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3 Questions We Have About Gray Maynard Ahead of UFC 160

Levi Nile — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:47:15 -0400

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Gray Maynard in the cage.

Since his last bout (an uninspiring affair with Clay Guida), Maynard has been on the sidelines, rehabbing a leg injury while watching the rest of the lightweight division go on without him.

Much has changed since Maynard last fought for the mantle of lightweight king, back at UFC 136 in October 2011.

Since that time, he’s seen his conqueror dethroned by Benson Henderson, who has in turn defended his title three times and is but one victory away from becoming the most successful UFC champion the division has ever seen.

Meanwhile, Frankie Edgar has been in high-profile fights ever since, headlining both cards in his battles with Henderson and then again against pound-for-pound notable Jose Aldo.

At UFC 160, Maynard will look to step back into what is now a very crowded room, and waiting to greet him at the door is a very tough and capable fighter in TJ Grant, who looks to make a statement at Maynard’s expense.

This is by no means an easy bout for “The Bully,” at least on paper, but he’s in a division that is perhaps the toughest in the sport and Grant is just one example of this.

There will be no easy touches for him in the foreseeable future, and while he may have aims at knocking Henderson off his perch, he’s got a lot of work to do in order to get within striking distance.

Anytime a fighter suffers a devastating loss, it seems to haunt their steps for quite a while. When you couple that with the frustrating experience of trying to chase Clay Guida down for the better part of 25 minutes, and a lengthy rehab following injury after that, things that once seemed clear suddenly seem cloudy.

Here are the three basic questions we have about Gray Maynard as he returns to action on May 25, 2013.

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Espanyol vs. Barcelona: Complete La Liga Preview

Samuel Marsden — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:45:00 -0400

Barcelona head to Cornella-El Prat on Sunday night, the ground that saw their La Liga title confirmed two weekends ago.

City rivals Espanyol's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid ensured La Blaugrana became champions without having to kick a ball against Atletico Madrid the following night.

Neither Barca, as champions, nor Los Pericos, secure in mid-table, have much to play for, but when has that ever mattered in a derby?

Tito Vilanova's side still have an eye on reaching 100 points, while Espanyol, as demonstrated when Madrid came to town, are always motivated when they meet one of the league's big two.

The home side will perform a guard of honor for their visitors, but the Espanyol fans will turn their back on the gesture; a protest against a league which they feel is unfair on 18 of the 20 participants.

Team News

Espanyol will be without Sergio Tejera, the midfielder is banned following a booking in the defeat to Deportivo La Coruna last weekend.

They should be close to full strength other than that though, and Javier Aguirre will likely stick with the similar core which has seen them rise up the table since his appointment.

Tito Vilanova will once again be without the services of Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol.

Puyol isn't far from a comeback, but it doesn't seem likely he'll be risked with the league won, and Messi will probably not play again until next season.

Form

Espanyol are desperately short of form recently, having switched off since securing their survival on the back of a marvelous run; when Aguirre arrived they were rock bottom.

They've lost three of their last four games, the only point they picked up coming at Cornella in a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid.

Barcelona have won three games in a row now in La Liga since the draw against Athletic Bilbao, which was sandwiched between the two losses to Bayern Munich.

Men to Watch

Joan Verdu is central to most of the good that Espanyol produce, and they will be keen to tie him down to a new contract this summer.

Playing as the central part of the triumvirate that supports Sergio Garcia—although he actually plays far deeper than others who play that role—he's industrious, creative and is the link to most attacks.

Without Lionel Messi, Barcelona will have to turn to other players to bring them derby glory this weekend.

Alexis Sanchez, who didn't feature last week against Real Valladolid, could return to the starting line up, and he if does he'll be keen to end the season by proving a point.

Last Time

Espanyol visited Camp Nou on the first Sunday after the winter break and were well beaten on the night.

Four first-half goals killed off any hopes of a two-sided derby as Barcelona continued to gallop away at the top of the table.

Xavi Hernandes, Pedro Rodriguez (2) and Lionel Messi were all scorers on the night.

Predicted Teams:

Espanyol: Kiko Casilla; Javi Lopez, Diego Colotto, Hector Moreno, Joan Capdevilla; Victor Sanchez, Juan Forlin; Christian Stuani, Joan Verdu, Mubarak Wakaso; Sergio Garcia

Barcelona: Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez

2013 SEC Baseball Tournament Bracket: Breaking Down Friday's Third-Round Clashes

Ryan Rudnansky — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:30:00 -0400

The 2013 SEC tournament just keeps getting better and better.

On Thursday, we saw No. 3-seeded Arkansas take down LSU, 4-1. We also saw No. 1-seeded Vanderbilt get back on track with a 4-3 victory over South Carolina in extra innings. After a loss to LSU on Wednesday, Alabama rebounded against Ole Miss with a 7-5 win in extra innings. And defending champion Mississippi State edged Texas A&M, 6-4.

On Friday, the Crimson Tide will try to ride their hot streak to avenge their loss to LSU. Texas A&M will take on Vanderbilt.

Here's a look at how I see it going down in the third round on Friday.

*Complete 2013 SEC tournament bracket can be found at SECDigitalNetwork.com

Alabama (7) vs. LSU (2)

When: 4 p.m. ET

Watch: CSS

Live Stream: ESPN3

Alabama wasn't exactly a powerhouse in the regular season, going 14-15 in the SEC.

Before Thursday's 7-5 victory over Ole Miss, the Crimson Tide ranked 71st in the nation in ERA (3.66), and 95th in runs scored (303 in 58 games), via NCAA.com.

But Alabama played a resilient game on Thursday. After Ole Miss took a 3-0 lead in the second inning, Alabama battled back to score a combined five runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

After Ole Miss tied it up in the seventh inning, Alabama broke through in the 10th inning when shortstop Mikey White singled home Ben Moore and Daniel Cucjen.

LSU is coming off a disappointing 4-1 loss to Arkansas. While the Razorbacks were expected to give the second-seeded Tigers a battle, it was surprising how LSU finished on Thursday. After taking a 1-0 lead in the third inning, LSU quietly allowed Arkansas to scored four unanswered runs down the stretch.

Not only did LSU's offense fail it in that game, the bullpen got tagged after starter Aaron Nola left the game after seven innings of one-run ball.

Still, the Tigers shut out Alabama on Wednesday, 3-0, and they are the better overall team. I see LSU bouncing back and advancing to the semifinals for a rematch with Arkansas.

Texas A&M (9) vs. Vanderbilt (1)

When: 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: CSS

Live Stream: ESPN3

After getting manhandled by Texas A&M on Wednesday, Vanderbilt found itself in a dog fight with South Carolina on Thursday.

The Commodores scored three runs in the second inning, only to watch the Gamecocks whittle away at the lead before tying it up in the seventh inning.

But first baseman Conrad Gregor was ultimately the hero, singling through the right side to score Tony Kemp in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Vanderbilt hasn't looked incredibly impressive in the SEC tournament, but the Commodores went 48-7 during the regular season. That included a conference-record 26 wins in the SEC. They rank 16th in runs and ERA this season, via NCAA.com.

If this team finds its groove, watch out.

Of course, the Commodores have to face Texas A&M again in the third round.

This is a close one to call. Before the tournament, I wouldn't have given the Aggies much of a chance against Vanderbilt, but they had been playing well in the tournament before committing three errors in the 6-4 loss to Mississippi State on Thursday.

That being said, the Aggies didn't play that well against Mississippi State. I think the Commodores will build on their win against South Carolina and send Texas A&M packing.

ACC Baseball Tournament Bracket: Picking Winners for Friday's Action

Jesse Reed — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:30:00 -0400

With three big games on tap on Friday, the ACC Baseball Tournament bracket is beginning to come into focus. Six games have been played to this point, and there are six more left until the teams are decided for the championship game.

The first contest of the day pits No. 4 seed North Carolina State against No. 8 seed Miami. The Wolfpack devoured the Clemson Tigers 6-3 on Wednesday night, and the Hurricanes got torched 10-0 against North Carolina.

Virginia Tech (No. 6 seed) and Georgia Tech (No. 7 seed) both won their first matchups against higher-seeded teams and will face off against one another in the second game of the day on Friday.

North Carolina is the No. 1 seed, and it had no trouble dispatching No. 8 seed Miami on Thursday with a dominant 10-0 victory. The Tar Heels will take on Clemson in the final game on Friday, and after losing 6-3 to North Carolina State on Wednesday it's a do-or-die matchup for the Tigers.

Now it's time to predict winners for these three contests.

NC State (4) vs. Miami (8)

The Wolfpack won their first contest despite the fact that they only managed six hits. A huge seventh-inning outburst produced four runs—one more than Clemson was able to produce the entire game.

Pitching and game management won the game, and this is a recipe North Carolina State can use to defeat Miami on Friday.

The Hurricanes only managed four hits against red-hot Tar Heels pitcher Kent Emanuel, and unless this team can get hot bats on Friday it'll be an early exit for Miami.

Prediction: NC State will win 5-1.

Virginia Tech (6) vs. Georgia Tech (7)

The Hokies cruised past their inter-state rivals the Mountaineers on Wednesday thanks to an offensive explosion by shortstop Chad Pinder, who blasted two home runs. Virginia Tech ended up winning by the huge margin of 10-1 and received an excellent outing from starting pitcher Joe Mantiply.

Georgia Tech, on the other hand, needed a ninth-inning rally to get past the same Virginia team on Thursday, winning by a score of 4-3. First baseman A.J. Murray and shortstop Mott Hyde hit back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning to steal the victory.

It would be easy to take a look at these two results and give this upcoming game to Virginia Tech, but that's not going to happen. Georgia Tech has some big hitters who have yet to come alive in this tournament.

Prediction: Georgia Tech will win 6-4.

North Carolina (1) vs. Clemson (5)

The Tar Heels feature a dominant offense capable of putting up huge numbers on the scoreboard and a strong pitching staff capable of shutting down opposing offenses on any given day.

Emanuel dominated Miami on Thursday, and it'll be Benton Moss' turn to take the mound against the Tigers on Friday. Moss has only lost one game all year long, and his ability to create frustration with strikeouts will be a big factor in this upcoming contest.

For Clemson, this tournament is a lost cause. It'll take a minor miracle for the Tigers to stay alive against North Carolina on Friday.

Prediction: North Carolina will win 7-1.

Note: All stats obtained via the official ACC website.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

2013 NFL Free Agents: Top Impact Players Still Waiting To Be Signed

Jesse Reed — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:30:00 -0400

Every year, NFL veterans who have a history of producing at a high level find themselves without a job heading into training camp.

The dog days of summer are fast approaching and NFL teams are preparing for another long season in 2013, but there are still some impact players on the market—free agents who have yet to find a home.

These veterans still have a lot left in the tank, and there's no doubt they'll be highly productive players this upcoming season. That said, the market for their services has apparently dried up as teams focus on developing young talent.

Once injuries start piling up during training camp (or before), however, these men will certainly find jobs.

John Abraham, Defensive End

Looking at Abraham's production the past few years, it's hard to fathom the fact that he's still unemployed.

Since a down year in 2009 that saw him tally just 5.5 sacks, all Abraham has done the past three years is rack up 32.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and one interception.

Yes, Abraham is 35-years old, but it's obvious he still has plenty of gas left in his tank.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, playing time and money (really, they go hand in hand) appear to be the two main reasons why Abraham is without a job:

A league source explains that Abraham is hoping to play 60 or more snaps per game, and that most teams with interest see the 35-year-old as a 25-play guy. With reduced playing time comes reduced salary, which explains why he’s had a hard time getting paid the way he’s accustomed.

It seems highly unlikely that Abraham will end up playing "60 or more snaps per game," as Florio reports he desires. That said, there is no doubt the veteran sack specialist will find work before the 2013 NFL season begins.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back

Judging by the seemingly non-existent market for Bradshaw's services right now, you'd think the guy was well into his 30s and had a couple of gimpy knees, to boot.

Bradshaw, who is just 27 years old, has been dealing with a foot issue the past couple of seasons. That said, he's been medically cleared for all football activities for the past month, according to PFT's Florio:

In his six-year career with the New York Giants, Bradshaw emerged as a vocal leader, a productive player who has a nose for the end zone and a fierce competitor. He rushed for 1,015 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and six touchdowns in 12 starts in 2012.

A healthy Bradshaw will be a huge boon for an offense in need of help at the running back position. Furthermore, you can be sure he will play with a huge chip on his shoulder once he finally does land with a team in 2013.

Kerry Rhodes, Safety

How in the world does Rhodes not have a job right now?

All he did last year was rack up 58 solo tackles, one sack, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 11 defended passes.

Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Rhodes as its No. 4 overall safety in 2012—ahead of guys like Troy Polamalu, Dashon Goldson and Ed Reed.

Bleacher Report lead AFC West blogger Chris Hansen recently made an astute observation about Rhodes' value, to which SI.com's Chris Burke wholeheartedly agreed:

Yet Rhodes remains unsigned while guys like Charles Woodson (No. 37 in PFF's rankings) have found a home.

This won't be a permanent arrangement, however. Rhodes will not only find a home this summer, but he'll end up playing a critical role for the NFL team that finally picks him up.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

Under-the-Radar 2013 Free Agents Who Would Be Ideal Fits for NY Knicks

Vin Getz — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:27:36 -0400

Finishing 54-28 and grabbing the No. 2 seed are nice and all, but it comes down to the playoffs, where the New York Knicks petered out too soon. To the free-agent market they will go, forced to find affordable, under-the-radar free agents for that extra lift.

Glen Grunwald’s main duty this offseason will be to put together a roster that will maintain New York’s regular-season standing (hopefully again winning the Atlantic Division and securing at least a No. 3 seed) and can reach the Eastern Conference Finals at a minimum.

That's not easy, given the improvement we’re guaranteed to see in the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls (with the return of Derrick Rose) and perhaps even the Brooklyn Nets (with a healthy Deron Williams, an ever-improving Brook Lopez and a new coach).

Also, the Knicks are hamstrung by some bloated contracts, leaving just the taxpayer’s mid-level exception (a little over $3 millions) and the veteran’s minimum (about $1.2 million) to work with.

Still, a bunch of free agents are out there, like these for a start.

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Sergi Roberto: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Laura Greene — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:15:02 -0400

Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto is among the many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Catalan midfielder, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 21

Contract Situation: Roberto’s current deal will keep him at the Nou Camp until June 2015.

Career Stops: Barcelona (2009-current)

Current Campaign Stats:

La Liga—1 game

Barcelona B—18 games, 1 goal

Champions League—1 game

Copa del Rey—3 games, 1 assist

Video Showreel:

Scouting Guide: Sergi Roberto is a bright prospect for the future. He has good movement, is strong on the ball and his vision, dribbling and passing have drawn comparisons with fellow La Masia products Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, who he may eventually replace in Barca’s midfield. Current manager Tito Vilanova has praised the 21-year-old, calling him "A player for the long term."

Where Next? Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has been a longtime admirer of Roberto.

When he was at Chelsea, it was reported in the Daily Mail that he was trying to bring the young midfielder to Stamford Bridge.

And now that Villas-Boas is manager at White Hart Lane, the Express has suggested that Spurs are taking an interest in securing Roberto’s services.

While Metro claims that Spurs are already holding talks with Barcelona.

Spanish side Espanyol have also been credited with tracking the Catalan midfielder.

With Barcelona’s midfield notoriously hard to break into ahead of the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara and Sergio Busquets, to name a few, Roberto could leave this summer.

It’s unlikely that Barcelona will want to let their highly-rated 21-year-old go and would probably insert a buy-back clause into his contract, should he exit the Nou Camp.

Perhaps a loan move is more likely but with the attraction of finding first-team football elsewhere, a permanent transfer may beckon.

UFC 160 Predictions: Bouts Most Likely to Produce Fight Night Bonuses

Brian Mazique — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:15:02 -0400

The MGM Grand will be the site of several bloody battles on May 25 when the UFC takes over the Las Vegas venue for UFC 160. Two heavyweight bouts headline the card with champion Cain Velasquez in action.

Velasquez will rematch Antonio "Big Foot" Silva in the main event, while his rival, Junior "Cigano" dos Santos will take on Mark "The Super Samoan" Hunt. It is very possible the winners from Saturday night could meet in each fighter's next bout.

With those four explosive heavyweights in action, there is a high probability fans will see at least one brutal knockout.

It should come as no surprise that one of these bouts is my prediction for KO of the Night.

Velasquez Will Destroy Silva...Again

After Velasquez finished Big Foot in just 3:36 of their first meeting at UFC 146 on May 26, 2012, there is no reason to believe the challenger will fare better the second time.

As a matter of fact, the way he's talking, it sounds as if the finish could come even quicker. Silva told MMA Weekly/Yahoo! Sports:

I’m going to need to keep my hands healthy and heavy to go in there and I’m sure that the first punch that I really land, he’s going to go down.

That sounds a lot like a fighter who has designs of brawling. Silva's best chance to win is to avoid going to the ground where Velasquez is elite.

But it is hard to imagine Silva being quick enough to outstrike Velasquez.

If he stands in front of the champion, the MMA world will be reminded that Velasquez is not just a great wrestler, he's also an explosive puncher.

I see the fight ending something like this:

The Eagle Will Run His Streak to 20 By Impressive Submission

Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov's undefeated run in MMA is going to continue on Saturday.

His opponent at UFC 160, Abel Trujillo, is no pushover, though; he's explosive, powerful and aggressive.

Trujillo has won five fights in a row, including his UFC debut against Marcus LeVesseur at UFC on Fox 5 in December.

Despite Trujillo's physical gifts, the Eagle is the more well-rounded fighter of the two.

Of his 19 wins, seven have come by submission. The 24-year-old Russian is adept at using fighter's aggression against them. He's especially good going for submissions off his back and even transitioning between techniques.

This is a skill we've yet to see a lot from The Eagle in the UFC, but it is definitely in his bag of tricks.

Taking a look at Trujillo's style, it wouldn't surprise me to see him jump for top position quickly. When he does that, the Eagle will clamp in one of his patented triangle chokes and force Trujillo to tap out.

T.J. Grant and Gray Maynard Will Steal the Show

These two 155-pounders aren't headlining the event, but once UFC 160 is over, their fight will go down as the most exciting.

If someone is stopped, it won't likely happen to at least the third round. Both lightweights have proven their mettle and toughness in previous bouts.

Maynard isn't looking to submit his opponent; he's out to strike, manhandle and punish. Grant is well-rounded, but it is hard to ignore the 13 submission victories on his record.

This is his greatest advantage against Maynard, but making the Bully tap out is no simple task. He's only lost once in his career and that was by KO.

This will be a great match of styles that should be bloody, ferocious and strategic. That sounds like Fight of the Night stuff.

Follow me, because Royce Gracie started me on this MMA path, and now I'm out of control

Ryback Will Never Be the Star the WWE Wants Him to Be

Drake Oz — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:15:02 -0400

The WWE desperately wants Ryback to become its next big superstar, doing anything and everything in its power to establish him as a top guy.

He’s been shoved down our throats, pushed as a face, pushed as a heel and paired with some of the best wrestlers in the company.

But more than a year after his debut, what does Ryback really have to show for it?

At least on paper, you would expect a guy who’s wrestled the likes of Cena and Punk for the WWE Championship and who’s been involved in multiple huge angles in a very short span to at least have something to show that he’s become a top star. That something could be a title reign or two, maybe an epic PPV singles match, maybe a great feud.

Ryback has accomplished none of the above, despite countless attempts by the WWE to firmly entrench him as a top guy. Instead, Ryback has shown that—no matter what the WWE does—he will never be the star that the company wants him to be.

It’s simply too late. The Ryback ship has sailed.

In fact, it began sailing several months ago when Ryback went from being undefeated to being constantly defeated. You probably don’t need a reminder about Ryback’s losing ways, but the man has not won a PPV match since last July at Money in the Bank.

Throw in some big TV losses, and Ryback has failed to win every major match he’s had for nearly a year now.

How on Earth did anyone ever expect Ryback to become a top star with that type of booking?

Yes, this is “sports entertainment” rather than just a sport or just wrestling, but that doesn’t mean logic should be completely thrown out the window. That doesn’t mean the fans are going to care about someone who’s a loser.

There’s a reason why no one goes to watch the Miami Marlins anymore. There’s a reason why NBA teams who don’t make the playoffs have fewer fans at their games. There’s a reason why MMA fighters call it quits once they lose four or five fights in a row.

That reason? No one wants to watch a loser. Quite frankly, that’s exactly what Ryback is.

The WWE can try to hype him up as an unstoppable force or “the biggest threat to Cena’s WWE title reign.” Michael Cole can talk about how great Ryback is, and JBL can try like hell to put him over on commentary.

But at the end of the day, none of that matters.

We can see through all of the WWE’s BS, and we realize that Ryback isn’t anywhere close to the type of superstar they would like to portray him as.

He’s not unstoppable. Unstoppable superstars don’t lose every major match.

He’s not a threat to Cena’s WWE Championship reign. A superstar can’t pose a threat if there’s nothing threatening about him.

He’s not the biggest or strongest dude in the WWE. Plenty of superstars are taller, a handful are heavier, guys like Mark Henry and maybe even Antonio Cesaro have him beat in the strength department.

He’s certainly not a great in-ring performer. His best PPV singles match (against Cena at Extreme Rules) was just OK, while his two best TV matches just so happened to come against two of the WWE’s greatest wrestlers in Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan.

If Ryback is not those things, what is he exactly?

Not the star that the WWE wants him to be—that’s for sure. No, he’s just a major disappointment.

Some of that is Ryback’s fault because his in-ring and mic skills aren’t at the level they need to be if he wants to be a top-tier superstar. But a big chunk of Ryback’s failures can be attributed to the creative team.

Even if Ryback was better in the ring and on the mic, it would still be awfully hard for fans to buy into him as a top guy if he was booked as poorly as he has been since last October.

The creative team simply hasn’t been willing to go that extra step with Ryback and push him over the top by having him pick up that signature victory that has eluded him for so long.

Now the WWE has reached a point where it won’t even matter anymore.

Whether the company realizes or wants to admit it or not, Ryback’s losing and struggling ways have been so ingrained into our minds that the damage has already been done. Ryback may be labeled as an unstoppable superstar by the WWE’s announcers. To us, he’s just another guy.

Yeah, he looks good. Yeah, he’s performed well at times.

But when you consider the skills he lacks and his constant losing ways, you don’t think of Ryback as a major WWE superstar.

You think of him as someone who never reached the level that he probably should have, had some things played out differently.

Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter!

Most Overlooked Contributors of the 2013 NBA Playoffs

Brendan Bowers — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:01:39 -0400

The most overlooked contributors of the 2013 NBA playoffs include a combination of starters and rotation players who have elevated their performance in the postseason.

Each player highlighted is not a star, but each has made a star-caliber impact at times during the playoffs.

Those impacts have included memorable single-game performances along with increasing production and efficiency across the board during the postseason specifically.

The most overlooked contributors highlighted also include a representative from each team that won at least one postseason series.

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Ranking the 10 Best MLB Stadium Backdrops

Chris Stephens — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Picturesque views of the bay. An amazing backdrop of the downtown.

Some fans get to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the baseball world each time they go to their local game.

They get to see the same sights each game that many of us can only dream of. In fact, for some baseball fans, there's a bit of jealousy towards others who get this opportunity.

Which stadiums am I talking about?

Here's a look at the 10 best MLB stadium backdrops.

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La Liga's Best: The Runners and Riders to Be Manager of the Year

Tim Stannard — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

If you are a mad Madridista or all balmy about Barcelona, without a single concern about the other 18 clubs in La Liga, then move along now. Nothing to see here. Don’t you have homes to go to? Your respective coaches are not on this list and never will be. Ever. Winning the league title is a given for the manager of Barcelona or Real Madrid, and everything else is a failure.

What the selection below praises is those plucky Primera coaches who have done great things with very little. Managers who have overcome real challenges, rather than the misery of replacing a €50 million footballer with one worth a mere €35 million. These are the four coaches (in alphabetical order) who would all be deserving of a shiny medal and a pat on the back at the conclusion of another exhausting season in La Liga.

Paco Jemez (Rayo Vallecano)

Rayo are on the brink of picking up 50 points this season, which is an insanely incredible achievement. This is a tiny club that lost the forward line of Michu and Diego Costa last summer, is still in administration, and only has three sides to its ground. The Madrid club from the city’s wrong side of the rails looked set for relegation this season. Instead, a tactical philosophy of all-out attack for Rayo under new boss, Paco Jemez, has seen the pride of Vallecas on the hunt for a European spot for much of the year.

The 43-year-old former defender has achieved all this by looking to a veteran striker in Piti and a promising youngster in the form of Leo Baptistao for goals. This pair combined with barrels of guts, attitude, determination and a wonderfully rebellious spirit that has seen Rayo go above and beyond the call of duty in La Liga this season.

Philippe Montanier (Real Sociedad)

With two matches to go, La Real’s hopes for a fourth-placed finish are still in the balance. However, should the San Sebastian side be overhauled by Valencia at the finishing line, it should not take anything away from a brilliant campaign for the club, inspired by Montanier.

Sadly, it will be the last season for the Frenchman at La Real, as the announcement has been made that Montanier will be heading up an exciting project at Rennes next year, after two campaigns with Real Sociedad.

The first year was one of consolidation in La Primera—and fighting off local critics—but this season has seen the club going great guns. La Real have few resources and rely almost entirely on a youth system, but this did not stop the northerners from going on a remarkable run of one defeat in 23 games, to park the club in Europe next season no matter what happens in La Primera’s end of days.

Manuel Pellegrini (Malaga)

The Chilean is leaving Malaga after pulling off a minor miracle by keeping the team competitive in La Liga and almost squeezing the club through to the Champions League semi-finals. It’s a truly inspirational achievement.

All this was managed with calm, dignity and perseverance by the former Real Madrid man despite owners throwing everything into his path to derail Malaga’s campaign. Players went unpaid, key performers such as Nacho Monreal were sold at the last moment and there was almost zero communication on what the immediate plans were for the club. Pellegrini and his players battled through all these setbacks to win an awful lot of friends and admirers in the process.

Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid)

Admittedly, Atletico’s Argentinean coach has squeezed all the fun out of the Rojiblancos with an unhealthy obsession with discipline, passion, dedication and professionalism—attributes that used to be very much banned from the Vicente Calderón.

Simeone’s fairly small-sized squad kicked off the campaign by defeating Chelsea to lift the European Super Cup. Next up, Atletico put in the miles required to finish third in La Liga and achieve Champions League qualification. But the real cherry on an already tasty cake was overcoming a 14-year-old curse by beating Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Rey final. Not bad going at all for Simeone, a figure who has almost single-handedly changed the destiny of the football club.

NBA Free Agents 2013: Best Landing Spots for Top Available Players

Rob Goldberg — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

While there is plenty of time for the top free agents to choose what team they want to play for next season, many of them have clear decisions in front of them.

There are a number of factors that go into choosing a destination for the future. However, it is easy to see which teams would be the best fit for each player.

These stars are likely to get a lot of money wherever they go. With this in mind, here is a look at where they should sign next season.

Dwight Howard: Dallas Mavericks

After the Dwight Howard sweepstakes stole the headlines last summer, fans are in for another long offseason as the center looks for a long-term deal.

While there is a chance he could stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, analyst Chris Sheridan seems to doubt that will happen:

Instead, he apparently has interest in the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger. The two Texas teams each have their pros and cons, but only one makes sense for Howard.

Houston succeeds with a fast-paced offense that is very guard heavy. Omer Asik fits at center because he does not take up space in the lane and can rebound very well. Howard does not truly fit into this scheme.

Meanwhile, Dallas has little help at center and would be much better with a quality player inside. Bringing in arguably the best big man in the game would make the Mavericks a contender right away.

Howard's presence will also free up space for Dirk Nowitzki, who likes to spend more time on the perimeter.

The center can thrive in a smaller market with less attention, making this a perfect fit for both sides.

Chris Paul: Los Angeles Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks and others will do their best to sign Chris Paul this offseason. However, it appears that the team is not that hopeful.

Dwain Price of the Dallas Star-Telegram quoted a team source that said, "I think Chris Paul, depending on who [the Clippers] hire, is going to stay with the Clippers. The Mavericks are really interested in Chris Paul, but I think they want Dwight more."

The next head coach is going to play a role in Paul's decision, but the current roster should be enough for the point guard to stay with the organization.

Los Angeles has a great core of young talent that will only continue to improve. He can run his style of play to perfection with Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and others. These players make Paul look good while the point guard does them same for them.

He had an excellent season last year to help bring the struggling organization to new heights. This statistic by ESPN Stats and Information is very telling:

While he would be successful anywhere in the league, it is hard to find a better spot for him than where he is now.

Josh Smith: Phoenix Suns

Unlike the other players on this list, there seems to be some debate whether Josh Smith's current team wants him around.

After the Atlanta Hawks' last playoff loss, the forward stated that he wanted to "experience free agency," (via Jeff Schultz and Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). This exploration is likely to find that someone will give him a max contract, and the Hawks is not that team.

Atlanta attempted to trade the 27-year-old forward before the trade deadline, and at the time the Phoenix Suns were very interested. The deal did not happen, but the squad should look to add him now as a free agent.

Smith would be a star that could come into the organization and sell loads of tickets and merchandise. This is something the franchise certainly needs after losing Steve Nash last season.

Meanwhile, the Suns will give Smith an opportunity to play his type of game. Without big-time players around him, he can play his game without criticism.

It is unknown whether Smith wants to join a big market, but this spot will likely give him the money he wants with freedom on the court. Phoenix also wins by bringing in a big-name target that is not coming with the No. 5 pick in the draft.

Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Should Cut Ties with Stewart Downing

Timothy Rapp — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing may have improved in the second half of the 2012-13 season, but if the Reds are to compete for a Champions League spot next season, they'll need to upgrade at the position.

Which means if there is interest in Downing on the market, the Reds should gladly sell. And it sounds like they will.

From Darren Lewis of the Mirror:

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing is a loan target for Fulham.

But Cottagers boss Martin Jol is set to be frustrated, as the Reds want a transfer fee to part with the 28-year-old.

England international Downing, bought from Aston Villa for £20m two years ago, is among a number of players in the Anfield giants' squad available at the right price this summer.

Look, Downing really improved under Brendan Rodgers this season, scoring five goals and adding six assists in all competitions. By the end of the year, he was one of Liverpool's most consistent players, a far cry from the previous year-and-a-half at the club.

But let's break down what Downing's future at the club should really be.

The team needs to upgrade at winger to make Rodgers' system all the more effective, there is no question about it. And if that means Downing is relegated to the bench, do you really think he'll be happy?

He's 28 years old—he's at his peak now. He won't want to spend his peak playing a few cup matches and sitting on the bench the rest of the time.

And besides, Liverpool have a lot of young options that need more seasoning. Downing would be nice to have since he can play multiple positions, but for a young team, is it really worth playing him at the expense of guys like Raheem Sterling or Fabio Borini gaining experience?

Liverpool can approach next season in two ways. The team can really go after improving a few key positions—defense, winger, etc.—and make a run for the Champions League. Or, if the budget is too limited and the transfer targets Rodgers covets can't be bought, Liverpool can look to gun for a Europa League spot or cup title and play the youngsters as often as possible.

In either scenario, it's hard to see where Downing fits in. In the former scenario, selling him to earn some much-needed cash makes the most sense. In the latter, he's simply taking away playing time from the youngsters.

And what you saw after January is what you're going to get from Downing moving forward. Nothing more, and hopefully nothing less. He's not going to improve beyond what was seen late in the year.

When it comes right down to it, that level of play may be enough to keep Liverpool in seventh place, but it isn't going to take them any higher than that. Downing is a nice player, yes, but the Reds can do better.

And if the right offer comes to them in the summer, they should try to do just that.

ACC Tournament Baseball Schedule 2013: Complete Viewing Guide to Friday's Action

Ethan Grant — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

The 2013 ACC Baseball Tournament is in full swing, and all eight teams have two full days of action left before the two tournament pools have a winner and we all have a title game to watch.

Friday will mark the third day of the ACC tournament in Durham, and we'll get the chance to see three more matchups that could have long-standing impacts on the College World Series this summer.

North Carolina opened up their ACC tournament appearance with a win, and the No. 1 seed will be back in action on Friday. Defending champion Georgia Tech will also be in action, but this time the stakes are much higher with respect to getting out of pool play.

Miami, Clemson, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech are the other four teams in action when play opens up on Friday morning.

Here's a look at all three tournament games, and a viewing guide for what to expect during Friday's slate in North Carolina.

*For a complete look at the 2013 ACC Tournament Baseball Schedule, click here (via THEACC.com).

North Carolina State vs. Miami

When: Friday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m. ET

Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park; Durham, N.C.

Watch: RSN/ESPN3

The Wolpack are coming off an impressive win over Clemson in the opening game of the ACC tournament on Wednesday. North Carolina State roughed up starter Daniel Gossett—the reigning ACC Pitcher of the Week—to the tune of six runs in 6.1 innings.

Wolfpack reliever Josh Easley was also impressive, pitching four shutout innings for the win.

The Wolfpack were the No. 4 seed in the tournament and will now be left to face Miami and in-state rival North Carolina to close out pool play. That effort starts with the Hurricanes on Monday morning, who were mercy-ruled by the Tar Heels during Thursday's action.

Miami sneaked into the tournament as the No. 8 seed, and it showed on Thursday. The Hurricanes had two errors and managed just four hits off UNC ace Kent Emanuel, who had a no-hitter going through 4.2 innings before coasting through the rest of the outing.

For Miami to have any chance of pulling off the upset against North Carolina State, the bats have to get going. The pitching staff also has to pick it up for the Hurricanes; they surrendered 10 runs to the Tar Heels in eight innings on Thursday.

North Carolina is the ACC's best team, but that kind of effort won't shock the Wolfpack, as they managed to score runs off a hot Miami pitcher in Gossett and set themselves up for a showdown with North Carolina for the pool title.

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech

When: Friday, May 24, at 3:00 p.m. ET

Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park; Durham, N.C.

Watch: RSN/ESPN3

The reigning champion Yellow Jackets took a hit on Thursday, when Virginia shut them down en route to an 8-2 loss and a must-win situation against the Hokies on Friday.

Although the Jackets will be hard-pressed to find a way to win their pool and make it to the championship round, all it would take now is a Florida State win over Virginia to vault Georgia Tech out of the pool. That is, should the Jackets go on to beat Virginia Tech.

Despite the setback, Georgia Tech is in a position to be a dangerous team the rest of the way.

The Yellow Jackets actually outhit the Cavaliers on Thursday, 10-9, but wound up losing by six and couldn't do anything with the 10 hits that were surrendered by Virginia starter Scott Silverstein. Wednesday's late-game heroics against Florida State were nowhere to be found, and the Jackets head into Friday no longer in control of their own destiny.

However, a win and a Florida State win on Friday would appear to do the trick.

Virginia Tech, on the other hand, also needs a win and help to survive the gauntlet. After a nine-run win over Virginia on Wednesday, the Hokies stand to make it out of pool play unscathed and reach the championship game later on in the tournament. Mark Zaguris' walk-off home run on Thursday night made sure of that.

It's been an up-and-down season for the Hokies, but big wins over in-state rival Virginia, Florida State and another against the highly touted Jackets would go a long way to salvaging this season and starting an improbable run.

Look out for Virginia Tech's Chad Pinder. He hit two home runs against Virginia and is as dangerous a hitter as there is left in the ACC tournament field after hitting over .315 in each of his first three seasons with the Hokies.

North Carolina vs. Clemson

When: Friday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park; Durham, N.C.

Watch: RSN/ESPN3

North Carolina looked downright dominate on Thursday, largely because ace Kent Emanuel was on the mound and the Tar Heels were nice and rested after not playing in the tournament's opening day on Wednesday.

The result was a 10-0 pounding of Miami and a statement as to why they are the top seed in the ACC tourney.

Getting back on the field against Clemson, we'll see how vulnerable North Carolina is going to be when the rest of the pitching staff is on the mound. The Tigers managed to win a game in an earlier series between the two teams this season, but didn't look all that great against North Carolina State and will need to play an impressive game to have a chance to beat North Carolina.

Top to bottom, North Carolina's lineup is just downright imposing.

Paced by big hitters Clint Morel and Cody Stubbs, the Tar Heels make starters pay for leaving pitches up in the zone early in the game, and have shown the ability to adjust to the offspeed pitch after seeing it once through the lineup.

Clemson, the No. 5 seed in the tournament, needs a win to have any hope of advancing into the championship round.

Follow Bleacher Report FC Ethan Grant on Twitter:

Abdelaziz Barrada: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Daniel Edwards — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Getafe midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada is among many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the Morocco international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 23

Contract Situation: Barrada's deal expires in 2015

Career Stops: Senart-Moissy (2006-07), PSG B (2007-10), Getafe (2010-present).

Current Campaign Stats

La Liga: 31 games, 4 goals.

Copa del Rey: 1 game, 0 goals.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

Having failed to make the grade at Paris Saint-Germain after three years in the reserve team, this cultured central midfielder has rebuilt his career on the outskirts of Madrid and is desperate for another opportunity at one of Europe's top footballing institutions.

The French-born Morocco international has been a fixture in the Getafe team for the past two seasons, where he has cemented his reputation as a quality midfielder.

Assured in the pass and equipped with great vision to play in his teammates, Barrada's other great strength is at set pieces. He takes a mean free kick, better than Cristiano Ronaldo according to many, and this weapon makes him an even more fearsome prospect to play against.

Where to Next?

Barrada's impressive form over the course of 2012-13 has caught the eye of several teams from across Europe. Eye Football link Arsenal to the 23-year-old star, stating that Arsene Wenger could be interested in making a €7 million approach to bring him to the Emirates.

Talksport, meanwhile, states that the Gunners' north London rivals Tottenham are also frontrunners in the race for Barrada's signature. The radio station furthermore names a third option—Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow—who would join the Premier League clubs in hunting the attack-minded midfielder.

Tom Ince: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Daniel Edwards — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Blackpool winger Tom Ince is among many players being tipped for a possible transfer in the summer window.

Here's a breakdown of his numbers and a brief scouting guide to the England Under-21 international, along with a few hints as to where he might be playing next summer.

Age: 21

Contract Situation: Ince's contract finishes in 2014.

Career Stops: Liverpool (2010-11), Blackpool (2011-present).

Current Campaign Stats

Championship: 44 games, 18 goals.

FA Cup: 2 games, 0 goals.

League Cup: 1 game, 0 goals.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

If the surname sounds rather familiar, that's because it should do. Tom Ince is the son of former England captain and current manager of Blackpool, Paul, and everything so far suggests that the ex-Manchester United and Inter man's progeny has more than enough talent to follow in his footsteps.

While Ince Sr. excelled as a defensive midfielder, Tom's skills are more attacking in nature. His speed, slight frame and talent on the ball make him a menace on the left wing, a position in which England have been weak for generations, while he is also capable of playing on the opposite flank too. At 21 he is far from the finished article, and has just two full seasons of experience behind him; but enough has been seen already to mark out the youngster as one to keep an eye on in the future.

Where to Next?

Blackpool did not waste any time in trying to ensure Ince's immediate future in the north west of England, taking up an option for a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2014. While this protects against losing the talent for free, it may not discourage some of the big clubs who would be ready to descend chequebooks in hand.

The Mirror reports that, added to the established interest of Liverpool and Tottenham in the £7million-rated youngster, are Italian giants Inter. The Milan club was the home of Paul Ince for two seasons, and are reportedly interested in battling the two Premier League clubs to help Tom follow in his father's footsteps to the San Siro.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Analyzing Latest Buzz Around Wayne Rooney

Tim Daniels — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

The Premier League season is over so it should come as no surprise that the Wayne Rooney transfer saga is starting to heat up. The longtime Manchester United star helped lead the club to another title, but his future remains uncertain.

Although the storyline will likely drag well into the summer before it reaches a resolution, the early buzz surrounds a potential mega move to Paris Saint-Germain.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror reports the French club, which certainly isn't afraid to throw money around, would be willing to put together a package that includes a £40 million transfer fee. He's considered PSG's top summer target while other clubs are also involved.

The new Ligue 1 champions would be willing to go to £40m as a transfer fee, and hand Rooney a four-year contract to try to lure him away from the Old Trafford giants.

But they will face competition from French rivals Monaco, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also watching developments - although the two Premier League clubs would struggle to match the riches on offer across the Channel.

Between the four clubs already being linked to Rooney and any others that join the sweepstakes, it's set up to become a pretty fierce bidding war if United decides to move him. Considering a number like £40 million is already being thrown around, it would be hard for the club to ignore the talk.

The 27-year-old striker, who was forced into more of a playmaking role for United following the arrival of Robin van Persie, has spent the past nine seasons at Old Trafford. The Red Devils must decide if it's time for the sides to part ways.

On one hand, Van Persie and Rooney finally started to develop some chemistry in the latter stages of the campaign. There's still a chance they could become the top-tier attacking combination United was hoping for when they brought them together last summer.

That said, anything close to £40 million for Rooney would be a great deal for United. Of course, the decision becomes a little trickier if the top bid is coming from another Premier League squad. But right now it sounds like PSG is being the most aggressive.

Another thing to consider is the arrival of David Moyes. The club wants to make the transition as smooth as possible for the new manager as he attempts to replace the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Anything that could cause a major distraction, such as a disgruntled Rooney, needs to get cleared up.

Rooney can still be a productive member of the Red Devils. He showed that for stretches during the title-winning campaign. There are also players like Javier Hernandez who are ready to take the next step in their career if given a bigger opportunity, though.

All told, the saga is only in its beginning stages and it should only get more interesting from here. The early buzz points toward PSG, but that will probably change multiple times throughout the process.

Expect the Rooney talk to dominate headlines in the coming months.

Mark Henry Will Take the Top Heel Spot in WWE

Drake Oz — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Mark Henry is just one of what seems like about a million heels in the WWE today, but he’s also one of the few superstars who could be taken seriously as the top heel in the company.

Over the last few years, Henry has developed into one of the WWE’s most entertaining acts. Once a joke of a babyface who resembled the Kool-Aid man and fathered a hand-child with Mae Young, he’s won over fans with his intensity, impressive power and, as of late, his “That’s what I do!” catchphrase.

Nowadays, not many heels—if any—are more intimidating than Henry, whose dominating presence alone makes up for an, at best, average in-ring skill set and limited athletic ability.

Despite that, though, Henry has somehow managed to become a guilty pleasure of wrestling fans. We’ve grown to love watching him pull 55,000-pound trucks, talk trash better than nearly anyone in the WWE and wreak havoc on anyone who gets in his path.

Now, we just might watch him take the top heel spot in the entire company.

While some may not view Henry as worthy of being the WWE’s No. 1 heel, current circumstances could very well make it happen anyway. After all, the normally heel-heavy WWE is missing two of its top villains right now.

CM Punk is currently on the shelf right after being granted time off to heal his aching body. He deserves the break after putting himself through hell over the last few years as arguably the biggest workhorse in the company, but his absence has certainly put the WWE in a bit of a bind.

Punk has been given time off, and unfortunately, Dolph Ziggler has been forced out of action after suffering a serious concussion at a SmackDown taping a few weeks ago.

In just a few weeks span, the WWE took arguably its two top heels completely off of TV, resulting in a weakened main event scene that currently lacks a clear-cut No. 1 heel.

That’s not great news for the WWE, but it does open up a major opportunity for Henry if he's not being written off of TV and/or turning face as some are speculating.

The creative team recently pulled the trigger on a Ryback heel turn and is now pushing him hard as the challenger to John Cena’s WWE Championship. But at least so far, Ryback is receiving rather lackluster reactions from the crowd, and there’s certainly no guarantee that—after largely failing as a babyface—he’ll succeed as a heel, either.

The WWE obviously wants him to become its top heel during Punk’s absence, but judging by what we’ve seen over the last several weeks, that may never happen.

Meanwhile, some of the WWE’s other top heels appear to be taking slides down the card.

After a great run in 2012, Big Show now appears to be back in the midcard and is fresh off a clean loss to Randy Orton at Extreme Rules. Similarly, Jack Swagger just lost to Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules and then followed that loss up with another one the next night on Raw against Randy Orton.

There are plenty of other talented heels in the WWE at the moment, like Antonio Cesaro, Wade Barrett and Damien Sandow. But besides the three members of The Shield, not a single one of them is getting any real type of push at the moment.

Thus, perhaps only by default, you could make a strong case for Henry already being the WWE’s No. 1 heel.

He’s been involved in two major feuds since returning earlier this year—one with Ryback and one with Sheamus—and though he lost to Sheamus at Extreme Rules, he’s still been booked pretty strongly overall.

Henry has gotten a lot of TV time (weightlifting competition, arm wrestling, pulling the trucks, etc.), and he’s been portrayed as an unstoppable and dominant heel who’s right on the cusp of that main event scene. He’s seemingly just one step away from being thrust right back into either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship picture.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that Henry is going to reach the top of the WWE as a World champion like he did in 2011. But with Punk and Ziggler out as well as the WWE’s refusal to push a number of up-and-coming heels, Henry is the guy at the moment.

He may not be challenging for World titles or even main-eventing Raw and SmackDown, but the fans are buying into him more than they are buying into Ryback, Swagger or any other heel who’s being pushed right now.

And until Ziggler and/or Punk comes back, Henry will officially be the WWE’s biggest and best heel.

Drake Oz is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter!

Belmont Stakes 2013: Horses with Best Chance of Running Down Orb and Oxbow

Justin Onslow — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 -0400

Orb’s short-lived Triple Crown dream gave way to a tremendous wire-to-wire performance from Oxbow at the Preakness Stakes, creating an extremely intriguing showdown for the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.

Both horses should be post-time favorites to add a second Triple Crown victory to their resumes, but as the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes proved, there are no guarantees in thoroughbred racing.

The full field of challengers has yet to be announced, but early indications point to a full field of 14 contenders. According to Jerry Bossert of the New York Daily News, the field could look a lot like this:

Horse	Trainer	Jockey
Code West	Bob Baffert	Undecided
Freedom Child	Thomas Albertrani	Luis Saez
Golden Soul	Dallas Stewart	Robby Albarado
Micromanage	Todd Pletcher	Undecided
Midnight Taboo	Todd Pletcher	Undecided
Mylute	Tom Amoss	Rosie Napravnik
Orb	Shug McGaughey	Joel Rosario
Overanalyze	Todd Pletcher	Undecided
Oxbow	D. Wayne Lukas	Gary Stevens
Palace Malice	Todd Pletcher	Mike Smith
Power Broker	Bob Baffert	Undecided
Revolutionary	Todd Pletcher	Javier Castellano
Unlimited Budget	Todd Pletcher	Undecided
Will Take Charge	D. Wayne Lukas	Undecided

There are some familiar names on that list, including Derby runner-up Golden Soul—one of eight Derby participants to potentially take part at Belmont.

Revolutionary is perhaps the most intriguing potential Belmont Stakes challenger on the list however.

Considered an early favorite to triumph at Churchill Downs, Revolutionary rumbled to a third-place finish at the Derby on an extremely sloppy track. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt didn’t run at the Preakness, but it will be interesting to see how he responds on the longest track (1 1/2 miles) of the Triple Crown circuit.

Pletcher could also bring Unlimited Budget to Belmont—potentially the first filly to run any of the three Triple Crown races this year.

Let’s take a look ahead to the Belmont Stakes and break down which of the rumored participants have the best chance of dethroning Orb and Oxbow on June 8.

Where: Belmont Park; Elmont, New York

When: Saturday, June 8 (time TBD)

Track Length: 1 1/2 miles

2012 Winner: Union Rags

Start the Revolution

Judging from the field of 19 that participated at Churchill Downs May 4, Revolutionary’s third-place finish was a tremendous feat. It may not have seemed as impressive at the time, but the field at the Derby has turned out to be an incredibly strong group.

Had Revolutionary run at the Preakness, we may be focused on horses trying to upend his second Triple Crown victory bid. There may not be a better challenger in the group.

The most telling sign of Revolutionary’s potential on Belmont’s 1 1/2-mile track is how well Pletcher’s best colt has performed on long tracks in his three-year-old season. All three of his wins since December 28 have transpired on tracks a mile or longer—the longest of which was the 1 1/8-mile track at the Louisiana Derby.

It’s too early to break down odds with the field not officially set, but Revolutionary should be considered a favorite to derail Orb and Oxbow if he participates at Belmont. With plenty of tactical speed to run from multiple post positions, there won’t be any reason to doubt the third-place Derby finisher.

Will Take Charge, May Take Belmont

Another of the early favorites to triumph at Churchill Downs, Will Take Charge turned in a disappointing eighth-place finish on May 4. It was to be expected, though.

The D. Wayne Lukas-trained colt is a streaky runner with boom-or-bust potential in any given race. He also busted at the Preakness with a seventh-place finish, but rumbled his way to two first-place finishes earlier this season in races each a mile or longer.

Post position will make or break Will Take Charge at Belmont, however. The colt is a late closer who loves to run just off the pace—a style that almost always necessitates a starting position toward the middle of the pack.

Given that caveat, Will Take Charge could either be a top challenger to take down Orb and Oxbow or a leading candidate to turn in another disappointing finish. A post position four or five spots from the rail will be a good sign, though.

The Golden Touch

Golden Soul made a hugely surprising run at Churchill Downs in finishing just behind late closer Orb, but was held out of the Preakness in favor of potentially running at Belmont.

The colt has been extremely consistent in his three-year-old season, finishing worse than fourth just once since November, including a runner-up finish behind Preakness winner Oxbow at Lecomte.

The most impressive aspect of Golden Soul’s season is his production on long tracks. Unlike most Triple Crown challengers, the Dallas Stewart-trained thoroughbred has never raced on a track shorter than a mile in length.

Late closers are common in this field (making for a potentially thrilling race), and Golden Soul is no different. He certainly has the ability to set the pace, but a good post position at Belmont could mean another tremendous finish from the Derby runner-up.

Greatest Comeback Victory in Each NFL Team's History

Russell S. Baxter — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:56:53 -0400

It’s simply a matter of semantics.

The title “Greatest Comeback Victory in Each NFL Team’s History” would seem to strongly insist that we are referring to each club’s largest deficit in a game overcome to win.

Not so fast.

Be it winning after trailing big or prevailing via a memorable drive, the emphasis here is comeback, meaning the team was losing during the game and eventually rallied to win.

And when it comes to great, you may be hard-pressed to top some of the important games and pivotal moments ahead. You will notice a lot of playoff contests on this list that includes some fantastic finishes.

Just remember to call it a comeback.

And thanks to the magic of pictures and video, we’re going to let a lot of those images speak for themselves when available.

So sit back, start clicking and enjoy.

And here’s hoping you’ll come back and enjoy the memories again and again.

Begin Slideshow

3 Biggest Surprises so Far for the Washington Nationals This Season

Katie Gregerson — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:56:32 -0400

Going into the 2013 MLB season, it seemed everyone was picking the Washington Nationals to win the World Series—and for good reason.

Their starting rotation is stacked, their lineup is challenging, their bullpen has been beefed up and with names like Gio Gonzalez, Bryce Harper, Adam LaRoche and Rafael Soriano, the Nats are poised for a repeat—and then some—of their 2012 marquee season.

However, nearly two months in, it's safe to say that the Nationals have yet to hit their stride.

Thanks to a number of early-season injuries, manager Davey Johnson has been forced to place a different lineup on the field every week. So far, the Nationals' performance has been rather unpredictable from game to game.

While they sometimes play like the reigning NL East champions, at other times they play like, well, something else.

Following are the three biggest surprises—both good and bad—for the Washington Nationals so far this season.

Begin Slideshow

Manchester United: 5 Things David Moyes Must Learn from Sir Alex Ferguson

Joseph Dempsey — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:45:12 -0400

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his successor David Moyes that the biggest challenge he faces when he takes charge at Old Trafford on July 1 will be "the enormity of Manchester United."

This is, after all, a club who, for the last quarter of a century, has only ever had one manager, and one of the most successful in the game at that.

Over the last two decades, the production line at the self-styled Theatre of Dreams has churned out trophy after trophy under the Ferguson era—38 to be precise—with United becoming one of the most recognised—and well supported—global brands in sport.

In May 2012, it was estimated that 10 percent of the world population are Manchester United fans, as if to further illustrate Ferguson's point.

And that's why David Moyes, once manager of humble Preston North End, is now one of the most talked-about coaches in football.

When the new Premier League season gets underway come August, the world's spotlight will be pointing squarely on the shoulders of the ex-Everton chief, as the footballing universe waits to see if he can replace the irreplaceable.

With Ferguson taking a place on the club's board, it may not be too surprising if he whispers the occasional word of advice or two into his fellow Scotsman's ear, and Moyes would be wise to take heed.

Here, we take a look at five things David Moyes must learn from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Begin Slideshow

Rising NFL Stars Approaching MVP Status

Ty Schalter — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:43:51 -0400

The highest individual honor in the NFL is being named "Most Valuable Player" by the Associated Press.

In a sport where every team goes into the season with 53 active players and a hard salary cap figured down to the dollar, it's no wonder that the top award goes to the player who means the most to his team, one who helps his team win games more than anyone else.

Everything is set for 2013.

Every team has a new crop of rookies. Every team, more or less, has filled its 90 roster spots and spent as much of its $123 million in salary cap space as it's going to. Every team has the coaches, the systems and the players they're going to have for the rest of the year.

It's springtime in the NFL; the annual season of optimism and hope. Everything is growing, and everything is new again. Which teams will take advantage of the fresh start and dominate in 2013? Which young, dynamic players will help them take the next step? Which up-and-coming players will ascend to the rarefied air of the truly elite?

Which rising stars will approach MVP status in 2013?

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Luis Suarez: How He Really Stacks Up Against Other 2012/13 EPL Stars

Darren Rudham — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:41:44 -0400

Luis Suarez’s 30 goals in all competitions this season was three times that of his nearest competitor in a Liverpool jersey (Steven Gerrard had 10). The fiery Uruguayan also finished runner-up for Premier League Golden Boot Award—despite missing the last four games of the season through an FA 10-match ban.

His list of accomplishments is impressive, but how does Luis Suarez stack up against some of the EPL’s stars?

Star is a subjective term. After all, one man’s star can be another man’s scrubber. To set a baseline for stardom, the minimum requirement is 15 or more goals scored in the 2012/13 EPL season (via ESPN FC)—which conveniently coincides with the league’s top 10 scorers.

It is a simplification that is bound to upset some purists.

Admittedly, this excludes players whose overall ability isn’t defined by the number of times they found the net. For example, Juan Mata’s 12 goals exclude him on this simple criterion and doesn’t account for his league-topping 12 assists.

Notables like Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero are absent, too. It is, however, exciting to see the emergence of newcomers, like Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke and Swansea City’s Michu.

Goals may be in the title, but they don’t tell the whole narrative. Using other statistical data on offense (via ESPN FC and WhoScored.com) might provide a better composite sketch of how Luis Suarez measures up to his fellow "golistas."

Therefore the categories assists, shots, shots on goal (SOG), shots per game (Shts/Gm), goals per SOG, games-per-goal ratio (Gm/Goal), key passes (KP—defined as the final pass leading to a shot at goal by a teammate) and successful dribbles per game (Dri) were added.

Here is the composite table:

Player	App(sub)	Goals	Assists	Shots	SOG	Goal/SOG	Shts/Gm	Gm/Goal	KP	Dri
Robin van Persie	35(3)	26	8	141	65	0.4	3.7	1.46	1.8	0.7
Luis Suárez	33	23	5	187	72	0.32	5.7	1.43	2.7	2.9
Gareth Bale	33	21	4	165	73	0.29	5	1.57	2.3	1.8
Christian Benteke	32(2)	19	4	104	43	0.44	3.1	1.79	1.6	0.7
Michu	35	18	2	110	34	0.52	3.1	1.94	1	0.2
Romelu Lukaku	20(15)	17	4	99	47	0.36	2.8	2.06	1	0.9
Dimitar Berbatov	32(1)	15	3	80	31	0.48	2.5	1.93	1.4	1
Frank Lampard	21(8)	15	1	81	35	0.43	2.8	2.2	1.1	0.3
Rickie Lambert	35(3)	15	5	94	42	0.36	2.5	2.53	2.1	0.2
Demba Ba	30(4)	15	0	135	54	0.28	4	2.43	0.6	0.3

So how does Liverpool’s No. 7 rate? Using the categories and players in the list, he comes out on top of shots, shots per game, games per goal, key passes and dribbles.

The listed competitors may give some pause for further comparison. So let us.

In these same categories leaguewide, it is only in key passes that the Liverpool front man doesn’t top the same lists. Only David Silva and Leighton Baines surpass him in key passes.

Detractors might argue that 187 shots constitutes selfishness in front of net. Supporters could counter that he created enough space for himself to be able to take 5.7 shots a game, and that his 1.43 games-per-goal average justifies it.

Further evidence that he is not just about the highlight reel is his five assists. In the 10-man list, only van Persie has more. Granted he is no Juan Mata (12) or Santi Cazorla (11), but their goals combined match Suarez’s.

The Uruguayan ace's key-pass average (2.7) is further proof that his interests are not entirely ego-driven. It demonstrates that he possesses both the vision and skill to actively create opportunities for teammates.

His goal per shot-on-goal average sees him in the company’s rear guard, but 23 goals offers a lot of solvent to dissolve that smear.

And if shortcomings should fully be explored, whoscored.com also has Luis Suarez heading the list for the number of times dispossessed per game with 2.8. At an average of 2.4 turnovers, he is also more guilty of losing possession through a mistake or poor control than anyone on the list.

It should also be mentioned that his 10 yellow cards put him at the top of the naughty list (via ESPN FC) this season—which surprises no one.

This is by no means a definitive work and it invites further categorical comparison (and, please, draw comparison!). However, evidence does suggest that, where and when it counts, Luis Suarez is one of the best strikers in the EPL.

NHL Playoff Schedule 2013: When and Where to Watch Friday's Action

Maxwell Ogden — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:30:00 -0400

The 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs will continue on Friday, May 24, as the action returns to Pittsburgh, Pa. With the Eastern Conference Semifinals taking center stage and the potential for elimination upon us, tensions will be high.

The question: When and where can you watch Friday's action?

The postseason will be limited to one game on Friday, but it will be a high-stakes affair as the Pittsburgh Penguins attempt to close out the Ottawa Senators. Pittsburgh enters this game with a 3-1 series lead after winning Game 4 in dominant fashion.

Something tells us we'll see a more competitive game than the 7-3 drubbing we witnessed in Game 4.

Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins, Game 5

Time: Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC Sports

Series Record: Pittsburgh Penguins 3, Ottawa Senators 1

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter Game 5 in full control, owning a 3-1 series lead as the action shifts back to their home ice. With that being said, the New York Islanders took a road game against the Penguins during the first round.

Who's to say the Ottawa Senators can't do the same?

The Senators enter this game in a rather uninspiring manner, but they have played the Penguins well at times. In fact, their most recent road loss against Pittsburgh came by just one goal during Game 2.

The question is, do the Senators believe they can come back?

Daniel Alfredsson has been the leader of this team for a long time, but doubt is a contagious thing.

For those concerned with Alfredsson's comments, don't jump the gun. The 40-year-old veteran clarified his comments and assumed his role as the leader of the Senators.

According to a report via The Associated Press, Alfredsson and the Senators don't plan on giving up.

"I know what we're going to do," Alfredsson said. "We're going to go out and play one hell of a game. That doesn't worry me at all. We never quit and that's not going to stop now. We know the odds are against us in every way, but we never quit and that's going to continue."

That's more like it.

The question is, will the Senators be able to pull out the victory and bring the series back to Ottawa? Or will they be the next team to fall to the powerful Penguins?

Either way, it all starts with Sidney Crosby.

When you're the best player in the world and there isn't a close second, it may be a bit unfair to label you as the X-factor. After all, you're expected to come out and produce with every passing game, regardless of who they draw.

With that being said, the Senators have one hope to take down the Penguins—slowing down Sidney Crosby.

Pittsburgh is a deep team with multiple weapons, which makes Crosby's greatness all the more dangerous. Ottawa must focus on Crosby's playmaking ability whenever he's on the ice.

With 14 points in nine games, it's not hard to see why.

Legendary.

For perspective, the Senators held Crosby to zero points in Game 3 and won 2-1 in overtime. Crosby netted a hat trick during a 4-3 Game 2 Penguins victory and two points in Pittsburgh's 7-3 Game 4 win.

The proof is in the numbers.

Even if Crosby is held without a point, the Senators must provide an offensive counterattack. Players such as Evgeni Malkin, James Neal and Pascal Dupuis are certain to be on the attack, which places Ottawa's elite defense under attack.

The question is, will this series end on Friday as the Penguins win Game 5, or will the Senators muster up enough offense to get the job done?

We're soon to find out.

French Open 2013 TV Schedule: How to Watch Grand Slam Tennis at Roland Garros

Mike Chiari — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:30:00 -0400

The French Open is arguably the most unique of tennis' Grand Slam tournaments and it is oftentimes the most exciting as well. The red clay at Roland Garros makes for some interesting matches and they are always a treat to watch on television.

It's easier to catch big tennis events now more than ever due to the amount of channels that carry the matches. For the French Open in the United States alone, NBC, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel will be showing matches from early in the morning into the afternoon on a daily basis.

Here is the entire television schedule for the French Open so you don't have to miss a second of the most important matches, as well as some further analysis on which players you should be tracking throughout the tournament.

Full TV Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Matches	Channel
Sunday, May 26	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	First Round	ESPN2
Sunday, May 26	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	First Round	Tennis
Sunday, May 26	Noon-3 p.m.	First Round	NBC
Monday, May 27	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	First Round	ESPN2
Monday, May 27	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	First Round	Tennis
Monday, May 27	Noon-3 p.m.	First Round	NBC
Tuesday, May 28	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	First Round	ESPN2
Tuesday, May 28	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	First Round	Tennis
Wednesday, May 29	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	Second Round	ESPN2
Wednesday, May 29	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	Second Round	Tennis
Thursday, May 30	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	Second Round	ESPN2
Thursday, May 30	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	Second Round	Tennis
Friday, May 31	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	Third Round	ESPN2
Friday, May 31	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	Third Round	Tennis
Saturday, June 1	5 a.m.-Noon	Third Round	Tennis
Saturday, June 1	Noon-3 p.m.	Third Round	NBC
Sunday, June 2	5 a.m.-1 p.m.	Round of 16	Tennis
Sunday, June 2	1 p.m.-4 p.m.	Round of 16	NBC
Monday, June 3	5 a.m.-10 a.m.	Round of 16	ESPN2
Monday, June 3	10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	Round of 16	Tennis
Tuesday, June 4	8 a.m.-1 p.m.	Quarterfinals	Tennis
Tuesday, June 4	1 p.m.-7 p.m.	Quarterfinals	ESPN2
Wednesday, June 5	8 a.m.-1 p.m.	Quarterfinals	ESPN2
Thursday, June 6	9 a.m.-2 p.m.	Women's Semifinals	ESPN2
Thursday, June 6	11 a.m.-2 p.m.	Women's Semifinals	NBC
Friday, June 7	7 a.m.-11 a.m.	Men's Semifinals	Tennis
Friday, June 7	11 a.m.-2 p.m.	Men's Semifinals	NBC
Saturday, June 8	9 a.m.-1 p.m.	Women's Final	NBC
Sunday, June 9	9 a.m.-2 p.m.	Men's Final	NBC

*Schedule courtesy of TimesUnion.com

Top Stars to Watch

Rafael Nadal

There is no disputing the fact that Rafael Nadal is the king of clay. Rafa has won the French Open on seven occasions, and all seven of those victories have come over the past eight years. He is the three-time defending champion and there is no reason to believe that he will falter in 2013. Nadal returned to action this year after missing seven months with a knee injury, and he is seemingly better than ever as he boasts a 36-2 record along with six titles.

Nadal will always be the favorite to win the French Open as long as he remains in good form, but he may be an even heavier favorite this year than usual. For starters, Andy Murray will miss the French Open with a back injury, so one of his biggest tests is out of commission. Also, Novak Djokovic has struggled as of late and Nadal destroyed Roger Federer in the Italian Open final.

It simply doesn't seem as though anyone can hold a candle to Nadal right now, particularly on clay. It would take a superhuman effort to beat him, but the matches still need to be played. With how well Rafa has played over the past several weeks, it should be a pleasure to watch him at Roland Garros.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova completed the career Grand Slam last year at the French Open as she won the tournament for the first time. Sharapova also has one singles title in each of the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, so she has a great deal of diversity in her game. Repeating at the French won't be easy, but Sharapova is clearly among the top contenders in the women's draw.

Sharapova has lost just five matches all year, so she has obviously been playing well. With that said, it seems as though her kryptonite is Serena Williams. Three of Sharapova's five losses have come at the hands of Serena, so she may have to slay that dragon in order to win her second consecutive French Open.

While it may not seem like Sharapova has the game and body type necessary to excel on clay, she has managed to acclimate herself to the surface and uses her immense power to her advantage. It remains to be seen if she can beat Williams in a big spot, but Sharapova will definitely be among the top contenders in the French Open.

Novak Djokovic

Although Novak Djokovic is technically the No. 1 player in the world, he hasn't really played like it as of late. Djokovic has only lost four times and has three titles to his credit in 2013, but he has really struggled in his past two tournaments. The Djoker was ousted in the first round of the Madrid Open by Grigor Dimitrov and then lost to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open.

Djokovic is still one of the players to beat in the men's draw, but it's hard to imagine him taking out Nadal. It's certainly possible that Djokovic can reach the finals even if he isn't playing his best, but there is no way he can beat Nadal without playing a perfect match. The French Open is the one Grand Slam Djokovic has yet to win and doing so this year will be a very tall order.

Should Nadal somehow get upset along the way, though, Djokovic will become the de facto favorite. He has shown a knack for grinding out matches in which he isn't playing his best, so he should be able to make a deep run in the French Open. Whether or not that results in a title will have everything to do with how Nadal plays, though.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning Throws to Manchester City's Joe Hart

Will Tidey — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:24:59 -0400

Manchester City are really throwing themselves into their short U.S. trip this week.

As well as playing two friendlies against Chelsea (the first finished in a 4-3 loss), the Premier League club have announced the purchase of a new MLS franchise and made numerous public appearances.

The above clip shows City players meeting New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning at their training facility.

Manning explains the trajectory of his throw and has City goalkeeper Joe Hart play wide receiver to run and make a catch.

Hart's City and England teammate James Milner is next to go, and also brings the ball in nicely.

Mock Help Wanted Ad for Detroit Pistons' Open Head Coaching Position

Jay Wierenga — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:14:32 -0400

A wonderful new opportunity has just opened up at one of the NBA's most dynamic teams!

About our organization

The Detroit Pistons were originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the Fort Wayne Pistons. Upon moving to the great state of Michigan in the late 1950s, the Pistons have had one of the league's most storied careers.

Though our early years were marked by inconsistencies, we have since won three NBA titles, a mark that puts our organization in the upper echelon of teams. Some of the league's greatest players including Bob Lanier, Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars have called our team home.

We have built a reputation for greatness that was founded on hard work, teamwork and determination.

Job requirements

We are looking for a new head coach to lead our young team.

Qualified applicants must possess:

A strong knowledge and working experience with stellar defense, man-to-man ideally
The ability to multi-task and work well with challenging individuals
The ability to intrinsically motivate individuals, and be able to maneuver within a high-stress and often turbulent work environment
Tough-mindeness the ability to handle often sharp criticism by a very motivated ownership group
Candidates must be smart, quick-thinking individuals who can work well with a fanbase that is used to greatness

Core responsibilities

Our ideal candidate will be asked to:

Build a rapport with a young, talented, yet misused point guard

Develop an offensive system that utilizes two of the league's most dynamic young big men
Rebuild a defensive unit that was once known for greatness but has since become less than ideal
Help to restore pride to a once-great organization
Bring this organization back to the playoffs within two years and back to contention within four

Skills

Our ideal candidate must be able to:

Multi-task in a high-stress environment
Build a strong coaching staff that includes at least three assistants
Effectively communicate with employees
Delegate responsibilities to assistant coaches when needed
Manage game situations properly
Make effective changes during games and manage players
Put our employees in a position to succeed and utilize their talents

Experience

Our ideal candidate must:

Have at least three years head coaching experience or at least five years of assistant coaching experience
Have a history of working with young, inexperienced players

Have a strong ability to communicate with young, often difficult players
Have a passion for defense, especially man-to-man
Have the strength of mind to work with a sometimes challenging local media

Thank you for your interest in the Detroit Pistons! Please forward all resumes and cover letters to Joe Dumars, our team president.

We look forward to speaking with you! Let's go to work!

NBA Playoffs 2013: What Grizzlies and Pacers Must Do to Bounce Back

Ryan Rudnansky — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:02 -0400

The Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers find themselves on the wrong end of their respective matchups in the NBA conference finals.

The Grizzlies are trailing the San Antonio Spurs, 2-0, in the Western Conference finals. The Pacers lost a heartbreaker to the Miami Heat in Game 1.

Both teams are similar in that they are aggressive, defensive-minded squads. But they both face similar challenges in the conference finals.

Here is what the Grizzlies and Pacers must do to narrow the gap.

Memphis Grizzlies (Down 2-0 to San Antonio Spurs)

Minus a peculiar fourth quarter by the Spurs in Game 2, they've shot much better than the Grizzlies in this series, which backs up their regular-season numbers against Memphis.

The Grizzlies shot 44 percent against San Antonio in the regular season, while the Spurs shot 48 percent against Memphis. In this series, San Antonio is shooting 48 percent, while the Grizzlies are shooting 38 percent.

You could say Memphis needs to do a better job of getting to the free-throw line, but, then again, they are shooting 70 percent from the charity stripe in the playoffs.

You would have to think those percentages would go up a little bit, based on the law of averages, but the bigger concern is simply finding a way to stop the Spurs offense.

The worst part is, it seems like there is always someone new stepping up for the Spurs. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan combined to shoot 12-of-34 from the floor in Game 2, but San Antonio still found ways to score, led by a combined five three-pointers by the young Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

Memphis' biggest advantage is rebounding. The rebounding differential between the two teams has actually grown in the playoffs, as the Grizzlies are averaging eight rebounds per game more than the Spurs in this series. A big reason they were able to take the Spurs into overtime in Game 2 was because of their work on the glass. They ended up with 19 offensive rebounds in the 93-89 overtime loss.

But we saw in Game 2 that rebounding can only get you so far. The Grizzlies have yet to find a way to put the ball in the hoop, or stop San Antonio, and that's scary considering they are one of the better defensive teams in the NBA.

Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have to keep plugging away on offense for Memphis.

Indiana Pacers (Down 1-0 to Miami Heat)

Don't give LeBron James an open lane to the hoop with seconds left.

The End.

But seriously, all kidding aside, while the Pacers did enough to put themselves in position to win in Game 1, there were obviously some areas in need of improvement.

Indiana's troubles taking care of the ball came to the forefront on Wednesday. The Pacers shot a respectable 45 percent against the Heat, but they committed 20 turnovers, which Miami happily turned into 22 points.

But, while that has been something the Pacers have struggled with all season (ranked 22nd in turnovers per game during the regular season), I was a bit surprised by the rebounding differential on Wednesday.

Yes, the Pacers out-rebounded the Heat in Game 1, 43-38, but they averaged seven rebounds per game more against Miami during the regular season. LeBron was, well, LeBron, but the aging Udonis Haslem picked up seven boards himself (four offensive). Meanwhile, David West managed just five rebounds.

Indiana needs to pick it up on the glass to have a chance in this series. The Pacers played stingy defense on Wednesday, but Miami still ended up shooting 48 percent from the floor. Indiana's offense simply can't keep up with Miami's unit.