Mono's Daily Blurb

Thursdays Top Tens: May 13, 2010

2010-05-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Some surpirsies in the NBA, NASCAR, and music rankings this week as we kick off another edition of Thursday Top Tens.

Week 28 NBA Power Rankings

1. Los Angeles Lakers (2) 8-2 Big Jumper of the Week
The Lakers cruised past the Jazz and are now West finals bound, as the heavy favorite to advance to the championship. With Cleveland falling apart, the Lakers are now #1.

2. Orlando Magic (3) 8-0
Yeah, the critics are still skeptical of Orlando, but 8-0 in the postseason and a trip to the East finals is pretty legit. Orlando is the best in the East right now.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (1) 6-4 Big Faller of the Week
Trouble is brewing in Cleveland. With LeBron playing at less than 100%, Cleveland is facing elimination as we speak in Boston. They're no longer number one and a loss tonight drops them further.

4. Phoenix Suns (4) 8-2
The Suns did a superb job sweeping out the Spurs, but let's face it, they're the weakest team entering the Conference Finals. Which isn't a totally bad thing, it's still good for four.

5. Boston Celtics (5) 7-3
The Celtics have no where to go but up from here. I think they're partially winning in spite of the Cavaliers, but still, they're very close to a trip to Orlando.

6. Utah Jazz (6) 4-6
That was fast and painful. The Jazz' ousting from the playoffs was very swift as the Lakers brushed them off like a pesky mosquito. Still, you can't forget they're hard earned series win over Denver.

7. San Antonio Spurs (7) 4-6
Let's face it, the Spurs were better than the Mavericks, but had no chance in Phoenix. Still, upsetting a number two seed is an accomplishment in its own right. Give them credit.

8. Denver Nuggets (8) 2-4
Oh, what could have been for the Nuggets. The golf course awaits, while the Northwest Division Champs banner begins to be made.

9. Dallas Mavericks (10) 2-4
Mark Cuban is yappign at his TV, cursing San Antonio for kncoking his Mavs out and then being a waste of space in round two.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder (NR) 2-4
Why is the Thunder ten? Because, quite frankly, the Hawks slid through the first round and didn't show up in round two. They don't deserve this list one bit in my opinion.

Off This Week: Atlanta Hawks (9)

Week 31 NHL Power Rankings

1. San Jose Sharks (1) 8-3
San Jose is FINALLY heading back to the West finals after what seems like an eternity of waiting. Can they remain atop the chart now? The West Finals will determine who's really #1

2. Chicago Blackhawks (2) 8-4
See above, the Blackhawks and Sharks are one and two and dueling in the West Finals. Chicago is looking to win its first Stanley Cup in 49 years, but do they have the prowess to down San Jose?

3. Montreal Canadiens (7) 8-6 Big Jumper of the Week
They're just remarkable. We can look back in 20 years and say that the 2009-10 Canadiens kncoked out Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in back-to-back rounds. Cinderella still plays on.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (3) 7-6
What happened? What was that? The Penguins expected to roll over Montreal and instead got decimated. And now, they're are gone. The Champs are dethroned. And yours truly is smiling as he types away.

5. Vancouver Canucks (4) 6-6
The Canucks put up a decent fight against the Hawks, but decent is far from enough qwhen you're playing Chicago. Now, the Canucks are done, with Canada's onyl hope resting with Montreal.

6. Detroit Red Wings (6) 5-4
The Red Wings really must have wore themselves out in Phoenix, because they go wallopped by the Sharks. Still, they put together a second half for the ages and made a hell of a run. Give them props.

7. Philadelphia Flyers (9) 7-4
The Flyers are on the verge of doing something only three teams in ALL PROFESSIONAL SPORTS have done. Recovering from an 0-3 deficit to tie the series at 3-3, the Flyers can shoot up the chart if they make history.

8. Boston Bruins (5) 7-5 Big Faller of the Week
Similarly, the Bruins can fall horribly if they're on the wrong side of history. Boston is suddenly with their backs to the wall and in danger of the biggest blow up since Gerald Ford was in office.

9. Washington Capitals (8) 3-4
I guess the Caps don't feel as bad about losing now that Crosby and company are also gone. Take pride, Washington fans, you lost to a suddenyl great team.

10. Phoenix Coyotes (10) 3-4
This entry might as well change to Winnipeg Jets, as the franchise is in danger of moving. So why not allow them to enjoy their final days in Phoenix on the chart.

Week 12 NASCAR Power Rankings

1. Kevin Harvick (2)
Harvick is continuing to drive consistently, and with a 100+ point lead, there's no reason to not put him at number one. Congrats for dethroning the #48 car Harvick.

2. Jeff Gordon (5) Big Jumper of the Week
He can't win, but he at least ALMOST wins every week at that will give you mucho points in the end. Gordon is driving very well right now, he jsut needs a little luck with closing races.

3. Jimmie Johnson (1)
Johnson had another bad week at Darlington and as I said last week, it will drop him in the rankings. No longer #1, it's time for Johnson to prove himself to me.

4. Kyle Busch (6)
I'm so sorry for dropping little Kyle down last week after he won, I msut have been on narcotics when I did that ranking. So, back to number four he goes.

5. Matt Kenseth (4)
Yeah, Kenseth isn't winning and yes, it's starting to cost him points wise, but Kenseth is a straight up points driver. And a pretty darn good one at that.

6. Denny Hamlin (8)
Hamlin won at Darlington and said as he took the checkered flag "We just win baby!" I'm not so sure about this, but in any case, Denny goes up two spots this week.

7. Kurt Busch (7)
Kurt is continuign to post solid finishes as he holds steady at seven. Still, he hasn't proved enough consistent excellence to be anything more than a Chase filler.

8. Greg Biffle (3) Big Faller of the Week
Biffle needs wins. Biffle needs more top fives. Biffle needs to stop being consistently decent. It worked for a while, but mroe drviers are proving to be better and Biffle is falling apart.

9. Jeff Burton (10)
A simply flip flop this week. Burton drove better than Martin on Saturday in my opinion, so he gets the nine spot.

10. Mark Martin (9)
Exactly what Burton's caption says. Martin didn't dominate like he has done at Darlington in the past and it cost him a spot in the ranking.

Week 7 MLB Power Rankings

1. New York Yankees (1) 22-11
To take a page out of Denny Hamlin's book, all the Yankees seem to do anymore is win. 22-11 translates to a lot of wins.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (2) 24-10
The Rays REALLY eant the number one spot, and a couple mroe weeks of first place could give it to them. Tampa Bay is dominating the competition, and their pitching is scary good, like 90's Braves good.

3. Minnesota Twins (3) 22-12
Forget the AL East and the Twins are in the limelight of baseball's best team. I guess the move to the outdoors worked, but in any case, a date in the Bronx awaits this weekend.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (5) 20-13
It's back on track for the Phillies this week, as a solid week gives them four spot back and top team in the National League. It's only matter of if they can stay there.

5. St. Louis Cardinals (4) 20-14
The Cardinals flip flop with the Phillies after a slow week. No big deal, the Cardinals are still #5 and first in the NL Central, with only pesky glimmers of the Reds to deal with.

6. San Diego Padres (8) 21-12 Big Jumper of the Week
I can't hold them back anymore. The Padres just don't want to go away and are looking moe legit with each passing day. I'm moving them up to six and giving them what credit is due.

7. Detroit Tigers (7) 19-15
Detroit continues to lurk behidn the Twins in the AL Central and at number seven here. Still, they need to take a big leap to go any higher.

8. San Francisco Giants (8) 18-14 Big Faller of the Week
The Giants are being dethroned by the Padres in the NL West to everyone's surprise. Still, their ptiching is good enough to be playoff caliber. They jsut have to shake off the Nationals for the wild card. (Wait, the Nationals???)

9. Texas Rangers (NR) 19-15
Again, I always have the division leaders in here and Texas, with their big bats, just so happens to lead the AL West right now. Big whoop.

10. Toronto Blue Jays (10) 20-16
Toronto is still impressing me as they hang tough in baseball's toughest division. As long as they hold off the pesky Red Sox, they'll most likely hang around.

Off This Week: Oakland Athletics (9)

The Weekly ARC Top Ten Songs

1. Nothin On You - B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars (2)
A shocker, as B.o.B. makes an uinderdog move and dethrones Rihanna at number one. I wrote constantly on how this song couldn't be number one. Well, you proved me wrong.

2. Rude Boy - Rihanna (1)
And Rude Boy, after a ridiculously fast charge up, is now down to two this week. Not good as this song seemed destined for five or six weeks at number one, and so far has only two.

3. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (4)
One thing hasn't changed, and that is as B.o.B. goes up, Taio Cruz's similar Beak Your Heart goes up. Unfortunately for Cruz, it looks like the ceiling is here. I'll be shocked if this song goes higher.

4. Hey, Soul Sister - Train (3)
Train does a flip flop with Cruz as it drop to number four. The song that just wasn't good enough for number one has had one hell of a long run.

5. Your Love Is My Drug - Kesha (8)
Kesha is back in the top five already and with it comes a song capable of the number one spot. Kesha already ahd a number one hit this year with Tik Tok, why not another?

6. In My Head - Jason Derulo (5)
In My Head continues its fall, as it drops to number six this week. Derulo is simply being outclassed by better songs higher in the chart, In My HEad's lifespan is shortenign fast,

7. OMG - Usher ft. will.i.am (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
OMG!!!! What is this doing here? Usher really is making one hell of a run with OMG, which has taken the airwaves by storm the last couple of weeks. Debuting at sveen, it could hang around for a while.

8. Breakeven - The Script (7)
Eights are crazy again for Breakeven, which can't seem to break away from thsi area of the chart. It's a good song, but it has to die some day. That death day may be sooner rather than later.

9. Alejandro - Lady Gaga (10)
Surprisingly, Alejandro is only up one spot to nine this week. Could this be a Lady Gaga lite hit and not a #1 song. It's starting to look like it.

10. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (6) Big Faller of the week
Sadly, a big drop by Lady Antebellum has all but sealed its faith and it hung on to number ten this week. Need You Now is all but gone.

Off This Week: Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (9)

The Top Ten Movies for the Weekend of May 7-9

1. Iron Man 2 (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
In case you've been sleeping under a rock, Iron Man 2 is number one this week. Now its challenge is to hang tough as uther usmmer hits are released. Easier said then done.

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1)
Not surprisingly, Elm Street is down to two this week. Freddy gets to continue killing as Nightmare should hang around for a bit.

3. How to Train Your Dragon (2)
I think Dragons will finalyl begin to fall fast, but what a run its had. This is a seven week old movies that's STILL at #3. That's remarkable.

4. Date Night (3)
Date Night is continuing to do pretty well, dropping just a spot to four. It's drop will speed up soon, but it's raking in a few good dollars.

5. The Back-up Plan (4)
The Back-up Plan is like a poor version of Date Night and hence, is always behind it in the charts. Which isn't bad if it translates into a number five finsih.

6. Furry Vengeance (5)
This stupid kids movie is bombing in contrast with Dragons, it drops to six this week. Not a great job done by the Furry guys.

7. Clash of the Titans (7)
Summer may have started, but Titans doesn't care, as it hangs in at number seven this week. Titnas will fall as the blockbusters mount, but this movie has made its mark.

8. Death at a Funeral (9)
Somehow, this Funeral doesn;t die, it actually went UP one spot this week after I thought I saw its end LAST week. No matter, it'll disappear real soon, I promise.

9. Babies (NR)
A new documentary was released this week, effectively displacing Oceans in the charts. And guess what, it's about Babies!!! who wouldn't want to watch that. In any case, it'll be interesting to see if it hangs around.

10. The Losers (6) Big Faller of the Week
In a week where every other movie dropped one spot, the Losers continue to lose, droppign four big spots to ten. Bust, anyone?

Off This Week: Kick-Ass (8), Oceans (10)

Flyers Weekly Fly-By: Somehow Stayin' Alive

2010-05-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

Please pardon the Bee Gees reference there, but that's exactly what the Philadelphia Flyers are doing. And not only have they been doing it, but they've been doing a hell of a job at it. Game five? Absolute domination on the part of Philly as they staved on elimination a second time by destorying the Bruins in Boston. Game four wasn't the prettiest of games, but with the help of the now healthy Simon Gagne (it's been three weeks already???) the Flyers remain alive.

Now, remember, only two teams in NHL history have come back from 0-3 deficits. To find these teams, we have to go back, way WAY back. The first was in 1942, as the Toronto Maple LEafs defetaed the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 after falling behidn 3 games to none in the series. It was the first ever Stanley Cup Final to go seven games and is the only time a team has accomplished that feat in a championship round in ANY sport.

The other NHL team to do this did it in what was ironically the year of the Flyers last Stanley Cup. In 1975, the hated New York Islanders defeated the now equally hated Pittsburgh Penguins 4 games to 3 after being down 3-0 in the quarterfinals. They would move on to play....you guess it the Flyers in the Semifinals, where they almost did the same to top seeded Philadelphia. The Bullies were up 3-0 before the Islanders came back to tie the series at 3-3. Fortunately, the Flyers busted out Kate Smith for game seven at the Spectrum, they would go on to avoid the worst collapse in franchise history, and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals where they defeated the Buffalo Sabres in six games.

In case you're wondering, the feat has only been accomplished once in ANY other North American pro sports league. It happened in the MLB, in 2004, and it happened at the expense of the Yankees. It was accomplished by the arch rival Boston Red Sox and well.....that's enough about that.

Anyway, the Flyers are halfway there to the greatest comeback in team history and have stolen the momentum from the Boston Bruins with game six coming back to the Wachovia Center. I will issue this warning to Flyers fans; you see how hard it is to accomplish this feat. The prospects of it happening are amazing, but the odds are not good. Be excited, but don't be unrealistic either.

That being said, tonight, for the third time, is elimination night for the Flyers. Can they avoid another loss at the hands of the Big Bad Bruins and go back to Beantown for game seven on Friday, or will this FINALLY be the last chapter of a very strange 2009-10 Flyers season?

Studs and Duds This Week

Boston 4, Philadelphia 1
Stud: Miroslav Satan- I want everyone to realize something real fast. This is a player that I, in-person, saw playing for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Penguins a year ago. Now he's on a red hot playoff squad. Not too shabby for a guy named after the devil.

Dud: Mike Richards- Ho hum, another game, another outing where the team just looks downright lost and confused. No surprises here, the Flyers blow up again and Richards isn't there to pick up the pieces.

Philadelphia 5, Boston 4 (OT)
Stud: Simon Gagne- Injury prone or not, great players come through for you when you need them most. We've loved Gagne since he was the pimply faced teen debuting while Eric Lindros was still in town. He's more than paid his dues and added to hsi legacy tonight.

Dud: Braydon Coburn- Oh, how we wouldn't have to be in overtime if the defense outside of Chris Pronger and Matt Carle showed up. Alas, they didn't and alas, Boucher bailed them out again.

Philadelphia 4, Boston 0
Stud: Ville Leino- In the playoffs, especially the NHL playoffs, wins come from a team effort. One player can't do it himself. That being said, when you get production from unsung guys like Leino, you have a better chance at winning hockey games.

Dud: Zdeno Chara- This guy looked liek a statue when watching the highlights from Monday's game. Why is Boston all of a sudden shutting down before the series is over?

My Flyers Picks This Week

I told all you Flyers fans above to not be unrealistic when going into tonight and potentially Friday. However, I'm going to buck trends, buck my way of thinking, and just go with thsi feeling I have. I picked Boston to win the seires in seven from the outset, but to be honest, I've changed my mind. Flyers fans, get ready for the greatest comeback in history. They win games six and seven and head to either Pittsburgh for ANOTHER rematch with the dreaded Penguins or....HOME? HOME ICE ADVANTAGE AS A SEVEN SEED??? against the mysteriously overachieveing Canadiens.

Last Week 1-2
Final Season Record 31-26
Playoffs 4-4

Wed. vs Boston WIN
Fri. at Boston WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 75th Birthday Johnny Bucyk- Never heard of him? You shoudl have, he's in the top five in the NHL's all-time games played list. The durable Bucyk debuted in the 1955-56 season with Detroit and would move to Boston in 1958, where he would remain until his retirment in....1978?!?! Bucyk scored 556 career goals and 1369 career points, making him a sure fire Hall of Famer.

Happy 24th Anniversary Cliff Ronning- The old veteran Ronning scored hsi first career NHL goal in Campbell Conference Finals no less as he helped his St. Louis Blues to a 6-5 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames on this day in 1986. The Flames would go on to win game seven before falling to the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals, but regardless its a happy anniversary for Cliff.

Happy Trails Detroit and Vancouver- These two teams are the latest to be eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the Red Wings, it is the first time since 2007 they have not made the Stanley Cup Finals, meaning a new team will represent the Western Conference this season. For the Canucks, it means the hopes of a Canadien Stanley Cup winner now rest in the hands of Montreal. Yikes.

Playoff Puck Primer

(4) Pittsburgh and (8) Montreal tied 3-3

Really Pittsburgh? Really??? I just can't see the Canadiens pulling off another game seven shocker on the road, but they did it once before and while its worth mentioning, those 1974-75 Islanders I talekd about earlier were also an eighth seed that was clutch in elimination games. Could the Canadiens be the next coming of those Isles? I highly doubt it. However, you have to give the Canadiens due credit for how far they have gotten so far this season. As for Pittsburgh...well they better wins this. If the Penguins are as good as everyone says and if they truly want to build a dynasty, they CAN NOT lose this game. It could tarnish their reputation and put a devestating hit on the team's psyche. Pittsbrugh MUST win and Pittsburgh WILL win.

(1) San Jose defeats (5) Detroit 4-1

So the Sharks finally are living up to their seeding, as they advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history. Good for them too, because it would be a damn shame if all of the regular season hard work this team put in went to waste again. That being said, they have entered the portion of the playoffs where they are no longer totally expected to win (in my opinion at least). I see them as the underdog going in against a superior Blackhawk team, but at the same time San Jose played extremely well against the Red Wings, minus that game four disaster of course. Watch out for the Sharks.

(2) Chicago defeats (3) Vancouver 4-2

As expected, the Blackhawks have defeated the Canucks and despite all the grief and anguish that so many hockey critics put this team through this postseason, they're going to the West Finals as expected. Now, Chicago is my Champion pick and I still think they have the ability to knock off the Sharks in the West Finals, but right now the Hawks are not playing on the same high level San Jose is. It's definitely going to be an awesome series and one that I have been waiting for for quite some time, but I'll stick with the Blackhawks for winning this one.

What to Watch This Week

Wednesday- Montreal at Pittsburgh Game 7, 7:00 Versus
Let's face it, Bruins and Flyers will be great tonight, but before that game starts at 8, you should try and catch some of the what could be a totally epic fail on the Penguins part. Come on, it will certainly be hilarious.

Friday- Philadelphia at Boston, Game 7, 7:00 Versus (if necessary)
This could be the greatest night in Flyers histroy in a long time, a game seven that's just a big tease, or a game that isn't played at all if Boston wins tonight. If it is played though, you won't want to miss it.

The rest: Check with nhl.com to get the Conference Finals schedule when it is released. All games will be televised nationally on either Versus or NBC.

Playoff Hoops Primer

2010-05-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

We're almost Conference Finals bound as three of four Conference Semifinal Series have ended abruptly in four game sweeps. First, we'll start with the series that is currently playing right now.

(1) Cleveland and (4) Boston tied 2-2

I'll be honest, the Celtics have the momentum here and a win tonight in game five in Cleveland gives them this series essentially. They should be leading this series entirely and shows that a banged up LeBron James isn't good enough for the Cavaliers. The Celtics simply have more depth and even though I picked he Cavaliers to go to the Finals, I assumed a healthy LeBron would go with them and that Rajon Rondo wouldn't make the Boston Big 3 into the Boston Big 4. The Cavs are in a must win situation.

(2) Orlando defeats (3) Atlanta 4-0

The Hawks showed major weaknesses in that rough first round series against the Bucks and the Magic exploited them. What terribly dull series, I thought the Hawks were better than what they showed, but apparently not. Orlando now heads to the East Finals an undefeated 8-0 in the postseason. That's pretty insane, but they have had by far the easiest two round road of all the remaining teams as well. It doens't matter whether Cleveland or Boston wins in the other seies, they will give Orlando a true test and I'm not so sure the Magic will be prepared.

(1) LA Lakers defeats (5) Utah 4-0

Again, I thought the Jazz would put up a slightly better fight agaisnt the Lakers, but the Jazz instead fell apart and didn't give the Lakers much of a fight. Los Angeles survived a very tough challenge against the Thunder and that really ptu them into killer playoff mode. I think the Lakers are ready for the Finals, forget the next round, Los Angeles is just too good.

(3) Phoenix defeats (7) San Antonio

Talk about overestimating the Spurs, it appears that their time ahs officially passed. The Suns were simply too fast and too good for San Antonio to shut down and just like that we have and all-Pacific Division West Final. Phoenix is a heavy underdog to go to the Finals, they were pretty inconsistent during the regular season and the Lakers are able to win a series against a run and gun team as they exhibited this against Oklahoma City. Now the Suns are better than the Thunder, but let's face it, their defense is in doubt. Phoenix needs a huge effort to go to the Finals for the first time since the Barkley era.

What to Watch This Week

Thursday- Cleveland at Boston Game 6 8:00 ESPN
A possible series clinching game in whcih I see the Celtics as the favorite. Can LeBron and company prove the critics wrong?

Sunday- Boston at Cleveland Game 7 3:30 ABC (if necessary)
This could be a game seven classic if it gets there. Again can LeBron and company prove the cirtics wrong, or could be a step closer to a Lakers-Celtics rematch?

Monday- Phoenix at LA Lakers Game 1 9:00 TNT
The West Finals kick off on Monday as the Suns travel up to Hollywood to take on L.A. Could we see a surprise and the run and gun Suns winning game one?

Stadium and Arena Reviews: Yankee Stadium

2010-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

After vistiting Yankee Stadium for the second time this past Tuesday, it's time for me to do my second stadium/arena review and I have a lot to say about the new stadium.

Architecture

Pretty damn nice and probably the best part of the stadium. The Yankees did a great job of making the new stadium's architecutre as close to identical as possible to the original stadium, which is about 100 times better than the renvoated places architecture. Coming up to the main entrance is absolutely stunning with the arched entrance. Also, the frieze hanging above the upper deck is absolutely beautiful and stunning in of itself.

Architecture 10/10

Concessions/Team Store

It sure looks like that the concessions and team store have a large variety and I can't wait to sample some of the foods of Yankee Stadium. Which leads to a large problem, I'm going to need to take out a loan to eat at Yankee Stadium because the prices are out of this world. Yeah, I know it's Yankee Stadium, but as far as I'm concerned, a hot dog is a hot dog. I want to be able to afford to eat at the place.

Concessions/ Team Store 7/10

Scoreboard/Electronics

The gigantic video board at the new stadium doesn't cease to amaze me. It's an absolute beauty. It can be seen from anywhere in the stadium and the vast majority of the time gives every single statistic you can think of. The ribbon boards also have pertenient information and the team does a good job of putting info on the boards while still using them for the dreaded advertising. Still, a half point off for an out of town scoreboard that leaves much to be desired (amount of outs shown, but not runners on base) and another problem that I'll get to.

Scoreboard/Electronics 9/10

Ushers

I can't stand the ushers here, mostly because they're everywhere and play Nazi police. I will say, the crew has improved from the ancient and grumpy gang that worked at the old stadium, but security is still a bitch going in. To be fair, a very nice security guard took pictures for our group after the game, but at the same time, security did a lousy job breaking up a fight one section over from us during the game. Mixed reaction from me here.

Ushers 6/10

Fan Support

It's the Yankees, who have seemingly the largest fanbase of any team in the whole entire world. Now, I will drop a point for one thing. One, the attendance has been a little lackluster to start the year, there were 10,000 unsold seats for the game I was at and it looked like more. Also, everyone left early. There was at most 20,000 people left for the end of the game, keeping in mind the final score was 4-1, not a blowout. It makes the Stadium look empty and that's never good. Other than that, though, the fans were fantastic.

Fan Support 9/10

Location/Neighborhood

It's the same neighborhood as the old stadium and that's not good. The sparklign new stadium shines against the ugliness of the ghetto that is the Bronx and it's a shame that something so beautiful is trumping over a neighborhood that is severely in need. Now, on the flip side, the stadium IS easy to reach my train, so for that, four points here. Otherwise, it's a big fat 0.

Location/Neighborhood 4/10

Banners/History

The one thing that has dropped from the old to the new stadium is this. Yes, pictures of the old teams grace the concourse, but Monument Park is sitting in a dungeon beyond the center field wall. A list of World Series championships is beyond the right field bleachers and pennants sit above the upper deck, but for the best franchise in sports, the stadium is lacking. Not to mention, the aura and history of the old stadium just couldn't transfer over to the new place. The mystique and nostalgia is missing and its a shame. The feeling is just not there.

Banners/History 6/10

In Game Entertainment

Here's my big beef and a big hit to the stadium's score. The Yankees have made a game in the old stadium and a game in the new stadium completely different. I can handle some new age baseball stuff like batter music and goofy stuff like the YMCA and Cotton Eyed Joe. But the game I went to was complete overkill. For example, tha hands. You know, those clapping hands everytime time something is played in between pitches. Every two seconds, the hands are there. Clapping, again and again, and again. Not to mention the stupid trivia questions. Come on the first Yankee in the Hall of Fame. My dog knows the answer to that question. Whatever happened to nice organ music in between innings, why do the Yankees, of all teams, need all of this sponsorship money? I cringe everytime that W.B. Mason whistle goes off after a strikeout. Wins sponsored by Party City? Really?

I'm a Yankee fan, and I never use bad language in this blog, but I'm sorry, what a f***** disgrace.

In Game Entertainment 2/10

Concourses/Fan Comfort

One thing I don't miss from the old stadium is being crammed like cattle in the concourse, moving to a solitary exit after the game. Of course, the subway is still like this, but thankfully the concourses are as a spacious as can be, the most spacious of any baseball stadium I've been to. The Great Hall is fantastically done as well. The seats are pretty comforrtable, though I sure wish you didn't have to pay $1,000 to sit in those nice leather seats down below.

Concourses/Fan Comfort 9/10

Priciness

Don't get me started. I can't eat here without spending a fortune, if you drive there, you spend a fortune to pakr, and trust me, it isn't cheap to get tickets either. As much as I love the Yanks, I can't afford to go mro than once a year, if that. It's incredible how a team can phase out real fans the way they did and sell tickets to the suits. But, thus is the age of pro sports. Nothing you can do. But in any case, at least don't kill ou pockets please.

Priciness 3/10

Final Score 65/100

The Final Word

Yes I realize this is ranked lower than Prudential Center, but that's a result of all the lost history, nostalgia, and feel of real baseball that came iwth this stadium. It's a beautiful place to visit, but it seems like more of a carnival than a place for the Yankees to play baseball. Go back to some of the old ways of doing things and this place will be top notch.

On Tap This Week

2010-05-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Monday- It's Here!!! My review of Yankee Stadium, and boy do I have a whole lot to say.
Tuesday- We're transitioning into the Conference Finals mode in Playoff Hoops Primer
Wednesday- Depends on a lot, a win in game five and we're debating a great comeback in the Fly-by, a loss and we will have a season wrap up instead.
Thursday- More playoff rankings, more Yankees at the top, and lots of Iron Man in the Top Tens
Friday- I missed it last week, but this week we will preview the Union return home against Dallas.
Saturday- We're in NASCAR coast-to-coast mode as we preview the race at the monster mile of Dover.
Sunday- The Yankees wrap up their rematch with Minnesota in Pinstripe Weekly

Yankees Pinstripe Weekly: Where's the Feeling

2010-05-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

So, as the Yankees tumble to 21-9, just a half game behind the Rays for the AL East lead and the title of best record in baseball, I sit back and reflect on the first 30 games of 2010. And to be quite honest, I'm disappointed.

Not by the team, quite the contrary in fact, I've never been so confident about a baseball team possibly ever. This edition of the Yanks invokes memories of the great 1998 team and keeps winning, injuries and all.

No, rather I'm disappointed because there are many things with the Yankees that have just lost their nostalgic feel. I was at the new stadium on Tuesday for the 4-1 win over the Orioles and while the stadium has more glitz and glamour than any other in baseball, it lacks in history and an "old-school feel" as I like to call it. I will have a full review of new Yankee Stadium for tomorrow's blog, but honestly, I will say the "feel" is lacking.

As a side note, I have officially tired of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. It's not the same as it was five years ago and the media just continually shoves it down everyone's throat. I'm tired of watching them play 18 times a year. I'm just tired of it. It's not an intense rivalry, the games are at least 4 hours long, and every game seems to be 17-8 or 12-4 or some crazy, blowout liek score.

Baseball as a whole has been dumbed down to attract a new type of fan. I can handle some new stuff like music as players come to bat, stupid video board subway races, and mascots, but some stuff is ridiculous. Music is much too loud, stadiums too flahsy with their carousels (literally), rich restaurants, and cushioned seats. A lot of old-timers are rolling in their graves over what baseball has become.

As I said, I'll mention more of this tomorrow. As for the Yankees....yeah they're playing really good. That's all you need to know.

Studs and Duds This Week

NY Yankees 4, Baltimore 1
Stud: C.C. Sabathia- Another awesome outing, with only six hits allowed in eight innings. Only two strikeouts though, but outs are outs, no matter how you slice it.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- You guess it, 0 for 4, average drops to .181 and people still say that he'll recover. We shall see.

NY Yankees 4, Baltimore 1
Stud: Francisco Cervelli- No Posada? No problem, Cervelli is to the rescue. A great 3 for 3 day for the backup catcher powered the Yanks. BTW, did you know he's Venezuelan? (thanks Carolina!!!)

Dud: Matt Wieters- Three strikeouts and one grounded into a double play. Epic fail for the future hall of fame catcher. I was very disappointed but hey, at least I got to see him play.

NY Yankees 7 Baltimore 5
Stud: Nick Johnson- Johnson is back (well, kind of) and swinging as he was just a triple shrot of the cycle. But hey, I didn't expect a triple either.

Dud: David Robertson- He's got to go. Seriously, the only reason the game was close was because Robertson let it get that way. What proof? His ERA is 14.21

NY Yankees 10, Boston 3
Stud: Phil Hughes- Hughes is still twirling well, he threw seven strong and kept hsi ERA below two as we head through May. Pretty legit stuff there.

Dud: David Robertson- OK, not quite as bad as Wednesday, but he allowed ANOTHER run. Fortunately his ERA is down to 13.50.

NY Yankees 14, Boston 3
Stud: Mark Teixiera- Welcome to the show Tex!! three homer day for the big first baseman and FINALLY the batting average has topped the .200 mark. It was a long time coming.

Dud: Rain Delays- You lost my viewership because this game ran into NASCAR. I really shouldn't plug another sport here, but am I goign to watch baseball, which has 162 games, or NASCAR, which has 36 races?

Boston 9, NY Yankees 3
Stud: Nick Swisher- Two for four and a solid 4th inning home run. Swish is now hitting over .300. Sweet.

Dud: A.J. Burnett- We all know A.J. Burnett. He's the classic Jekyll and Hyde act. Tonight, he was just plain crap. Just crap.

My Yankees Picks This Week

No days off this week as the Yankees get to play a fun four game road series in Detroit before coming home this weekend to host the Twins in a ALDS rematch. Just to be clear, the Yanks have....uh oh.....Sergio Mitre on the mound tomorrow. Yeah, loss. Then we'll say loss, win, win to split with the Tigers. Take a win, loss, win on the weekend against the Twins.

Last Week 5-1
Season 13-16

Mon. at Detroit LOSS
Tues. at Detroit LOSS
Wed. at Detroit WIN
Thurs. at Detroit WIN
Fri. vs Minnesota WIN
Sat. vs Minnesota LOSS
Sun. vs Minnesota WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 26th Birthday Prince Fielder- Cecil's son is getting so old.....the Prince is continuing to blast bombs out of Miller Park for the Brewers, but as age increases so does his likelihood of going to a larger market. Nevertheless, for all the loyal fans of the Brew Crew and for a home run hittign family, happy birthday Prince.

Happy 26th Anniversary White Sox/Brewers- These two teams played the longest game in time and second longest game by innings on this day in 1984. Harold Baines hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 25th to win the game 7-6, a game that lasted eight hours and six minutes. To be fair, they played it over two days, but it's still MAD long.

Happy Trails Ernie Harwell- Melancholyt trails to Harwell, who died after a bout with cancer this past week at the age of 92. The long-time broadcaster of the Detroit Tigers, I've listened to clips of some of his calls and really would have enjoyed listening to him. Another great voice, gone from the game of baseball.

Around the MLB

AL East- In an almost-perfect game, Brett Cecil threw six innings of perfect ball last Monday for the Blue Jays. This week as a no-hit type of week as Scott Olsen (no, not joking) also flirted with a no-hitter before Dallas Braden was perfect today. Maybe the deadball era is coming back!!!

AL Central- Joe Mauer dodged a major league bullet this week as he avoided the DL with his heel injury. Rumors had him headed to the DL and out for an extended period earlier in the week, a move that could cripple the Twins. As Mauer goes, so go the Twins as far as I'm concerned.

AL West- Major kudos to Dallas Braden today, as he pitched the major's 19th perfect game of all-time. He joined the great Catfish Hunter as the only A's to accomplish the feat. On the flip side, for the second straight year, the Tampa Bay Rays got perfect gamed as Mark Buehrle did the same last July against Tampa. In any case, Dallas' accomplishment must make Alex Rodriguez feel fantastic.

NL East- Another death this week, as Robin Roberts, the great Phillies starting pitcher died this week. Roberts is the type of pitcher I would like to see today, someone who throws crazy complete games and is very versatile. Roberts was one of the whiz kids in Philly and pitched against the Yankees in the memorable 1950 World Series. He will be sorely missed in the city.

NL Central- With the surpises of teams like the Mets and disappointments of teams like the Red Sox, can we take a moment to acknowledge the Pirates? They're going to fall apart soon, but right now their 14-17 and hanging tough in the middle of the NL Central. Just saying, a non-losing season could be possible.

NL West- The Giants placed Edgar Renteria on the 15 day DL earlier this week, replacing him with Juan Uribe. Strangely, am I the only person who sees this as an upgrade more than an injury replacement? OR maybe I'm just crazy.

What to Watch This Week

Monday- NY Yankees at Detroit 7:05 ESPN
Sergio Mitre (0-0) vs. Dontrelle Willis (1-0)
Don't discount the Tigers. In the prematurely early wild card picture, Detroit is the team chasing the Yankees for the spot.

Tuesday- Oakland at Texas 8:05 CSN California
Trevor Cahill (1-1) vs. Colby Lewis (3-1)
Don't look now, but this is a huge early season impact series on the AL West race, a race that so far, it seems like no one wants to win.

Wednesday- Washington at NY Mets 1:10 SNY
Craig Stammen (1-1) vs. Mike Pelfrey (4-1)
The Mets are playing hard as they battle to be on top of the NL East, but the Nationals aren't an automatic win this season, it should be a tough afternoon battle.

Thursday- San Diego at San Francisco 3:35 CSN Bay Area
Matt Latos (2-3) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (3-3)
Don't look now, but these teams are neck and neck atop the NL West standings. Whoever wins this series will be in first place at the end of the day.

Friday- Boston at Detroit 7:05 NESN
Clay Buchholz (3-3) vs. Max Scherzer (1-2)
The Red Soz ARE back up to .500 but have a tough test in traveling to Detroit. On the flip side, the Tigers have the tough task of playing the Yanks and Sox back-to-back.

Saturday- St. Louis at Cincinnati 7:10 FS Ohio
Adam Wainwright (4-1) vs. Mike Leake (2-0)
This is the two top teams in the NL Central, though the Reds are a distant second to the Cardinals. Still, a series win can really help the Reds.

Sunday- Minnesota at NY Yankees 1:05 TBS
Nick Blackburn (2-1) vs. Javier Vazquez (1-3)
Look out Yankee fans!! Not only are the Twins in town for the final game of this weekend series, but Vazquez is on the mound. Fly balls with Mauer's name are a certainty.

NASCAR Coact to Coast Weekend: Week #11 Darlington

2010-05-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Huge, huge weekend in the woirld of NASCAR, as it is Mother's Day weekend and time for the Southern 500, raced on the Lady in Black, NASCAR's oldest superspeedway, Darlington.

Race #11: Showtime Southern 500
Where: Darlington Raceway, Darlington, SC
When: Saturday, May 8th, 7:45 p.m.
TV: FOX
How Long: 501 miles, 367 laps

Last Week on the Circuit Studs and Duds

Three Studs

1. Kyle Busch- Can you say domination? I thought I was back in the 1970's early when only eight cars were on the lead lap. Wild Thing was THAT good, like him or not

2. Jeff Gordon- Poor Jeff just can't seem to win a race this year. In all fairness, Busch DID have a better car, but major props to Gordon for turning a one-sided race into a contest.

3. Carl Edwards- We actually saw a little bit of Carl running in the top 10 for once this season. Edwards needs to take baby steps before he gets back into contention.

Three Duds

1.Dale Earnhardt Jr.- There is a such thing as bad days in NASCAR, but good lord, Junior was absolutely awful. When does a Hendrick car EVER finish 3 laps down?

2. Tony Stewart- Speaking of not being very good, Tony has been nothing but disappointing this season. Another lap down finish last week, Gordon is in a bit of a hole.

3. Mark Martin- Wasn't awful like Junior, but was far from contending on Saturday. Just an all-around bad day for Hendrick outside of Gordon and little bit of Jimmie.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 46th Birthday Bobby Labonte- The 2000 Winston Cup Champion turns 46 tomorrow as he runs in the Southern 500. Labonte currently drives the #71 car owned by TRG Motorsports. LAbonte hasn't won since 2003, but has driven in eveyr race since 1993 and is a seasoned and likeable veteran.

Happy 15th Anniversary Dale Earnhardt- I feel like I do Earnhardt on this segment every year. But in any case, on this day in 1995, Earnhrdt earned hsi first road course victory, winning at Sonoma (or Infinion) whatever you want to call it. It would be the only road course win the Intimidator would ever earn.

Happy Trails Prism Motorsports- The stupidstart and park cars #55 and #66 driven nroamlyl by Michael McDoweel and Dave Blaney failed to qualify last week at Richmond. Here's to hoping the same is true this week at Darlington.

My Predicted Finish This Week

At Richmond....
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 6 of 10
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 2 of 5
Correct winner: Yes
Number of Exact Position Correct: 1 of 10 (Kyle Busch 1st place)

This Season....
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 42 of 90 (46.6%)
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 18 of 45 (40%)
Correct Winner: 2 of 9 (22.2%)
Number of Exact Position Correct: 6 of 90 (6.6%)

Darlington is a place that is more for the experienced than anything, typically younger drivers stuggle at this wild track. Keeping this in mind, everyone and their mom is picking Jeff Gordon to win this week. I'm going to dissent from this and go with Denny Hamlin. He won the Nationwide Series last night and seems poised to sweep the weekend. Jeff Gordon will take second, followed by Jeff Burton, Jimmie Johnson, and Ryan Newman. Sixth place goes Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth to seventh. Martin Truex Jr. goes to eighth, youngstr Joey Logano finishes ninth, and my boy Jamie McMurray is in tenth.

My Top Ten Picks
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Jeff Burton
4. Jimmie Johnson
5. Ryan Newman
6. Tony Stewart
7. Matt Kenseth
8. Martin Truex Jr.
9. Joey Logano
10. Jamie McMurray

Thursdays Top Tens: May 6, 2010

2010-05-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

After a blog break the last two days, it's time to get back to work. The top tens are here for the week of May 6.

Week 27 NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (1) 5-2
Even with Lebron's injury, the Cavaliers hold at number one. This could change if they fall behidn to the Celtics this week, but for now, they remain the top team.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (2) 6-2
The Lakers are in cruise control against the Jazz so fsr, so they stay at number two. Nothing but business for Los Angeles so far.

3. Orlando Magic (3) 5-0
The Magic remain undefeated in the playoffs as they're up 1-0 on the Hawks in round two. It's too early to see if the Hawks will do real damage in this round, but so far they're harmless.

4. Phoenix Suns (4) 6-2
The Suns have shut down the Spurs defense with their fast paced scoring and so far its but nothing but a success in round two.

5. Boston Celtics (7) 5-2 Big Jumper of the Week
Boston is playing like it has a real chance to upset Cleveland and for that they jump to five this week. I can realistically see them winning this series, no joke.

6. Utah Jazz (5) 4-4
The Jazz are being seriously outclassed and ouplayed by the Lakers so far in round two. They have hit a wall in their playoff run and it appears the Jazz are at their peak.

7. San Antonio Spurs (8) 4-4
The Spurs go up a spot in spite of their lousy permorance against the Suns so far. San Antonio, like the Jazz, may have peaked at this point.

8. Denver Nuggets (6) 2-4 Big Faller of the Week
Denver is going to stablize down aroudn this area after fallign to the Jazz in round one. A division title jsut wans't enough for the Nuggets.

9. Atlanta Hawks (10) 4-4
The Hawks struggled to escape the Bucks in round one and seem to be outmatched coming into the series against Orlando. A rise in the rankings will dpened on how well they play the rest of the series.

10. Dallas Mavericks (9) 2-4
What a disappointment in Dallas. They were outplayed by the Spurs and kncoked out despite a great regular season. Alas, the previous weeks are all down the toilet.

Week 30 NHL Power Rankings

1. San Jose Sharks (3) 7-2 Big Jumper of the Week
What a difference in rounds. The Sharks look like a clear number one team as they have had no difficult against the Red Wings in round two. A trip to the West Finals is imminent.

2. Chicago Blackhawks (1) 6-3
The Blackhawks, after a terrible game one, are now up on the Canucks in round two. A shark-Hawks West Final sounds about correct, but Vancouver isn't going down without a fight.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins (2) 6-3
The Penguins aren't having much trouble against Montreal in round two. As the East's top team by a long shot, it would be a surprise for the Penguins to not go to the Finals.

4. Vancouver Canucks (5) 5-4
Down in their series with Chicago, the clock is ticking on the Canucks season as they lose home ice advantage. hey will need a Blackhawk collapse to take the series.

5. Boston Bruins (6) 7-2
Well, that's easy. The Bruins are on the cusp of the Eastern Confernece Finals, despite all the troubles and adversity that hautned them this season. A black and gold East Finals seems likely.

6. Detroit Red Wings (4) 4-6 Big Faller of the Week
The long and grueling series against Phoenix seems to be goign to waste. The Red Wings are being demolished against the Sharks and their reign atop the West is almost finished.

7. Montreal Canadiens (9) 5-5
It's basically Halak vs. the Penguins. Without Halak, the canadiens are all but finished in this series. Forutnely, they're only down 2-1. Very lucky.

8. Washington Capitals (7) 3-4
The Capitals will settle around the bottom of the chart, mostly for their incredible regular season run, as they hit the golf course.

9. Philadelphia Flyers (8) 4-4
Yikes. The Flyers injuries and deepth finally caught up to them in the worst way. I missed the Fly-By this week, but it was nothing but bad news as the Flyers need a miracle to advance.

10. Phoenix Coyotes (10) 3-4
Like the Capitals, the Coyotes are being awarded for an incredible regular season as they settle in at number ten.

Week 11 NASCAR Power Rankings

1. Jimmie Johnson (1)

Johnson is no longer topping the standings and a bad run at Darlington could cost him number one in the rankings for the first time. The gap is closing.

2. Kevin Harvick (5) Big Jumper of the Week
I don't know about anyone else, but Harvick has been a beast on the short tracks this year. If this can translate into a good run this week, number one could be his.

3. Greg Biffle (2)
Biffle drops a spot with the emergence of Harvick, but is continuing to post consistent finishes. It's business as usual for the Biff.

4. Matt Kenseth (3)
Kenseth, like Biffle, drops one spot with the rememergence of Harvick towards the top, Like Biffle, he's consistent, ho hum.

5. Jeff Gordon (6)
I'm not as sold on Gordon as a lot of other people, but a win will certainly help his cause in my book. Until then, however, he remains in the middle.

6. Kyle Busch (4)
Yeah, I know, he won last week ,but I ranked him slightly too high on this ranking last week. He's been a little less dominant than Gordon, so he sits outside the top five.

7. Kurt Busch (7)
There hasn't been a lot of noise coming from the Kurt Busch camp outside of his move to the #22 car next year, but he's still hanging around the middle of the Chase standings.

8. Denny Hamlin (10)
Denny jumps up two spots despite what he thinks is a disappointing run in Richmond. In reality, Hamlin stayed out of trouble and ran well. All things considered, he deserves the eight spot.

9. Mark Martin (9)
Running without a real sponsor, Martin is continuing to run well at number nine. Unforunately, there's a gap between the #5 car and the elite drivers, so Martin will need a boost to go much higher.

10. Jeff Burton (NR)

Good run by Burton on Saturday night boost him back to the top tneafter dropping off. Can he remain in this territory?

Off This Week: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8) Big Faller of the Week

Week 6 MLB Power Rankings

1. New York Yankees (1) 19-8
Surprised? Didn't think so. The Yankees are catching up to the down to earth Rays as they continue to cruise through the season.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (2) 20-7
The Rays are losing their gap between themselves and the Yankees, but in any case, they'e sitll baseball's best team. It just so happens the Yankees are second best and in the same division.

3. Minnesota Twins (3) 19-9
I didn't expect this tpye of resurgence from the Twins, but they're hitting extremely well and appear to be better than the one and done team from last year.

4. St. Louis Cardinals (4) 18-10
Calm down with all your ranting Cardinals fans. Your team is the best in the weak National League, no reason to panic.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (5) 16-11
The Phillies hold at number five this week, through tasers and all. They have proved to play a tough series with St. Louis this week in a possible playoff preview.

6. San Francisco Giants (6) 16-10
Again, the Giants have an incredible pitching staff and likeup that does enough to keep San Fran in first place territory.

7. Detroit Tigers (8) 16-13 Big Jumper of the Week
The Tigers are continuing to play well despite having to chase and chase and chase the Twins in the Central. They could be wild card worthy...if it weren't for the Yankees and Rays.

8. San Diego Padres (9) 17-11
San Diego is ahead of the Giants in the standings, but is clearly the lesser team in the race. Neverhteless, the Padres have definitely surprised so far, will they remain in the top ten?

9. Oakland Athletics (10) 15-14
The AL West sucks, the A's aren't that good, and right now all four teams have question marks. Oakland is on here by virtue of leading the division.

10. Toronto Blue Jays (NR) 16-13
Losti n the dominacne of the ays and Yanks is the solid play of the Blue Jays. I picked htem for last place, but they are clearly better than the Red Sox right now. Pretty good statement right there.

Off This Week: New York Mets (7) Big Faller of the Week

The Weekly ARC Top Ten Songs

1. Rude Boy - Rihanna (1)
Rude Boy is at the top for the second straight week. No surprise here as Rihanna has taken the Top 40 stations by storm lately.

2. Nothin On You - B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars (4) Big Jumper of the Week
B.o.B. is for real. To my surprise, Nothin on You is up to number two this week. Whetehr it can beat out Rihanna for number one is questionable but now possible.

3. Hey Soul Sister - Train (3)
Train appears ot have peaked, as it is stuck in the rut of number three here. I would expect a fall to start in the coming weeks for the surprising single.

4. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (5)
Taio Cruz continues its climb, now all the way up to number four. How much further this song gets is questionable, as B.o.B. limits its peak.

5. In My Head - Jason Derulo (2) Big Faller of the Week
Derulo had a shrot stay atop the chart and saw a rough three spot drop to five this week. Still, number one is number one and Derulo now has two #1 singles. Not too shabby.

6. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (6)
Lady Antebellum doesn't want to go away and for good reason. Need You Now is a song that has staying power in that it doesn't drive people nuts. It will fall, but slowly.

7. Breakeven - The Script (8)
The Script finally got out of its rut in the eight spot, but only junps one spot to seven. Breakeven is at its peak and will try to hang around.

8. Your Love is My Drug - Kesha (9)
Something tells me the Love and Drugs is more like Blah Blah and less like Tik Tok. Why are Kesha's song titles so ridiculous. In any case, Love and Drugs up one spot.

9. Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (7)
Ring ring! It's for Lady Gaga, the chart says it wants this song to die. The former #1 song is down to nine, with its death imminent.

10. Alejandro - Lady Gaga (NR)
And as Gaga goes in one spot, she comes alogn again in another. Lady Gaga has her seemingly umpteenth single with Alejandro. I don't sense a big gain for this one, but could this be the single that causes Rude Boy's demise? It's Gaga vs. Rihanna.

Off This Week: Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas (10)

The Top Ten Movies for the Weekend of April 30-May 2

1. A Nigthmare on Elm Street (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
The Elm Street reboot easily takes the number one spot this week nad the title of big jmuper. It won't hold thoughm as Iron Man 2 comes out tonight. Still, it was nice knowing you, Freddy.

2. How to Train Your Dragon (1)
In its sixth week on the chart, Dragons drops one spot to number two. This kjids wfilm seemingly won't die, but will fall once the summer season gets fully underway.

3. Date Night (3)
Date Night is continually hanging in at number three and is doing a solid job of raking in dollars. It will drop starting next week, but it's had a good run.

4. The Back-up Plan (2)
The Back-up plan drops two spots to four this week, it's more of the same for the Plan as everything else, as it will go as the summer begins.

5. Furry Vengeance (NR)
Ouch. A terrible start for this kids flick, as it was demolished by month and a half old Dragons and debuts at a lousy number five. Not good news for the Vengeance.

6. The Losers (4)
The Losers is suffering trhough a bad run, down to six already in just two weeks. The fall will esculate next week.

7. Clash of the Titans (6)
The blockbuster hit Titans has had an excellant run as they great action flick of April. A new action flick hits theaters tonight and will speed up the Titans departure.

8. Kick-Ass (5) Big Faller of the Week
For the second straight week, Kick-Ass is the big Faller as it continues to completely unravel. What a disappointing run for this stupid looking movie.

9. Death at a Funeral (7)
The Funeral is dying this week, down to nine. With next week's new movies, the Funeral ends as the summer begins.

10. Oceans (8)
It appears Oceans is going to have a two week run, down to ten this week. Still two weeks in the top ten is good for a short release documentary. Don't laugh at it.

Off This Week: The Last Song (9), Alice in Wonderland (10)

If I Were Commissoner: Major League Baseball

2010-05-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

This new shrot but fun series will conquer one, simple question. What would major pro sports look like if I ran the league. There would certainly be changes in all the sports and some of the more drastic than others. Today, we start in baseball, where many of the changes are off the field. Alas, I have five things that I would make changes to.

1. No more luxery tax, imploy a hard salary cap AND salary floor. Balance revenue sharing

This will not only balance the spending power in the major leagues evenly but FINALLY put emphasis on the draft again. No longer would the Yankees and Red Sox be able to buy championships. This would be very difficult to past by the players' union, but it's a necessity for baseball's future.

2. Expand to 32 teams and realignment.

32 teams is a nice round number and with the new economic system in place, it would become more feasible. Under my watch, new teams would be added in Charlotte for the National League and Portland for the American League. The Milwauke Brewers would then move back to the American League, giving two 16 team leagues. The two leagues would then go to four, four team divisions ala the NFL. The alignment is below.

AL East
Baltimore
Boston
NY Yankees
Tampa Bay

AL North
Cleveland
Detroit
Milwaukee
Toronto

AL Midwest
CHI White Sox
Kansas City
Minnesota
Texas

AL West
LA Angels
Oakland
Portland
Seattle

NL East
NY Mets
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Washington

NL North
CHI Cubs
Cincinnati
Colorado
St. Louis

NL South
Atlanta
Charlotte
Florida
Houston

NL West
Arizona
LA Dodgers
San Diego
San Francisco

The playoffs would be the same three rounds, but with no more wild card. Division winnerso nly would go to the postseason.

3. World Series Home Field Decided by Record

This whole All-Star game decides home field advantage stuff is complete crap. Seriously, how can an exhibition game influence the World Series? Return the all-star game to the way it was, but this time, don't allow ties!!!

4. Any game rained out before nine innings are played is suspended and continued at a later date.

This rule is now in place for the playoffs, but I'd change it to all year round. That way, there's no more rain shortened wins and every game is played out to its completion.

5. Make World Baseball Classic a permanent every four years fixture and allow any countries to qualify. Have each continetal zone conduct a qualifying tournament the year before (ala the World Cup) and rotate the site of the tournament to different countries, also like the World Cup. Hold the tournament in late February and early March.

This is tough one, but I would love to see the WBC turn into a World Cup-esque style tournament. Globalize the game and try to get more countries involved. Also, there's really no better time to hold the tournament than during spring training. Sorry to the owners and all, but it's the only conceivable time of year.

6.

What's On Tap This Week

2010-05-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Monday- A fun little post coming tomorrow and how baseball would ook if I were the comissoner. Should be a fun point of argument.

Tuesday- The NBA playoffs are fully into the Conference Semifinals this week in the Hoops Primer.

Wednesday- The Flyers go back home for games three and four in the Fly-By this week.

Thursday- Freddy's back, the NHL rankings continue to go topsy turvy, and finally I release end of the year torunament qualifinyg formats on the Top Tens.

Friday- DOUBLE POST!!!! We preview the Sprint Cup Series going to a classic race at Darlington, plus the west trip continues for the Union in San Jose in State of the Union.

Saturday- No blog post

Sunday- I give a little bit on my experience at the Yankees-Orioles Tuesday plus a recap of Yankees Red Sox in Pinstripe Weekly.

Yankees Pinstripe Weekly: Hughes Huge in April

2010-05-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Having a .667 winning percentage is like a must do for the Yankees or something. So far, a month into the season, the Yankees record sits at 16-8, let's not forget that three of eight losses are with one Javier Vazquez on the mound. Take Vazquez out of the equation, as I stated last week, and the Yankees are even better than the already outstanding record.

One of the reason is they have a #5 starting pitcher that's even better than his rotation positioning. Phil Hughes threw another seven shutout innings today in the blowout of the White Sox, hasn't allowed more than two runs in any outing this year, and so far has dropped his ERA below two. Hitters are hiting a riculous .103 off of him and his WHIP is below 1.00.

And he almost was put in the bullpen in favor of Joba Chamberlain.

Now, these numbers are so astronomical that they'll be impossible to sustain. There's only one way to go for Hughes and that's down from here. He also hasn't had great opponents yet, the Angels, Oakland, Baltimore, and today the "other" Sox. Granted, the next team he pitches against, which is scheduled to be the Red Sox next weekend, doesn't look so hot either.

In any case, Hughes is proving me right and his critics wrong and it shows clearly on the mound. He's in man yways throwing like Zach Grienke did early last year and remember, Hughes is only 23 years old. He could be an ace in the hole going forward if what we're seeing is foreshadow. And if Hughes is the real deal, than the Yankees will FINALLY develop a legit starting pitcher.

Studs and Duds This Week

Baltimore 5, NY Yankees 4
Stud: Phil Hughes- Example A of my argument thsi week. Walks and ptich coutn were high for just 5.2 innings, but only two hits allowed is something else.

Dud: David Robertson- Coo, coo ca choo Mr. Robertson? This guy is giving me fits with his slow start, and when I mean slow I mean REALLY slow. Robertson is pitching his way to Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

NY Yankees 8, Baltimore 3
Stud: Robinson Cano- I haven't really highlighted him much this season, but Cano is tearing the cover off the ball. A home run on wednesday was just a little part of his big week.

Dud: Adam Jones- Slow hitting has been a killer for the O's in their horrendous start and Jones is one of them. Seriously, a leadoff guy hitting .202? Doesn't bode well if I'm manager.

NY Yankees 4, Baltimore 0
Stud: A.J. Burnett- Cano was awesome too, but it's time to give Burnett credit. He was a beast on Thursday, shutting out the Orioles over eight innings. Crazy good stuff for the wild but wooly A.J.

Dud: Nolan Reimold- Again taking a look at poor hitting Orioles, Reimold is figuring out the meaning of sophomore slump, hitting .193 at the close of Thursday.

NY Yankees 6, CHI White Sox 4
Stud: Derek Jeter- SOOOO close for Jeter as he came up a double short of a cycle. 3 for 4 with a sinlge, triple , home run, and four RBIs was a huge part of the Yankees' win.

Dud: Curtis Granderson- No offense to Grandy, but he hasn't been a huge difference maker in the first month of the season. Is he really worth losing Johnny Damon/Hideki Matsui over? So far the answer is no.

CHI White Sox 7, NY Yankees 6
Stud: Andruw Jones- I thought we were seeing a John Buck repeat on Saturday afternoon, two home runs in the first three innings brought back old memories of the Atlatna Braves Andruw Jones.

Dud: Javier Vazquez- Well, it's that fifth day, so that must mean a loss because Vazuqez is pitching. Seriously, a WHIP above 2.00 and an ERA approaching 10.00 is beyond ridiculous.

NY Yankees 12, CHI White Sox 3
Stud: Phil Hughes- Though the entire team was off the wall Sunday, Hughes was again twirling well. Seven innings, four hits, one walk, zero runs again in case you skipped by opening statement.

Dud: Mark Buehrle- Epic fail for Mr. White Sox, who was lit up by the Yankee lineup. Ten hits in 4.2 innings is pretty bad and set up a big romp for the Yanks.

My Yankee Picks This Week

Boy an I excited, why you may ask. Because I get to see the Yanks in action live and in person on Tuesday against the Orioles. That being said, I'm confident that the Yankees will sweep baseball's worst team handidly. The Red Sox? Well, no sweep there, because JAvy is pitching Friday. So loss, win, loss to the Bo Sox and what does that give the Yanks? A .667 winning percentage of course!

Last Week 4-2
Season 8-15

Mon. vs Baltimore WIN
Tues. vs Baltimore WIN
Wed. vs Baltimore WIN
Fri. at Boston WIN
Sat. at Boston LOSS
Sun. at Boston LOSS

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 25th Birthday Jarrod Saltalamacchia- Yes, the guy with the longest name in MLB history turns 25 today. Salty hasn't quite matched his expected career path as a catcher so far in three years with the Texas Rangers, but he many years left ahead of him. Because his name oges literally from armpit to armpit, happy birthday Jarrod.

Happy 71st Anniversary Lou Gehrig- Or is it unhappy anniversary. This was the day where Gehrig ended his iron man streak volunerily at 2,130 games as his play was slipping due to ALS.In other words, the beginning of the end was tday in 1939. We love you Lou, even to today.

Happy Trails Curtis Granderson- Grandy is DL bounded after leaving Sturday's game with a strained groin injury. It will certainly give the Yankees a test as injuries begin to enter the equation. How will they react?

Around the MLB

AL East- The Red Sox are in trouble. They were just swept by the Orioles in Baltimore this weekend, yeah the 2010 Orioles, not the good early 80's or late 90;s Orioles. Boston is in quite a dissarray right now, which is fantastic for us Yankee fans, but one things for certain: they need to figure things out fast. Tampa Bay and New York are becoming distant by the day.

AL Central- Talk about Sox teams in disarray, the White Sox look like a disaster right now. They lost two of three to the Yanks and were lucky it wasn't a sweep. Alexei Ramirez I believe made comments over the weekend, it was mentioned on today's YES telecast, and right now Ozzzie Guillen is looking restless. Trouble brewing on the South side.

AL West- And now to more messy teams, the AL West is a sea of disappointmens right now. The Angels are coming off being swept by Detroit, Seattle's sitting in last place, and first place Texas is 13-12. Yeah, that division is sucking.

NL East- So a report today says the Nationals are looking to bump Steven Srasburg up to AAA. Straburg is sitting at just a few weeks away from a big league debut and the way he is throwing at AA, he should make an immediate impact on a not totally horrible Nationals team.

NL Central- Reading through blogs today, I saw somethign strange that caught my eye. So apparently Albert Pujols is getting criticized for not hustling? Really? Seriously really? Now I haven't seen the Cardinals outside of that 20 inning marathon agaisnt the Mets, but look at Pujols' numbers this season, then look at the Cardinals large lead in the NL Central. As far as I'm concerned, case closed.

NL West- I'll be honest, more disappointing than even the Red Sox this season has been the slow start of my predicted NL champions, the Dodgers. Tied for last in the NL West and 4th worst-record in the entire National LEague, L.A. is losing to pretty inferior teams (1-5 against the PIRATES?!?!) Not good news in Dodgertown.

What to Watch This Week

Monday- St. Louis at Philadelphia 7:05 CSN Philadelphia
Jaime Garcia (2-1) vs. Cole Hamels (2-2)
Two division leading teams face off in Philly, as the National League's best team pays a visit to a Phillie team competing in a tough NL East.

Tuesday- Baltimroe at NY Yankees 7:05 YES
Brian Matusz (2-1) vs. A.J. Burnett (3-0)
Not a huge matchup, but since I'll be there, you should watch it. Plus Brian MAtusz gives the Orioles a chance every time he pitches.

Wednesday- Detroit at Minnesota 1:10 FS Detroit
Rick Porcello (2-2) vs. Kevin Slowey (3-2)
Two of the AL Central's toughest teams are dueling at Target Field for first in the division;. It's only May but every game between top teams could be a difference maker in September.

Thursday- San Francisco at Florida 7:10 FS Florida
Matt Cain (1-1) vs. Ricky Nolasco (2-1)
The Marlins are holding their own through the first month of the season, Thursday they will deal with Matt Cain and the high-flying Giants.

Friday- Tampa Bay at Oakland 10:05 SUN Sports
David Price (3-1) vs. Gio Gonzalez (3-1)
It's going to be a pitcher's duel in the Bay Area as young lefty David Price faces the surpisingly solid Gio Gonzalez on Fridya night.

Saturday- San Francisco at NY Mets 1:10 CSN Bay Area
Todd Wellemeyer (1-3) vs. Johan Santana (3-1)
The Giants will have their hands full at Citi on Saturday as the Mets trot out Sanatan to the mound. San Fran's bats will face a difficult test.

Sunday- NY Yankees at Boston 8:05 ESPN
C.C. Sabathia (3-1) vs. Jon Lester (1-2)
It's Yankees-Red Sox, and though the team's are playing on compeltely different levels right now, a rivalry is a rivalry.

Weekly State of the Union: Doubly Painful Dose of Red Bull

2010-05-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well, at first I thought that Saturday's regular season battle with the Red Bulls was our only game last week, and then what comes up on Monday on my Facebook news feed? A U.S. Open Cup qualifier against? New York of course. So last week I figured hey, if we lose the first game against New York, mayeb we can qualify for the U.S. Open Cup in the summer.

Weel, it's not to be.

Last weekend was more of the same for the Union. More sloppy play, more poor defense, more bad luck. All of this continues to equal the pains of being an expansion franchise.

So, the U.S. Open is now out of the picture, so the Union can continue with their regular season. However, tonight could be bad. Philadelphia travels to Los Angeles to play the udnefeated Galaxy. They will also have to do this without leading scorer Sebastien Le Toux, who was injured in the U.S. Open qualifier on Monday. As far as I'm concerned, the Galaxy are the unquestioned best team in the MLS and are certainly the best team starting the season.

This will be an important game for the Union nonetheless, even with the odds stacked heavily against them. This is a game where the Union must not make mistakes and must remain composed. They will be playing essentailly the Yankees of the MLS, and will need to give a 100% effort to stay in this game all the way through.

Ultimately, even if they lose but play hard, this is a game that Philadelphia can build momentum off of. The Union are closing in on their reutrn home and if they can at least show some effortm, find some scoring outside of Le Toux, and play better defense. A win may be askign a lot, but keeping the game close isn't too hard of a request, is it?

My Union Pick This Week

Do I really need to go through this? Do you really think I'm going to pick the Union to breat the grand old L.A. Galaxy? Of course not.

Last week 1-0
Season 2-2

Sat. at Los Angeles LOSS

NASCAR Coast-to-Coast Weekend: Week #10 Richmond

2010-05-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

From super speedway racing to the short track, we're doing it night time style at Richmond International.

Race #10: Crown Royal presents the Heath Calhoun 400
Where: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, VA
When: Saturday, Mat 1st, 7:55 p.m.
TV: FOX
How Long: 300 miles, 400 laps

Last Week on the Circuit Studs and Duds

Three Studs

1. Kevin Harvick- Yeah, 29 different drivers led and I'm sure I could put any of them on here for something they did well, but Harvick did his job when it counted, on the final couple thousand feet of the race, makking the slingshot move around Jamie Mac. Hats off to Harvick for the move.

2. Jamie McMurray- And likewise, McMurray's skill on superspeedways in beginning to truly show through, win at Daytona and now a secodn place at Talladega. Wel ldone McMurray, btu now it's time to do well somehwere else.

3. Kyle Busch- These types of tracks would be a place that rowdy Kyle would cause huge wrecks in the past. But he drove smart and ended up with a top ten on Sunday. Busch has definitely matured in the last couple years.

Three Duds

1. Regan Smith- A guy that usually runs wel at Talladega lost his engine and was kncoked out of the race early. I had him in the top ten this week and Regan instead makes me look stupid. Nothing you can do about bad luck though.

2. Jeff Gordon- I expected a little more out of Gordon in Talladega this week. Yeah, he's had a ton of bad luck and all, but you still have to persevere through all of that.

3. Jimmie Johnson- Hahaha, he went right into the wall. I've been waiting to make him a dud all year long and I finally get the chance.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 25th Birthday Kyle Busch- Rowady Kyle will turn 25 tomorrow. It's incredible how many wins Busch has grabbed before his 25th birthday. 16 wins in Sprint Cup, 33 in Nationwide, and another 17 in the Truck Series. Busch is going to be a Hall of Fame contender by the tim is career coems to a close, which won't be for MANY, MANY years.

Happy 55th Anniversary Buck Baker- On this day WAY back in 1955, Baker won his first NASCAR race at the dirt track Charlotte Speedway. Baker would drive through 1976 and won 46 races in his career. A very happy anniversary to the late Buck Baker.

Happy Trails Hendrick Feud- So apparently Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have talked over things and inroned out their differences from the past two weeks. This is tentative for now. At the short track Richmond, anything goes and it will remain to be seen if their differences were really put aside.

My Predicted Finish This Week

At Talladega....

Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 4 of 10
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 2 of 5
Correct winner: No
Number of Exact Position Correct: 0 of 10

This Season....
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 36 of 80 (45%)
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 16 of 40 (40%)
Correct Winner: 1 of 8 (12.5%)
Number of Exact Position Correct: 5 of 80 (6.3%)

This week, the Series is at the short track of Richmond, where we'll see a lot of bumping and really anything goes. It has been a Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin haven so far, so we'll go with them one-two. Busch wins it, Hamlin takes second. Ryan Newman will go in third place, and the top five will be roundedu p by Hendrcik drivers Jimmi Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Clint Bowyer finishes sixth, followed by Jeff Burton in seventh. Tony Stwart takes eighth. We round out the top 10 with last week's one-two punch, Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray.

My Top Ten Picks

1. Kyle Busch

2. Denny Hamlin

3. Ryan NEwman

4. Jimmie johnson

5. Jeff Gordon

6. Clint Bowyer

7. Jeff Burton

8. Tony Stewart

9. Kevin Harvick

10. Jamie McMurray

Thursday Top Tens: April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

We close out the month of April here with another week of Thursday top tens. Unfortunately, I have not had enough time to work on year-end tournament qualifying procedures, so that will have to wait for later. For now though, here are the top tens.

Week 26 NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (1) 4-1
Cleveland remains number one after a pretty easy series with the Chicago Bulls. Now they get to face a red hot Celtics team and see their first true test of the season.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (2) 3-2
The Lakers have had a tough time with the Thunder, especially playing in Oklahoma City. However, this is more of a testament to the Thunder’s talent than the Lakers not playing well. Unless they blow the series, they remain at two.

3. Orlando Magic (3) 4-0
It was easy as pie for the Magic as they swept passed the inexperienced Charlotte Bobcats. Now they await the Bucks-Hawks winner.

4. Phoenix Suns (4) 3-2
The Suns are, as expected, just simply wearing down the Portland Trailblazers. The series isn’t over, but Phoenix is firmly in control

5. Utah Jazz (7) 3-2 Big Jumper of the Week
The Jazz have done what other teams can’t, and that’s play hard every night five games into the postseason. Utah is a game away from polishing off rival Denver.

6. Denver Nuggets (5) 2-3
Likewise, despite being down 3-2 in a series with Utah, the Nuggets would probably be beating many other teams in the postseason. Nevertheless, the Nuggets could fall if they can’t come back in this series.

7. Boston Celtics (9) 4-1
The Celtics had little difficulty beating Dwayne Wade and company. Cleveland could present a much bigger challenge, but right now Boston is playing great basketball.

8. San Antonio Spurs (10) 3-2
The Spurs are doing what I expected of them, outhustling a better on paper Dallas team. One more win will propel the Spurs way up this list.

9. Dallas Mavericks (6) 2-3 Big Faller of the week
And with that, the Mavericks are the big faller and on the brink of playoff extinction. The team is being outplayed by San Antonio and could disappear soon.

10. Atlanta Hawks (8) 2-3
Likewise, the Hawks have been pushed to the edge of the cliff by the Bucks and take a hard hit on the list. Losing this series could mean goodbye from this list for the rest of the year.

Week 29 NHL Power Rankings

1. Chicago Blackhawks (4) 4-2
The Blackhawks recovered from a slow start to finally hit their stride against Nashville. The Canucks now await them, but Chicago should be fine. They are now top dog in the league in my opinion.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (2) 4-2
And with the fiasco in the East, the Penguins are officially top dog in the conference, seeding and this ranking-wise. As long as they don’t pull a Capital, they’re easily Eastern Finals bound.

3. San Jose Sharks (5) 4-2
The Sharks recovered from a slow start ala Chicago to dispatch the Avalanche. Now with the Red Wings on tap, the Sharks will prove what they’re made of.

4. Detroit Red Wings (7) 4-3
Big jump for the Red Wings, and proved to be gritty and persistent against a very pesky Coyote team. Can their solid play carry over to San Jose.

5. Vancouver Canucks (8) 4-2
The Canucks proved a lot by beating the Kings, especially in the final, clinching game. They will need a step up in defensive play against the Blackhawks, though, to survive in the top five here.

6. Boston Bruins (10) 4-2 Big Jumper of the Week
All of a sudden, the Bruins are beginning to look like contenders and will have a tough series ahead with the Flyers. Boston proved its toughness against Buffalo and looks to hang around here.

7. Washington Capitals (1) 3-4
What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday, Washington was a game away from the next round of the playoffs. Now, they’re done. What a collapse and though they should be embarrassed, I can’t drop them lower. They played too well in the regular season.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (NR) 4-1
And the Flyers FINALLY make their debut on here. They very easily breezed past the Devils and now are heading to Boston for a Winter Classic rematch. Can they reverse last January’s result?

9. Montreal Canadiens (NR) 4-3
Major league props to the Canadiens for upsetting the Capitals and recovering from a 3-1 deficit. Major props,. But let’s face it, they can’t do it again in Pittsburgh, right? Right?

10. Phoenix Coyotes (3) 3-4 Big Faller of the Week
The Coyotes were upset in round one, but unlike the Capitals, they exceeded expectation this season and played a tough team in Detroit. Hats off to a fantastic season by Phoenix.

Off This Week: Los Angeles Kings (6), Nashville Predators (9)

Week 10 NASCAR Power Rankings

1. Jimmie Johnson (1)
Do I really need to explain this? Jimmie DOES have to watch his back now though. Jeff Gordon isn’t too happy.

2. Greg Biffle (3)
A flip flop here as Greg Biffle beats out Matt Kenseth for runner-up behind Johnson. Biffle isn’t quietly but consistently up front every week and does his job.

3. Matt Kenseth (2)
A sloppy last few races by Kenseth causes a small drop to number three. No real big deal here, Kenseth is still Mr. consistency, he’s just been consistently mediocre the last couple races.

4. Kyle Busch (5)
Watch out for this guy. I jumped him from no ranking to five last week and he’s now up to four. Little Busch could cause noise sooner rather than later.

5. Kevin Harvick (6)
Harvick’s win at Talladega moves him back to the top five this week. But let’s face it, Talladega was a crapshoot. Let’s see a repeat from Harvick this week.

6. Jeff Gordon (4)
Gordon’s bad luck continues to run amuck. Though I feel for him, I can’t ignore the drop through the standings he’s taking. Gordon drops two spots.

7. Kurt Busch (9) Big Jumper of the Week
Kurt hasn’t gotten back to his winning ways from early this year, but’ he’s still driving consistently well. Back up to seven for Big Brother Busch.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8)
Junior wasn’t able to steal a superspeedway win this week, but he was up front for most of the race. That’s more than we could say for Earnhardt last year.

9. Mark Martin (NR)
Martin has been running better after a slow start to 2010. Now he needs to prove his abilities with a few wins.

10. Denny Hamlin (10)
Hamlin holds at ten based on his past wins. No drivers below him have run as well lately or have the talent of Hamlin’s so he hangs in.

Off This Week: Jeff Burton (7) Big Faller of the Week

Week 5 MLB Power Rankings

1. New York Yankees (1) 13-7
I almost put them below the Rays, but the Yankees have had Tampa Bay’s number in three games. This is a battle worth watching.

2. Tampa Bay Rays (3) 16-5
The Rays are on fire so far this season and steamrolling through everyone in the American League. Beating the elite of the league must be oh so sweet.

3. Minnesota Twins (5) 14-7
The Twins, likewise, are playing excellent baseball this season and are the crown jewel of an otherwise blah AL Central.

4. St. Louis Cardinals (4) 14-7
The Cardinals hold this week at four as they continue to do what they do best, hit the ball and continue to win.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (2) 12-9
A once red hot Phillie team is starting to come down to earth, and likewise drops from its number two pedestal this week. Could they be falling to pieces?

6. San Francisco Giants (9) 12-9
A week after the I dropped the baseball Giants in the rankings, I bring them back up as they have played well against the Phillies this week. Can they now overtake San Diego.

7. New York Mets (NR) 13-9 Big Jumper of the Week
We’re at the end of April and I can’t ignore these first place teams anymore. The Mets have had a solid last two weeks and find themselves atop the NL East. Welcome to the party Mets.

8. Detroit Tigers (10) 12-10
Detroit is continuing to play borderline top ten baseball and gets a boost simply for not being the Braves, who went 0-7 this week after I put them at number six.

9. San Diego Padres (NR) 13-8
Again, can’t ignore first place teams. San Diego is getting big numbers from Adrian Gonzalez and finds themselves on top of a tough NL West. Will it remain that way?

10. Oakland Athletics (NR) 12-10
Oakland’s in first place of what is so far a disappointing AL West. The A’s have been far from disappointing, but overachieving may be a way to describe them.

Off This Week: Atlanta Braves (6) Big Faller of the Week, Seattle Mariners (7), Toronto Blue Jays (8)

The Weekly ARC Top Ten Songs

1. Rude Boy - Rihanna (2)
It was only a matter of time. Rude Boy is finally number on this week and I’d expect it to stay there for a little while. Not many other songs have staying power like Rihanna’s newest number one does.

2. In My Head - Jason Derulo (1)
Derulo’s In My Head is down to two after a two week stay atop the chart. In My Head isn’t done just yet, but seems to cement its spot as a short term hit song.

3. Hey, Soul Sister - Train (3)
Train continues to exceed my expectations at least and hold at number three. The hit band from last decade, Train is continuing a successful rebirth.

4. Nothin On You - B.O.B. ft. Bruno Mars (5)
B.o.B. is continuing to head upwards, up to number four this week. I thought Nothin on You wouldn’t go higher than five, but I was wrong. When will this song stop?

5. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (7) Big Jumper of the Week
Good week for Taio Cruz, as he makes his top five debut with the help of Ludacris. With Nothin on You sitting right ahead of it, it will be hard for Break Your Heart to break much further up.

6. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (4) Big Faller of the Week
Lady Antebellum is down two spots this week as it continues to drop through the field. Still, the lone country song in the top ten, Need You Now is out of gas.

7. Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (6)
I am now officially sick of hearing ring ring on this telephone. Time for this former number one hit to die. Which it is beginning to do.

8. Breakeven - The Script (8)
Eight must be great for The Script, as Breakeven is eight yet again this week, for three, four weeks now? Good song, but nothing more than a low end chart hit.

9. Your Love Is My Drug - Kesha (NR)
The lone new song this week, Kesha is back with single number three. Let’s hope this is more like Tik Tok and less like Blah Blah Blah.

10. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas (9)
Really? Can’t this song PLEASE just go away for good now? Apparently not. One more week should knock this annoying tune into oblivion.

Off This Week: All The Right Moves - One Republic (10)

The Top Ten Movies for the Week of April 23-25

1. How to Train Your Dragon (2)
In a very strange happening, Dragons is number one again, FIVE weeks after its release. More a statement of how poor movies are now, Dragons should enjoy this before summer season starts in two weeks.

2. The Back-up Plan (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
Yeah, it may be the big jumper, but the Plan was not to lose to Dragons at the box office. Don’t expect much from this forgettable looking movie.

3. Date Night (3)
Date Night has had more staying power than I expected, with the help of a week movie month. It’s bringing in a decent amount of dough. I’d say give it a shot.

4. The Losers (NR)
The Losers are doing what they’re title says, losing at the box office. A bad opening weekend and we should be done with this in a few weeks.

5. Kick-Ass (1) Big Faller of the Week
Ouch. People are actually being smart here and staying away from a movie that surprisingly got good reviews. But good reviews don’t always equal mega moolah.

6. Clash of the Titans (5)
The Titans are gone from the top five, but they are still racking in the big bucks at number six this week.

7. Death at a Funeral (4)
The Funeral is falling fast, down to seven already after just two weeks. This movie is going to be seeing a quick death very soon.

8. Oceans (NR)
This documentary film about, well, the ocean, debuts at number eight this week. Documentaries can sometimes do very well in later weeks, so keep your eye out here.

9. The Last Song (6)
So, is Miley finally singing here last song for this movie this week? I’d say so, though once again, a Nicholas Sparks book to movie has touched the hearts of many.

10. Alice in Wonderland (8)
Alice survives one more week in the top ten as it prepares to depart for next week. Still, it has all but clinched a spot in the year-end tournament. See you in December Alice.

Off This Week: Why Did I Get Married Too (7), Hot Tub Time Machine (9), The Bounty Hunter (10)

Flyers Weekly Fly-By: Still Waiting...and Waiting...and Waiting

2010-04-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the great news is it took just five games for the Flyers to shockingly polish off the New Jersey Devils. With the series ending last Thursday, the euphoria from the entire series has kind of wore off for now, but considering past issues against the Devils in the postseason, the series win was oh so sweet.

Now, we start all over again, against an opponent that is STILL to be determined. It was practically assumed that the next opponent would be the Capitals, but as I will elaborate more on in the Playoff Puck Primer below, Washington is on the verge of one of the worst playoff blowups in history against the eight seeded Canadiens. As a matter of fact, a Montreal win tonight in game seven could mean the Flyers play....sixth-seeded Boston, yeah a six versus a seven, in the second round. It could also mean that all three division champions will be knocked out an the fourth seeded Penguins, (of course), would be the top remaining East team.

Minus Pittsburgh out of the equation, and all of a sudden the Capitals losing tonight could put the Flyers in a good position opponent wise.

As far as the Flyers being in danger coming out slow this weekend, the extra rest is probably better than nothing. It gives extra time for Simon Gagne to heal his foot and though the Flyers have lost Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere for the season, it also gives time for the team to reorganize its forward lines and get settled.

That being said, I'm not asking too much more from this team. They are beat up and will have characters such as David Lalibetere and Ville Leino dressing every game. Another forward will be joining them to replace Laperriere, one of Jon Kalinski, Andreas Nodl, or Riley Cote (God help us all if we get down to Cote dressing every game). At goalie, Boucher has been hot, but if he falls to the injury bug, than your down to Sebastian Caron (who STILL hasn't played a minute this season) and Jeremy Duchene (Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL anyone).

Both Boston and Washington would be very tough opponents and it's hard seeing the Flyers beating either of them. The Bruins they might have a chance against since Boston struggles offensively, but if they get Marc Savard back, then watch out. The Capitals, yeah they beat them two years ago, but trust me when I say Washington is much improved from then.

It'll be a fun second round series regardless of the opponent and I hit the point of the Flyers season where any ahcievements beyond what they've done so far is an added bonus. This team has persevered big time as of late, but I fear they are running out of steam. Don't take what this team has doen in the month of April for granted. It was really something special.

Studs and Duds This Week

Philadelphia 3, New Jersey 0
Stud: Claude Giroux- He needs to step up with Gagne and Carter goen and boy did he veer on Thursday. Two goals, one assist, lots of shots, lots of hustle, and suddenly this former 1st round pick is really making an impression.

Dud: Martin Brodeur- This series proved one thing to me, that Brodeur was again fatigued coem playoff time. Will New Jersey coaches ever learn?

My Flyers Picks This Week

Well, the opponent is still to be determined for round one, so things are kind of conditional here. We know the Flyers are playing the Bruins or Capitals so I'll do picks for the first three games for both opponents.

For the Bruins, make it a loss, win , win. Boston is an unheralded team with a dynamite goalie in net in Tuukka Rask. The games will be low scoring, close and physical. I think the Flyers will have a slight advanatge early in this series, but the Bruins storm back from behind.

On the flip side, the Capitals are a whole different ballgame and will be big problems for the Flyers. If they win tonight and advance, they'll do it with flare and will be mighty angry coming into the secodn round. Losses straight through in that case.

Last Week 0-1
Final Season Record 31-26
Playoffs 3-2

vs. Washington
Game One at Washington LOSS
Game Two at Washington LOSS
Game Three vs Washington LOSS

vs. Boston
Game One at Boston LOSS
Game Two at Boston WIN
Game Three vs Boston WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 40th Birthday Niklas Lidstrom- Lidstrom officially joisn the active players at age 40 group today as his Red Wings moved on to the second round after beating the Coyotes last night. The long-tiem Norris Trophy winner and current Detroit defenseman is a future hall of famer who is more than deserving of oen mroe Cup.

Happy 9th Anniversary Patrick Roy- On this day in 2001, Roy broke the playoff record for most career shutouts with his 16th agaisnt the Los Angeles Kings. Roy broke a VERY old record formerly held by 1920's goalie Clint Benedict. That's pretty impressive.

Happy Trails Jacques Lemaire- Lemaire retired on Monday from coaching after his Devils were upset in round one of the playoffs. Lemaire had a good career as a player with Montreal and then was a fantasticly brillaint coach who's advent of the trap changed hockey in the 1990's and brought championship hockey to the Meadowlands. So long, Lemaire.

Playoff Puck Primer

Washington and Montreal tied 3-3

You HAVE to be kidding me here. The Capitals are in danger of blowing this series after coming out lookign dominating in games 2-4. Now, Montreal has the oppurtunity to shock the world and knock out the king Capitals. This series has been a ridiculous roller coaster ride and has the chance to be history making if Montreal DOES pull off the unthinkable in D.C. no less. If the Capitals win, then I guess it was all just a big tease. But it was a really fun tease at that.

Boston defeats Buffalo 4-2
When you have two teams that play defense first and don't score a lot of goals, this type of series breaks out. Tuukka Rask beat Ryan Miller and in hindsight, the Bruins beat the Sabres. I did not think Buffalo would be outplayed, as I thought they had mroe talent and played better team hockey under Lindy Ruff, but exactly the opposite of what I thought took place. Now, the Bruins take their physical, gritty hockey to the East semifinals.

Pittsburgh defeats Ottawa 4-2
The Penguins don't need Marc-Andre Fleury to win. They're offense was dynamite in round oen and aside from a few defensive hiccups, this series wasn't even close. Ottawa didn't play the system needed to stop the Penguins. Now Pittsburgh will have a more difficult challenge in round two, either Montreal or Boston. Either team will present a much tougher defensive front and the Penguins will be tested for real this time around.

San Jose defeats Colorado 4-2
Phew. Even though all the critics nad pundits thought the Sharks would blow it again, they managed to survive and dominate the Avalanche in games five and six to finish the series. Now that San Jose has FINALLY beaten that first round hump, it'll be interesting to see if they becoem instant Cup contender or retreat back into their shell. Playing a seasoned playoff experienced team in the Red Wings in round two will answer that question real fast.

Chicago defeats Nashville 4-2
Again, close call. The Predators looked like they were outhustling the Blackhawks through four games, then all of a suddne the Chicago offense woke up in games five and six, finishing the series. Chicago will live and die by how well they play offensively, they don't have the consistent goaltending or stay at home defense to steal series like other teams do. Trying to win a Cup with offense as the center is very hard to do, but Pittsburgh did it last year, so why not the Hawks?

Vancouver defeats Los Angeles 4-2
Offense anyone? The goals were off the board in this series and it spells bad news for the Canucks moving into round two. They're running into a suddenly hot offense in Chicago and if they couldn't shut down the Kings socre juggernaut, well then Luongo's goign to be in trouble this time around. Honestly, I was very disappointed by Vancouver in the series, they won games sloppily are were outplayed frequently by the Kings. The Blackhawks are a much better team going forward.

Detroit defeats Phoenix 4-3
Everyone and their mom wanted to see the two-time defending West champs fall to the Cinderella Coyotes. Alas, it was not to be as the Red Wings made a resounding statement in game seven last night. Regardless of how good Detroit is in the regular season, every postseason they seem to be a team to watch jsut because their the Red Wings. The Sharks are favorites moving to round two in my mind, but be careful. Detroit as played great hockey late this season and if they hit a hot streak again, nothing will eb able to stop them. A Chicago-Detroit West Final rematch isn't out of the question.

What to Watch This Week

Wednesday- Montreal at Washington 7:00 Versus
Duh! It's game seven and the winner moves on to the secodn round, while the loser goes to the golf course. It doesn't get much better than this.

The rest of the week- the second round schedule should be out by tomorrow, so check it out.

The Four-City Sports Fan: My Experiences on Being a Sports Junkie- Part One: Introduction

2010-04-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is a series of posts that I have been dying to do for a very long time. The series will detail my thoughts and experiences on beign a sports fan for teams from Toronto to New York to Dallas, my view on sports overall, and why fans across the country are the way they are. This week will be a sort of introduction or prologue to the series, basically giving an outline to what I will be writing about in the series. I am mainly going to look at the American public and how fans act and react to their sports teams.

For this introduction, I will be giving a brief teaser to each post that will be done. It will be long, about 20 posts right now, and the posts ARE subject to change, though I have a solid idea that what I'll put in here will be discussed. There's a very good chance I will add to it, but for now, we have twenty different topics to touch on. Here's the introduction.

Unit One: Becoming a Fan

This will take you into the stories of why I root for the teams I do. I will also explain why you should be a fan of each particular sport and how to be a good fan.

Chapter One: Becoming a Fan of Baseball

The Yankees have been important to me for a long time and I'll explain my story. Also, why baseball is the best sport to follow and attend.

Chapter Two: Becoming a Fan of Hockey
The Flyers sort of run through my blood and I'll explain why. Also, the violence and fast paced action of hockey that you don't here about.

Chapter Three: Becoming a Fan of Football
The great American sport of football and my obsession with America's Team will be explained in what should be a very interesting chapter.

Chapter Four: Becoming a Fan of Basketball
You'll laugh when you find out my reasons for rooting for the Raptors. Also, why basketball can be more exciting than other sports.

Chapter Five: Becoming a Fan of NASCAR
Think NASCAR is just driving in circles? This chapter will hopefully make many of you rethink that whole idea.

Chapter Six: Becoming a Fan of other sports
I'll go in-depth into my story of becoming a Philadelphia Union and why you should expand your horizons and try out some new sports.

Unit Two: Hanging Out with Your Team

This unit will go through a full season and explain the many different ways you can see your teams and how to follow them.

Chapter Seven: Preseason/Training Camp: Not So Meaningless
Is preseason really so meaningless? Why before the season may be one of the best times to catch your favorite players.

Chapter Eight: The Normal People: Attending A Game a Year
If your poor like me and can't afford making your sports teams the center of your life, than guidelines and how making the one game you attend the best game of the season.

Chapter Nine: Being a Part of the Team: Season Tickets
Lucky enough to have season tickets? Well here are some tips on how to be a normal person, diehard fan, and not upset your wife at home.

Chapter Ten: Free Preview: Team Practices
Practices are the best oppurtunity to meet some of your favorite players and see them in action, this chapter will explain how to make the most of it.

Chapter Eleven: Playoff Time, What to do?
So, your team has made the playoffs, how to follow your team's every move without alienating yourself from your family and friends.

Unit Three: The Long Distance Sports Fan

Chapter Twelve: TV is Your Friend
TV is the number one tool to following your teams, how to watch your teams on TV while not living in the same city.

Chapter Thirteen: USA Today is Your Friend
Why national newspaper coverage is the best way to follow your long-distance teams and why the biased coverage of local papers can't be trusted.

Chapter Fourteen: The Internet is Your Friend
Above all, the Internet will be a huge help in helping you follow your team, an extension of the two previous chapters, how to best use the Internet.

Chapter Fifteen: Hitting the Road
You still have to see your teams play! How to catch your logn distance teams when they come to your twon and how to approach going to a game in enemy colors.

Chapter Sixteen: Becoming a Long Distance Diehard
You don't need to follow the teams in your city! Here's why you should look at following teams outside of your area.

Unit Four: How to View a Live Sports Event

Chapter Seventeen: Baseball
The best tips for goign to an MLB ballpark, when to get there, what to eat, and how to view the game.

Chapter Eighteen: Hockey
The most exciting sport to see in person, why hockey is so awesoem to see in person and how to watch a game in person.

Chapter Nineteen: Football
Al lyou need to know about going to a football game, everything from tailgating to post-game and in-between will be covered here.

Chapter Twenty: Basketball
Basketball is more than on the court action, how to go and see a basketball game and mkae it as exciting as possible.

Hopefully, everyone enjoys this series I am doing, learns from it, and understands me more as a sports fan and writer. The series will begin next Monday with becoming a baseball fan.

What's On Tap This Week

2010-04-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

Monday- I am beginning a new series of posts that is more of a general thought and personal blog. You might see it as more of a journal, my thoughts on being a sports fan in the 21st centruy and whta to do and what not to do. Hopefully, it'll be interesting.

Tuesday- The first round begins to wrap up in the first stand alone edition of Playoff Hoops Primer.

Wednesday- A preview of the Flyers second round series and what to expect in the Fly-By.

Thursday- Some more playoff power rankings, changes in NASCAR and MLB, and a surprise on the movie rankings this week in the Top Tens.

Friday- DOUBLE POST!!! First, the Srpint Cup Series is back to going at it short track style at Richmond, and a recap of ana amazing race at Talladega in Coast-to-Coast. Then, the Union have a tough task ahead as they travel west to meet the Galaxy in the Sate of the Union.

Saturday- No blog post

Sunday- The Yankees are back at home and hopefulyl winning as we recap the Orioles and White Sox series in the Pinstripe.

Yankees Pinstripe Weekly: Busted Up Vazquez

2010-04-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

So, after two weeks of the season, like last week, the Yankees sit at 12-6, or in other words, they have won exactly two-thirds of thei games. Projected record: 108-54. Not bad.

But want to know an interesting problem? Half of the Yankees six losses have come with Javier Vazquez on the mound.

Problem brewing? I think so.

Thanfully, Vazquez HAS won one game, on Tuesday against the Oakland A's. He only allowed three runs in 5.1 innings of work, though you have to admit, he needs to eat more innings. Outside of Tuesday though, it's been trouble for Vazquez.

Why is this such a big concern? Well, I don't think it's Vazquez on a slow start, I think he is genuinlly struggling against the American League. I believed the Yankees overpaid for a guy who struggled his first time around the Bronx and is continuing to do so in 2010.

The problem will be mroe apparent when the Yankee come back down to earth. An 11=3 record when Vazquez is not pitching won't be sustainable and once the team comes back down closer to earth, Vazquez's losses are going to become more and more painful.

The Yankees aren't perfect, despite the great start. There is no doubt they will need betetr pitching from Vazquez to be able to succeed late in the season. Vazquez is living up to his bust label in fantasy baseball, and for the real Yankees baseball team, this is just unacceptable.

Studs and Duds This Week

NY Yankees 7, Oakland 3
Stud: Alex Rodriguez- he only had oen hit, but it was a huge 3-run homer that effectively put the game away in the fifth inning as the Yanks opened up a 6-0 lead. Sometimes its about the momentum swining hits and A-Rod won the game with that one swing.

Dud: Gio Gonzalez- Bad outing for the young A's starter, as he got hit hard in the first inning and was crushed in the fifth as well. Couldn't hold his own against the Bombers.

NY Yankees 3, Oakland 1
Stud: Phil Hughes- Two see two close no-hitters this early in the season is hopefulyl a sign of things to come. I liked Hughes in the rotation from day one in spring training, this is Example A of why.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- Sorry to Tex, but 0 for 4 with two strikeouts on Wednesday. And your average is down to .118 at this point. Eek.

Oakland 4, NY Yankees 2
Stud: A-Rod to Cano to Teixiera- How about the first triple play since the 1960's for the Yanks? About one of the few things that went well on Thursday, but man was it pretty awesome.

Dud: Nick Johnson- Again, like Teixiera, I don't want to pick on you, but an 0 for 4 day drops his average to .125. On-base percentage or not, that's just terrible.

LA Angels 6, NY Yankees 4
Stud: Kendry Morales- Holy smoke, Morales was on fire on Friday. A perfect 3 for 3 day with an RBI single and two-run homer, Morales was a huge part of the Angels' win.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- ANOTHER 0 for 4 day, ANOTHER two strikeouts, and his average? .117 To be fair, he DID score a run though.

NY Yankees 7 LA Angels 1
Stud: Robinson Cano- Any time a players has a four hit day, it has to be commended. Cano tour the cover off the ball with four singles on Saturday. Kudos to him.

Dud: Torii Hunter- No offense to Hunter or anything ,but he was pretty silent and a non-facotr on Saturday.

LA Angels 8 NY Yankees 4
Stud: Kendry Morales- Rare that the opposing player gets two studs in the same series, but ANOTHER 3 for 3 day for Morales. Great start of the season for him.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- Hitless again, this time 0 for 2. He started with an average of .118 this week, ends it with an average of .119. Watch out Mark, you may be in JAvy's spot next week.

My Yankees Picks This Week

Oops! I picked the Yankees to lose a series this week ,but I picked the wrong series. As a matter of fact, I SOMEHOW managed to go 0-6 this week!!! This week, it's easier. The Baltimore Orioles are playing lousy baseball right now, and to me, the Yankees should sweep easily. Especially since Vazquez won't pitch. Then, they will return home this weekend to host the Chicago White Sox. A win, los, loss is in store for the Chicago series.

Last Week 0-6
Season 4-13 (ouch!)

Tues. at Baltimore WIN
Wed. at Baltimore WIN
Thurs. at Baltimore WIN
Fri. vs CHI White Sox WIN
Sat vs CHI White Sox LOSS
Sun vs CHI White Sox LOSS

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 27th Birthdya Juan Miranda- This organizational player for the Yankees had a game wiing hit against the Royals last Septmeber. How do I know that? It was my first game ever at the new Yankee Stadium. Anyways, happy birthday Juan.

Happy 15th Anniversary Baseball- Yes, baseball in general, it returned on this day 15 years ago from the devestating 1994 strike. Sicne then, it has never had a work stoppage, something that the NBA, NHL ,and maybe soon the NFL may not be able to say. Incredible.

Happy Trails Chris Jakubauskas- A very sad happy trails to Chris, who was knocked out by a line drive in his first start of the season last night. It appears Chris will be ok, but he did hit the DL with a concussion and head contusion. Let's all hope for a sppedy recovery.

Around the MLB

AL East- In the wild cand wacky AL East, the Yankees, despite a .667 win percentage are 1.5 games back of Tampa Bay!! The Rays are truly rolling to start out the season and with solid appearences against the Yankees and especially Boston, the Rays are the team to beat early.

AL Central- The Tigers SS Adam Everett straiined his hamstring on Saturday against Texas. He didn't play today and it should be worth seeing the injury is day to day or DL worthy. Ramon Santiago will take his place. Big difference, huh?

AL West- Good news for Cliff Lee owners. He threw an awesome rehab start in AAA today and appears to be ready to rejoin the Mariners this week. Seattle is already heading upwards in the division and this team oculd assure itself of playoff worthiness with Lee throwing regularly.

NL East- How about the Nationals? A solid showing this week against the Rockies and Dodgers have the Nationals in....second place? Yeah, and just 1.5 games back of division leading Philadelphia at 10-9. Yeah, it's early ,but this is a big difference from last year's squad and this is WITHOUT Strasburg. Time will tell if the Nats are for real.

NL Central- A huge amount of storms devestated the Southeats U.S. this weekend and Roy Oswalt left the Astros to help his family with recovery in their tornado damaged town. Our bets wishes and prayers to Oswalt and his family and everyoen in the region.

NL West- The opposite end of the Nats-Dodgers series this weekend. Los Angeles is struggling ,tied for last place at 8-10 after today. Los Angeles IS only three games back of the division leading Padres. Yeah the Padres. L.A. will get back. I picked then to win the National League after all.

What To Watch This Week

Monday- Philadelphia at San Francisco 10:15 CSN Philadelphia
Roy Halladay (4-0) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (1-1)
Halladay goes for 5-0 on the season,but has a tough challeneg against Sanchez, who's ERA is 1.86 so far, in this tough series opener at San Fran.

Tuesday- Oakland at Tampa Bay 7:10 SUN Sports
Ben Sheets (1-1) vs. Wade Davis (1-1)
Sheets looked pretty good against the Yankees this week, now his upstart A's team travels to play the best team in baseball at the Trop.

Wednesday- LA Dodgers at NY Mets 1:10 SNY
Charlie Haeger (0-2) vs. John Maine (0-1)
A struggling Dodger team takes on a Mets team that played well this past week. But the drawing card here is knockleballer Charlie Haeger, how will he fare against the Met lineup?

Thursday- Minnesota at Detroit 1:05 FSN Detroit
Carl Pavano (3-1) vs. Dontrelle Willis (0-1)
The top two teams in the AL Central and growing rivals play a natinee at Comerica as the pitching matchup looks like a sea of second chances.

Friday- Oakland at Toronto 7:07 CSN California
Brett Anderson (1-1) vs. Brandon Morrow (1-1)
Two teams that have surprised with their solid startslook to finish April strong as they face off north of the border at the Skydome.

Saturday- NY Mets at Philadelphia 3:10 FOX
Mike Pelfrey (3-0) vs. Roy Halladay (4-0)
Oh boy, a double dose of Halladay this week. This one will be a toughie, as the MEts are playing well and Mike Pelfrey is looking good at 3-0. Should be a good one.

Sunday- Colorado at San Francisco 4:05 FSN Rocky Mountain
Jason Hammel (0-1) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (1-1)
A double dose of Sanchezs too this week. The Giants and Rockies could very well finish one-two in the NL West this year and this early season series may start a trend for future weeks.

NASCAR Coact to Coast Weekend: Week #9 Talladega

2010-04-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well, today Talladega was tornado alley as it was in the middle of the horrific severe weather that hit the Deep South today. Let's all pray that everyone who is losto r injures in today's tornadoes comes out safe. As for tomorrow, we have restrictor plate racing to do as the Sprint Cup Series runs the Aaron's 499.

Race #9: Aaron's 499
Where: Talladega Superspeedway, Lincoln, AL
When: Sunday, April 25th, 1:19 PM
TV: Fox
How Long: 188 laps, 500 miles

Last Week on the Circuit Studs and Duds

Three Studs

1. Jeff Gordon- A real shame for Jeff to be caught in the big wreck late, as he by far the fastest car on Monday and should have won the race. Alas, bad luck is part of racing.

2. Tony Stewart- Ditto Gordon, Stewart had a very good top five car that was destroyed by the late wreck. It wasn't his fault the wreck took place, it was just hard racing that caused the destruction.

3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Junior is showing verteran poise and confidence that has been missing since he debuted at Hendrick, can wins follow?

Three Duds
1. Matt Kenseth- He was effectively absent last week, trotting around the track to the tune of a 20th place finish. Ho hum for Mr. second place in the standings.

2. Brian Vickers- Tire problems have killed the Red Bull #83 team the past two weeks and now the one being chased is back to chasing for the Chase. Does that make enough sense?

3. Sam Hornish Jr.- Yes, I know he finished inside the top 20 three straight weeks, but he's also started 3rd and 2nd the last two races. At Texas, he was particurlarly living up to his "Sideways Sam" nickname.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 42nd Birthday Hermie Sadler- Yes, it;s Elliot's older brother, you know the one with the bad ass name. Hermie ran 59 Sprint Cup races from 2001-2006, doing nothing more than leading four laps. His only wins are Nationwide wins in 1993 and 1994 and Sadler has been last seen racing random Camping World Truck Series races.

Happy 16th Anniversary Rusty Wallace- Wallace is attracted ot these anniversaries, 16 years ago he earned his 32nd career win at Martinsville, tying him with the late Fireball Roberts on the all-time wins list. So kudos to Rusty yet again.

Happy Trails Denny Hamlin- Hamlin fled Talladega today, but not because of tornadoes. He went hoem to Charlotte to go to the Bobcats-Magic playoff game. Real good job Denny, hope you're ready to go tomorrow.

My Predicted Finish This Week

At Texas...
At Phoenix...
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 5 of 10
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 2 of 5
Correct winner: No
Number of Exact Position Correct: 0 of 10

This Season....
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 32 of 70 (45.7%)
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 14 of 35 (40%)
Correct Winner: 1 of 7 (14.3%)
Number of Exact Position Correct: 5 of 70 (7.1%)

Got half of th top five right plus Kurt Busch and Jimmi Johnson inside the top five. Not bad considering a lot of contedners were taken out in the big wreck.

Now this week, it's roll the dice time. As with Daytona, Talladega is a complete crapshoot. The cars are pretty even, so the drviers who can draft and pick their partners well will win. That being said, I'm going with a guy who loves Talladega, has a great team with good teammates, and is due for a win. The most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

After Junior, we'll go with Kevin Harvick, another superspeedway vet, then Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin. Kurt Busch rounds out the top five. Busch will be followed by Jimmie Johnson. Defending race champion Brad Keselowski finds seventh, Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray finishes eighth and Jeff Gordon is ninth. Rounding out the top ten is an undersdog pick, Furniture Row and Regan Smith.

My Top Ten Picks
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Kevin Harvick
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Mark Martin
5. Kurt Busch
6. Jimmie Johnson
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Jamie McMurray
9. Jeff Gordon
10. Regan Smith

Weekly State of the Union: A Rivalry Begins

2010-04-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

This has actually been the one single game that I have been waiting for since the season started. More than the home opener, more than the season opener. It's the first game ever between the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls on Saturday at the brand spanking new Red Bull Arena in Hoboken. Let the Turnpike Rivalry commence.

Last year's laughing stock, the Red Bulls are toughest opponent so far and Philadelphia's schedule, sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a 3-1-0 record. Only the undefeated Los Angeles Galaxy have a better record than the Red Bulls on this young season. It's funny, because here at Montclair State the Red Bulls train and I actually had half the mind for screaming at them this week. But the couple times I've seen them practicing, they look like a fast and hard working squad.

Don't expect the Union to come out as favorites. Though the team has played tough soccer, they need to learn discipline. I love Novak's idea of implmenting ah ard tackling defensive strategy for this team, but for the second time in three games last Thursday, the Union played most of the game down one man. They lost to Toronto F.C., giving the Canadian team their first win of the season.

I think that a big thing of the first three games has been a lack of disciplien for this young team. It's good to play with an edge and trust me when I say the folks in Philly love that, but you have to play smart. Younger teams can tend to play a little mroe recklessly and the Union had a whole need to tone it down just a notch if they want to stay in games. Playing down a man is very painful.

That being said, New York is one tough cookie. There will be many Union faithful in Hoboken tomorrow and that will give a bit of a boost, but so far the Red Bulls haven't lost in their new home. They're lone loss so far is in Los Angeles, to Chivas USA. All of their wins have been by one goal nad they come into this week 2-0 at home, having just defeated F.C. Dallas. Their other wins are at home against Chicago and at Seattle, something Philadelphia couldn't do.

Still, I'm looking forward to a game that could get chippy and intense. I want to see a rivalry bloossom out of this and have no doubt that it will. My game pick may be wrong, but my prediction of new rivalry being born will most definitely be right.

My Union Pick This Week

All I have to say is hold your breathe Union fans. Even with no red cards and a full lineup all game long, it may not be enough to beat a red hot Red Bulls team. I would coutn on a loss this week.

Last Week 0-1
Season 1-2

Sat. at New York LOSS

Thursday Top Tens: April 22, 2010

2010-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

A big Thursday Top Tens today, including the introduction of a new meaning behind the top tens at the end. First, the rankings. Please note that for the NBA and NHL, I have playoff records instead of regular season records.

Week 25 NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (1) 2-0
The Cavaliers have been in cruise control of their first round series against Chicago and can start looking ahead to the Boston-Miami winner.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (2) 2-0
The Lakers haven't allowed Oklahoma City to even sniff an upset chance here. A quick 2-0 series lead has them well under control.

3. Orlando Magic (3) 2-0
No worries for the Magic, who easily took two home games against the Bobcats to start their series. Can they do a repeat performance in Charlotte.

4. Phoenix Suns (5) 1-1
The Suns go up a spot as they appear to be in control against the Trailblazers despite the series being tied at one. Phoenix should prevail.

5. Denver Nuggets (6) 1-1
Yeah, I actually put the Nuggets ahead of Dallas AND Utah, their opponent, here. The Mavericks are a team I'm not a fan of and I think Denver is slightly better than the Jazz (there I said it)

6. Dallas Mavericks (4) 1-1 Big Faller of the Week
Dallas is the big faller and that's because I think the Spurs are on the verge of taking over their series as they head to San Antonio. Watch out for this one.

7. Utah Jazz (7) 1-1
The Jazz-Nuggets series is by far the tightest of the first round. It's far from over and if the Jazz take control, they will go way up in these rankings.

8. Atlanta Hawks (8) 2-0
The Hawks are up 2-0, but they're playing a depleted Milwaukee team. Big whoop-dee-do, let's see them beat Orlando in round two before they get a big boost.

9. Boston Celtics (NR) 2-0 Big Jumper of the Week
Just when I thought they were collapsing, the Celtics have cruised through two games against Miami. They're back and could stay in they continue to make noise.

10. San Antonio Spurs (NR) 1-1
See the Dallas entry, the Spurs could be on the verge on taking the momentum in this series. If they fail, however, their out of here.

Off This Week: Portland Trailblazers (9), Oklahoma City Thunder (10)

Week 28 NHL Power Rankings

1. Washington Capitals (1) 3-1
The Capitals have dominated outside of a game one hiccup and are a win away from round two. The lone top team that did what was expected of them.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (10) 3-1 Big Jumper of the Week
Surprised? Don't be. It's playoffs now, and my patience for top teams on the verg of being upset is gone. The Penguins are playing like the second best team right now, and being the defending champs, this shouldn't be shocking.

3. Phoneix Coyotes (4) 2-2
I'm giving the Yotes a tone of credit. Their playing really tough, hard nosed hockey against Detroit and though the series is tied at two, they're very much still alive.

4. Chicago Blackhawks (2) 1-2
The fans are upset with Chicago, I'm upset with my Stanley Cup pick, and chaos is brewing in the Windy City. A loss in game four could be the deciding blow here.

5. San Jose Sharks (3) 2-2
The Sharks are lucky they're still alive here. They have been shut down by Craig Anderson and look sloppy all around. And they're the #1 seed out West.

6. Los Angeles Kings (9) 2-2
The Kings are better than I thought. They could very much be up 3-1 against Vancouver in this series and have just barely surpassed them here. However, this series is far from over.

7. Detroit Red Wings (7) 2-2
The Red Wings haven't played up to the Coyotes level, but find themselves tied at 2-2 in the series anyway. Detroit can head upward with a series win.

8. Vancouver Canucks (5) 2-2
The Northwest Division champs haven't impressed me one bit in these playoffs and will need to win their series against the Kings to hang around this town much longer.

9. Nashville Predators (NR) 2-1
Nashville's no-name team has jumped out on a 2-1 lead against Chicago. There's still a long way to go here, but the PRedators could be the playoffs Cinderella story before long.

10. Boston Bruins (NR) 3-1
The Bruins' toughness and poise has shockingly been greater than the Sabres, and it has shown on the scoreboard so far. A trip to round two is nearly imminent.

Off This Week: Buffalo Sabres (6) Big Faller of the Week, New Jersey Devils (8)

Week 9 NASCAR Power Rankings

1. Jimmie Johnson (1)
Ho hum, Johnson continues to do his thing, he's still #1, and he's opening up a big lead in the standings. Too bad it'll disappear come Chase time.

2. Matt Kenseth (2)
Mr. consistency has consistently found a spot in my #2 spot, he isn't well publicized, but he's always running near the top.

3. Greg Biffle (3)
Biffle is looking more and more like Kenseth every day, he doesn't win a ton of races, but he hangs around in top ten every race.

4. Jeff Gordon (4)
Bad luck has plagued Jeff Gordon in Texas outside of the 2008 race, in any case he'll be back towards the top next week, as long as Talladega is kind to him.

5. Kyle Busch (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
I've shunned this guy for not winning this year, but look at how much more of a points racer he's become. Can Kyle hang around at the top though?

6. Kevin Harvick (5)
Every week now, Harvick has been slowly falling as his hot start vanishes over the horizon. He's a good superspeedway guy, so maybe he can stop the fall for now next week.

7. Jeff Burton (6)
See Harvick's note, this is another RCR driver that is slowly droppign every week. Burton needs more top 5s and wins to get back up.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (NR)
Junior has been picking up the pace lately and for all of the grief he gets from fans for being overrated, he's in the standings' top ten right now. He's back in this top ten too.

9. Kurt Busch (NR)
Kurt has rebounded from a couple poor races to rejoin the top ten party. The question is whether he can become more consistent and remain here permently.

10. Denny Hamlin (NR)
Look who has returned! Two wins in three races has me bringing back Hamlin to the top ten since the beginning of the season. Let's see if his success continues.

Off This Week: Clint Bowyer (7) Big Faller of the Week, Tony Stewart (8), Carl Edwards (9), Joey Logano (10)

Week 4 MLB Power Rankings

1. New York Yankees (2) 11-3
Forget the Yankees were number two last week, that shoudln't have happened. The unquestioned number one right now.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (1) 9-5
I think I jinxed the Phillies last week, they've won just once since I made them the top team here. So, as a result, they re-flip flop with the Yankees.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (4) 11-4
Tampa impressed me with their series in Boston this week and all of a sudden, they're the second best team in baseball behind the Yanks. They flip flop with the Cards.

4. St. Louis Cardinals (3) 10-5
Not a fault of the Cardinals that they dropped, it's a matter of Tampa playign so good in the better league that caused St. Louis to fall.

5. Minnesota Twins (6) 11-4
The Twins are pretty legit and make a top five enterance for the first time this week. Tied with Tampa for the second best record in baseball.

6. Atlanta Braves (NR) 8-6 Big Jumper of the Week
Atlanta has had opponent's numbers so far this season and are playing the best of the middle group of teams. There is a clear seperation between five and six right now.

7. Seattle Mariners (NR) 9-7
After a slow start, the Mariners are finalyl beginning to hit stride and are now tops in the AL West, tied with Oakland.

8. Toronto Blue Jays (NR) 9-7
I have to acknowledge the Jays, even though they'll likely drop off very soon as their schedule toughens up. But still, Toronto is alwyas a fast starting team.

9. San Francisco Giants (5) 8-7 Big Faller of the Week
A move in top five jinxed the Giants too, as they stumbled through the week and similarly drop four spots. It's still April, so plenty of time is left for San Fran to redeem themselves.

10. Detroit Tigers (9) 8-7
Detroit barely hangs in here ahead of upstart San Diego based on preseason expectations and the notion of a bad week. Nothing more for the Tigers.

Off This Week: Texas Rangers (7), Colorado Rockies (8), Boston Red Sox (10)

The Weekly ARC Top Ten Songs

1. In My Head - Jason Derulo (1)
In My Head is in its second week atop the charts, but has Rihanna nipping right at its heels. Next week could be judgement week for Derulo's second single.

2. Rude Boy - Rihanna (3)
Rude Boy continue to take the public by storm with its addictiveness. It appears ready to take the #1 song and once it's there, could hang around a while, especially in a lull period on the chart.

3. Hey, Soul Sister - Train (5)
When will Train stop? They are up two more spots this week and incredibly, in the top three. Forget them being old, this is the second best single ever for Train next to Drops of Jupiter. Impressive.

4. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (4)
The country tune is hanging around as best it can, holding at four this week. There's not many great songs out right now, so Need You Now could have an extended stay.

5. Nothin On You - B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars (6)
Top five appearece for B.o.B. as Nothin on You continues to increase its airplay. It's peak probably isn;t number one, but you never know, it could surprise.

6. Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (2) Big Faller of the Week
People are finally tired of Gaga's Telephone, as it took a hard four spot hit down to six this week. It should be gone within a couple weeks.

7. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (10) Big Jumper of the Week
Break Your Hreat ltierally broke out this week, up three spots and establishing itself on the chart. It'll be interesting to see if Taio Cruz takes a run for the top.

8. Breakeven - The Script (8)
The Script appears to have settled down for now, holding at eight and quietly pleasing listeners from the bottom level of the chart.

9. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas (7)
Imma Be is driving me nuts, it has been for a long time. Now, it appears its on its last leg this week, down to nine. Thank God for that.

10. All The Right Moves - One Republic (NR)
The lone new song this week coems from One Republic. They may make a little noise as All The Right Moves is somewhat catchy, but number one is a real long shot.

Off This Week: Carry Out - Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake (9)

The Top Ten Movies for the Weekend of April 16-18

1. Kick-Ass (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
It was very close, but Kick-Ass barely outlasted Dragons for number one. When you barely beat a four week old movie for number one and make less than $20 million in your debut, that's not good.

2. How to Train Your Dragon (3)
Dragons continues to show legs, actually going up a spot to number two this week and NEARLY regaining number one. Impressive run for the kids movie.

3. Date Night (2)
Date Night flip-flopped with Dragons this week, down a spot to number three. With the movie market slow for the next couple weeks before the summer season kicks off, Date Night will havea couple weeks left.

4. Death at a Funeral (NR)
The unfunny looking Funeral debuts at four. This won't last too long and I don't expect a long shelf life for this movie that makes me wonder how people get paid to write this stuff.

5. Clash of the Titans (1) Big Faller of the Week
Titans took a sever four spot hit, the former number one dropping to five this week. People have apparently had enough of Greek gods for now, so its time to begin to say good-bye to this remake.

6. The Last Song (5)
This may seem head scratching, but there's a HUGE money gap between Titans and Last Song. It's down just one spot this week, but barely made anything. Still, it gives me reason to whine and complain about Miley Cyrus some more.

7. Why Did I Get Married Too (4)
Down three spots, this Tyler Perry flick is hanging onto the charts for dear life at this point. One more week of looking at improper english is in order here.

8. Alice in Wonderland (7)
Alice has been a month and a half into its run at this point and is still scraping together and eighth place finish. Pretty solid run for this Disney movie.

9. Hot Tub Time Machine (6)
The big surprise here is seeing the Hot Tub still on the charts. Four weeks into its run, it has impressed me with it's stay.

10. The Bounty Hunter (8)
The end is basically here for the Bounty Hunter, which is onto a fifth week on this chart. It has made a solid amount of dough for a romatic comedy, much of which will go to Aniston and Butler.

Off This Week: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (9), Letters to God (10)

End of Season Power Rankings Tournament

Curious about this? Well, I decided that at the end of every sports season/ caldendar year, I will have a End of Season Power Rankings Torunament for each list. What is this? Well, all of the top teams/drivers/songs/movies will go head to head in a single elimination tournament to determine the best of the best. Here's a run down of how each tournament will work and when it will be held.

NBA/NHL/NFL/MLB Tournament

All of these tournaments will be held immediatly after the league's championship and will all be a 16 team bracket. The games will be simulated on WhatIfSports (similar to the Tournament of Champions, which is seperate from this tournament.) I will create qualifying criteria very soon, as the NBA and NHL tournaments will take place is just over a month's time.

NASCAR Tournament

This one is still in flux, as there is no solid simlation of races. I would like to have a five race playoff tournmanet for the top 16 drivers however. More details come in the fall, as the end of the season approaches.

Top Songs/Movie Tournament

These will both be held immediatly following the final Top Tens of 2010, scheduled for December 30th. After that, a 32 song/movie bracket will be created (larger than the sports). For now I am devising a way for THE READERS to pick the winners of each matchup each round. I am also considering doing a personal picks bracket instead, since the music and movies charts are based strictly off airplay and earnings all year round, it will allow me to give my two cents.

Criteria for all the tournaments is almost finished and will be added either on this post or next Thursday's.

Flyers Weekly Fly-By: Don't Speak So Soon

2010-04-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me?

Flyers up 3-1???

Yeah, I don't believe either. But last night, the Flyers dominated, won game four, and now the series is heading back to Newark with the Devils having their backs against the wall.

This isn't a fluke either. The Flyers have dominated the Devils all season, counting the regular season, they're now a whopping 8-2 against them. The first two games the performance was a bit skeptical and the Flyers aren't playing on the same level as say Pittsburgh, another team that is 3-1 in their opening series. However, wins are wins in the postseason and the fact that the Flyers peaked last night was a dominant performance has things looking up.

However, remember 2000.

Same scenerio, Eastern Conference Finals, Flyers up 3-1. Then came shutdown goaltending from Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens and Eric Lindros, and the winner from Patrik Elias in game seven with just 2:32 on the clock. It was the second and last time the Flyers blew a 3-1 lead in the postseason, the other coming in a loss to the Washington Capitals in the old Patrick Division Semifinals back in 1987-88. So it's only happened twice in 42 years, but it could happen again. And while Lindros and Stevens are long gone, Brodeur is still here, as is Elias.

Don't expect the Devils to roll over. They have to win three straight or face a lot of explaining come elimination time. This team sold their future to get Ilya Kovalchuk and wanted to make a Cup run now. This is a team that has to avoid the bust label. How many times have the Devils recovered from a 3-1 deficit by the way? Just once, in those 2000 East Finals.

New Jersey is going to stand a true test of character tomorrow night and that test will determine the game. Everyone knows what the Flyers will bring to the table, but will the Devils, for once this season, be able to respond. There will be one of two outcomes, either the Flyers win and move on and New Jersey has to face the music that a team that's good on paper doesn't always translate to on-ice success, or the Devils will pull off a comeback and move on and the Flyers will be torn to pieces by the media and GM Paul Holmgren. The next few days will determine how this story ends.

Studs and Duds This Week

Game 1: Philadelphia 2, New Jersey 1
Stud: Brian Boucher- He wasn't terrific, as the Devils didn't have many quality chances, but he did what he had to do and nearly earned a shutout in this game.

Dud: Martin Brodeur- On the flip side, 14 shots, just 12 saves for Marty and the Devils. Both Flyers goals weren't necessarily cheap, but that's a bad save percentage, especially for the playoffs.

Game 2: New Jersey 5, Philadelphia 3
Stud: Zach Parise- After being non-existent in game one, Parise showed that energy and poise that he displayed at the Olympics. One goal, one assist and a huge effect.

Dud: Brian Boucher- NOW the shoes on the other foot. Bad game for Boosh as he fell apart late, allowing the winning goal to Dainus Zubrus in the third period.

Game 3: Philadelphia 3, New Jersey 2 (OT)
Stud: Dan Carcillo- What a transformation this guy has made this year. Carcillo has kept a cool head this series and in game three, it paid off with the overtime winner.

Dud: Daniel Briere- I do these game by game if you didn't know, and three games in, zero points for Briere. When you're the highest paid player on a team, you must shine come playoff time. Briere is not.

Game 4: Philadelphia 4, New Jersey 1
Stud: Jeff Carter- Power play mania for Carter, as he netted two on the man advantage and added an assist in a huge game four win for the Flyers.

Dud: Paul Martin- Defensively, the Devils have disappointed and Martin is partially the reason. This guy never played well after being injured most of the year and has not been well this series.

My Flyers Picks This Week

So, the moment of truth. Do I stick with my Devils in seven prediction or change and go with the Flyers? I will start by saying Devils in game five. I can't see them rolling over so easily, no way will they do that. However, the Flyers have something they didn't have before, a coach with playoff experience and a Stanley Cup. PEter Laviolette will get them up for game six and the Flyers take the series at home on Sunday. Game seven become unnecessary.

Last Week 3-1
Final Season Record 31-26
Playoffs 3-1

Thurs. at New Jersey LOSS
Sun. vs New Jersey WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 30th Vincent Lecavalier- The former #1 pick has spent his entire career with the Lightning thus far and finally turns the big 3-0. Lecavalier had once of his better season in 2009-10, teaming with phenom Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. He was a big part of Tampa Bay's 2003-04 Cup winning team as well and has become the franchise player in his 11 season there.

Happy 59th Anniversary Bill Barilko- Barilko scored the game-winning goal in overtime for the Maple LEafs as they defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 to win the Stanley Cup 4 games to one. It was the final goal scored by Barilko, he would die in a plane crash in the offseason. A goal that will always stand out as one of the biggest in Finals history.

Happy Trails Lightning Front Office- The new ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning cleaned hosue atfer the season ended last week, firing everyone from the coaching staff to front office. With an offense described in Lacavalier's birthday section, it's a wonder why this team isn't better. Much needed breathe of fresh air for Tampa Bay.

Playoff Puck Primer

Washington leads Montreal 2-1
The Capitals finally hit their stride in game three, throughly dominating the Canadiens 5-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. However, the Canadiens hung in the first two games. I think the Capitals have control of things now though, they should take the next two and dust off Montreal without a problem.

Boston leads Buffalo 2-1
So, it has become a battle of goaltenders in this series and so far, it's Tuukka Rask leading Ryan Miller. Rask is the real deal and an all-star goaltender in the making, he could be this year's Seymon Varlamov or Carey Price. Nevertheless, this series is far from over. After game four, the Sabres get home ice advanatge back and thta may just be enough to push them over the top.

Pittsburgh leads Ottawa 3-1
No worries in Sidney-land, the Penguins want to close Mellon Arena with a Cup and have had little trouble with an overrated Senator team. Last night's 7-4 win in Ottawa was especialyl brutal as the Penguins have Ottawa backed to the wall. They'll finish it in Pittsburgh tomorrow night.

San Jose and Colorado tied 2-2
This is a shocker in one sense, but not in another sense. As a matter of fact, it's deja vu for a Shark team that simply chokes when it coems to the playoffs. The Avalanche aren't that good, at all, but they have essentially cruised on the back of Craig Anderson in goal. Similar to how the Ducks did the same to San Jose on the back of Jonas Hiller last year. This is last chance for the Sharks to prove themselves and they have to recover and win what is now a best of three series.

Nashville leads Chicago 2-1
The Predators are the most unknown team in the league, even studio guys and announcers have trouble naming their roster. Yet, through tough play and hard work, they are leading the Blackhawks, my Stanley Cup pick, 2-1 with a game four at home tomorrow. Chicago has been shut down by Pekka Rinne so far, but if the offense wakes up, then watch out. It'll happen, Chicago in six as they win the next three.

Los Angeles leads Vancouver 2-1
I miss Michal Handzus. I really do. His veteran presence has boosted the Kings and all of sudden, Los Angeles leads Vancouver and I begin to realize how good this team is. Jonathan Quick is a better goalei than I thought, Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson are an all-star defensive pair, and with tough veterans like Handzus and Dustin Brown up front, the Kings might just win this series and who know where they go from there.

Phoenix and Detroit tied 2-2
I'm not going to make this a secret at all, I'm rooting for the Coyotes. I want them to win the Cup and the NHL to put Gary Bettman's name under owner. OK it won't happen, at least the Bettman part, and now maybe the Cup part. Do the Yotes have the poise to hang with the mentally tough Red Wings? I thought so on Sunday, but last night the Coyotes put ona Jekyll and Hyde act and got smoked by the Wings. Will the real Coyotes, and the real Red Wings for that matter, please stand up. With this type of inconsistency, neither team can go deep into the playoffs.

What to Watch This Week

Wednesday- Vancouver at Los Angeles Game 4, 10:00 Versus
This is the Kings chance to take a huge 3-1 series lead on the Canucks as they will go with the "blackout" technique at the Staples Center.

Thursday- Colorado at San Jose Game 5, 10:30 Versus
A make or break game for the Sharks in game five. Will Craig Anderson steal another game for the Avalanche, or can the Sharks overcome him like in game two.

Friday- Montreal at Washington Game 5, 7:00 Versus
The Capitals could have a series clincher in this one if they win game four in their return home against the ultimate underdog Canadiens.

Saturday- Nashville at Chicago Game 5, 3:00 NBC
Can the Blackhawks get a hold of this series before the Predators can take control. Could be the ultimate upset of the playoffs if Nashville can pull it off.

Sunday- Phoenix at Detroit Game 6 2:00 NBC
This will be a possible series clinching game, the only question is whether it will be the Coyotes up 3-2 or Red Wings up 3-2 going into a pivotal game six.

Monday- Buffalo at Boston Game 6 (if necessary) 7:00 NESN
If the Sabres manage to win one of the next two, this series will go six games and travel back to the TD Garden, where a series clinching game will take place.

Tuesday- Philadelphia at New Jersey Game 7 (if necessary) 7:30 CSN Philadelphia
If the Devils win two straight and force this to a game seven, then you better be sure this will be on hell of a battle, with the winner going to round two.

Raptors Weekly Report: What We Learned in 2009-10

2010-04-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

A bittersweet victory last Wednesday, as the Raptors defeated the New York Knicks, but with the Chicago Bulls win over the Charlotte Bobcats, missed the playoffs. They are sitting at home, but got a first round pick back and are avoiding the being embarrassed against the Cavaliers, who lead the Bulls 2-0 so far. In any case, the season is over and with it, possibly an era of Raptor basketball as the fate of Chris Bosh hangs in the balance. In any case, what did we learn this year?

1. Injuries Hurt- I think, through everything this year, the reason Toronto fell short of the playoffs was because of injuries. Every starter was injured at one point or another, only Jarrett Jack and Amir Johnson played every game. Jose Calderon wasn't the same player after his early season injury. And when Bosh went down both in February and April, the ship sank with him. Which brings us to #2....

2. You Can't Put Everything Behind One Player, No Matter How Good That Player Is- A team with a superstar still needs a solid supporting class, it doesn't matter who that superstar is. That being said, the Raptors supporting class failed around Bosh. When he puts up 40 points in some games and you still lose, your in trouble. Bosh's play was not a reason the team missed the playoffs, rather it was the people around him. Which brings us to #3....

3. A Good Team on Paper May Not Perform to Expectations- Hedo Turkoglu sucked. He sucked. The Raptors paid big free agent money, thinking they were getting a sharp shooter to help take some weight off of Bosh. Instead, they got a money making turd. It's not the first time either, as Jermaine O'Neal was the same the year before. These guys looked good on paper, but without any heart or will, they turn into empty shells.

4. To Win, You Have to Want to Win- There was no will to win in this organization, from GM Bryan Colangelo to coach Jay Triano to Turkoglu to Reggie Evans, there was lack of heart and effort left. It's as if the team saw a bleak future and decided to start that future early. Bosh wanted to win and criticized people for not wanting to win. Yet there was little response. Any team can have talent, but without a will, there's no way.

5. Sometimes, Changes Need To Start From the Top- Toronto needs to take a run at Bosh. If they can't, blow the whole thing up. Keep around Bargnani and DeRozen and dump the rest. Dump Colangelo and Triano as well. This has been a team of mediocrity for four years now and that's not good enough. If the Bosh era is going to end, maybe a new era has to start today.

The off-season is going to be full of news, mostly about Bosh. But, unless changes are made regardless, well get out your paper bags, Raptors fans. They might be out with dinosaur logos on them in 2010-11.

Studs and Duds This Week

Toronto 131, New York 113
Stud: Amir Johnson- 40 minues and 21 points out of a guy that was off the bench most of the year? VERY impressive job by Johnson.

Dud: The Game Itself- It looked liek an All-Star game, a lack of defense and car from the Knicks diluted it from having real meaning. But really, can you blame the lottery bound Knicks?

My Raptors Team Awards

With the season over and no more picks (I fininished 39-25 for the season fyi), it's time to hand out my Raptors team awards for 2009-10. All together, there are five awards to hand out, and all of them are pretty self explanatory to me. Anyway, here we go, starting from comeback player down to team MVP.

Comeback Player of the Year: Rasho Nesterovic- No real nominees on the team this year, and Nesterovic's numbers were way down this year, but he DID come back to Toronto, where the people love him. A comeback fo a different sense.

Most Improved Player of the Year: Sonny Weems- No question here, though some people may make an argument for Bargnani, Weems finally emerged as a legitiment bench player this year and possibly a future starting shooting guard. In any sense, he exceeded expectations this year.

Sixth Man of the Year: Sonny Weems- Double awards for Sonny, I wanted Jarrett Jack here, but he started 43 games, just a few less would allow him to qualify as a bench player. But Weems played well enough to garner a few late season starts down the stretch. Led the bench in points and assists and was second off the bench in rebounding.

Defensive Player of the Year: Andrea Bargnani- His defense has greatly improved over time and led the team in blocks and was second in rebounding to Bosh of course. Bargnani now has to take the next step next year and fulfill his #1 pick status.

Team MVP: Chris Bosh- Duh! Bosh led the team in most every category and was the reason Toronto went 40-42 as it was. The future may be long and dreary without this big man commanding this squad.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 27th Birthday Danny Granger- The big scorer from the Indiana Pacers could find a new home soon, he has imprvoed from a supporting type guy to the team MVP for Indiana in his five years there. He has scored 20+ points per game the last two years there and is now in the NBA's elite group. Happy birthday Danny!

Happy 24th Anniversary Michael Jordan- The greatest basketball player who lived scored a playoff record 63 points in the Bulls 135-131 double overtime loss to the Boston Celtics in 1986. Possibly the greatest playoff showing of all-time, Jordan was beginning to cement his name as the greatest of all-time.

Happy Trails Eddir Jordan- The 76ers mercifully fired you this past week after a horrendous showing in Philadelphia. To be honest, the mood was morbin for the Sixers since Jordan came to town and his head coaching ability is certainly in question at this point.

Playoff Hoops Primer

This new section will take the spot of Raptors Weekly Report for the rest of the playoffs and will be similar to Monday Morning Quarterback for football, just my thoughts on each playoff series so far.

Cleveland leads Chicago 2-0
Shocker, huh? The Cavaliers have cruised past the Bulls in both games in Cleveland and should continue to do so as the series heads to United Center. Michael Jordan might have played there, but he's in Charlotte now and the Bulls are not the 90's team, their the mediocre 2010 team. A sweep is still in order.

Orlando leads Charlotte 1-0
Hello Dwight Howard? Where art tho in game one? Well, the Magic certainly proved they can win without him, but will that hold true if he continues to be snuffed out? The Bobcats held tough, though they had no chance for much of game one. Jameer Nelson impressed early, but I'd expect a better effort from Charlotte and maybe a win or two going forward.

Atlanta leads Milwaukee 1-0
Who says Brandon Jennings shouldn't be rookie of the year? He was a force in game one, but without Andrew Bogut, the Bucks had no chance against the Hawks. Game two is tonight and the above will remain true. No Bogut, no good for Milwaukee and though they may steal a game from the Hawks, they can't match the talent and speed of Atlanta.

Boston leads Miami 1-0
Trouble up in New England as Kevin Garnett is expected to miss game two tonight. This will take away a big presence up the middle for the Celtics and could give Miami a bit of an advantage there. Still, it's going to be the Celtics against Dwyane Wade. Wade should steal soem games here, but the Celtics can win tonight even without Garnett in the lineup.

LA Lakers lead Oklahoma City 1-0
I was introduced to Russell Westbrook on Sunday afternoon, who absolutely kept the Thunder in game one. That first game was living proof of two things: 1. Kevin Durant can't win this series by himself, and 2. If the Thunder DO put a total team effort together, things could get interesting. Don't rule out Oklahoma City just yet. I smell Boston-Atlanta from a few years back.

Dallas leads San Antonio 1-0
Physical, tough, hard nosed play dominated game one as it was one of the better opening games of the playoffs. The Spurs aren't going to let the Mavericks roll over them easily and they proved that in game one. I like the Spurs winning game two, but I'm a little iffy about picking them to upset Dallas. The Mavericks proved to show energy and depth that I didn't realize earlier. This could get very interesting.

Portland leads Phoenix 1-0
Surprise in game one, as the Trailblazers continue to defy expectations and chug along. But don't be fooled. I think the suns were just caught on a bad night and will rebound in game two. They better do it fast though, they're in danger of losing home court advantage and falling in game two could be fatal for the Suns, who are much better at home than the road.

Denver and Utah are tied 1-1
Forget LeBron James. Carmelo Anthony is determined to carry the Nuggets through the playoffs, he has stood out the first two games of this series. But will he get help. Look at the happy anniversary this week, Michael Jordan didn't have help in the 80's, and Anthony may not have help either. Still, this is a tight series so far and I'm lookign forward to what is now a best of five.

What to Watch This Week

Tuesday- Miami at Boston Game 2, 8:00 TNT
The Celtics may be hampered by the loss of Kevin Garnett and if Miami wants to get in this series, the time is now.

Wednesday- San Antonio at Dallas Game 2, 9:30 TNT
The I-35 series, as it's being called, resumes in Dallas tomorrow night as the Spurs try to grind out a win and tie up the series against Dirk and company.

Thursday- LA Lakers at Oklahoma City Game 3, 9:30 TNT
The first ever NBA playoff game in Oklahoma City will be sure sight and might be the Thunder's best chance to steal a game from the #1 seed Lakers.

Friday- Denver at Utah Game 3, 10:30 ESPN2
Tied up at 1-1 and with a three day hiatus, the series between the two top Northwest Division teams resumes in Salt Lake City.

Saturday- Atlanta at Milwaukee Game 3, 7:00 ESPN
The Bucks head home as they continue to try and wear down the favored Hawks in game three of their series.

Sunday- Cleveland at Chicago Game 4, 3:30 ABC
The second game of the ABC doubleheader could be a deciding one, as the Cavaliers, if they win game three, can go for a sweep in Chicago.

Monday- Orlando at Charlotte, Game 4, TBA Time and TV
The Magic and Bobcats play in what could potentially be a deciding game if the Magic are up 3-0. They play in the secodn home playoff game in Bobcat history.

Stadium and Arean Reviews: Prudential Center

2010-04-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

This new special series will have me highlight and review all of the pro stadiums and arenas, past and present, that I have visited. I have decided to review Prudential Center first since it was the last place I have been to.

The way these reviews will work is that there are ten different categories each place will be reviewed on. I will offer a comment on each category, give it a score, and then tally the score. I will finish by giving a few extra comments and my final synopsis. The ten categories each place will be reviewed on are based primarily on the categories used by The Ultimate Sports Road Trip http://www.thesportsroadtrip.com/. They are as follows...

Architecture
Concessions/Team Store
Scoreboard/Electronics
Ushers
Fan Support
Location/Neighborhood
Banners/History
In Game Entertainment
Concourses/Fan Comfort
Priciness

Architecture

Beautiful building, just beautiful. Prudential Center stands out among the surrounding buildings, just south of center city. The bricks in the front complement both corner entrances, which are these tall glass pillars. Glowing red signage light up the outside at night. Two points off however, both of them for only half of the building iwth these features. Theo ther half faces an alley and is plain and boring. Could have gotten a perfect score if the facade was all the way around, not just on one half of the building.

Architecutre 8/10

Concessions/Team Store

I didn't buy anything, food or souviniers, but I like what I saw. A ton of variety as far as concessions go, with a large variety of food and concessions spread out evenly around the concourse. The team store was full of great Devils souviniers, but one point off for being a bit small. Another point off for the lack of a full restaurant that many new arenas feature. And if I'm wrong and there IS a restaurant,. I sure missed it.

Concessions/Team Store 8/10

Scoreboard/Electronics

Prudential features one of the new LCD boards and has two LCD ribbon boards flanking the scoreboard. I am a hater of the LCD ribbon boards for starters, and this arena gets two points off for having too many advertisments and not enough game information on them. The main scoreboard also gets one point off for the score and time being too damn small, taking up a small spot on the board. However, the video is fantastic looking on the scoreboard and graphics are used well.

Scoreboard/Electronics 7/10

Ushers

Nothing much to sya about the ushers, they did their jobs, but didn't go over the top in making the visitors welcome or comfortable. Thumbs down to the metal detectors in the entrance, but this isn't the first place I've seen them, so not a ton of criticism there.

Ushers 7/10

Fan Support

There are diehrds there, big time diehards. This arena has the most inense fans I've come across outside of Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park. I give them extra credit for making me feel unwelcome, but at the same time I never actually felt threatened physically or anything. Words are o.k. physical intimidation is not and the fans I met knew the lines and I was happy to see that. HOWEVER, I will deduct three points for the empty lower level seats. This is partially attributed to overpriced seats, but at the same time, good teams find ways to fill ALL of their seats. The Devils fanbase is still a clear second place behind the Rangers in the NY market and will probably stay that way.

Fan Support 7/10

Location/Neighborhood

By far the worst part of Prudential. Don't go further than a couple blocks of the arena. The area is VERY shady and you probably don't want to be wandering around their late at night after a game. Just a suggestion. This arena could be better placed a little closer to downtown or even another ciy entirely.

Location/neighborhood 3/10

Banners/History

Pretty impressive for a team that had no good history before the 90's. Division and conference championship banners are abound and are flanked by the Devils' three Stanley Cup championship banners. Ken Daneyko and Scott Stevens also both have retired numbers there, and Seton Hall banners are also visible in the rafters. Very good job.

Banners/History 8/10

In Game Entertainment

Not too bad. The fans in the upper rafters made their own entertainment, which is always the best kind, they did an awesoem job keeping everyone into the game. But three points off, one for the lame intermission games, they could be MUCH better than fans shooting pucks. Another point off for the cheerleaders, hockey SHOULD NOT HAVE THEM. They are for football and basketball only, but some teams, including the Devils, have fallen victim to adding them. One more point off for the N.J. Devil mascot, he wasn't very entertaining or good for that matter.

In Game Entertainment 7/10

Concourses/Fan Comfort

The best feature of The Rock. The concourses are not only spacious and wide, but they are open on both ends to the arena!! It's fantastic to walk along and be able to see the ice while your in line and the concessions. The seats in the bowl are also some of the most comfortable around. The arena is great in catering to the fans comforts and needs, the most fan friendly I've ever been to.

Concourses/Fan Comfort 10/10

Priciness

A bit of a problem here. I got the day of sale $10 seats, which are a great deal considering the sightlines were pretty good, but the next cheapest ticket is $35. That's unacceptable in my opinion, and don't even get me started on ANY lower level seats. The concessions are also over the top expensive, part of why I didn't eat anything. For a team that seems to have a middle class fanbase, the prices need to drop. Trust me, the fans will come with it.

Priciness 6/10

Final Score 71/100

The Final Word

Prudential Center might be the best arena I've ever been tom but they plopped it in the middle of a ghetto and expect you to pay top dollar to be there. The fanbase has a solid core, but is small in of itself. The Devils need to cut prices, with it they can fill the place and with red jerseys, not visiting colors. The potential to be the best in the NHL is there, but some work by the front office is needed to improve on pricing and marketing to fill the building on any given night.

On Tap This Week

2010-04-18T23:03:00.001-07:00

Monday- In a new segment, I give my reviews of pro stadiums/arenas I have visited, old and new.
First on tap, Prudential Center in Newark.

Tuesday- We recap the Raptors Weekly Report season in the final 2009-10 post: What We Learned

Wednesday- The Flyers head into the stretch run of their playoff series with New Jersey in
the Fly-By

Thursday- The NBA playoffs go as expected, the NHL playoffs not so much, and can the Phillies
stay tops in the MLB? Plus a new tournament that makes the rankings matter, revelaed Thursday.

Friday- More red cards, more problems and a Union-Red Bulls preview in State of the Union

Saturday- We go to the biggest track this weekend as we preview NASCAR at Talladega

Sunday- We recap the Yankees west coast trip and look ahead to a battle with rival Baltimore on
the Pinstripe Weekly

Yankees Pinstripe Weekly: Back Where We Belong

2010-04-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

So, with today's win over the Texas Rangers, the Yankees finished a series sweep and found themselves tied for the best record in the majors with the Minnesota Twins at 9-3. Yeah, shocker, huh?

The Yankees at a fantastic 5-1 week, with only Javier Vazquez's Wednesday blowup acting as the lone blemish. And while players like Mark Teixiera are struggling and Nick Johnson and Nick Swisher are hitting much, the
Yankees keep rolling. Even though Javier Vazquez keeps losing every time out, again the Yanks are rolling.

Now, the losses will begin to pile up soon, a .750 winning percentage comes out to a record 122 wins. Hate to burst your bubble, but we're not winning 122 games, no way, no how.

I honestly don't know what else to say about this team. The first two weeks have been great, but there's 150 games left on the schedule. There will be adversity eventually down the line, but for now, the ride has been smooth sailing.

Studs and Duds This Week

Yankees 7, Angels 5
Stud: Jorge Posada- On a day when the ring ceremony brought back memories of ten years ago, Posada played like he did in his 20's. Solid 3 for 4 day.

Dud: Ervin Santana- Not a good outing for Ervin, five walks and eight hits in five innings is horrific.

Angels 5, Yankees 3
Stud: Torri Hunter- Him and Bobby Abreu both had RBI doubles and two for four days, but I just like Hunter more,m so he's the stud.

Dud: Javier Vazquez- Two starts, two blowups. Things have been downright bad news for Vazquez in his return to the Bronx.

Yankees 6, Angels 2
Stud: Robinson Cano- A solo home run from Cano and another two-run single really gave the Yankees a big boost in the win.

Dud: Scott Kazmir- What is wrong with him? A complete mess in four innings of work as he allowed all six Yankee runs.

Yankees 5, Rangers 1
Stud: C.C. Sabathia- He woulod've had double digit strikeouts if the rains didn't come around. Three hits in six innings and just one run, he was great.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- After another hitless night, Teixiera's average dropped to .083 That's just plain unacceptable, sorry.

Yankees 7, Rangers 3
Stud: Derek Jeter- a home run for Jeter and three hits total on the afternoon bumped Jeter's average up to the .380 mark. Shame he has a cold now.

Dud: Scott Feldman- Getting run off the mound in the third inning is like an automatic qualifier for the dud spot. No offense Scott, but you sucked.

Yankees 5, Rangers 2
Stud: Andy Pettite- Pettite was serviceably solid in eight innings of work today. Granted, Texas' offense was bad all weekend, but Andy has looked good so far.

Dud: Nick Swisher- I don't care if Swish has a high on base or anything, it's not good to have an average down at .200 like he does right now.

My Yankees Picks This Week

The first long road trip of the season begins this week as the Yankees head to California to visit surprising Oakland and the Angels again. I'd watch out for the A's. The Yankees have to lose a series some day and I think this will be the one. Loss, loss, win by the bay. The Angels will be a bit better, with a win, loss, win in the series. Don't listen to me though, because I've been pretty bad with my picks so far.

Last Week 2-4
Season 4-7

Tues. at Oakland LOSS
Wed. at Oakland LOSS
Thurs. at Oakland WIN
Fri. at LA Angels WIN
Sat. at LA Angels LOSS
Sun. art LA Angels WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 27th Birthday Miguel Cabrera- The Tigers first baseman finally hits 27 today. The seemingly ageless wonder has been shuffled around positions for bad fielding, but his bat his terrific. Cabrera won a World Series his rookie year with Florida and is in his fourth season in Detroit.

Happy 23rd Anniversary Mike Schmidt- On this day in 1987, Schmidt hit his 500th career home run in Pittsburgh. In my opinion the greatest 3rd baseman and Phillie of all-time, Schmidt was a consistent average and power hitter, and was unerappreciated in Philadelphia.

Happy Trails Miguel Montero- Montero is going to be out for quite a while as he had surgery on his sprain right knee this week. I don't know the timetable for Miguel, but Chris Snyder is a bad replacement, just saying.

Around the MLB

AL East- Painful start in Baltimore, as the Orioles are a league worst 2-11 and have failed to win at home so far. Brian Matusz has both wins pitching for Baltimore. Only Matt Wieters and Garrett Atkins are hitting above .260 and the rest of the staff has been atrocious. This team will get better, but that's only because there's no where to go but up.

AL Central- Target Field opened on Monday as the Twins defeated the Red Sox and boy, does it look great. Target Field looks like a stadium that could rival places like Citezens Bank Park, AT&T Park, and PNC Park as the best in MLB, but we'll see what the critics say over time.

AL West- Heading to Oakland this week, the Yankees are playing the....Al West leading A's?? Yep, Oakland is first out West so far. Despite onyl two hitters hitting above .240, the starting staff is dominating, led by Dallas Braden, Ben Sheets, and Brett Anderson. With the Yankees throwing Vazquez, Hughes, Sabathis this week, there could be trouble happening this week.

NL East- The MEts defeated the Cardinals 2-1 last night....in 20 innings. I loved it seeing Kyle Lohse in left field, and Felip Loez and Joe Mather on the mound. What won the Mets this game was the great management of the bullpen, as the Cardinals were out of pitchers in the 17th inning. The Mets utilized their players wisely and Jerry Manuel outmanaged Tony La Russa.

NL Central- Bad teams, part two as the Astros finally got off the snide this week after starting 0-8. I knew this team was bad, but with sluggers like Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, plus pitchers like Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodrgiuez, their play early has been unacceptable. Changes are a brewing.

NL West- Congrats go out to Ubaldo Jimenez, who threw a no-hitter for the Rockies last night against the Braves. Jimenez is a very underrated pitcher who put himself on the radar last night. It was the first no-hitter in Rockies history, so much praise to Ubaldo and the solid Rockies staff.

What to Watch This Week

Monday- CHI Cubs at NY Mets 7:10 ESPN
Randy Wells (1-0) vs. Jonathan Niese (0-1)
Hey, it's the two worst high payroll teams in baseball!! Who's going to underachieve more? Tune it to find out!!!

Tuesday- Philadelphia at Atlanta 7:10 CSN Philadelphia
Kyle Kendrick (0-0) vs. Tommy Hanson (1-1)
This could be the battle of the two top teams in the NL East as the Braves try to take over first place.

Wednesday- NY Yankees at Oakland 10:05 YES
Phil Hughes (1-0) vs. Ben Sheets (1-0)
This should be an interesting series as the upstart Athletics try and shut down the high powered defending champion Yankees.

Thursday- Cleveland at Minnesota 1:10 FS North
Mitch Talbot (1-1) vs. Scott Baker (2-1)
The top notch Twins are back at home this week as they host the Indians.

Friday- Toronto at Tampa Bay 7:10 SUN Sports
Brian Talbot (1-1) vs. Matt Garza (2-0)
The "others" in the AL East do battle for second place as the Blue Jays take a pivotal trip to Tampa.

Saturday- NY Yankees at LA Angels 4:10 FOX
Andy Pettite (2-0) vs. Joel Pineiro (1-1)
The Yankees took two of three from the Angels last week, they will try to do the same in Anaheim.

Sunday- St. Louis at San Francisco 4:10 CSN Bay Area
Brad Penny (1-0) vs. Matt Cain (0-0)
Two division leaders square off in the Bay Area as the Cardinals core of Pujols and Holliday try to solve the Giants pitching.

NASCAR Coast to Coast Weekend: Week #8 Texas

2010-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry we're a little late this weekend, but I'm getting this done RIGHT before race time. Here's all you need to know for NASCAR this week as we head to the Lone Star state of Texas.

Race #8: Samsung Mobile 500
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Ft. Worth, TX
When: Sunday, April 18th 3:16 PM
TV: FOX
How Long: 334 laps, 501 miles

Last Week on the Circuit Studs and Duds

Three Studs

1. Kyle Busch- It was Busch's best race of the season so far and while the late caution flag caused him to fall back to 8th, he had a great race regardless.

2. Juan Pablo Montoya- Much need race for Montoya, not only did he dominate early but he acutally finished well, getting a much need 5th placefinish. It's a start back up for the #42 team.

3. Mark Martin- Never led a lap, but was up front all day and had a great 4th plac finish. Phoenix is one of Martin's better tracks, so no surprise, but nice to see Martin race well.

Three Duds

1. Kasey Kahne- Ouch, bad luck getting caught up in an early wreck hurt Kahne more than Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin, sending him to the garage and to the back.

2. Denny Hamlin- Hamlin shouldn't have been in that car late. His team left him out there, out of contention, and driving in what was clearly excruciating pain. Bad move, bad race.

3. Brian Vickers- Another car that spun and hit the wall, Vickers fell out of contetion with his ccident and couldn't recover. This was a bad run that dropped him out of the Chase range for now.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 61st Birthday Geoff Bodine- Remember the Bodine brothers? Geoff made his debut in the Winston cup Series in 1979 at the Daytona 500 and drove there until as late as 2004, winning 18 races. He failed to qaulify for two races last year in the #64 car. This year, he ran one Camping World Truck race, finishing 26th in the #95 truck. So Happy Birthday Geoff.

Happy 6th Anniversary Rusty Wallace- The former driver/current ESPN analyst won his final career race at Martinsville on this date in 2004. It was Wallace's 55th career win and and 7th at Martinsville, first since 1996. So congrats to Rusty.

Happy Trails Kasey Kahne- Kahne is leaving Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of 2010 and will sign with Hendrick to drive the #5 car in 2012. What he does in 2011 is anyone's guess, maybe he can go to Prism Motorsports nad drive the start and park #55? Give them an influx of cash sp they stop making a mockery of racing.

My Predicted Finish This Week

At Phoenix...
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 5 of 10
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 4 of 5
Correct winner: No
Number of Exact Position Correct: 1 of 10 (Jeff Gordon, 2nd place)

This Season....
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 27 of 60 (45%)
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 12 of 30 (40%)
Correct Winner: 1 of 6 (16.67%)
Number of Exact Position Correct: 5 of 60 (8.3%)

Four out of five in the top ten? Pretty awesome for me, though my lone miss was race winner Ryan Newman, but come on, no one had him winning last week.

This week at Texas, I've been debating on which direction to go in. Jeff Gordon is good at Texas and is ovrdue for a win, but will it be Jimmie Johnson or Greg Biffle or someone else driving well?

We'll go with Gordon to win it. Kurt Busch takes second. Matt Kenseth loves Texas, he's third. Greg Biffle goes fourth and Jimmie Johnson to fifth. Sixth goes to up and coming Clint Bowyer. Dale Earnhartd Jr. to seventh. Martin Truex Jr. wil have a good run at eighth, Jeff Burton finishes ninth. We'll go with an underdog for tenth, David Ragan.

My Top Ten Picks

1. Jeff Gordon
2. Kurt Busch
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Greg Biffle
5. Jimmie Johnson
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Dale Earnhartd Jr.
8. Martin Truex Jr.
9. Jeff Burton
10. Daivd Ragan

My NBA Post-Season Awards and Playoff Predictions

2010-04-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

The NBA season is over and I have my final awards and playoff predictions set and ready to go.

My NBA Post-Season Awards

Most Vauable Player

1. LeBron James - Cleveland
2. Dwight Howard - Orlando
3. Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City

I don't want LeBron to have this award, but without a doubt he was by far the best player in the NBA, a clear cut MVP. Dwight Howard gets second for his solid all-around play. Kevin Durant was extremely impressive this year and a huge reason for the resurgence of Oklahoma City.

Rookie of the Year

1. Tyreke Evans- Sacramento
2. Stephen Curry - Golden State
3. Brandon Jennings - Milwaukee

Tyreke Evans was THE guy in Sacramento and runs away with Rookie of the Year. Stephen Curry provided secondary scoring n Golden State after Monte Ellis, he gets runner-up. Brandon Jennings dropped off late in the season, but has a hance to redeem himself in the playoffs.

Coach of the Year

1. Scott Brooks- Oklahoma City
2. Nate McMillan - Portland
3. Scott Skiles - Milwaukee

There's no question Scott Brooks did a fantastic job getting the Thunder from doormats to playoffs. Mate McMillan had Portland overcome injuries and tons of adversity to still be a 6th seed in the postseason. Scott Skiles really drove the Buck to a fantastic second half of the season.

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Dwight Howard - Orlando
2. Gerald Wallace - Charlotte
3. Josh Amith - Atlanta

Dwight Howard is the best defensive player in the league, hands down. Gerald Wallace has provided the Bobcats with an excellant defensive presence. Part of Josh Smith's jump into a very good NBA player has to do with his solid defesnive output every night.

Sixth Man of the Year

1. Jamal Crawford - Atlanta
2. Jason Terry - Dallas
3. Manu Ginobli - San Antonio

Jamal Crawford is a guy coming off the bench with the ability to start. Jason Terry, the perennial sixth man, provided the Mavericks with much needed depth. Manu Ginbili has really stepped up his play with tony Parker injured.

Most Improved Player of the Year

1. Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City
2. Aaron Brooks - Houston
3. Andrew Bogut - Milwaukee

Kevin Durant has done an incredible job going from best player on the Thunder to best player in the Western Conference. Aaron Brooks stepped up and became a dependable starter whren the Rockets needed him. Andrew Bogut is the x-factor that led he huge resurgence of the Milwaukee Bucks.

My 2010 NBA Playoffs Predictions

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

(1) Cleveland over (8) Chicago 4-0

This is no contest, the Bulls aren't a playoff team in any sense and the Cavaliers are the best in the NBA. Do I hear brooms waving?

(2) Orlando over (7) Charlotte 4-1

Charlotte's first playoff appearnece won't last long. The Magic's talent and experience will trump the Bobcats youth and energy.

(3) Atlanta over (6) Milwaukee 4-1
It will be close games here, but the Hawks always seem to step it up in the cluch and the Bucks don't have the seasoned player equipped to handle that.

(4) Boston over (5) Miami 4-2

The best of the first round matchups in the East, the Celtics big three is simply too much to handle for Dwayne Wade. Miami will take two games at home, but Boston wins a tough series.

Western Conference Quarterfinals

(1) LA Lakers over (8) Oklahoma City 4-2

Don't wave off the Thunder so fast. Kevin Durant can steal a couple games for upstart Oklahoma City. But it's simply too early for this team to make noise, the Lakers will prevail.

(7) San Antonio over (2) Dallas 4-3

My big upset in the bracket, the Dallas Mavericks simply lack the depth and defensive strength of the Spurs. Like it or not, good defense can beat good offense any day and San Antonio will win this battle of Texas.

(3) Phoenix over (6) Portland 4-1

Portalnd has been hampered all year round with injuries and it will catch up to them against the fast apced Suns. Phoenix should cruise rather easily past the Blazers.

(5) Utah over (4) Denver 4-3

In a very tight battle between two Northwest teams, the Jazz will upset the Nuggets in seven. Utah can shoot the ball with ease and has, in my opinion, better clutch defense than Denver. They win a tight series in seven.

Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Cleveland over (4) Boston 4-1

This is not the Boston of two years ago. The Cavaliers are much more experienced than previous years and have more talent then before. This shouldn't even be close, Boston is not the same team.

(2) Orlando over (3) Atlanta 4-3

This will be fun, but in the end Atlanta does not have what Dwight Howard is, a dominating big man. One player can run the table in the NBA playoffs and Howard will win thsi series for the Magic.

Western Conference Semifinals
(1) LA Lakers over (5) Utah 4-1

Utah's run ends here abruptly as they play a montserous team in the Lakers. Los Angeles will put up a much better effort than Denver did and willshut down the Jazz attack.

(3) Phoenix over (7) San Antonio 4-3

Another tough series for the Spurs, but thsi time the quick, fast-paced Suns will use home court advantage to push them past San Antonio. Will be a tight, hard fought series in an underrated rivalry.

Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Cleveland over (2) Orlando 4-2

The Cavaliers are simply better, period. I don't think Shaq or anyone else can match up with dwight Howard, but Orlando sure doesn't have a LeBron James on their team. Cleveland goes to the Finals.

Western Conference Finals
(1) LA Lakers over (3) Phoenix 4-2

Don't count out the Suns here, they can steal a game by tiring the opponent out. Not the Lakers though, Los Angeles simply has too many good players to not go to the Finals.

NBA Finals
(1) LA Lakers over (1) Cleveland 4-3

This is going to be a greatseries. The Lakers and Cavaliers are in a world of their own, but ultiamtely, in the end it will be the Lakers, who show more poise in the playoffs, taking down the Cavaliers for the title.

Larry O'Brien Trophy

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Finals MVP

1. Kobe Bryant - LA Lakers
2. LeBron James - Cleveland
3. Pau Gasol - LA Lakers

Kobe and LEBron will be one two for Finals MVP here, Kobe wins as the Lakers win the series. I'll give secondary man Pau Gasol 3rd place.

The Weekly State of the Union: Le Toux is our Favorite Brother

2010-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the sons of Ben could celebrate the Philadelphia Union's first win in franchise history. Much of the win can be credited to Sebastien Le Toux, who's hat trick accounted for all the scoring in the 3-2 victory over the D.C. United.

Le Toux, who was moved up front after the season opening loss to Seattle, also benefitted from having Fred in the lineup. Fred was serving a suspension from a red card at the end of 2009 when the team went to Seattle and made his debut with the Union last Saturday.

It wasn't the prettiest win on Saturday, the young defense has had its share of mental miscues and obviously two goals allowed per game is something that cannot become routine.

However, the Union got a win, its first win, in front of a large and raucous home crowd at Lincoln Finacial. It gave me hope that the Union will thrive in the Philadelphia area.

Now the season is in full swing, with a game a week. The Union are embarking on a truly tough test, a four game road trip, starting tonight in Toronto and then going to New York, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. Los Angeles and Real Salt Lake in particular will be very tough challenges for the young club and this road trip could bring the harsh realities of an expansion team to light.

For now, the Union faithful will have to remain patient and stay strong. This team will improve and win some games. It just may not come easily.

My Union Pick This Week
To Toronto we go, as the Union visit winless Toronto FC. toronto has been beat badly by Columbus and New England to start the season and have not had much success and their first couple seasons in the league. I expect a win and a winning record for the first time in Philadelphia history.

Last Week 1-0
Season 1-1

Thurs. at Toronto WIN

Thursday Top Tens: April 15, 2010

2010-04-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

The top tens are back again this week as the NBA and NHL enter playoff mode.

Week 24 NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers 61-21 (1)
Ignore the four game losing streak to close the season, the Cavaliers will be healthy and ready to cruise past Chicago in round one.

2. Los Angeles Lakers 57-25 (2)
Ditto the above with Cleveland. The Lakers were taking it easy and resting up for the playoff run last week, ignore the struggles.

3. Orlando Magic 59-23 (3)
Have played as well as Cleveland over the last month or so, the question remains if they can beat the Cavaliers again come playoff time.

4. Dallas Mavericks 55-27 (5)
They have consistently been better over the full season than the Suns and with that go back to fourth in the rankings.

5. Phoenix Suns 54-28 (4)
No team may be enterign the playoffs hotter than the Suns, who went from bubble team to three seed in the West. Portland better be ready for a very tough challenge.

6. Denver Nuggets 53-29 (7)
Regain the top spot over Utah for beating them in a tiebreaker for the Northwest Division, but a first round playoff series will tell the real tale of who's better.

7. Utah Jazz 53-29 (6)
The Jazz come up a little short of the star power that the Nuggets feature, but will get to show off their hot shooting hands in what will be an intense first round battle.

8. Atlanta Hawks 53-29 (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
The Hawks were a million times better than the Celtics when competing for the three seed and showed a poise that Boston did not. I know it wasn't a huge deal, but they played out their schedule and are rewarded here.

9. Portland Trailblazers 50-32 (8) Big Faller of the Week
They only dropped one spot, but they have a very tough challenge in Phoenix going forward. This is the chance the Trailblazers have to prove their depth and energy.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder 50-32 (NR)
I'd much rather give the Thunder this spot over the Spurs, they are much more fun to watch and Kevin Durant is a definite MVP candidate. But the Lakers in round one may be too much to handle.

Off This Week: San Atonio Spurs (9), Boston Celtics (10)

Week 27 NHL Power Rankings

1. Washington Capitals (1) 54-15-13 121 points
No brainer, this team has proved their capabilities in the regular season, but playoff success is a must this year.

2. Chicago Blackhawks (2) 52-22-8 112 points
They open their postseason tonight against Nashville. The Blackhawks have lots of expectations riding after a Conference Finals appearence last year.

3. San Jose Sharks (3) 51-20-11 113 points
Here we go again? They're down already in the series to Colorado, the Sharks will plummet next week if this postseason is deja vu all over again.

4. Phoenix Coyotes (4) 50-25-7 107 points
Good start to the playoffs for the Coyotes, they head into game two with a jump start on the Red Wings in what is a franchise year for the team.

5. Vancouver Canucks (7) 49-28-5 103 points Big Jumper of the Week
I've underestimated the Canucks. They are really complete team and can compete with the likes of the Hawks and the Sharks on paper.

6. Buffalo Sabres (5) 45-27-10 100 points
Buffalo will need to find some offense in order to go far in the playoffs. However, when you have Ryan Miller in net, you have a good insurence policy.

7. Detroit Red Wings (6) 44-24-14 102 points
Not a good start in Phoenix, the Red Wings have to be careful to not underestimate the excellant Coyotes. Their hot streak may be running out.

8. New Jersey Devils (9) 48-27-7 103 points
They go up a spot for winning the Atlantic Division. A bad start in the first round though and the Devils could disappear from here if they fall deep in their series with Philly.

9. Los Angeles Kings (NR) 46-27-9 101 points
Los Angeles has a very intriguing first round matchup with the Canucks, can the young team matchup up with the poised Vancouver club?

10. Pittsburgh Penguins (10) 47-28-7 101 points
The Penguins need to remember last year is last year. The Senators outplayed them last night and, like New Jersey, Pittsburgh can disappear with continued poor play.

Off This Week: Nashville Predators (8) Big Faller of the Week

Week 8 NASCAR Power Rankings

1. Jimmie Johnson (1)
Johnson has been lights out besides his DNF at Daytona. He may not have won at Phoenix, luck or not, but a top ten is a top ten.

2. Matt Kenseth (2)
Mr. Consistent continues to hover right behind Johnson despite not having a win to his name so far this season. Kenseth continues to facilitate arguements that the points need to be changed.

3. Greg Biffle (3)
Biffle is easily the second best car at Roush behind Kenseth and has six top tens in seven races, missign for the first time at Phoenix. Just a small hiccup.

4. Jeff Gordon (8) Big Jumper of the Week
Gordon is the best driver that seems to never be able to win in 2010. He's been on the cusp of winning numerous times and is driving great.

5. Kevin Harvick (4)
The shine is coming off of Harvick's good start to 2010, he's falling fast through the field in races and the standings with each passing week.

6. Jeff Burton (6)
Burton is starting to pass Harvick as the best car for Childress right now. Struggled to 25th place at Phoenix, Burton is hanging around for now.

7. Clint Bowyer (NR)
Bowyer has been driving well the last few weeks and back-to-back top tens have convinced me to put him back at seven.

8. Tony Stewart (7)
Stewart gave the #39 team he owns its first win at Phoenix. However, he has missed the top 20 the last two races and drops a spot as a result.

9. Carl Edwards (NR)
Edwards has been quiet early this year, but has three straight top tens and is beginning to get back into Chase contention. He's back in power rankings land as well.

10. Joey Logano (NR)
Hamlin and Busch are struggling ,but Logano continues to improve. Another top ten finish at Phoenix gives him four in seven races.

Off This Week: Kurt Busch (5) Big Faller of the Week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (9), Paul Menard (10)

Week 3 MLB Power Rankings

1. Philadelphia Phillies (2) 7-1
Very tough for me to do this, but the Phillies have been dominant so far to open the season, with only a single loss so far. They're #1, for now.

2. New York Yankees (1) 5-3
They've played a much tougher schedule than the Phillies, but have also not won in the dominating fashion Philly has. I'd feel guility making the #1 for every week, so the Yanks are two.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (3) 6-2
St. Louis has been effective with Pujols and Holliday in the heart of their order, They have gone through the NL Central fairly easily, how will they fair against the NL elite?

4. Tampa Bay Rays (4) 6-3
Tampa Bay may have lost two of three to the Yankees, but they ARE 5-1 against Baltimore to start 2010. Give them credit for that at least.

5. San Francisco Giants (7) 7-2
The new kings of the NL West. Obviously its too early to tell, but the Giants are making it hard to score runs with their dynamite pitching and thier hitting has been improved so far.

6. Minnesota Twins (6) 6-3
The Twins opened their park to a very good opening win over the Red Sox and a split in two games with Boston.

7. Texas Rangers (NR) 5-3 Big Jumper of the Week
Will the pitching hold up for the Rangers? It will get its first real test when they visit the Bronx this weekend. Until then, the Rangers are on the top ten for now.

8. Colorado Rockies (NR) 5-3
The Rockies are back after rebounding from a tough first couple days. Two of three wins from the Padres, they look to sweep the Mets today.

9. Detroit Tigers (NR) 6-3
The Tigers are jockeying with the Twins atop the AL Central again, what a surprise. Sweeping the Indians over the weekend puts them on this list.

10. Boston Red Sox (5) 4-4 Big Faller of the Week
The Red Sox have simply been underwhelming against the Royals and Twins this week and are off to a bit of a slow start. I'll give them the benefit of a doubt one more week. However, they could go they way of the Angels soon (see below.)

Off This Week: Atlanta Braves (8), Milwaukee Brewers (9), Los Angeles Angels (10)

The Weekly ARC Top Ten Songs

1. In My Head - Jason Derulo (3) Big Jumper of the Week
I'll admit, I didn't expect In My Head to get to number one, yet alone this week. But it did, up two spots, and Jason Derulo officially avoids the one hit wonder label with his second #1 song.

2. Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (1)
After a four week reign atop the charts, Telephone is gone from its number one spot at the top. Its fall will now begin, though it had an excellant run to the top. Long live Gaga.

3. Rude Boy - Rihanna (4)
This is going to be a sure fire number one son, it's just a matter of when. Rude boy has stormed up the charts and isn't stopping. Expect Derulo's reign to be short.

4. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (2)
It looks like #1 will not happen for Antebellum, which is a shame. Need You Now is a smooth, mellowing song that desrves to be at the top. Sadly, it appears it's fall has started.

5. Hey, Soul Sister - Train (6)
Train in the top five? Is this 1995 or 2010? In any case, it has happened, the date does say April 15, 2010, and Hey Soul Sister has grabbed everyone's attention.

6. Nothin' On You - B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars (7)
Speaking of upstart songs, B.o.B. is legit now as he continues heading upward, at number six now. Nothin On you may peak soon, I don't see it going much higher than six.

7. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas (5) Big Faller of the Week
Imma Be is slowly but surely leaving the top ten. And thank goodness for that, some songs are annoyingly catchy, this is just annoying.

8. Breakeven - The Script (9)
Breakeven isn't going to go too far, but it is a solid rock song on a hip hop and dance dominated chart at the moment. A nice change of pace.

9. Carry Out - Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake (8)
The song that wish it could, Carry Out can't go any higher, but refuses to go any lower. Maybe a one spot drop is a step towards leaving for good.

10. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (10)
Taio Cruz will probably go higher than this, but this week was particularly stale, with no songs dropping out. Until then, Break Your Heart will have to milk time low on this list.

Top Ten Movies for the Weekend of April 9-11

1. Clash of the Titans (1)
In a very, VERY close battle, the Titans barely held off a comedy to win the top spot. Not a good sign for a blockbuster threatening to fall off early. Titans will not be number one next week.

2. Date Night (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
The top new movie this week nearly defeated Titans on the back of star power from Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. I don't think this movie looks funny, but what do I know?

3. How to Train Your Dragon (3)
As the only real kids movie out right now, Dragons could hang around for a while. It is now in its third straight week in a top three spot.

4. Why Did I Get Married Too? (2)
Tyler Perry has a target audience and once they see htis movie, it will fall rapidly.It's fall begins as it loses to Dragons for number three this week.

5. The Last Song (4)
It remaisn to be seen if Last Song can match the earnings of Dear John, but in any case it'll be around a couple more weeks. Hangs in the top five after a disappointing debut.

6. Hot Tub Time Machine (6)
The Time Machine is surprising me, holding at six this week, its third week in theaters. I expected Time Machine to be one and done, but it's still around.

7. Alice in Wonderland (5) Big Faller of the Week
After five weeks, Alice is losing its luster, down two spots to seven and finding itself in endangered territory. It probably has one more week left in its system.

8. The Bounty Hunter (7)
In its fourth week, the Bount Hunter is scrapign together its last few million before disappearing. It has had a solid run, especially for a romantic comedy.

9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (8)
I'm still puzzeled how a movie this unappealing and stupid looking is still around, but people apparently like the idea. Wimpy Kid should be gone next week.

10. Letters to God (NR)
Letters to God is a religious movie that was released in selected to theaters and managed to edge out Shutter Island of all movies for ten. The question is whether Letters to God will go to more theaters and move up, or be a one and done film.

Off This Week: She's Out of My League (9), Shutter Island (10)

Flyers Weekly Fly-By: A New Season, New Chance Begins Tonight

2010-04-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Flyers fans can put away all the anguish and pain they suffered for the last six months, they can forget the struggled and turmoil the team went through to get to where they are now. Because once the playoffs begin, all 16 teams that qualify start anew.

Let's face it, if we looked along the lines of how the 2009-10 season went, our playoff chances are miniscule. The only positive indicator numbers-wise is that we beat the first round opponent New Jersey Devils five out of six times during the regular season. But of course, the regular season series doesn't mean squat once the postseason begins.

Luckily, there is one other positive coming into tonight's game one and that is the Flyers play over the weekend. Unlike most people, I think the Flyers deservedly played well in BOTH games. A lot people were upset with the play in the clutch Friday, but they were playing a Rangers team that wanted it as bad as they did. Both teams played exceptionalyl well, but it was the Flyers in a clutch shootout that would take the cake.

Philly MUST carry their play over to this first round series and beyond if they want to have a chance to make a playoff run. And they still HAVE to make a run to avoid being labeled as underachievers. The talent is there as it has been all year, but do players like Mike Richards and Bryadon Coburn find the will that they have been missing to play up to their true talent level? It is not a matter of talent wit hthis team, it's a matter of heart. The Flyers can play with the best of the league if they really want it. We shall see how things turn out, will the Flyers be up this time next weekend, will they be down, or will they even be swept out or sweep their way into round two? We shall see starting tonight.

Studs and Duds This Week

NY Rangers 4, Philadelphia 3
Stud: Jody Shelley- Wow, what a weekend for a guy normally an exclusive enforcer. Scored a huge goal, his first of the year, and provided a large physical presecne for the Rangers. See, enforcers have a play in hockey after all.

Dud: Chris Pronger- Oh Pronger. His assist doesn't hide the fact that he was on the ice for two Ranger goals and badly missed a shot late in the gmae with the Flyers down 4-3. clutch fail on Friday for Pronger.

Philadelphia 2, NY Rangers 1
Stud: Brian Boucher/Henrik Lundqvist- Brilliant goaltending for both teams in this one. It came down to saves in the shootout and Lundqvist choked, but it shouldn't overshadow the fact that he kept the Rangers in the game until that point anyway.

Dud: John Tortorella- You CAN NOT tell me the Rangers didn't play for a shootout in overtime. WAY too conservative and I'm sure Tortorella told them to play that way. That cost them the season right there.

My Flyers Picks This Week

The playoffs are starting and as I predicted Monday, I have the Devils winning this series in seven. So, we'll take a Flyers upset tonight, followed by two straight Devil wins on Friday in Newark and Sunday in Philly. The Flyers will tie the series at home on Tuesday, and we'll head into next week with a 2-2 series tie.

Last Week 2-0
Final Season Record 31-26
Playoffs 0-0

Wed. at New Jersey WIN
Fri. at New Jersey LOSS
Sun. vs New Jersey LOSS
Tues. vs New Jersey WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 22nd Birthday Peter Mueller- The Coyotes, now turned Avalanche prospect is a budding NHL superstar. He found himself in Colorado after a deadline blockbuster trade and will make his playoff debut in San Jose tonight. Catch a look of this guy before the Avs get swept out by the Sharks, he's something special.

Happy 16th Anniversary Florida Panthers- You may have missed the playoffs, but on this day in 1994, the Panthers set the record for wins (33) and points (83) by an expansion team with a win over the New York Islanders. When you have a goalie like John Vanbiesbrouck, any team ,even an expansion crew, can go far. Incredibly, the Panthers first three years have never been matched in their history to date.

Happy Trails Kerry Fraser- On Sunday, the 30 year NHL referee called his final game between the Rangers and Flyers. Fraser has always been my favorite referee, a local Philly guym, he was known for being popular with the players, an pretty objective official, and of course, his awesome hair. Enjoy your retirement, Kerry, you deserve it.

Puck Playoff Primer

This section replaces Around the NHL during the playoffs and is an overall look at the playoff bracket. If any of you have read my Monday Morning Quarterback for football, it'll be similar to that once the playoffs begin. Today, I will just have my previews and predictions that I released for round one on Monday. If the Flyers are eliminated, Puck Playoff Primer will beomce its own column on Wednesdays.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

(1) Washington over (8) Montreal 4-1

This likely won't even be close. The only chance the Canadiens have here is if Jaraslav Halak steals the series. He'll steal oen game, but that's it as the Capitals cruise.

(2) New Jersey over (7) Philadelphia 4-3

This may be the best series in the first round. The Devils have struggled all year with the Flyers, but they'll win this on the back of their goalie. It won't come easy though, as the tough Flyers will take them to a seventh game.

(3) Buffalo over (6) Boston 4-3

This will be the second best series of the first round. If you like defense and goaltending, this is your series. The Bruins goalie tandem will cause the Sabres fits, but ultimately Buffalo has more scoring and Miller will steal the show. Boston takes Buffalo to seven games, but the Sabres hang on.

(4) Pittsburgh over (5) Ottawa 4-2

Pittsburgh and Ottawa have had quite the recent playoff history, third time they faceoff in four years. The Penguins know how to beat the Senators now though and Ottawa has cooled off after a hot February and March. No problem for Sid and company.

Western Conference Quarterfinals

(1) San Jose over (8) Colorado 4-0
The Sharks aren't going to be beaten in round one again. And certainly not by a yougn and inexperienced Colorado team. The Sharks sweep effortlessly through the first round.

(2) Chicago over (7) Nashville 4-1
Quick, name someone on the Nashville Predators. Martin Erat , Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne. That's all I got. I bet you can name four times more players on the Blackhawks. Enough said, the Predators play a shut down style, but won't be able to shut down the high-powered and hungry Blackhawks.

(3) Vancouver over (6) Los Angeles 4-3
Watch out for the youthful Kings. They could make some major nosie their first time through the playoffs. However, Vancouver is a very good and well-rounded hockey team, similar to what the Calgary Flames were SUPPOSED to be. Still, in the best first round West series, the Canucks are taken to seven by the Kings, but sruvive.

(5) Detroit over (4) Phoenix 4-2

The lone upset of round one will come here. Yes, I've been high all year on the Coyotes, but the playoffs aren't the regular season. The spotlight of the postseason causes the Yotes to crumble and the experienced Wings to shine as they uspet Phoenix in six.

What to Watch This Week

Wednesday- (5) Ottawa at (4) Pittsburgh- Game 1, 7:00 Versus

The defending champions are back in action in the playoffs as they face a familiar first round opponent in Ottawa.

Thursday- (6) Los Angeles at (3) Vancouver- Game 1, 10:00 Versus

The Northwest Division champion Canucks have an intirguing first roudn opponent as they take on the up and coming Kings in game one.

Friday- (5) Detroit at (4) Phoenix- Game 2 10:00 Versus

It's going to be a white out in the desert as the Cinderella Coyotes host the old guard Red Wings in game two of this 4-5 series.

Saturday- (6) Boston at (3) Buffalo- Game 2 1:00 NBC

Get ready for defense, goaltending, and a lack of goals as the Northeast Division champion Sabres face a physical and tough Bruins team in game two.

Sunday- (1) San Jose at (8) Colorado- Game 3 9:30 Versus

In a battle of experience versus upstarts, the high expectations Sharks travel to Denver to battle the upstart Avalanche in game three of their series.

Monday- (1) Washington at (8) Montreal- Game 4 7:00 CSN Washington

Depending on hwo this seris goes, it could be a night where the brooms may be out. Ovechkin and company are north of the border to battle the unhearalded eight seeded Canadiens.

Tuesday- (2) New Jersey at (7) Philadelphia- Game 4 7:30 CSN Philadelphia

This Atlantic Division rivalry will be at full steam once game four comes around as division champion New Jersey pays Philadelphia a visit.

Raptors Weekly Report: Lottery or Playoffs???

2010-04-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Raptors clinched a losing season on Sunday with that horrendous loss to the Chicago Bulls. With Chicago up a game with two to go, things were looking down for the Raptors until they beat the Pistons last night. Now, the ball is in the Bulls court as they play the two teams battlign for third in the East, Boston and Charlotte. The Raptors close their schedule out with the Knicks. The Bulls need either two wins to clinch or one win and a Toronto loss. Toronto clinches with a win and one Chicago loss or two Chicago losses.

Now here's the question Raptors fans, do you want your team in the playoffs as an eight seed with a trip to Cleveland on the schedule this weekend, or do you want a team that goes to the lottery with a 0.7% chance at getting the first pick and John Wall and a 2.5% chance at a top three pick.

The answer is pretty simple for me, playoffs. Most people would disagree, with a rebuilding effort likely in the works for 2010-11, which is likely to be a very long season, a lottery may work best. However, I am very against teams throwing the end of the season to improve lottery chances and believe in always trying to win. The Raptors are playing for jobs and will want to go to the playoffs and at least TRY to make some noise.

They may be down half a game to Chicago, but the schedule works in their favor and the Celtics and Bobcats will both be battling for third, not resting like other teams. As a point of reference, the Raptors have beaten the Knicks three times this season and will look to sweep the season series for the first time ever.

I believe you should never root for your team to lose, in 2006-07 during the forgettable 40th anniversary season the Flyers were the NHL's worst team, but I didn't root for them to lose just to improve their chances to get Patrick Kane at #1 overall. And even with the odds in their favor, they STILL lost the lottery to Chicago and settled for James Van Riemsdyk as the #2 pick.

The Raptors SHOULD make the playoffs and hopefully come this weekend they will be on national TV trying to pull off the ultimate upset by knocking out the NBA's best team in Cleveland. Maybe then they can shed the "mediocre mess" that the 2009-10 edition has become known by.

Studs and Duds This Week

Cleveland 113, Toronto 101
Stud: Jarrett Jack- Jack put on an admirable 23 point performance off the bench after Bosh was lost a few minutes into the game. Give him props for that.

Dud: Andrea Bargnani- Bosh has presumebly played his final minutes in Toronto, so the role of THE man goes to Bargnani and he flopped in his first test.

Boston 115, Toronto 104
Stud: Sonny Weems- Weems stepped up on a team needing a new guy to sink shots consistently. 21 points and shootign eight for 13 is a good way to stay in the lineup.

Dud: Reggie Evans- Well, they started him in place of Bosh and another Chris Bosh he was not. That trade of Jason Kapono is beginning to look very bad.

Atlanta 107, Toronto 101
Stud: Amir Johnson- This guy is the powerforward the rest of this year and possibly beyond. Did what Evans could not do the game before with 18 points and 13 rebounds. A double-double, THAT'S more like Bosh.

Dud: Toronto Bench- Outside of a decent game from Jarrett Jack, the bench lost the game for the Raptors in the secodn half. Where have you gone Antonie Wright and Marco Bellinelli?

Chicago 104, Toronto 88
Stud: Derrick Rose- Simple put, the Bulls wanted this game and Rose REALLY wanted this game. He was a superstar for Chicago, scoring 26 points and adding seven assists as the Bulls rolled.

Dud: Entire Toronto team- A few hours after the Flyers completed their playoff clinchign win over the Rangers, the Raptors flopped in a very similar situation. What an embarrassing diaster of a performance, Bosh or no Bosh, it was a joke.

Toronto 111, Detroit 97
Stud: Bargnani/Johnson duo- Good plan, constantly feeding the ball inside to the big men to rack up the points. Bargnani and Johnson stole the show in a must win for the Raptors.

Dud: Inconsistency- How did the Raptors go from being so bad on Sunday to so good 24 hours later? Such is the mystery of the 2009-10 Toronto squad, no one will ever know.

My Raptors Picks This Week

Only one game remains as the Raptors host the Knicks in game 82, the biggest of the season, tomorrow night. The Raptors HAVE to win, there's no choice here, no tomorrow if they lose, no nothing. They have to win. They WILL win, they showed playoff style play in Detroit and will do the same against the Knicks.

Last Week 4-1
Season 38-25

Wed. vs New York WIN

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 31st Birthday Baron Davis- The two-time all-star has had a pretty underrated career. He made two all-star teams as a member of the Charlotte/New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets and helped lead the Golden State Warriors to a momumental first roudn uspet in 2007. Currently playing for Los Angeles' "other" team, the Clippers, Davis' solid career forges on.

Happy 62nd Anniversary Baltimore Bullets- On this day in 1948, the Bullets completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, coming back from a 21 point deficit at halftime to defeat the Philadelphia Warriors in Game 2 by a score of 68-63. A record still standing to this day, happy anniversary to Baltimore.

Happy Trails Chris Bosh- Might as well make it official, it looks like barring a miracle deep playoff run or miracle contract signing, Chris Bosh is leaving Toronto. Bosh has enjoyed seven great seasons in Toronto, including five all-star game berths and many other league accolades. The greatest player in franchise history, we will miss you Chris.

Around the NBA

Atlantic- So, in the Yahoo NBA blog today, they are reporting that the New York Knicks will change their jerseys for the 2010-11 season. I prefer they don't the Knicks have a pretty clean and solid jersey in a league where seemingly every team wears the same old black and red (go back to purple Raptors!!!) I hope they go back to the 80's/early 90's jersey, which is a more plain version of their current duds, but we shall see.

Central- Fantasticly bad news Raptors fans. If a first round meeting for Cleveland is in the works, then LeBron James AND Shaq will be in the lineup. Both are expected to return from injury tomorrow against the Hawks, the final regular season game of the year. I think the Cavaliers can win even without them, but with them they are as close to unbeatable as you can get.

Southeast- The Atlanta Hawks enter tonight with a 1.5 game lead on Boston for third in the East, they should take it if they can survive Boston's challenege these last two nights. What's the difference between three and four. Three gets the Milwaukee Bucks, four gets the Miami Heat. In other words, not much of a difference.

Southwest- On the flip side, the West playoff picture outside of the already set Lakers-Thunder matchup is a murky mess. The Dallas Mavericks lead the Denver Nuggets for the second seed, but is that all that good? Number 2 right now would play the San Antonio Spurs in round one and if there's a low seed I want to avoid, it's the Spurs.

Northwest- Portland may be down their scorer Brandon Roy for the playoff. He has a torn meniscus in his knee that he suffered in a game over the weekend against Oklahoma City and may miss playoff games. If so, Portland's injury woes may finalyl defeat them in round one, they have been haunted all season.

Pacific- The Sacramneto Kings have picked up an option for coach Paul Westphal through 2011-12, putting their future in his hands. It's probably a good idea, Sacramento has a solid young core and could be a playoff contender certainly by 2012 (strike/lockout pending of course). We will see if Westphal has the goods to guide the Kings back to championship contention.

What to Watch This Week

Tuesday- Boston at Chicago 8:00 TNT
A lot rides on this game for Chicago and Toronto of course, but also for Atlanta and Boston. The Celtics must win to stay alive for the 3rd seed in the East.

Wedensday- New York at Toronto 8:00 MSG
A win could send the Raptors to the playoffs as logn as the Bulls lose tonight or tomorrow. A loss and their season is just about over. This is what it's all about.

Rest of the Week- Check nba.com starting tomorrow night and Thursday for the playoff TV schedule. Also check here on Friday for my playoff bracket and postseason awards. My advice, watch the West side in the first round. It'll be more appealing, trust me.

On Tap This Week for April 12-18

2010-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, to get a good idea of what to look forward to in the upcoming week on here, I will be posting a short little preview of the week's posts here every Monday or so.

Today- I hand out my NHL postseason awards and release my NHL playoff picks.

Tuesday- The Raptors season becomes a ticking bomb on the Raptors Weekly Report on Tuesday.

Wednesday- A look back at the Flyers dramatic entrance into the playoffs and a look ahead to Devils-Flyers on the Flyers Weekly Fly-By.

Thursday SPECIAL DOUBLE POST!!!- The NHL and NBA rankings enter the postseason stages and a close finish atop the movie rankings in this week's Top Tens. Plus the Philadelphia Union prepare to pay a visit to Toronto and reaction on the home opener in the Weekly State of the Union.

Friday- It's time to hand out my final postseason NBA awards and give my picks for the 2010 NBA playoffs.

Saturday- One of the fastest tracks on the circuit is on tap this week as the Sprint Cup Series is in Texas on NASCAR Coast-to-Coast.

Sunday Night- A look back at the first homestand of the young season in the Yankees Weekly Pinstripe.

My NHL Post-Season Awards and Playoff Predictions

2010-04-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

The NHL season is over, so with it comes a slew of NHL post-season awards and then MY official NHL predictions bracket.

My NHL Postseason Awards

Hart Trophy (MVP)

1. Alex Ovechkin - Washington
2. Henrik Sedin - Vancouver
3. Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh

Ultimately, I think Ovechkin deserves this award the most, he's a harder worker than Henrik Sedin or Crosby plus he has imrpoved the team around him the most. However, Sedin's emergence as a superstar has made Vancouver a Cup contender. Of course, Crosby is a Cup winner and a perennial 100 point, 50 goal man.

Lady Byng Trophy (Sporstmanship and Outstanding Playing Ability)

1. Martin St. Louis - Tampa Bay
2. Patrick Kane - Chicago
3. Anze Kopitar - Los Angeles

St. Louis came close to 100 poitns and with only penalty minutes all season, he should be a shoo-in here. Patrick Kane may not be the cleanest guy off the ice, but he is up there on the ice. And Anze Kopitar may be a little too ncie for the Kings, but he's certainly deserving of a Lady Byng runner-up spot.

Vesina Trophy (Top Goalie)

1. Ryan Miller - Buffalo
2. Ilya Bryzgalov - Phoenix
3. Martin Brodeur - New Jersey

Miller has been the most consistently solid goalie in the NHL this season, he's the heart of the Buffalo team and deserves the Vezina for his efforts. Similarly, Ilya Bryzgalov is a huge reason why Phoenix is playoff bound. As for Brodeur, to do what he does at his age is incredible.

Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)

1. Matt Duchene - Colorado
2. Tyler Myers - Buffalo
3. Jimmy Howad - Detroit

I finally hopped on the Duchene bandwagon, this youngster's efforts have helped fuel the Avalanche's sudden turnaround. The ultra tight defensive Sabres have gotten a big help from Tylers Myers, who may be the next Chris Pronger. The second half belonged to Jimmy Howard, he really helped the Red Wings become psotseason bound.

Art Ross Trophy (Top Scorer)

1. Henrik Sedin - Vancouver
2. Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh
3. Alex Ovechkin - Washington

In a surprise scoring title finish, it is Henrik Sedin winning his first Art Ross Trophy. Behind him are two familiar names as Crosby barely edges Ovechkin for second place by a mere point.

Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)

1. Mike Green - Washington
2. Chris Pronger - Philadelphia
3. Duncan Keith - Chicago

Mike green has established himself as the best defenseman in the league hands down. Chris Pronger really showed a lot of solid offensive and defensive play late in the year. Duncan Keith can be considered an elite defender for a Cup conteder in Chicago.

Adams Award (Top Coach)

1. Dave Tippet - Phoenix
2. Jacques Lemaire - New Jersey
3. Terry Murray - Los Angeles

What Tippet has doen saving the Coyotes team and organization as a whole is incredible. I think Jacques Lemaire's job in New Jersey has gone unappreciated, he's deserving of some votes. Similarly, the young Kings have really come a logn way under Terry Murray.

Selke Trophy (Top Defensive Forward)

1. Ryan Kesler - Vancouver
2. Pavel Datsuyk - Detroit
3. Niklas Backstrom - Washington

Kesler is a top notch penalty killer for the underrated Vancouver Canucks. Long-time Selke winner Datsuyk should get dethroned by Kesler, but that shouldn't diminish is great backchecking. Backstrom is an underrated defensive player in my opinion, I'll give him third here.

Jennings Trophy (Fewest Goals Allowed)

1. Martin Brodeur - New Jersey
2. Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas - Boston
3. Ilya Bryzgalov - Phoenix

Shocker, huh? The Devils allow the fewest goals as Brodeur collects another Jennings tophy. The tandem of Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas has lifted the Bruins to the playoffs, can either take the starting gig though? And again, it's mostly due to Bryzgalov that the Coyotes had a turnaround.

Plus/Minus Award (Top plus/minus)

1. Jeff Schultz - Washington
2. Alex Ovechkin - Washington
3. Mike Green - Washington

All I have to say is wow. The Capitals top line was hands down ridiculous. The top defensive pair of Jeff Schultz and Mike Green are there, flanked by Ovechkin. Schultz is the winner.

Richard Trophy (Top Goal Scorer)

1. Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh
2. Steven Stamkos - Tampa Bay
3. Alex Ovechkin - Washington

In a close battle for the Richard trophy, Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos tie with 51 goals, Crosby is the winner with more points (though I think the award will be shared. Also scoring 50 goals and finishing 3rd is of course Ovechkin.

Crozier Award (Best Save Percentage)

1. Tuukka Rask - Boston
2. Ryan Miller - Buffalo
3. Tomas Vokoun - Florida

Tuukka Rask is going to be an All-Star for many years in the future, he's played scary good goal in Boston. Ryan Miller of course, has been a brick wall all seaso nfor the Sabres. And despite having little defensive help, Tomas Vokoun has done his best to keep the Panthers in games.

President's Trophy (Regular Season's Top Team)

1. Washington Capitals
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Chicago Blackhawks

In a runaway victory, the Washington Capitals have won their first ever President's Trophy with the best record in the NHL. The San Jose Sharks managed to sneak past the Blackhawks for tops in the West and second in the NHL.

My Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

(1) Washington over (8) Montreal 4-1

This likely won't even be close. The only chance the Canadiens have here is if Jaraslav Halak steals the series. He'll steal oen game, but that's it as the Capitals cruise.

(2) New Jersey over (7) Philadelphia 4-3

(3) Buffalo over (6) Boston 4-3

(4) Pittsburgh over (5) Ottawa 4-2

Western Conference Quarterfinals

(5) Detroit over (4) Phoenix 4-2

Eastern Conference Semifinals

(4) Pittsburgh over (1) Washington 4-3
Yeah, I know, looks familiar. But I just can't buy Washington going further with Jose Theodore or even Seymon Varlamov in net. The Penguins are better poised for the spotlight of the playoffs and will again, upset Ovechkin and the Caps in the second round.

(2) New Jersey over (3) Buffalo 4-2
This is more than just Martin Brodeur vs. Ryan Miller. Sure, it may the two best goalies facing off, but the difference is in the offense here. The Devils have Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, and Patrik Elias hanging around, while the Sabres have Derek Roy, Tim Connolly, and Thomas Vanek. Yeah, I'll take the Devils scorers any day.

Western Conference Semifinals

(1) San Jose over (5) Detroit 4-2
The fun ends here for the upstart Red Wings, as the Sharks are a simply better team. Still, I have my doubts about Evgeni Nabokov and think the Wings can make this a competitive series. Still, the Red Wings aren't the same team as the past two years, they're simply slower and less talented. No repeat Finals in 2010.

(2) Chicago over (3) Vancouver 4-1
This matchup looks very intriguing on paper, but in reality, I don't view the Sedin-led Canucks as a Cup contending team. They may be Canada's best chance at a Cup, but they lack the focuse and intensity that the Blackhawks seem to play with. Chicago wins rather easily.

Eastern Conference Finals

(2) New Jersey over (4) Pittsburgh 4-3
It's the Devils year. I had them winning the East at midseason and will hold to that. New Jersey plays the system to shut down the Penguins' offense and has the scorers to put enough goals on the board. Most of all, they're a team that plays well as a squad, something I doubt about Pittsburgh. It'll be one of the best East Finals in a long while.

Western Conference Finals

(2) Chicago over (1) San Jose 4-1
This series won't be nearly as intriguing. This is where the Sharks collapse at the feet of a Blackhawk team that is ready to win a Stanley Cup. The Sharks don't have the chemistry and home grown talent that the Hawks can match. I just can't believe in the Sharks through everything.

Stanleu Cup Finals

(2) Chicago over (2) New Jersey 4-2
And folks, the longest Stanley Cup drought will be halted at 49 years and the title will be passed to the Toronto Maple Leafs (43 years). Both of these teams are similar in makeup, but I see Chicago entering the series with mroe energy. If you count, I have the Devils playing 20 games compared to 15 for Chicago before the Finals. The Devils will simply tire out and fall to the Blackhawks. The city of Chicago will deserve this.

Prince of Wales Trophy (Eastern Conference Champions)\

1. New Jersey Devils

Clarence Campbell Bowl (Western Conference Champions)

1. Chicago Blackhawks

Stanley Cup (NHL Champions)

1. Chicago Blackhawks

Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP)

1. Jonathan Toews - Chicago
2. Patrick Kane - Chicago
3. Martin Brodeur - New Jersey

It is going to be the young duo of Toews and Kane that steal the show and power the Blackhawks offense in a Chicago-New Jersey Stanley Cup Final, they'll finish one-two for Conn Smythe. If the Devils make it to the Finals, than Brodeur will definitely get Smythe consideration for his efforts.

Yankees Pinstripe Weekly: Getting Back To Where We Left Off

2010-04-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Same old act, new season. A two of three series win over the Red Sox and two of three series win over the Rays puts the Yankees at 4-2 to start the year. That's a .667 winning percentage, in case you're wondering. And while the Yanks sit a game back in the Al East.....behind Toronto of all teams, this team looked like they haven't lost a step from their World Series championship in November.

Not only that, but two win four of your first six, against two of the argueably best teams in the league is nice. The Yankees schedule doesn't ease up, with the ALCS rematch against the Angels this week as well as a weekend series against the high powered Texas Rangers. However, there's seems to be little holes early with this Yankee team .

If your someone who thinks there may be some concerns, well you may be right. The bullpen satill has me skeptical. I am an avid hater of Chan Ho PArk, and though he made up for his Sunday night follies on Wednesday, I still want to wait to see who the real Park. I am skeptical of Damarso Martem I'm skeptical of David Robertson, heck I'm even skeptical of Joba. However, there aren't any true wanring signs yet.

Mark Teixiera as well has gotten off to a slow start, as has Alex Rodriguez. However, most of team is killign the ball as expected, so even a bad first week by the three and four htiters hasn't done much damage.

The starting pitching ,especially C.C. Sanbathia and A.J. Burnett started slow, but they picked up the pace in their second starts in Tampa.

Right now, the Yanks are right on track, now it's time to get the rings on Tuesday and get set for the first homestand of the season.

Studs and Duds This Week

Yankees 6, Boston 4
Stud: Robinson Cano- A sacrifice fly and 9th inning insurence home run was the top offesnive performance for the Yanks and a difference maker on Tuesday.

Dud: David Ortiz- Overrated? Me thinks so. Another 0 for 4 day and his comments after the loss leave me laughing at all the people who thought Ortiz was so great.

Yankees 2, Boston 1 (10 innings)
Stud: Chan Ho Park- I killed this guy for screwing up on Sunday and then he came out and threw not one, not two, but THREE brilliant innings of relief on Wednesday. I apologize, Chan.

Dud: Jonathen Papelbon- Epic fail, Papelbon lets up a big fat meatball of a pitch to Curtis Granderson and loads the bases before being pulled.

Tampa Bay 9, Yankees 3
Stud: David Price- His seven strikeouts on the night felt more like 15 strikeouts, he threw miles better than a certain Yankee starting pitcher.

Dud: Javier Vazquez- Eeeeeekkk that was ugly. Really ugly. Badly ugly. Uglier than ugly. OK, you get it. He stunk.

Yankees 10, Tampa Bay 0
Stud: C.C. Sabathia- 7.2 innings of no-hit ball agaisnta powerful lineup that tore apart Vazquez the nigth before, Sabathia was downrigth nasty in his second start.

Dud: Ben Zobrist- He DID get a hit off Robertson, but outside of that he was absolutely owned by Sabathia. I expect more from a cleanup hitter.

Yankees 7, Tampa Bay 3
Stud: Alex Rodriguez- A two-run double in the sixth put this one out of reach and gave the Yanks the lead for good.

Dud: Mark Teixiera- 0 for 4 with three strikeouts. His .125 avaergae over six games does have me a bit concerned as he is sliding early.

My Yankees Picks This Week

The first homestand of the year is upon and with it comes two three games series againsst AL WEst teams, the Angels and Rangers. The Angels have been a slo 2-5 to start the year, but I think they rebound against the Yankees. The Angels take two of three on the Yanks, handing New York their first series loss of the season. New York recovers by takign two of three from the Rangers.

Last Week 2-3
Season 2-3

Tues vs. LA Angels LOSS
Wed. vs LA Angels WIN
Thurs. vs LA Angels LOSS
Fri. vs Texas WIN
Sat. vs Texas WIN
Sun. vs Texas LOSS

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 30th Birthday Mark Teixiera- Poor guy, I called him a dud on his birthdya. But in any case, Tex has impressed with his bat in Texas, Anaheim, Atlanta, and now with the Yankees, winning a World Series in his first year in the Bronx. Happy 3-0 Tex.

Happy 48th Anniversary New York Mets- On this day in 1962, the expansion Mets made their debut, losing to the Cardinals 11-4. Thus was the beginning of the worst season in modern baseball history. Nevertheless, they gave us great memories.

Happy Trails Miguel Montero- The hard hitting Arizona Diamondback catcher was put on the 15 day disabled list today with a right knee sprain. Looks like Chris Snyder gets his starting gig back.....for now.

Around the MLB

AL East- A little deja vu in the division as the Toronto Blue JAys, like last year, find themselves atop the division after a hot start. But let's face it, Toronto doesn't have the toughest schedule early and will be tested for real with six games agaisnt the Red Sox and Rays at the end of the month. My guess is they'll fail that test.

AL Central- Speaking of good starts, the Tigers got off to a great start this week leading the AL Central at 5-1. And likewise, their first three series are Royals, Indians, Royals. They'll drop off with a long AL West road trip starting next weekend.

AL West- Here we go again with Milton Bradley. The troubled Mariners outfielder was caught flipping off Texas fans this weekend, where he used to play. Bradley is simply a bad egg with major attitude and behavorial problems. Seattle may pay if his bat doesn't produce as it should.

NL East- The few doubters that were buzzing around Roy Halladay are probaably gone now. Halladay was fantastic against the Nationals and Astros this week and has been everything advertised so far. Granted, it's onyl been two starts, but the Phillies look to habve made a great investment early.

NL Central- Wellm tkaing it WAY back, the Astros had a turn back the clock game thsi weekend. Back in the day, the employess at the Astrodome dressed in strange furtistic-like clothing. Apparently, they brought the costumes out of the closet on Saturday. Thank goodness us 21st century people have a sense of style.

NL West- Yikes!!! Ithought the Pirates didn't get off to a terrible start, but apparently they allowed 13 runs in the 4th inning to Arizona today. It was the most runs in a single inning in Diamondback history and makes me realize that despite being 3-3, the Pirates are stil lthe Pirates.

What To Watch This Week

Monday- Boston at Minnesota 4:10 ESPN
Jon Lester (0-0) vs. Carl Pavano (1-0)
The Twins had a solid first week and will look to get off to a good start in their new home as they play the first regular season game at Target Field.

Tuesday- Arizona at LA Dodgers 4:10 FS Arizona
Ian Kennedy (0-0) vs. Clayton Hershaw (0-0)
Arizona was looking red hot against Pittsbugh on Saturday and will now head to L.A. against the slow starting Dodgers.

Wednesday- Pittsburgh at San Francisco 3:45 FS Pittsburgh
Carlier Morton (0-1) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (0-0)
So, the Pirates are actually .500 so far this year. Well, they may run out of luck against a red hot and hungry San Francisco Giant club.

Thursday- LA Angels at NY Yankees 7:05 My9 New York
Jered Weaver (1-0) vs. TBA
The Angels have been limping early in the first week and will look to escape the Bronx with a win in the final game of this series.

Friday- Texas at NY Yankees 7:05 YES
Matt Harrison (0-0) vs. TBA
The Rangers head into the week with a .500 record, they will battle the World Champions for the first time on the year.

Saturday- NY Mets at St. Louis 4:10 FOX
TBA vs. TBA
The pressure is on for the Mets to produce early this season, they have a difficult weekend series upon them as they visit the NL Central leading Cardinals.

Sunday- Tampa Bay at Boston 1:05 TBS
The battle of the top three in the AL East coems full circle as the Rays and Red Sox wrap up their first series of the year in their fierce rivalry.

NASCAR Coact to Coast Weekend: Week #7 Phoenix

2010-04-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I 'll be honest. I hate them. I hate night racing. Most fans love it, I hate it. I hate it ruining my Saturday night plans, I hate races running until late into the night, I hate the racing under the moon light. However, like it or not, the first night race of the 2010 season is here as the Sprint Cup Series travels to Phoenix.

Race #7: Subway 600
Where: Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, AZ
When: Saturday April 10th 7:44 PM
TV: FOX
How Long: 375 Miles, 375 Laps

Last Week on the Circuit Studs and Duds

Three Studs
1. Denny Hamlin- On the eve of having surgery on his torn up knee, Hamlin fights through the pain and gets some luck en route to a much needed win for the #11 team. Very gutsy job by Hamlin for the win.

2. Jeff Gordon- Outside of Las Vegas, probably his best run of the season. Gordon hung around the front, if not led most of the race and, made a good move knocking Matt Kenseht out of the way on the second to last lap.

3. Brian Vickers- Surprised? You shoudln't be, though FOX chose to not talk about Vickers much on the telecast, he hung around mid-pack all day and had a solid run on the final restart to finish sixth. Vickers will be a buble Chase contender again in 2010.

Three Duds
1. Juan Pablo Montoya- He cut down a tire after a pretty good run to start the race and his continued bad luck is sending him spiraling down in the standings. Montoya is going to need a solid stretch of races to get back into contention.

2. Jamie McMurray- Man, this guy has downright teased me so far this season. he hung around the top 15 early before getting caught in a crash halfway through the race. Typical Jami Mac though, thankfully Talladega is on the horizon.

3. Kevin Harvick, Bad luck put the pole sitter down in the dumps as he was in the garage twice in this race before limping to a finish. Now not leading the standings, is great start is starting to fade into the past.

It's Happy Time!!!

Happy 30th Birthday Kasey Kahne- The Petty Motorsports driver turns the big 3-0 today as he starts 20th at Phoenix tonight. It seems like just yesterday that Kahne was debuting on the Sprint Cup circuit, but lil Kasey isn't so lil anymore.

Happy 50th Anniversary Rickhard Petty- On this day in 1960, Richard Petty won his second career race and likewise became the youngest ever winner at MArtinsville at 22 years of age. The King just starting to get rolling in 1960.

Happy Trails Stars for the All-Star Race- Interesting blog on Yahoo Sports today notes that drivers like Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, and MArtin Truex Jr. aren't eligible for the All-Star race heading into tonight and are running out of time to qualify. Can you say underwhelming field for 2010?

My Predicted Finish This Week

At Martinsville...
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 3 of 10
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 1 of 5
Correct Winner: No
Number of Exact Position Correct: 0 of 10

This Season...
Number of Top Ten Cars Correct: 22 of 50 (44%)
Number of Top Five Cars Correct: 8 of 25 (32%)
Correct Winner: 1 of 5 (20%)
Exact Position Correct: 4 of 50 (8%)

Yikes, when you only get Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Denny Hamlin correct in your top ten, it was a bad week. I blame the rain delayed race.

This week, in the desert, everyone and their mom is picking Jimmie Johnson, what else is new? I will agree this week and pick Johnsaon, he's simply dominant at Phoenix. Second will go to Jeff Gordon, and third to MArk MArtin. Hendrick is good at Phoenix, ge the picture? Jeff Burton will break the Hendrick streak at fourth, and a needed good run by Juan Pablo Montoya puts him fifth. Marcos Ambrose is always good at Phoenix, I have him at a surprise sixth. Tony Stewart goes seventh and birthday boy Kasey Kahne in eighth. I like Joey Logano for ninth and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in tenth.

My Top Ten Picks

1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Mark Martin
4. Jeff Burton
5. Juan Pablo Montoya
6. Marcos Ambrose
7. Tony Stewart
8. Kasey Kahne
9. Joey Logano
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The Weekly State of the Union: First Win Oppurtunity Shines Brightly Tonight

2010-04-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

After years of waiting, Philadelphia will finally get to see its own MLS team take the field at home tonight. A battle with the winless D.C. United tonight at Lincoln Financial Field will mark the first home game for the Union and it couldn't be set up more as the perfect chance to win its first game.

For one, the fans will be out in full force tonight. The Sons of Ben group as waited forever for this night and I expect Philadelphia will be out in full force to support their team tonight. I look back to the Houston Texans of the NFL, when they won their first game, upsetting the Dallas Cowboys in their home opener. The D.C. United are likewise won of the bigger franchises in the MLS.

Also like those Dallas Cowboys, the D.C. United are not good this year. hey got utterly destroyed in their opener against the Kansas City Wizards and put up another bad effort last Saturday in their opener against the New England Revolution. Yes, we are early in the year, but all signs from preview I reado fthe MLS as well as the results from their first two games point to the United falling flat this week.

Now, the questiuon is whether the hard nosed play of the Union will bite them again this game. A first half red card from Toni Stahl against Seattle hurt Philadelphia in a big way. Nevertheless, the Union came playing hard out of the gate, but but five yellow cards and a red card can't be an every game occurence. I want to see Philadelphia play a hard tackling style, but they need to realize the fine line between good tackling and card collecting.

In any case, if the first game proved anything, this is an expansion club that may struggle with wins in year one, btu they'll play hard and are going to be fun to watch. The fans should take warmly to them and tonight should be the beginning of a great era in Union soccer history.

My Union Pick This Week

OK, a little TOO optimistic with the pick of the Union upsetting the solid Seattle Sounders. However, the United sure aren't the Sounders. I think the first win is inevitable against a very downtrodden United team.

Last Week 0-1
Season 0-1

Sat. vs D.C. United WIN

Thursday's Top Tens: April 8, 2010

2010-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

For the first time on this Thursday's top tens, we're going to have a format change. Rather than a ranking synopsis, I'm goign to leave a comment on each top ten team/movie/song. I'm also going to use logos rather than typing team names starting next week, so watch for that.

Also, no NASCAR race for Easter last weekend, so no NASCAR rankings this week.

Week 23 NBA Power Rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers 61-17 (1)

They play in the East but have proven to be tough, even with star players injured. The depth is there that wasn't before.

2. Los Angeles Lakers 55-22 (2)
San Antonio game aside, the Lakers are goign to be VERY tough to beat come playoffs next week.

3. Orlando Magic 55-23 (3)
It's Dwight Howard or bust for the Magic. They can compete with most of the league, but remain a distant third behind L.A. and the Cavs.

4. Phoenix Suns 51-27 (4)
Run and gun basketball is running on all cylinders in the desert. A series with the Thunder will be a blast.

5. Dallas Mavericks 51-27 (6)

In top five for now but the question of playoff success still haunts the franchise.

6. Utah Jazz 51-28 (5)

No true superstars on this team, they need all the supporting pieces working to make a run in the tough West.

7. Denver Nuggets 51-27 (9) Big Jumper of the Week
The Nuggets have someone to play for in George Karl and are turning it up as the playoff race heads into the final week. Home court advantage in round one is at stake.

8. Portland Trailblazers 48-30 (10)

Easy recent schedule nonetheless, the Blazers have won eight of their last ten.

9. San Antonio Spurs 48-30 (NR)
Impressive the last two weeks, the Spurs leapfrogged many teams to clinb back into the top ten.

10. Boston Celtics 49-29 (8)

Last night's game against the Raptors convinced me that this team is behind the Cavs and Magic in the East and virtually all the West playoff teams.

Off This Week: Atlanta Hawks (7) Big Faller of the Week

Week 26 NHL Power Rankings

1. Washington Capitals (1) 53-15-12 118 points
The first-time President's Trophy winners now have to overcome past demons of series with the Penguins and Flyers. They need playoff success.

2. Chicago Blackhawks (2) 51-22-7 109 points
Remember the crazy Blackhawk-Capitals NBC game last month?? Finals preview in the making.

3. San Jose Sharks (3) 49-20-11 109 points
Loses the tiebreaker for first with Chicago and lacks the poise of the young Hawks, outside of that, they're the best of the West.

4. Phoenix Coyotes (4) 49-25-6 104 points
Fans want to seem them do well, the league sure would like to see them do well, but will regular season success translate?

5. Buffalo Sabres (5) 44-25-10 98 points
A team that is merely a goal scorer away from competing with the Capitals. Most consistent, all-around solid team out side of the Caps in the East.

6. Detroit Red Wings (10) 42-24-14 98 points Big Jumper of the Week
Six is well-deserved this week. After overcoming first half adversity and injuries, the Wings are back to normal.

7. Vancouver Canucks (6) 48-27-5 101 points
Finally outlasted the Avalanche to clinch the Northwest Division this week, Luongo and the Sedin twins will need to step up in postseason though.

8. Nashville Predators (7) 46-29-6 98 points

No-name Nashville is trying to stave off the Wings and Kings for fifth in the West, but really, maybe they just lose to avoid the Coyotes in round one.

9. New Jersey Devils (9) 46-26-7 99 points
Have played a lot of close, tough games recently, they have the advantage in the Atlantic Division race that no one seems to want to win.

10. Pittsburgh Penguins (8) 45-277 97 points Big Faller of the Week

Really lacking the competitive and consistent edge that defending champs normally possess. Bad news with the playoffs on the horizon.

Week 2 MLB Power Rankings

1. New York Yankees (1) 2-1
OK, maybe a little biased, but lost on Sunday because of a bullpen blowup and played well the next two nights. The Yanks haven't lost a step.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (2) 2-0

Have made mince meat of the Washington Nationals, the Phillies are looking scary good so far.

3. St. Louis Cardinals (4) 2-0
No problems sweeping an upstart Cincinnati Reds team, the Cardinals played well through two games.

4. Tampa Bay Rays (7) 2-0
Baltimore isn't a slouch of a team and the Rays had no issues taking them down. A real test with the Yankees lies in front of them.

5. Boston Red Sox (3) 1-2
They lost two of three in the first series, but against the defending champs, it's ok. Playign the Royals will give them a boost.

6. Minnesota Twins (10) 2-1 Big Jumper of the Week
Outside of a bullpen blowup one game, the Twins have looked rejuvenated after laying an egg in the ALDS. May be better than people think.

7. San Francisco Giants (NR) 3-0
Could this be the best pitching staff in the National League? A couple mroe ten run nights like yeterday and these guys may be for real.

8. Atlanta Braves (NR) 2-0
Welcome to the league Jason Heyward. The Braves look like they wil be nipping at the Phillies heels early on, but how long will it last?

9. Milwaukee Brewers (NR) 2-1
Did a solid job taking two of three from a good pitchign staff in Colorado. A very tough series with the undefeated Cardinals awaits the Brew Crew.

10. Los Angeles Angels (9) 1-2

Lost two fo three, but was playing a very good Minnesota Twins team. Seattle slumped early in Oakland, so the Angels were hurt too badly.

Off This Week: Los Angeles Dodgers (5) Big Faller of the Week, Seattle Mariners (6), Colorado Rcokies (8)

The ARC Weekly Top Ten Songs

1. Telephone - Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce (1)
Fourth time this song is number one, believe it or not it's only halfway to matching Tik Tok's reign. People love lots of Gaga, so expect Telephone to stay.

2. Need you Now - Lady Antebellum (2)
Only Gaga is keeping this great country song from pulling a rarity and toppign the charts. For now, second place is pretty sweet.

3. In My Head - Jason Derulo (3)
Might hang around for a while, has a similar sticking power that Whatcha Say featured. May not be chart topping, but will at least be a top five song.

4. Rude Boy - Rihanna (5)
Ugh, really? Cannot match Rihanna's early hits and really can't even match the other mediocre songs on her album. Yet Rude Boy coninutes to climb.

5. Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas (4)
I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm kinda tired of this below average Peas hit. Please fall fast.

6. Hey Soul Sister - Train (9) Big Jumper of the Week
Apparently Train is still in, as they are climbing into legit hit song territory. Excellant climb for a rejuvenated 90's band.

7. Nothin On You - B.o.B. ft. Bruno Mars (10)
It remains to be seen how far B.o.B. can climb, but this number seven appearence on the chart could definitely give him a big boost.

8. Carry Out - Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake (8)
Wasting space low on the chart for the last two months or so, Carry Out isn't good enough to go higher, but refuses to go away.

9. Breakeven - The Script (NR)

It was only a matter of time before this addicting song by The Script hit the top ten, but it has and now The Script have their first ever top ten song. Congrats.

10. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris (NR)

Speaking of first time top ten songs, Taio Cruz makes his first ever debut with the fantastic Break Your Heart. Ludacris may help him climb a little higher here.

Off This Week: BedRock - Young Money ft. Lloyd (6) Big Faller of the Week, Tik Tok - Kesha (7)

Top Ten Movies for the Weekend of April 2-4

1. Clash of the Titans (NR) Big Jumper of the Week
The Titans impressed their first week on the box office, this could turn into a multi-week champion.

2. Why Did I Get Marriesd Too (NR)
Had no chance dethroning the Titans this week, but managed to surprise and outgross Dragons.

3. How to Train Your Dragon (1)
Though completely blown away by Tyler Perry and Titans, Dragons still didn't lose too much money. It'll hang around until the end of the month or so.

4. The Last Song (NR)
The worst of the new movies this week, as sappy romance stories seemed to be oversaturating the market this year. Or maybe Miley Cyrus turned people off.

5. Alice in Wonderland (2)
The fall begins for ex-champion Alice, but an excellant six month trip on the chart will be in order when all is said and done.

6. Hot Tub Time Machine (3)

Commercialssay this is the funniest movie of the year. Somehow, I find that very hard to believe.

7. The Bounty Hunter (4)
Aniston and Butler had a so-so run, dropping three more spots this week. Expect one more week of the Hunter here.

8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (5)
Honestly, I still don't understand what demographic this movie is catering to. Falling another three spots in week three, the Wimpy Kid will be gone soon.

9. She's Out of My League (6)
Compared to the Bounty Hunter, Out of My League was totally, out the romantic comedy league. This underachieving film is barely hanging on.

10. Shutter Island (8)

One more week of Scorsese magnifigence here, this movie is in its sixth week on the chart. This former champion is a $100 million movie.

Off This Week: Grren Zone (7) Big Faller of the Week, Repo Men (9), Our Family Wedding (10)