Breaking News: Phil Hughes to the DL

Keeping with tradition so far this season, The Yankees are determined to have the best DL team this year. It was announced about 20 minutes that Phil Hughes would be joining stars like Posada and A-Rod on the 15 day DL. Hughes has pitched, well lets face it, horrible this season and maybe a rest would go a long way. He only escaped the fourth inning twice this season, once in his first start of the year when he gave up two runs in 6 innings, and a second time against Baltimore when he gave up 5 in 5 innings. A good rest is what he needs.

Notes: The Yankees lost last night 6-4 after Hughes did not pitch well again. If there were any bright spots, Ross Ohlendorf pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings yesterday and the bullpen pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings in total and only allowed 3 hits. The bullpen has been a weakspot this season but they performed well last night.

Player of the Game: Robinson Cano only went 1-5 but he gave the Yanks an early 2 runs that they needed. If A-Rod and Posada are going to be out for a while, he is going to have to have to step it up and be an RBI machine.

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Breaking News: A-Rod on the DL

It was reported last night that Alex Rodriguez will go on the 15 day DL for the first time since July 2000 when he with Seattle. This is a huge blow to the Yankees, especially that it is only two days after Jorge Posada was placed on the DL. The Yanks are now without two of their best hitters and their lineup will look a little empty for a while. Morgan Ensberg will replace A-Rod for most of his absence and will hopefully be able to play solid defense and get some clutch hits. It is what the Yankees really need right now. Abreu and Matsui will bat 3 and 4 in Alex's absence and should provide solid production in his absence. So much for Coach Girardi being better for the Yankees conditioning.




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Updating Posada

Dr. James Andrews finally gave a good reports for fans. His diagnosis was that Posada will not need surgery but should take it easy while he is on the DL for the next while. He is currently on the 15 day DL but Posada and the Yankees will seek multiple opinions before allowing him to play. Brian Cashman has said that the Yankees and their fans should prepare to be without him in the lineup untill at least the end of May.

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Breaking News: Avery Injured

Although originally reported as a heart attack, Sean Avery suffered a ruptured spleen during last nights game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If the series, and the Rangers season, wasn't over after last night, it is almost for sure over now. Avery was a solid player for them and although he was not a star, his presence on the ice will be surely missed.

Now for the good news. Avery is expected to make a full recovery and his health is obviously most important. He is not expected to need surgery but will spend a few days in the hospital for precautionary reasons. He was even healthy enough to walk into the hospital himself, and team doctor, Dr. Andrew Feldman, says he was never in a life threatening situation. He should make a full recovery and be able to help the Rangers next season.

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Rangers Game Live

First Period: Wow the Rangers did not look good in the first period. They are down 3-1 and their hopes are dwindling. Jagr needs to out some life into this team. The last time he did, they scored. Lundquist needs to settle down also. If not, this season looks to be over. We'll see after the next period.

Second Period: Ok, things looked a little better in this period. The Rangers outscored the Penguins 2-1 but once again, Lundquist blew it. After The Rangers climbed back to tie it, Lundquist gave up another goal to make it 4-3. Then again though, after 5 quick shots, one of the is bound to find a crease. I said that Jagr need to lead his team and he did. We need one more goal now to tie. If not, its going to be a long next few days.

Third Period: Game Over! And early fifth goal for Pittsburgh sealed the deal and The Rangers just looked tired in the final period. It looks like the season is over for them. Only two teams have ever come back from down 3-0 and the way the Rangers have played so far, they probably won't be the third. Who knows though, they will just have to take it one game at a time.

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Yankees Win 5-2: Mussina looks good

The New York Yankees pulled off their second victory in a row monday night, led by the decent pitching of Mike Mussina and a surprisingly dominate bullpen. In a pitchers duel that ended rather quickly in the 5th and 6th innings, Mussina got the better deal, and pitched decently for 5 innings. He is not an ace anymore, but he has pitched in his last 2 starts like a solid third starter. However, if he can pitch like he did in the first four innings, he could return to semi-dominance.

The Yankee hitting was shut-down for the first five innings and although they scored four runs off of Laffey, they only managed three hits. In-fact, three of the runs weren't even scored on hits. Thats how most games are won though, by playing small ball. Sure, if they have to, The Yankees can get into a slugfest, but if they wanna win in the playoffs, they have to learn how to play in this style. Hopefully Girardi can teach this to them. Matsui got 2 RBIs and a double and has played well so far this season.

Notes: A-Rod is out again tonight but will hopefully return tomorrow. Four relievers pitched last night, including Kyle

Farnsworth. Warning to Coach Girardi, DO NOT PITCH HIM TONIGHT. Phil Hughes must pitch well tonight or else his leash could be getting very small. Maybe we will even see a Joba-Hughes switcheroo.

Player of the Game: Hideki Matsui. Two RBIs and a clutch double to give Rivera some breathing room, thats all a closer can ask for.

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Updating Posada

Posada is going to be examined by everyones favorite doctor, Doctor James Andrews. If Posada needs surgery, it could be the end of his season. If that is the case, it could be a long season for the Yankees.

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Jets Draft

The Jets have always been known for drafting HUGE draft busts but hopefully we have seen the last of that. They drafted Vernon Gholston with the 6th pick and he is a monster. I have always been a fan of him, and his size and stature should be greatly appreciated in the abysmal Jets' 3-4 defense last year. He won't tear it up stats-wise, but his presence will be felt. He should be able to open things up for the linebackers.

Later, they also drafted the tight end Dustin Keller, after trading with Green Bay for the 30th pick. I have been a fan of Chris Baker and am astonished that they would take a tight end when they have Baker and have already spent a ton of money and Bubba Franks. If Baker holds out it will be a good pick but if not, then they have too many tight ends. I would have stayed where they were and drafted a wide reciever and used some extra money to help satisfy Baker.

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Breaking News: Posada Injured

The Yankees announced yesterday that Jorge Posada will be going on the DL for the first time in his career. It looks like he won't be performing to those numbers that he put up last year. Now the Yankees will be forced to either start Jose Molina, or call up Chad Moeller and play him. Moeller played pretty well in his only 20 at-bats this season, and I personally would play him. The Yankees will probably play Molina though. The Yanks have been plagued by injuries all season, especially from players who aren't normally injured. Both A-rod and Jeter have missed games so far, both are players who are rarely injured. In-addition, Brian Bruney was just lost for the entire season. Posada won't be allowed to play untill sometime in mid May and will hopefully be ready then. If not, the Yankees will have a tough time replacing him.

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NBA First Round

Lets do some quick predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs.

In the two #1 vs #8 matchups, it is pretty obvious that both Boston and the Lakers will win. Sorry, Hawks and Nuggets, better luck next year.

Sixers Vs Pistons: The Pistons are pretty good, and a lot better than the Sixers. The've won one game so far but prob not anymore, they may get one more win when they play at home again. Pistons win in 6.

Raptors vs Magic: The Raptors are good, The Magic are way better. Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis will dominate this series and the Magic won't lose a game the rest of the way. Magic win in 5.

Wizards vs Cavaliers: This is the best series in the Eastern Conference this round. They each love to smack talk each other and LeBron is one of the best players in the league. Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards showed what they can do last night and it doesn't look like either team will lose at home. Based on that the Cavs will win eventually. Cavaliers win in 7.

Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks: Dallas is not nearly as good as there players should be representing and with that, its obvious the Hornets will win. Dallas should win a couple of games at home though and will push it to a game 6. Chris Paul is too good to let it go any further. Hornets win in 6.

Suns VS Spurs: The Spurs are one of the elite teams this year, even though their record wasn't as good as some other teams. They have been here before, and know how to win, especially against the Suns. Tim Duncan is still great and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobilli are as clutch as they come. The Suns will make it interesting but never really come close, better luck next year Shaq. You heard it hear first, The Spurs will win the championship again this year. Spurs take this round in 6.

Jazz VS Rockets: All three of these games have been close so far but the Rockets have the McGrady factor. He knows he has to win, this year, or else go down in flames. Last night he proved he can be a winner, and should continue to play clutch throughout the remainder of the series. It will be close though, as the Jazz have already won 2 games so far. In all likelihood it goes to a decisive game 7 at Houston, where McGrady won't let his team lose. Houston wins in 7.

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NFL Draft

Now that Jake Long has been taken with the first pick, the final 9 picks in the first 10 are still up for grabs. Here is my take on the first 10 picks:

#2 St Louis Rams: They had the second-worst overall ranking in defense and although their offense wasn't that great either, they need to improve on D. Their cornerbacks aren't great, but then again, neither is their line. Christ Long or Glenn Dorsey look like a solid pick here. They need a huge guy in the middle and that fits Dorsey's personality. He will go in the second round. With the second pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Rams select Glenn Dorsey.

#3 Atlanta Falcons: Doesn't anyone else remember a certain Mr. Michael Vick. He was a great quarterback, but sadly, he can't really play this year. QB is the premier position in the league and very few teams have ever one a super-bowl without a great one. (Or the best defense in the history of the NFL: i.e. 2000 Ravens or '86 Bears). I'll put it simply, the Falcons DO NOT have the greatest defense ever. All these factors point to the best QB coming out of college in this draft Matt Ryan. With the third pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Falcons select Matt Ryan.

#4 Oakland Raiders: Al Davis has been making crazy picks for 30 years now and why change now. He could take the safe pick with Chris Long or roll the dice and take a risk on the most explosive player this draft Darren McFadden. They were actually pretty good with run offense this year, ranking 6th overall but were abysmal on passing offense. In addition, they were in the bottom 10 of both rush and pass defense last season. Chris Long would be the most solid pick as he would improve their line dramatically but Al Davis may have other plans. Plus, Long has heritage with the Raider organization as his father was one of the greatest players in Raider, and frankly NFL, history. With all these factors, as long as Lane Kiffin can keep his boss under control and as long as Al Davis can play it cool then Chris Long will be the pick, however, if Al Davis goes coockoo for McFadden on draft day, anything could happen. In all likelihood Chris Long will be the pick. With the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Raiders select Chris Long.

#5 Kansas City Chiefs: Now that the Chiefs have traded away Jared Allen, they will be looking for someone to replace him. In addition, Herman Edwards has not been known to draft the all-star flashy player like Darren McFadden, plus they already have a great back in Larry Johnson. They were in the bottom 5 in defense against the rush last year, and a solid D-tackle like Sedrick Ellis would cosiderably help the line. His value is on the rise and the Chiefs look likely to take him. On the other hand, Vernan Gohlston is also an option here but his stock is falling and looks less and less likely. With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Chiefs select Sedrick Ellis.

#6 New York Jets: This is where the Jets make there statement about what this season should be. They haven't drafted an offensive weapon in the first round since Santana Moss in 2001, in the top 10 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1998, and a running back in the first round entirely since Blair Thomas in 1990. The Jets have not had a serious premier threat on offense since Keyshawn left after the '99 season and could use one. However, they have won in recent years with a more conservative approach on offense and a solid defense, so there is precedent to draft defense here. Additionally, Eric Mangini runs a tight ship and traded away Pete Kendall last year because of his bad attitude. While Darren McFadden is a nice guy, Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum may make a last second decision based on McFadden's roots. They have adored him for the last 3 months though, so he seems like the most likely choice in this spot. There are also rumors that they may switch down and draft a cornerback and try to get either a second rounder or a couple of day 2 picks. However, if McFadden is available with this pick, because Al Davis didn't take him, he will be the choice. With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The New York Jets select Darren McFadden.

#7 New England Patriots: Really, the NFL should have a rule that the New England Patriots no longer get to draft. It really is unfair that the best team should get to draft, especially this high. Or maybe this is just a frustrated Jet fan venting. What do the Pats need though? Their offense is set, but their defense is a little old and could use some improvement. For-the-most part too, they have no needs except for maybe a linebacker. The only option for that position would be Keith Rivers, but he is an outside linebacker while the Patriots need an inside. They have been known though to take a great player, and have him switch positions and be just as good. It is possible though that they could even trade down though and pick up some spots. They could even trade up and try to steal McFadden from the Jets. If so, you heard it here first. If I have to stay with the current drafting format then the choice is Rivers. With seventh pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Patriots select Keith Rivers.

#8 Baltimore Ravens: With the departure of Steve McNair, alot will fall on the shoulders of Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, or if they draft a new QB. What could really help them out though would be a solid offensive linemen, or a running back to take some pressure off a young QB. Offensive tackle, Ryan Clady could be a great pick here, although most would say its 2 or 3 spots early. Vernan Gholston could also be available here dependent on how things work out with the Jets and Raiders. With eighth pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Ravens select Ryan Clady.

#9 Cincinnati Bengals: Vernon Gholston has fallen far enough at this point. The Bengals had no defense last year and were ravished by the run all season and had the least sacks of any team in the league with 22. No other option here except a solid defensive end and Gholston fits the bill. With the ninth pick in the 2008 NFL draf, The Bengals select Vernon Gholston.

#10 New Orleans Saints: The Saints may have had the greatest fall from heaven than any team last year. There great offense was still great but were horrible in pass defense. Ironically, they were third best in pass offense and third worst in pass defense. They could really use some help in the cornerback role and Leodis Mckelvin would be the perfect pick here. A solid player who should be good for a long time. With the tenth pick in the 2008 NFL draft, The Saints draft Leodis Mckelvin.

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Hockey Playoffs Second Round

Ok ok, I know I blew last nights games and both Washington and Calgary lost but lets focus on the next series.

Montreal vs Philadelphia: There is a reason that Montreal is the #1 seed and Philadelphia is the 6th. Both of them went to game 7s in the previous round and would most likely want to finish this round up rather quickly. While a sweep is unlikely, Montreal could take this one in 5 or 6. In-fact if they don't, I would be shocked. Montreal wins in 6.

Rangers vs Pittsburgh: This will be the series to watch, especially for me as I am Ranger's fan, but in all honesty, it will be. Lundvquist is one of the best goalies in the league, New York is the heart of sports, and Sidney Crosby is the golden boy of the NHL. What more could the big-whigs ask for then for their star player to play on the biggest stage in the world (hint: Crosby to play ALEXANDER OVECHKIN). However though, it will be interesting to see how the Rangers play against Crosby and whether Lundvquist can handle the second round. Last time, he got swept in this next level. This will be fun. I expect the Rangers to show some life in them though and push this series to a game 7, in that case, its a toss up. I expect the Rangers to win though. Rangers win in 7.

Colorado vs Detroit: Detroit is by far the best team this year and should continue to be so in this round. Their previous round went 6 but it was never close. Over the course of this season they won 5 more games than the next best team and have always been the elite team in the league this year. Look for Dominik Hasek to shut down Colorado's offense and for Zetterberg to rip it up. Detroit wins in 5.

Dallas vs San Jose: Marty Turco is a great goalie and the other team can't win if they can't score. He already has one shutout this postseason and never allowed more than 2 goals in a game Dallas won. On the other side though, San Jose was the clear second best team, and their goalie, Evgeni Nabokov, is just as good as Turco. This one will be the best series this round. San Jose is the best team in this matchup and should win, but if they dont, I wouldnt be surprised. San Jose wins it in 7

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Hockey Playoffs First Round (updated)

My picks have turned out ok so far, although I'm things could still pan it out completely wrong. If Washington loses then that series would he incorrect and Calgary could lose also. However, The Rangers did win in 5, Pitt swept, Detroit and Montreal squeeked out victories and the big upset with Dallas in 6.

Washington still has a shot to win but anything can happen in a game 7 so we will have to see. I still believe Ovechkin is the best player in this series, if not the entire playoffs, and he should lead his team to victory. If that is the case, he and Sid-The_Kid will face off in the marquee matchup of the second round, one that the NHL big-wigs will be slobbering over the entire series.

Calgary still has a chance but it looks like the Sharks may get the best of them this series.

I have to concede on the Minnesota-Colorado series, I had Minn in 6, turns out Colorado was able to win 6. At least I got the number of games correct. Check back tomorrow when we know for sure what the second round series are.

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Hockey Playoffs First Round

What would normally be the highlight of this rounds NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, is a little bit of a letdown this year. The Rangers have lost only one game this year to the Devils and that was the last game of the year that didn't matter once it went to overtime. The Rangers dominated in game one and it looks like the rest will be similar. The Devils have a solid team, and might have beaten any other team in the playoffs, but the Rangers will win this one. Rangers will win in no more than 5 games and a sweep is certainly possible.

Lets look at some of the other games going on this round. Montreal and the Red Wings are the two number one seeds and although this isn't the NCAA tournament its safe to say these two will win.

Dallas vs Anaheim: In case you don't remember Anaheim won the stanley cup last year yet never really seemed to play like that this season. On the other side Dallas has played well all season and look strong through game one. Marty Turco can play and if he can shut down the Anaheim offense then their is now way they can lose. Look for Anaheim to be strong but Dallas to upset the reigning champions. Dallas will win this one in 6.

Pittsburgh vs Ottawa: Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby are too good to lose this game and its destiny that him and Ovechkin play in the next round. Pitt will win this one in 5.

Washington vs Philadelphia: This is the series to watch. They played evenly throughout the season and will probably do the same in the playoffs. The edge goes to Ovechkin and Washington though. Washington wins this one in seven.

San Jose vs Calgary: Whats odd about this series, like the Rangers vs Devils, is that the San Jose is the higher seed yet Calgary played them better this season. The series is tied now 1-1 and look for it to stay that way though the next two games. However it seems that Calgary may be able to win back to back at home for games 3-4 and close it out their in game 6. Calgary takes this one in 6.

Minnesota vs Colorado: Although Minnesota lost game one, they played Colorado great this season and should win. Look for Minnesota's defense to take charge in the later games and for them to win. Minnesota takes this round and wins in 6

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The final game

For anyone who watched the finals last night, a few thing come to mind. First is the lack of ability for Memphis to close the game. It seems to be a recurring theme throughout this tournament. First their was Belmont vs Duke. Yes, I know it was close, but Belmont had the lead, and the ball with less than one minute to go. When your the 15 vs the 2 you can't make mistakes. Then their was UCLA vs Texas AM, Purdue vs Xavier, West Kentucky vs Drake, West Virginia vs Xavier and of course, the big one Davidson vs Gerogetown. Good teams stay in games, better teams close the deal. Thats why Kansas won. They dominated throughout all their games, except Davidson which was close the whole way through. They know how to say in the game and they know how to win. Sadly, my prediction of Memphis winning was completely wrong and as I sit here with egg on my face writing this, I must admit I was wrong. I thought Derrick Rose would dominate, and he did play well, but apparently Kansas, and specificly Mario Chambers, would not let Memphis' mistakes go unpunished. Despite all of this, this was one of the best finals game of all time, and a perfect ending to a tournament that needed a little pick-me-up at the end. Lets face it, we had Davidson, and the double 13 vs 14 seeds, but four #1 seeds in the final four, thats not what this tournament is about. The games were exciting but this tournament needs a team thats higher than #2 next year, or we may start seeing some serious observations about this. All-in-all though, congratulations to Bill Self and Kansas. Enjoy this, if history has tought us anything another championship may not be around for a while.

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NCAA final four games

For any of you who watched the NCAA games last night, here are my thoughts. Sadly, I was unable to watch the UCLA-Memphis game but I was shocked to find out that UCLA had lost. In my mind, UCLA was the best team in the tournament. They have one of the most dominate centers in college history in Kevin Love, a player that many people think could start on half of the current NBA teams. In addition, players such as Mbah a Moute and Darren Collison are two underrated players who should have been able to dominate the game. That being said, Memphis really did put on a show yesterday and deserved to win. Their were no bad late calls that decided this game, only true basketball that Memphis won. Chris Dogulas Roberts may be the most underrated player in the game and Derrick Rose may be the best freshmen in college basketball this year. He is the only won of the big three who has made the championship game.

Thankfully I was able to watch the most boring and then exciting and the boring game of all time. Kansas played the most dominate game in the first 10 minutes I have ever seen. No one had been able to shut down UNC like that and once Kansas went up by 28 I thought it was over. In fact I thought it as so over that I turned off the game only to discover 5 minutes later they were only down by 15. And then it was 10 and then 8 and then 4. This was it, the greatest comeback ever. Hansbrough would be pronounced the greatest player ever, and UNC would go down in the history as one of the greatest comebacks ever (up their with the Jets "Monday Night Miracle" and George's famous shrimp episode in seinfeld). Sadly though, Kansas pulled ahead in the end and won a game, that had they lost, would have probably ended Bill Self's career their. UNC will still be their next year though, and hopefully will be seeing more of them next year.

Now that we all know who is in the finals its time for a small prediction. Although no one gave Memphis any credit for what they accomplished during the regular season, they are probably the better team in this game. They have won the most games of any team this year, and should win. In all likelihood Kansas will make it interesting but Memphis will put out in then end. I thought they would lose to Texas but now they seem unstoppable. Official prediction Memphis 79-Kansas 71.

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First Post

Welcome to my first ever blog post. Stay tuned for future postings.

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