Capitals 3, Bruins 2 (SO)

You have to admire the Bruins' resiliency in this game. It wasn't a pretty game, and the Bruins didn't play all that well, but they were able to score two late goals in the 3rd to tie it and earn a point.

It's the type of character that until recently was lacking with this team. About a week ago, if the Bruins fell 2-0 down, that was it. But now, they're able to make something out of nothing.

Hopefully Seidenberg will be back Saturday. Corvo just doesn't fit in. He's not a liability like Kaberle was. But he hasn't done anything to really be a Bruin.

McQuaid left the game in the 1st period. The Bruins are saying that he wasn't acting like himself. And that's worrisome. Hopefully he recovers today and does act like himself. The Bruins will need him in the playoffs.

Bruins play the Islanders on the road Saturday. They need 1 point to clinch a playoff spot.

-The Commodore

Capitals @ Bruins Preview

The Bruins seem to be back on track. Funny thing is it seems to coincide with Joe Corvo being benched. Corvo has been a healthy scratch the last 6 games and the Bruins are 5-1 during those games. Pretty good for a team that hadn't really put a winning streak together is about two months.

The problem tonight? HE'S BACK....

Dennis Seidenberg was the only Bruin missing from morning skate, and he'll miss his first game of the season tonight. Taking his place is the always lovable Joe Corvo. Now maybe this time off will help Corvo refound his game. He was a good player before he came here, so maybe this will be the turning of the tide.

I'm not holding my breathe.

I was just joking about him being the reason the Bruins have been winning lately. Yes, the defense is better, but so is the offense and goaltending. The whole team has woken up, and just in time.

This will be a great test for them tonight. The Capitals are 2-1 against them this year, plus they are fighting for their playoff lives right now as they are 2 points behind Buffalo for the last playoff spot in the East. Thomas is 4-1-0 with a 1.58 goals-against average and a shutout in his last five games after going 0-3-0 with a 5.73 GAA in his previous four. I think that will be the key tonight though and the Bruins win.

Bruins win 4-2
Player of the Game: Thomas/Marchand
Game starts at 7pm

Why Not?

Why not watch Liam Neeson attempt comedy?

-The Commodore

Parcells To Saints Sounds More Likely

"If the opportunity presents itself, I'll think it over and clearly I'm in some phase of the process without knowing whether it's going to become a reality," Parcells told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen by phone on Wednesday. "Sean's become a dear, dear friend. I'm trying to be a friend.

"You know, when I was a young coach, there were people like Chuck Noll, Chuck Knox and Tom Landry who were there for me. I think to honor those guys who helped me, you turn around and pass that legacy on to somebody else and Sean's an example of that. If he needs me and the owner and GM feel the same way, then I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't consider it."

"Sean is not the one doing the hiring. That's up to Mickey Loomis and [Saints owner] Tom Benson," Parcells told Mortensen. "I'm just getting to know Loomis, which is one reason we played golf yesterday. I mean, we've obviously had discussions about doing this but there are still too many hypotheticals to draw a conclusion right now."

Couple key pieces to these comments. First he already is admitting he is thinking about and that him and Payton have talked about it. He also is getting to know Mickey Loomis. When you put that together I am really starting to think this could happen. If Parcells is really Payton's friend then he is no threat to steal his job, plus he is old. Also, from what people say there are similar coaches, and even worked together, so there wouldn't be a huge transition. I didn't think this would happen when I first read it, but I am really starting to think the Big Tuna is going to be back in the NFL.

In Defense Of Bobby Valentine

I was a big Francona fan, and actually I still am, but when you're team has a historic collapse usually heads roll. I know the Julien (Bruins coach) is the other side of the coin, but decisions have been made, and I am already tired of everyone's non-stop ripping of Bobby V.

He is the exact opposite of Francona. Francona was a players coach that wouldn't talk about anything that was going on in the clubhouse, or with his players. He was a buy who padded egos. He was not about having himself in the spotlight. Bobby V loves the spotlight. He doesn't care what the players think, it's his way and that's all there is to it. If he feels like calling you out he every well might.

Now, that might seem like I am ripping Bobby V, but I'm actually not, because this could be exactly what the Red Sox need. That clubhouse was a bunch of arrogant pricks that wouldn't play hard because they knew there coach had their back. It worked for many years, but it had run it's course and just like that nice teacher we have all had, eventually people will take advantage. Bobby V will have none of that.

Schilling was on WEEI yesterday and he was saying it's not going well. We all have to remember that Schilling is also a big Francona supporter, and likes to hear himself talk. He hasn't said one good thing about the Red Sox since Franonca went out that door.

My thinking with Bobby V is the same as when they signed him. He is not going to have a long career here. I think he will eventually wear out his welcome, because you can only push so hard for so long. Yet, I think that's fine. He kicks some ass in that clubhouse now, and in 2 years they bring in that player friendly coach, because 90% of the time when you fire a coach you look for his opposite.

Let's cut Bobby V some slack. Do I like all his comments? No, but I will say this. For a guy who is supposedly all about calling guys out I have heard very little talked about Josh Beckett, who was one of the biggest story lines going into the season. I haven't heard too much about Youk being hurt again. I haven't heard to many people freaking out about Papelbon being gone. No, instead it's been the Bobby V show, and maybe that is what the players needed going into this season. In a way he has taken off the pressure. He is just doing it in a different way. Me, Me, Me worked for the Jets for a couple years, and maybe that can happen here. Like I said not long term, but for the short term Bobby V could very well be a good fit, and I think he deserves a chance, and if the clubhouse doesn't like it, well tough, because it was that same clubhouse that could've saved Francona's job last year.

Mega Millions Jackpot Up To 1/2 Billion (UPDATED)

The Mega Millions jackpot is now the largest in U.S. lottery history, as it is now up to $500 million. Kind of crazy that someone on Friday as the chance to be a 1/2 billion dollars richer.

If you win, you have two options. Straight cash, or yearly payouts. A winner could get $19.2 million a year for 26 years or a single payment worth $359 million.

So what are your chances of winning? 1 in 179,000,000. Basically the same chance of being attacked by a polar bear and a lion in the same day (Enter Dumber and Dumber quote: "So your saying there's a chance"). Still, for a buck why not try.

The real question is what would you do with a 1/2 billion dollars?


***UPDATE***

Mega Millions jackpot increases to $540 million, largest jackpot in world history, lottery officials say.

Since most people buy the day of the drawing (Friday 11pm) the jackpot is likely to break $600 million

Liverpool Coming to Fenway

On July 25th, the favorite son of the Fenway Sports Management family will play at Fenway Park. English soccer team Liverpool FC will play an exhibition game against AS Roma of Italy.

The match will be part of Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States. No further dates have been announced, but the team will use Boston as a base throughout their American expedition. They'll be training at Harvard.

This isn't surprising news at all. Fenway has already hosted a match between Scotland's Celtic FC and Portugal's Sporting Lisbon. And we all know that Liverpool is the new favorite son of Fenway Sports Management.

The game is an opportunity to pocket a few Dollars/Pounds/Euros, promote Liverpool FC's brand in America, and promote the Fenway brand in Europe.

AS Roma is a clever choice for an opponent too. They're a reasonably popular team in the States, but they won't overshadow Liverpool who are much more popular. It's sort of like the Red Sox going to another country and playing the San Francisco Giants. Both teams are well-known and have good fanbases, but the Sox' is much larger. If Liverpool were playing Barcelona or Inter Milan, then they'd be the second-billed attraction. But with Roma, they are the main event.

-The Commodore

Anchorman 2

Anchorman 2 is coming out and as I was watching Conan last night the news came out. And even though we all got sick of people saying lines from the movie, i still find it hysterical.

Can't wait.

Why Not?

Bad Writers Block


Dante's peak esk

Brandon Jacobs to 49ers

2 time Superbowl champion and all around asshole runningback Brandon Jacobs and the 49ers have agreed to a deal. The deal is 1 year and even though I don't like Jacobs, this is a good signing in order to preserve RB Frank Gore.

Now that the 49ers are deciding to roll the dice with Alex Smith, it's a smart move to make the running game that much stronger. Alex Smith is the definition of mediocre and he needs to set up his passing by rushing the ball.

So what do I think Jacobs can do in SF? He will finish with about 500 yards and 7 TDs. Or he will be dropped by week 7.

New NFL Rules

Dictator Goodell has implemented some new rules, everyone listen up!

All turnovers will be reviewed from the booth with no coaches' challenges needed and overtime periods in the regular season will use the same scoring rules as the postseason after NFL owners voted to approve those proposals Wednesday. The replay official already reviews all scoring plays.

An overtime in the regular season now will end on a team's first possession only if it scores a touchdown or the defense forces a safety. If the team kicks a field goal on its first possession, the opposing team also will get a possession. If it also kicks a field goal, the extra period continues.

Other rules changes: A team will lose a down for illegally kicking a loose ball; too many men on the field becomes a dead-ball foul; and a player receiving a crackback block is now considered a defenseless player and the play will result in a 15-yard penalty, for every tackle made above the shoulders or below the thighs James Harrison will be fines 1K. ESPN

I have no problem with the new rules other than the James Harrison rule, seems a little weird.

It's about time they got rid of these stupid challenge plays. I would much rather all the turnovers be right and not have to be challenged. I'm also fine with the overtime rules too, although, if it was up to me, I would just get rid of kickers all together. I'm done with field goals, I want teams to go for it all the time. Punters are fine. But I'm done with field goals all together, the game would be a lot more exciting with going for it on 4th down.

94 Boston, 82 Utah

The C's had a great 2nd quarter and hell, I'll say a great 1st half. Everything was clicking, the tempo was great and the defensive pressure was amazing. They went into the half 46-35.

But then the 3rd/4th quarter problems happened and the Jazz then went on an 18-7 run and the game was tied at 66 early in the 4th. Then big shots from Keyon Dooling and Sasha Pavlovic put the Celtics up 8 at 78-70 and the Celtics coasted home.

KG has been playing out of his mind lately, who woulda thunk, that he would revert into the 08 version of himself at center, he's just a hell of a player. He had 23 points and 10. Pierce played well with 20 and Bass had 19. Rondo was sensational as usual, he had 14 assists, including 2 sweet ally oops to newcomer Ryan Hollins and 6 points and 4 rebounds.

The Celtics are once again tied with the Sixers for the 4th spot in the playoffs and have won 3 in a row.

Celtcs(27-22, 17-8 home) vs Jazz (27-23, 8-17 away) Preview

Depth Chart

	Utah (PPG)	Boston (PPG)
PG	D. Harris 10.3	R. Rondo 12.6
SG	C. Miles 9.3	R. Allen 14.6
SF	J. Howard 8.7	P. Pierce 18.9
PF	D. Favors 8.7	B. Bass 12.0
C	A. Jefferson 19.4	K. Garnett 15.4
View full depth chart: Utah | Boston

I still miss Big Al Jefferson.

But this game should be good, but FINALLY the Celtics are home and safe at the garden where they are 17-8. The Celtics are winners of a season-high six straight at home, the Celtics are coming off their fourth win in five games, 102-95 at Charlotte on Monday.

The only thing that scares me in this match up is the size of Utah with Al Jefferson, Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap. They will be a lot to throw at KG, Greg Steimsma, Brandon Bass and ...... Ryan Hollins.

This game like most games, will hinge on whether the offense can get going by Rondo. Rondo's scoring has gone down a little the past 5 games, but his assists have been out of control. He's been managing this offense with surgeon like precision and it has paid off greatly. Of course, some fans in Boston only check the box score and see 7 points in a game and want to boo the controversial pg, but he has been leading this team big time during this road trip.

Paul Pierce and KG have been shouldering the load offensively with their aggressive play and I would love to see that tonight with KG being guarded by young Derrick Favors and with the Jazz being thin at the SF position. I believe Ray and Mikael are out again, so this will have to be a collective team effort for the win.

Also we need to keep up with Philly who beat the Cavs last night.

Celtics win 98-87

Tommy Award: Paul Pierce

The Bard Plan

There has been so much discussion about what to do with Daniel Bard. Should he start? Should he be in the bullpen? Should he be the closer? Well, here is my opinion.

I think the Red Sox have no choice, but to start the season with him in the rotation. Sure they have a mess of other starters, but this guy has the highest upside, and you have to at least let him try. I would let him go out there and do his thing until the beginning of June. That's when Dice-K comes back. At that point you can decide if Dice-K should knock him out of the rotation, and Bard can go back to the bullpen, or whether Dice-K should knock out the 5th starter (whoever that will be, my guess Doubront).

I am on record that I don't think the Bard thing will workout, but you have brought him down this path, which you have to at least see what he's got. Worst case scenario is that you end up putting back in the pen. I just think that's the best option for now.

Tiger's Mistresses Making X-Rated Movie About Him

"Just as Tiger Woods is getting back into his swing for the Masters, three of his former porn-star mistresses are releasing a new X-rated movie based on their bedroom romps with the sex-crazed duffer. Devon James, Holly Sampson and Joslyn James are starring in “3 Mistresses: Notorious Tales of the World’s Greatest Golfer,” which is slated to be released on April 3. In the movie, the women are together for an in-depth Q&A session about Woods, which includes explicit discussions about his sexual tastes and on-screen demonstrations of what the golf legend is like in the sack (FoxNews)."

Well, Tiger probably should've seen this one coming, as they are pornstars and this is their best chance to make money. I mean they already sell their bodies for a living, and were slamming a married man, so it's not like pride is going to get in the way. This is planned so it will be released the day after Tiger tees off at the Masters. I'll be honest, at this point I feel bad for the guy. He has paid his due. He lost half his cash, this has all hurt his golf game, has people releasing books, and now this shit. What he did was wrong, but he has more then paid for it, it's just too bad that it looks like it will never end for him.

I hope he wins the Masters. He is the only reason golf is even relevant.

Why You Choose Offense Over Defense at Short-Stop

Jose Iglesias is a defensively sound short-stop, but the Red Sox simply couldn't afford risking another hole in their lineup. They'll be breaking camp without Crawford, Cody Ross hit .240 last year, Saltalamacchia hit .235 in 2011 and is a career .244 hitter. So that's three holes in the lineup already. Also known as an easy inning.

Anyone who complains about the Sox "sacrificing defense for offense" is failing to see the larger picture that Iglesias would be hole #4 in that lineup.

And with the bottom of the rotation as shaky as it is, the Sox need to be able to have big innings and score runs in bunches. It can't just be Ellsbury-Pedroia-Youkilis-Gonzalez-Ortiz doing the production. There need to be hitters at the bottom of the order that can at least make an opposing pitcher work to get them out.

And if Iglesias is as great as some believe that he is, he'll do well enough in AAA to force his way onto the MLB roster. Playing time isn't given, it's earned.

-The Commodore

Why College Sports Are Awesome

WKYT – For UK and UofL fans, the rivalry often runs deep. But police say, they never expected to get called to a dialysis clinic for a fight between fans! “I think this is a first at a dialysis center,” Lt. Robert Swanigan commented while handing over the police reports. Officers were called after a UK and UofL fan gave each other a full court press during treatment at the Georgetown Dialysis Clinic Monday. “He just happened to think UofL would beat UK and he started to run his mouth,” explained dialysis patient Ed Wilson. Wilson also happens to be a self-proclaimed die hard UK fan. “That’s what started it.” But Charles Taylor, who was waiting to get hooked up to a machine saw things differently. “I didn’t talk to him about the ball game; I was talking to another guy about the game,” The UofL fan exclaimed. “He was meddling. And told me to shut up and gave me the finger!” “I wasn’t gonna take no more from him,” UofL fan Taylor said. UK fan Wilson explained “I’m sitting there hooked up to a machine and I can’t do anything.” So, offended by Wilson, Taylor took action. “I went up to him and I hit him, ” he said. “Didn’t hit him that hard, but I hit him.” “I’m sorry it even happened,” Wilson said. “Hopefully, he won’t come at the same time as me anymore.”

I am a big advocate of pro sports, I believe in every sport the pro level is a much better game. However, there is one thing that is far better in college sports than pro, and that's the fans and their passion. It's hysterical that these senior critters are able to go at it while their kidneys are failing not because they are black and white and in the south, but because one likes UK and one likes Louisville. No matter what happens in the final four, believe me, this is Louisville finals. I honestly believe that Louisville would prefer to beat Kentucky than win the National Championship.

When I originally heard this story on Mike and Mike, I had to look it up and laughed hysterically. This is awesome and I'm sure this rivalry will end up in a death, but whatever people are loyal and should be applauded for it.

Would You Rather?

Would you rather have your sister be one of the girls in the URI sextape scandal or this girl?


I don't know if I could deal with it if my sister was this girl, she is just banging a tree with no care about the 100 people watching her. too much swag.

Rant

So I woke up early this morning and was excited because I really wanted to watch the A's/ Mariners game. Not that I support these teams, but because it's baseball season. One of my favorite pitchers in baseball is Felix Hernandez, I really like Ichiro and Dustin Ackley, I was interested to see how newly acquired Jesus Montero played as well as Cuban Yoenis Cespedes for the A's. But the MLB dropped the ball big time. It's not on TV and I couldn't find it anywhere streaming online. How could they possibly do this? I'm not going to spend 150 dollars for MLBTV (even though I had to talk myself out of it this morning) and I'm not going to listened to a tape delayed audio version. So I had to sit there like a schmuk and watch it on gamecenter on CBS..... gay.

I of course blame this on that money grubbing d bag Bud Selig. I don't know if he actually has any involvement in this or it's the networks doing, but he shouldn't let this happen. I don't care what team is playing, opening day is cool and if he is trying to make it an international event he needs to let US viewers see what our game looks like in Japan.

I'm really pissed about this.

Magic Johnson Forks Over 2 Billion For The Dodgers

A group that includes former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten agreed Tuesday night to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt for a record $2 billion. ESPN

I like it. I would have liked to seen Mark Cuban in baseball, however, another LA Star buying the Dodgers is a pretty cool thing to have happen. Magic Johnson is the only Laker I don't despise. This worked out for all parties involved, Frank McCourt can remove himself from the Dodgers and not be completely broke or embarress himself more by barely affording pay roll (still so thankful he didn't buy the Sox), and LA can be stoked that they keep it in the family and be excited that one of their own are now in charge of the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are also a pretty good team, they are unlike that mess in NY called the Mets and actually have talent and young talent with Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. With this new group in expect the Dodgers to be more active in every aspect of the game, free agency, trade deadlines, waivers, etc. It also wouldn't surprise me if they were a couple games behind San Fran at the end of the year.

The URI, Dan Hurley Era Is Starting Off Great

There is nothing better than to see my beloved Alma Mater do something great. They finally did something correctly in getting rid of that lame duck coach Jim Baron and hired Wagners Dan Hurley. Hurley has done pretty good at Wagner and can rebuild The U of the North no problem. However, my guess would be they will be without Freshman Forward Jonathan Holton. You see the Miami raised Forward decided that he was going to have consensual sex with a couple girls, that's no problem. But then he decided to go and throw the videos on facebook, apparently that's frowned upon and Holton could face up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine if he’s convicted of the felony charges.

The official report from the ProJo is:
University of Rhode Island Campus Police arrested freshman basketball player Jonathan Holton on Tuesday morning and charged him with two counts of video voyeurism. Holton, 21, of Miami, was arrested following complaints from two students that he took video of two separate sexual encounters with them and then posted them on Facebook without their consent. Police said the incidents occurred on campus last fall and were consensual. Campus police said the alleged victims went to the police station after friends told them that some videos of them had been posted to Facebook and that they were forwarded to about 30 people. Four videos have been turned over to campus police.

A couple questions to start out with. 1. Why is he 21 and a freshman, I turned 21 on my second sophomore year. 2. How stupid can you be to post it to facebook? This blows the BC Hockey kid out of the water who taped it on his cell phone and showed a couple of his buddies. 3. How disappointed would you be if you were these girls daughters/ sisters or just anyone related to you. 4. I did research last night into seeing if the girls are hot or not, and apparently, according to the comment section in all of these articles, they aren't and they are fat. So I guess this can be chalked up as a non story.

Bruins 5, Stamkos 2

In this recent stretch of quality play, this was the first come-from-behind victory for the Bruins. Part of me needed to see that even when down a goal, this team would stick to the plan, be resilient, be tough to beat, and wind up prevailing.

What a night for Zdeno Chara. Honored for his 1,000th NHL game he factored in three of the Bruins goals. These weren't token assists either. Shawn Thornton technically scored the Bruins' first goal, but it was Chara's drive toward the net that caused the goal. Then having Chara and Seidenberg as the D-tandem when 4-on-4 is something every team in the NHL should be jealous of.

If not for Stamkos and a very good effort from Roloson, the Bruins would have won this game with ease. Stamkos is a goal scoring machine.

The Energy Line provided more than a little energy. Thornton scored and had 5 shots on goal. Campbell had 2, Caron had 1. 8 shots for the 4th line. Not bad.

The Power Play looks better. Peverley's return may be responsible for that. It's cleaner. There are less silly struggles with entry, less static formation passing around the outside. I can feel a big night coming for the PP unit.

Brian Rolston extended his point streak to 7 games with an assist on Pouliot's goal.

The Bruins are now 5 points ahead of Ottawa, who are idle until Saturday. The B's host the Capitals on Thursday. With a win, the Bruins will clinch a spot in the playoffs.

-The Commodore

Bruins @ Lightning Preview

Last year the Bruins knocked the Lightning out of the playoffs. Tonight they have a chance to basically kill this team's slim playoff hopes. If the last two times these two teams have played is any indication this won't be easy.

The Lightning have outscored the Bruins 11-4 the last two teams they have played. That's damn ugly. I except Thomas to play better in this game, so that's one step. The other is that Peverley is back, and the Bruins offense seems to be playing better. The big surprise is Rolston who The veteran has three goals and eight assists during a six-game scoring streak, giving him 12 points in 15 games with the Bruins (he had 9 in 49 contests with the New York Islanders). Mark Recchi anyone?

The good news for the Bruins is the Lightning haven't beat the Bruins in Boston since March 25, 2010. I expect the Bruins to come out strong, and win this home game.

Bruins win 6-3
Player of the Game: Peverley
Game starts at 7:30pm

Captain's Thoughts: Jose Iglesias to AAA

A day after the media suggested there was a rift between Sox manager Bobby Valentine and GM Ben Cherington, the Sox responded by sending Jose Iglesias to AAA Pawtucket. That was what Cherington wanted to do all along. And finally, it happened this morning.

Valentine added that there was never a debate about Iglesias. "We've had discussions, never a debate. I never knew what side he was taking, and I don't know if he knew what side I was taking."

That quote seems to suggest that Valentine and Cherington once had differing views on Iglesias' development. However, the manager did agree that Iglesias probably needed more time to work on his swing. Iglesias was 5 for 25 (.200) this spring. Valentine even said "I like to think it was partially my decision."

So while Valentine assures us that there is no conflict between he and Cherington, it does appear that Round 1 has gone to the GM. Iglesias' struggles in spring training certainly made it an easy argument to win.

It's the smart move. Iglesias needs confidence and needs consistency. He can get that in Pawtucket. Bringing him to the Majors at this tentative stage might shatter what little confidence he has left if he struggles.

Feuding between Valentine and Cherington is inevitable. Valentine doesn't just think he knows best, he's 100% certain he knows best. And only in cases like this one, with Iglesias clearly struggling, will he give up the fight.

So on your scorecards, give Round 1 to Cherington.

-The Commodore

Joba Chamberlain Almost Died

"The latest incident, oddly enough, has nothing to do with Chamberlain's arm or even baseball at all. Rather, he suffered what's being called an open dislocation of his right ankle while playing on a trampoline. Chamberlain, who was at a children's center with his son that featured athletic activities, including trampolines, underwent surgery Thursday night. According to a Yankees source cited in this New York Daily News piece, Chamberlain lost a potentially life-threatening amount of blood (ESPN)."

I don't know how I missed this story, but this is hilarious. Sorry, I know it was serious, and he is going to be fine by the way (but miss the entire season), but an MLB player dying from a trampoline as to make you giggle a little bit.

Actually, you have to feel a little bad for him. His mom does Meth, he exploded on the scene then fell apart, then blew out his arm, got a DUI, and now almost died on a trampoline. That is Ryan Leaf kind of fall from grace.

Single Elimination Baseball

I was originally opposed to the new MLB playoff system. The idea of a single-elimination game was problematic. A 162 game season ending with just 1 game? Wild Card teams with good records playing each other while inferior divisional winning teams rested their pitchers? The notion that one good starting pitching performance could determine an entire round of playoffs.

I've changed my mind. Now I like the idea. In fact, I think it should be expanded.

The calendar is responsible for this realization. It's March. The month of single-elimination excitement. The NCAA tournament and the conference tournaments that preceded it have reminded me how enjoyable it is to witness two teams playing one game to determine life and death.

I caught myself watching Colorado squeezing past Oregon in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament. I had no interest in either team, the game had no stakes for me, and I don't even like basketball that much. But I was glued to the game. Riveted. Captivated. Because one would advance. The other wouldn't.

That type of drama might be what baseball needs. We get 162 games of pitchers shrugging off signs, batters adjusting gloves, and managers arguing about foul balls. The excitement comes in the playoffs, in Game 7, when everything is on the line.

So why not start the series at Game 7? Why not have 2 Wild Card teams play each other for the right to live. Why stop at 2? Why not have 8 Wild Card teams play each other in a tournament? Wouldn't that be cool?

Some might argue that such a system would make the regular season meaningless. As if it had meaning now?

Such a glorious system will probably never be implemented. But anyway, I no longer mind the idea of single-elimination baseball. It'd be nice if they made a provision that division winning teams with less than 90 wins not be automatically rewarded a bye. But whatever.

And next year, lets add relegation to the mix. Demote the 5th place teams in each division to AAA and bring up 6 minor league teams to replace them. That will give us exciting races at the top and bottom of the standings.

-The Commodore

Red Sox Demote Jose Iglesias

The Red Sox have demoted Jose Iglesias back to AAA. There were some rumors he could steal the SS spot for opening day, but that won't be the case. I am fine with this, as I think he needs more time in the minors to sure up his bat, and with Punto and Aviles on the roster there is no reason to rush him.

I don't know why some Sox fans are throwing such a hissy fit about this. Yes, he has a great glove, but his bat is very weak. There is no harm at putting him down there a bit longer and see if he can get better, plus it's not like you can't just bring him up later if Aviles/Punto don't work out. Everyone chill out, no reason to rush guys. Just be happy we actually have good minors to bring up when needed.

Boston's Black Hole of Media Attention

A Black Hole is a cosmic phenomenon that has such a strong gravitational pull that not even light can escape its grasp. It's a focused and powerful concentration of unimaginable density that literally sucks in and absorbs everything around it. No matter what is going on, if a Black Hole is in the area, it becomes the center of attention. Black Holes are the Bobby Valentines of the Universe.

Every story that centers on or even remotely involves the Red Sox this season will ultimately be about Bobby Valentine. He's an egomaniac and an attention whore. He tries to control the entire sports media.

When was the last time that (in Spring Training) there was a very public spat between the Red Sox manager and the manager of another team? How about two spats? Valentine just had stand on his platform to voice his opinions on Ozzie Guillen a few weeks ago. And more recently he took a run at Joe Girardi for not wanting to take a Spring Training game into extra innings.

He enjoys creating these meaningless nothing stories.

The marriage of Bobby V and the Boston sports media is perfect. In theory. We have one of the hungriest medias in the country here, and Bobby Valentine will feed them three meals a day, plus snacks. The media is hungry and Bobby V loves to cook.

That marriage might need some counseling, though. After Chris Gasper pointed out differences of opinions between Valentine and GM Ben Cherington, Valentine lashed out at the media. He called it "lazy journalism."

And after he denied the rift about 3 times, that's when his denials became less and less believable.

What does Valentine expect? More fluff pieces about wrap sandwiches? More Girardi vs. Valentine crap that he initiates?

The thing about Black Holes is that they suck up everything around them, without the ability to pick and choose what it absorbs. Bobby V likes to control the media, to use it as a tool to motivate players, or even just to placate his own starving ego. Sometimes, however, the media actually does their job. They report that the egomaniacal manager is having disagreements with the inexperienced pawn of a GM.

Bobby Valentine loves a circus, so long as he's the Ring Leader. That's how he feels like life and the Universe should work, with him in the center, controlling everything.

For now, that's not a terrible thing for the Sox. He is drawing all the media's scrutiny. All the pressure from the press is falling on him. The Sox have Cody Ross as a starting outfielder, no idea who their short-stop will be, and can't seem to find a 4th or 5th starter.

Yet everyone is talking about Bobby Valentine.

His egomania is protecting the team. Today. When they play meaningful games, they'll have to fend for themselves. And Circus Ring Leader Bobby Valentine will find out that the media aren't his minions. They will be his assassins.

-The Commodore

Why Not?

I find Kay and Peele really funny, why not watch you got somethin on your shirt.

Dion Waiters going Pro

Syracuse sophomore Dion Waiters is going pro after Cuse got bounced by Ohio State in the elite eight. Waiters is a muscular dude and is 6'4 and about 215. He went from 6.6 points per game as a freshman to 12.6 this past year. His shooting percentage improved from 41.1 to 48.2 percent. His 3-point shooting also went up, rising to 36 percent from 32.9 percent.

I see Waiters as a late 1st round pick who could draw Jamal Crawford comparisons. He's long and could be instant offense for a team. I would want the Celtics to stay away from him because I don't like his defensive upside and we are getting Terrence Jones and Austin Rivers anyways.

Amare Stoudemire Out Indefinitely

New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire is out "indefinitely" after an MRI revealed a bulging disk in his lower back, the team announced.

The Knicks have been a mess this whole season and since Mike Woodson has taken hold of the team they have been playing better. They are actually 6-1 since he took over from Mike D'Antoni and is a game out of .500. But losing Amare is a big deal. He is a big part of that offense and if he's done for a couple weeks the Knicks could miss out on the playoffs. If you remember, he had this issue last year in the playoffs against the Celtics and the C's obviously swept them.

It will be interesting to see how this whole Knicks situation gets handled and whether they can come together. Because with this injury Woodsons, rotation will not be set in stone, until the playoffs.

Remember Linsanity? What happened to that?

This Could Be a Big Week for the Bruins

Photo borrowed/stolen from Days of Y'Orr

The Bruins can clinch the Division by Saturday afternoon. And they don't need much help to do it. After beating Winnipeg 6-4 last night, the Senators are a mere 3 points behind the B's. However, the Bruins have 7 games left, and Ottawa has 5. The Bruins play twice before Ottawa plays their next game on Saturday.

Tonight the Bruins host Tampa Bay. The Lightning zapped the B's a few weeks ago. Vengeance is a powerful motivator. I think they'll dispose of the Lightning in convincing fashion.

Then Washington comes to town. That will be a tough one. The Caps are in playoff mode already. They're vying with Buffalo for the 8th spot. So every inch of ice and every loose puck will be fiercely contested. Thankfully, Washington is 14-20-4 on the road.

If the Bruins win these two games, they'll have a 7 point lead over Ottawa. These two games are the "games in hand" the Bruins have had for a few weeks now.

On Saturday, the Bruins will play the Islanders on the road. That's a shabby team that will be limping to the golf course. No excuse to lose to that bunch again.

And Ottawa will be in Philadelphia. The Senators haven't won a game in Philly since December 2009.

If the Bruins win tonight, Thursday, and Saturday, and Ottawa loses to Philly, the Bruins would have a 9 point lead. Both teams would have 4 games remaining, which means the Senators couldn't catch the Bruins and the B's would clinch the Northeast Division.

It'd be nice to get that over and done with as soon as possible.

Although I am going up to Ottawa to see the Bruins on April 5th. And part of me hopes that the game means something. A very small, childish, selfish part of me. I'd much rather the Bruins clinch the division on Saturday, have a chance to rest Thomas and Chara for a game or two and prepare themselves for the Playoffs.

-The Commodore

102 Celtics, 95 Bobcats

Paul Pierce probably had his best game of the season. He finished the night with 36 points, 10-20 FG, 15-18 FT, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, he was aggressive all night and got to the line, 18 times. KG also chipped in with 24 points and a little shove to Byron Mullins, who may be the ugliest human on earth. Rajon Rondo had 7 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds and was a game high +21.

For some reason, we could not stop the Bobcats bench. They scored 59 points in comparison to the Celtics bench who only contributed 9 points.

As for the game itself, it was your token back to back away game. It was full of run. I thought the game was going to be over after the 1st quarter when we built a 18 point lead. Then it disappeared to a 2 point lead going into the half. Then the Celtics made it a 13 point game mid way through the 4th, and were able to hold off surging Bobcats at the end.

It's good to see the Celtics tied for the 1st in the Atlantic.

Celtics @ Bobcats Preview

The Bobcats are by far the worst team in the NBA, and maybe one of the worst teams of all-time. This game should be a blowout, but there are a couple reasons it could end up being a decently close game. First off, Allen and Pietrus are not going to play, which really hurts the Celtics depth. Boston is going to need Bradley to step up once again. I think he will. he might not score 20, but he actually improves Boston's defense, and he is young and should have no problem logging in the minutes needed. Actually, in the long run I think having Allen and Pietrus out for now will really help them, as it finally gives Bradley a really chance to show what he's gone and gain confidence, not just on the defensive end, which he has shown all season, but on the offensive end as well.

The other reason this came could be close is a little less flattering to the Celtics. Sometimes, they seem to care less when playing a shitty team. We have seen them do it before, but tonight I say it doesn't happen as they are just .5 games from taking back their division. I will be really disappointed if they don't come out strong.

Celtics win 96-80
Tommy Award: Bradley
Game starts at 7pm

Bill Parcells To Coach Saints While Payton Suspended?

While seeking the counsel of his former boss and mentor, Bill Parcells, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has broached the idea of Parcells becoming the interim head coach during Payton's suspension for the 2012 season, according to several league sources (ESPN).

The article goes on to say that the two have talked many times, and it could make a lot of sense. Payton was a coach under Parcells in Dallas, and they are close friends. I doubt Parcells would want to coach for more then a year, and he would be handed a team that could be Super Bowl contenders (depending on player suspensions). I guess it makes a lot of sense, but I doubt it will happen. What if Parcells did really well and the players didn't want him to leave? Plus, I just don't know if Parcells will want to coach at his age. It is interesting though and something to keep an eye on.

Why Not?

Revenge Of The Pie - watch more funny videos

Ochocinco Restructures Contract

With the Patriots signing so many receivers, many people (myself included) thought that Chad Ochocinco would soon be cut by the Patriots. But no. He and the team have restructured his contract. Instead of being paid $3 million in 2012, he'll receive $1 million. Last year Ochocinco made $6 million, or $400,000 per catch (at that rate Welker would have made $48.8 million last year).

This move demonstrates that Ochocinco wants to remain a Patriot. Obviously. It means it will be less likely that he gets cut because of the salary cap. He might still get cut before the season, but it would be because of his performance on the field, not his paychecks.

This is what the WR position looks like at the moment:

Wes Welker
Deion Branch
Donte Stallworth
Chad Ochocinco
Anthony Gonzalez
Brandon Lloyd
Tiquan Underwood
Matthew Slater (not really a WR)
Julian Edelman
Britt Davis

Christopher Price on WEEI's "It Is What It Is" blog made a great point in this post about the restructuring. In 2012, the Patriots are treating WR like they treated the D-Line in 2011. They're acquiring a number of veterans who may or may not be productive. And hopefully one or two of them are.

Ochocinco does have a good chance to make the team. He'll have a full, not locked-out off-season to learn McDaniels' playbook. And while everyone is pointing out that the Patriots have 10 receivers on their roster, there's a significant dropoff in talent after the 6th name on that list. So don't be shocked to see Ochojohnson on this team in the fall.

-The Commodore

Bobby Valentine's Strict Clubhouse Drinking Policies Cause Bobby Jenks DUI

That headline might be a little sensationalist, but since Bobby V takes credit for everything else in the world, and the Red Sox' Front Office think managers are responsible for their player's behavior, why not give credit to Mr. Valentine for Mr. Jenks' shenanigans?

One of Theo Epstein's biggest and fattest mistakes was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Office after being pulled over for driving erratically early Friday morning. He failed a field sobriety test. He told officers he had taken too many muscle relaxers.

Jenks, a married father of 4, had spent the night at Babe's, a strip club in Fort Myers. For some reason news reports are calling Babe's a "nightclub." Boston.com referred to Babe's as a bar, then later mentioned that they "feature exotic dancers," as if the strippers were just an appetizer special featured at the bar between 6 and 8.

Babe's is a strip club. Let's call an apple an apple.

Jenks has posted bail. He admitted to police on the scene that he'd hit a car in the Babe's parking lot. Even if he didn't drink or wasn't drunk, he admitted to taking too many muscle relaxers then driving. So he's fucked. Maybe, just maybe, the Sox can get out of paying him the $6 million he's owed. He's being charged with 5 misdemeanors, 4 of them DUI related, 1 of them stemming from hitting another vehicle then driving away.

It seems like the more money Theo Epstein spent on an acquisition, the less success they had. Renteria, Drew, Lugo, Jenks, Matsuzaka. The thing about Theo is that he's too clever and maybe Cherington has the same tragic flaw. They use numerology and neo-Moneyball thinking to find undervalued guys like Bill Mueller and David Ortiz. Which is a great way to get good players for less money. But the big ticket free agents aren't hidden gems that need to be discovered. They're the obvious sluggers who hit 40 HRs, the pitchers who have 3 (and only 3) great pitches.

Theo tried to use the same cleverness that acquired David Ortiz for $1.25 million in 2004 to spend multi-millions on big acquisitions. That's like a stock broker analyzing Exxon-Mobil stocks the same way they look at Kevin's Gas & Auto Repair Station. It's just not the same. Theo finally seemed to get it when he acquired Adrian Gonzalez, a blatantly talented slugger.

Back to Jenks, when Bobby Valentine was approached by Red Sox media about the DUI, the smug Mr. Valentine replied "You guys must know a lot more than I do. I got a little text."

How long until we get sick of that level of smarminess from Mr. Valentine?

-The Commodore

Goodbye Syracuse

Not since the 2004 Democratic National Convention have I been happier to see a rabble of out-of-towners depart the City of Boston. I am so happy that Syracuse and their fans have been sent packing, both out of Boston and out of the NCAA Tournament.

I haven't liked Syracuse for nearly a decade now. I went to school in Central NY State, embedded among annoying SU fans that thought their 22-10 basketball team was great, and their 4-8 football team would compete for a BCS bowl. And the same Syracuse fans who cursed Boston College for jumping to the ACC now gloat about joining the ACC, and leaving the likes of Georgetown and UConn to fend for themselves.

What's worse is that these delusional orange-bleeding morons wind up working for ESPN. They used to just overrate The Orange in their coverage of the team. Now they cover up the skeletons in Syracuse's closet.

So yes, I'm thrilled that Boston is rid of the Syracuse program and it's clingers-on. I'm giddy that SU is out of the tournament. Jim Boeheim runs a dirty program that doesn't report drug violations. What a great guy to be a mentor to young men as they prepare to enter the real world. And in his spare time, he insults victims of sexual abuse. Yet he remains uncriticized and untouched by the Cuse grads that run ESPN and the rest of the sports media.

Goodbye, Cuse.

-The Commodore

Tournament Time

DP

BMack


Top 5 In our challenge
1 Jeff Lester
2 George Layer
3 Bob Mack
4 Kyle Holland
5 Andrew Tibbetts

Jeff Lester is in the lead, but George Layer has the most points left.

I also am refusing to pay if Jeff Lester wins as well.

But onto the games;
72 Louisville, 68 Florida
The Cardinals ended the game on a 23 to 8 run and Florida. Both of these teams overachieved in this tourney. And now Louisville will get rewarded in winning their bracket by facing Kentucky, who beat them by 7 earlier this year in a heated in state rivalry.

Ohio State 77, Syracuse 70
When this game started and early into it, it was deja vu again. The refs gave Ohio State big man Jared Sullinger 2 quick ticky tac fouls and took all the momentum away from State and back to Cuse. Fortunately Jared was able to overcome the foul trouble and finish the game with 19 points and 7 rebounds against that tough zone. Ohio State pulled away in the 2nd and was able to hold off Cuse for the win.

82 Kentucky, 70 Baylor
This game was over before it started as Kentucky probably had the best half in NCAA history. They were up 42 to 22 at half. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 19 points, Anthony Davis added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Terrence Jones had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

There was a scary moment in the 2nd where Anthony Davis fell down and was grabbing his knee. Fortunately he was able to bounce back and play in the 2nd half. Kentucky goes against Louisville this weekend in the final 4 which is sure to be a heated game with the in state rivalry, Pitino and his ties to both programs, etc.

80 Kansas, 67 UNC
UNC was just not the same without their PG Kendall Marshall. Would they have won if Marshall played? maybe, but Kansas was real good last night. I underestimated Thomas Robinson, he's really good. He had 18 points and 9 rebound and took Tyler Zeller pretty much out of the game. But he was outshined by his own teammate Tyshawn Taylor who finished the game 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals. Now we see a rematch of the 2008 NCAA championship between these two teams.

I have to bash Harrison Barnes for a second. Where was he this whole tournament. Other than a couple of flashes he was downright awful. he was supposed to be this great player and he couldn't come up any smaller. He didn't score in the 20s in the whole tourney, and I guarantee he drops out of the top 8 int he NBA draft.