NFL Draft

New updated 1st round mock draft by Alex. Under the NFL Draft tab.

Duke Snider: September 19, 1926 - February 27, 2011

R.I.P. Edwind "Duke" Snider

Snider played in the center field shadow of fellow baseball icons, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, yet was still a legend in his own right. In an 18 year career Snider accumulated 407 home runs, 1,333 rbi, 2,116 career hits, 1,259 runs scored, a .295 lifetime batting average in 7,161 at bats, and a .985 fielding percentage. He did this while mostly suiting up for one of baseballs marque franchises, the Dodgers. Snider's first 11 seasons were spent in Brooklyn before the National League darling organization moved out west to Los Angeles. The Duke stayed with the blue for another 5 years in LA. His career ended back in New York with the Mets and then one last campaign in the sun with his rival, Mays, team, the Giants. Snider coupled his regular season success with stellar play in October. He appeared in 6 World Series with the Dodgers, twice on the winning side. The Duke blasted 11 homers, knocked in 26 runs, and posted a .286 clip in his post-season action, making him the driving force for the Dodger "Boys of Summer" days. 

The man that was affectionately called the Silver Fox for his cunning yet successful play on the field, died today at the age of 84. Snider passed away of what his family is stating as natural causes. This Dodger great earned a place in Cooperstown, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. 

Alcoholic? Nah....

Detroit Tigers MVP candidate arrives at camp and speaks for the first time since his DUI. Mugel Cabrera is coming off his best big league season yet and has averaged 30 home runs and over 100 rbi ever since coming to the show in 2003. He entered the big stage as a rookie leading the Florida Marlins to their second World Series title. Now at only age 27 Cabrera has become a full fledge super-star and was the only guy in all of baseball to be among the top 5 in every statistical offensive category last season. The only issue have been, he has had several off the field personal stains on his resume, this has included a domestic violence situation a couple years back and now this latest incident also stemming from alcohol.

In this clip he claims to understand he needs to get his life in order and is taking the necessary steps to do so. Usually to over come an addiction the first step is admitting you do in fact have a problem. Unfortunately Miguel is doing and saying all the right things now, except he still refuses to say that all important statement, "hi, I'm Miguel Cabrera and I'm an alcoholic." If he ever does this then maybe these horrible decisions can finally be put in the past.

Should Jim Leyland, usually a guy who rules with an iron fist, be harsher on his All-Star (he's not since he is on the hot seat and desperately needs a good Miggy)? Should the Tigers or MLB step in? Hell, I'd even hit up the Rangers on how they dealt with Hamilton's drinking problems and were able to completely move on positively from that. 

The Knicks Are Now Complete

Who needs Chris Paul when you have Jared Jefferies.

Mayweather vs. LeBron

Floyd Mayweather just celebrated his birthday with an over the top cake. Yes a cake. Now the questions is which egotistical athlete had the better birthday cake? I personally think LeBron take the cake, no pun intended.


Mayweather:

LeBron:

NBA Trades

With the trade deadline come and gone its time too look at the winners of the trade deadline.

Celtics: Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic.
This is a great trade for Boston. They gave up Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson and in return get the guy they gave up for Ray Allen. Green is 6-9 and can play inside and out for the Celtics. His numbers are a bit down this season, averaging 15.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds. Nonetheless Green gives them something for the future as he is only 24 years old. Green and Rondo is a solid combo and Green is certainly an upgrade from Perkins on the offensive end. In return the Celtics also get Nenad Krstic, a former starter in New Jersey. Krstic is averaging 7.6 points per game and 4.4 rebounds. He has the ability to score more though, back in 2006 he dropped 16.4 points per game. When the Celtics only have to give up Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins to get Jeff Green and a serviceable big man, you got to love it. This is a great trade for the Celtics, and it came out of left field. Sidenote Boston was also able to dump the corpses of Semih Erden, easily the worst player in the NBA and Luke Harangody, easily the second worst player in the NBA for a second round pick from the Cavs.
Grade: A

Nets: Deron Williams
The Nets lost out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, so plan B was apparently Deron Williams. One hell of a plan B I would say. The Nets get a 2 time All Star who is averaging 21.3 points per game and 9.7 assists per game. They gave up Devin Harris, Derick Favors and a first round pick but this is still a good deal for the Nets. They get one of the best point guards in the league for a couple average players. Williams has star power and can attract other big name free agents in, mainly Dwight Howard in 2012. Prokhorov promised to turn around the Nets and make them relevant and yes he struck out on every other big name but he hit a home run here. There is no guarantee that Williams will stay after next season but you have to like that Prokhorov is willing to take the chance.
Grade: B+

Trail Blazers: Gerald Wallace
The Blazers gave up two future first round picks and Joel Przybilla to acquire Wallace. Wallace is having another solid season averaging 15.6 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game. This trade allows Portland to add another athletic scorer as they wait for Brandon Roy's knees to fall off. Przybilla's 1.8 points per game will certainly not be missed by anyone in Rip City. With this trade Portland becomes a tougher out in the playoffs. Aldridge has already shown he can be a star, now he has another capable scorer along for the ride. If only Brandon Roy did not have the knees of a 90 year old man.
Grade: A-

Knicks: Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups
If Isaiah Thomas was behind this trade the grade becomes a D because Thomas will ruin the future of the Knicks, however I'm not entirely sure he was so for now I'll be more generous. Melo makes the Knicks a contender, not this year but defiantly in the future. The Knicks are still not better than the Heat, Celtics or Bulls. The problem is they have two great scorers who play zero defense. D'antoni system has yet to prove that it can win but now that he has two of the ten best players we will see. Melo brings life back to the Garden and that is a good thing for basketball. The NBA is better when the Knicks are relevant, its just a fact. The big question mark now becomes if Chris Paul will join them in 2012? It is certainly possible, but will the new CBA make it tougher on teams to give that max deal? Either way the Knicks gave up a bunch of average players to get a top eight player. Not only that they got big shot Billups, who will provide them leadership before he bolts in two years.
Grade: A+

Other notable trades:
Hornets acquired Carl Landry for Marcus Thornton. A deal that gives them more size down low and also helps the Kings shred some more money. A good trade for both teams. Grade-B.

Aaron Brooks gets dealt to the Suns for Goran Dragic and a first round pick. Dragic has had a down year shooting just 27 percent from three. Brooks has struggled as well this year shooting just 34 percent from the field and 28 percent from three. With his struggles Brooks was moved to the bench and has been unhappy of late with his role. Both players are similar in style, they shoot well and don't play much defense. The deal is a wash for both teams with the Rockets getting a first round pick that is a bit better, but it is a down draft. Suns Grade-C, Rockets Grade-C+

The Rockets were not done as they traded Shane Battier to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet. Battier played his first five seasons with the Grizzlies and should be excited to return. Battier is in the last year of his contract and is only averaging 8.6 points per game. Thabeet on the other hand has been a bust and a half since being taken number 2 in the draft. Memphis Grade- C+, Houston Grade- D

Baron Davis is probably the most missed of person in Cleveland right now. Davis and a first round pick was sent to the Cavs for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon. Davis was having a decent season but that will all change now that he is going to the Cavs. He played for Byron Scott back when he was the Hornets and that did not go so well. Williams and Moon don't add much at this point other than trimming some payroll for the Clippers. Cavs Grade- C, Clippers Grade- C+

Wednesday's Picks

Notre Dame -4 vs Providence: Notre Dame is coming into this game fresh off a loss at WVU. They were catching four and still found a way to get blown out by 14. That is why I believe they are in store for a bounce back game. Providence is just 3-11 in conference play but have played well at home, going 13-4. The Irish however have dominated this series taken nine of the last ten. In their last ten games overall the irish are 7-3 and have went 6-2 ATS in their last eight. They will need a better game from Tim Abromatis who was held to nine points on 2-9 shooting against WVU. The friars who are just 1-5 ATS in their last six will be led by Marshon Brooks. Brooks leads the Big East in scoring with 24.4 points per game, and is coming off a 27 point outing against Cincinnati.
Pick: Notre Dame

Purdue -5 vs Indiana: An in state rivalry that has been fairly one sided of late will tip off again tonight. The Boilermakers have taken five of the last six and beat the Hoosiers by 14 earlier this year. Purdue enters this game red hot, winners of four in a row and covering in each of those games. In those games they defeated Ohio State and Wisconsin by a combined 21 points. JaJuan Johnson is certainly a candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year, averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. E'Twaun Moore is Johnson's sidekick, and is coming off a 38 point performance against the Buckeyes. Indiana on the other hand has lost four in a row and is 1-3 ATS during that stretch. It is a rivalry game so they will come out fired up, but at the end of the day they can not match up with Purdue's talent.
Pick: Purdue

Season: 19-17-2

2011 MLB Division Previews: AL East

It's that time of year once again. The snow goes away, the grass comes out, and most importantly spring is almost here (Phil did see his shadow!). All this hints to gearing up for the 2011 Major League Baseball season. Last year was the year of the pitcher. This was evident by the record number of no hitters, perfect games, even the first ever 28* out perfecto, and all the way through October, as a boring offense ended one of sports longest title droughts thanks the guys on the mound. With all that said, it is meaningless now. I will preview each division taking into account off-season changes and many other factors.

First, the only division the national media even gives a shit about, the American League East. In 2010 the Yanks and Red Sox continued to beat up on each other yet contend, the Rays stayed determined knowing it was the last run with the core, and the rest went as predicted (except no one saw the Bautista 54 home run campaign coming, don't lie). Since the dust settled a lot has changed. The Rays were pretty much gutted, they lost Crawford, Pena, Garza, and Soriano. The most important part, Crawford, left for Fenway and their All-Star closer, Soriano, joined the Evil Empire to sit and wait for Rivera to retire, he will set up the legend. Not only did the usual suspects make moves, Baltimore finally rejoined the party they left behind last century, they proved they are actually going to make an effort, Toronto..not so much. 

With the new outlook of this always entertaining division, I see the hot stove creating some changes in the 2011 standings. Let's briefly go team by team....

Tampa Bay Rays

I will begin with last seasons division champs, the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa won the crown by only one game last year thanks to the head to head edge against the historic rival franchises of the north east. They lost most of their core, as stated above, and already seem to be missing the swag they acquired in 2008. The additions of Manny and Damon was mostly just to keep the few fans they have but actually could help on the field as well. I see Manny still having something left in the tank and even though he is a liability in the field and will have to split time at DH with his fellow "idiot", if healthy could create protection for Longoria. Damon still has been an on base machine the last few years, despite never reclaiming his power. At the press conference Manny poetically stated while looking at Damon "we will play 162, you play 100 and I'll play 62." While hilarious, if this is close to what happens this team will be in serious trouble. Pena can be replaced and the offense might actually be improved. Evan will hit (2nd best 3b in baseball), Manny can still rake, and Damon certainly helps, however, offense wont be enough with the star studded lineups in this division. Tampa lost its mojo mostly because they no longer have a premiere starter and the MLB save leader on the roster. Garza's absence will allow Price to live up to the hype, he's now THE ace. Despite having confidence in him, I have none in the rest and he will have to win the Cy Young for them to repeat as division winners. Don't even get me started on who will try to shut the door, the whole pen is full of set-up men. I see Tampa battling it out for third at best. 

Key Subtractions                       Key Additions

Carlos Pena (Cubs)                    Manny Ramirez 

Matt Garza (Cubs)                     Johnny Damon 

Rafael Soriano (Yankees)          Joel Peralta 

Carl Crawford (Red Sox) 

New York Yankees

Next, the team TB beat out, the New York Yankees. The new Boss may think this team was in celebration mood all last season after their 2009 title, I doubt that. However, the most note worthy portion of their off-season is not adding Soriano it is who decided to not take his talents to the Bronx. The sensation of the last few years, Cliff Lee, returned to Philadelphia, the team New York beat for that world title not to long ago. Lee rejected the Yankee dollars, pressure, and mystique to return to the place he felt most comfortable. This set an interesting tone for the post George era, you can count on one hand the super-star fee agents Mr. Steinbrenner failed to obtain. None the less, this team is still very strong. The Yanks are stacked once again in the lineup, Jeter is back and poised to return to pre-2010 form, A-Rod is in his best shape in years and has already stated he has been slumping for 3 seasons (he has averaged 30 hr, 100 rbi, & 100 runs over that time), and Cano has quickly become the best 2b in the game and perhaps the heart of the order. They now even have a guy who was once on a hall of fame pace on their bench (Andruw Jones), the AL's best 1b (Teixeira), and the ageless Posada can totally focus on hitting passing the back stop torch to Russell Martin. It is always murders row for the Bronx Bombers, the question will be the pitching staff. Since the inception of the franchise the Yanks have always had fabulous hitters but equally as dominant mound generals. Pettitte is gone and waiting to see if Cooperstown will ever call and Burnett is coming off a miserable season. Of course CC will perform but they will need more in order to take down their hated rival in Boston. With their lineup, CC, and the best set-up/closer combo we have seen in years, this team will contend for not only the division but beyond. 

Key Subtractions                          Key Additions

Not landing Lee (Phillies)             Keeping Jeter & Rivera

Andy Pettitte (Retired)                  Russell Martin 

                                                      Rafael Soriano 

Boston Red Sox

Last years order from top to bottom continues with Boston. Red Sox fans can hardly remember the 86 year long curse days at this point, Boston won the hot stove battle to say the least. Injuries hampered this team in 2010, this year they might even be able to dominate regardless. After bringing Crawford and Adrian Goncalez into the fold, Boston has created immense depth and talent. In recent memory, it seemed the Yankees always had a slight edge on offense, this year that might not be the case any longer. From top to bottom there is no break for opposing pitchers. Crawford is a speedster and one of the best top of the order guys of the last decade, Ellsbury gives them two lead off hitters, Pedroia, if healthy, is a fantasy stud, Gonzalez is made for Fenway and will punish the Green Monster, Youkilis is one of the most underrated players year after year and can finally focus on only one position with Adrian at first every day, and Drew is no slouch by any means. Along with the force, Boston has the arms as well. Lester, Lackey, Beckett, Dice-K, and Buchholz have the potential (hinging on Dice-K's health) to be the AL's big 4. Wakefield is one of best number 5's too. Papelbon is a lock 35+ saves, and the only 8th/9th combo who could argue the Yanks is Bobby Jenks and Paps. Like NY, Boston added a former All-Star closer with playoff experience (World Series experience) to bolster the back end. This team is my early World Series champion pick, enough said. 

Key Subtractions                      Key Additions

Adrian Beltre (Rangers)           Carl Crawford

                                                  Adrian Gonzalez 

                                                  Bobby Jenks 

Toronto Blue Jays 

To the surprise of many, Toronto was an above .500 squad who actually garnered some national attention in 2010. They won 85 games but that still was only good enough for 4th place in this always tough division. The attention came from former utility man, Jose Bautista, blasting 50 home runs and 124 rbi (his previous career high was 16 & 63). Since then not much good has happened north of the border. The Jays were able to lock up Bautista to a big deal, praying he can at least come close to 10' again. Aside from that their off-season was rather dull. This is not the early 90's so no big name future hall of famers will be on the Blue Jay roster. Toronto has question marks all over the diamond. The offense does not provide much protection for Jose, his walk total could sky rocket. Despite some descent hitters such as Aaron Hill (every other year), the newly added Juan Rivera, and Rajai Davis making it a full on former Bucco party in Canada, there is not much pop in this lineup overall. The lineup is average at best but appears legendary compared to the pitchers. There is literally no one even close to an ace on the roster and Ricky Romero is quality but best suited as a number 3. Shaun Marcum and Brendan Morrow..eh. Dotel can get you saves, you may have a heart attack while watching them. Idealy he is a set-up guy and instead he is again starting the year as the closer on a struggling team with no support in sight. 

Key Subtractions                       Key Additions

Vernon Wells (Angels)               Juan Rivera

John Buck (Marlins)                   Rajai Davis 

Lyle Overbay (Pirates)               Octavio Dotel 

Mike Jacobs (Rockies)

Baltimore Orioles 

Like Toronto this team has not found anything close to the success it had in the 90's in the new century. However, this off-season Baltimore decided to put some effort forth. The Orioles made some headlines adding a few big boppers to their previously mediocre lineup. Slugger, yet also strike out machine, Mark Reynolds, changes leagues from Arizona to the Orioles and future hall of fame former AL MVP, Vladamir Guerrero embarks on another team in another one year deal. Guerrero got off to a hot start last year but faded at the end and even though he was a key cog on the AL Champion Texas Rangers there was not much interest from either Arlington or the rest of the baseball world. Reynolds is still young and can hit a home run in his sleep, he just needs to add some plate discipline to become elite. Those two join fellow new additions J.J. Hardy and Derek Lee, Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis,  Matt Weiters, and Adam Jones to form a lineup that in any other division would be considered potent. Lee is on the decline but with this protection could have a comeback type season (former batting champ). A veteran laden team with tons of experience never hurts to try to turn things around. Only issue here, of course, the pitching. This lineup is enough to put Toronto deep in the basement, the pitching will prevent Baltimore from truly contending. Similar to the Jays, Baltimore has several number 3's and no ace. Guthrie has potential but will need more help. Kevin Gregg fell ass backwards into his second career 30+ save season and could do it again. This team responded to Buck when he took over (watch him rebuild yet not be able to see it through) and could very possibly finish third but no way do they get any higher. 

Key Subtractions                             Key Additions

Julio Lugo (Free Agent)                   Derek Lee

Ty Wigginton (Rockies)                   Mark Reynolds

Garrett Atkins (Pirates)                    Vladamir Guerrero 

                                                         J.J. Hardy 

                                                         Kevin Gregg 

AL East Prediction:

1. Boston Red Sox

2. New York Yankees (Wild Card)

3. Baltimore Orioles 

4. Tampa Bay Rays 

5. Toronto Blue Jays 

All-Star Weekend Evaluation.

The All-Star festivities have come and gone and now it is time to reflect. I spent All-Star weekend at BDL Headquarters in Morgantown but I was still able to catch most of the action. I will be assigning a grade from A-F for each event.

The Rookie Challenge- Most of the time this game has been a lopsided blow-out by the sophomores. This game was actually a little exciting. We got to see John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins team up and dominate once again, Cousins recorded 33-14 while Wall won the MVP honors dishing out a record 22 assists as we saw a talented young rookie class edge out the sophomores.

Grade: B

The Celebrity Game- Justin Bieber won MVP in a game that featured one of the 50 greatest players of all time (Scottie Pippen), enough said.

Grade: F

Three Point Shootout - One of the greatest players of the last decade Paul Pierce, the NBA's leading scoerer Kevin Durant and the player who just became the all-time leader in three pointers, Ray Allen fell short to Miami Heat 7th man, James Jones.

Grade: D-

Slam Dunk Contest- There were some creative dunks, like Javale McGee's two hoop dunk and Serge Ibaka's saving the teddy bear from the hoop dunk, but there was only one true all-star in the drunk contest, Blake Griffin. It was pretty much understood he was going to win, and although the jumping of the car dunk was cool, it was more theatrical than impressive.

Grade: C-

The All-Star Game: Loved the all-star game. Tim Duncan got the start in what very well could be his last All-Star game. The West won but LeBron James recorded the second ever triple-double in A.S. history as he attempted to rally the East and out-duel Kobe Bryant who scored 37 points and won a record 4th A.S.G MVP in front of his home crowd at Staples. Perfect ending.

Grade:  A+

FINALLY, CARMELO HAS COME BACK TO NEW YORK CITY.

After months and months of trade speculation the deal has been done. The New York Knicks have sold their soul for 4 time all-star, Carmelo Anthony. Denver acquired Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks' 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2012 second-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2013 second-round draft pick and $3 million for, Anthony accompanied by Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman and former Finals MVP and all-star point guard, Chauncey Billups.


Was it worth it for Denver? Absolutely. They were in all probability going to lose him to free agency anyway, and they got 3 great role players and a bunch of draft picks to build on. Sure none of those players are of equal value to 'Melo, but hey, it's better than nothing.


Was it worth it for New York? Probably. Melo makes Gallinari expendable as far as a perimeter threat goes. Raymond Felton was having an outstanding season thanks to D'Antoni. I am interested to see how the aging Billups will do in that system but he's not their future at point-guard. There's been speculation that Chris Paul and Derron Williams will be in N.Y. in 2012, but you can't bank on them. Aaron Brooks is a very talented young point guard and a restricted free agent this summer if they don't want to wait  for Paul they could sign him and D'Antoni could make him an all-star. Chauncey can keep up till the talented 2012 free agency. However, they can't count on a big signing in 2 years. They did that with LeBron and we all know how that went. Last summer is exactly why New York went through with the trade. Could they have kept their role players and gotten 'Melo? Probably, but they were not going to let another superstar swingman slip through their fingers.


This obviously will make the Knicks better, but it does not make them a contender. The trio of Billups, Stoudemire and Anthony will likely be an offensive juggernaut in Mike D'Antoni's run-and-gun system, this could be the 2000's Suns all over again. However offense was never the primary concern for the Knicks, it never is for D'Antoni's teams. They are always top 3 in offense, bottom 3 in defense. You cannot expect to win a championship like that. Anthony and Stoudemire are prototypical D'Antoni players, high octane offense with a silent defense. They will always be in the mix, but the top 3 teams in the East are also the top 3 defensive teams in the league and are just as offensively talented. The Celtics don't have much time left but that still leaves the Bulls and Heat. Orlando will always be a strong team with Dwight. Unless D'Antonio adjusts his system, he will never win a championship. Well.. if they get Chris Paul or Derron Williams that might just be too much offense for any opposing team to handle, I would love to see what D'Antoni's offense would do with tremendous talents like that of Paul and Williams at point. Even as a New Englander who was bred to despise any team that calls NYC home, I am excited for this.

Another Damn Trick Shot Video

All Star Game Interviews....Carmelo Speaks

Will Carmelo Anthony play for Jay-Z and the Nets?

Will Amare be able to recruit the scoring sensation to the Knicks?  

Some interesting and insightful quotes from the newest NBA superstar who is in the midst of a decision that could impact the league and several franchises for years. 

“Unless they’re trying to get car services and want to rent a car, I really don’t want to have to be a rental,” Anthony said. “I don’t feel like I’m a rental player. I don’t want to go somewhere and be a rental for two months and then have to deal with this all over again. I don’t want to go there.”

“They have to do what’s best for them and their organization, too,” Anthony said. “So at the end of the day, they can say, ‘Forget it, we have to take care of our organization, ‘Melo. He did what he had to do here for eight years, but we have to do what we have to do, too.’ ”

“My mind’s boggled right now about this whole situation,” Anthony said. “I wish I could get this thing over with right now and I wish there was just something that was just on the table that the Nuggets could just say, ‘OK, let’s get it done.’ ”

Thursday's Picks

Mavs -1.5 vs Suns: The red hot Mavs enter their matchup with the Suns winning nine of their last 10 games overall. Phoenix has also been impressive of late as they are 7-3 in their last 10. Both teams of late have been bettor friendly, as the Mavs have posted a 8-2 record ATS, while the Suns are 6-4. The Mavs have had Phoenix's number of late as they have taken seven of the last ten. Dallas just played last night beating the Kings by 16. Usually I like to stay away from older teams playing back to back nights but I am just not that high on this Suns team. They have no low post play and will have problems containing Tyson Chandler and Dirk Nowitzki. Channing Frye did have 31 points and 11 rebounds against Utah, which is career for him because he is a terrible rebounder and only averages 12 points per game. The Mavs are just the better team and with such a low line they are a safe bet.
Pick: Mavs

Spurs +1.5 vs Bulls: The best team in basketball catching points, sign me up. Not only that they are coming off three days rest. The Spurs have been a good team to bet, in their last 10 games they are 8-2 ATS and are 18-7-1 in their last 26. The Bulls have also been a good bet of late as they are 7-2 ATS of late and are a team that can certainly compete with the leagues best. I just don't see Kurt Thomas being able to handle Tim Duncan down low and the Spurs defense is rock solid. Rose is going to have his 20 plus points but he will need a big game from Boozer and Deng if they want to beat the NBA's best team.
Pick: Spurs

Season: 18-16-2

Penny Hardaway Game-Winning Shot

You have to love the fact that Penny Hardaway is still playing even if it's in a YMCA league. But does anyone else have a problem with the fact that he only scored 14 points? His team scored 69 and he only scored 14! Penny is only 39 years old shouldn't he score at least 20+?

Aaron Rodgers Keeping it Classy

The Super Bowl MVP was seen with DJ Pauly D in Las Vegas celebrating. Now if this was Big Ben instead of Rodgers I wonder what the headline would have read?

New Mock Draft

The first mock draft is up by Alex Widerspiel. Just go to the NFL Draft tab and click mock draft.

Lavin Still Dancing

Steve Lavin has done it again and you know what I am not the least bit surprised. Lavin has always been a good coach, case and point his days with UCLA but now he has injected life into a St. Johns program that had fallen on hard times.

Lavin's first head coaching gig was with UCLA, a program that has unrealistic expectations for their teams because of John Wooden. Despite Lavin's impressive tenure as coach it was just never enough and he was fired after seven successful seasons. Just how successful was Lavin's tenure? In his first season with the Bruins he coached them to a record of 24-8 and a birth in the Elite Eight. He was one of only two coaches, the other being Mike Krzyzewski that led his team to five Sweet 16's in six years. Also Lavin had six consecutive 20 wins seasons, his final season was the only time they failed to post 20 wins or make the NCAA tournament. Despite that Lavin still finished with a record of 145-78

So what gives? Well a lot actually when your coaching in Westwood. In his final season the Bruins went 10-19 and Lavin was fired immediately. A coach that had taken his team to five Sweet 16's and posted six consecutive 20 win seasons was canned just like that. That UCLA team was not good looking back at it.

Jason Kapono was their star, when Jason Kapono is your go to guy you should probably call it quits right there. Kapono was a decent college player who had a smooth jump shot but he did not make his teammates better. Kapono led them that season with 16.8 points per game but only dished out 2 assists. The 2 assists a game shows that he was not really getting anyone involved besides himself. Second in scoring on that Bruins teams was Dijon Thompson, who averaged 14 points a game and 4.7 rebounds. Thompson was only a sophomore in 2003 and would go on to average 18 points and 7 rebounds his senior season. T.J. Cummings and Ray Young rounded out the top four scorers for that Bruins team and to be honest with you I could not pick them out of a lineup at this point. From a talent stand point Lavin was not working with much.

Now UCLA fans could read that and say ok well he did not recruit well, if he recruited better than you would not have to rely on Jason Kapono to lead your team. The thing was Lavin was a good recruiter. He recruited Baron Davis, Matt Barnes, Trevor Ariza, Earl Watson, Ryan Hollins, and Dan Gadzuric.

So what was the biggest problem that season? It was their defense. The Bruins allowed 78.6 points per game which ranked 315th that season. They scored 75.2 which was good enough to keep them in games but at the end of the day they had no players that could play defense. Breaking down the players on an individual basis, Dijon Thompson led the team in defensive win shares at 0.7. Defensive win shares is the number of wins a player contributed due to their defense. You compare that to the 2005 UCLA team which lost in the NCAA championship, and they had four players with a dws over 1.7 and had Luc Mbah a Moute with a 3.5. So really Lavin just had a bunch of offensive guys who refused to play defense.

So now here we are, after a good run with UCLA and an excellent seven year run with ESPN Lavin is back. You can not overlook the fact that Lavin was out of coaching for seven seasons. College basketball changed more than ever in those seven years. Back in 2003 the game was powered by Juniors and Seniors, now it is run by Freshmen and fans are more than ever in trenched with recruiting. Everyone now knows who the five star players are and they want their school to get them. From talent to recruiting college basketball did a 360 since Lavin has been gone.

Dwight Hardy has blossomed under Steve Lavin

That makes this run with St. John's magical. In the past three season's the Red Storm went 44-53, in one season with the same players Lavin has them at 16-9. Truly amazing when you see their strength of schedule is ranked 3rd and they are in the Big East. It is a heavy senior laden team with their top six scorers being seniors. Still Lavin has made a guy like Dwight Hardy a go to guy. Hardy averaged 10 points a game last season, this year he is scoring 17. They are 8-5 in the toughest conference in America and have wins over Duke, Uconn, Notre Dame, Georgetown and West Virginia. The Johnnies will be dancing this year as long as they don't stumble down the stretch. With five games left they only play two top 15 teams in Pitt and at Villanova. Their other three are DePaul, USF and Seton Hall. Lavin has made turned this group into winners and brought college basketball back to the big apple. Something many have tried but few have succeeded.

Ron Ron Being Ron Ron

The perfume he is concerned with and spraying is the signature fragrance of Lmar Odom and Khloe Kardashian. 

KGJ Gets New Gig!

Ken Griffey Jr. has been officially named as a Special Consultant with the Seattle Mariners. No surprise here, a sure fire hall of famer baseball should embrace now in his post playing days.

Here is my piece upon his retirement early last season: A Tribute to "The Kid".   

FINALLY THE ROCK HAS COME BACK!

NO FUCKING WAY! I haven't watched wrestling since I was in middle school because it was pretty much dead by then. No Stone Cold, no Hogan, no Rock, no Mick Foley. I literally got the chills when it went silent and then played his opening theme. The stadium erupted! Could The Rock do for wrestling what Bird and Magic did for the NBA? If Stone Cold comes back I'm gonna have to TiVo Hawaii Five-0 and start watching Monday Night Raw. I'm also promoting myself to BDL Senior WWE Writer. He's back and ready to lay the smack down on your candy ass!

Forsberg Retires (Again)!

Well I was right, even more than I first thought, this latest comeback was absolutely pointless! Peter Forsberg retires yet again, this time after literally only 35 minutes (0 points & - 4) of action. He left AGAIN before even the thought of trading him for young talent could even be hinted at.

Despite being a bit overrated in my eyes, this guy will be enshrined into the hockey hall of fame one day. It just be nice if that day could ever actually come. The ticking on the clock has been re-set, Foppa don't halt it anymore! 

Retirement Press Conference:

10 Best Coaches in NBA History

As of February 10th, Jerry Sloan has ended his tenure as the Utath Jazz head coach after 23 seasons. So if Phil Jackson is really leaving, then basketball will lose two of it's most prominent coaching figures this season. Where do they rank amongst the all-time great coaches?



10. Don Nelson
Milwaukee Bucks (1977-1987), Golden State Warriors (1989-1995, 2010-) New York Knicks (1996) Dallas Mavericks (1998-2005)
Record: 1,335-1063   .557
Coach of the Year: 1983, 1985, 1992
Finals Appearances: 0


I guess I have to put him here, he has more wins than any other NBA head coach, but he's never so much as made a Finals appearance in his 34 years in the league. He won the FIBA world championship in '94, that's kind of cool. I'm not crazy about him, but he has a 1,000+ wins so I'll put him at 10.



9. John Kundla
Minneapolis Lakers (1949-1959)
403-302 .583
Finals Appearances: 6/ Championships: 5


The coach of the NBA's first dynasty ever. Lead by the NBA's first superstar, George Mikan, Kundla won 5 NBA titles almost consecutively with a gap between the second and third championship. He never missed the play-offs as a head coach for a full season.

8. Jerry Sloan
Chicago Bulls (1980-1982) Utah Jaz (1989-2011)
1221-803  .603
Finals Appearances: 2/ Championships: 0


The fact that Sloan has never won Coach of the Year is the testament to his consistency, it was always expected his team would have a low-to-high 50-win season. Of his 23 seasons in the NBA he only missed the play-offs 3 times. He made two consecutive Finals appearances but lost two 6-games series to the Bulls, both by a game winning shot. It is a shame Sloan was never able to win a title, a coffee stain on an otherwise outstanding resume.



7. Lenny Wilkens
Seattle SuperSonics (1969–1972, 1977–1985) , Portland Trail Blazers, (1974–1976) Cleveland Cavaliers, (1986–1993) Atlanta Hawks (1993–2000), Toronto Raptors (2000–2003), New York Knicks (2004–2005)
Record: 1,332-1,155, .536
Coach of the Year: 1993
Finals Appearances: 2/Championships: 1


Up until last season, Wilkens was the winnginest coach in NBA history. He is one of three people to be inducted in the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. He saw moderate success most of his career. His best seasons coming from his early years in coaching when he took his former team in Seattle to their only franchise title in '79. 



6. Larry Brown

New Jersey Nets (1981–1983) San Antonio Spurs (1)988–1992) Los Angeles Clippers (1992–1993), Indiana Pacers (1993–1997), Philadelphia 76ers (1997–2003), Detroit Pistons (2003–2005), New York Knicks (2005–2006), Charlotte Bobcats (2008–2010)

Record: 1327-1011 .568 (ABA Included)

Coach of the Year: 2001

Finals appearances: 3/ Championships: 1

Although Brown has a history of jumping ship, he still remains one of the best coaches in NBA history.  After coaching in the ABA throughout the '70's he coached the Nets for three seasons, then left to coach the Kansas Jayhawks making two Final Four appearances and winning a national championship.  His best years were probably with Detriot in the mid-2000's when he coached the Pistons into the upset over L.A. and took the Spurs to 7 games the following season.

5. Chuck Daly
Cleveland Cavilers (1981-1982) Detroit Pistons (1984-1992), New Jersey Nets (1993-1994), Orlando Magic (1998-99)
683-437 .593
Finals Appearances: 3/Championships: 2


The late Chuck Daly is best known for coaching the bad-boy Pistons. He orchestrated the "Jordan Rules" defense and halted Jordan's title efforts in the early years of his career. Daly was also the coach of the greatest team ever assembled in the history of sports, the Dream Team. While you may have hated the '80's Pistons, you had to respect Chuck Daly.



4. Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs: (1997-)
781-371 .678
Coach of the Year: 2003
Finals Appearances: 4/Championships : 4


Like Sloan, Popovich is a model for consistency. After his rookie coaching season, Popovich has finished with at least 50 wins every season. He and Tim Duncan have won 4 championships in  9 seasons and Popovich is the only coach on this list that is undefeated in the Finals. He is a front-runner for his second Coach of the Year award and perhaps a fifth NBA title, that might bump him up a spot.



3. Pat Riley
Los Angeles Lakers (1982-1990), New York Knick (1992-1995), Miami Heat (1996-2003, 2006-2008)
1210-694 .636
Coach of the Year: 1990, 1993, 1997
Finals Appearances: 9/Championships: 5


Riley started out his career in a pretty good spot, coaching Magic and the Showtime Lakers to 4 championships in the 80's. In the 1990's he turned the Knicks into legitimate contenders, although Michael Jordan only allowed him one opportunity to make it to the Finals once. After leaving New York he went to Miami and was the centerpiece to the franchises' fierce rivalry. When he returned to coaching in 2006 after a 4 year absence he coached the Heat to their first NBA title. He is now the front runner for Executive of the Year and if Spolestra doesn't get it done we could see Riley return to the sideline in Miami.



2. Red Auerbach
Washington Capitals (1947-1949), Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1950), Boston Celtics (1951-1966)
938-479 .662
Coach of The Year: 1965
Finals Appearances: 10/Championships: 9


Auerbach is perhaps overall the greatest basketball mind in NBA history. He is the man responsible for the Celtics dominance in the NBA, he lead them to 8 consecutive titles and drafted Larry Bird in the late 70's to rejuvenate the franchise. Auerbach probably the most prominent figure in New England sports culture. He is immortalized in a statue found at Fanuiel Hall. While there may be a better coach, nobody could build a dynasty like Auerbach. 



1. Phil Jackson
Chicago Bulls (1990-1998) Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2004, 2006-)
1136-477 .704
Coach of the Year: 1996
Finals Appearances: 13/Championships: 11


The greatest coach of all time is none other than the Zen-Master himself, Phil Jackson. Many argue that his success is largely due to the talent he has had rather than his acumen. After all, how hard can it be when you had the greatest player of all time, a top 50 player in Pippen, and two top 10 players on the same team (Shaq and Kobe)? Well consider this, Jordan's Bulls were never taken seriously as a contender until Phil Jackson came in. Phil's second year in Chicago they won a second best 61 games and went on to defeat Magic's Lakers for their first of 6 NBA titles. He coached the greatest team in NBA history  (72 wins), and has never missed the play-offs. His first three seasons in L.A. resulted in the only three-peat of the decade, he is the only coach ever to 3-peat more than twice and the only coach that has won consecutive titles in 15 years and he has won 8 titles in those 15 years. The one season we did not seen Kobe Bryant in the play-offs (2005), guess who had taken a season off? Yup, Phil Jackson. In order to be a great coach, you need to have great players, it's not an amenity, its a necessity and no other coach was better at turning great players into perennial champions.

Mark Sanchez in MTV's Skins

D Wade as Bond

He should probably stop worrying about being James Bond and start worrying about how he is going to beat the Celtics.

That Lasted Long

After just two games back a press conference is being held to announce Peter Forsberg's retirement. Forseberg's return was nothing but a sideshow for the Ave's who were once a proud franchise. Maybe next week they can announce the return of Joe Sakic.

The Most Romantic Names in Sports

From thescore.com

The 1997 NBA Finals??? Ummmm

Gordon Hayward and Kyle Korver look like the long lost members of 98 degrees!

Derrick's Rose Petals?

Derrick Rose is one of the quietest and humblest players in the league so when I saw this poster for his party during All Star weekend I died laughing. I am just wondering if we can get a Joakim Noah's Arc poster along with this one? And what is the vegas line on a Pacman Jones like accident occurring during this party? I say +1500.

Lemieux Lashes Out!

Super Mario responds to his Penguins throwback brawl with against the New York Islanders recently with a statement. Here it is....


"Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn't hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.
 
"The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.
 
"We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players.  We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.
 
"If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it." 

Sunday's Picks

Thunder +2 vs Golden State: OKC is coming off a 2 point win against the Kings, a game that saw them almost blow an 11 point lead in the final minuets. The Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last five games but are a good home team which is why they are favored. Nonetheless the Thunder are flat out better. Golden State plays no defense which is a problem when you are playing Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The Thunder have won four of their last five and are 3-2 ATS. Take the two points and you will be happy.
Pick: OKC

Lakers +1.5 vs Orlando: The Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games and 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. The Lakers own Amway Arena going 4-0 ATS their and are 4-0-1 overall against the Magic of late. Also the Lakers are just playing better basketball than Orlando. Since the trade rumors began to swirl the team has come together and started playing some defense. They went into Boston and won by 6 and followed that up with a thrashing of the Knicks. Bynum is looking good of late and they have the size to keep Dwight at bay.
Pick: Lakers

Backboard Gets Destroyed

The Biggest Scumbags in Sports

No. 7 Tiger Woods

Qualifications: Setting mankind back about 50 years and given women a reason to search through all men's cell phones.

Let me first state that I like the new Tiger, maybe its because there is something about athletes who are pricks that I enjoy. He has a new swagger about him that I like and deep down he knows that he is going to get his groove back. Anyways Tiger has to be on this list because this guy needed Dr. Drew more than any other celebrity. He cheated on his super model wife thousands of time, sometimes multiple times a day. Not only that he was the sports biggest asshole for years. He use to cry about every shot that didn't go in, he looked like a kid who was yanked from the ball pit at Chucky Cheese. Tiger would have probably been number 1 on this list a year ago but he has fallen away from the spotlight of late. But overall he's just not a nice person. His apology to the public was the most robotic thing ever! It was like he was a puppet and someone had their hand up his ass moving his mouth. If he was like that with his wife no wonder she left him. Listen to I want Tiger to win everything from here on out? YES! why not no other golfer can give us the story lines Tiger can. Just imagine him winning his 18 championship and texting Charlie Sheen and Elliot Spitzer so they can all go out and celebrate. Priceless I tell you.