And Three: Red Dead Redemption is still addicting.

P.P.S. Yes, I watched game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. Chicago wins a wild one, 6-5, to take a 1-0 lead.

Roy Halladay Throws 20th Perfect Game

It was only a few weeks ago when Dallas Braden threw a Perfect Game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Roy Halladay would equal that earlier today as he threw a Perfect Game against the Florida Marlins as the Phillies won, 1-0. Halladay threw 115 pitches, 72 strikes, and struck out 11 in the 20th Perfect Game of all time. The Phillies definitely made the right move getting Halladay. Remarkably, this is the second Perfect Game within a month and the 3rd one within a year. This is the first time in the Modern Era that there has been two Perfect Games in a season. Any bet for a Third?

Celtics Move On to the NBA Finals

Many speculated that the Celtics would not be the team to go on to the NBA Finals to face the Lakers (it will be the Lakers). The favorites were the Magic or the Cavaliers. Well the Celtics beat both of those teams. The Cavs first and then the Magic to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. They would finish off the Magic tonight 96-84 as they won the series, 4-2. There was fear that the Magic would pull of "The Comeback," but the Celtics manage to avoid choking during the Magics attempt which is something many Bostonians wish the Bruins had done when they faced the Flyers.

Next we look ahead at the NBA Finals match up between the Celtics and the Lakers. This 2008 Finals rematch will be another great showing.

P.S. Prove me wrong Phoenix. PLEASE!!! prove me wrong.

Raiders Want Their Money Back and Phillies in Trouble?

Though JeMarcus Russell has been released from the Oakland Raiders, their post-breakup fight has yet to be resolved. The Raiders have filed a grievance against Russell seeking $9.55 million from the flop QB. The Raiders claim this was an advance payment to Russell for the 2010-2012 seasons. If you had a QB as bad as him, wouldn't you want your money back? Which is why I think he should keep the money. Why are giving this guy advances in the first place? Sure, it might be in the contract but if the Raiders manage to get their money back, they should give part of that to the Raiders Nation as they got ripped off as well.

In baseball, the Phillies seem to be in trouble. Known as a powerhouse of an offense with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, they were humiliated by the Mets as they were swept in a three game series in New York. The embarrassing part was that they didn't score a run the entire series. How do you get shut out for an entire series and against the Mets? Sure it was on the road but the Mets? Luckily the Phillies still have a 1.5 game advantage in the NL East but every team in the division is within 3 games of the them. The NL East still has Philly as the favorite in the long run but they need to start putting up some runs if they want to remain that way.

A Superbowl in New Jersey?

In the fall of 2010, the Jets and the Giants will open their new Meadowlands Stadium. Four years later, the stadium will host Superbowl XLVIII (that's 48). Finally the NFL will have a Superbowl in cold weather environment. I'm tired of Superbowls in warmer climates or in domes. I want to see a game where teams have to actually consider weather. Wouldn't it be great to actually have a Ice Bowl during the Superbowl? It would also be fun to see a overpaid singer trying to perform the halftime show in the snow. I think this will be a great test for whether or not to consider more Superbowls in cold weather locations.

P.S. The only problem with this Superbowl destination is that it will be played in New Jersey. HAHAHAHA!!!

Flyers to Face Blackhawks for Lord Stanley's Cup

The Blackhawks punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals Sunday and now they know their opponent. The Philadelphia Flyers beat the Montreal Canadiens, 4-2, to win their series, 4-1. The Canadiens have beaten some great teams but couldn't beat another upset like them. What a journey the Flyers have taken with the season ending shootout to get them into the playoffs, the unbelievable 3-0 comeback over the Bruin, and now a trip to the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1997. Congrats to them.

Now we look ahead to the Stanley Cup Finals themselves. It has been a long time in between Stanley Cup Titles for either team. The Blackhawks last won it in 1961 and the Flyers in 1975. One of these teams will end their long droughts this year and their cities will be behind them 100 percent. I would bet on Chicago. They seem to be the stronger team in this match up but don't count out the Flyers yet as they might have another Rocky run in them.

Mike Brown Fired From Cavs

Mike Brown, head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been fired from team after 5 seasons. Despite him having the highest winning percentage in Cavs history (.663), he was fired for failing to get an NBA Title with King James on the roster. This means the Cavs will be looking for a new coach to hopefully entice King James to stay in Cleveland. There has been speculation that they might go after a college coach like Coach K or John Calipari. There is even suggestion that they might try to get Phil Jackson knowing that the Lakers will make him take a pay cut.

The team will likely ask James which coach he would like. Do players in the NBA really have this much power? Is James really King? Last time I checked, players play for the coach. Sure basketball is different with it being more about the individual than any team sport but it is just sad that a player could have this much say. Why don't we just say that James has more power and pull than all coaches in the NBA? Even if the Cavs manage to get Phil Jackson, it would be just to get King James to stay. This is the sadness of many team sports, especially basketball.

P.S. And it's not just Cleveland that will do this. New York, Chicago, and New Jersey have coaching vacancies and will try to find a great coach to try to entice great players like James to join.

Chicago Blackhawks Get a Shot at Lord Stanley's Cup

I must admit my faith had been restored in the Sharks to go the distance when they beat the Red Wings thinking if they could beat them, they could beat anyone. It appears Chicago didn't get the memo. The Blackhawks, who had beat the Canucks in their previous series, came in as the hotter team. They completed the sweep over the Sharks today as they won 4-2. The Blackhawks move on to the Stanley Cup Finals. They will likely face the Philadelphia Flyers as the Flyers are up in their series over the Montreal Canadiens, 3-1. Chicago is likely the favorite in either scenario.

P.S. As for the Sharks, they choked. It wasn't that they lost the series, but got swept. You could at least win a game.

Nowitzki to Join Free Agent Party

It is already exciting enough to see Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Joe Johnson become available this off season. But now a new name will be added to the list as Dirk Nowitzki is expected to opt out of his contract with the Mavericks and become an unrestricted free agent. If there were any more stars, this might be a fantasy draft. This raises many questions as to why Dirk would do this. Is he looking for more money? A title? To get away from Mark Cuban? Whatever the reason, it adds to the drama of the off season free for all.

Roy Oswalt Wants Out of Houston

Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros has requested a trade and agreed to waive his no trade clause to do so. Looks like Houston has a problem. Okay we knew that the bad pun was going to be used eventually, get over it. Why wouldn't Oswalt want out of a team that has the worst record in the NL? Everyone wants to win and Oswalt isn't getting that with the Astros despite a 2.66 ERA. Where would he fit in though? I could see a team that has a playoff chance take him but that won't happen until June or July when the standings become clearer. Maybe Detroit is a possibility. But of course he may not even be traded as it sounds like the Astros may not be on board. We will just have to wait and see.

Floyd Landis: Jerk or Prophet

When I heard this story, I first had to look up Floyd Landis on the Internet to make sure I had the right guy. Not off to a good start so far, huh Landis. He had initially won the 2006 Tour de France but was stripped of that win because of a failed drug test. Now Landis has admitted his PED use saying he used it for most of pro cycling career and the 2006 Tour de France. Landis, however, couldn't stop there as he has accused many other fellow athletes of drug use, including Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, of course, denies these allegations from Landis.

I'm not sure what to make of this. Of course no one should believe Landis initially because of his track record but he could possibly be Jose Canseco. What if he is the tell all man about the sport? Canseco was right about many athletes he named in his book. Landis could be telling the truth as well. Not only that but Armstrong seems to have attracted the eyes of those who want to accuse him of drug use. Of course we should believe Armstrong now but I would watch the accusations that Landis made against the other riders and see if they have merit.

P.S. I'm sorry for not blogging the last three days. I would like to say I was doing something productive but I was playing Red Dead Redemption. The most addictive game I have played to date. I may have to check into rehab.

Conference Finals Begin, NBA and NHL

The NBA Conference Finals began yesterday with the Celtics facing the Magic in he East. Last year had the Magic beating the Celtics in the playoffs. This year might be a bit harder with KG back in the Celtics Rotation. The Celtics would take game one this year, 92-88. The Magic seem to be vulnerable as Boston looks for another NBA Finals appearance.

The NHL also had their Conference Finals start yesterday as well. In the Western Conference, the Sharks had a hard time solving Antti Niemi of the Blackhawks and lost, 2-1. Niemi made 44 saves and allowed one goal. Blackhawks lead series, 1-0. Meanwhile the Eastern Conference had the battle of the upsets with the Montreal Canadiens playing against the Philadelphia Flyers. Th Flyers would crush the Canadiens, 6-0, in game one. The Great Jaroslav Halak seemed to be off his game tonight or thought they weren't facing elimination. He better be ready for game two.

P.S. Okay, how are the two lowest seeds in the East facing each other in the Eastern Conference Finals? They are both tied for point totals in the season with 88, have the lowest point totals for teams in the playoffs, and have made some great upsets in the playoffs. We can't have two Cinderella's crashing the ball.

Lookin At Lucky Wins Preakness

The second leg of the Triple Crown came around with the 2010 Preakness Stakes. Many fans were looking at Super Saver, winner of the Kentucky Derby, as a favorite to win this race with Calvin Borel as the jockey. The winner though would be Lookin At Lucky with Martin Garcia as the Jockey. Super Saver would actually finish 8th in the race. Fans now are disappointed once again as there won't be a Triple Crown winner for at least another year.

Though the Triple Crown is something that does not happen very often (only 11 times and last one was 1978), Horse Racing needs it to come around again. It's popularity has dropped off and needs a great horse to come along and revive some interest. The sport weighed in so heavily on Big Brown winning the Triple Crown in 2008 and it was a heartbreaker when Big Brown couldn't win the Belmont. A Triple Crown winner is needed to help bring back the popularity of Thoroughbred Racing.

Flyers Complete "The Comeback"

About a week ago, the Flyers were looking down at a 3 games to none hole against the Boston Bruins and were a game away from elimination. Today they played the Bruins in Game 7 after coming back to tie the series at 3-3. This game would basically sum up the entire series, literally. Boston grabbed a 3-0 lead early in the first but by the end of the Second Period, the Flyers would tie it at 3-3. In the 3rd Period, Simon Gagne would score a power play goal for the Flyers to give them the lead. The Flyers would hold on and win the game and the series, 4-3 (for both).

Thanks to a smaller comeback, The Flyers have completed "The Comeback," which is on the fourth one among the Three Major North American Sports (Basketball, Baseball, and Hockey). The only sport to not have "The Comeback" ever is Basketball. The Flyers are one of the teams to fear going into the Conference Finals. The other team is their opponent they will face in the Eastern Conference Finals: the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens have managed to pull off amazing upsets over the Penguins and the Capitals. Which of these underdogs will bite first?

P.S. The Comeback: being down 3-0 in a series and coming back to win it all, 4-3. EX: The Boston Red Sox were the last team to complete "The Comeback" by beating the Yankees in the ALCS of 2004. Ironically, the Flyers version of "The Comeback" was against a Boston team of a different sport.

Celtics Beat Cavs and Is the King Finished in Cleveland?

Any fool could've told you that the Cleveland Cavaliers were going to be in the playoffs but winning the NBA title was a harder of a prediction to make. Perhaps they were never a favorite but it seems like they always had a shot with King James leading the way. King James, though, wasn't enough to get by the Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo? They lost tonight to the Celtics, 94-85, and lose the series, 4-2. The Celtics will now face the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Now that King James and his team were eliminated, the big question must be asked: Will this effect King James and his free agency this off season? It also kicks off the fun debate on where King James will end up. New York is a possibility with the Knicks and maybe the Nets considering they have a new owner with a team that has potential and will be moving to Brooklyn in a few years. Chicago seems nice as well with Derrick Rose as their point guard. Then of course, he could stay in Cleveland where they already worship the ground he dunks over. Whoever wants James, is going to have to show that they want to win a title and that means getting some good support players. Basically you need some serious cap space to be a contender for King James.

P.S. Cleveland, start groveling at his feet and beg him to stay. Give him a key to the city, a spot on the city council, hell make him King of Cleveland. DO WHAT YOU MUST!!!

Montreal Wins Another Game 7 and Another "The Comeback?"

For the second straight series, the Montreal Canadiens force a deciding game 7 with their opponent. Last time was the Capitals and this time was the Penguins. Believe it or not, the Canadiens beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions by a score of 5-2 to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Jaroslav Halak once again was the reason for the win as he block more shots than the entire offensive line of Green Bay. He would make 37 saves and allow only 2 goals. The Canadiens have now proven they are worthy of Stanley Cup Contention.

However, in the long run, this story may take a back seat to the Philadelphia Flyers. They had a horrible start in their series against the Boston Bruins being down 3 games to none. However the Flyers have fought back and managed to win the next three games including tonight's game 6, 2-1. They have tied this series at 3 games all. Is this happening again? Can the Flyers complete "The Comeback?"

P.S. WILL WE EVER FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AT ROSWELL?!?!?!

Blackhawks Move On to Face Sharks

Chicago managed to wrap up their series against the Vancouver Canucks beating them 5-1. Chicago goes on to their second straight Western Conference Finals. Last year they lost to the Red Wings 4-1 in the series. They now have to face the San Jose Sharks to go on the finals. I've been surprised by the Sharks this whole postseason so I give the edge to them. The Blackhawks don't need a Stanley Cup victory, they have three of them. Sure their last title was in the 60's but Chicago is used to long periods of time with no success. OH SNAP!!!

P.S. Yes, I'm bias toward the San Jose Sharks. No, they don't have a Stanley Cup Title. And Yes, the Coyotes are likely to become the Winnipeg Jets again.

PED's and Taking Things Back

Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans has had a very interesting first year in the NFL. He was a brilliant linebacker as he recorded 134 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 INTs. He was even named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press or AP. However his greatness may already be doubted as he has recently been suspended by the NFL for 4 games for violating the NFL PED Policy. Cushing, meanwhile, claims that the drug he took was not a steroid. Now the AP is going to re-vote on Cushing's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

This incident brings up a valid question for all PED users: Should violators of PED policies be stripped of their awards, titles, and even records? I mean the league took this test in September when the 2009 season began. Why wasn't this dealt with before an award could be handed out? In a perfect world they should be stripped of their awards and records but it is often a weird feeling when a medalist is stripped of their medal years later and the IOC gives it to the next runner up. I myself don't care which route the AP takes. Sports History already gets ruined with PED's and no correction can fix that scar.

A Perfect Mother's Day

A great Mother's Day folks as Baseball once again has a noticeable impact in it's celebration. The Pink Bats were once again all over the Majors (Breast Cancer) and a perfect little extra was added. Dallas Braden of the Oakland A's has thrown the 19th Perfect Game in MLB History as the A's beat the Rays, 4-0. Braden threw 109 pitches and struck out 6 on the way to history. Perhaps the most memorable image of the feat is Braden hugging his Grandmother after the game. Grandma Peggy Lindsey took in Braden as a teenager after his mother died of melanoma in 2001. I sure this Perfect Game is for both of them.

P.S. A-Rod, who has had a incident with Braden in the past, said before his game "Good for Him." Grandma Lindsey would respond with "Stick it, A-Rod." I LIKE HER!!!

Sharks Actually Move On?

Now I do like the Sharks but I'm surprised that they've gotten this far in the playoffs. I was starting to feeling a little shaky when the Sharks lost 7-1 to the Red Wings in game 4. But I must say that a little faith in the Sharks has a been restored for me as they beat the Red Wings tonight, 2-1, and take the Series, 4-1. Patrick Marleau scored the go ahead goal in the third period and the Sharks managed to hold in, even in the end when it was 6 on 4. The Sharks now go on to the Western Conference Finals to face either the Canucks or the Blackhawks. Don't fail me now, San Jose. You have given me some faith in you. Don't lose it now.

P.S. PLEASE DON'T!!!

L.T. Charged With Sex Crimes

First of all, this is Lawrence Taylor, not Ladanian Tomlinson. The media must have been out of nicknames at that time. Taylor has been charged with 3 degree rape and patronizing a prostitute. The story that has been released is that he had sex with a 16 year old woman who was forced into prostitution by someone else. Police have stated that she was driven to a hotel (the Holiday Inn) where she was paid $300 to have sex with Taylor. Taylor's lawyer has said that they will fight this charge and that Taylor did not do this.

A new low for Lawrence Taylor indeed. Another athlete (well former) accused of a sex crime. I worry though that he will not be convicted. True if he is innocent, he should be let go. But we've had sex crimes brought against Kobe and Big Ben and they have beat the charges. CAN ANY PROSECUTOR CONVICT AN ATHLETE OF RAPE? We'll found out in the coming months

P.S. And no. The Holiday Inn is not a product placement. Unless you're a pimp.

From Number 1 to Bust

Back in 2007, the Oakland Raiders picked JaMarcus Russell as the Number One Overall Pick and, at the time, he seemed like a good pick. Of course many picks that seem good (Alex Smith) turn out to be busts in the long run. Russell has officially been labeled a bust. Today the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis have come to their senses and released JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders spent a lot of money on this guy and haven't gotten any positive results. In 2009, Russell threw only a 48.8 completion percentage, only 3 TDs and 11 Ints. Russell had a 50 QB rating.

Of course the sports world will label him a bust but he is the worst ever? Ryan Leaf may be Russell's competition for that title. But Russell may not be done yet. Some team may look at Russell and give him a shot. NOT AS A STARTER!!! But more like a backup or 3rd string QB. If Russell is to redeem his good name, he will have to convince a team that he will be willing to change and put in the extra effort.

As for the Raiders, they do have Jason Campbell now through a trade and they will have the 2010 season to see if he can lead a team to the playoffs. If so, they may want to start building around him next year. But for now, he will have to do.

P.S. I have a quick message to Jason Campbell: GET OUT OF OAKLAND!!!

Former Voice of the Tigers Dies at 92

Ernie Harwell, who was a long time broadcaster of the Detroit Tigers, died earlier today at the age of 92. Harwell was struggling with cancer for years and he would finally succumb after being told he was going to pass on months ago. The Tigers had Harwell as one of their broadcasters for 42 years through 2002. The Tigers and Baseball will certainly weep the loss of Harwell but they will remember his contributions to the game.

Vinny Del Negro Gets Canned By the Bulls

Despite leading his team to two playoff appearances, head coach Vinny Del Negro has been fired by the Chicago Bulls. There was always a feeling since mid season that he would get the pink slip but the Bulls delayed it until after the season ended. RIGHT AFTER!!! Though a better route than firing him in the middle of the season, I kind of don't like this decision. True that both sides seem to dislike each other but at least Del Negro started to get this team back to the playoffs more consistently. It probably won't affect the Bulls, however, as they still have Derrick Rose and will look to add players this off season. I'm more interested to see where Del Negro goes.

NBA Playoffs: Round One and Two at the Same Time?

The Second Round of the NBA Playoffs began this weekend with the Lakers facing the Jazz and beating them, 104-99 (again, not news). This happens on the same day that the Milwaukee Bucks plays against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7 of their First Round debacle. Atlanta would win that game 95-74. Does anyone think it's odd that Round Two begins despite the fact that Round One is not yet over. True it wasn't in the same conference but the Cavs did beat the Celtics in Game One of their Round Two series yesterday, 101-93. I don't see how the NBA can't wait for the First Round to officially end. I mean heaven forbid if the Cavs or the Lakers weren't playing everyday.

Super Saver Scores Big at the Kentucky Derby

The 136th running of the Kentucky Derby was muddy, rainy, and exciting. It wasn't the best weather for the fastest two minutes in sports as the race had mud flying all over the place getting into the faces of the Horses and Jockeys. With the running of the Derby were of course the ridiculous horse names like Lookin at Lucky and Mission Impazible. But the one name that fans will remember from this year's running is the winner, Super Saver. This horse pulled out an amazing win with Calvin Borel as it's Jockey who once again worked the inside rail for the victory. This is Borel's 3rd ever Kentucky Derby win, all coming within the last four years. Congrats to the Horse, the owner, the trainer, and, of course, Borel.

Now a few comments that need to be said. What is up with all the weird horse names? Super Saver sounds like the sales announcements of a local grocery store. Is there no such thing as a strong horse name anymore or have they all been taken over the years? There has to be a few left. Also it seems like the coverage takes forever to get the actual race. I find it amazing that over 150,000 people an stand out there all day, IN THE RAIN, for one horse race. Don't get me wrong, this is my favorite race all year but mainly because it lasts only two minutes. That's right, I prefer horse racing over all other kinds of racing. I'm looking at you Usain Bolt.

P.S. Also keep the Derby during the daylight hours. who wants to see it in prime time when it's dark outside. It just takes away from the atmosphere.

Cliff Lee's Debut For Not and Zito Pitching Well?

Yesterday featured a few interesting stories in Baseball, one of which was Cliff Lee finally making his Mariners Debut against the Rangers. Lee pitched very well going 7 innings, no runs allowed, and 8 K's. It would've been the perfect debut if he had actually gotten the win. The Mariners failed to score a run the entire game and would go on to lose in extras, 2-0. A very strong start for Lee but still just no offense for him.

Another story included Barry Zito of the Giants looking like Barry Zito of the A's. He went 8 inning last night against the Rockies and allowed only 2 earned runs and struck out 5. He would go on and get the win as the Giants beat the Rockies 5-2. Finally Zito is pitching good again as it only took him 4 seasons as a Giant to do it. Took you long enough. Right now Zito is 4-0 with a 1.53 ERA. He's practically as good as Timmy right now. Let's hope that Zito keeps pace.

P.S. Yes, I'm covering these minor stories over the Lakers going on to the next round. The Lakers win isn't news, it's just David Stern's next step in global domination over all other sports. HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!