All-NBA Team Released

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The NBA released its All-NBA Teams today, and they are as follows:

First Team
Dwyane Wade
Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard
Dirk Nowitzki
LeBron James

Second Team
Brandon Roy
Chris Paul
Tim Duncan
Paul Pierce
Yao Ming

Third Team
Chauncey Billups
Tony Parker
Carmelo Anthony
Pau Gasol
Shaquille O'Neal

Interesting switcheroo here, as there's usually a spot reserved for Tim Duncan on the First Team. The Spurs didn't live up to expectations this season, and without Ginobili they lost some of that toughness that made them a treat to watch. Nowitzki gets the nod, even though he was only in the top five in one major category (points per game) and top 10 in two others (free throw percentage, defensive rebounds). I will say that he doesn't crumble in the post like he used to, and that he's generally one of the league's better shooters, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt because there was alot of parity after the top four on the First Team. Dirk's spot could have easily been Yao's, or Chris Paul's, or Carmelo's, Gasol's.

I would have liked to have seen Billups on the Second Team. Billups' arrival in Denver did more to transform the team than you think. Before he came, the Nuggets were one of the team's most talented yet dysfunctional lineups. Billups weathered the storm, just like he did in Detroit, and the team became one of the league's best defensive lineups. Alot of teams in the league have flash; few have true grit.

Nice to see Shaq back in a spot where he used to be permanently fixtured. I'm telling you, there is something Phoenix's training staff is doing to their players that so many players are able to revive their careers (and no, I don't think it's steroids).

I'm fine with Garnett, Allen and Rondo not making it, but I'm surprised at how low they were on the balloting. With that in mind, here's my All-Snub Team:

Chris Bosh
Devin Harris
Ben Gordon
Joe Johnson
David West

History is not on the Bruins side

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Boston Bruins have been down 3 games to 1 in 21 playoff series in their long and storied history. Unfortunately, the B's have lost every single one of those series. Not a very good omen for the Bruins as they enter Game 7 on Thursday night. 

Fortunately, the Bruins will be playing on their home ice in front of 18,000 rabid fans. The TD Banknorth Garden will be rocking like the old Boston Garden tomorrow night, and I expect the B's to play 2009 Bruins hockey and take the series. Tim Thomas has been exceptional in each of the past two games. He withstood a barrage of shots and pressure from the Canes' during last nights' third period. With an ailing defense, Thomas will need to do more of the same tomorrow night in what should be a thrilling hockey game. 

While I expect the Bruins to win, I don't think Carolina will go down quietly. The Canes did not give up after going down 4-1 in Game 6, but continued to work hard and pelt shots at Thomas. Two of the keys to last nights' game was their penalty kill and discipline. They'll need both to win Game 7, especially discipline. I would, however, like to see the Bruins take care of Scott Walker towards the end of the game if they have a comfortable lead. 

I guess we'll just have to wait for tomorrow night to see if history repeats itself. I don't think it will!

Celtics squeeze another one out, officially most fun team to watch this month

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The late rapper Mac Dre once mused, "Get in where you fit. And if you don't fit, squeeze."

After last night's 92-88 comeback victory over Orlando, I think that's the best way we can sum up this year's Celtics squad. Not exactly healthy, not exactly deep, but man oh man can these fellas grind it out.

It takes resolve, focus, and toughness to rally from a 14-point deficit with nine minutes to go. After the way things ended in game four, you had the feeling the Magic were going to pull out some new schemes to slow Rondo and Co. down. For the most part, they were successful.

Over the last five minutes, though, things seemed to unravel. I'd like to take Dwight Howard's side and say there was no reason for Stan Van Gundy to sub in Rafer Alston and Rashard Lewis for Anthony Johnson and Tony Battie, but I can't. Why? Because when you build a lead like that with reserves, it's time to put your hottest five on the floor and throw a nail in the coffin.

(Not surprised, by the way, that somebody in that locker room has a problem with Van Gundy)

Really, this is more about the Celtics' resolve than Dwight Howard's choke down the stretch. The C's made big play after big play; the biggest? There's a ton to choose from, but I'm going with Rajon Rondo's rebound, followed by a toss off a Magic player's knee, with 10 seconds to go. The man only coupled his nine rebounds with six points and five assists, but I'm giving him the game ball.

True story...watched the game with a nice group of ladies at a pub near my house, and when Rondo makes that play, THE girl I'm with (emphasis on THE) yells, "Five Tommy Points!" Folks, keeper is spelled K-E-E-P-E-R.

This one's over. Bring on Cleveland, its gray skies, its lake that catches fire once a year, and its cheesy chalk dust.

A few more thoughts rolling off the tongue here:

-- Second game ball: Doc Rivers. Why? Mikki Moore and Tony Allen played a combined ZERO minutes.

-- Rut-roh, Tim Floyd. Still no word on whether the NCAA is going to drop the ban-hammer on USC football, though, and that's a crying shame.

-- Kenyon Martin's mother is understandably upset at Marc Cuban for his less-than-choice words to her Saturday night, but to grill Cuban for not apologizing sooner? Come on now, we're acting like this is the first time Martin's been called a "thug". Ever. Have we forgotten the whole "fan intimidation" debacle from two seasons ago THAT quickly?

Not saying, but just saying...

-- Lakers by 40? So what. I'm sticking by my pick. Rockets in 7. Trust me.

-- Forgive my shamelessness, but the Eddie House Face has allegedly caught on in Canton, West Barnstable and Merrimac, N.H. How do I know? BlackBerry Messenger, that's how.

-- P.S. on the shamelessness, yesterday afternoon was a historic day in my basketball career. Not since the 92-93 Westminster Biddy League season have I been this hot. Yesterday in my weekly pickup game in Dorchester, I nailed FOUR straight turnarounds, then I rebounded a fifth and sank it from the baseline (backboard angle, too). I don't know what came over me yesterday -- Vitamin Water, Thermo-Burst, or finally getting Julian Benbow to come out for a game -- but I've officially turned over a new leaf.

Dan Farrell 3-on-3 Tournament, you're next.

Varitek And Drew Come Up Big In Victory Over Angels

By Erik Pesta
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

A double into the right-center field gap off the bat of Jason Varitek scored J.D. Drew all the way from first base, and proved to be the winning hit in a tight ballgame last night in Anaheim. The Sox had tied the game in the eighth, when David Ortiz was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make the score 3-2, then Jason Bay knotted the game with a ground out that plated Jacoby Ellsbury. Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon came on to record his ninth save in as many chances, by striking out Torii Hunter with a runner on second base to end it.

Drew also homered in the second inning, a solo shot that tied the game, 1-1. The Angels scoring summary includes sacrifice flies by Kendry Morales and Maicer Izturis in the first and fourth innings, respectively, and also a run scoring single off the bat of Torii Hunter in the seventh.

Other game notes:

- Both sides were warned when Sox starter brushed Hunter back and then threw behind him on consecutive pitches in the third inning.

- Ramon Ramirez picked up the victory (4-0), and now has a paltry 0.52 ERA and 0.69 WHIP as the primary set up man for Papelbon.

- The Sox had placed Kevin Youkilis (oblique strain) on the DL prior to last nights game, retroactive to May 5th.

- David Ortiz remains homerless in the first 119 at-bats of the season, and now sits just 12 at-bats away from the longest such streak of his career.

The Sox look to continue their winning ways in Anaheim tonight. Tim Wakefield (4-1, 2.93 ERA) takes on Matt Palmer (3-0, 3.06 ERA). First pitch is at 10:05 from Angel Stadium.

Fantasy Baseball: Between the White Lines

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome once again to this weeks' edition of BTWL. There are a lot of changes looking at the top 5 added players in fantasy baseball.  As always, let's get down to brass tax.

Top 5 Added:

1. Todd Helton (1B) Colorado Rockies - .343, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 14 R

Just when you think Todd Helton is done, he comes out and starts hitting again.  He'll never hit you 30 homers again, but he'll hit for average and drive in runs. As long as he can stay healthy, he's a good guy to have on your team. He's the number 1 added player this week, but is still out there in nearly 60% of leagues. 

2. Juan Pierre (OF) Los Angeles Dodgers - .426, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 3 SB

Juan Pierre will be the starting left fielder for the next 50 games.  He's not a stranger to playing every day so he can surely be a help to your team. He'll hit .300, score runs and steal bases. He's hit an even .500 since taking over for the suspended Ramirez. If you need to move up a few slots in steals, I say get him. He will not hurt you at all.

3. Scott Richmond (SP) Toronto Blue Jays - 4-1, 3.29 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 28 K

I mentioned Scott Richmond in an article this week and I'll tell you right now to go and pick him up. He's looked impressive so far this season. He's a rookie, so he may hit a rough patch, but I needed starting pitching, so I grabbed him last week. He's owned in only 36.8% of leagues, so he's most likely out there unless in an AL only or very deep MLB league. Everyone needs pitching, so take a chance on him. His next start is against the Yankees, so you might want to hold on until after that start.

4. Michael Bourne(OF) Houston Astros - .287, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 20 R, 10 SB

Just like Pierre, Bourne will help you out with stolen bases and runs scored. I am a bit surprised of his .286 average so far, but he's a big boost in the steals category if he can continue to get on base. Of course, if you've already punted the category, than who cares. I don't think he's a long term solution as his average is sure to drop. 

5. Russell Branyan (1B, 3B) Seattle Mariners - .289, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 19 R, 1 SB

Branyan has slowed down a bit this past week, but does already have 7 homers. I've written about him each of the past three weeks, so he should be no surprise to you now. It's funny how people are staying away from him. His .289 average will drop as he's hit on .182 over the past week. You can still pick him up in 50% of leagues. He may not help in average, but neither does Adam Dunn. If his playing time continues, he's bound for 30 home runs.  I'll take that any day.

Top 5 Dropped:

1. Dexter Fowler (OF) Colorado Rockies - .258, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 14 R, 9 SB

Fowler has been ice cold this past week as he's been dropped in 15% of leagues and is now owned in only 30%. He's only 2 for his last 14 and is starting to lose playing time. I will be honest and say that I kind of fell for him. I thought he may be a Willy Tavares with a better bat, but I am wrong. Stay away from him unless you're desperate.  

2. Kyle Lohse (SP)  St. Louis Cardinals - 3-2, 4.25 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 27 K

Lohse has been hampered by a sore back which may have contributed to his poor performance last time out. He allowed 7 earned runs in 6 innings and is going to be skipped the next time around. He has a history of being inconsistent, but keep an eye on him. He's pitched well in St. Louis and could be right back on track with a little rest. Despite being dropped in 14.2% of leagues, he's still owned in nearly 70%. 

3. Phil Hughes (SP) New York Yankees - 1-2, 8.49 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, 8 K

After an impressive first start, he's been god awful his last two times out. He's allowed 11 earned runs in his last 5.2 innings. His last start he lasted just 1.2 innings. Ouch. Yankees fans around the country were talking about moving Joba back to the bullpen after Hughes' first start. I guess they can put that on the back burner now. He has good potential, but that does nothing in fantasy baseball. Stay away, far away for now.

4. Emilio Bonifacio (2B, 3B) Florida Marlins - .250, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 20 R, 6 SB

We get so many things wrong in fantasy sports, so it's OK if I gloat for second. I've been warning you to trade Bonifacio for weeks now, so hopefully you have. Can you say Tuffy Rhodes? Well, he may not be that bad, but he doesn't have a place on any fantasy baseball team right now. In the last month, he's 19 for his last 108. Ouch, that's a .176 average with a disgusting .194 slugging percentage. Need I say more.

5. Andy Pettitte (SP) New York Yankees - 2-1, 4.38 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 23 K

Andy Pettite is still a very serviceable major league and fantasy pitcher. He will get you wins, but his ERA will hover around 4.00.  He has given up 5 earned runs in each of his last two outings, so that doesn't bode well. If you absolutely need pitching, it might be a better idea to pick up a Scott Richmond instead of Andy. He does misremember a lot of things as the years go by.

Players who should be on your radar:

Alberto Callaspo has played his way into more playing time in Kansas City. He has struggled this past week, but is still hitting .340 overall. He may be a play for very deep leagues or AL only leagues, but he is eligible at both 2B & SS. I can't imagine that people don't know about Denard Span, but he's only owned in 44.2% of leagues. Now that home runs are down around the league, there is more room for players with more speed. I usually punt on stolen bases, but if it's one of your key categories go right after him. Mark Teahen can't hit for power, but is having a nice start to the 09' season. He's hitting .302, 4 HR, 13 RBI & 18 R. He's also eligible at 1B, 3B and OF. For someone who likes multi-positional eligibility, like me, than he's not a bad bench guy to have. He's also only owned in 22% of leagues. If you'd like to vulture a few saves from owners with Brad Zielger, you might want to pick up Andy Bailey. It doesn't look like Ziegler is healthy yet, so the A's have handed the 9th to Bailey. He has picked up 2 saves this past week. I still can't believe Christian Guzman is only owned in 35% of leagues. He's a light hitting shortstop, but he's still a good hitter at a position that isn't the deepest. He's been on fire since returning from the DL, and is hitting. 378 on the season. If you need someone at the position, I would easily suggest grabbing him. 

(Coming Friday: Frozen Ropes by Jim Ingram and Chin Music by Chad Garner)