Sports frenzy

First off and most important, the Mariner's can't seem to win when I attend games in person at Safeco Field...then again they can't seem to win much at all so I'm not blaming myself. I went last night and they only managed TWO FREAKING HITS. You've got to be kidding me. It's Texas. They hit home runs and pitch terrible, not two hit the M's...**expletive**

In other sports news...

Kobe finally won his first MVP award and was a very deserving recipient this year. He is having his best season, he's getting his teammates involved and they're winning...convincingly. I said this before, and I'm sticking to it...I don't think anyone can stop the Lakers this year. Nobody.

After a nasty slip and fall, the Pistons lost their starting PG Chauncey Billups for game three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals...and as a result lost the game to the Magic. Glad to see Orlando finally beat Detroit in the playoffs. I thought they could win the series before, but if Chauncey can't come back, or comes back at less than 100% I think Orlando's chances of winning the series are even better.

Speaking of the Detroit/Orlando series...that clock malfunction play at the end of the third quarter during game two should now bring about changes to where officials can do more to "estimate" when clock malfunctions occur. I mean seriously. Granted the Pistons won by more than three, but it was a critical turning point in the game. This is me shaking my finger (Mutombo style) at David Stern and the NBA.

Who the hell does Tony Romo think he is? I absolutely hate when professional athletes try to pursue other sports careers. He's dating the equivalent of a blow up doll with a better rack and getting all this praise for being such a great QB when in reality he's mediocre at best and actually plays worse when his brainy blonde is in attendance. Clearly he has other things he needs to focus on, but instead he was at some Texas, regional, local, community, satellite golf tournament qualifier trying to qualify for the US Open. WTH!? Did he shoot better than I would've? Yes, but he's not a golfer, he's barely a QB, and of course he didn't make the cut. Next time you might as well just go ride a motorcycle with no helmet and see what happens then. Stupid freaking professional athletes. Focus on your sport. Or your family. Or charity work. Things that matter or things that you're getting paid too much to do. UGH.

Carlos Gomez of the Twins was only the 8th player in team history to hit for the cycle. He did so in reverse order, starting with a home run, a triple, double and ending with an infield single...speed baby! First Twin to hit for the cycle since Kirby Puckett in 1986. Kudos to you Carlos and a big thanks for the boost to my fantasy baseball team :)

Cliff Lee of the Indians pitched another gem, this team blanking the Evil Empire over seven strong innings, and lowering his MLB leading ERA to 0.86. He's won his first six starts and appears to have found whatever it was that was missing last year when he was sent down to the minor leagues. The other four men in MLB history who started a season 6-0 with an ERA less than 1.00 all won the Cy Young that year. Should we just give it to him now? My hat's off to the man with two first names and also gets special thanks for rocking my fantasy baseball team :D

In the NHL the Conference Finals are upon us, with Detroit taking on Dallas out west and the Pittsburgh taking on Phillly in the east. I don't follow much hockey but it looks like Detroit and Pittsburgh will move on to the Stanley Cup Finals, with Detroit getting the edge there or maybe not. I like watching hockey, well, at least in person, but I could really care less about the NHL playoffs. Go Silvertips!!

In the NFL, future Hall of Fame WR Marvin Harrison appears to have gotten himself into quite the snafu in his hometown of Philly. Apparently he bought a car wash and a bar in one of the more run down, dangerous parts of the city and was involved in a fight or scuffle that resulted in gun shots being fired. Police later matched the bullet casings to a special Belgian made gun that Harrison owns. WTH Marvin? Stay in Indy. Continue catching TD passes from Manning and stay out of trouble. Of all the trouble and legal problems in the NFL, I never though Marvin Harrison's name would surface and certainly not like this. It's unclear what will happen, but nothing good can come of this.

And lastly I'm pretty damn sick and tired of hearing about Eight Belles, the horse who finished second in the Kentucky Derby then broke both of her ankles and was then euthanized on the track. PETA needs to do some serious apologizing to the jockey (who they publicly declared should be suspended from riding bc they felt he should've known better and pulled up before the horse broke her ankles) who did nothing wrong nor did he fail to do anything that another jockey would've done. The issue here is not this jockey, or even this horse, its that this was a philly (only two or three years old) racing against much older, stronger horses, and how nowhere else in the world do horses so young race professionally. There's also the issue of drugging the horses, either with steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs, which is causing so many horses to get hurt, or run through the pain bc they can't feel that its there. I'm no expert on this, but if PETA wants to be taken seriously, and actually wants to make a difference and see change...they need to really think before speak and go after the real issues.

Raptors, Hornets & Hawks...oh my!

So its not got quite the same feel as "lions, tigers & bears" but my choices were limited.

Now that the wild and historic trip through the NCCA's Madness of March is over, the NBA postseason is upon us with its own sweet 16 set and ready to play. Back in late February before the trade deadline, key injuries & a certain 22 game streak took place, I boldly made my playoff predictions. I made some right picks, some half right picks, and was just plain wrong on others, but for not being an NBA expert I think I did pretty well.

In the East I correctly predicted seven of the eight playoff teams, including all three division winners and accurately placed four teams in the right seed (#1, 2, 3 & 8). Out West I had all eight current playoffs team still playing at this point in the season.

I predicted the Lakers would win their division, and be the #1 overall seed out West, which is true. I also predicted the Jazz would win their division as well. With all the craziness out West though, I was only able to lock down two teams in their correct seed (#1 & #8) and failed to predict New Orleans as a division winner.

Initially I had the Lakers beating the Jazz out West, and the Celtics taking down the Pistons in the East, with the Lakers winning it all. I think I'm going to stick with that for the most part, but let's take a look at the actually seeding and I'll look into my crystal ball one more time.

(1) L.A. v. (8) Denver: Lakers swept the Nuggets in the regular season, and I see much of the same here.
Lakers win in five.

(2) New Orleans v. (7) Dallas: Season series is tied at 2-2, with each team winning both home games (though NO needs OT to win one of those home games). I think the Hornets had a great run, and CP3's lack of playoff experience won't be as big of a factor as most people think. He'll play great, but the Mavs have too much playoff experience and the reigning MVP in Dirk.
Mavs win in six.

(3) San Antonio v. (6) Phoenix: Suns lead the season series 3-1, with each team trading road wins in the first two games then Phoenix taking the last two after the addition of Shaq. The Spurs didn't seem to do too much this year and yet they're the #3 seed. Even still, I think they've peaked as a team and even if they manage to sink the Sun(ny) Shaq attack in round one, they won't win the title this year and probably not again with Duncan. They're too old and I think everyone else has figured them out, especially Shaq & the Suns.
Suns win in six.

(4) Utah v. (5) Houston: Jazz lead the season series 2-1, and despite winning their division the Rockets get home court advantage here because they have the better record. I'm really not sure how this one will play out. McGrady has never won a playoff series, and despite losing Yao they played great ball to close out the season. With Yao the edge is clearly with Houston, but without him it's pretty much a toss up. Alston will be out the first two games in Houston so...
Jazz win in six.

(1) L.A. v. (4) Jazz: I think Gasol, Bynum (if he's back), Turiaf & Walton will neutralize Boozer, Okur & Kirilenko. Fisher & Farmar can handle Williams enough to keep him from taking over games. Jazz are extremely tough at home, but without home court advantage and Kobe (you thought I was forgetting about him didn't you) they'll play the Lakers tough but bow out here.

Lakers win in seven.

(6) Suns v. (7) Mavs: Run, run, run. Defense? Where? Let's see who scores 120 first. This will be a fun series to watch and a tough one to predict. It seems like Kidd has finally settled in and is in sync with the team, and Dirk. Their bench is thin, but then again so is the Suns' bench. If Shaq & Amare can stay out of foul trouble, I give the edge to Phoenix. Two key players to watch in this series will be Raja Bell & Josh Howard, as both will play key roles to their team's success. Edge goes to Raja for his 3-point shooting and lock down defense...and thus the Suns win.
Suns win in six.

(1) L.A. v. (6) Suns: I just realized this means Kobe v. Shaq. How ridiculously awesome would that be? OMG. Lakers have the better team, the better bench, the better coach & the best player in the league. Plus they have "that look" right now. Expect many quotable moments from Shaq in this series, and the Lakers' defense to be the difference.
Lakers win in six.

(1) Boston v. (8) Atlanta: Here is all you need to know...KG
Boston wins in four

(2) Detroit v. (7) Philadelphia: Surprisingly the series is tied 2-2. Each team with a road win. Philly was a pleasant playoff surprise but the Pistons can beat you in too many ways and have an uber load of experience.
Detroit wins in five.

(3) Orlando v. (6) Toronto: Howard v. Bosh and solid role players for both squads, though Bargnani needs to step it up and prove himself. Magic have better role players and supporting cast, and the Turkoglu/Lewis combo is deadly from the outside. Plus Howard can be completely unstoppable at times on both ends of the floor.
Magic win in five.

(4) Cleveland v. (5) Washington: Does this matchup not happen every year? I mean seriously. Too bad for the Wizards they're still mediocre and the Cavs still have LeBron...which means 30,8,8, 2 (steals) & 1 (block) on any given night. Cavs aren't dominate enough to sweep or completely shut down the Wizards, but they're good enough to win.
Cavs win in six.

(1) Boston v. (4) Cleveland: LeBron may just play out of his mind...even more so than in playoffs past, but in the end the Celtics are just too much. Cavs cannot stop or even contain KG, and Rondo runs wild on the Cavs, putting up career high numbers. Really not even close here.
Celtics win in five.

(2) Detroit v. (3) Orlando: If Orlando comes in confident and still running hot from round 1, watch out Detroit. They've looked exploitable at times this season, but the Magic have also looked juvenile at times too. I don't think Detroit is quite as "over the hill" as the Spurs, but I see a symbolic passing of the torch to the Magic as Dwight Howard brings it like we've never seen before, and the Magic are that new scary team that nobody wants to see in the playoffs...like the Pistons used to be.
Magic win in six.

(1) Boston v (3) Orlando: Howard is playing with such force that people start to wonder why a guy averaging 20 & 14 on a division winner didn't get more MVP hype. Unfortunately the Magic run face first into destiny...and its not on their side. KG elevates his game to match the new intensity of Howard, but his playoff experience & MVP caliber career are the difference, though Pierce hits the series winner and is named Conf. Finals MVP.
Celtics win in five.

(1) Boston v. (1) Los Angeles: No this is not the 70s and 80s. There is no Magic, no Bird, no Kareem, no Parrish, no Walton, no McHale...but the Celtics/Lakers rivalry is back on center stage. I truly think these are the two best teams from their respective conferences, and will showcase this throughout the playoffs to reach the NBA Finals. Boston may have three superstars, but the Lakers counter with two, one of whom is the best player in the league, and this year's MVP, as well as the best coach in the game. KG is as dominant as ever, but is getting old, and the younger (now healthier) Gasol is up to the task of taking on the Big Ticket. I think Pierce & Rondo will do a tremendous job on guarding Kobe, but great offense will always trump great defense, and that is the case here. Kobe has been on a mission all year long to prove he's still the greatest, he can lead a team without showing them up, and that he can win a title without Shaq. Not even the greatest turnaround in NBA history can stop Kobe this year. Sorry Beantown but this trophy is going to L.A.
Lakers win in six.

A myriad of things...

I wish I had a smart phone so I could blog more readily when the urge (and/or that moment of brilliance) happens. Seriously. Like the other day when I was riding in the front seat of my roommate's car (while he was driving)...we were waiting to make a right hand turn and there was a guy in a little truck in front of us...part way into the intersection...waiting to make a left hand turn onto the street we were on...but heading in the opposite direction. A few things here: this was an unprotected turn (so no arrow @ this light), he had a person in front of him & he was attempting to turn across a very busy road in Seattle (Aurora Ave).

So while he was waiting to turn he decided to play his GUITAR. Yep. I sh!t you not. He was playing his guitar...while sitting in the driver's seat of his truck...waiting to make a left hand turn...and had both hands on the guitar. We were both like...WHAT!? Then when the moment came for him to turn...he started turning, while still holding on to the guitar with both hands...then at the last moment took one hand off to grab the steering wheel while still holding on to his guitar with the other hand. It was miraculous, and unexpected, and ridiculous & stupid (bc he was playing a freaking guitar while driving a vehicle)...but very awesome.

On Monday night (I believe...) there were two college basketball games that ended in rare fashion...will plenty of controversy and flabbergasted coaches. One game (men's) involved the Hoyas of Georgetown University & the Villanova Wildcats...while the other contest (women's) pitted the Lady Volunteers of Tennessee against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.

The men's game was tied with under a second left (0.01 seconds to be exact) when a foul was called against the Wildcatds, thus putting the Hoyas on the foul line with a chance to win the game. The Georgetown player made both free throws, which won the game for the Hoyas. Generally I'm a fan of letting the players decide the game, and therefore "swallowing" your whistle at the end of the game in order for this to happen (unless there's some egregious foul that would demand a foul be called). In this case however, no egregious foul was committed but I believe the referee made the right call by calling a foul. The 'Nova player did bump the Hoya player (so contact did happen...but not too much). Regardless...in the final seconds of a game with the score tied and your opponent has the ball 80 feet from his own basket....there is no reason to be within a country mile of that player.

So I blame the 'Nova player for putting himself, and as a result the referee, in the position to make a foul call possible. He did bump him, and if it weren't the end of the game...no one would have ever questioned the call. So get off the referee's back (the Big East officials' office/chairperson/head of all Big East officials said so...he said the referee was correct in calling a foul there...he was forced to make a decision and he made one) because he's not the one who deserves the blame here.

The Lady Vols were down by one point in the final seconds of the game...when it appeared as though there was an issue with the game clock...or the foul being called after the horn (signaling the end of the game) sounded. Don't know all the facts here...sorry. Well in this case it was a blatant foul. The Rutgers played pulled the Lady Vols player to the ground by the back of her jersey. Egregious. Was the game "technically" over? I don't know...but the referee was again forced to make a call. The call was a foul that put the Lady Vols at the free throw line with 0.2 seconds remaining and her team down by a single point. If she makes both...her team wins...if she makes one...overtime...if she misses both then Rutgers wins. So what does she do?!?! She sinks both free throws like it was nothing. BAM! Game over. Tennessee wins. Rutgers loses.

Moral of this game: don't grab your opponent by the back of her jersey and throw her to the ground....duh. Again I don't blame the official, but the fouler (as opposed to the foulee) for putting herself in that position. Next thing you know the UNITED STATES CONGRESS is going to be ruling on whether or not games were fairly and/or properly officiated. I'm nauseous at the thought. Stupid MLB (OMG why am I saying this I love basebal...why?...because this has gotten out of hand) & the NFL for taking Roger Clemens' possible steroids use & the Pats "Spygate" (repsectively...Clemens = MLB, Pats "Spygate" = NFL) for involving the US Congress. They have better things to do...yes I said that. I love sports but using Congress to purify the game and/or prosecute those who may have compromised the integrity of the game is just ludicrous. Ludacris?...um...craz....crz....cr...nuts!

On a lighter, better note...I enjoy really good music....like up and coming local band Barcelona. I started following them bc I went to college with the lead singer...but I still follow them bc of how talented they are. Check them out.... wearebarcelona.com or myspace.com/wearebarcelona

I also just bought Amy Winehouse's new album. While I think she is completely off her rocker (either bc of all the drugs, or bc of the guy she's married to/dating or both) crazy insane nuts (meh on punctuation there)...she seems to be quite talented musically so I figured I would give the recent mutli-Grammy winner a shot.

I swore I had something else but I guess not...oh!...I did stumble across this blog today and found it genius...seriously. Blogging in haikus about the random 'ish' in your pocket is so creative and 18 different kids of awesome....I only wish I could come up with an idea that awesome. Maybe someday I will...for now I will end with a haiku of my own...about my day.

MTR Haiku (v 1.0)

Malibu transport.
Piasecki docs vanished!
Taco Bell dinner.