By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports
Tonight, the Celtics need to put things away once and for all, and quell this Bulls onslaught tonight before it starts.
You know Ben Gordon, hamstring and groin be damned, is going to pull another rabbit out of his hat, catch second wind and rally his team.
You know Brad Miller is going to get caught out of position, make up for it with a hack on Kendrick Perkins, and smile at the no-call while John Salmons gets yet another put-back.
You know Derrick Rose is going to go through a stretch where he picks apart the defense with some precision passing.
Messrs. Pierce, Rondo, Allen, Perkins and Davis, I ask you...squash this thing before it starts. Come out of the gates flying tonight, and take the opening run of the game. I'm talking six to eight minutes of hard, ole-time Celtics we know. And then don't let off the gas.
The Celtics desperately need to close this one out tonight. Because if this goes to a Game 7, they're ripe for the picking.
A few more thoughts:
-- Have to agree with Shaughnessy's column today that the fatigue factor in this series is getting too much of a look into. These guys are world-class athletes in peak physical shape. That's why you train so hard in the offseason -- so that when these moments come, you're equipped.
And when you're in a groove like this, minutes shouldn't matter. You think Paul Pierce was winded after that game? Maybe sore, but certainly not short of breath. I look for him to build on that momentum from the overtime period.
-- Glad to see the NBA actually has some backbone by letting the foul on Rondo stand as is, with no additional suspensions or fines. Just as Donald Brashear was deserving of his suspension, Dwight Howard had to know a suspension for his foul was coming, because it was so blatant.
Just imagine if McHale's clothesline on Rambis happened in 2009. You might actually see a "NBA is full of thugs" column or two!
And "respected journalist" or not, those who wrote columns on ESPN putting Rondo's foul and Howard's foul in the same basket are just clowns. Did you see what Howard did? Jeez.
Sorry to go on ad nauseum about these kind of things, but the officiating is driving me nuts. My patience is wearing thin.
Now, I'm off to Sunset Grille, on Comm. Ave, to help celebrate with a buddy of mine, who leaves tomorrow morning for Florida. Matt Porter, a dear colleague of mine and even dearer friend, is going to be the new online sports producer at the Palm Beach Post. He's 25 years young, and he's going to knock 'em dead.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A-Rod, a true "professional"
With the new book, "A-Rod" due out in a matter of days, reports are now out that Alex Rodriguez used to tip pitches when he was with the Texas Rangers.
OK, so who doesn't do that in baseball, but he was doing it for the opposing team! He would tip off pitches from shortstop to friends on the opposing team in a "blow-out"! People are supposed call him a "teammate"?
This is just another instance of Rodriguez showing his true colors on the ball field - remember the "I got it" incident against Toronto, when he called off their 3rd baseman as he was trying to advance on a pop-up from 2nd base?! What about the slap against Bronson Arroyo on a weak groundball in the play-offs?!
In my opinion Alex Rodriguez is not a major leaguer, he's a bush-leaguer.
OK, so who doesn't do that in baseball, but he was doing it for the opposing team! He would tip off pitches from shortstop to friends on the opposing team in a "blow-out"! People are supposed call him a "teammate"?
This is just another instance of Rodriguez showing his true colors on the ball field - remember the "I got it" incident against Toronto, when he called off their 3rd baseman as he was trying to advance on a pop-up from 2nd base?! What about the slap against Bronson Arroyo on a weak groundball in the play-offs?!
In my opinion Alex Rodriguez is not a major leaguer, he's a bush-leaguer.
Van Every's First Big League Blast Lifts Sox
Jonathan Van Every was the latest member of the Red Sox to lift them to victory in thrilling fashion. His tenth inning homer to centerfield was not only the game winner, but also capped off a big night for the fill-in, who made a highlight reel catch and had a RBI single earlier in the contest.
Forced into action due to the never ending list of ailments to starting right fielder J.D. Drew, Van Every made the most of his opportunity. On a night when more than one regular was out of the lineup, it looked early on like Boston was headed for a loss. However, Van Every and the Sox took advantage of an error by Indians third baseman Mark DeRosa to tie the game at 5 in the eighth inning. Jacoby Ellsbury's clutch single knotted the score and set up the extra inning dramatics.
Van Every crushed a Jensen Lewis change-up over the centerfield fence to put the Sox ahead, and Jonathan Papelbon came on to preserve the one run victory for Boston. The homer was Van Every's first as a Major Leaguer. Hideki Okajima got credit for the victory, while Lewis was saddled with the defeat.
Whether it's Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis or Jonathan Van Every, somebody seems to be stepping up in the big moments every night. Winning ballclubs have lots of contributors, and this team has more than most.
The Sox look to get some early-season revenge against the Rays tonight. The weekend series opens up in Tampa with Josh Beckett (2-1, 6.00 ERA) facing Matt Garza (1-2, 4.97 ERA). First pitch is at 7:08 from Tropicana Field.
Forced into action due to the never ending list of ailments to starting right fielder J.D. Drew, Van Every made the most of his opportunity. On a night when more than one regular was out of the lineup, it looked early on like Boston was headed for a loss. However, Van Every and the Sox took advantage of an error by Indians third baseman Mark DeRosa to tie the game at 5 in the eighth inning. Jacoby Ellsbury's clutch single knotted the score and set up the extra inning dramatics.
Van Every crushed a Jensen Lewis change-up over the centerfield fence to put the Sox ahead, and Jonathan Papelbon came on to preserve the one run victory for Boston. The homer was Van Every's first as a Major Leaguer. Hideki Okajima got credit for the victory, while Lewis was saddled with the defeat.
Whether it's Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis or Jonathan Van Every, somebody seems to be stepping up in the big moments every night. Winning ballclubs have lots of contributors, and this team has more than most.
The Sox look to get some early-season revenge against the Rays tonight. The weekend series opens up in Tampa with Josh Beckett (2-1, 6.00 ERA) facing Matt Garza (1-2, 4.97 ERA). First pitch is at 7:08 from Tropicana Field.
NHL Playoffs: FFS Staff predictions
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Is it me or does it feel like the Bruins haven't played a game in over a month? A week and a half is a long time to wait, but that time off should have given the Bruins time to get some of their players healthy. I think it's fairly obvious who FFS is routing for, but why don't we look at the predictions anyway.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Stanley Cup Conference Semifinals
By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Chicago vs. Vancouver
The Blackhawks' last game against the Canucks featured a third-period brawl that had everything from WWE-style body slams to hair pulling. Clearly they won't have to wait for the hatred to build when their second-round playoff series starts Thursday night in Vancouver.
Physical play will be nothing new for the young Blackhawks, who saw plenty of intimidation attempts from the more experienced but injury-riddled Calgary in the first round. The Canucks will have to continue the intense, hard-nosed style that marked their four-game sweep of St. Louis in the first round to get by the youthful Hawks. They need to stop taking as many penalties as in the prior round, although Vancouver did killed off 23 of 24 of those.
Chicago's youth will come through to beat Vancouver in 7 games.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
The Ducks used the same formula they used in winning the 2007 Stanley Cup -- clutch goaltending, timely scoring and one of the deepest blue lines in flawless fashion to neutralize the top threats from the Sharks. With the Shark series in the rear view mirror, the Ducks must find a way to neutralize the defending Cup champion, a team that seems to be hitting its stride. The Wings dispatched a game Columbus Blue Jackets club in the first round with a champion-like display of overall team hockey and good goaltending from Chris Osgood, who had a pedestrian regular season.
Detriot has an assortment of perennial All-Stars and NHL award winners. Their coach has led the team to four straight 50-plus win seasons, they can play a speed game or exhibit some muscle in the trenches, and they are the defending Stanley Cup champion.
Even with the great defensive hockey that the Ducks play, Detroit will be too much to handle and will win the series in 5.
Washington vs. Pittsburgh
This is the matchup NHL fans has been waiting for all season. This series brings together the NHL's top three scorers during the regular season -- Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, plus two of the three Hart Trophy finalists in Malkin and Ovechkin. Now factor in some harsh words between Crosby and Ovechkin during the regular season and this series becomes must-see TV. What I think the real story of this series will become is goaltending.
After Jose Theodore allowed four goals in Game 1 against the Rangers, a 20-year-old rookie from Russia named Simeon Varlamov was called upon in Game 2. He wound up winning four games for the Caps, including two shutouts, and limited the Rangers to just seven goals in six games. He turned 21 Monday -- he looks it -- but he doesn't play like it.
Marc-Andre Fleury stole Game 4 with a 45-save effort and kept the Penguins in Game 6 once the team fell into a 3-0 hole. He wasn't spectacular, but he gives his teammates the confidence that he'll make all the important plays.
Varlamov's young skills won't be enough to stop the extremely deep offensive Pens after 6 games.
Boston vs Carolina series preview coming soon...
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Chicago vs. Vancouver
The Blackhawks' last game against the Canucks featured a third-period brawl that had everything from WWE-style body slams to hair pulling. Clearly they won't have to wait for the hatred to build when their second-round playoff series starts Thursday night in Vancouver.
Physical play will be nothing new for the young Blackhawks, who saw plenty of intimidation attempts from the more experienced but injury-riddled Calgary in the first round. The Canucks will have to continue the intense, hard-nosed style that marked their four-game sweep of St. Louis in the first round to get by the youthful Hawks. They need to stop taking as many penalties as in the prior round, although Vancouver did killed off 23 of 24 of those.
Chicago's youth will come through to beat Vancouver in 7 games.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
The Ducks used the same formula they used in winning the 2007 Stanley Cup -- clutch goaltending, timely scoring and one of the deepest blue lines in flawless fashion to neutralize the top threats from the Sharks. With the Shark series in the rear view mirror, the Ducks must find a way to neutralize the defending Cup champion, a team that seems to be hitting its stride. The Wings dispatched a game Columbus Blue Jackets club in the first round with a champion-like display of overall team hockey and good goaltending from Chris Osgood, who had a pedestrian regular season.
Detriot has an assortment of perennial All-Stars and NHL award winners. Their coach has led the team to four straight 50-plus win seasons, they can play a speed game or exhibit some muscle in the trenches, and they are the defending Stanley Cup champion.
Even with the great defensive hockey that the Ducks play, Detroit will be too much to handle and will win the series in 5.
Washington vs. Pittsburgh
This is the matchup NHL fans has been waiting for all season. This series brings together the NHL's top three scorers during the regular season -- Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, plus two of the three Hart Trophy finalists in Malkin and Ovechkin. Now factor in some harsh words between Crosby and Ovechkin during the regular season and this series becomes must-see TV. What I think the real story of this series will become is goaltending.
After Jose Theodore allowed four goals in Game 1 against the Rangers, a 20-year-old rookie from Russia named Simeon Varlamov was called upon in Game 2. He wound up winning four games for the Caps, including two shutouts, and limited the Rangers to just seven goals in six games. He turned 21 Monday -- he looks it -- but he doesn't play like it.
Marc-Andre Fleury stole Game 4 with a 45-save effort and kept the Penguins in Game 6 once the team fell into a 3-0 hole. He wasn't spectacular, but he gives his teammates the confidence that he'll make all the important plays.
Varlamov's young skills won't be enough to stop the extremely deep offensive Pens after 6 games.
Boston vs Carolina series preview coming soon...
How much do you hate Julio Lugo?
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Julio Lugo only needed one game before Red Sox nation was reminded how much they dislike him. Despite going 2 for 3 with with an RBI last night, he earned the ire of Sox fans with his botched double play in the bottom of the 3rd inning. You can never assume a double play, but the ball was hit hard, and Youkilis delivered a spot on throw to second. Lugo just couldn't handle the throw. There are no excuses. It was a simple catch and throw to double up the runner at first.
The next thing you know, The Red Sox allowed 4 runs and the game was tied 7-7. Ouch.
I have never understood Theo's man crush on Lugo since his days in Tampa Bay. At his peak, Lugo was an average shortstop at best. For some reason the Red Sox brass get a brain fart every time they need to fill that position. Edgar Renteria was a debacle. Orlando Cabrera was a good fit, but allegedly had clubhouse problems, and Jed Lowrie can't stay healthy. I actually like Lowrie, but his wrist injury will most likely keep him out most of the year.
Let us know what your thoughts on Lugo are?
Fantasy Baseball: Between the White Lines
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Welcome back to BTWL, the fantasy baseball article that takes a closer look at the transaction trends from the past week of baseball.
Top 5 Added:
1. Mike Lowell - 3B Boston Red Sox (.319, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 9 R)
Mike Lowell leads the AL in RBI and is still available in nearly 23% of leagues. If you live in New England, I am pretty sure he's already taken though. Lowell has certainly surprised me with his production coming off his hip injury. He's done nothing but produce in Boston, so as long as he stays healthy, he'll continue to drive in runs.
2. Ryan Franklin - RP St. Louis Cardinals (0-0, 6 S, 0.00 ERA, 0.52 WHIP)
Ryan Franklin has taken over the closers role for the Red Birds and has pitched phenomenal after taking over for Jason Motte. He's available in nearly 30% of leagues. If you need saves, pick him up. He may not last very long as the closer, but had 4 saves this past week. Ride em' while he's hot and get ready to drop him for the next sensation
3. Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B, SS Cleveland Indians (.317, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 14 R)
Has Cabrera settle down and found himself again. He was a huge disappointment last season coming off a great playoff performance in 2007, but seems to be comfortable now. He's eligible at both middle infield positions so he offers more versatility. I am not sold on him yet, and many others aren't as he's only owned on 40% of ESPN leagues. I would suggest holding off and seeing if he's for real.
4. Scott Downs - RP Toronto Blue Jays (0-0, 2 S, 0.84 ERA, 0.47 WHIP)
Until BJ Ryan returns from the DL, it looks like Downs will be the closer. He's notched 2 saves this past week and has pitched extremely well in that role. Make sure you have him if BJ was on your team, or if you need to add saves, but understand he's only a temporary pickup. He should be still out there in most leagues. Go and grab him as insurance for now.
5. Yadier Molina - C St. Louis Cardinals (.338, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R)
Yadier is all grown up and become a pretty good hitter, especially for a catcher. It seems his .304 average in 2008 is not a fluke. He'll never be a power hitter, but has shown to be a clutch performer who can drive in runs. He's hitting .391 this past week and drove in 5 RBI and owned in only 64% of leagues. Catcher is always a lean position so make sure to get him because he's for real.
Top 5 Dropped:
1. Emilio Bonifacio - 2B, 3B Florida Marlins (.226, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 14 R, 5 SB)
What did I tell you during the first edition of BTWL? Emilio is a fluke, a pretender. I hope you were able to trade him back then because he's practically worthless now. He hit only .133 this past week with only 1 run and 1 stolen base. He's an effective fantasy player if he can get on base and steal, but you can't steal first base (cliche warning!!). Drop him now if you have him.
2. Ryan Doumit - C, OF Pittsburgh Pirates (.244, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5 R)
Doumit is being dropped because of his time on the DL, and looks like he won't return until June. What worries me most is the fact that it's a wrist injury. Even when he returns, it's likely his wrist will not return to normal strength until after this season. He was a very good fantasy catcher last year, but I don't see him returning to form until 2010.
3. Ubaldo Jiminez - SP Colorado Rockies (1-3, 6 S, 7.58 ERA, 2.11 WHIP)
Jimenez has allowed 16 earned runs in his last 12 innings pitched. Ouch! That is not good for the youngster. 13 of those runs did come against the Dodgers, but two out of the 3 starts were on the road, so you can't blame it on Coors Field. He has been inconsistent at best since the Rockies run to the World Series in 07, so stay away from him unless you're desperate for starters.
4. Mike Aviles - 2B, SS Kansas City Royals (.182, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R)
I seriously believe the shortstop position for the Kansas City Royals has become a black hole. Angel Berroa won the ROY a few years ago and then went into the tank. Tony Pena started off hot and went into the tank. Mike Aviles had a great 2nd half last season and seems to be going right into the tank. Aviles is in a 2-22 slump and only hitting .182 for the season. If you have him and can stash him for a few weeks to see if he comes out of the slump, then do so.
5. Huston Street - RP Colorado Rockies (0-1, 1 S, 7.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP)
The opening day closer for the Rockies has the distinction of making this list two weeks in a row. He's been terrible to start the season and is now a mop up reliever for the Rox. He has pitched better this past week not allowing any runs in 4 out of his last 5 appearances. I think he'll get another shot at closing games for the Rockies, so he may be a good long term pick up. He's out there in 52% of leagues. His WHIP was a very good .92 this week which is encouraging.
Players who need to be on your radar:
Nyjer Morgan is off to a tremendous start hitting .338 with 10 RBI, 16 runs and 6 stolen bases. He is coming into his own and doing what a leadoff hitter needs to do. Get on base, steal bases and score runs. He's still out there 43% of leagues so go get him if you need stolen bases. Dexter Fowler is another player to pick up. He's owned in only 23% of leagues and already has 9 stolen bases. He's been so good and has worked himself into the top of the Rockies lineup. His power numbers should be better than normal playing half of his games in Colorado. If you need a catcher, don't worry about picking up Kurt Suzuki. He can hit for average, .337 on the season, but that's pretty much it. I have an absolute void at the position in one of my leagues and picked him up this past week. He's hit over .500 this week and helped me pick up several points in my roto league. Jordan Zimmerman is quickly becoming the better Zimmerman on the Nationals. He won his 2nd game of the season on Sunday and has put up very good stats (2-0 2.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). I know the WHIP is not great, but he's young and get get people out. Due to his age, the Nationals may choose to limit his innings pitched towards the end of the season, but jump on the bandwagon while you can. Has anyone else noticed that Wandy Rodriguez has a 1.82 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP in 4 starts this season? He's still available in 29% of leagues and has been a solid starter all season. He's only 1-2 on the season, but will provide you with good strikeout and innings this season.
Well, I am done for this week, but make sure to keep checking back for the latest in fantasy baseball.
(Coming Friday: Frozen Ropes by Jim Ingram & Chin Music by Chad Garner)
Sloppy Play Spells End To Sox Streak
By the time Javier Lopez dropped the relay from Kevin Youkilis in the ninth inning, many Sox fans were probably counting how many times this game could have been won. A substantial early inning lead went out the window as Brad Penny and shoddy defense allowed the Indians to take a game that should have been in the books.
Staked to a 5-1 second inning lead, it looked as though the Red Sox were easily on their way to extending their winning streak to 12. However, errors by Mike Lowell in the second, Julio Lugo in the third, and the aforementioned Lopez all led to Cleveland runs, spelling the demise of the Sox. Lowell threw the ball into right field, Lugo and Lopez couldn't handle easy throws, and the Boston lead was gone.
Penny didn't help, giving up seven runs (four earned), in just 2.2 innings. His ERA is now 8.66 for the year, a season in which Theo and the Sox hoped to bring a former All Star back to prominence. It's looking much clearer who the odd man out will be when it comes time for John Smoltz to join the rotation.
The offense continued to roll. Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury drove in two runs apiece, as Dustin Pedroia, Jason Varitek and Julio Lugo had multiple hits. The rubber game starts tonight at 7:05, as Jon Lester (1-2, 4.88 ERA) faces Fausto Carmona (1-3, 7.36 ERA).
Staked to a 5-1 second inning lead, it looked as though the Red Sox were easily on their way to extending their winning streak to 12. However, errors by Mike Lowell in the second, Julio Lugo in the third, and the aforementioned Lopez all led to Cleveland runs, spelling the demise of the Sox. Lowell threw the ball into right field, Lugo and Lopez couldn't handle easy throws, and the Boston lead was gone.
Penny didn't help, giving up seven runs (four earned), in just 2.2 innings. His ERA is now 8.66 for the year, a season in which Theo and the Sox hoped to bring a former All Star back to prominence. It's looking much clearer who the odd man out will be when it comes time for John Smoltz to join the rotation.
The offense continued to roll. Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury drove in two runs apiece, as Dustin Pedroia, Jason Varitek and Julio Lugo had multiple hits. The rubber game starts tonight at 7:05, as Jon Lester (1-2, 4.88 ERA) faces Fausto Carmona (1-3, 7.36 ERA).
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Celts inch past the Bulls ... again
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Does anybody want to win these games?
Seriously, though, this is like the third ESPN Instant Classic game we've had to endure in the last eight days. This time, the Celtics showed resilience, winning, 106-104, after trailing by 11 in the fourth quarter.
This is the Paul Pierce we know. He made three straight jumpers in the final 77 seconds to clinch it. Money, just money.
But that said, they almost blew it several times.
First, in regulation, Stephon Marbury passed up a wide-open 3 to give the ball to Rajon Rondo on the baseline, which he subsequently missed (because at the end of the day, he's still an average shooter) on an opporunity to make it a two-possession game. At the other end, Ben Gordon tied it up with a 3.
Big ups to Kendrick Perkins for a near-career night on the boards (19, one off his career-high of 20). He provided the physical presence down low to combat Brad Miller and John Salmons. (What's that he's playing? Playoff basketball, thank you.)
That said, that second bad decision -- Rondo's forearm on Brad Miller from behind with three seconds left in overtime -- was a nail-biter. Great idea by Vinny Del Negro, using Ben Gordon as a decoy to draw the double-team and clear the lane for Miller. If he makes it, I think I'd have to take a chill pill. This series has already driven me bonkers enough.
"That wasn't a flagrant foul, that was a playoff foul," Perkins said in the press conference, drawing laughter.
Amen, brother.
-- First off, let's quell the historical comparisons before they start. This isn't even top 10 greatest series of all-time. Not top 15, maybe top 20. Way too storied of a history, and way too many great playoff series to even THINK of drawing comparisons to series from the past.
Think about it...Bird/Parish/McHale, Cowens/Hondo/Jo Jo, Hondo/Russell/Jones, Cousy/Heinsohn/Sharman.
People this day and age are wayyyyy too quick to draw comparisons to the game's greats. I'll never forget ESPN last fall running a graphic on SportsCenter comparing Matt Forte's rookie stats through four games to Walter Payton and Gale Sayers. I understand why we do it -- because in this day and age of short attention spans, sensation equals ratings -- but I don't agree with it.
Comparing a first-round 2-7 series against anything from the banner years is ridiculous.
I won't even get into the question of whether Glen Davis can be an All-Star in the future (who cares right now?).
Settle down people.
-- First Perk's "oops, I tripped" foul, now Ray Allen's foul-out. Ray said he was "extremely upset", and it's hard to argue with him. Hate to fixade on the refs, but this is getting out of hand. Referees need to loosen the reigns when a game is tight in the waning minutes.
-- In hindsight, I can see Marbury's thinking on passing up the 3 attempt. Rondo was open rolling to the baseline, for a higher-percentage shot. If Marbury misses that 3, how many of you would be screaming at the TV?
-- Now I see why we miss James Posey and PJ Brown. Think about it, if we had fourth-quarter stoppers like Posey, Brown and Powe in the lineup, how much more effective would the Celtics be at closing these games out? Instead, without KG, Powe, Posey, PJ and with a lanky 7-footer who can't stay out of foul trouble, I feel like we're giving away crucial points.
-- Classic Heinsohn...Out of that final timeout, before the Miller play, Mike Gorman points out that there are six Bulls on the court.
Gorman: "Looks like Noah will sit."
Heinsohn: (sarcastically) "Figures."
-- I'm calling it right now. If this series goes to 7, Garnett will suit up.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Does anybody want to win these games?
Seriously, though, this is like the third ESPN Instant Classic game we've had to endure in the last eight days. This time, the Celtics showed resilience, winning, 106-104, after trailing by 11 in the fourth quarter.
This is the Paul Pierce we know. He made three straight jumpers in the final 77 seconds to clinch it. Money, just money.
But that said, they almost blew it several times.
First, in regulation, Stephon Marbury passed up a wide-open 3 to give the ball to Rajon Rondo on the baseline, which he subsequently missed (because at the end of the day, he's still an average shooter) on an opporunity to make it a two-possession game. At the other end, Ben Gordon tied it up with a 3.
Big ups to Kendrick Perkins for a near-career night on the boards (19, one off his career-high of 20). He provided the physical presence down low to combat Brad Miller and John Salmons. (What's that he's playing? Playoff basketball, thank you.)
That said, that second bad decision -- Rondo's forearm on Brad Miller from behind with three seconds left in overtime -- was a nail-biter. Great idea by Vinny Del Negro, using Ben Gordon as a decoy to draw the double-team and clear the lane for Miller. If he makes it, I think I'd have to take a chill pill. This series has already driven me bonkers enough.
"That wasn't a flagrant foul, that was a playoff foul," Perkins said in the press conference, drawing laughter.
Amen, brother.
-- First off, let's quell the historical comparisons before they start. This isn't even top 10 greatest series of all-time. Not top 15, maybe top 20. Way too storied of a history, and way too many great playoff series to even THINK of drawing comparisons to series from the past.
Think about it...Bird/Parish/McHale, Cowens/Hondo/Jo Jo, Hondo/Russell/Jones, Cousy/Heinsohn/Sharman.
People this day and age are wayyyyy too quick to draw comparisons to the game's greats. I'll never forget ESPN last fall running a graphic on SportsCenter comparing Matt Forte's rookie stats through four games to Walter Payton and Gale Sayers. I understand why we do it -- because in this day and age of short attention spans, sensation equals ratings -- but I don't agree with it.
Comparing a first-round 2-7 series against anything from the banner years is ridiculous.
I won't even get into the question of whether Glen Davis can be an All-Star in the future (who cares right now?).
Settle down people.
-- First Perk's "oops, I tripped" foul, now Ray Allen's foul-out. Ray said he was "extremely upset", and it's hard to argue with him. Hate to fixade on the refs, but this is getting out of hand. Referees need to loosen the reigns when a game is tight in the waning minutes.
-- In hindsight, I can see Marbury's thinking on passing up the 3 attempt. Rondo was open rolling to the baseline, for a higher-percentage shot. If Marbury misses that 3, how many of you would be screaming at the TV?
-- Now I see why we miss James Posey and PJ Brown. Think about it, if we had fourth-quarter stoppers like Posey, Brown and Powe in the lineup, how much more effective would the Celtics be at closing these games out? Instead, without KG, Powe, Posey, PJ and with a lanky 7-footer who can't stay out of foul trouble, I feel like we're giving away crucial points.
-- Classic Heinsohn...Out of that final timeout, before the Miller play, Mike Gorman points out that there are six Bulls on the court.
Gorman: "Looks like Noah will sit."
Heinsohn: (sarcastically) "Figures."
-- I'm calling it right now. If this series goes to 7, Garnett will suit up.
To play or not to play?
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Since MRI's on Ben Gordon released yesterday showed he has a pulled hamstring, the biggest question has been whether or not he'll be a go for the Bulls tonight in Game 5 of what has become one of the few worthwhile first-round series in the NBA.
I, like Doc Rivers, expect Gordon to play tonight, but don't get this twisted: Gordon is going to be a hurting unit. You need your hamstrings to be in good condition if you're going to be taking lots of jump shots and attacking the basket. Look for Gordon -- who leads the series with 24.8 points per game -- to be used in more of a distributor role tonight, a la his UConn days.
Don't buy his "I'm looking for a miracle" line for a minute.
With that in mind, the Celtics need to do a better job defensively tonight if they are to come out alive. Derrick Rose came loose on a few backdoor cuts, and Brad Miller got off some good shots (including long-range) when they went high-low. But considering front-court rotation they have right now, clogging passing lanes and denying entry passes on a consistent basis is easier said than done (and for the record, Brian Scalabrine is NOT a length guy).
A few more thoughts:
-- Yes, still fuming on Kendrick Perkins' call Sunday. Bill Doyle provides some colorful insight on why Perk gets caught up so much, but still ... give the dude a break.
-- The bench is thinner, but that doesn't let them off the hook for their sub-par production. The C's had just 11 bench points in the loss Sunday, compared to 25 in the blowout win on Thursday. In Game 2's loss, they had just nine. Get the picture?
Eddie House is 5 for 15 on 3's in the playoffs, after setting a franchise record for 3-point percentage (over 46) during the regular season. And in a sign of the end of all things to come, Scal played 17 minutes on Sunday. Hopefully, JR Giddens can bring some spark, after a good D-League run in Utah.
-- Brad Miller won't be reprimanded for his retaliation on Glen Davis in the third quarter Sunday, and he shouldn't. They shouldn't have even called for an ejection in the first place (which was later reduced to a technical). Like I've said, playoff basketball is physical. Let the players play.
-- ESPN Chicago's Jon Greenberg is channeling his inner Andrew Perloff when he writes today of Joakim Noah, "If you're a Celtics fan, you're probably going to boo him mercilessly Tuesday night."
Huh?
He also uses powerful imagery to show just how unique Noah is, with anecdotes such as Noah approaching Jerry Reinsdorf and asking, "What's up, Bossman?"
Oh no he didn't. Wow, he must be such an original cat if he has the audacity to address his boss as, er, a boss.
See, this is the part I can't stand about out-of-town bloggers. They probably read some crazy chucklehead from Boston ranting foolishly in a funny accent, and thought "Gee whiz, these guys must be on the same level as Philly fans. I bet they even curse!" And henceforth, they now have a narrow view of Boston sports fans as outlandish, obnoxious and misinformed.
As if this was the Boston Garden in the 80's, and Bulls-Celtics was a natural rivalry.
Give me a break.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't know too many people who hate Joakim Noah's guts. If anything, they're fairly indifferent to the guy. Never mind that he's been the least productive of Chicago's five starters in this series.
Please, radio people from Chicago, don't make like Mariotti and fudge your way to stupid assumptions.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Since MRI's on Ben Gordon released yesterday showed he has a pulled hamstring, the biggest question has been whether or not he'll be a go for the Bulls tonight in Game 5 of what has become one of the few worthwhile first-round series in the NBA.
I, like Doc Rivers, expect Gordon to play tonight, but don't get this twisted: Gordon is going to be a hurting unit. You need your hamstrings to be in good condition if you're going to be taking lots of jump shots and attacking the basket. Look for Gordon -- who leads the series with 24.8 points per game -- to be used in more of a distributor role tonight, a la his UConn days.
Don't buy his "I'm looking for a miracle" line for a minute.
With that in mind, the Celtics need to do a better job defensively tonight if they are to come out alive. Derrick Rose came loose on a few backdoor cuts, and Brad Miller got off some good shots (including long-range) when they went high-low. But considering front-court rotation they have right now, clogging passing lanes and denying entry passes on a consistent basis is easier said than done (and for the record, Brian Scalabrine is NOT a length guy).
A few more thoughts:
-- Yes, still fuming on Kendrick Perkins' call Sunday. Bill Doyle provides some colorful insight on why Perk gets caught up so much, but still ... give the dude a break.
-- The bench is thinner, but that doesn't let them off the hook for their sub-par production. The C's had just 11 bench points in the loss Sunday, compared to 25 in the blowout win on Thursday. In Game 2's loss, they had just nine. Get the picture?
Eddie House is 5 for 15 on 3's in the playoffs, after setting a franchise record for 3-point percentage (over 46) during the regular season. And in a sign of the end of all things to come, Scal played 17 minutes on Sunday. Hopefully, JR Giddens can bring some spark, after a good D-League run in Utah.
-- Brad Miller won't be reprimanded for his retaliation on Glen Davis in the third quarter Sunday, and he shouldn't. They shouldn't have even called for an ejection in the first place (which was later reduced to a technical). Like I've said, playoff basketball is physical. Let the players play.
-- ESPN Chicago's Jon Greenberg is channeling his inner Andrew Perloff when he writes today of Joakim Noah, "If you're a Celtics fan, you're probably going to boo him mercilessly Tuesday night."
Huh?
He also uses powerful imagery to show just how unique Noah is, with anecdotes such as Noah approaching Jerry Reinsdorf and asking, "What's up, Bossman?"
Oh no he didn't. Wow, he must be such an original cat if he has the audacity to address his boss as, er, a boss.
See, this is the part I can't stand about out-of-town bloggers. They probably read some crazy chucklehead from Boston ranting foolishly in a funny accent, and thought "Gee whiz, these guys must be on the same level as Philly fans. I bet they even curse!" And henceforth, they now have a narrow view of Boston sports fans as outlandish, obnoxious and misinformed.
As if this was the Boston Garden in the 80's, and Bulls-Celtics was a natural rivalry.
Give me a break.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't know too many people who hate Joakim Noah's guts. If anything, they're fairly indifferent to the guy. Never mind that he's been the least productive of Chicago's five starters in this series.
Please, radio people from Chicago, don't make like Mariotti and fudge your way to stupid assumptions.
Wakefield Dazzles Tribe As Sox Continue To Roll
Jason Bay once again homered in the ninth to help the Red Sox to victory, but the story of the game was the pitching performance of Tim Wakefield. The veteran knuckleballer didn't give up a run and allowed just one hit on four walks through seven strong innings. Manny Delcarmen continued his impressive 2009 campaign, pitching a perfect eighth inning before giving way to closer Jonathan Papelbon, who looked shaky but managed to nail down the save for the streaking Sox. Boston has now won 11 straight games and sits percentage points ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East.
Defending A.L. Cy Young winner Cliff Lee also pitched well enough to win, but Indians closer Kerry Wood needed just one-third of an inning to give up the lead. Dustin Pedroia walked to lead off the Boston ninth, followed by a bloop single from David Ortiz that fell in front of a charging Grady Sizemore. After Kevin Youkilis flied out, Jason Bay came to the plate in yet another big spot, and he didn't disappoint. He launched a Kerry Wood fastball into the left-centerfield seats to put the Sox up 3-0 and push them to victory.
The Sox seem to have the complete package this season after a sluggish start. The offense during the 11-game win streak has averaged 8 runs a game, the starting pitching has been quite good and the bullpen has been dominant. There's an old baseball adage, "You can't win the Pennant in April, but you can lose it." Indeed, early season injuries have not been allowed to affect this team, as guys like Nick Green have stepped in and performed at a high level. That will be important to remember come mid-September, when this team is driving toward the 93-95 wins it will take to win the division.
The Sox look to make it 12 in a row tonight. In game two of the three-game series against the Tribe, Brad Penny (2-0, 7.80 ERA) faces Anthony Reyes (1-0, 4.76 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 from Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Defending A.L. Cy Young winner Cliff Lee also pitched well enough to win, but Indians closer Kerry Wood needed just one-third of an inning to give up the lead. Dustin Pedroia walked to lead off the Boston ninth, followed by a bloop single from David Ortiz that fell in front of a charging Grady Sizemore. After Kevin Youkilis flied out, Jason Bay came to the plate in yet another big spot, and he didn't disappoint. He launched a Kerry Wood fastball into the left-centerfield seats to put the Sox up 3-0 and push them to victory.
The Sox seem to have the complete package this season after a sluggish start. The offense during the 11-game win streak has averaged 8 runs a game, the starting pitching has been quite good and the bullpen has been dominant. There's an old baseball adage, "You can't win the Pennant in April, but you can lose it." Indeed, early season injuries have not been allowed to affect this team, as guys like Nick Green have stepped in and performed at a high level. That will be important to remember come mid-September, when this team is driving toward the 93-95 wins it will take to win the division.
The Sox look to make it 12 in a row tonight. In game two of the three-game series against the Tribe, Brad Penny (2-0, 7.80 ERA) faces Anthony Reyes (1-0, 4.76 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 from Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Froch Wins American Debut
By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
LEDYARD, Conn. — When referee Michael Ortega stepped in and stopped the fight with 14 seconds left in the 12th and final round, Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor was left wondering, “What the Froch just happened?”
Englishman Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KO) flew across the pond for his first “big” fight, and handed the Little Rock, Ark., native a 12th-round TKO with 14 seconds left to retain his WBC Super Middleweight title at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.
Taylor (28-3-1) was dominating through the first eight rounds. He was trailing in the first half of the eighth before he landing a double left hook to the body of Froch and took over from there. Taylor ended the round with a four-punch combination and then a left uppercut just before the bell. After the bell rung, Taylor waved Froch to his corner with his right hand yelled, “Let’s Go!”
Big mistake.
“I had some sloppy footwork and he caught me with some big right hands, then he landed a great left uppercut,” Froch said. “He then waved me off while yelling something, trying to get in my head and lower my confidence — it only pumped me up.”
Froch went on to win the 9th, 10th and 11th rounds. At that point, Taylor was up, 7-4, in the scorecard, according to Fan Fanatic Sports and judges Nobuaki Uratini and Omar Minton. Judge Jack Woodburn saw it 106-102 in favor of Froch.
In the 11th, Froch’s blows were finding their way through Taylor’s guard and landing flush, snapping Taylor’s head back with each punch landed.
The 12th was similar. Froch was landing clean shots, and Taylor matched him for the first five punches but just ran out of steam. Taylor had nothing behind his punches, which were flying wide, and had no legs to him. Froch dominated from there and knocked Taylor down with a right hand to the jaw in the corner.
Early in the fight, Taylor was dominant. He knocked Froch down for the first time in the Englishman’s career. Taylor landed an overhand right to the side of Froch’s head, sending "The Cobra" to the mat.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
LEDYARD, Conn. — When referee Michael Ortega stepped in and stopped the fight with 14 seconds left in the 12th and final round, Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor was left wondering, “What the Froch just happened?”
Englishman Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KO) flew across the pond for his first “big” fight, and handed the Little Rock, Ark., native a 12th-round TKO with 14 seconds left to retain his WBC Super Middleweight title at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.
Taylor (28-3-1) was dominating through the first eight rounds. He was trailing in the first half of the eighth before he landing a double left hook to the body of Froch and took over from there. Taylor ended the round with a four-punch combination and then a left uppercut just before the bell. After the bell rung, Taylor waved Froch to his corner with his right hand yelled, “Let’s Go!”
Big mistake.
“I had some sloppy footwork and he caught me with some big right hands, then he landed a great left uppercut,” Froch said. “He then waved me off while yelling something, trying to get in my head and lower my confidence — it only pumped me up.”
Froch went on to win the 9th, 10th and 11th rounds. At that point, Taylor was up, 7-4, in the scorecard, according to Fan Fanatic Sports and judges Nobuaki Uratini and Omar Minton. Judge Jack Woodburn saw it 106-102 in favor of Froch.
In the 11th, Froch’s blows were finding their way through Taylor’s guard and landing flush, snapping Taylor’s head back with each punch landed.
The 12th was similar. Froch was landing clean shots, and Taylor matched him for the first five punches but just ran out of steam. Taylor had nothing behind his punches, which were flying wide, and had no legs to him. Froch dominated from there and knocked Taylor down with a right hand to the jaw in the corner.
Early in the fight, Taylor was dominant. He knocked Froch down for the first time in the Englishman’s career. Taylor landed an overhand right to the side of Froch’s head, sending "The Cobra" to the mat.
Do you Tweet? FFS Story makes Patriots News Twitter Page
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
No, I am not talking about Sylvester and Tweety Bird. I am talking about Twitter, the website service that is sweeping the world. The New England Patriots are the latest addition as they were tweeting all weekend long during the draft. It was one of the most interesting stories of the weekend because the Patriots would announce their draft, or trades, on their Twitter page before they were announced at the draft in New York. The Pats organization announced they were going to do this last week, and there were over 6,000 die hard Patriots fans & media members following the announcements.
I was one of them and thought it was a brilliant way to reward Patriots fans. It was hard for me to be around the computer all day on Saturday & Sunday, but I was able to keep track of their movements on my phone through Twitter as well. Announcing the draft picks and trades via Twitter is an unusual practice for an organization that hold team information like it's gold in Fort Knox. I have been a holdout for Twitter. I didn't see a good use for me to follow someones daily life, but now I can see how the site can be useful. I will certainly make the Pats Twitter page, and their news site page a bookmark of mine.
New England Patriots picks up FFS Story:
The Patriots have posted a small blurb and link to one of the Ron Brace stories Chad wrote over the weekend. If you click on the link above, and go to the 2nd page of stories, you'll see it. We've been working hard at FFS to provide solid content and get noticed as much as possible, so we're excited about the exposure.
Fantasy Baseball: Garner's Greatest Top 25
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
(Garner's Greatest Top 25 combines past and current performance and projections throughout the season to create the top 25 best players that will help lead your team to a fantasy baseball championship. The top 25 will change from week to week so be prepared for some surprise picks and players you just might no agree should be on the elite list.)
Player rising; Players falling
1. Albert Pujols, 1B, STL (previous 1) Numbers always there at end of year.
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B, TEX (3) Seven bombs already.
3. Jose Reyes, SS, NYM (5) Just does too much to bump him way down.
4. Hanley Ramirez, SS, FLA (4) When he catches fire, watch out.
5. Grady Sizemore, OF, CLE (7) Why can't he hit .300?
6. Evan Longoria, 3B, TB (9) Getting better by the day.
7. Chase Utley, 2B, PHI (12) No. 18-ranked player in Yahoo!
8. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, DET (2) Just not as hot as last few weeks.
9. David Wright, 3B, NYM (6) Where's the power, David?
10. Ryan Braun, OF, MIL (14) .359 and 4 HRs, starting to believe in his talent.
11. Ryan Howard, 1B, PHI (10) I just love his power production.
12. Alfonso Soriano, OF, CHI (11) One week he's good, the other bad.
13. Kevin Youkilis, 1B, BOS (NR) Hitting .444 with 5 HRs, can't ignore anymore.
14. Johan Santana, SP, NYM (16) Eye-popping numbers (0.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP). Seriously?
15. Josh Hamilton, OF, TEX (8) OK, Josh, you can start hitting.
16. Roy Halladay, SP, TOR (19) Is there a doctor in the house. He's so dependable.
17. Carolos Beltran, OF, NYM (15) A .415 BA, hope power and steals are coming.
18. Nick Markakis, OF, BAL (25) .377 average, 20 runs scored and No. 7 rank.
19. Tim Lincecum, SP, SF (24) Legit ace is back dealing.
20. Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI (17) Close to falling out of top 25.
21. Mark Teixeira, 1B, NYY (13) Slow starter, no kidding.
22. Matt Kemp, OF, LAD (NR) Coming into his own. Don Mattingly was right about him.
23. Manny Ramirez, OF, LAD (22) Only a matter of time before Manny puts on a show.
24. Tori Hunter, OF, LAA (NR) Hunter is swinging good stick (7 HRs).
25. Victor Martinez, C-1B, CLE (NR) Welcome back, 5 Hrs, .405 average. He's healthy.
Dropped out: B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, Lance Berkman.
ALIVE
Andre Ethier, OF, LAD -- Ethier probably could have been had as a free agent before the season, but good luck now. As of Saturday, he had 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, a .308 BA and was ranked No. 12 overall. He's clearly put it all together. Another Mattingly project.
Mike Lowell, 3B, BOS -- Lowell looks like he's just fine from hip surgery last season. The BoSox third baseman has 4 HRs and a whopping 22 RBIs. Not bad from a guy that's owned in only 64 percent of leagues.
DEAD
Chone Figgins, 2B-3B, LAA --I'll be the first to admit that I love Figgy, but there's nothing to love about his play right now. Figgins has only a .227 average and 2 RBIs, but at least he's got 7 steals. That's keeping him from getting dropped in a lot of leagues.
Cole Hamels, SP, PHI -- I warned you to stay away from him in the preseason due to that arm injury, but did you listen? Listening now? Something has got to be wrong (9.69 ERA, 1. 92 WHIP). He's got stiff stats right now.
(Coming Wednesday: Between the White Lines by Jim Ingram)
Ellsbury Figures It Out
By Erik Pesta
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
What a weekend! With a 10-game win streak, the Sox have shown us that they have what it takes to compete in baseball's toughest division. Friday night was probably the best game, with Jason Bay tying things up with a monster ninth inning homerun to left center, and Kevin Youkilis winning it in extra frames with a huge blast of his own. But the play of the weekend just may have involved the birth of a superstar. Jacoby Ellsbury really has a shot at being a special player, and last night showed us why. There were a couple of things that went through my mind when he electrified the Fenway crowd with his steal of home plate:1. I can't believe Pettitte didn't check the runner. Hasn't he been pitching for like 50 years?
2. Ellsbury is figuring out how to best use his speed to his advantage. Getting on however he can, stealing bases, disrupting the other team's pitchers, and being an all-around nuisance.
When he arrived on the scene a couple years ago, his incredible 2007 World Series performance set some pretty lofty expectations that he could never realize in 2008. While he didn't exactly flounder, he certainly fell short of what Sox fans had hoped. Yes, he led the A.L. in steals and finished third in Rookie of the Year balloting, but he had a poor on base percentage for a guy who leads off one of baseball's most prolific offenses. To be honest, his OBP is still poor, but he's growing up before our eyes. Terry Francona could be seen in the dugout after the steal, smiling from ear to ear and hugging Ellsbury before giving him a smack on the butt and sending him on his way. He looked like a proud father. It was a genuine moment, and you could see it on both of their faces. He's still just a kid, but he's starting to get comfortable in his role and sometimes, that's all it takes. Throw in his stellar defense and it's easy to see why we expect so much from him.
Tonight, the Sox take aim at last year's A.L. Cy Young winner, who hasn't exactly followed up 2008 the way he wanted. Cliff Lee enters the series with a 1-3 record and an ERA of 5.25. Conversely, Tim Wakefield has been on a roll of late, and hopes to continue baffling hitters with his signature knuckler.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bulls steal Game 4 in 2OT
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Sorry for the long delay here -- and, hopefully, I won't be repeating that line ad nauseum -- but I'm in the middle of my own 48-hour marathon. When I finally get some Z's Monday night, I'm house.
Anyways, the Bulls stole another one from the Celtics in what some are deeming "an instant classic" (at least, that's what the folks on WEEI were waxing about). Once again, Ben Gordon and Ray Allen seemed to go shot for shot in the waning minutes, and John Salmons provided some late explosiveness.
Is this an instant classic? I'm not sure if I'm so eager to rush to judgment. After all, this is a first-round game. I'll say this, though: other than the Houston-Portland series, which is at least remotely watchable, this is the most exciting series of the first round. How often have we had a first-round series where three of the first four games have been decided by two points or less?
Call it arrogance if you will, or just hopeless optimism, but I'm not pushing the panic button. I feel like this was Chicago's best shot this afternoon. And if this is what their haymaker looks like, yet it still takes two overtimes to come away with the victory, I'm content. Not exactly in "we got 'em where we want 'em" mode, but this was a solid effort today, unlike Game 1 and 2.
A few more thoughts:
-- Give Boston this: they're one of the best when it comes to damage control. Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon and John Salmons were on fire through most of the second half, yet the Celtics (RE: Rondo) never let them take the game out of hand.
-- I'm still steaming about the sixth foul on Kendrick Perkins. In a tie ballgame with a minute left in regulation, you're gonna take a guy out of the game because somebody inadvertently tripped over his shoe? Seriously?
The missed five-second call on Kirk Hinrich stung, too. But it's going to take me a while to get over that horrendous call on Perk.
This "crackdown" on perimeter fouls is making it impossible to defend finishers; and while the slow-down pace of the game was overdue for a cleanup, this new era of hand-check violations has made MVPs out of defensive liabilities (Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki) and all but same-day air-mailed the title to teams that were Maradona'ing it (Spurs, Heat). Michael Jordan had to deal with physical lineups like the Bird/McHale/Parish Celtics, Bad Boy Pistons and pre-Jail Blazers Portland. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have had to "fight" through hand checks.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm in the school of thought that believes basketball is a contact sport. If you got a problem with that, go play Magic the Gathering. Or horseshoe.
David Stern needs to take a long, hard look at the guys officiating playoff games this offseason. I appreciate the fact that he keeps loose reigns on the refs, wanting them to establish an artistry, but this is getting ridiculous.
-- Paul Pierce's health might be the new "Will KG come back?". We saw him limping up court a few times toward the end of the game, and while Garnett out has the C's scrambling for lineup adjustments, no Pierce means no wins. Period.
Pierce is eclipsing his peak years, and he's not as athletic as he used to be. Like KG, he's not one to let on how hurt he is, but let's hope he gets a good night sleep. He's showing signs of drainage.
-- Those who watched the national broadcast may have heard the announcers talk a few times about Vinny Del Negro being extra hard on Tyrus Thomas, and about how Thomas was equally in Scott Skiles' doghouse, if not more. This shouldn't come as a shock to those who follow the league closely. I have it on good authority from guys who cover the NBA that Thomas is one of the biggest jerks in the league.
-- Point guard stat lines:
Rondo 9-18 fg, 7-9 ft, 11 reb, 11 ast, 1 TO, 2 stl, 5 fouls, 25 pts
Rose 10-17 fg, 3-4 ft, 11 reb, 9 ast, 7 TO, 4 fouls, 23 pts
Giving Rondo the edge here, obviously, because of the seven turnovers and no steals for Rose. Granted, Rose has a bright future in this league, but he threw the ball away too many times. Rondo-Rose will be fun to watch the next few years.
-- Again, why is Scalabrine playing?
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Sorry for the long delay here -- and, hopefully, I won't be repeating that line ad nauseum -- but I'm in the middle of my own 48-hour marathon. When I finally get some Z's Monday night, I'm house.
Anyways, the Bulls stole another one from the Celtics in what some are deeming "an instant classic" (at least, that's what the folks on WEEI were waxing about). Once again, Ben Gordon and Ray Allen seemed to go shot for shot in the waning minutes, and John Salmons provided some late explosiveness.
Is this an instant classic? I'm not sure if I'm so eager to rush to judgment. After all, this is a first-round game. I'll say this, though: other than the Houston-Portland series, which is at least remotely watchable, this is the most exciting series of the first round. How often have we had a first-round series where three of the first four games have been decided by two points or less?
Call it arrogance if you will, or just hopeless optimism, but I'm not pushing the panic button. I feel like this was Chicago's best shot this afternoon. And if this is what their haymaker looks like, yet it still takes two overtimes to come away with the victory, I'm content. Not exactly in "we got 'em where we want 'em" mode, but this was a solid effort today, unlike Game 1 and 2.
A few more thoughts:
-- Give Boston this: they're one of the best when it comes to damage control. Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon and John Salmons were on fire through most of the second half, yet the Celtics (RE: Rondo) never let them take the game out of hand.
-- I'm still steaming about the sixth foul on Kendrick Perkins. In a tie ballgame with a minute left in regulation, you're gonna take a guy out of the game because somebody inadvertently tripped over his shoe? Seriously?
The missed five-second call on Kirk Hinrich stung, too. But it's going to take me a while to get over that horrendous call on Perk.
This "crackdown" on perimeter fouls is making it impossible to defend finishers; and while the slow-down pace of the game was overdue for a cleanup, this new era of hand-check violations has made MVPs out of defensive liabilities (Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki) and all but same-day air-mailed the title to teams that were Maradona'ing it (Spurs, Heat). Michael Jordan had to deal with physical lineups like the Bird/McHale/Parish Celtics, Bad Boy Pistons and pre-Jail Blazers Portland. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have had to "fight" through hand checks.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm in the school of thought that believes basketball is a contact sport. If you got a problem with that, go play Magic the Gathering. Or horseshoe.
David Stern needs to take a long, hard look at the guys officiating playoff games this offseason. I appreciate the fact that he keeps loose reigns on the refs, wanting them to establish an artistry, but this is getting ridiculous.
-- Paul Pierce's health might be the new "Will KG come back?". We saw him limping up court a few times toward the end of the game, and while Garnett out has the C's scrambling for lineup adjustments, no Pierce means no wins. Period.
Pierce is eclipsing his peak years, and he's not as athletic as he used to be. Like KG, he's not one to let on how hurt he is, but let's hope he gets a good night sleep. He's showing signs of drainage.
-- Those who watched the national broadcast may have heard the announcers talk a few times about Vinny Del Negro being extra hard on Tyrus Thomas, and about how Thomas was equally in Scott Skiles' doghouse, if not more. This shouldn't come as a shock to those who follow the league closely. I have it on good authority from guys who cover the NBA that Thomas is one of the biggest jerks in the league.
-- Point guard stat lines:
Rondo 9-18 fg, 7-9 ft, 11 reb, 11 ast, 1 TO, 2 stl, 5 fouls, 25 pts
Rose 10-17 fg, 3-4 ft, 11 reb, 9 ast, 7 TO, 4 fouls, 23 pts
Giving Rondo the edge here, obviously, because of the seven turnovers and no steals for Rose. Granted, Rose has a bright future in this league, but he threw the ball away too many times. Rondo-Rose will be fun to watch the next few years.
-- Again, why is Scalabrine playing?
Patriots Day Two Draft Review - Total Draft Grade
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Day two of the draft was much of the same as day one for the New England Patriots. Trades, trades and even more trades. The Pats began the day with four 3rd round draft picks. They ended up taking only two, but swinging deals to bring them two additional 2nd-round picks in the 2010 draft. They even traded a player, cornerback Ellis Hobbs, to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 5th-round drafts picks. Those draft picked were later used to move up in the 4th round for offensive lineman, Rich Ohrnberger.
Third Round:
83rd overall - Brandon Tate (WR, North Carolina) Tate, who has very good talent, fell to the 3rd round due to off field troubles and a positive test for marijuana at the NFL combine. This was good value for the Pats. The leadership of this team should help him mature and become a contributor as the 4th or 5th wideout this season.
97th overall - Tyrone McKenzie (OLB, South Florida) During the post draft press conference, Bill Belichick spoke about this man's intelligence and maturity and how impressed he was with him during interviews. Sounds like a perfect Patriot to me. Regardless of his potential on the field, you have to take notice when BB gushes about someone. My guess is this is a very good pick, and someone who will get time rushing the passer this season.
Fourth Round:
123rd overall - Rich Ohrenberger (OG, Penn State) He's not the biggest lineman, but has been known to have a nasty streak. Hard worker who plays until the whistles blown. Could be a stretch in the 4th.
Fifth Round:
170th overall - George Bussey (OT, Louisville) Bussey is another lineman that is on the smaller side. He's a former walk-on who's had to earn every second of playing time during his college career.
Sixth Round:
198th overall - Jacob Ingram (LS, Hawaii) With the departure of Lonnie Paxton to the Denver Broncos, the Pats are in need of a new longsnapper. Scouts Inc. has refereed to Ingram as the best long snapper to enter the draft in the past three years. Paxton has done everything perfectly in his time in New England, so Ingram has big shoes to fill in a pressure packed position. I may just have to buy an Ingram Patriots jersey because we have the same last name. I will certainly be rooting for him.
207th overall - Myron Pryor (DT, Kentucky) Short, but stout defensive tackle who may be headed to the practice squad due to the great depth of the defensive line. Scouts agree that he has a quick first step, and should be better suited as a pass rusher than attacking the run.
Seventh Round:
232nd overall - Julian Edelman (WR, Kent State) Edelman is the former quarterback for the Golden Flashes. He has excellent speed and athleticism. My guess is he has a chance to make the team being used in some type of Wildcat formation. If not, then he's only a 7th round choice. Belichick loves versatile players, and this is a potential new threat.
234th overall - Darryl Richard (DT, Georgia Tech) I don't have much info on Richard, but it seems like the Pats are stockpiling defensive tackles. Wilfork and Seymour are both free agents after this season.
Overall Grade: B+
The Patriots picked up 3 players in the 2nd round who will see significant time during their rookie seasons, and a potential replacement for Lonnie Paxton at longsnapper. Patrick Chung is a safety that can play deep, along with Brandon Merriweather, and allow James Sanders to concentrate on stopping the run. Ron Brace should be slotted into the defensive line rotation ahead of Mike Wright. Brace will have a very good pro career and is good insurance in case Wilfork leave through free agency. Many experts had Darrius Butler going to the Patriots in the 1st round, so it's safe to say they made a fantastic value pick with him in the 2nd. The addition of Butler, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs and the returns of Terrence Wheatley and Jonathon Wilhite made the Ellis Hobbs trade possible. I am fine with the trade, but am not sure if the deal was to free cap space.
Keep checking the site over the next few days for additional draft recaps and draft grades for all 32 teams.
C's, 46-45 (half)
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Once again, the Celtics are locked in a tight one with the Bulls today. Nice response by Paul Pierce, after Chicago went on a 16-2 run at the start of the second quarter, to re-taked a one-point lead headed into the break. A few quick observations:
-- Brad Miller has come alive these past two games. While he's no longer an elite All-Star center in this league, he still can provide plenty of quality minutes off the bench. What he's lost in quicks he's made up with defense. And, lest we've forgotten, the guy can still drain the three.
-- And on that note, the jury's still out on Vinny Del Negro's coaching ability, but I like his idea of going big with Miller at the five and Tyrus Thomas at the four. Without Garnett and Leon Powe, the Celtics' frontcourt still has some length but is going to get caught overpursuing and failing at help defense (see: Rose's backdoor slam). A Thomas-Miller combination can help take advantage of this.
-- Paul Pierce needs to take control of this half. Yeah, he had a good second quarter, but he needs to start creating open looks for himself going to the hole and ceaset the bad defensive rotations (and there were a few).
-- Point guard tale of the tape:
Rondo 3-8 fg, 4-5 ft, 6 reb, 1 stl, 6 ast, 0 TO, 1 fl, 10 pts
Rose 5-6 fg, 0-0 ft, 5 reb, 3 ast, 1 TO, 2 fls, 10 pts
Rose has yet to go to the line. I'll take that.
-- I know depth is thin right now, but just what is Brian Scalabrine doing on the court?
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Once again, the Celtics are locked in a tight one with the Bulls today. Nice response by Paul Pierce, after Chicago went on a 16-2 run at the start of the second quarter, to re-taked a one-point lead headed into the break. A few quick observations:
-- Brad Miller has come alive these past two games. While he's no longer an elite All-Star center in this league, he still can provide plenty of quality minutes off the bench. What he's lost in quicks he's made up with defense. And, lest we've forgotten, the guy can still drain the three.
-- And on that note, the jury's still out on Vinny Del Negro's coaching ability, but I like his idea of going big with Miller at the five and Tyrus Thomas at the four. Without Garnett and Leon Powe, the Celtics' frontcourt still has some length but is going to get caught overpursuing and failing at help defense (see: Rose's backdoor slam). A Thomas-Miller combination can help take advantage of this.
-- Paul Pierce needs to take control of this half. Yeah, he had a good second quarter, but he needs to start creating open looks for himself going to the hole and ceaset the bad defensive rotations (and there were a few).
-- Point guard tale of the tape:
Rondo 3-8 fg, 4-5 ft, 6 reb, 1 stl, 6 ast, 0 TO, 1 fl, 10 pts
Rose 5-6 fg, 0-0 ft, 5 reb, 3 ast, 1 TO, 2 fls, 10 pts
Rose has yet to go to the line. I'll take that.
-- I know depth is thin right now, but just what is Brian Scalabrine doing on the court?
FFS Mock Draft Review: Beat the Experts Results
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
From an FFS standpoint, the first day of the 2009 NFL Draft couldn't go any better. The homegrown talent of Ron Brace is now a New England Patriot, and Bill Belichick had a fantastic 2nd round helping to rebuild a defense that needed to get younger. It's amazing that they also have four 3rd-round draft picks today, and there are still very good players left in the draft. Now, I'll get the to the review of the three FFS Mock Drafts, and highlight the best and worst picks for each person. Whether a pick is considered correct or not has to do with the number draft pick they were selected, not the team that picked them.
Chad Garner: 8 of 32 picks (25%)
Best Pick - Robert Ayers. 18th overall pick to Denver. Some experts had him going to Denver, but at the #12 pick. Good read of the draft by Chad in Denver selecting him with their second 1st round pick.
Worst Pick - Knowshon Moreno. Chad had Moreno going to the Arizona Cardinals at the #31 slot. Denver picked the former Georgia running back at #12 overall.
Overall, Chad did a very good job. Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr only picked 8 correct in the first round and they're getting paid the big bucks.
Jim Ingram: 8 of 32 picks (25%)
Best Pick - Andre Smith. 6th overall pick to the Bengals. This pick made too much sense for the Bengals. They love thugs, underachievers and busts, and they just added another.
Worst Pick - Vontae Davis. I had him going to the Saints 14th overall. Boy was I wrong. I was right about them taking a cornerback, but never thought Malcom Jenkins would've lasted until #14.
I am happy with my mock draft. I'd like to have done better, but can't complain as I tied Chad, Mel & Todd McShay
Matt Ingram: 4 0f 32 picks (12.5%)
Best Pick - Darrius Heyward-Bey. Virtually no one had DHB going this high to the Raiders. Matt obviously knew Al Davis loves speed and took the fastest wide out in the draft. Great pick.
Worst Pick - Michael Crabtree. Matt had Crabtree going 4th overall to the Seahawks. Seattle had much greater needs on defense with the departure of Julian Peterson. Crabtree ended up going 10th to the 49ers.
Matt had a few solid picks, but struggled a bit in the 2nd half of the first round.
Beat the Experts Winner:
Eric Feeney - 6 of 32 picks (18.75 %)
Congrats Eric. You have won the contest and will be the first winner of a Fan Fanatic Sports Prize Pack.
Best Pick - BJ Raji. Many people didn't think Raji would fall to even the 9th pick.
Worst Pick - Malcom Jenkins. Eric had him dropping to #23 for the Patriots. If he fell that far, I am sure the Pats would have taken him, but the Saints were desperate for the best corner in the draft.
Great Job Eric. I will follow up with you and let you know the timeline for delivery.
Thank you very much to all of our readers who participated in the contest.
Celtics-Bulls preview
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Today is a monumental day in sports.
No, not the NFL Draft, or some NASCAR race. Who'd want to watch that?
I'm talking about Game 4 of the Bulls-Celtics series. I've been waiting for this game since the third one ended. Or something.
But on a more serious note, the Celtics have a great opportunity to seize control of the series. Another blowout like Thursday could all but spell Chicago's demise. Here's a few thoughts on today's game:
-- This has been a good coming-out party for Stephon Marbury, and Thursday might have been a turning point. He had a season-high 13 points, and an encouraging five assists to no turnovers, to lead in the rout. Granted, these didn't come in the most crucial minutes, but Rondo's going to need a backup with more all-around game than Eddie House as the playoffs wear on.
-- I'm sick of all these Rajon Rondo/Mo Williams comparisons (and you know it's going to be coming). Rondo's doubters need to just chill. I don't doubt his leadership skills after this series, where he's led the team in scoring (22.7), rebounding (10.7), assists (9.7) and steals (4.0).
If you want to crown Mo because he has a nice shooting stroke, then crown him. But I know who I want in the waning minutes.
-- Nice to see Paul Pierce light up the scoresheet in Game 3 after what I thought were dull closing minutes in Game 2. Yes, Ray Allen's shot was a thing of beauty, but let's look between the lines here. Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas combined for four blocks over the last five minutes, all on mid-range shots from a bad angle that needed to be taken to avoid traveling.
For Oakmont grads who were there for coach Ron Therrien's twilight years, I like to call this the "Pat Shea shot": dribble a bit, stop, pivot, get trapped by defender, flail elbows around like they were on fire, then take an ugly off-balance shot that airballs.
Oh, back to my point...Paul Pierce is a captain. The last two things I want to see a captain doing with a tie score at the end of a game is A) stand around watching from the perimeter, and B) set picks. He should be calling for the ball, or at least creating space, in pressure situations. Period. Even if Allen's on the floor.
-- I know he's only 19, and a rookie, but Derrick Rose has the potential to be the best Bull since Michael Jordan. And you know he's going to stick around for years to come.
Yes, better than Ron Artest, Tyson Chandler, Brad Miller, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and even Jason Caffey.
Chad gave me similar flak for singing similar praise about David Price after he clown-suited the Sox in Game 7. I'll explain my argument once this series is over.
-- Hold your breath while I quickly address the Tony Allen situation, please...
Look, the easy disposition is to ask, "Vice Lords or Gangster Disciples?" It's way too easy to label this guy a knucklehead, given his history and oft-foolishness. This story has the potential to get out of control, and that's a shame.
Truth is, we don't know the real Tony Allen, other than his upbringing as a south side Chicagoan. We don't know his friends, nor his enemies. Is it chilling that this allegedly has nothing to do with the 2005 fight that landed him in court? Perhaps. Is it chilling that an unnamed source told Adrian Wojnarowski in Yahoo! Sports, "I would not want to mess with this guy"? Perhaps.
Tony's going to play, and he should, because the C's need all the defensive stoppers they can get without Garnett. But until all the facts are confirmed, I'm not going to judge.
And you shouldn't, either.
My friend George is over to watch the game. And like a more famous George (Thorogood), he's got a few friends named Bud Weiser.
Mahalo.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Today is a monumental day in sports.
No, not the NFL Draft, or some NASCAR race. Who'd want to watch that?
I'm talking about Game 4 of the Bulls-Celtics series. I've been waiting for this game since the third one ended. Or something.
But on a more serious note, the Celtics have a great opportunity to seize control of the series. Another blowout like Thursday could all but spell Chicago's demise. Here's a few thoughts on today's game:
-- This has been a good coming-out party for Stephon Marbury, and Thursday might have been a turning point. He had a season-high 13 points, and an encouraging five assists to no turnovers, to lead in the rout. Granted, these didn't come in the most crucial minutes, but Rondo's going to need a backup with more all-around game than Eddie House as the playoffs wear on.
-- I'm sick of all these Rajon Rondo/Mo Williams comparisons (and you know it's going to be coming). Rondo's doubters need to just chill. I don't doubt his leadership skills after this series, where he's led the team in scoring (22.7), rebounding (10.7), assists (9.7) and steals (4.0).
If you want to crown Mo because he has a nice shooting stroke, then crown him. But I know who I want in the waning minutes.
-- Nice to see Paul Pierce light up the scoresheet in Game 3 after what I thought were dull closing minutes in Game 2. Yes, Ray Allen's shot was a thing of beauty, but let's look between the lines here. Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas combined for four blocks over the last five minutes, all on mid-range shots from a bad angle that needed to be taken to avoid traveling.
For Oakmont grads who were there for coach Ron Therrien's twilight years, I like to call this the "Pat Shea shot": dribble a bit, stop, pivot, get trapped by defender, flail elbows around like they were on fire, then take an ugly off-balance shot that airballs.
Oh, back to my point...Paul Pierce is a captain. The last two things I want to see a captain doing with a tie score at the end of a game is A) stand around watching from the perimeter, and B) set picks. He should be calling for the ball, or at least creating space, in pressure situations. Period. Even if Allen's on the floor.
-- I know he's only 19, and a rookie, but Derrick Rose has the potential to be the best Bull since Michael Jordan. And you know he's going to stick around for years to come.
Yes, better than Ron Artest, Tyson Chandler, Brad Miller, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and even Jason Caffey.
Chad gave me similar flak for singing similar praise about David Price after he clown-suited the Sox in Game 7. I'll explain my argument once this series is over.
-- Hold your breath while I quickly address the Tony Allen situation, please...
Look, the easy disposition is to ask, "Vice Lords or Gangster Disciples?" It's way too easy to label this guy a knucklehead, given his history and oft-foolishness. This story has the potential to get out of control, and that's a shame.
Truth is, we don't know the real Tony Allen, other than his upbringing as a south side Chicagoan. We don't know his friends, nor his enemies. Is it chilling that this allegedly has nothing to do with the 2005 fight that landed him in court? Perhaps. Is it chilling that an unnamed source told Adrian Wojnarowski in Yahoo! Sports, "I would not want to mess with this guy"? Perhaps.
Tony's going to play, and he should, because the C's need all the defensive stoppers they can get without Garnett. But until all the facts are confirmed, I'm not going to judge.
And you shouldn't, either.
My friend George is over to watch the game. And like a more famous George (Thorogood), he's got a few friends named Bud Weiser.
Mahalo.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Brace a perfect fit in New England
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Welcome to New England, Ron Brace. But it's not like you're new to the area. Brace, who played his high school football at Burncoat High in Worcester, was once a Patriot with Burncoat, and he's beginning his professional career as a Patriot with New England.
What a great story. But even better than that, what a great pick by coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
The Patriots trade all the way out of the first round and then collect picks, giving them four picks in the second round and four in the third round.
So after taking Oregon safety Patrick Chung with the 34th overall pick, the Pats traded up with the Raiders to select Brace at No. 40.
Yes, the defensive line is a strength with the Pats, but who knows if Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour will be around when their contracts expire. Even if they are, look at the depth on the line with Wilfork, Seymour, Brace, Jarvis Green, Ty Warren and Mike Wright. Outstanding!
Brace is no doubt the same type of nose tackle like Wilfork -- they are big, tough, eat up space, are hard to move, and can downright stop the running game. That's how you win in the National Football League -- stopping the run. Brace and fellow Boston College lineman B.J. Raji are the two top run-stuffing defensive linemen in the draft and the Patriots got one of them.
If anyone knows Brace, they know how much football means to him. He's going to work hard, there's no doubt that. He's smart and willing to do whatever it takes for his team to win games. He's not about himself, it's about T-E-A-M. He also strives for greatness, and I bet those characteristics are why Belichick jumped up to draft him.
It's also a great story for Brace and the Pats. Brace played in Worcester, resides in Springfield and now he's with him hometown team. How often does that happen? I'm willing to bet, not very often.
It's funny how the draft works out. Brace confirmed to Fan Fanatic Sports that the Patriots had never talked to him, but did bring him in for a physical before the draft.
Brace was quick to point out that many times when a team doesn't contact a player, they're probably interested in that player.
Well, guess what happened to Brace? No contact from the Pats DID mean they liked him and wanted him to be a part of their championship-caliber club.
Brace will make them a better team on defense. So will No. 41 pick -- UConn cornerback Darius Butler.
Entering the draft, it was all about defense for New England. While they still have a glaring need for a linebacker to replace Mike Vrabel, they did give that unit a shot of youth and athleticism. The secondary is got a big boost with Chung and Butler, and the defensive line got that much stronger with Brace in the middle.
What will the Patriots do with all their third-round picks? Who knows, so stayed tuned.
Again, Fan Fanatic Sports would like to congratulate Ron Brace on being selected by the New England Patriots.
For the latest on Ron Brace and the Patriots' draft, keep checking back to Fan Fanatic Sports.
New England Patriots 2009 Drart
2009 New England Patriots Draft
DAY 1
Round 2 (34th overall) Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Round 2 (40) RON BRACE, DT, Boston College
Round 2 (41) Darius Butler, CB, UConn
Round 2 (58) Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Houston
DAY 2
Round 3 (73)
Round 3 (83)
Round 3 (89)
Round 3 (97)
Round 5 (170
Round 6 (207)
Round 7 (234)
Congratulations to Ron Brace, he's a New England Patriot
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The New England Patriots just got that much tougher on the defensive line after drafting Boston College defensive tackle Ron Brace, a supporter and friend of Fan Fanatic Sports.
The Patriots traded up one spot to No. 40 overall with the Raiders to land the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Brace in the second round.
At No. 41, New England took UConn cornerback Darius Butler.
The Pats then selected Houston offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (6-8, 312 pounds) with their last second-round pick (No. 58).
We'll try to talk to Ron this evening and get a story up as soon as possible.
AGAIN, CONGRATS RON. WE'RE SO HAPPY YOU'RE A MEMBER OF THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.
(PHOTO / Boston College Athletics)
Pats take a safety
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
After trading right out of the first round, the New England Patriots finally made a pick in the second round (No. 34 overall): Oregon safety Patrick Chung (5-11, 212 pounds, 4.49 40-yard-dash).
Surprise: First round is complete
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
2009 NFL Draft
1. Matthew Stafford, QB (DET) * Another Detroit first-round bust?
2. Jason Smith, OT (STL) * Just an absolute beast.
3. Tyson Jackson, LB (KC) * Chiefs must have really liked him, think a little too high, but Pioli knows his football.
4. Aaron Curry, LB (SEA) * Seahawks pumped to get best defensive players in draft.
5. Mark Sanchez, QB (NYJ) * Jets give up No. 17 pick in first round, 2nd-round pick and 3 players to Cleveland and former coach Eric Mangini
6. Andre Smith, OT (CIN) * Questionable character, perfect fit for Bengals.
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (OAK) * Just a workout wonder, no doubt will be a bust. He has blazing speeed, but not an elite No. 1 guy.
8. Eugene Monroe, OT (JAX) * Jaguars got a stud to anchor offensive line.
9. B.J. Raji, DT (GB) * Middle of defense now secure.
10. Michael Crabtree, WR (SF) * 49ers hit jackpot with top receiver at No. 10.
11. Aaron Maybin, DE (BUF) * He'll attack the quarterback.
12. Knowshon Moreno, RB (DEN) * Are you kidding me? Broncos need defensive help, plus Moreno WILL NOT be a star running back in this league. Big mistake by rookie head coach Josh McDaniels. He fumbled this pick big time.
13. Brian Orakpo, DE (WASH) * Great value pick by Redskins, a legit player that fell for some reason.
14. Malcolm Jenkins, CB (NO) * Needed help in secondary since the Saints got burnt so many times last year.
15. Brian Cushing, LB (HOU) * Pats should have moved up to get him. Cushing is a big playmaker and the Texans will be happy with him for years to come.
16. Larry English, LB (SD) * Should have been a late first-round pick, at best. I don't even think he's a first-round guy ... still.
17. Josh Freeman, QB, (TB) * Bucs trade up and give Cleveland No. 19 pick and 6th-round pick. Bucs did get their man!
18. Robert Ayers, DE (DEN) * At least they took a defensive player.
19. Jeremy Maclin, WR (PHI) Browns trade No. 19 pick to Eagles for No. 21 overall.
Philly finally has the No. 1 receiver they've needed since T.O. left. Why did he slip that far, that's what I'm questioning.
20. Brandon Pettigrew, TE (DET) * Good for the Lions, great all-around TE to help Stafford.
21. Alex Mack, C (CLE) * All that dealing to grab a center in the first round? Questionable.
22. Percy Harvin, WR (MIN) * He'll burn you in more than one way.
23. Michael Oher, OT (BAL) * Patriots trade pick to Ravens for No. 26 pick and fifth-round pick. Oher is a tough guy, nice fit for Ravens.
24. Peria Jerry, DT (ATL) * Beef was needed up front.
25. Vontae Davis, CB (MIA) * Nice pick, Dolphins need to be able to defend top WRs in AFC East.
26. Clay Matthews, LB (GB ) * Patriots trade No. 26 overall and fifth round (162 overall) for Green Bay's second round (No. 41) and third-rounders (No. 73, 83).
Wish Patriots would have just taken Matthews there. He would have fit perfectly, but that package in solid since this draft is considered deep.
27. Donald Brown, RB (IND) * Colts must not have confidence in Addai. Brown can run and catch, good pick.
28. Eric Wood, C (BUF) * Great pick, will absolutely maul defenders in passing and running game. A tough bruiser.
29. Hakeem Nicks, WR (NYG) * The replacement for Plaxico Burress.
30. Kenny Britt, WR (TEN) * Glaring need at WR, probably wish Nicks was there.
31. Chris Wells, RB (ARZ) * Cards want to play physical, Wells gives them that punch in backfield.
32. Ziggy Hood, DT (PIT) * Steelers could have used a cornerback or center, but solid value with last pick in first round.
END OF FIRST ROUND
(Stay tuned for more updates throughout the evening. Patriots will pick in second round ...maybe)
Patriots Trade Yet Again. Sorry Mangini.
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Patriots will trade #26 (1st Round) and #162 (5th Round) in exchange for Green Bay's #41 (2nd round), #73(3rd round) and #83 (3rd round)
The Mangenius? Updated
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Eric Mangini, the new HC of the Cleveland Browns, has now traded down for the 3rd time in the 1st round of today's NFL Draft. What! They began the day with the #5 overall pick, traded down to #17, and are now sitting at the 21st overall pick. Are they trying to stockpile late round picks?They must be. Does Mangini not want to dole out huge money for a player he doesn't think is worth it? I think it's a combination of those two. The Browns are not a good team, they've traded their best tight end in Kellen Winslow, have a wide receiver that wants out of town, and have one QB too many. I guess they think by adding so many picks, Mangini can begin reshaping the roster he inherited. The one thing I've learned about this draft so far is that anything can happen.
Update:
Apparently Eric Mangini has been trading down to make a sexy pick for a center! Really? Alex Mack may be a very good center in the NFL, but do you think he, or Max Unger, may have been available at the end of the first or top of the 2nd round. The Browns most likely could've moved up from their the 4th pick in the 2nd round and picked a center.
Patriots trade 23rd Pick
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Thanks to the Twittering of the NE Patriots, we now know the Pats have traded the 23rd pick to Baltimore for the 26th 162nd (5th round) overall picks.
We'll have to wait and see how this shapes out!
How does your mock draft look?
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The 2009 NFL Draft is only 14 picks deep and my draft, as well as many others, has been busted! Yeah, I picked Andre Smith to go to the Bengals at #6, but I didn't think that was very surprising. The Bengals love for thugs and deadbeast apparently knows no bounds. What did surprise me was Tyson Jackson going #3 to the KC Chiefs. That is a serious stretch in my mind.
I know Al Davis loves speed, but Darrius Heyward-Bey over Crabtree or Maclin? I think it's time the "Cryptkeeper" hung it up and let someone else take the reigns. I am 4 for 14 on my picks right now. I know there over half of the first round left, but it's not looking good for me. Well, hopefully I can make up some ground, but I doubt it at this point. Let's see!
Several surprises in top 14 picks
2009 NFL Draft
1. Matthew Stafford, QB (DET)
2. Jason Smith, OT (STL)
3. Tyson Jackson, LB (KC) * Chiefs must have really liked him, think a little too high, but Pioli knows his football.
4. Aaron Curry, LB (SEA) * Seahawks pumped to get best defensive players in draft.
5. Mark Sanchez, QB (NYJ) * Jets give up No. 17 pick in first round, 2nd-round pick and 3 players to Cleveland and former coach Eric Mangini
6. Andre Smith, OT (CIN) * Questionable character, perfect fit for Bengals.
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (OAK) * Just a workout wonder, no doubt will be a bust. He has blazing speeed, but
8. Eugene Monroe, OT (JAX)
9. B.J. Raji, DT (GB) * middle of defense now secure.
10. Michael Crabtree, WR (SF) * 49ers hit jackpot with top receiver at No. 10.
11. Aaron Maybin, DE (BUF)
12. Knowshon Moreno, RB (DEN) * Are you kidding me? Broncos need defensive help, plus Moreno WILL NOT be a star running back in this league. Big mistake by rookie head coach Josh McDaniels. He fumbled this pick big time.
13. Brian Orakpo, DE (WASH) * Great value pick by Redskins, a legit player that fell for some reason.
14. Malcolm Jenkins, CB (NO)
(Stay tuned for more updates throughout the evening)
Best of luck today, Ron Brace!
Everyone here at Fan Fanatic Sports is pulling for you today, Ron. Thanks for believing in us. We believe in you, too.
(Editor's note: Check back throughout the day to get the latest information on the NFL Draft and where Ron Brace will start his NFL career. We will follow up with Ron after the first two rounds of the draft tonight. Stay tuned)
(PHOTO / Boston College Athletics)
Bill Belichick is an evil genius!
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
We knew it already, but I love what he and the Patriots are doing to the draft right now. No one ever really knows what the Patriots are going to do in the draft, but it seems like they are taking it to a new level this year. Yesterday, the Patriots were reportedly trying to move up into the top 10. This morning there are reports they are trying trade all the way out of the first round. Amazing. I love it. Granted, it can become frustrating for a Pats fan, but it just shows how much BB can throw a wrench in every other teams plans. The only thing we can do now is wait and see what happens. Man I love the draft!
Are you ready for some Football?
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Fan Fanatic Sports will be bring you draft coverage throughout the day. We'll update you on pre-draft trades and rumors. We'll analyze the interesting picks, like the Bengals taking Andre, Manzier, Smith. Chad will be covering the draft for most of the day while I am at my day job, but I won't be a stranger. I will be locking myself in an empty suite with my laptop and watching the draft as much as I can until I get home. Also, look for more information and analysis on FFS's own Ron Brace. Everyone here at FFS is pulling for him. It would be great for Ron to be taken in the first round, but I know we'd all love it if he went to the New England Patriots.
Well, make sure to check back throughout the day and enjoy a happy NFL Draft Weekend. I know I will.
The Ever Expanding FFS Staff
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Staff
As many of you have already noticed, we have added a few new writers to the staff here at FFS. I would like to thank Erik Pesta and Brendan Hall for coming on and covering some specific sports for us. I know it makes life easier for both Chad and I. I also wanted to update everyone on what each writer will be focusing on.
Chad & Jim: MLB, NFL, Fantasy Sports, and we'll also offer insight on other sports throughout the year.
Matt: NHL, Bruins & Golf.
Jorge: College Baseball for now, but will branch out when the season ends.
Erik: Boston Red Sox, MLB
Brendan: NBA, Celtics, College Football & Basketball
Josh: Yearly FFS contributor. That means he writes once a year. Too bad because he's a talented and funny writer.
Chad and I decided to bring in additional writers because we're trying to build a site that brings you content on anything and everything sports. The Northeast isn't really a big college sports area, but we're going to change that.
Well, I hope you've been enjoying the site so far. We think the addition of Ron Brace brings the readers something you can't get on any other site, so please keep reading. Don't forget to help spread the word!
Welcome to my world...
By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports
As the newest member of Fan Fanatic Sports, I would like to formally introduce myself. For intents and purposes of this blog, my name is Brendan Hall. But once you get to know me, you can just call me "Red", or "Big Red". Least, that's what everyone else calls me these days. I also contribute to a blog that me and my good friend from Manhattan started a while ago, bhallbigred.blogspot.com. It's pretty primitive, but the only rule we have is "No politics", so chances are you'll get a good kick.
Anyways, I'm a UMass grad hailing from Westminster (the best Minster), and a T&G colleague of Chad Garner, so you know I'm a bit peculiar. My primary focus on this blog is covering the NBA/Celtics, college basketball and college football; but I hope to provide you, the reader, with more than just the same nuts-and-bolts perspective you'll see on your mainstream media outlets and ESPN gabfests.
I'll try to be more Ralph Wiley than Skip Bayless on this blog, but I'm not going to get on any soapbox in the process. That's a promise.
One of my former sports editors in college, who now covers the Celtics, taught me that the goal of a column should be to educate your reader. Henceforth, my goal is to provide you with something unique, and convey a message that not only stimulates conversation, but sticks. Granted, that's a hard thing to do on a daily basis ... but hey, I'm going to try.
I'd like to lay out a few ground rules for understanding just where I come from. In no particular order:
-- If you don't understand a reference I've made, there's a 75 percent chance I'm alluding to an internet meme, indie film or rap lyric. Sometimes, all three.
-- Not everything in my entries are meant to be taken to heart. Please use judgment and decipher what's a joke and what's not, so I don't have to spell it out.
-- I've been fooling around a bit with this concept I use on my other blog, where I use links to reinforce certain adjectives. A few examples:
The Cavaliers are overrated.
The Yankees are obnoxious.
ESPN is really really full of itself, which makes SportsCenter ugly to watch.
-- Having grown up a good five-minute drive from the Wachusett Brewery, I can confidently say Blueberry and Green Monsta are neck-and-neck. Seriously.
They say the internet is both frightening and brilliant all at once. Hopefully, I'll be much more of the latter.
I'll have some Celtics stuff in the AM.
Until then, go cleanse yourselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.
Mahalo.
Friday, April 24, 2009
FFS Staff Mock Drafts
By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
First and foremost, I'd thank all of you who sent in your mock drafts. We will announce the winner on Monday morning. Now, please enjoy reading through Chad, Matt and Jim's mock drafts.
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