Here's What I Have To Say

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's what I have to say about the world of sports.

1. Man, the New England Patriots look pretty good so far. I know it's only preseason and I shouldn't put much stock in it, but the Pats appear to have some pretty nice pieces in place, including rookies and young guys that are being counted on to produce in order for them to be a playoff team, or better yet a Super Bowl contender.
2. Roger Clemens, guilty or innocent? Wonder if I'll be able to visit the Rocket when he goes behind bars? Still love the guy, however. Best pitcher I'll see in my lifetime.
3. Tim Tebow, like him or hate him? Better questions is: Will he be a good pro quarterback? You know my stance, still.
4. Shaq wearing Green. I like it, but aren't we all wondering just how much the big man has left in the tank? If his minutes are monitored, I still think he can be productive in the low post. It's not like anyone can move him out of the way, either.
5. Who's your preseason pick to win the Vince Lombardi trophy? I'm still not waivering with my Baltimore Ravens pick.
6. Brett Favre might be all about himself, but there aren't many other quarterbacks that are better than him currently in the league (Brady, Manning, Brees, Rivers and Rodgers, no doubt are).
7. I still don't believe that the Red Sox are toast. With the staff they have, you can't bury them yet. Or can you?
8. Yankees or Rays? Who will win the AL East? Stay tuned. If the Yankees can get Andy Pettitte back in the rotation pretty soon, I'm saying Yankees. If not, Rays win the division and Yanks will be the wild card.
9. No. 1 pick in all Fantasy Football Drafts should be Chris Johnson from the Titans. But he's also my burnout player of the year candidate because he got worked over last year. Remember the Dirty Bird himself, Jamal Anderson, who blew out his knees after toting the pigskin way too much in one season for the Atlanta Falcons. I don't wish injuries on anyone, but Johnson owners might be a tad worried this season.
10. Can anyone explain to me how the Cowboys are the sexy pick to win the NFC crown and potentially win the Super Bowl? Romo is still the signal-caller on the 'Boys, right? Enough said.

Here's What I Have To Say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's a list of topics in the world of sports that I feel I need to spout off about. You can either agree or disagree with me, but please have an opinion, either way.

• Man, I hope 98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh and Zo are right on the money -- like a Tom Brady pass -- when they say that pint-sized WR Wes Welker will be good to go in the Patriots' first day of training camp despite recovering from major knee surgery. If Welker can come back -- all signs point to him being way ahead of schedule in his recovery -- and avoid missing substantial time during the regular season (like the first 7 or so games), then this is outstanding news for Patriot Nation. But be cautious: Welker isn't 100 percent yet, and that knee could give out at any time. But thinking positively, the shaky WR corp just become a major strength again if Welker can be 75 percent of what he was last season. Imagine if he returns and is close to 100 percent?
• The Patriots better ink their franchise quarterback to a gigantic deal ...and fast. If any of these reports are correct, then Brady is getting frustrated that the Pats haven't given him a contact extension. What are the Pats waiting for? Are they seriously trying to play hardball with one of the best QBs in the league? Not to mention, Brady has given the franchise multiple Vince Lombardi trophies, and he deserves a new and deal. Don't mess around Robert Kraft or coach Bill Belichick. If Brady ends up walking next year and wears a different uniform, you two better expect to leave town in a hurry because this fan base will not let that careless behavior slide.
• What should the Boston Red Sox do with David Ortiz? Should the Sox let Big Papi walk after the season or give him a new contact? We're all interested in what Boston's brass will do. I know Ortiz is having a very good power numbers season (18 HRs, 60 RBIs), but how much longer can the 34-year-old keep proving people wrong? Just when you think Ortiz is done (like most of us did earlier in the season), he gets hot with the bat and we all forget about his previous struggles. I can see giving him a two-year deal but not in the range of $20 million (more like $15 million). But he's currently make $13 million and perhaps he thinks he's worth that much or even more? If Ortiz leaves, I wonder who the Sox are already targeting?
• One more homer and A-Rod will have 600 for his career. It's an incredible milestone, but should he be celebrated, ignored or booed? Yankee fans will cheer, but fans outside of the Big Apple probably won't because he admitted to cheating by using steroids. Clean or not, 600 homers is pretty darn impressive. I'll cheer but still remember how he cheated the game and lied about it.
• Former Celtics guard Tony Allen took a little jab at his former team on his way to Memphis, saying that he was "overshadowed" by guys like Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Overshadowed? I'm choking on my water as I blog. We all know Tony Allen couldn't hold either Pierce or Ray Allen's jock on their worst day, but Tony Allen still needed to hype himself up because, honestly, no one in American really knows who he is. Does Tony Allen really think he's a premier player in the NBA? I'm still laughing. Celtics fans know Tony Allen is a lockdown defender, but he's got no offensive game -- well, shooting the ball anyway. When he touches the ball, you hope he passes it because he'll either throw up a brick, or drive the lane way out of control and chuck up a shot that nearly shatters the backboard. Tony Allen, good luck with the Grizzlies because you're going to need it. I bet you still can't even get a Tony Allen jersey in Memphis, and I bet people are still wondering who he is.

Here's What I Have To Say

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Here’s what I have to say about 10 topics in the world of sports.

1. Don’t write off the Celtics. During the regular season, I didn’t believe but now this veteran team isn’t playing like an old bunch of farts, they are giving the hated Lakers a run for their money.

2. Here’s a scary fact: The Celtics haven’t even played their best game yet in the NBA Finals. Imagine if the Big Four are all in double figures, and the defense continues to lock down L.A.? Well, that would equate into an NBA championship.

3. The World Cup is here! Are you excited? Many U.S. sports fan don’t even like soccer, but there is an art to the sport, I must admit. But I’m wondering if those haters could change their tune if the scoring increased? Imagine a 6-5 soccer game. Well, here’s to the U.S. opening with a win over England on Saturday! Go U-S-A.

4. The University of Southern California got nailed with a two-year ban of appearing in Bowl games, plus scholarship losses and records and wins taken away. Pete Carroll got a lot of credit for turning SC around, but he should take most of the blame for the football program cheating. See, running away from the problem helped him.

5. NBA officials are an absolute joke. Enough said.

6. Ben Roethlisberger’s excuse for acting like a you-know-what: I was young, immature. Seriously, that’s the best you can come up with? It’s not like you’re 18, what a bogus excuse. You should have already matured.

7. Imagine Tom Brady not wearing a New England Patriots jersey. Must erase that image. I’m worried about his next contract, but can’t imagine Robert Kraft not paying him top dollar – franchise money – to stay. If Brady leaves, you might see this grown man cry.

8. The Chicago Blackhawks no doubt deserved to win the Stanley Cup. They should be applauded for playing as a team, even though they also feature some of the best young superstars in the league. Superstars that play in a team concept are the key to success.

9. Should MLB use instant replay for every situation on the field they are unsure of? Let the great debate begin. I’m more in favor of using robots to call balls and strikes because these umpires and their shoebox or hot air balloon strikes zones are brutal to watch.

10. No question the best actors reside in Los Angeles. Just watch a Lakers game and you’ll know what I mean.

Here's What I Have to Say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here are 10 quick-hitters in the weekly, “Here’s What I Have to Say” column.
1. The Boston Celtics better bring their ‘A’ game tonight at home or they will lose this series.
2. The Celtics and Bruins are not the same type of franchise. The Bruins have been dubbed ‘losers’ for years (I don’t call them that even though they’ve had such a long drought of winning the Stanley Cup) while the Celtics have to be considered ‘winners’ for all the banners hanging from the rafters.
3. Show your pride and start getting excited for the World Cup. Go USA!!!
4. Rajon Rondo has quickly developed into a superstar with his early playoff round performances, but where has he been vs. the Magic? Big-time players don’t go to sleep in big situations. I expect a big game from him tonight. Or maybe he’s hurting and that’s affecting his production?
5. How bad do you want a Celtics-Lakers matchup in the NBA Finals? It brings back the good old days in the 1980s when that series was so volatile …and I loved it as a young buck!
6. I said it before, the Red Sox are not dead. While I’m not a fan – at all – they just don’t die. And now they’re getting the pitching (Jon Lester has been lights out) and now David Ortiz is raking, they are a dangerous ballclub once again. The AL East should be a fun race to watch with the Big 3 of Boston, New York and Tampa Bay.
7. Don’t expect the Yankees to play great baseball until they start getting healthy. The Bronx Bombers are the walking wounded right now (starters Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Jorge Posada are all on the DL).
8. Is it football season yet? This offseason is dragging. But isn’t it like this every year?
9. How can you not like NASCAR? Cars going 180-plus miles-per-hour, crashes and on- and off-the-track altercations. There’s always some kind of action going on in that sport.
10. Hey, it looks like Brett Favre is going to come back and play for the Vikings this year. Wow, shocking. This guy likes the spotlight, and we all can’t get enough of him throwing interceptions when the game is on the line.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's what I have to say about 10 topics in the world of sports.

1. I'm buying the Celtics. The only question is: Where do I sign?

Boston looked uninterested in the regular season and they didn't play great vs. Miami in the first round of the playoffs, but they are a legit squad right now. Yes, they are playing their best basketball at the right time of the season. The C's swatted away LeBron James and the Cavs, and now they're up 2-0 vs. the Magic in the best-of-7 series. Just bring on the Lakers. L.A. wants Boston, and Boston wants L.A. Brings back the good old days in the 1980s.

2. The Tampa Bay Rays are for real. I've admitted it finally. I'm still not sold on closer Rafael Soriano, who gets an arm injury every season, but this team can hit, play defense and they get great starting pitching just about every night. Have you seen them play? They are fun to watch. Good luck Yankees and Red Sox trying to catch that ballclub. Better start thinking Wild Card.

3. The Red Sox are not dead. Just when you write them off -- add David Ortiz in that mix, too -- they come to life and give you reason to believe.

4. The World Cup is right around the corner. Are you excited?

5. Is bass fishing a sport? Very debatable. In a tournament, yes, during a recreational activity, no way.

6. Cyclist Floyd Landis needs to keep his mouth shut. The fraud admitted to doping, and now he's trying to bring the entire cycling world down with him. Hope you can finally get a good night's sleep since you finally got that lie off your chest. You are not believable, I don't care what you say now. Is your name really Floyd?

7. Are you over the Bruins' major collapse? Start thinking franchise player with the No. 2 overall pick. Good times ahead in Beantown with the Bruins.

8. Man, I really can't wait for the NFL season to start. I also can't wait for Fantasy Football. Isn't the fantasy draft the best time of the year. It's a close second behind Christmas.

9. Boy, Kevin Garnett looks pretty darn healthy now. Do you think that has anything to do with the Celtics' recent success? You better believe it.

10. I'll make it easy on the Arizona Cardinals on who to give the starting quarterback job to. Matt Leinart. He's sat and watched Kurt Warner work his magic, now it's time to see if the lefty sinks or swims calling the signals. Derek Anderson is not the answer. Why do you think he's no longer in Cleveland? Exactly.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

1. Please tell me it’s not true, L.T. I’m talking about the real L.T., too, Lawrence Taylor. While he was a superstar on the field – he’s one of my all-time favorite players and the reason why I wore No. 56 in high school football – he’s a real loser off the field. After a career with run-ins with the law, he’s now being accused of raping a 16-year-old. I love L.T. the player, but I really hate the person (if he’s found guilty).
2. Kudos to the Oakland Raiders for making a great decision by cutting No. 1 pick and franchise QB JaMarcus Russell. Can you say one of the all-time biggest busts in the NFL?
3. Adam “Pacman” Jones to the Bengals. Are we really surprised that they took another gamble on another low-character player? The Bengals are an NFL franchise and rehabilitation center.
4. What a huge blow to the Bruins: David Krejci out of the rest of the season. If you thought the B’s had a chance to win it all before, do you have a difference of opinion now? A great playoff run will end in the conference finals if the B’s have to play the Penguins. But here’s hoping Montreal and Pittsburgh play an epic 7-game, physical series with a few double-OT games sprinkled in. I never wish for injuries, but (watch out Crosby)….
5. Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox. Regardless of what game you’re going to watch, I’m betting the Sox are the No. 3 choice right now. They just don’t have any star power.
6. LeBron James and that fake injury to his elbow. Are you taking the bait on this so-called injury?
7. The World Cup is fast approaching, are you excited? Do you even know when it starts? Didn’t think so.
8. How hot are the Tampa Bay Rays? Well, they lead all of baseball with a 21-7 record going into tonight, but what’s more impressive is they are 12-1 on the road. Yes, only one loss on the road which is absolutely amazing. I’m still not buying that they are the best team in baseball, or even the AL East, because I don’t think that bullpen will hold up. Rafael Soriano will get hurt and then it will be a closer-by committee (which never works). They are much better than Boston, however. Everyone should agree with that.
9. A boxing fans’ dream: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Make it happen. I’d be rooting for “Money” Mayweather no doubt!
10. Thumbs up or thumbs down with this weekly column?

Here's what I have to say

1. Just like every year, my NFL Mock Draft held up (if by only one pick, I might add) against fellow Fan Fanatic Sports staffer Jim Ingram. Lunch will taste oh-so good, once again!
2. Just because you’ve never heard of some of the players that New England Patriots drafted, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good draft. Do some research before you shoot your mouth off about how Bill Belichick and the Patriots blew it. Obviously, I still trust in Bill, still.
3. Anyone else feel a little better knowing that the Bruins don’t have to play the Penguins in the second round of the playoffs? Pittsburgh is just too fast and skilled. But now the B’s have to play tough and physical against the cheap-shotting Flyers. With Tuukka Rask in net, fans should be cautiously optimistic that the Bruins can advance. I love Marc Savard, but is now the right time to come back? Why mess with chemistry some might say, or will he give his teammates a bigger motivational boost in this series?
4. Do the Celtics really have a shot at beating the Cavs in a 7-games series? I’m picking the Cavs in six games, but the C’s have been turning it on lately. Let’s hope that this aging team has one final championship run in their tired legs. Time to step it up Big 3 because this triple-threat won’t be together much longer.
5. Hey, Red Sox fans have returned. See, they start winning a few games (well, they took a step back last night) and everyone is back on the bandwagon. Typical pink hat fans coming out of the woodwork, as we speak.
6. Who’s going to have a better season at QB, Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb? I’m taking McNabb, he’s a proven veteran while Kolb is still learning on the job.
7. Wouldn’t Dirk Nowitzki look good in a Boston Celtics uniform next season? Even though I love Ray Allen, I’d rather have Dirk (but then we’d need a real shooting guard). So it’s not that cut and dry.
8. Early-season report: New York second baseman Robinson Cano for MVP.
9. So the NCAA OK’d changing the March Madness field from 64 to 68 teams. That’s fine, but I’m more concerned with a college football playoff system.
10. Who do you take with the top pick in a fantasy football draft in 2010? Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans. That’s even if he holds out to start the season because of contract issues. But he also could be the next Jamal Anderson. Remember the former Dirty Bird from the Atlanta Falcons who was a workhorse in the backfield, but blew out his ACL and never returned to form. That's the risk you take when you continually work a guy into the ground.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's what I have to say about 10 topics from around the world of sports. Agree or disagree, it's just important that you have an opinion either way.

And we always love hearing from you, too, so don't be shy about posting your comments!

1. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger makes me sick. If the reports, based on the accounts of the victim and her friends, are true, then this guy should be behind bars (but remember he was never charged). I know I would never let my sons wear a Big Ben jersey, ever. He's not a role model. People in Pittsburgh are even sick of his antics -- actually his night life and frequent screwups. I hope he gets suspended for four games.
2. If the Celtics are going to struggle with the Miami Heat, do you really believe they can win a World Championship? Exactly.
3. I'm still more pumped that the Bruins got the No. 2 pick in the NHL Draft than seeing them beat Buffalo in Game 2 of the playoffs to knot the best-of-7 series at one game apiece. The Bruins don't have a chance in hell to win the Stanley Cup. Lay off the peace pipe if you believe they can.
4. Who will the Patriots take in the first round of the draft? Your guess is as good as mine. Bill Belichick doesn't ever give the media a clue what that organization is going to do. He must be a fantastic poker player.
5. Who's the best hitter in baseball? Albert Pujols. Who's the best pitcher? Tim Lincecum. Go ahead and try to argue with me!
6. I had a friend say, "Varitek is to the Red Sox as Bruschi is to the Patriots." My response, "Don't ever compare Varitek to Bruschi, no comparison. Bruschi never sat the bench, ever!!!"
7. So nice to see Tiger Woods choke last week. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on in his mind? It would be quite the show, wouldn't it?
8. When Paul Pierce went down with an injury near the Heat bench with 40 seconds left in Game 1 of the playoffs, I saw something I loved. Kevin Garnett and Big Baby Davis came to his rescue and tried to protect their teammate. Yes, shoves were exchanged between both teams and technical fouls were handed out (Garnett was even ejected for who knows why), but you've got to love the unity the Celts showed. They were trying to protect their own. That's what T-E-A-M is all about.
9. The Red Sox have problems right now. If you were the GM, what would be your first move? Mine would be to trade for a bat quickly (Yo, Adrian!!!).
10. If a kid gets drafted, I say sign and play pro ball. Forget about college, you can always go and get your degree at some point in your life. Playing a professional sport, it might be your only chance. Take the opportunity and run with it.

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's my two cents on 10 topics in the world of sports.

Do you hear what I'm screaming, or would would like the chance to just punch me in the face?

Here goes:

1. The Bruins are going dancing, the Bruins are going dancing. While I'm pumped that this club stepped up when it mattered the most, I'm still not sold on them winning the Stanley Cup. And the last time I looked, that's all any team in the postseason cares about. This team doesn't need moral victories, so it's not a successful season if they merely get into the playoffs or win a series or two. What I'm more jacked up about is that the Bruins have a shot -- as long as the 2010 NHL Draft Lottery goes according to plan -- to land a legit superstar if they get the No. 1 or No. 2 pick (thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs). As long as the Bruins get a top-2 pick, they will lock up a franchise player like center Tyler Seguin or left wing Taylor Hall. Seguin or Hall, who do you prefer?
2. The NBA playoffs can't begin soon enough because the Boston Celtics surely aren't serious in playing out the end of the regular season with any passion. I'm totally fine with guys resting up, so I'm not really knocking Doc Rivers and the C's brass. Health is key, especially with an older club. I'll take fresh legs from Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce any day. Quick, get the playoffs going.
3. I've heard from a few Red Sox fans that they aren't surprised that the New York Yankees won two of three games over the Sox at Fenway Park to open the season. The top reason I've heard is that the Yankees are simply a better team. I'm not really buying that yet, even if I'm a Yankees fan. With a rotation that features Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and John Lackey, I'm expecting the Red Sox to be a pain in the (fill in the blank) all season long.
4. I just can't believe how many country-club clowns are actually cheering on Tiger Woods at the Masters. It's funny how Tiger promised to clean up his act when he returned to golf. I guess his temper is already getting the best of him. Read this link if you don't believe me. Guy can't be that smart is he knows microphones and cameras are littered around the course. Better yet, face it, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks. He cares more about himself and winning trophies. Yes, a great role model.
5. The NFL Draft (attending it is something that's on my to-do list before I die) can't get here soon enough. Is there any doubt that the hapless St. Louis Rams will select Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top pick? If they don't, then everyone in that organization should be fired.
6. My son says that CC Sabathia is the best pitcher. If I was starting a team, I'd take Tim Lincecum (because of his age and upside) first, but it's hard to argue that CC's not one of the best in the game right now. No doubt he's the best left-hander.
7. I keep hearing that the Los Angeles Lakers will win another NBA championship, but something tells me to pick the Cleveland Cavaliers.
8. What's your favorite sports movie of all-time? No, it's not "Hoosiers" or "Slap Shot" or "Bull Durham." Those are all very good flicks, but mine is "Major League."
9. If you were Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who do you start at DH, David Ortiz or Mike Lowell? We know Big Papi is Tito's boy, but don't sit there and tell me Lowell shouldn't be in that lineup. Yes, I know he played vs. the Royals on Saturday night, but Ortiz is the guy for now. Please give me a good reason why Ortiz is the king DH in Beantown at this point in his career.
10. Boston's Tuuka Rask has all the ingredients to be a star goaltender in the NHL. Tim Thomas who?

Here's what I have to say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Excuses are like you know what, and so are opinions.

Well, here's my two cents on 10 different topics in the world of sports.

1. The baseball offseason was great since the New York Yankees won the World Series title. Now, unfortunately, the Red Sox fans are coming out of the woodwork and talking major smack again. Really? You know the Yanks are the defending champs until someone -- if they can -- dethrones them. So shut it. The peace and quiet was so nice.
2. The Boston Celtics are not frauds, but they're also not a championship-caliber team. They are flawed and look old. They choked again in the clutch. How do you let the Houston Rockets beat you at home? Unacceptable.
3. Tim Tebow doesn't have a strong arm, he isn't very accurate and the bottom line is that he's not going to be a great pro. Tebow's QB skills need a lot of work -- why do you think he completely changed his throwing motion in hopes of impressing scouts? He is a college QB, not a pro. No questioning his heart, desire, toughness and leadership at all. I just question his QB skills at the pro level. He'd make a great H-back.
4. The Patriots better not draft Tebow in the first or second round. Please, please, please draft a linebacker or defensive end in the first round.
5. I'd love to really watch UFC, but am not going to buy it on pay-per-view. Is the UFC on cable at all?
6. Is there anything better than the baseball package on DirectTV? Well, the Sunday Ticket is pretty sweet, too.
7. Why would the MLB season start at night when the Yanks visit the Red Sox on Sunday night? Really bad decision MLB. Opening Day should always be during the day. How many children that need to go to school and adults that have to work during the morning will stay up and watch a four-hour game between these two rivals? Poor, poor, poor.
8. Does it really matter that the Bruins make the playoffs or not? Either way, they're not going to win the Stanley Cup. After what happened last season, anything less than a trip to the Stanley Cups finals would be considered a bad year. If you can't score, you can't win.
9. I'm not really a soccer fan, but it's hard not to watch Team USA in the World Cup. When is the World Cup anyway? June or July? Well, I've got my Team USA soccer hat and t-shirt ready to go. U-S-A, U-S-A!!!
10. Root for Tiger Woods all you want. He makes me sick to my stomach, and I hope he never wins a tournament again.