Upon the RBI Cycle

While just missing out on the Home-Run Cycle (Grand Slam, 3-Run, 2-Run, but no solo) Alex Rodriguez did have hits of 4-RBI, 3-RBI, 2RBI, and 1 RBI last night. I believe this feat can be termed the RBI-CYCLE, and it entered A-Rod into rarified territiory. He missed out on Tony Lazzari's team and ML record of 12 RBI, and missed out on the 4-HR in one game plateau, but 4-5 with 10 RBI is a fantastic night for any baseball player. The Yankee offense is stirring to life, beginning with their 19-8 romp over the Devil Rays last week. There have been losses in the mix, but these double-digit run outputs are becoming more and more frequent (though a one-man double digit run night is not likely to be repeated). Both Unit and Pavano have had strong outings overshadowed by offensive outbursts, but I am sure both are content to be back to their winning ways. The slow start may be over, and the Bronx Bombers may be awaking from hibernation.

Upon NBA Playoffs- Round 1

So the NBA Playoffs have begun, and I'll quickly run through my predictions for Round 1.

EAST


(1) Miami V (8) New Jersey- Miami Leads 1-0
The Nets held off the fading Cavs to grab the 8-spot in the East, and a date with Miami. Simply making the playoffs after their bad start, and losing Richard Jefferson for a large part of the year, looks like it will have to be enough for N.J. Kidd and Carter will make it interesting, but I think 2 games are the most the Nets can hope to win. Too much Shaq, too little interior presence from Kristic and Collins. Shaq will leave the dominating to Wade, but his mere presence on the floor allows others to thrive.

HEAT IN 5

(2) Detroit V (7) Philadelphia- Detroit Leads 1-0
The defending NBA Champs have flown somewhat under the radar this year, with the exception of the bad press that resulted from the brawl. However, this team has returned almost totally intact, and also added Carlos Arroyo and Antonio McDyess. Philly still has AI, and Andre Igodala, who is poised to become a force in the league. However, Chris Webber seems severely limited by his leg injury, and the defending champs don't figure to lose more than one possible game where AI goes off in Philly.

PISTONS IN 6

(3) Boston v (6) Indiana- Boston Leads 1-0
The Celtics gained the number 3 seed by virtue of the automatic top seed going to each Division winner. The Atlantic division was not world-class this year, and Boston was able to separate themselves from the pack. The return of Antoine Walker provided a nice boost to the Celts, as they ran and shot their way to a birth in the playoffs. The Pacers lost heavily in the brawl, with O'Neal and Jackson missing significant time, and Artest going out for the season. I still think that the Pacers should prevail in the matchup, but I am not confident. Walker, Davis and Pierce provide potent scorers in the front and backcourt, but the center position is lacking. The Pacers have O'Neal back from his shoulder injury, and Reggie on his swan song. I like the Pacers in a close one.

PACERS IN 7

(4) Chicago v (5) Washington- Chicago leads 1-0
The Wizards and Bulls make their return to the playoffs after long absences for both. The Bulls lost Luol Deng to an arm injury, and Eddy Curry to an irregular heartbeat, and they will certainly feel these absences. However, if Ben Gordon can go off for 30, and Nocioni can exceed 20 and 15 (out of nowhere), the Bulls have a good shot. Their defense is one of the stronger ones in the league, and they have tested players like Heinrich, Duhon, Gordon, whose college experience prepared them for do or die games. The Wiz surprised a lot of folks this year with their potent trio of Arenas, Hughes, and Jamison. With any of the three good for 30 a game, you have to give the Wizards a shot in the series. An apparent knee injury to Kwame Brown could prove costly, as the front-line of the Bulls is strong.

BULLS IN 7


WEST

(1) Phoenix V (8) Memphis- Phoenix leads 1-0
The run-and-gun Suns had the NBAs big worst-to-first turnaround. The additions of Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson, combined with huge contributions from Amare Stoudamire and Shawn Marion rocketed the Suns to the league's best record, and home court throughout the playoffs. Memphis "backed in" to the playoffs when the T-Wolves couldn't get it done. Their team has a variety of weapons, and can attack you in a few ways. Pau Gasol is rounding back into form, after missing significant time to injury, but this has made the Griz into a low-post team half the time, where they had thrived as a pick-and-roll team. The Suns have way too much, and I am calling for the brooms.

SUNS IN 4

(2) San Antonio V (7) Denver- Denver leads 1-0
The Spurs are another team dealing with significant injury issues. Tim Duncan is working through some injuries, and as he goes, so goes San Antonio. Denver is being tabbed the "team no one wants to face" since catching fire with the hiring of George Karl, and a change in team philosophy. San Antonio should always be viewed as a title contender, but Denver matches up well with them in many areas. Camby was identified by Duncan as one of the defenders who gives him problems, Carmelo can punish Ginobli, and Wesley Person and Vashon Lenard are threats from deep. After Denver beat the Spurs at home, which only 3 teams had done this year, I may have to jump on the bandwagon. I will stick with the Spurs, but wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way.

SPURS IN 7

(3) Dallas V (6) Houston- Houston leads 1-0
The Mavericks came on strong to grab the 3-seed, and have Dirk playing at an MVP level. Coach Avery Johnson replaced Don Nelson mid-season, and hopes to use his renewed focus on defense to help the team advance. Houston will lean on T-Mac to carry them along, and hope that big Yao can take advantage of Dampier and Shawn Bradley. The road win will often make people predict rashly, and I am cautious of this as well. Jawan Howard is injured, and the Rockets don't have a strong defender for Dirk. However, I think McGrady and Dirk can reprise their duels from earlier in the season, and that Yao, Bob Sura, and Mike James can outmatch Mike Finley and Josh Howard.

HOUSTON IN 6

(4) Seattle V (5) Sacramento- Seattle Leads 1-0
The Supersonics were another big surprise this year, as they jumped out to a huge lead early, and stayed strong through injuries to win their division. With Rashard Lewis hurting, the Sonics will have to hope that Ray Allen has a lot in him down the stretch. The Kings traded franchise cornerstone Webber, and are hoping that Brian Skinner and company can serve as good replacements. Injuries have hit the Kings hard as well, and Peja needs to be healthy for them to entertain thoughts of advancing. This is another tough series to call, as I am not sure which players from which team will show up to play big. I am picking experience and Mike Bibby over good shooting and Luke Ridenour.

SACRAMENTO IN 6

Lets see how I do.

Upon those yellow bracelets

I have family members who have lost their lives to cancer, and have friends who have lost loved ones to cancer as well. I fully support cancer research, and the search for a cure. I believe that getting the word out, and getting funding for prevention is a great cause. However, I have to admit that I find those yellow LIVESTRONG bracelets very annoying. I am cautious about expressing my feelings on this issue, as I do not want to be labled insensitive...etc. However, I feel that this is a trendy little thing to do, and it is hiding its trendiness under the guise of a good cause. I would venture to say that buying and wearing the bracelet is as far as 75-80% of these people go in the fight against cancer. I dont suppose to know everyone's family history, or whether they have someone in their lives affected by cancer, but it just strikes me as so much show. I had a similar problem with the little American flags, or the "We Support Our Troops" bumper stickers. Again, the underlying causes are things which I am firmly behind, but when it becomes only about the show of support rather than support itself, that bothers me. I know the money is in the general sense "going to the troops", and "going to fight cancer", but it still strikes me as hollow. I feel a bit like George Carlin here, but the yellow bracelets that I saw on the train this morning got me thinking this way. Now I see pink, white and green bracelets popping up, which furthers my belief that this is a fad more than it is a cause. I am totally up for discussion on this issue if anyone should care to convince me of the bracelets complete merit, but I felt like talking about it, and its my blog so I do what I wanna.

4-day weekend coming up. Nice

Upon Vince Carter

I have recently begun to read criticism of Vince Carter among sportswriters. The sentiment is that he was dogging it in Toronto, hardly giving his full effort, and sulking his way to a trade. Since his arrival in New Jersey, Vince has again risen to a level shared by the elite players of the NBA. 30 and 40 point nights abound, and Air Canada is now flying in Continental Airlines Arena. The Nets may find their way into the 8 spot in the Eastern conference playoffs, and this has as much to do with Carter as it does with the brilliant and underrated play of the game's best guard,Jason Kidd. (By the way, Kidd would be doing as well or better than Nash is in Phoenix, and he even plays D.)
So why the knock on Carter I ask. I understand the arguement "If you sign a contract you should play your hardest every night." I agree that basketball is a player's job, and that they for all intents and purposes should give each game and practice their all. But... we are talking about Toronto's franchise player, who knew that he was not going to win in Toronto. You live half the year in Canada, you play with a hum-drum supporting cast, and you haven't had a high-caliber running mate since T-Mac left town. Jalen Rose and Chris Bosh are all well and good, but Toronto was not going to beat anyone in the East. Then you throw in the injuries that a one-man-band invariably suffers, and is criticized if he doesn't play through. Vince had some unfortunate injuries, and sat out to let it heal. I don't think that he was in any hurry to get back to a team that wasn't going anywhere. Ever since Vince pulled the UNC graduation/Game 5 vs the Sixers double dip, and they lost, he has taken a ton of heat. I think that you have to view Vince in the same light as Vlad Guerrero, Carlos Delgado, Shareef Abdur-Raheem...etc. Non-hockey sports superstars in Canada, on teams who dont win, always want to leave. Perhaps Vince leveraged a trade, and Toronto only got 10 cents on the dollar back (if that), but one can certainly relate to his predicament. Plus the NBA in general is better with Superstar Vince Carter, and Jason Kidd makes everyone look better, and stars look like superstars.

Upon my thoughts today

Not much sports today, though Sheff should have thrown an Artest level beating to the bum in right field, but he's a good guy.

I miss being in college. I miss waking up at 1:00 or 2:00 in the afternoon for weeks in a row. I miss staying up until 3:00 in the morning every night. I miss Thursday nights being one of the best nights of the week. I miss Friday night, which could be a raging party or a chilled out night with a few friends at the room, (but certainly was not me being tired and wanting to sleep off a week of work). I miss video games for hours on end. I miss intramural basketball, Fieldhouse pick-ups, Hart Center full-courts, and Stein Court games. I miss going to Scotties place on Cambridge, and the walk back hours later. I miss old Cambridge apartments, and old Autumn Chase, and old Crackhouse. I miss "Family Dinner". I miss buffet dining, and watching my friends gorge. I miss going to Texaco, going to Wendy's, and going to G&M. I miss Roadrunner, and Xing Xing, and Pizzeria Delight. I dont miss the food, but i miss going to Kimball. I miss the walk down the back of campus to Cambridge, and the walk down Caro to Autumn Chase. I miss skipping class. I miss going to class and impressing people who had studied much longer and harder (yeah it sounds egotistical, but it made me feel good). I miss the Stein bridge and the doors to Hogan 1. I miss Mulledy 1, Lehy 2, Healy 2, and Loyola 4. I miss all the people I ever had a session with. I miss the same dudes who I always had a session with. I miss beruit and 12 packs of Natty. I miss spending hundreds of dollars at Bottled Liquors (Chieftan) when I was 18 and my ID said I was 24. I miss them always carding Butthole and not me. I miss going to class for the sole purpose of seeing the hot girl or two in my class. I miss those 5 minute walks around campus in the snow when I couldn't do what I want to do in my room. I miss scavenger hunts for change in all of my clothes so I could get a drink at the machines. I miss seeing the sunrise twice in the same period of being awake. I miss knocking out a 10 page paper in 2 1/2 hours, and having it be awesome. I miss a lot of stuff today, but Its all good.

Yes

Upon the Song in My head

NOFX's Linoleum is rattling around my head all morning

"Possesions never meant anything to me
I'm not crazy (Cause I got none)
Well that's not true, I've got a bed and a guitar
And a dog named dog who pisses on my floor
That's right, I've got a floor
So what, so what, so what?
I've got pockets full of kleenex and lint and holes
Where everything imporatnt to me just seems to fall right down
my leg
and on the floor
My closest friend linoleum
Linoleum
Supports my head, gives me something to believe
That's me on the beachside combing the sand
Metal meter in my hand
Sporting a pocket full of change
That's me on the street with a violin under my chin
Playing with a grin, singing gibberish
That's me on the back of the bus
That's me in the cell
That's me inside your head
That's me inside your head"

Upon Quick updates

Yankees dropped 2 of 3 to Baltimore, with the Birds proving that their line-up is not to be taken lightly. Yankee pitching got pounded, as the Bombers finished 3-3 on their 6 game homestand. Scary moment for Pavano as he caught a comebacker upside his head, leading to a mild concussion. Luckily he was struck in a place on his head where the damage was minimal. The Yankees head to Boston today, where there will most certainly be some hot blood. The ring ceremony, the "Year 2000" chants, the first Fenway home game...etc. Don't be surprised if amid all the commotion the Yankees sneak up and throw a beating on the Sox.

Derek Jeter and Matsui are off to scorching starts, and it is always a good sign when your table-setter and clean-up man are all over the ball. The team has been feeling its way through its first several games, as Pavano's ND against Boston has been the only game with very strong starting pitching. Unit had one good outing, and one poor outing. Jaret Wright looked good for a few innings, and bad for a few more. Mussina pitched well enough to get a win, but Mariano had an inexplicable second blown save in as many days. With the weird off-day after Game 1 thrown in again, plus Mussina's history in Fenway, I like the Yanks for 2 of 3 in this series.

The season is quite young, and I must keep the perspective that we are seeing impressions of the team that will emerge this year, rather than the team itself.

Upon good images

Photos courtesy of Yankees.com

Upon Baseballs Return

This vanished last time I tried to post it.

Tom Gordon gasses a fastball past David Ortiz. Fist pump and a yell. Cue Ol' Blue Eyes "start spreading the news..."

The 2005 baseball season is officially on, and the Yankees are off and running. A 9-2 thumping of the defending champs was exactly what NY needed to wipe the slate clean. Randy Johnson showed glimpses of dominance with 6 Ks in 6 IP, and showed that his average stuff can be dominating enough. A David Ortiz double and a Jay Payton blooper led to his only run allowed, and I can certainly live with that. Tanyon Sturtze looked good, as did Tom Gordon, in shutting down a game that should be shut down. Defensively the Yankees looked good in spots, and like a team in its first game of the year in others. Jason Giambi got tagged for a tough error on a hard smash to first, but also covered for two poor Jeter throws with the stretch-and-scoop. Tino Martinez got two huge ovations from a welcoming NY crowd, and rewarded fans with a diving stab going to his left to rob Damon of a hit. The seventh-inning stretch was all that kept him from getting a defensive curtain call from the Stadium faithful. The 5-4-3 double play, A-rod to Womack to Giambi, looked solid. And then there was the play of the game. Down one run with a man on second, Kevin Millar looked like he had drilled a ball deep and gone to left. Matsui kept tracking the ball to the wall, leapt, and came down with a HR robbing snag. Yankee brilliance robbing the Red Sox of a big moment? Sounds familiar.

On the offensive side of the ball, things looked as they should for a team of this caliber. Jeter led off and slapped hits around the park, and got the running started by swiping second-base. A-rod had as many hits this game as he did the whole first series with the Sox last year. He also looked capable in tagging up from second to third on a fly out, getting in position to score. Sheffield continued to attack the baseball, lashing his characteristic left field screamer that is just foul from being a home run. Reuben Sierra was in for his numbers against Wells, but did his damage against the bullpen. I really like having the switch hitting Sierra on the team, as I feel he is as good a pinch-hitter as there is in baseball. Jason Giambi reached base on a hard-smash past first base, and the announcers correctly pointed out that he most likely would have broken his bat on such a swing last year. Two more AB led to HBP by Wells, showing that the big-man still crowds and commands the plate. You really could not have asked for more from Matsui after his work in keeping the deficit at 1 run with his glove, but he also remained torrid at the plate. His 2-run HR in the 8th was a great way to slam the door on the Sox, and to begin the barrage of HR likely to come again this year. Bernie was the only starter not to collect a hit, but he did reach base, as well as driving in the first run of the year with a sac fly, which tied the game. Posada went 2 for 4, and more importantly received well for Johnson. Finally, new addition Tony Womack showed off his speed in turning one base into two, placing himself into position to score.

I knew all off-season that the Yankees had to beat the Red Sox the first time they saw them at all, which they did resoundingly in Spring training. I also knew that the first game of the season had to be won convincingly, and it was as well. I am not going to forecast the whole season based on one game, as last year proved that nothing is certain until the las outs in October. However, what needed to happen has happened, and now Carl Pavano takes the hill to keep it going. The impact of winning all three games agains the Sox should not be overlooked, as the Yankees can jump ahead and possibly stay ahead in the AL East.


Elsewhere, the Mets wasted a 3-run, 12K performance from Pedro when Looper gave up a GW HR to Joe Randa. Dimitri Young hit Three jacks for victorious Detroit, Richie Sexon hit two for Seattle. The Nationals lost their first of what should be many this year. Alex Sanchez became the first steroid suspension of the year, with a 10 day hit. Now the spotlight goes off the 50-60 HR guys, and onto players who use roids to merely compete.

Baseball is back, lets play ball.