Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
A few peaceful protests while wondering if demonstrators are at least allowed to read sports blogs, now that Twitter and Facebook are being blocked in Iran:
-Being a firm believer in the "where there's smoke there's fire" theory, expect Danny Ainge to pull off something major, if not before Thursday's NBA Draft, then shortly thereafter. There are too many rumors involving the Celtics floating around out there to believe Dealer Danny's protestations to the contrary.
Personally, I wouldn't include both Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen in any package that brings back Amare Stoudemire. One of them, along with a few spare parts and draft picks? In a heartbeat!
-Watch for the Bruins to also do their share of wheeling and dealing prior to Saturday's NHL Draft.
Most likely big name to go? Phil Kessel, who while incredibly skilled, plays at a size and with a style that doesn't translate well to playoff hockey, or to a healthy, long-term career. If a very good puck-moving defenseman can be had in return, the Black and Gold have to think about pulling the trigger, especially in this day and age of salary caps.
-Forgive me for being cynical (thank you to all the cheats and enablers who've done this to the great game of baseball), but what kind of eye drops has David Ortiz begun using? Haven't seen a cure-all this effective since Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
-My thoughts on Donald Fehr stepping down as Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director? Good riddance!
-Don't be so quick to give up on Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Has he been dreadful this year? You bet. Are his marathon 5 1/3 inning starts maddening? Enough to make you want to put a size 11 through the television set.
Just remember, those 33-wins in the first two years of his career didn't come by accident or by luck. Not many pitchers of any experience or background post those win totals in today's era. An awful lot of skill went into those wins. A little more rest, a little less stubbornness, and Dice-K will play a key role before the 2009 season is said and done.
-Don't want this to come off as crass, as Phil Mickelson has far more important things to worry about than a couple of missed putts. But the reason Tiger Woods has won 14-Majors versus only 3 for Mickelson has nothing to do with distance off the tee, nothing to do with ball striking ability and nothing to do with the short game.
It all comes down to the ability to consistently sink makeable putts when it counts. Plain and simple: Tiger makes them, Phil doesn't. You know it, I know it, and Mickelson probably knows it, too. Is there any doubt Woods would have drained the 3-foot putt on the 15th hole and the 8-footer on 17 that cost "Lefty" a chance at the U.S. Open?
And where did David Duval come from? Seems like he hasn't won a tournament since Iranian students were protesting FOR an Ayatollah.
Most teams are looking for puck-moving defensemen. Not too easy to find those guys (why do you think the Ducks keep getting Niedermayer back from "retirement"?). Just show the $$$ to Bouwmeester if you can fit him under the cap and trade Kessel for picks and more of a 2-way winger. Maybe, if Niedermayer comes back the Ducks will try to move Pronger - Kessel for Pronger would work if the salaries fit... If that fails take a look at the Red Wings. Their defensive core seems stacked with young studs (Ericsson wasn't even in the NHL most of the year). Maybe they could use Kessel.
Dice-K definitely has something going on from the WBC. The guy threw way too many pitches for what should have been spring training and now I think he's feeling the effects. Send him down to the minor league camp and build him up just like it's Feb/March and I think he can step back in although will be tough if the Sox have 5 starters throwing well when he's ready. People gripe about his contract but he really cost about half of the $102 mil and how many millions have the Sox made off of Japanese fans buying souvenirs, Funai sponsorship, etc. I wish people would give him a third of the forgiveness they give to Big Papi (who also deserves it, too).
Whatever those eye drops are I want some.
I am not sure the Sox can send Dice-K "down to the minor league camp". I recall hearing about a clause in his contract tthat stipulates sending him down is NOT an option.