Short Interview with Dan Plesac

Daniel Plesac was a pitcher with an 18 year career from 1986 to 2003. He played for the Blue Jays, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Phillies, and Diamondbacks. Today, Plesac works as a news telecaster for Comcast Sportsnet Chicago, co-hosting as a highlighter for Chicago Cubs and pre and postgame shows.

Q1: Who was your idol and why?

A1: Cal Ripken Jr. because he played a lot of games and every one of them.

Q2: Is this the year for the Cubs?

A2: Yes! It is by far the best team in 100 years.

Q3: What was it like playing in Wrigley Field?

A4: It is the neatest place to play. I only didn't like it as a pitcher is when the wind blew.

Q5: What is your most memorable moment?

A5: Pitching in the 1987 All Star Game.

This post is dedicated and in honor of my biggest fan Amy E. Thank you for a great day at Wrigley. Sorry about the Cubs.

Colllege Football Weekend Recap

As the highly anticipated college football season begins I was happy until my favorite team, Michigan, goes for a two point conversion down by twoo and it was, NO GOOD. This was a little weekend of upsets and a weekend for the two seed to be upset. The upsets include: #9 Clemson, #17 VT, and #25 Pitt.

The number two seed Ohio State did destroy Youngstown State 43-0 but their junior, running back sensation, Chris "Beanie" Wells took a hand off at about the three yard line, dropped the hand off and slipped on his foot in the third quarter. His feet slipped underneath him as he planted to make a cut, with the ball rolling free as he hit the turf. Before the injury, Wells ran for 111 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown run. OSU's Heisman Hopeful has yet found out when his return is but the team wouldn't need him against Ohio opposed to how important he is against #3 USC on the 13 of September where they are playing to keep their National Championship bid alive.

I was pretty impressed mostly with the highly overrated Georgia. They are worthy of a top 5 seed but not 1. Matthew Stafford looked wonderful and in eight carries, my Heisman selection, Knowshon Moreno, scored three TD's, a career high. For the first time in three years the number one seed on the AP Poll did not fall on week one.

Other news from around the league is that Coach Joe Paterno who started his 43 season at Penn State yesterday, tied Bobby Bowden for most coaching wins at 373. Also Appalachian State couldn't pull off another upset in Baton Rouge against the defending champions, LSU.

Look out for Mark Sanchez, USC (coming of popping his knee cap on August 8th and played sensational yesterday), Charles Scott, LSU, and Shun White, Navy, who ran for 348 yards in 19 carries with three touchdowns. White averaged 18.3 yards per carry and his longest touchdown was 87 yards.

E-mail your comments at kingofsportsblog@aim.com.

Interivew with Jennie Finch

Jennie Finch is an American softball player who pitched for the USA softball team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, and is also pitching for USA softball in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Although she is listed on the roster as a pitcher, Finch sometimes plays first base. She is widely regarded as the most famous softball player of all time.

Q:Who was your idol?

A: Orel Hershiser


Q: What is your most memorable baseball moment?

A: Representing my country in the Olympics.


Q: How long will you continue to play?

A: Who knows Lord willing... hopefully a while!

Q: When did you start playing baseball?

A: 5 yrs old

Q: What would you say to a young athlete about becoming great?

A: Practice hard and have fun!

Q: How did you get started in professional softball?

A: They contacted me about playing... it was a dream come true!

Q: What are the keys to success?

A: Dedication, practice, hard work, competitiveness!

Q: Who was your best opponent?

A: Japan

Now That's A Comeback

Bottom of the eighth inning after the Philadelphia Phillies pulled Cole Hamels who threw a gem. Ryan Madson came in and Mike Fontenot hit a pinch-hit home run and the score is 4-2. Then Alfonso Soriano doubled and then before you know it Chad Durbin's in and Aramis Ramirez is at the plate with the bases loaded. Shane Victirino didn't even move. Ramirez destroyed the ball 389 feet. Aramis now has 99 RBI's and is an NL MVP candidate. Like I said yesterday, the fans at Wrigley won't give up until they win.

Cubs could give the KO to the Phils this series with the momentum they have. I get to see the Cubbies on Sunday.

As October Approaches Soon, Who's In and Who's Out

I made my predictions on the site before the season had began and now I will redo then as we come to the end.

American League

American League East: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are only 3.5 games out with a lot of games to still be played and I think last night's win will carry to winning the division.

American League Central: Minnesota Twins

The Twins have an easier schedule as they come down the home stretch and will edge out the White Sox.

American League West: Anaheim Angels

It isn't even close in this division and it wasn't since May.

American League Wild Card: Tampa Bay Rays

With a narrow and lucky finish, unlike the '07 Mets, they choke and become the wild card team.

National League

National League East: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phils are a half game out and are going to sneak out with the division again.

National League Central: Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have really had a remarkable season and I think the players and fans courage with a mix of Lou Piniella the Cubs could go all the way.

National League West: Arizona Diamondbacks

At first I predicted them to struggle and Andruw Jones to hit 40 and I was way off. The Dodgers have lost 6 in a row and have knocked them selves out of the playoffs.

National League Wild Card: Milwaukee Brewers

This is a remarkable wild card team. CC Sabathia was a great pick up and this team is good enough to face the other wild card team in the World Series.

Playoffs (match ups are due to change)

Division Series

Angels vs Rays

3 2

The Rays put a hell of a run together but K-Rod is to good and if it is one to nothing in the eighth and he comes in it is over.

Red Sox vs Twins

3-0

The Twins got lucky that Detroit wasn't that good and that CC was traded but they got lucky in making it to the playoffs and they go home losing 3-0.

Phillies vs Brewers

1-3

Prince jacks a couple and they are on their way.

Cubs vs Diamondbacks

3-1

Due to a snowstorm in Chicago the series is canceled and is played in the clubhouse as a Rock-Paper-Scissors NLDS. Webb's fastrock wins them one and that all. Just Kidding! Cubs destroy but lose one because of mistakes in the bullpen.

Championship Series

Red Sox vs Angels

3-4

In the closest series of all-time Anaheim wins 4-3. In the 15th inning of game 7 a guy named Chone Figgins rips a triple and then Vlad with to out hits a base hit up the middle and it's over.

Cubs vs Brewers

4-2

The BrewCrew showed their youth to much and lost to the Cubbies.

World Series

Cubs vs Angels

Result: Cubs 4, Angels 3

The Hundred Year streak is OVER! Can you believe it?!?! Fans crowd the field like the old days, tears in the players eyes, and the city, WOW!

AL MVP: Carlos Quentin

NL MVP: Chase Utley

AL Cy Young: Cliff Lee

NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb

AL ROTY: Evan Longoria

NL ROTY: Geovanny Soto

AL Manager of the Year: Joe Madden

NL Manager of the Year: Lou Piniella

The Supreme Team

I couldn’t watch the Dream Team but I feel like I am by watching the Redeem or maybe even the Supreme Team. They played Australia this morning at 8:00 AM ET and wrecked them. The largest lead of the game was 32 and they won 116-85. USA came out strong in the second half with a 14-0 run which was cut by a Patrick Mills three (who scored 20)and were only up one in the first quarter. The team knows that they can’t expect a first half knockout because they have to wear teams out. Three three pointers changed the momentum of this game. To end the first half as the USA was up 9 Deron Williams hit a buzzer beater three then in the second half Kobe and then Melo hit three pointers to make it suddenly an 18 point game. USA now meets the winner of Argentina/Greece. Argentina has played well could they possibly give them a fight? As the US team gets closer to gold listen to the luck they have, Kobe’s birthday would be the day before the finals and Michael Redd’s birthday is on the finals. In the victory Kobe and Lebron combined for 39 points and 15 boards as LJ had a double-double.

The United States dominated them in every statistic. Australia was out rebounded 58-27 and every other stat. Literally! As the gold comes closer for us watch them play on Friday for the chance to get to the Finals.

Get Ready For The Open, The Seeds Are In

Rafael Nadal and Ana Ivanovic, both ranked world number one, have been named as the top seeds for the US Open which begins at Flushing Meadows on Monday. It is the first time that Spaniard Nadal, who replaced Roger Federer at the top of the men's rankings on Monday, has been the top seed at a grand-slam tournament even though Nadal could have always been the better player.

Federer, who has won the US Open in each of the past four years, is seeded second, the first time he has not been the top seed in a grand slam since the Australian Open of 2004.Novak Djokovic, champion of the Australian Open and runner-up to Federer last year, and David Ferrer four. Roddick was seeded eighth and James Blake, who beat Federer at Beijing, was ninth.

On the womens side Jelena Jankovic at number two. Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia is seeded three, ahead of Serena Williams. Olympic champion Elena Dementieva is seeded fifth, with French Open and Olympic Games runner-up Dinara Safina sixth and Wimbledon champion Venus Williams at seven. The last two U.S. Open women's champions are out of the upcoming tournament -Justine Henin retired and Maria Sharapova is injured.

How Do You Like That?

After leading the Bears to the Super Bowl XLII, Rex Grossman is no longer the quarterback of that team. Kyle Orton is the new QB in the Windy City. Out of Purdue, Orton is 25 and he played weeks 15-17 for the Bears last year and appeared in 2005. Orton won the competition without directing the offense to a touchdown or completing a pass of more than 17 yards. His five preseason possessions resulted in two field goals and three punts. Orton really deserved his chance after in his last year at Purdue he had 31 TD's and 5 interceptions. Lovie Smith finally had to put him out there over Grossman at the season opener against San Fransisco at home.

Here's the big question Bears fans are thinking about: How will the Bears do this year?

and Devin Hester the release of Benson the Bears could be contenders. The division is up for grabs. The Lions can play well but don't count on it. Green Bay with Grant and possibly Rodger's could win 10 or more but the threat is Minnesota. Even with With the addition of Matt Forte the good running back from Tulane and Kevin Jones from the Lions along with re-signing guys like Brian UrlacherTavaris Jackson's injury (he might be back Saturday and if not they have Gus Frerotte or John David Booty) they are fine because of one of the best running backs in the league, Adrian Peterson. Last year they almost made the wild card with a record of 8-8 but they'll got better.

Chicago Bears: 9-7 or at the most 11 wins and will make the playoffs.

Interview with Kristine Lilly

KRISTINE LILLY
Position: Forward
Height: 5‑4 (1.63 m)
Born: July 22, 1971, in New York, New York
Hometown: Wilton, Connecticut
College: University of North Carolina

U.S. National Team: The world’s all‑time appearance leader, she has stepped away from soccer to have a baby, due in July of 2008 ... She captained the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2005–2007 ... The only player in history to play in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments ... Not counting 2001 when the USA played 10 matches and 2005 when the USA played nine, Lilly played more than 1,200 minutes for the National Team every year since 1991 ... She appeared for the United States in three different decades ... She scored in every world championship tournament she has played, except the 1991 Women’s World Cup when she was 20 .

Q: What was it like playing on the wonderful 1996 team with Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy?
A: It was great playing with Julie and Mia. Not only did we have fun playing on the soccer field but it was even more fun hanging out off the field and being friends.

Q: What was it like winning the Herman Trophy?
A: The Herman Trophy was so long ago and it was an honor. It is nice to be recognized for your achievements but it isn’t what I shoot for.

Q:Who was your idol?
A: My idol growing up was my older brother.

Q: What is your most memorable soccer moment?
A: I have a lot of great memories. When I was little it was the oranges at half time and when I got older winning an Olympic gold medal and the world cup in ’99 was pretty special.

Q: How long will you continue to play?
A: I will continue to play for as long as I can. Probably another 2 years. We shall see.

Q: When did you start playing soccer?
A: I started soccer when I was 6 years old.

Q: What would you say to a young athlete about becoming great?
A: I think if you want to be great at something you have to keep practicing. You can’t stop trying to get better. being great isn’t just a one time thing you have to constantly work out it!

A: How did you get started in professional soccer?
Q: I made the national team when I was 16 years old. Then from there I grew up playing as soccer grew to be more and more popular. The women’s pro league started in ’01 and then ended in ’03 and now it is coming back in ’09 so it is great that the opportunity will be there for many young girls.

Q: What are the keys to success?
A: Working hard and dedicating yourself to something and having fun.

Q: Who was your best opponent?
A: Pretty much all the countries were great opponents. You can’t take anyone lightly.

Q: What was your most memorable goal?
A: I think my first goal on the national team was pretty memorable.

I'm Back and Phelps Could Have Won the Olympics...ALONE!

Look who's back! I am! Hopefully you enjoy the first article of the summer.

Phelps! 8! It sounds impossible. Michael Phelps has won more gold medals then anyone. 51.68. This number describes how long it took Phelps to set 7 world records and got 66 million people to tune into NBC on Thursday to see the 100-meter butterfly by one-hundredth of a second. Phelps could have possibly single-handedly saved the Beijing Olympics and many more to come.

Perhaps this legend who is become just as important as the President to come deserves to be covered in ticker-tape cruising down Manhattan because he is a HERO!

Bye, Bye, Mark Spitz someone else is taking up the spots in the record books.

Farewell

Today is a very sad day in the history of The King of Sports Blog. Today I the author, Brad, will be taking a temporary break from the reporting of your favorite sports news. My break from the job will start today and I'll return in mid-August because of summer camp. Don't be surprised to maybe see a quick blurb written by my pop up on the blog. Since this blog has been launched some amazing sports stories have happened like Kansas defeating North Carolina and Memphis to win the National Championship and the amazing round of golf from Sergio Garcia at the Players Championship or Big Brown winning the Derby. I hope you have enjoyed The King of Sports Blog 2008. To be placed on the mailing list which makes you eligible to be the first to find out when the first new article comes out leave a comment with your initials and your email address. Thank you for your support and I hope you keep reading.

Mayo for Love: The Trade of the Future

OJ Mayo was disappointed when the Miami Heat selected Michael Beasley who Pat Riley disliked. Mayo was picked by the Timberwolves right after. Two picks after, big Kevin Love was picked my Memphis. Then it began.

Five hours after the draft the Midnight Mayo trade was accepted. The rights of Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Jason Collins, and Brian Cardinal were traded to the Minnesota for the rights of OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, and Greg Buckner. If Love is going to be great the T'Wolves got the better side because Mike Miller is decent and Jason Collins is above terrible.

Mayo was told by Minnesota assistant GM, Fred Hoilberg, that the 7 scouts were "blown away" by Mayo's skills. Why wouldn't they build around Mayo?

Twelve years ago, the Wolves drafted Connecticut star Ray Allen and traded him minutes later for Stephon Marbury. Two years ago, they took Brandon Roy and then sent him to Portland for Randy Foye and cash. They also traded Chalmers to Miami for two future second-round picks and cash. Clearly they don't learn from their mistakes.

The Latest NBA Trades

What a trade day?

First off Jermaine O'Neal of the Indiana Pacers was traded to the Toronto Raptors for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the 17th pick of the draft. Then later on in the day Richard Jefferson of the Nets was traded for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons but it isn't official yet.

I think now that the Pacers picked up a point guard and center they will take Roy Hibbert or Danilo Gallinari.

For draft coverage visit ESPN or ESPN360.com at 7 PM Eastern Time.

Is Jerry and Omar Next?

The New York Mockery Mets are PATHETIC. Last night Jerry Manuel and Carlos Beltran were ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the Mets second straight loss. On Monday, King Felix hit a grand slam, the first grand slam by an AL pitcher in 37 years. If you didn't know he is the pitcher. You might think I badmouth the Mets too much but they are really just terrible.

After firing Willie and some of his staff, Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya should be next. You can't possibly believe that Fred Wilpon, the owner, likes Omar because that is what Omar said about Willie and he fired his "friend".

Jerry Manuel in his Mets managerial career so far hasn't been great. They are below .500 and after last nights disaster to the worst-in-majors Mariners by the score of 11-0 making them one loss away from being swept means two things: Make more firings and you should have kept Willie.

Manuel may be the only manager the Mets got but there are managers on the market like John Gibbons and Phil Garner. Even if they are spending more money they need a third manager. They can't possibly think that Manuel can win another manager of the year in New York, right?

NBA Mock Draft

With the draft on Thursday here is my predictions for this years draft and possible trade and 2nd round superstars.

1. Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, Memphis

2. Miami Heat: Michael Beasley, Kansas State

3. Minnesota Timberwolves: OJ Mayo, USC

4. Seattle Supersonics: Jerryd Bayless, Arizona

5. Memphis Grizzlies: Kevin Love, UCLA

6. New York Knicks: Russell Westbrook, UCLA

7. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon, Indiana

8. Milwaukee Bucks: Joe Alexander, West Virginia

9. Charlotte Bobcats Brook Lopez, Stanford

10. New Jersey Nets: Danilo Gallinari, Italy

11. Indiana Pacers: DJ Augustin, Texas

12. Sacramento Kings: Roy Hibbert, Georgetown

13. Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Rush, Kansas

14. Golden State Warriors: Kosta Koufos, Ohio State

15. Phoenix Suns: Mario Chalmers, Kansas

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Anthony Randolph, LSU

17. Toronto Raptors: Nicholas Batum, France

18. Washington Wizards: Robin Lopez, Stanford

19. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darrell Arthur, Kansas

20. Denver Nuggets: Joey Dorsey, Memphis

21. New Jersey Nets: JaVale McGee, Nevada

22. Orlando Magic: Mareese Speights, Florida

23. Utah Jazz: , Jason Thompson, Rider

24. Seattle Supersonics: Serge Ibaka, Congo

25. Houston Rockets: Donte' Green, Syracuse

26. San Antonio Spurs: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis

27. New Orleans Hornets: Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky

28. Memphis Grizzlies: DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M

29. Detroit Pistons: Bill Walker, Kansas State

30. Boston Celtics: Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State

POSSIBLE TRADE
Dwayne Wade traded for the number 1 pick (Derrick Rose giving Miami the 1 and 2 pick). Wade grew up in Chicago, idolized Jordan, and went to Marquette. Rose also idolized MJ and wants his number in the Windy City but D-Wade is a better fit then Rose because you don't have to wait for him to develop. Rose and Beasley would also make Miami a championship contender with Shawn Marion on their side.

SECOND ROUND SUPERSTARS

Drew Neitzel, Michigan State, San Antonio Spurs, Pick 58
Neitzel has been one of my favorite college players and one of my favorite teams might pick him and have one of the best drafts. Neitzel brings so much intensity and leadership.

DeMarcus Nelson, Duke, Boston Celtics, Pick 60

Is He A Future Hall of Famer?

Every sports fan has asked this question, " Is He a Hall of Famer?" Especially me! In this article I will clarify what active MLB players are going to be traveling to Cooperstown.

Curt Schilling: 216-146, ERA 3.46
Curt is a borderline Hall of Famer like many others. After researching guys like Bert Blyleven had more wins then Curt and he didn't make the Hall of Fame. Curt is a great pitcher and is a good candidate for the HOF.

Greg Maddux: 350-219, 3.11 ERA
Just like any pitcher with 300 wins Greg is a lock to be in the Hall of Fame.

Ken Griffey Jr.: .289, 601 HR, 1733 RBI
After his impressive 600th home run Ken Griffey Jr. making him 6th on the all-time list and 8 behind Sammy Sosa. Technically Ken is in 4th if you eliminate the steroid users.

Randy Johnson: 288-155, 3.26 ERA
His 4867 strikeouts speak for themselves and go along well with that World Series ring.

Tom Glavine: 305-202, 3.53 ERA
Tom Glavine is one of the most imitating pitchers of all-time. Once again a man who wins 300 wins is automatically in.

John Smoltz: 210-147, 147 Saves, 3.26 ERA
Sadly Smoltz's career can be over but Smoltz will always be remembered. You know how? Because you will see his face in Cooperstown.

Trevor Hoffman: 539 Saves, 2.77 ERA
Some people say he is better than Mo and I disagree even though Hoffman has way more saves but that doesn't take him out of this list. Trevor is a mentor and the leader of most saves ever.

Mariano Rivera: 464 Saves, 2.29 ERA
There are reasons why Mo is my favorite closer. Mo is clutch and has so many rings. Mariano is definitely a Hall of Famer.

Alex Rodriguez: .307, 532 HR, 1544 RBI
An A-Bomb for A-Rod! He may not be my favorite player but he is America's.

Derek Jeter: .316, 199 HR, 965 RBI, 4 World Series Rings
DJ is my favorite player and I have to stick with him. No matter what SI says Derek Jeter is the best shortstop ever.

Manny Ramirez: .312, 505 HR, 1653 RBI

• 2004: American League Silver Slugger	• 2004: World Series Most Valuable Player
• 2005: American League Silver Slugger	• 2006: American League Silver Slugger

Those stats mixed with 2 rings makes a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Pedro Martinez: 211-94, 2.84 ERA
I know right now you guys are nodding your head but Pedro simply is a great pitcher and without injuries he would have 300. Pedro has won two Cy Young in the AL and one in the NL.

Frank Thomas: .302, 520 HR, 1701 RBI
Frank is such a great player and I always pick him up in video games but that doesn't matter. Frank would be so much closer to the Hall but he is a DH.

Jorge Posada: .278, 221 HR, 880 RBI
Hip, hip Jorge!!! Jorge is such a great leader and is such a great Yankee. He has won 4 rings and one more is coming if Joba and Hughes step up big.

Need more great years:

Ichiro Suzuki(34 years old): .331, 70 HR, 446 RBI
Ichiro's 2004 season sums up how great he is. He defeated George Sisler's single season hit record with 262. Suzuki needs to be traded to a winning team and win a ring and he will be booking a hotel in Cooperstown down the road.

Albert Pujols (only 28 years old: .332, 298 HR, 903 RBI
Albert has become injury prone and that may haunt him later on. Albert has at least 10 more years and is almost already at 300 with injuries.

Chase Utley (28 years old): .299, 119 HR, 451 RBI
Chase is not exactly Pujols but he is still a great player. He is having an MVP year and has a lot of time left.

Alfonso Soriano (32 years old): .282, 256 HR, 670 RBI
Alfonso along with Utley barely made my list. Alfonso has won 3 Silver Slugger's and I think one more is coming.

Carlos Zambrano (27 years old): 90-58, 3.39 ERA
Zambrano is one of my favorite pitchers and is so overpowering. Carlos is one of the best pitchers in the majors. He has many years left and will get 250+ wins.

Brandon Webb (29 years old): 76-59, 3,24 ERA
He won the Cy Young in '06 and is ready to win one now. Webb is on a good young team and will be the best player in all of baseball in a few years.

OVERRATED?!?!

This is really showing how dumb Major League Baseball players are. How is a four-time World Series champion, World Series MVP, eight-time All-Star and captain OVERRATED! In a Sports Illustrated survey of 495 Major League Baseball players in its June 23 issue, Jeter was voted the most overrated with 10% of the vote. Struggling Giants left hander Barry Zito was second at 9%, while Alex Rodriguez and Red Sox outfielder J.D Drew were tied for third with 7%. Mets third baseman David Wright and Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youklis tied for fourth at 4%. Jeter is one of the greatest players ever and is a lock to make the Hall of Fame but how is he overrated?

Last year Jeter was an MVP season hitting .322 with 12 homers and 72 RBI’s leading New York to the playoffs after going 94-68. Jeter is the captain of the best team in baseball and is also Captain Clutch.

Being named the most overrated player in baseball by some of his peers didn't stop Jeter from going 2-for-3 Thursday and scoring the decisive run in the Yankees' 2-1 win over the Padres, completing a three-game sweep and extending the Bombers' winning streak to seven.

When the Daily News informed Jeter of the survey results, he shunned it altogether.

"I don't want to hear about it," Jeter told The News. "I don't want to hear about it, I don't want to talk about it. All negative stuff I don't want to talk about.''

Jeter is an idol to many and is a great all-around person and player and this is insulting.

White Sox .vs. Cubs: The Windy City and Outrageous Manager Showdown

I never thought I would hear an ESPN reporter say this series can be a World Series preview. Two first place teams in the Windy City. The teams have a combined record of 86-59 and combined a wacko manager.

This is the most hyped up series of inter league play because its Lou against Mini Lou, Lou in Lu Pinella. Lou is by far the most hilarious and outrageous manager and across the city of Chicago theres a manager following in his footsteps coming to Wrigley, Ozzie Guillen. The two managers have big mouths, are obnoxious to the media, have won a combined 2 championships, 7 playoff appearances, and most interestingly 73 ejections.

People think the best record Cubs have been patient enough that a World Series is coming after a hundred years. I've seen a wonderful picture of a Cubs fan saying the greatest Cubs quote, " I don't have a 100 years."

Will the real baseball curse end in the great year of 2008?

The Beginnig or the End?

It's on! Fox Sports reports that Retief Goosen is accusing Tiger Woods of "faking" at the Open. Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion himself, seemed to accuse Woods of faking the extent of the injury when he winced in pain and limped around Torrey Pines on his way to a third U.S. Open title and 14th major championship."I think so," Goosen said Tuesday when asked if Woods was exaggerating the severity of the injury, according to a report from The London Times. "It just seemed that when he hit a bad shot his knee was in pain and on his good shots he wasn't in pain. You see when he made the putts and he went down on his knees and was shouting, 'Yeah,' his knee wasn't sore.

If Tiger was acting that he was in pain who cares? Tiger is a great player and this reminds me of when Jose Canseco told the world most of their heroes were on steroids. If he was acting what this Goosen think he can steal the trophy for lying? Two words can describe this: pathetic and jealousy. Any golfer would envy the worlds best player. This statement slightly put me on Goosen's side: "Nobody really knows if he was just showing off or if he was really injured. I believe if he was really injured, he would not have played."

Earlier, Woods announced that he would have season-ending reconstructive ACL surgery. The world's No. 1 golfer also revealed that he has a double stress fracture in his left tibia. Woods initially tore his ACL while running near his Orlando home following last summer's British Open. He found out about the stress fractures a month ago, as he was attempting to prepare for the Memorial Tournament. The stress fractures were caused by his rehabilitation from an arthroscopic procedure on the knee he underwent two days after The Masters.

Is this the beginning of a rivalry or an end of a career?

Who's Stoppin' Them Now

No other team will return as much talent as the Tar Heels. A number of other elite teams suffered through a defection or two or three. UNC did not. With the superstars returning how will anyone stop the Tar Heels. If you look closely all of the Final Four teams lost big time players: UCLA (Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook), Kansas (Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers), Memphis (Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts). If Carolina was a one seed this year how won’t they be next season with worse opponents?”

1. Injury

Ty Lawson hurt his ankle and he clearly wasn’t as great of a player. Like any great team you aren’t the same with hurt players.

NC got some good recruits like Tyler Zeller and Dexter Strickland. Unless there are surprise teams this year the Tar Heels are the overwhelming favorites not just to go to the Final Four, but to the Finals. Start printing the tickets for the 2009 Final Four in Detroit.

Interview with Sam Rosen

Sam Rosen (born April 4, 1948 in Ulm, Germany) is the primary play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers(NHL) games on MSG. From 1982–84, he was the studio host on Ranger broadcasts, but was promoted to play-by-play in 1984, succeeding Jim Gordon, who had been the Rangers' TV voice since 1973.

Q: How did you get started broadcasting for the Rangers?
A: In February of 1977 my predecessor as the Rangers TV play-by-play man, Jim Gordon, recommended me to fill in for him on a Knicks game on radio. Jim had been scheduled to fill in for Marv Albert. I did some more Knicks games that season and at the start of the following season. The people at MSG then asked me if I could do hockey. I said yes. They listened to a tape of mine and the rest, as they say, is history. After several years as the fill in on radio and TV, I signed my first full time contract with MSG in September of 1982. I was the Host for Rangers hockey and Knicks basketball while doing play-by-play on other sports such as Tennis, Boxing and College Basketball. I would still fill in for Marv Albert on Rangers games on radio. In September of 1984 I was given the Rangers TV play-by-play job and have been there ever since.

Q: When you started did you think it was possible for you to broadcast for 24 years in New York?
A: You never think of a time frame. I was just thrilled to be doing the play-by-play for one of the teams I followed and rooted for as a boy.

Q: Did you think you would go down as an all-time great?
A: The only thing I thought about was trying to do the best job I possibly could for every game. I love the sport and the team and the games and I always wanted to transmit that to the people watching at home.

Q: How much longer do Ranger fans have to wait for another cup?
A: I think the Rangers have the foundation for being a good team, a playoff team every year. It starts in goal with Henrik Lundquist, one of the better goalies in the league. They have some good young defensemen, but like most teams in the league, could always use more. They especially could use a physical defenseman as well as a quarterback on the power play. They have a good combination of veteran and young forwards, but have to make sure they have some goal-scorers on the wings. So, if they don't re-sign Jaromir Jagr, they have to sign a free agent who can score. With all that and a little luck, they can certainly be a cup contender over the next few years.

Q: Besides the Stanley Cup win what was your most memorable game to broadcast?
A: There have been so many memorable games down through the years, playoff wins, milestone games, overtimes and now shootouts have produced thrillers. But besides the game 7 win over Vancouver to clinch the Cup, the game 7 double OT win over the Devils in the Eastern Conference final has to be the most exciting and most memorable Rangers game, I've broadcast. Though the game is most remembered for Howie Rose's great call of "Matteau, Matteau, Matteau", I thought I had a pretty good call as well.

Q: What do the Rangers need to win a cup and who do they need to go after?
A: As I mentioned in my response to question 4, I think the Rangers have a pretty good nucleus. They have some good young players like Staal, Dubinsky and Callahan, with more on the way like Korpikoski, Anisimov, Cherepanov and Sanguinetti. They have some quality veteran players like Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. Depending on how much salary cap room they have, the Rangers will probably target players like, Marian Hossa, Brooks Orpik, Ryan Malone, and Mark Streit among others.

Q: Who was your favorite hockey player growing up and who is your favorite player now?
A: When I was very young my favorite Rangers were Andy Bathgate and Gump Worsley. They were followed by Rod Gilbert and Eddie Giacomin. But Mark Messier is my all time favorite Ranger for all he brought to the team and the organization as a player and a person. My current favorite is Henrik Lundquist. I think his great competitiveness and the way he has made the lifestyle transition from Sweden to New York is nothing short of amazing. He has established himself as one of the top goalies in the league in a span of 3 very successful years.

Q: Who did you look up to?
A: I have to start with my late father, who instilled in me a great work ethic and thedrive to be the best I could possibly be. In the announcing field I admired Mel Allen for his great work with the Yankees; Marty Glickman on Giants football and Marv Albert was and still is the best on basketball.

Q: What advice do you give to a Sam Rosen wannabe and next season do you do any classes for kids or adults who want to learn from the best?
A: The best advice I can give aspiring play by play announcers is to be versatile and knowledgeable in many sports. You never know when a great opportunity may present itself and you have to be ready and able to take it and be successful. Another piece of advice I would offer is to put maximum effort into preparation. You may not use all the information you bring to a broadcast, but you'll be ready for whatever happens.

Q: Is there anything the NHL can do to make the game more exciting?
A: I think the NHL game has been very exciting since the league
resumed play after the unfortunate lockout of 2005-06. The NHL has
formed a competition committee which meets a couple of times to discuss
ways to improve the game. The emphasis right now is on speed and skill
and I think that's great. Any changes in the near future will probably
deal with more scoring.

Free Willie

After sitting through a double header at Shea I heard all the booing I need. Willie Randolph has been criticized and is a couple of losses away from losing his job as the Mets manager. The Mets with wonderful talent have been below decent. The Mets are 6 and a half games behind the red hot Phillies and are 33-35. The Mets, who were projected by many to go to the World Series, might not make it to October. They are terrible on the road where I thought they would play well because they don't have Met fans screaming and hollering at them. They aren't getting any better. I said to my father that they need to get into a fight to fire their spirits but they can't because then they would have to go to 35 year olds who haven't gotten base hits since the '90's (Robinson Cancel) and utility players who can't catch pop-up's (Damion Easley). I know this was their motto this year but they really need to start fresh which can only happen by getting a new manager, coaches, and a new general manager. Yesterday afternoon Sandy Alomar Senior who is two old to walk to third sent home Brian Schneider who was out by a mile which would have been the tying run. For your information 9 of the 25 current players are 30 or younger.

Interview with Dr. Mike Marshall

Mike Marshall (born January 15 ,1943 in Adrian, Michigan) is a retired
Major League Baseball pitcher.
He played 14 seasons (1967-1981, excluding 1968) for nine different teams.
Marshall won the 1974 National League Cy Young Award as part of the
Los Angeles Dodgers.

Q: What would you say to a young athlete about becoming great?
A: Whatever the sport, to become the best that they can be, athletes
must understand the science behind the skills critical for success.



Q: How did you get started in baseball?
A: While I played baseball as a youngster, I got started in baseball
when I took a Kinesiology course and learned the science behind the
skills of baseball.


Q: What are the keys to success?
A: The more that athletes understand the scientific reasons for why
they succeed, the more that they can succeed.

Q: Who was your best opponent?
A: Athletes should always work to become better tomorrow than they are
today, which means that they compete against themselves.

Q: Who was your idol?
A: Isaac Newton.

Q: What is your most memorable baseball moment?
A: Every time that I stood on a major league baseball pitching mound.

Q: How did it feel being the best pitcher in the National League at a time?
A: I felt that, had I known more, I could have been better.

Interview with Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya was born February 4, 1973—nicknamed "The Golden Boy" — is a Mexican American Boxer and promoter who won a gold medal for the United States Boxing Team at the Barcelona Olympic Games.

Q: When did you begin to box?
A: At 4 years old.

Q: Who was your boxing idol?
A: Julio Cesar Chavez

Q: What was your most memorable boxing moment?
A: Winning the Olympic gold medal. ( Where his nickname Golden Boy comes from)

Q: If you hadn't become a boxer what would you become?
A: An architect.

Q: Of any boxer ever to fight who would you want to fight the most?
A: Felix Trinidad

Q: Are there any other books in your future?
A: I believe there will be.

Q: Will you fight Ricky Hatton?
A: The question is....will he fight me. [giggles]

Done?

The question for basketball fans is, "Are the Lakers finished?" After watching Kobe Bryant get criticized after losing 2 straight is pathetic. Kobe has averaged 27 points per game in the Finals and gets yelled at. If anyone besides the MVP scored 27 and lost they would be worshiped. After watching the depth of the Celtics after thinking LA would win I was amazed especially Leon Powe playing. I was extremely sad after watching his childhood story earlier and it gave my symphony for him. Powe was one of seven with his mother being a widow and their house burned down. They moved 20 times in 6 years and his mom was sent to jail. He was in foster care and it made me feel so lucky and grateful.

Hopefully Kobe wins at least one but I'm not a fan of Kobe and KG and now Pierce for his injury antics and then coming in a few minutes later. This was not the NBA Finals that I wanted to see because it is better seeing a Finals with a 4 seed and a 2 rather than 2 one seed's.

Expect Kobe done on Sunday just on time for the anniversary of the Pistons beating the Lakers in '04 in the Finals when the Mets got Seaver.

The REAL NL All Star Team

Here is the NL All Star team and you my be surprised.

Catcher: Brian McCann (.313 BA, 10 HR, 33 RBI's, 0 SB)

Brian McCann is the best catcher in all of baseball and that of course means he should be in the ASG 2008 and expect that to come for a few more years.

1st Base: Lance Berkman ( .385 BA, 17 HR, 47 RBI's, 10 SB)

When I hear Lance Berkman I think of MVP. Berkman is the MVP of the National League after going into June with 17 homers and 10 stolen bases and is a candidate for the 40/40 club.

2nd Base: Chase Utley ( .320 BA, 21 HR, 52 RBI's, 6 SB)

Chase Utley will be Berkman's runner-up. He leads the majors in homers and if he stays healthy expect him to keep it up.

3rd Base: Chipper Jones ( .407 BA, 12 HR, 35 RBI's, 0 SB)

Is it possible for .400? I think so. Any guy that has 200 at bats and is batting .407 in June deserves to be in the ASG even if he has been hurt.

Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez ( .292 BA, 9 HR, 23 RBI's, 13 SB)

Hanley beats out the great Jose Reyes slightly. Hanley hasn't been that good of late but still has better stats then Reyes in homers and batting average.

Outfield: Ryan Braun ( .297 BA, 15 HR, 42 RBI's, 2 SB), Adam Dunn ( .254 BA, 15 HR, 39 RBI's, 1 SB), Ryan Ludwick ( .321 BA, 13 HR, 42 RBI's, 3 SB)

I have nothing to say besides the fact these guys are the best outfielders in the National League.

Starting Pichers: Brandon Webb ( 10-2, 2.69 ERA), Carlos Zambrano ( 8-1, 2.51 ERA), Ryan Dempster ( 7-2, 2.75), Tim Lincecum ( 7-1, 2.23 ERA), Edison Volquez (7-2, 1.46 ERA)

Closers: Jose Valverde ( 4-1, 15 Saves, 3.86 ERA) and Brad Lidge (1-0, 14 Saves, 0.75 ERA)

They were traded for each other this off season.

The REAL AL All Star Team

With Ichiro an Ken Griffey Jr. in the All Star Game in New York as of now I will tell you who really deserves to play at the most highly anticipated ASG EVER!

American League

Catcher: Mike Napoli ( .214 BA, 10 HR, 23 RBI's, 3 SB)

Napoli defeats Captain Jason Varitek because he leads all catchers in home runs, RBI's, and stolen bases. Also Napoli's Angels are in 1st in the West.

1st Base: Justin Mourneau (.303 BA, 10 HR, 48 RBI's, 0 SB)

What pops out at me is not the fact that he has 10 homers because 2 other good first baseman have 10 in Carlos Pena and Jason Giambi but because Morneau is batting 300 and has more than 45 RBI's which Pena and Giambi don't have.

2nd Base: Ian Kinsler ( .305 BA, 7 HR, 34 RBI's, 15 SB)

Second in stolen bases, first in RBI's and home runs along with batting average, WOW! How is Dustin Pedroia leading the AL.

3rd Base: Adrian Beltre ( .244 BA, 13 HR, 27 RBI's, 5 SB)

Beltre has a whopping 13 homers and 27 RBI's and is deserving of playing. A-Rod will win but Beltre has better stats and if he was in New York like A-Rod he would have 44 RBI's.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter (.279 BA, 3 HR, 26 RBI's, 4 SB)

Technically the best player in all of sports because he is the best leader and winner in the greatest sport. Jeter is batting under .300 but is playing well and deserves to get in.

Outfield: Josh Hamilton (.331 BA, 16 HR, 65 RBI's, 2 SB), Magglio Ordonez (.322 BA, 9 HR, 37 RBI's, 0 SB),Carlos Quentin (.293 BA, 14 HR, 48 RBI's, 4 SB)

Three spectacular players deserve it so much. Hamilton is a Triple Crown nominee, Magglio is hitting well, and Queintin is on the first place team and is hitting the ball great. This is an All Star outfield.

Designated Hitter (Now with Papi Hurt): Hideki Matsui ( .328 BA, 6 HR, 26 RBI's, 0 SB)
Matsui has been hitting the best of the Yankees. In the last 7 days Matsui has 8 hits. Hideki has such a great eye and a great glove.

Starting Pitchers: Cliff Lee( 8-1 1.88 ERA), Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-0 2.53 ERA), Joe Saunders ( 8-2 2.76 ERA), Roy Halladay (6-5 2.93), Ervin Santana( 8-2 3,02 ERA), Chien-Ming Wang (6-2 4.14 ERA)

Closers: Mariano Rivera ( 1-1, 15 Saves, 0.36 ERA) and Jonathan Papelbon ( 2-2, 16 Saves, 2.08 ERA)

National League coming soon

2008: A Milestone Year For Baseball

Starting on April 22,2008, John Smoltz joins the 3,000 strikeout club. Then on May 31,2008 Manny blasts number 500 and the struggling Griffey hit homer 599. Sooner or later he will hit 600. Then theres Gary Shefield laying at 483 and is hoping to hit 17 more. Also Delgado has 439 which will take another year or two to hit but WOW what a start. Even mini milestones happened like Richie Sexson's (not his helmet throwing) 300th home run and Jason Bay hit number 130. Albert Pujols has 296 and will probably hit 500 soon in his career but it is like the baseball gods are calling for a crazy and exciting year where Boston is knocked out of the playoffs and so are the Mets by the Marlins leaving a Florida world series. With how this year is starting there is a slight (I mean slight) chance of Barry Zito winning the Cy Young or Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain combine to be 18-0 this year. Maybe even Webb winning 20.

What hot teams will stick around?: Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox

They both have great pitching and hitting and are the three best teams in baseball.

Who wont?: Florida squared, White Sox, Mets, and Toronto

Every team except for the Mets were expected to be in last and that's how this will end. Florida squared, New York, Chicago, and Toronto are in hard divisions and they will drop to the bottom.

Eliminated!!!

After a first half lead the San Antonio Spurs have been sent packing after 5. Los Angeles ended their season in the Conference Finals just 3 wins away from going back to the Finals and showed wonderful effort as the 1st half ended. The Spurs were up 17 sometime during 1st half and LA cut it to 6.

Like I thought the winner of the Western Conference, by far the better of the two, would win it all. LA showed amazing depth. When the top three scorers, Kobe, Odom, and Gasol were sitting, Jordan Farmar stepped up and scored a few points getting the team excited.

Manu Ginobili only averaged 12.5 points a game and that hurt the Spurs. The reason why the lost the series was not because of the no-call in game 4 but because they blew big time leads like in game 1 and 5 and those were the biggest games. The Spurs need to move forward and get fresh and young legs and if they have to trade Ginobili (as much as I love Manu) and Horry for a higher draft pick instead of the 26th pick would be good. They could end up with a guy like Roy Hibbert. Also Chris Douglas-Roberts would fit in with Tony Parker's up tempo play and would be great by having the best mentor you can have, Tim Duncan. Douglas-Roberts is expected to go pick 27 to the Hornets, a team the arguably has a better point guard then Parker and a place where he can fit in with Tyson Chandler but in my opinion I would rather be in San Antonio because he would play in The City of Basketball Champions. By the way the Spurs have won every other year since 2003, could he be the difference maker?

Are The Spurs In Trouble?

The Spurs are one loss away from having their repeat dream fall short again.


Down 3-1 traveling to LA after another unlucky loss are the San Antonio Spurs. After another great night by the Spurs Big 3. Timmy D had 29 points and 17 rebounds in the Spurs 93-91. Kobe out played San Antonio at home. The Spurs would have been so much more comfortable going to LA at a tied series but instead every game is a must win.

Brent Barry definitely did appear to be fouled on the dribble by Derek Fisher just before the Game 4 buzzer sounded, which seemingly should have sent him to the line for three free throws to force overtime. When the call didn't come, Barry's hopeless heave at the horn sealed a 93-91 defeat to L.A. that edged San Antonio to the brink of elimination ... and another failure to win back-to-back championships. Barry later said,"That play was not where the game was lost." I agree the Lakers had 13 offensive rebounds where they scored some big points.

Lakers' fans must be saying that the Spurs should have this series tied and we got lucky. I have some faith in the Spurs but not a lot. "We had a hill to climb being down 0-2 and now we have Everest to climb being down 3-1." as the great Brent Barry says. Will San Antonio get to the top of the mountain for the 5th time?

The Five Best Sports States:...For Now

Here is my list of the 5 best sports states...
5. Florida

Florida has had some inconsistent teams but they find a way to win. In 2006 the Miami Heat won the NBA Finals and then this year they went 15-67. The Marlins (in 1st place now) won the World Series in 2003 and in 2004 they went 89-73. Then they went under 500 at 79-83. And Tampa Bay, WOW! The Rays went 66-96 last year and now they are 31-20 and have the best record in baseball. The Magic weren't to shabby after making 52-30 and have the reigning slam dunk champion, Dwight Howard. Don't forget the Gators who won 4 football/basketball National Titles in 2 years and the football team got to the Capital One Bowl game versus Michigan and have the Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow. The Jags went 12-6 making the postseason and Florida ranks 5th on my list.

4. Texas

The athletes of Texas are champions but not number 1 or 2 or 3. The Longhorns have won the 2005 BCS National Championships and got to the Elite Eight lead by the great DJ Augustin. The Spurs are going for their 5th NBA Finals in 10 years. They have a Triple Crown contender in Josh Hamilton leading a 28-27 Rangers team. The Houston Astros are lead by 4 men who combine for a .322 batting average, 39 home runs, and 153 RBI's. Those men who can be leading Houston back to the playoffs are Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejeda, Hunter Pence, and Lance Berkman. The Mavericks got J-Kidd and finished the season at 51-31 being eliminated by the Hornets. The Stars went 45-30 losing in the NHL Conference Finals to Detroit and the Cowboys and Tony Romo won the NFC East after going 13-3 before being sent packing by the Giants.

3. California

UCLA and Stanford were in the NCAA Final Four and Stanford lost in the finals. The Lakers are in the Conference Finals versus the Spurs. The Sparks got the amazing Candace Parker and are undefeated at 1-0. The USC Trojans speak for themselves. The Angels won the AL West last year and are looking for a repeat. Anaheim Ducks won the Stanley Cup last year. The Oakland A's are pitching pretty well and that is why they are 2 games back from the Angels. The Galaxy behold Beckham and Donovan. The Dodgers are playing decent baseball, the Chargers have LT, and the Padres aren't looking so wonderful.

2. Massachusetts

Lets start of with the lower teams like Boston College who aren't to bad because they had Matt Ryan play there and he was the first quarterback taken in the Draft. The Bruins went 41-29 and made the playoffs with 94 points. The Celtics are in the Conference Finals with the Boston Three Party (KG, Pierce, and Allen). You have to remember the Patriots who went 16-0 and couldn't win a Super Bowl this time. And the real champions the Red Sox who went 96-66 and won baseball's World Series. Mass. isn't number 1 because Michigan is.

1. Michigan

GO BLUE! Michigan won the Capital One Bowl game over the Gators. MSU got to the Sweet Sixteen. The Lions hope for a big year from Calvin Johnson and Gosder Cherilus after going a disapointing 7-9 with high expectations after starting 6-2. The Tigers after doing some major rebuilding started off slow but will make a run with Miguel Cabrera. Here comes Titletown!!! The Detroit Red Wings, Hockeytown, are on their way to their 11th Stanley Cup after going up 2 to nada. The Pistons have fought back from going down 1 to tying the series up last night. Michigan slightly defeats Massachusetts and wins the "Best Sports State.

You can vote which state you pick as #1 under the poll section on the right of your screen.

The Liars: More Steroids Issues

Gym owner, Kelly Blair, often bragged to friends and clients who worked out at his Pasadena gym that he supplied performance-enhancing drugs to professional athletes, including Jeff Bagwell, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens. Jeff Bagwell immediately said, "I've never met the guy, I have no idea who he is, I've never been to his gym." If this is true Bagwell is next on the "Liar List" he has ruined his chances of making the Hall of Fame. Blair wanted to be known as the guy behind the professional athletes.

That report contradicts Blair's recent comments to ESPN.com, where he revealed he told two FBI agents he never supplied HGH to Clemens or Tom Pettitte, Andy's father. Blair also indicated he never met Clemens. Bagwell was not contacted by the Mitchell commission prior to the release of the report or ever been in any steroid discussion. Bagwell is currently employed by the Astros as a special assistant and likely would have been mandated by the team to cooperate with Mitchell investigators.

I happen to be reading Jose Canseco's book, "Vindicated" and he took steroids to fulfill a promise to his grandmother to become the best baseball player. He found any way to be the best including cheating and he told people it would make them better. Now I think guys like Bonds who would've hit 500 without 'roids are doing steroids to increase their salary. They don't care about their teammates they care about themselves. They are self centered. There are only some guys who are team players like Jeter and Tulowitzki. Steroids only kill you and hurt you, you are only good for a short time. Until you get caught and lose your respect and fans.

BAM! 7 Walk-off's In ONE Day

Evan Longoria, Elijah Dukes, Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Quentin, Andre Ethier, Dan Uggla, and Jason Bay. What do they all have in common? Hitting a walk-off hit on May 24, 2008. For the first time this year a team worked together in the game of baseball. These guys broke the record for most walk-off's in one day since May 28, 2004. Also Quentin hit his 13th and 14th home run of the year making him the AL home run leader. These walk-off hitters have 57 total home runs so far this season.

These guys are all great young prodigies. Carlos Quentin and Adrian Gonzalez have 14 homers, Dan Uggla has 16 homers, Longoria has 7, and Jason Bay has 12. Dan Uggla is beginning his prime right now. He had 31 home runs last year and I expect at least 40 home runs this year. Uggla could maybe hit 5oo and go to Cooperstown. Carlos Quentin was told by Ozzie Guillen this year he might not even make the team. The Sox were going after guys like Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter and now Quentin has 8 more home runs then them combined.

Shockingly there was a combined 66 innings. All of these guys who hit walk-off's today are going to have a 20 home run season. Especially Uggla.

Bombin' In The Bronx and Defeated In Denver

The New York baseball teams haven't started off well. The Yankees are 23-25 and the Mets are 22-24. One of them is heading in the right direction. The Mets are on a 5 game losing streak and the Yankees are on a 3 game winning streak. The Yankees will come back and be in the race but I don't know about the Mets. The Yankees are showing signs of getting better after they destroyed Seattle 13-2 while the Mets lost in 13 after a Matt Holliday homer. Rumor has it that Mets manager, Willie Randolph, could be fired as soon as Monday when the Mets come home. The Yanks are in some trouble but expect a run to start now. They have a very easy schedule. They play Seattle, Baltimore, and Minnesota this month. They could leave May with an 11 winning streak. The Bronx Bombers have gained A-Rod back and Ian Kennedy is pitching well.Could 1 New York team make the playoffs? At the most.

Survived Cancer, Won the Clinching Game of the World Series, and Now This:The Jon Lester No-Hit Story

Taking the mound last night for the Red Sox for the first time this season since being declared free of cancer is the 23 year old lefty Jon Lester. Lester was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma this past September. Lester was declared cancer free in December and has been working very hard in the minors to return to the majors. This is a very impressive accomplishment and one that can truly inspire so many.

Taking on the Cleveland Indians, Lester threw the first no-hitter of the season. It was the 18th in Red Sox history. Catcher and captain Jason Varitek set a major league record with Lester for catching the most no-hitters, 4. He shut out the Kansas City Royals for his first ever complete game.

Supposedly while Lester warmed up he "left his stuff at home". Lester later said, "If you all saw my bullpen [session] today, it wasn't pretty," said Lester. "You would have thought I wouldn't have gotten out of the first inning. It was terrible. I got out in the game and I've always been a slow starter. If I can get through the first, second, third, sometimes the fourth inning and be doing all right, then usually I can do all right into the game and get stronger. That was the case. I just felt more comfortable with my delivery, more comfortable with the stuff I was throwing." He persevered and had 2 walks and 9 strikeouts. It all came to a true when Lester blew a 94-mph heater -- his 130th pitch of the night -- by Alberto Callaspo. Though he's just 24 years old, Lester has already experienced more highs and lows than most 15-year veterans. A cancer recovery followed by a World Series clincher and a no-hitter?

Red Sox no-hitters
Jon Lester became the 18th pitcher in Red Sox history -- and just the fifth left-hander -- to throw a no-hitter on Monday vs. the Royals. It was also the first complete game of his career.
Date	Pitcher	Opponent
May 19, 2008	Jon Lester	Kansas City
Sept. 1, 2007	Clay Buchholz	Baltimore
April 27, 2002	Derek Lowe	Tampa Bay
April 4, 2001	Hideo Nomo	Baltimore
Sept. 16, 1965	Dave Morehead	Cleveland
Aug. 1, 1962	Bill Monbouquette	Chicago
June 26, 1962	Earl Wilson	Los Angeles
July 14, 1956	Mel Parnell	Chicago
Sept. 7, 1923	Howard Ehmke	Philadelphia
June 3, 1918	Dutch Leonard	Detroit
June 23, 1917	Ernie Shore	Washington
Aug. 30, 1916	Dutch Leonard	St. Louis
June 21, 1916	George Foster	New York
July 29, 1911	Smokey Joe Wood	St. Louis
June 30, 1908	Cy Young	New York
Sept. 27, 1905	William Dinneen	Chicago
Aug. 17, 1904	Jesse Tannehill	Chicago
May 5, 1904	Cy Young	Philadelphia