Random Thoughts from Around the Sports World

While downing a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios (with banana) on a Sunday morning, here are some Random Thoughts from Around the Sports World...

Duke is definitely back to being Duke thanks to Nolan Smith at point guard and much greater depth. But I can’t help but think their lack of low post scoring will hurt them down the line. Let’s see how they do when they visit Wake Forest on Wednesday.

Life is good for Matt Cassel. He’ll either be a $14 million backup or he’ll be traded to a team that needs a starter and he gets a long-term deal for his troubles. What recession?

Does anyone really care about the World Baseball Classic? Didn’t think so.

I’m not sure what makes me dislike Notre Dame Football more. Lou Holtz pimping it every week on ESPN from late August through bowl season or the movie Rudy.

With the Daytona 500 three weeks away, this is sure to be a trying year for NASCAR given the state of the economy and the difficulty some teams have had in securing sponsorship.

If the training montage in Rocky IV doesn’t make you want to get in shape, then get back in the buffet line. Although the reconciliation scene between Rocky and Adrian is beyond awkward. “I missed you.” “I missed you.” “I’m with you no matter what.” “No matter what?” “ No matter what.” Moving on…

Hey, who do you like in Snoozer Bowl XLIII? Oh yeah, never mind. Although I suppose we should be thankful that The Big Game doesn’t involve anyone named Manning or Favre (much to the dismay of certain announcers).

So the Lakers are (again) the chic pick to win the NBA title, eh? At the end of the day, playoff basketball boils down to getting stops. And with a defense that is only 16th in points per game scored, I’m not buying the Lake Show yet. Wake me when Radmanovic and Vujacic can play a lick of defense.

Did anyone happen to read John Calipari’s lips when he was “conversing” with Tyreke Evans during a timeout at the end of Memphis’ game with Tennessee? Yeah, really nice. I’m not naïve enough to think he’s the only coach that speaks like that to a player, though. Still doesn’t make it right.

If an “off year” was losing the No. 1 ranking, losing two grand slam finals, and winning the U.S. Open, put me down for a rebound year for Roger Federer. Starting with the trophy ceremony in Melbourne. Pete’s record falls in 2009.

Valentine’s Day comes 10 days early for college football coaches as they wait for the fax machine to spit out those signed “I Love Yous”—also known as Letters of Intent—from high school kids. Feb 4 is around the corner.

Who thinks the Tiger suck-ups have already prepared their “Superman has returned” monologues for his first event back? He guys, he’s not the first “athlete” (I use that word very loosely on golfers) to have knee surgery and he won’t be the last. If anyone should be happy, it’s the other tour members because Tiger puts huge coin in their wallets.

If college basketball was the stock market, right now I’d sell North Carolina and UCLA. The Tar Heels think “D” is only the fourth letter in the alphabet and the Bruins couldn’t score on me, my friends Joel and Terry and two scrubs from my gym. Don’t bet on a fourth straight Final Four for UCLA.

Speaking of my gym, am I the only waiting for all the New Year’s Resolutioners to realize they’re not going to drop the weight and quit so that I can get a locker again? Didn’t think so.

I’m psyched for Feb 8...The Pro Bowl, baby! (Press “play” on laugh track).

I just finished reading “Boys Will Be Boys” by Jeff Pearlman. One word: Wow! It spills all the dirt on the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s. This is a must read for all NFL fans.

Is anyone else relishing the fact that Scott Boras (ugh!) owes Manny Ramirez and Jason Varitek an enormous apology for misreading the market with regards to their contract demands.

The Red Sox clearly need Varitek for his ability to call a game, handle that pitching staff, and play great defense. But given the decline of his hitting abilities, he’ll have to play at their price and not his.

As for Ramirez, what goes around comes around. I have zero sympathy for the next bird-brained GM that decides to let Manny be Manny on his team.

Speaking of what goes around comes around, let me present Mark McGwire and the 2009 Hall of Fame voting.

What/who is in for the harder year in 2009? The economy or Roger Clemens? Hey Rog, didn’t you know throwing high and tight at Congress doesn’t work? Oops.

And lastly, whether you think Lance Armstrong dominated The Tour on the up-and-up or not, you have to be rooting for the guy this July because of the total disdain the French media has for him. Another Armstrong win and those French writers will look like Fred Flintstone when he got mad: red face and hair flips. Go Lance!

Rest in Peace, Kay Yow.