NBA Playoffs 2010

My All Playoffs 1st Team

1. Deron Williams
2. Dwayne Wade
3. Lebron James
4. Kevin Durant
5. Dwight Howard

Yikes - that team would be sick.

Honorable Mentions
1. Dirk Nowitsky
2. Manu Ginobli
3. __ Westbrook (OKC)

In conclusion, how come the Suns are losing the series to the Blazers?

Philadelphia's Phantastic Phillies

Right now Philadelphia's Phillies can score more than their Eagles. Last night the Phillies clinched their 2nd straight World Series appearance after a 10-4 ("roger, roger") win over the Dodgers. This decade (2000-2009) only 4 teams have made it to the World Series twice: the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Cardinals, and now the Phillies; the Yankees were consecutive (2000-2001), but they lost their 2nd appearance to Arizona. If the Phillies face New York, which they probably will, we will be seeing more than simply two teams battle for the 2009 World Series. Whoever wins will be the only program to win twice this decade, but if the Phillies win, not only will it be their 2nd, but their 2nd consecutive. They should, and will in my books, go down as the best team this decade. However, if the Yankees win, you must humble yourself, as hard as it may be, and admit that the Yankees had the best overall program in the 2000's. It will be their 3rd appearance and 2nd win, those being book-end wins at that. They easily can be said to be the most consistent team, making the playoffs every year this decade.

Now it is worth mentioning that the Yankees dominated the end of the last decade going into this decade, winning the World Series in '98, '99, 2000, and then losing in '01. But if they lose to Philly this year, i don't see any way around honoring the Phillies as the best team of our current decade.

In case you don't know, this the Philadelphia Phillies team:

Line-up:

Jimmy Rollins

Shane Victorino

Chase Utley

Ryan Howard

Jayson Werth

Raul Ibanez

Pedro Feliz

Carlos Ruiz

(Pitcher)

Pitching Rotation (for the Playoffs)

Cole Hamels

Joe Blanton

Cliff Lee

Pedro Martinez

--> back to Cole Hamels

The Extra Point

If you haven't seen this baseball team play baseball, take some time to watch this year's World Series. That way when your 12-year old kid asks you, "Dad, do you remember the 2008-2009 Phillies team?", you will be able to answer, "Yes son, i most certainly do." And then you can take him out to the most hip fast food joint and tell him all about it. I guarantee that neither you nor your kid will ever forget that day.

The Next Base

Today i had an idea: a way to advance baseball to the next level, or we could say to the next base. It occurred to me, as i saw Pedro Martinez bunting, that he is, for all intents and purposes, considered an out in the lineup. Of course, they use him to advance the runner in some way, but still he is an assumed out.

Growing up playing little league baseball, the best players were always the pitchers. They could throw harder and bat better than everyone else, and when they weren't pitching they were playing shortstop. Now i assume this is the group of players who grow up and are graded down to whoever is actually good enough to play in the pro's. So what happened to those of that group that picked pitching as their forte? Why can't pro pitchers bat for beans? If an age of baseball comes where the pitcher is just as much an offensive threat as the 3rd baseman, that would be a sight to see. Then i could say to my kids or grandkids: "i remember back in the day when the pitcher couldn't bat to save his life, and the coach didn't mind."

Now there is one pitcher i remember being decent at batting. He goes by the name of Dontrelle Willis. His problem was that after he was traded to Detroit, he lost his ability to pitch, and was sent to the minors.

Colt Crosses the River Again

For those of you who don't know, this Saturday's match-up between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners is known as the Red River Shootout (or more recently referred to as the Red River Rivalry). The Red River Rivalry goes as far back as 1900. Historically, it is one of the top 3 college football rivalries of all time (subjective i suppose), behind the Ohio St vs. Michigan and Army vs. Navy games, and i would argue that today it the top rivalry in college football. In the past nine years, Oklahoma or Texas has reached the National Championship 5 times, and given that they are both in the Big XII South, the loser has almost no chance of reaching the Big XII Championship game. This year's game will be almost as intense as last year... but then again, last year (3 of the Big XII South teams (Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech) go 11-1, each loss coming to each other) will probably never happen again. But, with Texas Tech out of the picture, this game will decide the fate both Texas and Oklahoma.

#3 TEXAS

Thus far the Texas Longhorns are 5-0 and ranked #3 in the nation behind Florida and Alabama. This past week they dropped from the #2 spot because the BSC really likes SEC teams. But us rational human beings can forgive a simple mistake since the season is still young and the difference between being ranked #2 and #3 is fairly arbitrary. Colt McCoy, the Longhorns clear leader, has played well, but he has not necessarily put up Heisman numbers. Being the Heisman runner-up last year (behind Oklahoma's QB Sam Bradford) he came into this season with Heisman expectations. However, he has a TD-INT ratio of 10-6, he has a lower passing rating than Christian Ponder for FSU, and this is from the easy half of his schedule. Now if you think i'm saying that Texas doesn't have a star, think again. Colt McCoy is not playing badly, he just doesn't have Heisman numbers. But McCoy's #1 receiver and roommate, Jordan Shipley, is a stand-out play-maker. He has 583 receiving yards, an average of over 12 yards a catch, and 3 TD's; not to mention he one of the most dynamic punt returners in the league. Giving Texas good field position with a possible break away return for a TD might be just what Texas needs to earn a win over Oklahoma this year.

#20 OKLAHOMA

The Sooners have bigger problems than their returning Heisman winner Sam Bradford not putting up Heisman numbers (which is mainly because the Texas game will be his 3rd start of the year). However, Bradford returned just in time to give OU a chance to win the Big XII, regardless of their current 3-2 record (losing to currently ranked #17 BYU and #9 Miami). Since they are the only 2-loss team ranked, somebody still thinks they're legit. Here is where their problems lie: the offensive line. The problem that led to BYU getting alot of pressure on Bradford in the first half of game one, and unfortunately to a good hit that sent Bradford to the bench for a few weeks, has remained a problem throughout the season. Now the Sooners are going to have to sit the starting left tackle, who has lead what is considered Oklahoma's "strong" side of the line. Unfortunately for Bradford, he is friends with the captain of the offense and not the captain of the defense. Texas is going to parade through the weak offensive line all day, making Bradford prove the quality of quarterback he is made of.

All that said, emotions play a huge part in this game, making it the rivalry that it is. Texas beat Oklahoma last year, but still didn't make the Big XII Championship game, and consequently missed out on a shot at Florida for the BCS National Championship. This year Colt McCoy wants to earn himself a shot at the BCS National Championship and prove to the nation that he and his Longhorns are better than Tim Tebow and his Gators; but to prove that, he must go through the Red River of Oklahoma football. Also, Jordan Shipley wants to step up big for his team, and if he can carry his team to victory on a spectacular catch and/or TD return, he'll be throwing his name towards the top of this year's Heisman list. This is the Longhorn's first real test as a team this year, and the result will speak volumes to them, the Big XII, and the BCS. On the other side, Sam Bradford has his first full game under his belt this season, and remember...he was last year's Heisman winner. He is a winner, and he'll keep his team in the game. Texas has the edge on talent and consistency, but this game will be so much more than that. Saturday's battle will consist of the blood of both teams as one will go home a loser. If Oklahoma loses, their season is sure to end short of a success, going to 3-3 and virtually losing their shot at the Big XII Championship. If Texas loses, they might not make the Big XII Championship, and they will most likely miss out on their BCS National Championship dreams.

The Extra Point

What was Oklahoma's record? Oh yea, 3-2. My question is simple: why are they ranked? I understand that their two losses are to two ranked teams, but that's why those teams are ranked, and why Oklahoma shouldn't be; and one of those teams is current #18 BYU, who was later crushed by FSU. Who has Oklahoma beaten? Idaho State, Tulsa, and Baylor... lets just say i'm not impressed. Now, draw your attention to a similar situation - the University of Michigan (4-2). Michigan's losses were two very close losses @ #11 Iowa (#12 at the time) and @MSU in OT, which is nothing short of a very emotional rivalry. Who have they beaten? E. Mich, W. Mich, Indiana, and current #25 ND (ranked #18 at the time). Michigan is not ranked, so what's the big difference between them and Oklahoma. Again i ask, why is Oklahoma ranked?

Nebraska's Forthcoming

Some of the wonderful things about this year in college football are Thursday and Friday night football games. This year there have been many great match-ups outside of the normal Saturday games:

#14 Boise St. vs. #16 Oregon,

#15 Georgia Tech vs. Clemson,

#20 Miami vs. #14 Georgia Tech,

South Carolina vs. #4 Mississippi,

and last night's #21 Nebraska vs. #24 Missouri

Nebraska needed a win last night, and they pulled one out with a stunning 4th quarter rain of Touchdowns. Nebraska's big defense played very well all night, giving up 10 points with only 134 passing yards and 91 rushing yards (Missouri also scored two points on a Nebraska Safety). The offense, however, struggled for the first three quarters with nothing to show. I'm not sure what went down on Nebraska's sideline after the 3rd quarter, Nebraska being down 12-0, but something clicked in the 4th quarter and they scored 3 touchdowns in 3 1/2 minutes. Much of the credit goes to the great defense that came up with 2 interceptions, leaving Nebraska's offence in great field position; but interceptions don't always translate into offensive touchdowns. Nebraska stepped up in a big way Thursday night with a 27-12 win over Missouri.

Nebraska receiver #24 Niles Paul celebrates after

1 of his 2 4th quarter TD receptions Thursday night

The Big XII is up for grabs this season. Oklahoma has already been hurt with the absence of reigning Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford, and Texas Tech has simply not played as well as last year. Texas has an easier schedule than Florida, and will likely win the South; but the North is a different story, and Nebraska has already toughened out half the battle. Even if they lose to Oklahoma, they need only to beat Kansas to reach the Big XII Championship (that is if they can hold off any surprising upsets). They still can't look past teams like Texas Tech and Kansas State, but they should win those games. The defense, led by All-American Ndamukong Suh, needs to be the consistent anchor that can shut down good offenses like Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas; if the offense can become a strong enough threat, look for Nebraska to strongly contend for the Big XII Championship this year.

There's Only One October

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

The Yankees have been solid all season, finally getting the pitching they need to back up their good offence. However, the Twins are about as hot as can be, unless you are the Rockies. Coming off an exciting win over Detroit in the one-game playoff, they will have a huge momentum... but not enough to carry them past New York. New York will win the series 3-1.

Boston Redsox vs Los Angeles Angels

The series between these two during the regular season favored the Angels, 5-4, but they played pretty close. They both had their ups and downs, but had their playoff spot pretty well covered. Look for two good baseball teams waiting for someone to step and lead the way to the ALCS. This year Boston's big hitters didn't perform to their potential, and i think their playoff experience may awaken their power. Boston will win the series 3-2

(Notice the upcoming Boston vs. New York rivalry)

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

I love Colorado at the end of the regular season. This isn't the first time they put together a hot streak right before the playoffs. The last time, in 2007, their momentum carries them all the way to the World Series, only then to lose to Boston. However this year they face Philadelphia in the first round, and the only thing i love more than the hot streak of Colorado is the amazing baseball the Phillies. They are one of the best teams of the decade, and this is their year to repeat and be the only team this decade to win back-to-back Championships. Look for Colorado to win one, but for Philadelphia to win the series 3-1.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals are consistent and they have good pitching and Albert Pujols. While the Cardinals will be difficult to beat, the Dodgers, with Manny being Manny, can and will defeat the Cardinals. The Dodgers have more power than just Manny, and they too can pitch. It will a close series, but LA will win in 5 games, 3-2.

Finishing Well

There is a certain quality that championship teams always have: they finish well. Surprisingly, i think this quality is under appreciated in sports. Take the New England Patriots a few years back. They won every single game except the last, and that one loss was the only one that mattered. So why do Patriot fans still claim they were the best that season? The best team was New York... they won the Super Bowl!

Take also the Cavs last season. They were clearly the best team during the regular season, touting only two home losses... but even that couldn't stop their opponents in the Eastern Conference Championship from Magically beating them in 6 games, including two more home losses, and yet it is still hard for some to admit that the Magic were better when all was said and done at the end of the year.

And right now the Tigers are playing the Twins, and history is showing, once again, how important finishing is for a team. The Tigers let a decently solid lead over the Twins slip away in the last 15 games of the season, and miraculously held on to at least a tie for the lead. Now they are playing a one-game playoff to see who can finish better: who can be disciplined enough... who can handle the pressure... who is made of championship material. The Twins are hot and are playing at home, but the Tigers have better pitching. They are about as even as two Major League teams can be (come on... their records were identical).

Currently the score is 4-4, and going into extra innings. For all those who think baseball is boring... think again!