Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
Drafting some blue-chip thoughts while wondering which windbag will be the first to burst; Chris Berman or Mel Kiper, Jr.:
I’d be shocked if the Patriots kept both the 24th and 28th picks Saturday. The pre-draft buzz has the bottom of the first round being second round quality. Translation; a lot of guys are going to be guaranteed salaries they may not deserve. That doesn’t sound like the Belichick/Pioli business plan, does it?
There’s an old gambling adage about never betting against a streak, so I’m still sticking with the Yankees as 2007 AL East champs. But Joe Torre having to use Andy Pettitte (the same Andy Pettitte with a history of elbow problems) in relief just two nights after the Yanks lefty tossed 100-pitches in a starting role has to be worrisome to the Evil Empire’s Stormtroopers. The pitching force is no longer with them.
Speaking of troubled New Yorkers, Sebastian Telfair is Exhibit A why forcing high schoolers to spend at least one year in college is a great idea. For every Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, there are at least ten Telfairs jumping to the NBA before they’re ready physically, or more importantly, emotionally. Placing millions of dollars in one’s bank account before they can properly handle it doesn’t help the growing up process, either.
On the other hand, I’m 100% behind Telfair’s request for a year of leniency on his promise of the Celtics making the playoffs. SunBloggers might recall a certain idiot blogger vowing to run through downtown Lowell in nothing but boxer shorts if the C’s finished with a worse record than the Knicks.
In a show of support for Bassy, I’m requesting a year of leniency, too. Plus, I think we’re doing enough to scare off new downtown residents as is!
Kudos to David Stern, who’s been knocked in this space before, for his tough stand with referee Joey Crawford. When an official gets to the point of ejecting quiet superstars like Tim Duncan simply for laughing, it’s time for the ref to say night-night.
Not just that, but he also challenged the 7-foot center to a fight. I’m not sure who wins megalomaniac of the week, Crawford or Alec Baldwin. Though I’m guessing the man in stripes at least knows how old Duncan is.
Hey Alec…didn’t you say you’d leave the country about 8-years ago? Now might be a good time to dig out the passport, don’t you think?
You can’t help but be happy for Micky Ward. Training old foe Arturo Gatti earns Irish Micky a pretty good payday and will soon lead him to the corner of more national fighters. The local legend has been trying to find a niche since his fight days ended, but more than a few folks who made promises when they wanted to bask in his spotlight seemed to disappear when it came time to return the favor.
The timing of the new gig works out pretty well, too. Filming for the Ward-Ecklund movie “The Fighter” has been delayed until at least September while the script is re-worked. Gatti fights July 14th, at which point Ward will return to the Mill City. That’s perfect timing for Mark Wahlberg, who plans a move to Lowell a couple of months before shooting begins, to follow The Mick and get into character. Yes, you read that correctly. Wahlberg will be spending time in the Mill City, shadowing Ward.
Ladies, start your engines!
If the Yankees don't sign Clemens, this is the year we finally win the division.
Posted by Tito's Terrors | April 24, 2007 10:30 AM
Posted on April 24, 2007 10:30
The Yanks will get the pitching corrected- no way they'll keep trotting out the stiffs that they are sending to the mound right now in September... Every time the Sox think they have them down they manage to come back. I wouldn't count them out until the Magic Number is 0- not with the offense that they have. On the other hand- any time you can sweep the Yankees at Fenway it's VERY sweet. Especially in the manner that it was done.
As much as I love the NFL the draft is the most snooze-inducing "event" I've ever seen. They study these prospects for about 9 months, have months and months to consummate deals, yet every team takes the entire time to write a name on a slip of paper and run it up to a podium?? Make it just like the old football team pick'em at recess- we still ended up with a couple of balanced teams that way!
Telfair ought to be on the next bus out of town- he has never done anything in the NBA anyway. Why keep the headache around if he can't even play? Let the Knicks or someone else deal with him. Rondo/West is a decent enough combo at the point anyway.
Good for Micky Ward- hopefully he can get himself another high-profile fighter or two after this Gatti fight. He's certainly got a better background as a fighter than a lot of other trainers in the pros.
Posted by dboisver | April 24, 2007 2:02 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 14:02
You hit the nail on the head, DB. No way the Yanks keep trotting out these stiffs in September, which is exactly why I hope Tito's Terrors idea of Clemens is right on.
I'd love to see the Yanks waste their big move on Roger. He'll be good, not great, for a couple of months, then when they need him most in September and October, he'll be gassed or battling a groin injury. Either that, or his head of Bondsian proportions will explode.
In the meantime, Pettitte will break down and they'll be left with Mussina, "Prove it to me again" Wang and a limping Clemens to get them through October. We've seen how well that's worked lately, haven't we?
Posted by Teddy Panos | April 24, 2007 2:15 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 14:15
You understimate Clemens. He's as good or better than Schilling the last two years. With the offense New York has all they need is six quality innings. Roger can still give them that. I think he stays in Houston. I hope so too.
Posted by Tito's Terrors | April 24, 2007 9:54 PM
Posted on April 24, 2007 21:54
I think Clemens will avoid coming back to Houston unless they start playing better - if they keep scuffling they could be out of the race before Roger even makes a decision. I think he'll choose between the Sox and Yankees and may make his decision based on standings as much as anything else. I'd guess he'd lean more towards the Yankees than the Red Sox but with that guy who knows what he's really thinking??
The main worry with the Yankees is that I wouldn't put it past them to acquire TWO starters before the end of the year. They saved up some $$$ by signing Mientkiewicz (maybe I spelled it right) and didn't sign a good backup catcher so I'll bet they've got the money ready if guys become available. If any of the supposed contenders hit a rough spell and look to pick up some prospects the Yankees do seem to have some of them to deal again now.
Also lurking in the background is Phillip Hughes. Is he all he's been hyped up to be?? If he is he can also help shift the balance...
Posted by dboisver | April 25, 2007 11:15 AM
Posted on April 25, 2007 11:15
Your right not to count the Yankees out yet. They have their injuries now but it might be a blessing in disguise to keep Mussinas innings total low and have him fresher late in the summer. Old men Schilling and Wakefield are going to break down at some point too. As happens every year the division will be decided in late August and September.
PS--how is that Dice Cy Young pick working out for you.
Posted by MadDog Mike | April 26, 2007 12:29 AM
Posted on April 26, 2007 00:29