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Minnesota Sports Notes

TK on Toast — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:12:00 -0700

A little round-up from the local teams...

Gophers

I saw a little action from the recent AAU tournament this past weekend. The main attraction was the 17+ team, the Howard Pulley Panthers. It’s the best traveling AAU team in Minnesota. My friend Kevin has a brother (Michael) that plays for this team.

(A little background: Kevin, the oldest brother, became famous for his stifling defense at St. Thomas and memory loss at the bar Major Goolsby’s in Milwaukee. The second brother of this trio is Dan and he became famous for his long-range shooting at Marquette and his ability to tolerate six traveling fanatics. Michael is the youngest brother and he’s already famous for his silky smooth J and being waaaay cooler than his brothers. Back to the column...)

Anyways, the team is consisted of about 10-12 local Twin Cities kids that are all bound to play college ball at some level. The two headliners are Royce White and Rodney Williams. The Royce White name should ring a bell since he just verbally committed to the Gophers a couple weeks ago. White and Williams are two very highly recruited players in the whole country. On rivals.com, White ranks 32nd and Williams ranks 43rd. To put that in perspective, in the last five years, Minnesota has had only two players ranked better than 43rd. Cole Aldrich was 30th in 2007 (now at Kansas) and Kris Humphries was 15th in 2003 (now in the NBA). So, if you’re not catching my drift, these kids are real good. Nationally good.

I’m kind of a college basketball recruiting nut, so I was excited to see this team and specifically these two players in action. This was my first time seeing both White and Williams. First reaction is that they both lived up to the eye test and the ability test. Both are in the 6’6"-6’7" range and both are extremely athletic. Williams needs to put on some lbs and White is already pretty cut for being just 17 years old. Ally-oops, flat footed-stand still dunks, and threes were in both of their arsenals. Williams probably had the dunk of the year and only about 200 people saw it. It was ridiculous. He jumped from about the third block up the lane (yes, that far) on the right side and two handed hammered it. Brought down the house. Kevin mentioned that it was like “Rucker Park, MN edition” after the dunk. The whole bench exploded with about half the guys on the court.

On the flip side, I personally saw one thing that wasn’t that pleasant. Royce White’s attitude. I only saw one game and they beat the team by 40 points, but he was unbelievable lackadaisical and cocky for most of the game. Almost like he was too cool. Side note: He also had a mohawk with a huge letter “M” carved in the back of his head. I guess he wants to broadcast that he in fact is signing with the U. I don’t know if this is always like he acts, but it was noticeable. Everyone else on the team played relatively hard given the fact that they were killing them, but White stood out. I’m interested to see how he plays when Tubby’s watching. I bet his demeanor changes. And it will have to, because Tubby isn’t going to put up with that shit.

Overall, the team has good talent and White & Williams have the potential to be game changing college players. The word is that they are good friends and it would be great for the program to get both of them and let Tubby work his magic.

Twins

Your Minnesota Twins just took 3 of 4 from the best team in baseball, the Boston Red Sox. They are now 20-17 and leading a balanced Central division. We talked a lot of Twins last week but this weekend series win vs. the Sox was a good sign. This wasn’t a below-average team, they had the best record coming into this series and we took three games. Our pitching is holding up, our bats are coming around and are fielding is right there again. I didn’t see this coming. If we’re hanging around the lead at the end of May and into June, then that’s a pattern and I’ll really start getting my hopes up. Right now, it’s cautious optimism. Random Twins thoughts:

-The Neshek injury is a biggie. From the sounds of it, he’s gone for the season. The Neshek/Nathan combo was almost like having two dominant closers on your team. If you can get to the 8th with a lead, it was pretty much game over. Now, the 8th inning is going to have to be pieced together by guys like Rincon, Guerrier, Crain, and Reyes. Some decent arms in that group but not nearly as effective as Neshek. Gardy is going to have to work his pen very well to soften this blow.

-Craig Monroe is seeing the ball like a beachball. He’s on fire. I didn’t think I’d say that line this year. A common theme this year so far, stuff happening that most didn’t see coming. Monroe’s hot hitting is one of them. Along the same lines...

-Livan Hernandez is 6-1! I think he’d get votes for the AL Cy Young right now. He throws about an 85 mph fastball but he keeps winning. Unreal.

-Morneau hasn’t had a homerun in 13 games. I’m calling one tonight vs. the Blue Jays. I deposited my money in the bomb pool, so pay up when it happens.

Timberwolves

One week from today is the NBA draft lottery. The Timberwolves are again in prime position for a high draft pick. No surprise there. They have the third-best position with a 13.8 percent chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick, which if we get, would be historic, since we’re a really shitty organization. We’ve made it past the first round of the playoffs one effing time and yet, we’ve never got the No. 1 pick. Is this the year? History says no. But, it has to happen one of these years or I’m going to start thinking this franchise is cursed.

We can go as high as No. 1 (unlikely) and as low as No. 6 (likely). Guys I want: Rose, Beasley, Bayless, or Lopez. Guys I don’t want: Gordon, Mayo, or foreign guy from Italy. Those are the players that have been projected near the top of most mock drafts. Like everyone lately, I’m on the Derrick Rose bandwagon. An ultra quick, pass first, but not a midget point guard. He also can fill it when he wants. This is still a dream since anywhere out of the top two puts you at zero chance of landing him.

I know I sound like a poser since I’ve been pimping Beasley on this site for five months, but after everything went down with the season, march madness and media reports, I’m going with Rose now. If we get Beasley, I’m not going to pissed. Let's get that straight. But, word is his attitude sucks and Rose would fit in with our team better. Is Beasley going to play the 3? Big Al is a perfect 4, so moving him would seem stupid. Whatever happens, Beasley on this team wouldn’t suck but I’m rooting for that “make everyone else better point guard” and that is D. Rose.

So, stay tuned to next Tuesday to see where our luck lands...

Vikings

May is finally the month that the NFL kind of takes a break, which has been nice. Vikings notes have been minimal at this time. That of course doesn’t stop me from mentioning them on the back end of this column. It’s the Vikings for Christ sake; they are king in this town.

Anyways, SI.com and ESPN.com have both come out with their power rankings now that the draft is done. SI has the Vikings as the seventh ranked team heading into pre-season and ESPN has them at #12. Too high? Too low? Or just right? Personally, No. 7 seems aggressive and No. 12 seems a little low. I would put us at #10, a good round number. With the additions we’ve made (Jared Allen in particular) and assumed maturation of some players (T-Jack), I like the 10th spot for the Purple. That puts us right around the fourth or fifth spot in the NFC. I can live with that.

Another quick note- Our schedule came out maybe a month ago and here it is for those that don’t pay attention:

@Green Bay, Indy, Carolina, @Tennessee, @New Orleans, Detroit, @Chicago, Bye, Houston, Green Bay, @Tampa Bay, @Jacksonville, Chicago, @ Detroit, @Arizona, Atlanta and NY Giants.

Two things: 1) I should switch that No. 10 ranking, I only see three losses (Indy, @Jacksonville, and one of the Green Bay games). 2) The coldest place we play is Oct. 19th at Chicago. Everything else is perfect weather. That could be huge.

We’re comin, We’re comin...

Jose "Right Back" At Chelsea

Rajesh Chitnis — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:54:50 -0700

Well, the Jose i referred to in the headline is Jose Bosingwa who was recently signed from Porto for a fee around 16.2 million pounds.And there has been furore all over the footballing community that this is an outrageous price for a fullback.I agree completely.But when Chelsea and ManU are interested in a player, don't you expect Porto to squeeze out as much as they can. The main argument going around is that Belletti or Ferreira will now be heading out as Chelsea now have 3 RB's (4 if you consider Essien and 5 as Boulahroz is on loan at Sevilla).I have a different way of looking at Bosingwa's signing.It may sound a bit too imaginative but it was the first thought that came to my mind. I feel that Wayne Bridge has asked for a transfer this summer.Although I do not want him 2 go away but I do understand his decision.He is probably the second-best left-back in England after Ashely Cole and does not want to play second fiddle anymore.So his move will generate cash (hopefully atleast 15 million) and will make Bosingwa's move seem not so bad financially ( and after all what do we have Roman for ).Ferreira will act as cover for Ashley Cole in the LB position (for those who don't know, Ferreira plays LB in Portugal team).Bosingwa will be first-choice RB with Belletti as cover.Ben Haim will surely leave.Ivanovic will take his place and along with Alex be support for Terry and Carvalho.Also Ivanovic can play anywhere in the back four.So my point is that Chelsea now have a really flexible and strong back four even if Bridgo goes ( I hope he doesn't )

RB -- Bosingwa,Belletti,Ferreira,Essien,Ivanovic

CB -- Carvalho,Terry,Alex,Ivanovic,

LB -- Cole,Ferreira

And as for the speculation over Bosingwa's signing, one should remember that signing a Jose from Porto has proved unbelievably successful for Chelsea in the past. If this Jose can be even half as influential as the previous ONE , I would say money well spent

Let me know what u think

Am I being to imaginative

Or is this how things seem to be working out ?

There's No Place Like Home

David Burke — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:39:07 -0700

"There too young." "They don't have enough playoff experience." "Did you see how the champs murdered them at home, now that's how basketball is supposed to be played." These are all quotes that the New Orleans Hornets keep hearing over and over again. If I didn't watch basketball I would think that the Hornets were being swept, but the fact of the matter is they now lead the series 3-2. Behind an explosive game in D. West, who was one point shy of the hornets playoff record in points of 39 and a classic Chris Paul performance, the hornets sting the "Champs" yet again at home. The trend that continues to play out in every home game is the pivotal 3rd quarter. Hornets managed to outscore the spurs 28-11 in the 3rd quarter and San Antonio never seemed to get back in n'sync "sorry Timberlake." Now as we begin to move on to game six there is only one real question, "Who will win the 3rd quarter?" If you can tell me the answer to that then you will find you winner for game six

There's No Place Like Home

David Burke — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:33:53 -0700

"There too young." "They don't have enough playoff experience." "Did you see how the champs murdered them at home, now that's how basketball is supposed to be played." These are all quotes that the New Orleans Hornets keep hearing over and over again. If I didn't watch basketball I would think that the Hornets were being swept, but the fact of the matter is they now lead the series 3-2. Home court is a monumental factor into the winner of each game. No home team have lost a single game thus far in this series and the Hornets were not about to let that change. Behind an explosive game in D. West, who was one point shy of the hornets playoff record in points of 39 and a classic Chris Paul performance, the hornets sting the "Champs" yet again at home. Another trend that continues to play out in every home game is the pivotal 3rd quarter. Hornets manage to outscore the spurs 28-11 in the 3rd quarter and San Antonio never seemed to get back in n'sync "sorry Timberlake." Now as we begin to move on to game six there is only one real question, "Who will win the 3rd quarter?" If you can tell me the answer to that then you will find you winner for game six.

There's No Place Like Home

David Burke — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:30:36 -0700

"There too young." "They don't have enough playoff experience." "Did you see how the champs murdered them at home, now that's how basketball is supposed to be played." These are all quotes that the New Orleans Hornets keep hearing over and over again. If I didn't watch basketball I would think that the Hornets were being swept, but the fact of the matter is they now lead the series 3-2. Home court is a monumental factor into the winner of each game. No home team have lost a single game thus far in this series and the Hornets were not about to let that change. Behind an explosive game in D. West, who was one point shy of the hornets playoff record in points of 39 and a classic Chris Paul performance, the hornets sting the "Champs" yet again at home. Another trend that continues to play out in every home game is the pivotal 3rd quarter. Hornets manage to outscore the spurs 28-11 in the 3rd quarter and San Antonio never seemed to get back in n'sync "sorry Timberlake." Now as we begin to move on to game six there is only one real question, "Who will win the 3rd quarter?" If you can tell me the answer to that then you will find you winner for game six.

Jose "Right Back" at Chelsea

Rajesh Chitnis — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:15:28 -0700

RB -- Bosingwa,Belletti,Ferreira,Essien,Ivanovic

CB -- Carvalho,Terry,Alex,Ivanovic,

LB -- Cole,Ferreira

Let me know what u think

Am I being to imaginative

Or is this how things seem to be working out ?

Googling Bleacher Report, Danica Patrick, The Indy 500 And Misogyny

L. J. Burgess — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:45:23 -0700

I never clicked on Bleacher Report before even though it's always top right on my Google News page. I assume it's there because I subscribe to every sports page on the internet except Bleacher Report. Well, you got me, you finally got me. I finally spied a compelling headline one night, clicked, and the article that I found on Kyle Busch was so good that I joined immediately so that I could leave a positive comment on his profile. While rummaging around Bleacher Report I found more great writers expounding on a broad range of sports and the writing was … fascinating. I even loved the Hockey stories although I usually wait until the finals to get into the Playoffs and oddly enough some writers even sneak some insightful politics in their sports columns here, very cool. I read and read and read and wherever I went I left a trail of comments behind, both pro and con, always polite, sometimes trite, always on content and never on quality … evidently there are editors for that.

It was content that did me in. I’m a guy and I like girls, I like ‘em a lot and I like ‘em when they drive fast. I cruised Danica Patrick stories and found one right off the bat that was so mean that I was offended. I went to the "scribe's" profile and read ALL of the "scribe's" articles, 7 out of 8 articles filled with so much misanthropic vitriol that I just had to comment and just like any internet forum I got a comment back, which is natural. But this comment was sooo arrogant and condescending … AND then the "scribe" threw the “Military Veteran” card into the fray, then he tossed in some big, pretentious eloquence and then ... Psychology. Hey, I've been married, twice, I don't require any more analysis. Well, I just had to fire back … with BOTH barrels. Was it childish … Yes … was it passionate ? Hell Yes, and I liked it. I think that’s what public forums are all about, laying your passions out on the table with no fear, without worrying about posting bail like a drunk Oriole fan in a Bronx bar ... it took three of 'em by the way.

Perhaps our repartee on the Bleacher Report is a microcosm of how sports, passion and idol worship can play out over that system of tubes they call the internet and make even grownups act like children. It may be a story unto itself.

The "scribe" in question has challenged me to write my own story. Well, this is it. Perhaps it won't get published but it was still a good way to vent and venting is what the internet is all about ... and porn, the internet is mostly about porn, and THEN venting ... unless it's an election year. After THAT it's about porn.

Let the war begin …

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19862-Danica-Patrick-Trophy-Girl-Or-Trophy-Wife--260408

L.J. : She did it ! She did it ! She's a race car driver ... and you're NOT !

A.W. : Such eloquence in your rejoinder, L.J. By the way, will you be writing an articles, soon?

A.W. : Hey, L.J....sorry to hear that you disagreed with my Danica Patrick assessment. I encourage you to write a rebuttal, so that I may see your inferences and have a chance to infer a rejoinder, or two of my own.

L.J. : Hey A.W., hated the Danica Patrick article, load o' Crapola! (perhaps you can delve into your Danica "issues" in class this semester)

A.W. : That's fine, L.J. You are entitled to your opinion. It's a free country. I should know...I helped to keep it that way for 21 years.

L.J. : Why would you throw the "Veteran's card" into this debate on Danica Patrick's qualifications as a race car driver ... why ?

A.W. : I didn't throw the Vet's Card on the debate, L.J.; I threw it in there, because you are borderline disrespectful in your mannerisms and your comments and I thought I would appeal to your sense of patriotism on one of Dr. Skinner's more basic foundational levels. But, I see that has prompted confusion for you, so I guess I'll just let this dog go back to sleep.

L.J.: No, no, wake that dawg up! Ask and ye shall receive.

RE: Dr. Skinner ... a manipulative postulator that one.

Confused ? I am not confused. There is nothing confusing about a veteran using his service and the shroud of "patriotism" in an attempt to establish a superior, holier than thou position in the opening round of debate on a public forum about ... a race car driver ? As you were ... if you were ... a Navy man I can perceive your feelings of "inferioritas" while engaging in debate but you needn't prop yourself with flag poles and yardarms sailor. You've shown your flag now ... what else can you drag out ? Careful ... I might be holdin' back a pair of aces !

One must expect to be chastised when one publishes a scathing article deriding a public figure such as Ms. Patrick, a figure who has worked like a dog since the age of 5 to attain the pinnacle of her profession ... just as every man that she competes against has. By denigrating Ms. Patrick, now in TWO articles, you denigrate the IRL in totality. It's obvious you are a NASCAR fan ... so be it ... and you obviously have some interest in the Indy 500 if not the IRL and it's MORE than obvious that you have a hatred , nay, a RAGE, over Ms. Patrick's success (love to have been there when Sarah Fisher Q'd first time eh?) in what you assume to be a boys game. Confess A.W. ... you are a misogynist ... you hate women.

I have read each and every word that you have written on this forum and other than your passionate, almost salivating, prose in anticipation for the Daytona 500 of 2/2/08 ... every article has been negative. Some, such as your Danica tirades, are over the top in displaying your disdain for the subject. There is a meanness in you A.W. ... a real meanness. I wasn't borderline disrespectful A.W., I was absolutely red ass disrespectful. Go back and read your articles on Ms. Patrick and let me know if you find any respect for her there. You have attacked her. Who will stand in her defense ? Unashamedly, I will.

Meanness has replaced art in American culture but such is the nature of our great nation today. We now find ourselves witnessing the resurgence of the Democratic Party today in the same manner as the GOP reclaimed prominence 10 years ago ... both parties mired in the swamp of self loathing, mud slinging and embarrassment ... ( thank you Lee Atwater ... I hope you died painfully! ) and so it infects our society from the top down. Who can we look up to A.W. ? From the Oval Office to the film room in Gillette Stadium from the cells in Abu Ghraib to the dugout at Pac-Bell Park from the levees of Katrina to the stands Cameron Field House and on and on ad nauseam ... ( search "girl fight" on YouTube ) ... this nation is in a Guantanamo frame of mind and it's shameful ... and it's unpatriotic ... Joseph Goebbels was the master of patriotism and he approves that message ...

Continue on A.W., continue on. Expose us to the rest of the sports loving world how we treat our heroes here in the good ol' United States of Rome, bring forth our revered gladiators, turn lose the hounds ... how dare they succeed in the face of the Lions ( now there's a team you could work your magic on! ) knowing that they face death at the hands of the scribes in the end ! Show the world A.W. show 'em what we're made of ... show 'em the new American brand of meanness !

And don't reproach me for my brand of patriotism A.W. ... I humped a M-60 Light Squad Weapon and 45 pounds of 7.62 for over 3 years '71-'75 ... yeah, I was a One One Bravo when I wasn't driving the donut truck ... and I humped in all over this continent ... tundra, mountains, jungles and desert ... anywhere the 4th Infantry division or the 193rd Infantry Brigade went for 4 years, I went. While you were out sailing I was either humpin', freezing, sweating or sleeping in mud and I volunteered to do that. I have had a ground level view of the biggest department of government in the world ... I know how it works and it's a microcosm of this nation, it's mean now. Patriotism is subjective and this new narrow view prevails for now. What would Ike say?

One can see by your Bio that you are a man of virtual Letters and, by your prose, aspiring to be the last angry young man. Your bio is like a resume and hints at your insecurities. I pale in comparison as mine reads just "a homer". You may find that the virtual classroom is insufficient to claim Poet Laureate even in this humble internet gazette. Perhaps insecurities are at the core of your disdain for Ms. Patrick. How is it that a 5'2", 100 lb girl who's only claim to fame is driving in excess of 225 miles per hour ... and looking good while doing it ... intimidates you so? There is something missing in your soul A.W., something tragically missing. Perhaps all of those years at sea, trapped with hundreds, nay, thousands of men, and only men, turned you into a hater of women. A misogynist you are A.W. and one can only assume that Danica Patrick's success makes you feel less of a man.

In closing ... which I am loath to do ... I hope that you don't find my opinion and rebuttal neither as trite, moronic nor juvenile as my previous posts. It's not meant to be. It is only meant to defend a young woman who had a dream ... and lived it.

Sincerely ... take that,

L.J. Burgess

p.s. good luck in virtual Organizational Psychology and try not to volunteer as a subject for any class projects. ;-)

Barry Bonds in Mo-Town!

Nick Fera — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:42:26 -0700

Let me start by saying that the Tigers are not finished. Despite their dismal 16-23 record (last place in the AL Central), I believe their talent will get them through this funk. However, their pitching is unreliable (especially their bullpen) and being second in the league in runs allowed is not something to smile about. Their starting rotation, however, has proven aces like Justin Verlander and Kenny Rogers, and it's logical to assume they'll get back to their old ways.

Offensively in the AL, Detroit ranks in the top five in batting average and runs scored...not too shabby. Although statistically the Tigers lineup is effective, it's hard to believe their offense hasn't carried them to the top. While guys like Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen have been swinging the bat well, Detroit's power-hitters, Gary Sheffield and Miguel Cabrera, have a combined .238 average with only 8 homers.

So where and how does Bonds fit in? Well, the Tigers recently released left fielder Jacque Jones. Due to the transaction, manager Jim Leyland shifted Sheffield from DH to left field and Marcus Thames from bench to DH. Thames is not nearly as effective as Bonds, plus he's a righty. Detroit needs to add another lefty bat to complement Curtis Granderson and switch-hitting Carlos Guillen. If the Tigers make the move and get Bonds, then presumably he and Sheffield will split DH and left field duties. Off the field, Leyland is still close friends with Barry and although GM Dave Dombrowski has denied interest in Bonds...well, you get the picture. The Tigers need to sign Bonds. What about the distractions and baggage? According to Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com, Gary Sheffield is hip to the idea of bringing in Barry. And personally, I think the Bonds media distraction is just the kick in the ass Detroit needs. They have the second highest payroll in the majors, and for a struggling team that sure isn't living up to the hype (nor the $139 million), the expense of Barry is hardly a major investment.

Barry Bonds in Mo-Town!

Nick Fera — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:40:29 -0700

Googling Bleacher Report, Danica Patrick, The Indy 500 And Misogyny

L. J. Burgess — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:39:57 -0700

I never clicked on Bleacher Report before even though it's always top right on my Google News page. I assume it's there because I subscribe to every sports page on the internet except Bleacher Report. Well, you got me, you finally got me. I finally spied a compelling headline one night, clicked, and the article that I found by Analyst Charlie Turner on Kyle Busch was so good that I joined immediately so that I could leave a positive comment on his profile. While rummaging around Bleacher Report I found more great writers expounding on a broad range of sports and the writing was … fascinating. I even loved the Hockey stories although I usually wait until the finals to get into the Playoffs and oddly enough some writers even sneak some insightful politics in their sports columns here, very cool. I read and read and read and wherever I went I left a trail of comments behind, both pro and con, always polite, sometimes trite, always on content and never on quality … evidently there are editors for that.

It was content that did me in. I’m a guy and I like girls, I like ‘em a lot and I like ‘em when they drive fast. I cruised Danica Patrick stories and found one right off the bat that was so mean that I was offended. I went to the "scribe's" profile and read ALL of the "scribe's" articles, 7 out of 8 articles filled with so much misanthropic vitriol that I just had to comment and just like any internet forum I got a comment back, which is natural. But this comment was sooo arrogant and condescending … AND then the "scribe" threw the “Military Veteran” card into the fray, then he tossed in some big, pretentious eloquence and then ... Psychology. Hey, I've been married, twice, I don't require any more analysis. Well, I just had to fire back … with BOTH barrels. Was it childish … Yes … was it passionate ? Hell Yes, and I liked it. I think that’s what public forums are all about, laying your passions out on the table with no fear, without worrying about posting bail like a drunk Oriole fan in a Bronx bar ... it took three of 'em by the way.

Perhaps our repartee on the Bleacher Report is a microcosm of how sports, passion and idol worship can play out over that system of tubes they call the internet and make even grownups act like children. It may be a story unto itself.

The "scribe" in question has challenged me to write my own story. Well, this is it. Perhaps it won't get published but it was still a good way to vent and venting is what the internet is all about ... and porn, the internet is mostly about porn, and THEN venting ... unless it's an election year. After THAT it's about porn.

Let the war begin …

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19862-Danica-Patrick-Trophy-Girl-Or-Trophy-Wife--260408

L.J. : She did it ! She did it ! She's a race car driver ... and you're NOT !

A.W. : Such eloquence in your rejoinder, L.J. By the way, will you be writing an articles, soon?

A.W. : Hey, L.J....sorry to hear that you disagreed with my Danica Patrick assessment. I encourage you to write a rebuttal, so that I may see your inferences and have a chance to infer a rejoinder, or two of my own.

L.J. : Hey A.W., hated the Danica Patrick article, load o' Crapola! (perhaps you can delve into your Danica "issues" in class this semester)

A.W. : That's fine, L.J. You are entitled to your opinion. It's a free country. I should know...I helped to keep it that way for 21 years.

L.J. : Why would you throw the "Veteran's card" into this debate on Danica Patrick's qualifications as a race car driver ... why ?

A.W. : I didn't throw the Vet's Card on the debate, L.J.; I threw it in there, because you are borderline disrespectful in your mannerisms and your comments and I thought I would appeal to your sense of patriotism on one of Dr. Skinner's more basic foundational levels. But, I see that has prompted confusion for you, so I guess I'll just let this dog go back to sleep.

L.J.: No, no, wake that dawg up Popeye ! Ask and ye shall receive.

RE: Dr. Skinner ... a manipulative postulator that one.

Confused ? I am not confused. There is nothing confusing about a veteran using his service and the shroud of "patriotism" in an attempt to establish a superior, holier than thou position in the opening round of debate on a public forum about ... a race car driver ? As you were ... if you were ... a Navy man I can perceive your feelings of "inferioritas" while engaging in debate but you needn't prop yourself with flag poles and yardarms sailor. You've shown your flag now ... what else can you drag out ? Careful ... I might be holdin' back a pair of aces !

One must expect to be chastised when one publishes a scathing article deriding a public figure such as Ms. Patrick, a figure who has worked like a dog since the age of 5 to attain the pinnacle of her profession ... just as every man that she competes against has. By denigrating Ms. Patrick, now in TWO articles, you denigrate the IRL in totality. It's obvious you are a NASCAR fan ... so be it ... and you obviously have some interest in the Indy 500 if not the IRL and it's MORE than obvious that you have a hatred , nay, a RAGE, over Ms. Patrick's success (love to have been there when Sarah Fisher Q'd first time eh?) in what you assume to be a boys game. Confess A.W. ... you are a misogynist ... you hate women.

I have read each and every word that you have written on this forum and other than your passionate, almost salivating, prose in anticipation for the Daytona 500 of 2/2/08 ... every article has been negative. Some, such as your Danica tirades, are over the top in displaying your disdain for the subject. There is a meanness in you A.W. ... a real meanness. I wasn't borderline disrespectful A.W., I was absolutely red ass disrespectful. Go back and read your articles on Ms. Patrick and let me know if you find any respect for her there. You have attacked her. Who will stand in her defense ? Unashamedly, I will.

Meanness has replaced art in American culture but such is the nature of our great nation today. We now find ourselves witnessing the resurgence of the Democratic Party today in the same manner as the GOP reclaimed prominence 10 years ago ... both parties mired in the swamp of self loathing, mud slinging and embarrassment ... ( thank you Lee Atwater ... I hope you died painfully! ) and so it infects our society from the top down. Who can we look up to A.W. ? From the Oval Office to the film room in Gillette Stadium from the cells in Abu Ghraib to the dugout at Pac-Bell Park from the levees of Katrina to the stands Cameron Field House and on and on ad nauseam ... ( search "girl fight" on YouTube ) ... this nation is in a Guantanamo frame of mind and it's shameful ... and it's unpatriotic ... Joseph Goebbels was the master of patriotism and he approves that message ...

Continue on A.W., continue on. Expose us to the rest of the sports loving world how we treat our heroes here in the good ol' United States of Rome, bring forth our revered gladiators, turn lose the hounds ... how dare they succeed in the face of the Lions ( now there's a team you could work your magic on! ) knowing that they face death at the hands of the scribes in the end ! Show the world A.W. show 'em what we're made of ... show 'em the new American brand of meanness !

And don't reproach me for my brand of patriotism A.W. ... I humped a M-60 Light Squad Weapon and 45 pounds of 7.62 for over 3 years '71-'75 ... yeah, I was a One One Bravo when I wasn't driving the donut truck ... and I humped in all over this continent ... tundra, mountains, jungles and desert ... anywhere the 4th Infantry division or the 193rd Infantry Brigade went for 4 years, I went. While you were out sailing I was either humpin', freezing, sweating or sleeping in mud and I volunteered to do that. I have had a ground level view of the biggest department of government in the world ... I know how it works and it's a microcosm of this nation, it's mean now. Patriotism is subjective and this new narrow view prevails for now. What would Ike say?

One can see by your Bio that you are a man of virtual Letters and, by your prose, aspiring to be the last angry young man. Your bio is like a resume and hints at your insecurities. I pale in comparison as mine reads just "a homer". You may find that the virtual classroom is insufficient to claim Poet Laureate even in this humble internet gazette. Perhaps insecurities are at the core of your disdain for Ms. Patrick. How is it that a 5'2", 100 lb girl who's only claim to fame is driving in excess of 225 miles per hour ... and looking good while doing it ... intimidates you so? There is something missing in your soul A.W., something tragically missing. Perhaps all of those years at sea, trapped with hundreds, nay, thousands of men, and only men, turned you into a hater of women. A misogynist you are A.W. and one can only assume that Danica Patrick's success makes you feel less of a man.

In closing ... which I am loath to do ... I hope that you don't find my opinion and rebuttal neither as trite, moronic nor juvenile as my previous posts. It's not meant to be. It is only meant to defend a young woman who had a dream ... and lived it.

Sincerely ... take that Mutha Fucka, (ed: substitute Swabby if you're using the blue pencil on profanity ;)

L.J. Burgess

p.s. good luck in virtual Organizational Psychology and try not to volunteer as a subject for any class projects. ;-)

Jose "Right Back" at Chelsea

Rajesh Chitnis — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:28:50 -0700

RB -- Bosingwa,Belletti,Ferreira,Essien,Ivanovic

CB -- Carvalho,Terry,Alex,Ivanovic,

LB -- Cole,Ferreira

Let me know what u think

Am I being to imaginative

Or is this how things seem to be working out ?

Finding The Bleacher Report, The Indy 500, Misogyny and Watching Danica's Back

L. J. Burgess — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:26:33 -0700

I never clicked on Bleacher Report before even though it's always top right on my Google News page. I assume it's there because I subscribe to every sports page on the internet except Bleacher Report. Well, you got me, you finally got me. I finally spied a compelling headline one night, clicked, and the article that I found by Analyst Charlie Turner on Kyle Busch was so good that I joined immediately so that I could leave a positive comment on his profile. While rummaging around Bleacher Report I found more great writers expounding on a broad range of sports and the writing was … fascinating. I even loved the Hockey stories although I usually wait until the finals to get into the Playoffs and oddly enough some writers even sneak some insightful politics in their sports columns here, very cool. I read and read and read and wherever I went I left a trail of comments behind, both pro and con, always polite, sometimes trite, always on content and never on quality … evidently there are editors for that.

It was content that did me in. I’m a guy and I like girls, I like ‘em a lot and I like ‘em when they drive fast. I cruised Danica Patrick stories and found one right off the bat that was so mean that I was offended. I went to the "scribe's" profile and read ALL of the "scribe's" articles, 7 out of 8 articles filled with so much misanthropic vitriol that I just had to comment and just like any internet forum I got a comment back, which is natural. But this comment was sooo arrogant and condescending … AND then the "scribe" threw the “Military Veteran” card into the fray, then he tossed in some big, pretentious eloquence and then ... Psychology. Hey, I've been married, twice, I don't require any more analysis. Well, I just had to fire back … with BOTH barrels. Was it childish ? … Yes … was it passionate ? Hell Yes, and I liked it. I think that’s what public forums are all about, laying your passions out on the table with no fear, without worrying about posting bail like a drunk Oriole fan in a Bronx bar ... it took three of 'em by the way.

Perhaps our repartee on the Bleacher Report is a microcosm of how sports, passion and idol worship can play out over that system of tubes they call the internet and make even grownups act like children. It may be a story unto itself.

The "scribe" in question has challenged me to write my own story. Well, this is it ... here's MY throw down. Perhaps it won't get published but it was still a good way to vent and venting is what the internet is all about ... and porn, the internet is mostly about porn, and THEN venting ... unless it's an election year. After THAT it's about porn.

Let the war begin …

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19862-Danica-Patrick-Trophy-Girl-Or-Trophy-Wife--260408

L.J. : She did it ! She did it ! She's a race car driver ... and you're NOT !

A.W. : Such eloquence in your rejoinder, L.J. By the way, will you be writing an articles, soon?

A.W. : Hey, L.J....sorry to hear that you disagreed with my Danica Patrick assessment. I encourage you to write a rebuttal, so that I may see your inferences and have a chance to infer a rejoinder, or two of my own.

L.J. : Hey A.W., hated the Danica Patrick article, load o' Crapola! (perhaps you can delve into your Danica "issues" in class this semester)

A.W. : That's fine, L.J. You are entitled to your opinion. It's a free country. I should know...I helped to keep it that way for 21 years.

L.J. : Why would you throw the "Veteran's card" into this debate on Danica Patrick's qualifications as a race car driver ... why ?

A.W. : I didn't throw the Vet's Card on the debate, L.J.; I threw it in there, because you are borderline disrespectful in your mannerisms and your comments and I thought I would appeal to your sense of patriotism on one of Dr. Skinner's more basic foundational levels. But, I see that has prompted confusion for you, so I guess I'll just let this dog go back to sleep.

L.J.: No, no, wake that dawg up! Ask and ye shall receive.

RE: Dr. Skinner ... a manipulative postulator that one.

Confused ? I am not confused. There is nothing confusing about a veteran using his service and the shroud of "patriotism" in an attempt to establish a superior, holier than thou position in the opening round of debate on a public forum about ... a race car driver ? As you were ... if you were ... a Navy man I can perceive your feelings of "inferioritas" while engaging in debate but you needn't prop yourself with flag poles and yardarms sailor. You've shown your flag now ... what else can you drag out ? Careful ... I might be holdin' back a pair of aces !

One must expect to be chastised when one publishes a scathing article deriding a public figure such as Ms. Patrick, a figure who has worked like a dog since the age of 5 to attain the pinnacle of her profession ... just as every man that she competes against has. By denigrating Ms. Patrick, now in TWO articles, you denigrate the IRL in totality. It's obvious you are a NASCAR fan ... so be it ... and you obviously have some interest in the Indy 500 if not the IRL and it's MORE than obvious that you have a hatred , nay, a RAGE, over Ms. Patrick's success (love to have been there when Sarah Fisher Q'd first time eh?) in what you assume to be a boys game. Confess A.W. ... you are a misogynist ... you hate women.

I have read each and every word that you have written on this forum and other than your passionate, almost salivating, prose in anticipation for the Daytona 500 of 2/2/08 ... every article has been negative. Some, such as your Danica tirades, are over the top in displaying your disdain for the subject. There is a meanness in you A.W. ... a real meanness. I wasn't borderline disrespectful A.W., I was absolutely red ass disrespectful. Go back and read your articles on Ms. Patrick and let me know if you find any respect for her there. You have attacked her. Who will stand in her defense ? Unashamedly, I will.

Meanness has replaced art in American culture but such is the nature of our great nation today. We now find ourselves witnessing the resurgence of the Democratic Party today in the same manner as the GOP reclaimed prominence 10 years ago ... both parties mired in the swamp of self loathing, mud slinging and embarrassment ... ( thank you Lee Atwater ... I hope you died painfully! ) and so it infects our society from the top down. Who can we look up to A.W. ? From the Oval Office to the film room in Gillette Stadium from the cells in Abu Ghraib to the dugout at Pac-Bell Park from the levees of Katrina to the stands Cameron Field House and on and on ad nauseam ... ( search "girl fight" on YouTube ) ... this nation is in a Guantanamo frame of mind and it's shameful ... and it's unpatriotic ... Joseph Goebbels was the master of patriotism and he approves that message ...

Continue on A.W., continue on. Expose us to the rest of the sports loving world how we treat our heroes here in the good ol' United States of Rome, bring forth our revered gladiators, turn lose the hounds ... how dare they succeed in the face of the Lions ( now there's a team you could work your magic on! ) knowing that they face death at the hands of the scribes in the end ! Show the world A.W. show 'em what we're made of ... show 'em the new American brand of meanness !

And don't reproach me for my brand of patriotism A.W. ... I humped a M-60 Light Squad Weapon and 45 pounds of 7.62 for over 3 years '71-'75 ... yeah, I was a One One Bravo when I wasn't driving the donut truck ... and I humped in all over this continent ... tundra, mountains, jungles and desert ... anywhere the 4th Infantry division or the 193rd Infantry Brigade went for 4 years, I went. While you were out sailing I was either humpin', freezing, sweating or sleeping in mud and I volunteered to do that. I have had a ground level view of the biggest department of government in the world ... I know how it works and it's a microcosm of this nation, it's mean now. Patriotism is subjective and this new narrow view prevails for now. What would Ike say?

One can see by your Bio that you are a man of virtual Letters and, by your prose, aspiring to be the last angry young man. Your bio is like a resume and hints at your insecurities. I pale in comparison as mine reads just "a homer". You may find that the virtual classroom is insufficient to claim Poet Laureate even in this humble internet gazette. Perhaps insecurities are at the core of your disdain for Ms. Patrick. How is it that a 5'2", 100 lb girl who's only claim to fame is driving in excess of 225 miles per hour ... and looking good while doing it ... intimidates you so? There is something missing in your soul A.W., something tragically missing. Perhaps all of those years at sea, trapped with hundreds, nay, thousands of men, and only men, turned you into a hater of women. A misogynist you are A.W. and one can only assume that Danica Patrick's success makes you feel less of a man.

In closing ... which I am loath to do ... I hope that you don't find my opinion and rebuttal neither as trite, moronic nor juvenile as my previous posts. It's not meant to be. It is only meant to defend a young woman who had a dream ... and lived it.

Sincerely ... take that,

L.J. Burgess

p.s. good luck in virtual Organizational Psychology and try not to volunteer as a subject for any class projects. ;-)

Jose "Right Back" at Chelsea

Rajesh Chitnis — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:25:27 -0700

RB -- Bosingwa,Belletti,Ferreira,Essien,Ivanovic

CB -- Carvalho,Terry,Alex,Ivanovic,

LB -- Cole,Ferreira

Let me know what u think

Am I being to imaginative

Or is this how things seem to be working out ?

Finding The Bleacher Report, The Indy 500, Misogyny and Watching Danica's Back

L. J. Burgess — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:24:36 -0700

I never clicked on Bleacher Report before even though it's always top right on my Google News page. I assume it's there because I subscribe to every sports page on the internet except Bleacher Report. Well, you got me, you finally got me. I finally spied a compelling headline one night, clicked, and the article that I found by Analyst Charlie Turner on Kyle Busch was so good that I joined immediately so that I could leave a positive comment on his profile. While rummaging around Bleacher Report I found more great writers expounding on a broad range of sports and the writing was … fascinating. I even loved the Hockey stories although I usually wait until the finals to get into the Playoffs and oddly enough some writers even sneak some insightful politics in their sports columns here, very cool. I read and read and read and wherever I went I left a trail of comments behind, both pro and con, always polite, sometimes trite, always on content and never on quality … evidently there are editors for that.

It was content that did me in. I’m a guy and I like girls, I like ‘em a lot and I like ‘em when they drive fast. I cruised Danica Patrick stories and found one right off the bat that was so mean that I was offended. I went to the "scribe's" profile and read ALL of the "scribe's" articles, 7 out of 8 articles filled with so much misanthropic vitriol that I just had to comment and just like any internet forum I got a comment back, which is natural. But this comment was sooo arrogant and condescending … AND then the "scribe" threw the “Military Veteran” card into the fray, then he tossed in some big, pretentious eloquence and then ... Psychology. Hey, I've been married, twice, I don't require any more analysis. Well, I just had to fire back … with BOTH barrels. Was it childish ? … Yes … was it passionate ? Hell Yes, and I liked it. I think that’s what public forums are all about, laying your passions out on the table with no fear, without worrying about posting bail like a drunk Oriole fan in a Bronx bar ... it took three of 'em by the way.

Perhaps our repartee on the Bleacher Report is a microcosm of how sports, passion and idol worship can play out over that system of tubes they call the internet and make even grownups act like children. It may be a story unto itself.

The "scribe" in question has challenged me to write my own story. Well, this is it ... here's MY throw down. Perhaps it won't get published but it was still a good way to vent and venting is what the internet is all about ... and porn, the internet is mostly about porn, and THEN venting ... unless it's an election year. After THAT it's about porn.

Let the war begin …

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19862-Danica-Patrick-Trophy-Girl-Or-Trophy-Wife--260408

L.J. : She did it ! She did it ! She's a race car driver ... and you're NOT !

A.W. : Such eloquence in your rejoinder, L.J. By the way, will you be writing an articles, soon?

A.W. : Hey, L.J....sorry to hear that you disagreed with my Danica Patrick assessment. I encourage you to write a rebuttal, so that I may see your inferences and have a chance to infer a rejoinder, or two of my own.

L.J. : Hey A.W., hated the Danica Patrick article, load o' Crapola! (perhaps you can delve into your Danica "issues" in class this semester)

A.W. : That's fine, L.J. You are entitled to your opinion. It's a free country. I should know...I helped to keep it that way for 21 years.

L.J. : Why would you throw the "Veteran's card" into this debate on Danica Patrick's qualifications as a race car driver ... why ?

A.W. : I didn't throw the Vet's Card on the debate, L.J.; I threw it in there, because you are borderline disrespectful in your mannerisms and your comments and I thought I would appeal to your sense of patriotism on one of Dr. Skinner's more basic foundational levels. But, I see that has prompted confusion for you, so I guess I'll just let this dog go back to sleep.

L.J.: No, no, wake that dawg up! Ask and ye shall receive.

RE: Dr. Skinner ... a manipulative postulator that one.

Confused ? I am not confused. There is nothing confusing about a veteran using his service and the shroud of "patriotism" in an attempt to establish a superior, holier than thou position in the opening round of debate on a public forum about ... a race car driver ? As you were ... if you were ... a Navy man I can perceive your feelings of "inferioritas" while engaging in debate but you needn't prop yourself with flag poles and yardarms sailor. You've shown your flag now ... what else can you drag out ? Careful ... I might be holdin' back a pair of aces !

One must expect to be chastised when one publishes a scathing article deriding a public figure such as Ms. Patrick, a figure who has worked like a dog since the age of 5 to attain the pinnacle of her profession ... just as every man that she competes against has. By denigrating Ms. Patrick, now in TWO articles, you denigrate the IRL in totality. It's obvious you are a NASCAR fan ... so be it ... and you obviously have some interest in the Indy 500 if not the IRL and it's MORE than obvious that you have a hatred , nay, a RAGE, over Ms. Patrick's success (love to have been there when Sarah Fisher Q'd first time eh?) in what you assume to be a boys game. Confess A.W. ... you are a misogynist ... you hate women.

I have read each and every word that you have written on this forum and other than your passionate, almost salivating, prose in anticipation for the Daytona 500 of 2/2/08 ... every article has been negative. Some, such as your Danica tirades, are over the top in displaying your disdain for the subject. There is a meanness in you A.W. ... a real meanness. I wasn't borderline disrespectful A.W., I was absolutely red ass disrespectful. Go back and read your articles on Ms. Patrick and let me know if you find any respect for her there. You have attacked her. Who will stand in her defense ? Unashamedly, I will.

Meanness has replaced art in American culture but such is the nature of our great nation today. We now find ourselves witnessing the resurgence of the Democratic Party today in the same manner as the GOP reclaimed prominence 10 years ago ... both parties mired in the swamp of self loathing, mud slinging and embarrassment ... ( thank you Lee Atwater ... I hope you died painfully! ) and so it infects our society from the top down. Who can we look up to A.W. ? From the Oval Office to the film room in Gillette Stadium from the cells in Abu Ghraib to the dugout at Pac-Bell Park from the levees of Katrina to the stands Cameron Field House and on and on ad nauseam ... ( search "girl fight" on YouTube ) ... this nation is in a Guantanamo frame of mind and it's shameful ... and it's unpatriotic ... Joseph Goebbels was the master of patriotism and he approves that message ...

Continue on A.W., continue on. Expose us to the rest of the sports loving world how we treat our heroes here in the good ol' United States of Rome, bring forth our revered gladiators, turn lose the hounds ... how dare they succeed in the face of the Lions ( now there's a team you could work your magic on! ) knowing that they face death at the hands of the scribes in the end ! Show the world A.W. show 'em what we're made of ... show 'em the new American brand of meanness !

And don't reproach me for my brand of patriotism A.W. ... I humped a M-60 Light Squad Weapon and 45 pounds of 7.62 for over 3 years '71-'75 ... yeah, I was a One One Bravo when I wasn't driving the donut truck ... and I humped in all over this continent ... tundra, mountains, jungles and desert ... anywhere the 4th Infantry division or the 193rd Infantry Brigade went for 4 years, I went. While you were out sailing I was either humpin', freezing, sweating or sleeping in mud and I volunteered to do that. I have had a ground level view of the biggest department of government in the world ... I know how it works and it's a microcosm of this nation, it's mean now. Patriotism is subjective and this new narrow view prevails for now. What would Ike say?

One can see by your Bio that you are a man of virtual Letters and, by your prose, aspiring to be the last angry young man. Your bio is like a resume and hints at your insecurities. I pale in comparison as mine reads just "a homer". You may find that the virtual classroom is insufficient to claim Poet Laureate even in this humble internet gazette. Perhaps insecurities are at the core of your disdain for Ms. Patrick. How is it that a 5'2", 100 lb girl who's only claim to fame is driving in excess of 225 miles per hour ... and looking good while doing it ... intimidates you so? There is something missing in your soul A.W., something tragically missing. Perhaps all of those years at sea, trapped with hundreds, nay, thousands of men, and only men, turned you into a hater of women. A misogynist you are A.W. and one can only assume that Danica Patrick's success makes you feel less of a man.

In closing ... which I am loath to do ... I hope that you don't find my opinion and rebuttal neither as trite, moronic nor juvenile as my previous posts. It's not meant to be. It is only meant to defend a young woman who had a dream ... and lived it.

Sincerely ... take that Mutha Fucka, (ed: substitute Swabby if you're blue penciling profanity ;)

L.J. Burgess

p.s. good luck in virtual Organizational Psychology and try not to volunteer as a subject for any class projects. ;-)

Jose "Right Back" at Chelsea

Rajesh Chitnis — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:21:38 -0700

The main argument going around is that Belletti or Ferreira will now be heading out as Chelsea now have 3 RB's (4 if you consider Essien and 5 as Boulahroz is on loan at Sevilla).I have a different way of looking at Bosingwa's signing.It may sound a bit too imaginative but it was the first thought that came to my mind.

I feel that Wayne Bridge has asked for a transfer this summer.Although I do not want him 2 go away but I do understand his decision.He is probably the second-best left-back in England after Ashely Cole and does not want to play second fiddle anymore.So his move will generate cash (hopefully atleast 15 million) and will make Bosingwa's move seem not so bad financially ( and after all what do we have Roman for ).Ferreira will act as cover for Ashley Cole in the LB position (for those who don't know, Ferreira plays LB in Portugal team).Bosingwa will be first-choice RB with Belletti as cover.Ben Haim will surely leave.Ivanovic will take his place and along with Alex be support for Terry and Carvalho.Also Ivanovic can play anywhere in the back four.So my point is that Chelsea now have a really flexible and strong back four even if Bridgo goes ( I hope he doesn't )

RB -- Bosingwa,Belletti,Ferreira,Essien,Ivanovic

CB -- Carvalho,Terry,Alex,Ivanovic,

LB -- Cole,Ferreira

Let me know what u think

Am i being too imaginative or is this how things seem to be ?

Oakland Athletics Take the Slow Road to the AL West Lead

Landis Marks — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:55:41 -0700

The Oakland Athletics are proving the genius that is Billy Beane. Beane’s team built on the cheap is leading the AL West by playing smart percentage baseball.

The A’s will not beat themselves.

The A’s are 21st in the majors in batting average. The A’s are 28th in home runs. Yet the A’s are in the top ten in runs scored.

So how are the A’s scoring while not hitting for average or for power? It’s simple.

The A’s are walking their way around the bases. They may only be batting .254 as a team, but they have an OBP of .340.

The Beane Law of a minimum of a walk per 10 ABs has instilled plate discipline in a team that is near the bottom of the MLB salary heap.

The A’s work the pitchers and give up few easy outs, something that teams like the Kansas City Royals need to learn. Small market teams that can’t afford to bid for the services of the prolific long ballers have to learn to build by instilling plate discipline in their young hitters and free agent castoff players.

The A’s will be even better when the newly re-acquired Frank Thomas gets his eye and swing back.

Flyers vs Penguins: Flyers Fall To Penguins Third Period Goals in Game 3

Ken Armer — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:52:23 -0700

With the Philadelphia Flyers entering game three, they've found themselves in much of the same situation as the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference. The Flyers took the Ice at Wachovia Center to a sell-out crowd decked out in orange, and what a sight it was for the viewers on T.V. The Flyers faithful were passion filled and were more than ready to see their hometown boys beat their in state rivals.

The first period would fly wide open for the Penguins almost from the get-go as at 3:33, Derian Hatcher of the Flyers took a hooking call which would then allow the Penguins to score a power play goal on a Ryan Whitney snapshot at 5:03. The Penguins would maintain momentum and score again from a Marian Hossa snapshot at 7:41 giving the Penguins a 2-0 lead. At 8:03, Tyler Kennedy of the Penguins took a two-minute minor for delay of game when the puck went over the glass but the Flyers would be unable to capitalize on their opportunity. At 8:30, The Flyers would find themselves shorthanded thanks to a Danny Briere hooking penalty. Not long after, at 8:55, the Penguins Marian Hossa would find himself in the box for hooking. The Flyers would cut the Penguins lead in half at 10:59 on a wrist shot goal by R.J. Umberger. Ryan Malone would close out the penalties for the Penguins in both the period and the game at 11:50 for hooking. At the end of one, the Flyers would be in a close contest with the Penguins. It would take a lot more shots and a lot less mistakes to prevent a 3-0 Pittsburgh series lead.

The only action as far as statistics would go in the second period would be a Scottie Upshall, tripping penalty on the Flyers forward at 7:40. Neither team would score in the period and by the end of the period, the Penguins had almost two times as many shots on goal as the Flyers had. For the Flyers to pull out a win, they need to improve in the offensive zone and put more pucks on net.

The third period began with hopes of promise for a win for the home town team. These dreams would begin to fall apart at 9:58, on a Ryan Malone backhand goal, to put the Penguins up 3-1. The Flyers would continue to try to climb back in the game, but the amazing goaltending of Marc-Andre Fleury would protect his teams lead. Finally at 19:06, the city of brotherly love’s heart broke in unison as Marian Hossa netted his second goal of the game - on a wrist shot - on an empty net opportunity. This led the Penguins to a 4-1 victory and giving them a 3-0 stranglehold on the series.

Game four is in Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center on Thursday, May 15^th at 7:30 Eastern Time. The Flyers must win or they will be eliminated from the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images via the Philadelphia Flyers website

Flyers Vs Penguins: Flyers Fall To Penguins Third Period Goals in Game 3

Ken Armer — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:50:20 -0700

Game four is in Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center on Thursday, May 15^th at 7:30 Eastern Time. The Flyers must win or they will be eliminated from the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images via the Philadelphia Flyers website

Arsenal : New Signing Imminent

Shyam Parthasarathi — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:48:48 -0700

Arsenal Insider has just published some very interesting information about a possible new signing within a few days. The website (arsenalinsider.co.uk) has it on good authority that it will be a Manchester City player who will be signed soon.

When asked about Alex Hleb's situation at Arsenal in an Arsenal Supporters Trust Meeting at the Emirates Stadium on the 12th of May, Ken Friar, MD of Arsenal replied:

"Alexander Hleb has two years remaining on his contract and the Club wishes to retain his services. Arsene Wenger is solely responsible for setting the salary level and he decides who comes in or leaves the Club. Arsene Wenger has a proven track record of turning jewels into diamonds and making unknown players into superstars. He has never been denied any request, and the Board supported him wholeheartedly, indeed only this evening I took a call from Arsene Wenger about the finalising of a transfer, so fans have to be patient as Arsene Wenger is in full control and confident of strengthening the squad to his specifications."

This comes as no surprise as it is well documented that Arsene Wenger wants to finish his close season transfers within two or three weeks (Before the start of Euro 2008). He did say after the Sunderland game:

“I know what I want and I am very confident, I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. But the fans should be re-assured by what they see."

Will it be Micah Richards, Richard Dunne or Michael Johnson? Your guess is as good as mine. It should be a player from the English Premier League as the manager has also said that he would prefer somebody with some experience in the Premier League.

So, I guess we can now start debating as to who the player might be. But, the smarter choice would to just be patient, as Ken Friar said, and wait to see if a surprise is just waiting to happen.

Watch this space...

Thank You to Arsenal Insider for this exclusive information.

Penguins vs. Flyers: Flyers Fall To Surging Penguins in Game 3

Ken Armer — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:46:19 -0700

Game four is in Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center on Thursday, May 15^th at 7:30 Eastern Time. The Flyers must win or they will be eliminated from the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images via the Philadelphia Flyers website

Avalanche Of Change Part I: Coach

Mike Bogacz — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:40:28 -0700

Aside from being an enforcer, being a head coach has the least amount of job security. The avalanche corrected an error that should have not been made in July of 2004. The avs and Joel Quenneville parted ways. After the dreadful ASS KICKING of epic proportions by the Western Conference Champion Redwings, I had the intentions of writing a blog about the changes the Avs need to make in the offseason, by the title, this is the coaches segment. Quenneville was good in St Louis, he benched bossed the blues to the president’s trophy in 2000, which lead to a bow out to the sharks in a 7 game 1^st round series. And the next year the Blues where, for all purposes, blown out by the eventual Stanley cup champs Colorado avalanche, the post season has not been nice to Quenneville ever. Nor has the 2^nd round been nice to the avalanche since the 2004 playoffs. Quenneville is a good coach, but his inability to stick with lines and the same goaltender hurts his team. The avs had lost over 300 man games this season and Quenneville hot potato-ness with the lines hurt the avs chances of developing team chemistry, which (aside from no powerplay quarterback) KILLED the avs PP, in my eyes.

Who to replace Quenneville? Patrick Roy? Pat Burns? Barry Melrose?

I say the avs should reach out to the Tampa Bay Lighting. The lighting will be under new owners soon, and they appear, to be willing to let John Tortorella walk. Avalanche GM Francois Giguere made it public he would love for his team to have a wide open, skating team on the ice next season. Tortorella seems to fit that bill the best. By the way, Barry Melrose will NOT coach in the NHL any time soon, that’s from a rumor a few weeks back that the Lighting would interview Melrose and his mullet to be the next Tampa bay bench boss.

The avs have won 2 cups with coaches that had no prior NHL coaching on their resumes, Marc Crawford and Bob Hartley. Both coaches were not shy with their sailor mouths they would tear into players if they sneezed at the wrong time. This is a reason why I don’t like Patrick Roy as a coach. Roy has A LOT of passion and he will not be shy when it comes to verbal ass kicking’s on both his players and the refs, hell I’m sure Roy would jump the boards and to get in a fight, as was proof with his son a few months back in the brawl that got both Roy and his son suspended. Hartley was a decent coach, but his chewing out of players, more so young players hurts the team, proof young players such as Alex Tanguay, Vaclav Nedorost and Radim Vrbata all seemed to have their confidence crushed by Bobby Hartless. Keep in mind that Nedorost is a HUGE stiff and was a BEYOND over rated prospect (thanks to a Denver magazine putting Nedorost on the cover) Roy will also be good at drawing fans out to Chopper Circle and putting asses in the seats of Pepsi Center, hey the “blast from the past” didn’t work with Forsberg and to a lesser extent Adam Foote, WHY would it work with St. Patrick?

Another name is Pat Burns. Burns is a good coach but he plays a defensive trap and I doubt that’s the type of team that the avs will want to be, nor will the trap help the avs even contend with the redwings I feel, you need speed and an open style of play to even contend with the wings. (It was a Pat Burns Devils coached team that beat Mike Babcock’s mighty ducks in the 2003 Stanley cup finals) And again, the powerplay has been horrible since Rob Blake went back to the kings, this is another issue that the avs NEED to deal with during Free Agency, I don’t think Burns will help. Another prospect should be just fired from the sharks Ron Wilson. Wilson is in the same boat as Quenneville, a good coach but has unproven post season success. A long possibility is having Tony Granato return as head coach, Granato does have the highest winning percentage among the 4 avalanche bench bosses but, in my perspective, the type of player Tony was, he seems to be more a buddy to the players than a coach, plus he was schooled in the 2003 playoffs, by Wild coach Jacques Lemaire. Granato will be head coach again in the NHL, I doubt it will be for the Avalanche, but, I would be shocked if he’s not an assistant next season

Obviously John Totorella has post season success, having coached the Lighting to the 2004 Stanley cup, many will point out Tortorellas recent failures with the Lighting, I blame POOR management on the bolts down fall, you can’t put ALL your eggs in 3 baskets (brad Richards, St. Louis and Lecavalier) also the bolts have had horrible goaltending since they lost Khabibulin to the ‘Hawks. Even though Tortorella is still the lightings property, and YES Tortorealla ALSO rips into his players (such as Crawford, Hartley) I feel he should be the next coach of the Colorado Avalanche. He has, to me, the best tools to “restore” the Avalanche as a threat in the NHL.

Arsenal : New Signing Imminent

Shyam Parthasarathi — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:37:41 -0700

Arsenal : New Signing Imminent

When asked about Alex Hleb's situation at Arsenal in an Arsenal Supporters Trust Meeting at the Emirates Stadium on the 12th of May, Ken Friar, MD of Arsenal replied:

“I know what I want and I am very confident, I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. But the fans should be re-assured by what they see."

So, I guess we can now start debating as to who the player might be. But, the smarter choice would to just be patient, as Ken Friar said, and wait to see if a surprise is just waiting to happen.

Watch this space...

Thank You to Arsenal Insider for this exclusive information.

Shyam Parthasarathi gives some inside information about a possible Arsenal signing waiting to happen within the next few days..

BOO THAT MAN!: Why do Mets fans boo their players?

Joe Gallopini — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:36:00 -0700

So, I am a season ticket holder for the New York Mets. I haven't gone to too many games this season because I've been busy with work and school. But now the summer rolls around, and time frees up, allowing me to go to more games.

However, with the few games I have been to this season, I noticed something rather disturbing. Many of my fellow Mets fans have been booing not just the visiting team, but the METS. The team they came to root for and see win, they are booing. Guys like Carlos Delgado, or Carlos Beltran, or even Jose Reyes come to the plate and if they don't get on base, they boo. My question for them is this: Why? What do you think you are accomplishing by booing these players?

I understand that the Mets had an extremely disappointing end to their 2007 season last year. Trust me, it hurt a lot. I hated seeing the Mets go down the way they did last year. It upset me how bad that most of the guys did at the end of the season too. But to go into Shea and boo players on the Mets?

Now, I'm not all against booing the home team. If a pitcher comes in, and blows a lead, then yeah, when they walk off you boo. You're displaying your displeasure with their outing that day. But when a guy comes to bat in the bottom of the first inning, and you are booing him, then how is he supposed to get his confidence if he's been struggling. I guess fans who boo their home team somehow think that booing a player when they are doing bad will make the player say to himself, "Oh, maybe I should start playing better now because the fans are booing me." Trust me, they don't think that. In fact, it puts MORE pressure on them to hit well, and they think WAY too much about it. When you're in little league, they tell you not to think too much. Just go out there and do what you have to do. The more you think about it, the less chance of you getting it done.

Think about a kicker in football. It's the fourth quarter and his team is down 2 points. There are 3 seconds left on the clock, and they have the ball on their opponent's 30 yard line. That's a 47 yard field goal. The opposing team has a time out. The whole reason for "icing the kicker" is to make him think about the kick more and more. Give him that extra time to think, "Oh crap, I gotta make this kick or we'll lose. Oh man I better hit this. It's a long one but I did hit it in pre-game. Oh but there's so much pressure now." Now, the great kickers will go out there, and have a mind of stone. They won't let anything take their focus off making that field goal. The other kickers, well, they'll miss the field goal and lose their jobs.

In baseball, the more a guy thinks, "Oh man the team needs me to get through here" the harder it'll be for them. Guys who are slumping are already going after pitches they usually don't want. They see a pitch and think it's a fat one, but really is going to cut in on them at the last second, and miss the sweet spot of the bat. This is WITHOUT the fans booing him. Now, add in the extra pressure of New York fans booing you more than ever. Calling you a bum and that you make too much money to have a .240 batting average. You get tense and forget the little things in your swing that a year or two ago helped you get 35 home runs and 120 rbi with a .290 batting average.

Then fans come out with the whole, "I pay for tickets so I have a right to boo whoever I want whenever I want." These are the same fans who when a guy isn't hitting, they want him shipped out to another team, and when he starts hitting, they think it was a great idea to sign them. These people make me sick. As a Met fan, I can tell you the deals I'm happy with and upset with. Some may shock you, some may not, but that's for another time.

Hamilton's 2nd Place In Turkey His Best Race Ever?

Santiago Medina — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:22:31 -0700

I found very interesting to read that Lewis Hamilton rated this 2nd place in sunday's Turkish grand prix, his best grand prix performance on his whole career.

Usually drivers would categorize a best performance with a win, so it is interesting to hear this opinion from Hamilton.

There are a couple point to draw from this. One is the strategy McLaren had to choose due to the recommendations from tire company Bridgeston. On Friday practice, the temperatures recorded by Hamilton's tires were higher than normal and Bridgeston expressed their concern with the longebity of the tires on Hamilton's car over a long stint. McLaren chose, with this rationale, to go for a 3 stop strategy for Hamilton's car.

I have not had a chance to do a serious research on this, but 3 stop strategies have always been very tricky to pull off. Latest memory I have is Michael Schumacher winning a couple of races with this strategy, this with the help of master race strategist Ross Brown. Other than Schumy I don't recall the success of this strategy in the last 10 years of F1. It is safe to say that many drivers have fallen victims to this strategy as well. An all out aggressive attitude with an impeccable consistency are needed to really rip the benefits of starting with a lower fuel load. Hamilton's start was superb and definitely ensured he could execute the 3 stopper with success. I am glad to hear that Lewis considers this his best performance. A great race is not always about winning and it is fair to celebrate an excellent result achieved in a difficult circumstance.

The second point I want to draw from Hamilton's result is the gap closing performance we are seeing between McLaren and Ferrari. In the last couple of races we saw a faster Ferrari almost toying with the competition. In the Turkish grand prix the story was a bit different. We saw the red team having to step up their pace to make sure the McLaren would not take the laurels. I am not sure how much to the limit Felipe Massa had to drive to keep the 3 to 4 second gap to Hamilton, although he said in the interview after the race, he was pushed a lot by the McLaren. Ferraris were so much faster through the speed trap and also much better through the twisty 3rd sector than McLaren and the rest. This leads me to believe that Ferraris could have gone a bit faster yet. All in all, the performances from the top teams and midfield are getting even closer and it should make for a very interesting rest of championship.

Royals Report: Guillen Leads KC to 3-2 Victory over Detroit

Bill Robbins — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:08:17 -0700

It would be an understatement to say that Royals left-fielder Jose Guillen has struggled this season. Coming into the Royals series opener against Detroit on Tuesday night, Guillen had a .207 average with 32 Ks, and a measly .597 OPS to start the young campaign. Many say that he is a career slow starter and will eventually hit his stride.

Maybe he has already found it. Guillen went 2-4 with two ringing doubles and two RBIs in the Royals 3-2 clipping of the Tigers.

Detroit got off on the right foot in the first inning as Carlos Guillen doubled in Placido Polanco to make it 1-0 in favor of the Tigers. In the very next inning, rookie Matt Joyce took Zack Greinke deep and suddenly it was 2-0 Tigers. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Royals had two on with two outs and Jose Guillen striding to the dish. Guillen pounded Nate s 1-1 offering off the left-center field wall to tie up the score at 2. The game stayed deadlocked at 2 until disaster struck the Tigers in the bottom of the eighth.

Mark Teahen sent a grounder up the middle and Edgar Renteria made a great play to get to the ball. However, Renteria proceeded to blindly toss the ball to Polanco for the force, and ended up missing his target by a wide margin. As the ball rolled toward the pitcher's mound, Esteban German came in to score what would be the game-winning run.

Joakim Soria came in for the final inning and shut down the Tigers for his 9th save on the young season.

Why the Ducks couldnt repeat

Andrew Horvath — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:39:10 -0700

The Ducks could not repeat this year even with bolstered talent and even more rough play. Undisciplined penalties killed the Ducks against the up and coming stars. It seemed like every minute the refs arm was up and a frustrated Duck was skating towards the sin bin. Another reason for the Ducks unfortunes was the departure of Andy MacDonald. The near playoff MVP of last years Stanley cup season Andy was traded for Doug Weight. The entire team lost an asset. Selanne lost his right hand man. The return of Selanne and Niedermayer was a too little to late deal. And giggy was no where near his best. Plus without Bryzgalov, the uncertainty remained in the back of everyone's heads. Leading goal scorer Corey Perry was gone for a major portion of the playoffs which proved costly. But the lack of discipline and failure to kill penalties let the stars go Duck hunting.

Post spring Top 25: Dawgs and Trojans top rankings

Justin Hokanson — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:35:59 -0700

Taking a look at the post spring top 25, I refuse to put Ohio State back at number one. As talented as the Buckeyes are, when you lose two straight championship games and get dominated in the process, I just can't justify giving you the number one ranking again.

The Dawgs look like a loaded team, but has a tough schedule to navigate through. Is this the year Richt puts it all together?

USC is also looking dominant again, with Sanchez at QB and Joe McKnight looking to make you forget about Reggie Bush.

Here's how my post spring rankings shake out.

1. Georgia- Great backfield of Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno, athletes all over the field, especially in the secondary. Biggest hurdle facing the Dawgs is the brutal schedule with road games at Auburn, at LSU, and at Arizona State, not to mention Tennessee and Florida along the way. The Dawgs will face 9 bowl teams from last year. If they navigate that schedule they will no doubt be in the championship game. Even a loss with that schedule should put them in there considering what conference they play in.

2. USC- Mark Sanchez takes over the reigns at QB and should have plenty of receivers to throw to and Reggie Bush clone Joe McKnight looks like the next Trojan superstar. Everson Griffin leads a talented defense as well.

3. Ohio State- The Buckeyes might be the most talented team in the nation with 18 returning starters, but when you get embarrassed two years in a row in the BCS title game, you have to earn it this time. A September 13th trip to play mighty USC is exactly how you send a message early in the season.

4. Oklahoma- The Sooners return maybe the best OL in the nation led by Duke Robinson, and with Sam Bradford and their stable of running backs to lead the offense, look for the Sooners to be an explosive team again in '08.

5. Florida- Returning Heisman winner Tim Tebow doesn't hurt, and adding USC transfer RB Emmanuel Moody should help the run game and take pressure off of Tebow. Watch out for Chris Rainey, a Percy Harvin type player, the Gators should be tough to stop. Defense should be much improved as well.

6. Missouri- Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin return to lead a high powered Tiger team that also brings back 10 starters on defense. They also catch a break since they don't play Oklahoma or Texas Tech this year.

7. Clemson- Cullen Harper, James Davis, CJ Spiller, and Aaron Kelly all return to what should be an exciting Clemson offense. They need to replace some starters on defense but they have recruited well. Opener against Alabama in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will set the tone. Lose that one and watch out.

8. Texas- Biggest offseason addition wasn't any player, it was bringing in defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn. This exciting young coach should energize a average defense and make the Longhorns a Big 12 title contender again. Having Colt McCoy doesn't hurt, need to find a replacement for Jamal Charles though.

9. Auburn- The Tigers are bringing in a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Paul Rhoads from Pitt on the defensive side and spread guru Tony Franklin from Troy on the offensive side. Normally that would be a problem but Tuberville has a way of keeping things consistent. They return what might be the best OL in the SEC, a good stable of running backs like always, and have a great home schedule with LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia all coming to Jordan Hare. Tough road games at West Virginia and Alabama.

10. LSU- Even without Ryan Perrilloux, the Bayou Tigers are loaded with talent, especially on both lines. All the quarterback needs to do is manage the game, because it will be tough as always to score on LSU and they have plenty of offensive weapons to win games. Better catch the new quarterback early.

11. Texas Tech- This should be Mike Leach's best team. Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree back on offense is a deadly duo, and Leach should have his best defense he's ever had with the help of some JUCO kids on defense.

12. West Virginia- Rich Rodriguez, gone. Steve Slaton, gone. Darius Reynaud, gone. Owen Schmitt, gone. New coach Bill Stewart will have his hands full replacing those guys, but with Pat White and Noel Devine in your backfield anything is possible. Defense will take some hits, but should be good enough to navigate the Big East.

13. Tennessee- The Vols are bringing in a new offensive coordinator to replace departed David Cutcliffe. Jonathan Crompton looks to take over the reigns at QB and has the ability to win, they have a solid backs, solid receivers, and maybe the best safety duo in the nation in Eric Berry and Demetrice Morley.

14. Arizona State- Dennis Erickson looks to build on his 10-3 record of last year and prove it wasn't a fluke. Returning Rudy Carpenter helps, so does ramping up the defense.

15. BYU- The Cougars return QB Max Hall and have a good offense again. They shouldn't have a lot of trouble with the Mountain West either.

16. Illinois- Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn look to lead this Illini team to another great season. Losing Mendenhall and J Leman will definitely hurt, but Zook's recruiting should start to show more this year.

17. Virginia Tech- The Hokies always find a way to be good and this year shouldn't be an exception. They will have to decide what to do at QB with Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor, but both are talented. Losing Brandon Ore will hurt though. Need to replace some studs on defense.

18. Wisconsin- The Badgers are still looking for a QB to replace Stocco, but they always seem to come up with a solid one. The backs will be good with PJ Hill and Zach Brown. Travis Beckum is coming back and is the best tight end in the nation.

19. Kansas- Todd Reesing looks to show that the Jayhawks are here to stay in '08, but he'll have to do it without some key players from last year including Aquib Talib and Marcus Henry. They also face a tough schedule with road games at South Florida and Oklahoma.

20. Pittsburgh- Will the Panthers ever get over the hump and win the Big East? They will have a solid defense this year with the leading tackler in the nation from last year at linebacker. They also return running back Lesean McCoy who they will need to be big time.

21. Oregon- Replacing Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart won't be easy, but Justin Roper went a long way to making Duck fans feel better about the QB position in the bowl game, and Jeremiah Johnson and sleeper back Legarrette Blount should be more than adequate to make the Ducks successful.

22. Fresno State- The Bulldogs are bringing back 10 starters on offense and will always play that tough aggressive style of play on defense. Also face a tough non-conference schedule...but what's new there.

23. South Florida- Matt Grothe returns as the Bulls QB and he should have a more experience team this time around. Losing Mike Jenkins will hurt at corner, but defensive end sack artist George Selvie will lead the defense.

24. Alabama- This may be a surprise pick, but the Tide should be a team that gets better as the season goes on. They return QB John Parker Wilson, if he stays consistent with his play the new offense should be fine. They have a good stable of backs led by Terry Grant and Glen Coffee. Watch out for some true freshman to come in and get early playing time on both sides of the ball and make an immediate impact.

25. Cincinnati- The Bearcats lose Ben Mauk, but they still have Dustin Grutza who was the starting QB a few years ago and has experience. Defense should continue to be solid under Brian Kelly.