6/13 Quick Hits and Weekend Happenings

Hey there everybody, let's do a little weekend recap!

NBA: Rest easy City o' Cleveland. Your fallen superstar will NOT win a title this year. The Dallas Mavericks finished off the Miami Heat in astounding fashion - the Heat didn't pack a punch at all in the fourth quarter - and brought the team its first every championship trophy.

Halfway through the fourth quarter of Game 2, this series looked like a mismatch as Dallas was already in a 0-1 hole and stared at the scoreboard, down 15 points. But they stormed back, and won Games 3, 4, and 5 to let Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry enact their revenge on the Heat for the 2006 NBA Finals loss. A few notes on my general thoughts for the Series:

1. Good for the Dallas Mavericks franchise, even though I picked them to lose in EVERY postseason series this year. I for one, love owner Marc Cuban. I think he's funny, really connects with the players, and is entertaining for the fans. It's good to see him win a title.

2. Dirk Nowitzki really solidifies himself as one of the all-time greats with a championship victory and Finals MVP. When Bill Simmons' "The Book of Basketball" came out in 2009, he ranked Dirk as the 37th best in NBA history (for the record, he had Jason Kidd at 42, LeBron James at 20, and Dwayne Wade at an astonishingly-low 53). But now he HAS to go down as one of the best shooters in history, as well as the best European player of all time. Seeing the emotions as he hoisted the trophy was fantastic, and you can't help but like the guy.

3. I can't really see this season as a failure like the media seems to be portraying it. If the Heat has missed the playoffs altogether, or lost in the first round, it would have been a failure. This team had difficulties all season long, and they weathered the storm. With the weight of the world on their back, they beat a very good Celtics team and the best regular season team this year in the Bulls. They'll be back here. No doubt in my mind.

4. Finally, the whole Dwayne Wade/LBJ situation. Look at those numbers again from the "Book of Basketball." Does Wade really deserve to be 53rd, and James at 20? First off, let's put to rest the idea that James is the alpha dog of the Heat. Because he isn't. That's Dwayne Wade's team, no question. James is this team's Magic Johnson, and Wade is this team's Michael Jordan. Even when James had a triple double in Game 5, he couldn't take the game over in crunch time. He didn't slash to the hoop, and last night there were at least three occasions when he could have risen up for an easy layup but optioned for a fancy dish to a teammate that wasn't expecting it. Lebron disappointed me in this series, but Wade didn't. In my mind, that's all the argument I need to show that this is Wade's team.

MLB: The big news in the MLB this week is word from the MLB executives that a realignment movement has been brought into discussion. Apparently, this is a real possibility and a move that I think needs to happen. The NL has 16 teams, and the AL has 14, creating an inequality in playoff chances between the leagues. The word on the street is that the Houston Astros will be the team to move over to the AL to create a natural rivalry with the Texas Rangers - again, a logical move. The interesting thing is that the MLB is considering having two 15 team divisions and eliminating the East, Central, West division scheme we see today. Why, you ask? Because the Blue Jays and Orioles have no shot at the playoffs behind the Red Sox and the Yankees in the AL East. A final decision on this is months or even years away, so stay tuned.

The Milwaukee Brewers swept the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend to take the lead in the NL Central (sigh) behind Zack Greinke's arm and Prince Fielder's bat. The NL Central race is shaping up to be a doozy, with three teams (including the Reds) with a legitimate shot to win the title.

Welcome back to reality, Cleveland Indians. After a fantastic start and early eight game AL Central lead, the Indians have lost 9 of their last 10 to fall into a tie at the top with the surging Detroit Tigers. The Yankees took three from the Tribe this weekend as surfire first-ballot Hall of Famer Derek Jeter got his 2,993rd hit yesterday, moving him closer to being the 28th player in MLB history with 3,000 hits.

NFL: Not much to report on the NFL front, but apparently the LA Sports Commission has had talks with five teams about moving to Los Angeles. The City of Angels - America's second largest metropolitan area - hasn't had a franchise since the mid 1990's. The teams in question: San Diego; Minnesota; Oakland; Jacksonville; and St. Louis. I find it interesting that the two teams that left LA in the mid 1990's - the Rams and Raiders - have discussed moving back. To me, Jacksonville seems to be the most logical choice, as they have had trouble selling tickets for years. Once again, this issue is months if not years from being finished, so stay tuned.

Soccer: Apparently there's a really important soccer tournament going on - The Gold Cup. The championship for North America (including the Carribean islands), if the U.S. wins we automatically qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Unfortunately, we lost to Panama in a shocker Saturday afternoon. But fear not American soccer fans. We still can win the title and qualify for Brazil.

On Tap This Week:

NHL - Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals is tonight. Roberto Luongo played a stellar game in goal to give the Vancouver Canucks a 1-0 victory on Friday night. Tim Thomas and the Bruins hope to take Game 6 tonight in Boston and take the series back to Vancouver for a deciding Game 7.

PGA Tour - One of my favorite weeks of the year, our national championship begins this week at Congressional Country Club in Washington D.C. The U.S. Open is golf's toughest test, as more players shoot in the 80's than in the 60's. Look for a winning score around par in a tournament that has a wide open field. Tiger's not playing, so I suggest you watch to familiarize yourself with some of the players that will be taking over the game in the years to come.

Daily Rant 5/19: Cards v. Reds Rivalry Right

Yesterday we learned that San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow was able to open his eyes in the hospital. You'll recall from Chizzy's earlier Daily Rant that Stow was attacked by two L.A. Dodger fans outside the stadium on opening day. Former Cincinnati Reds executive John Allen, recently assigned to help run the daily operations of the Dodgers, said that of this weeks Giants v. Dodgers series, "You won't be able to turn around in your seat without bumping into security personnel." Is that what baseball rivalries have come to? Well, yes, in some cases.

The rivalries that trump most of the baseball world are typically as follows:

1) Yankees v. Red Sox
2) Giants v. Dodgers
3) Cardinals v. Cubs
4) White Sox v. Cubs - a more recent one due to interleague play.

Well, add one more to that list. And this one is probably the best one going in baseball: The St. Louis Cardinals v. the Cincinnati Reds. Essentially, it's Chizzy v. KD when it comes down to it.

I had the opportunity to attend last Sunday's final game of the Reds sweep over the Cardinals (and yes, once Aroldis Chapman took the mound I felt like the game would be in jeopardy despite the Reds holding a 9-2 lead). While the crowd was more sparce than usual for this rivalry due to the weather, I sat next to a group of four Cardinals fans. I think Cardinals fans in general are some of, if not the best/most knowledgeable baseball fans you can find. The four I sat next to were know different.

Yeah, none of them liked Brandon Phillips, the same way no Reds fan likes Yadier Molina, but all four admitted that there's not a better second basemen playing right now than Phillips. I conceded that Molina is the best defensive catcher in the game, and that Albert Pujols is probably my second-favorite baseball player ever (sorry, it's tough to pass The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas).

Throughout the game we chatted about baseball, the Cardinals bullpen struggles, the Reds struggles to match their offensive numbers from last year (Jonny Gomes, I'm looking at you). It was great, and they all said I'd enjoy taking in a ball game in St. Louis - how could I not? The park is great, the fans are the best, and no matter who trots onto the field, you're going to see good, sound baseball. All that said, a former co-worker of mine whose father is Chief of Security at Great American Ball Park said that no additional personnel were needed to come in to police the crowd. Imagine that? A rivlary game that doesn't need more Carl Winslow's in the stands.

And the rivalry is heating up on the field too.

Last year, the Reds won the N.L. Central, but struggled mighitily against the Cardinals. There was a brawl to open an August series in Cinicinnati after the Reds Brandon Phillips called the Cardinals team "little bit&#s". While I don't agree with Phillips saying that, I think it struck sparks that will last for a while. Yadier Molina refused some dap from Phillips (his pre-at bat ritual is one of the stranger ones in baseball) and that sparked a fight (go to about :25 to see the start of the brawl). It saw former Cardinal Scott Rolen grapple with Chris Carpenter and Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto kick Carpenter and former Reds catcher Jason LaRue (essentially ending LaRue's career).

This year, at the conclusion of Sunday's game, Reds closer Francisco Cordero got into it with several Cardinals players and pitching coach Dave Duncan for hitting Albert Pujols on the hand in the top of the 9th. While Cordero's pitch didn't look like it was on purpose (the tying run was coming to the plate in the form of Matt Holliday) it still added to this rivalry.

The incident prompted Reds Hall of Fame announcer Marty Brennaman to say that Chris Carpenter was a "whiner" for complaining about mound conditions and firework smoke that lingered for several innings. Carpenter also said that last year the Reds didn't properly rub down baseballs on a day he was pitching. Brennaman went on to call Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan "infantile", prompting Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa to say that Brennaman "needs to continue to earn the respect" that got him into the Hall of Fame.

When one team's radio broadcaster is trading salvos with another teams manager you know it's going to be good. And that's what is so right with this rivalry. Two teams in the same division that look like their on a collision course to compete all season long (sorry JM, I don't trust your Brewers...knock on wood). But I think there's a mutual respect there, at least from everyone but Brandon Phillips. But it's going to be an outstanding baseball season, and a great rivalry for the next few years. This is especially nice considering there's not going to be any news on the NFL front until June 3rd; the NBA is getting locked out as soon as the Dallas Mavericks hoist the Championship Banner (yeah, I went bold there), but baseball, at least for this summer, is just right.

The Reds and Cardinals next series is July 4th - 6th in St. Louis. I'd suggest, if you're a fan of baseball, make sure you tune in as I suspect it will probably be for the division lead. Again.

4/25 Quick Hits and Weekend Happenings

A big weekend in the sports world. In case you ate a few too many jelly beans over Easter Sunday, had a few too many brewskis celebrating anything, or spent too much time checking out this awesome baby penguin (I may have done all three), here's all you need to know. I think. Maybe.

NBA

Heat and Bulls Can’t Sweep, But Do the Bulls Have Trouble? The Heat and Bulls both lost on Sunday in Game 4 of their Series against the 76ers and Pacers, respectively.While I think both teams are going to cruise past this series (NOTE: I picked both the Heat and Bulls in 5), are the Bulls in a little bit of trouble going forward? The Bulls’ matador, Derrick Rose, sprained his ankle early in the first quarter of Game 4 going up for a layup. He only had 8 points the rest of the way, and shot an atrocious 3 for 16 from the field. Only time will tell how bad this affects the Bulls in their next series against the winner of Hawks/Magic, but something tells me this team REALLY wants to win Game 5 to give DRose some time to rest up.

Come Out Strong. One team’s making my predictions look stupid, the other’s making me look like Nostradamus. The Boston Celtics finished off a sweep of the New York Knickerbockers (I picked the Knicks in 6), behind Rajon Rondo’s triple-double on Friday and recently-called out Kevin Garnett’s 26 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday. Seriously, anybody remember about three years when the question mark about the Celtics was Rondo and his incompetent play? Unbelievable. While many of you will call me out for picking the Knicks, I’m going to say that my pick lost its contractual validity when the unforeseeable circumstances of injuries to Chauncey Billups and Amar’e Stoudemire resulted in impossible circumstances for a Knicks victory. You know what just happened there? You got lawyered.

On the other side of the coin, the OKC Thunder, my Western Conference pick for the Finals, vaulted to a 3-0 lead this weekend over the Denver Nuggets. Guess the questions about the Thunder’s ability to win on the road are answered, especially since they did it in the way high altitude of the Colorado Rockies. This team is going to give anyone fits in the Playoffs, and I’m certainly rooting for them to make me look gooooooooooood.

Surprise! While some people suspected the Grizz would give the Spurs some “fits” in this Series (cough, me, cough), I expected the return of Manu Ginobili to push the Spurs over the edge. I’m not sure people expected the Grizz to overwhelm the Spurs with tenacious D and fiery intensity in the post. The Spurs need to get some post help from big-man DeJuan Blair to counter the twin towers combo of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, who have combined for 91 points in the Grizzlies’ two wins this series. Turning to the Hawks/Magic, what the hell is going on here? The Hawks have taken control with a 3-1 lead behind the ugliest clutch moment ever by best sixth-man ever Jamal Crawford. KD told me the other day that if the Magic don’t make a comeback, Dwight Howard’s already got one foot out the door, ala LBJ and the Cavs last year. The question has to be asked: wher will he go?

The Dog Days Are(n’t) Over. The Mavs and Lakers are mired in the midst of what could be some all-time great first round Series. The Blazers pulled even with a pair of wins at the Rose Garden, and Brandon Roy is finally showing burst in his game that he lacked after surgery on both his knees. Meanwhile, the Lakers need to figure out how to stop Chris Paul.Seriously, CAN ANYONE STOP THIS GUY? He’s unbelievable, posting 27 points, 15 assists, and 13 rebounds in the game on Sunday. He’s keeping this team in the series by himself.

MLB

Cards Take Control – KD, you were right. IN CASE NO ONE NOTICED, THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS TOOK TWO OUT OF THREE GAMES FROM THE CINCINNATI REDS THIS WEEKEND TO MOVE INTO FIRST PLACE IN THE NL CENTRAL. Too bad the Reds couldn’t start Mike Leake on Sunday night to steal the rubber match and hold on to the division. Bazinga! And no, I’m not mentioning anything about Pujols’ minor injury. But yes, I will say that the emergence of Jaime Garcia, Kyle McClellan, and Jake Westbrook once again proves that Dave Duncan is the best pitching coach in baseball. Now if only he would just fix Ryan Franklin…

All’s Right in the AL East – Anyone remember this article? That’s right everybody, all is right with the world. The Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox are now 1-2-3 in the AL East after the Yanks swept the O’s and the Sox swept the Angels. Toronto and Baltimore, it was fun while it lasted. Now… if just the Cleveland Indians would listen up and start tanking...

Roy Roy – In case anyone didn’t notice, Roy Halladay’s the best pitcher in baseball. In his last start he got creamed by the Brewers, giving up six earned runs in six innings, but yesterday Roy made us all remember who he is. Sure it was the lowly Padres, but Roy Roy went 8 2/3 innings with a career-high 14 strikeouts. If you’ve never seen this guy pitch, put it on your bucket list. Reds fans know why. You’re not a Reds fan? You don’t know why? By all means, you’re welcome, I’m happy to help.

NHL

Here We Go Again… - Uh oh. The Vancouver Canucks are in trouble. 2009: In the Conference Semis, the Canucks win Game 1, but the Blackhawks win 4 of the next 5 to take the Series. 2010: After winning Game 1 of the Conference Semis, the 2^nd seeded Blackhawks win 4 of the next 5. Fast forward to this year. The Canucks, the best team in the NHL, vow to avenge their playoff woes. They draw the Hawks, but immediately go up three games to none and look to put the Series away. After losing 7-2 in Game 4, the Hawks get starting goalie Roberto Luongo pulled and cruise to a 5-0 Game 5 victory. Last night, where the Canucks panic by benching Luongo and starting Cory Schneider in net. The Hawks took a rousing Game 6 to overtime after Schneider was injured trying to save Michael Frolik’s penalty shot. Then in OT, the defending Stanley Cup champs forced Game 7 when Ben Smith had a beautiful putback past Luongo. I have no idea what’s going to happen in Game 7, but the Hawks have put themselves in a fantastic position.

Can I Start in Goal? – The Flyers, using their THIRD starting goalie of the series, forced Game 7 against the Sabres after falling behind 3-1 in the first period. Leighton Meester, starting in goal, was pulled after giving up three goals in his first seven shots faced. Goalie Brian Boucher was stout the rest of the way, offensive playoff maestro Danny Briere scored two goals, and Ville Leino put an OT shot past Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller to seal the victory. If the Flyers need a fourth starting goalie, they need to know that I'm eligible for $1,000,000 per game.

Done son. The Predators finished off a surprising upset of the Anaheim Ducks Sunday behind two goals from Nick Spaling, leading Nashville to their first ever playoff series win. Congrats Nashville - Columbus Blue Jackets, take notice - that’s how you actually make an impact in the league. The Washington Capitals and Alex Ovi took care of business this year in the first round, and took out the New York Rangers in five games.

Golf

Turmoil at #1 after wild weekend. What an exciting weekend for the game of golf that absolutely no one paid attention to. Heading into the weekend, Martin Kaymer was the world’s #1 player. No more. World #2 Lee Westwood, perhaps the least accomplished player of all-time to hit No. 1, took charge of the Indonesian Masters and won by 3 shots to wrestle the title from Kaymer. But like Bugs Bunny says, that wasn’t all folks. Luke Donald - an even more unheralded player, with 3 worldwide wins – had a chance to take over the No. 1 position with a win at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, a course I’m proud to say I played I broke 80 on from the pro tees. Vanderbilt alumni Brandt Snedeker fired a Sunday 64 to surge ahead and take the lead, but Donald tied him to force a playoff with two working man’s pars. But then he lost on the famed Lighthouse hole when his ball buried in the bunker. The volatility at the top of the golf world proves that it truly is anyone’s game right now, and it’s going to be an exciting season on the PGA Tour.

NFL

The Happy Couple– As KD wrote about this weekend, Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall was stabbed by his wife (ALLEGEDLY!). His wife is being held on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, but she is asserting self-defense, which would relieve her of criminal charges so long as the force she used – with a kitchen knife - is NOT deemed to be excessive. Marshall is still in intensive care, and no indication of his ability to play into the future has been given.

You Mean I Like A Raven and An Irishman? – Proving Rick Reilly’s point that it is in fact possible for NFL players to make a living after the lockout, the ONLY Notre Dame or Ravens player I’ve ever like has found a second calling in the ring. Ravens Safety Tom Zbikowski moves to 4-0 in his profession boxing career with a first round knockout. Anyone have any ideas on who they’d like to see him fight next? My votes: T.O., Troy Polumalu, and Rosie O’Donnell.

NCAA BB

Pulled Out, He Wants to Get Back In: Brandon Davies, famously suspended from BYU during its dream season for having pre-marital sex, wants to make a rousing return to the school next season. Davies, a 6’9” power forward who was essential to the team’s success, wants to re-enroll. In order to do so, he is required to be deemed “rehabilitated.” But the question is, once you’ve tasted warm apple pie, how can you come back from that? Secondly, didn’t he get kicked off the team just because he happened to get caught with his pants down? Something’s telling me that wasn’t the first time he broke the school’s honor code.

Bye Bye Cinderella: A few weeks ago, I wrote that there was no way Jim Larranaga was leaving George Mason. I followed that up by saying there was no way he was leaving for a school like Dayton. At least I was only half wrong. Larranaga took the University of Miami (FL) job.

NCAA FB

Thanks Again Rich Rod. Seriously: Ruh-Roh. Rich Rodriguez, famously 15-22 at Michigan, came out this weekend saying that leaving West Virginia in the first place was a “mistake.” Rich, on behalf of all Ohio State fans everywhere, I’d just like to say that leaving for Michigan was not a mistake. In fact, it was the best move of your career. Whenever you want to go back, you’re more than welcome.

Fiesta, Fiesta: College Football’s CEO – excuse me, director – Bill Hancock came out this weekend and said that within a month we will know the fate of the Fiesta Bowl and its relationship with the BCS. The investigation into the Fiesta’s status comes after reports that the bowl’s directors reimbursed employees for almost $50,000 in political donations – a clear violation of federal election and non-profit organization laws. Reports are that the Cotton Bowl is ready to step in and take the Fiesta’s spot in the BCS rotation.

The Daily Rant: He Ain't Going Anywhere... Yet.

I’m a St. Louis Cardinals fan. All of my friends know this. I have been since the day my favorite player, Mark McGwire got traded to them in 1997. The next year Big Mac broke Roger Maris’ age old HR record. In 2001, a third baseman with a bright future made his debut with the Redbirds in McGwire’s last season: Albert Pujols. As we all know, since 2001 Pujols has undeniably become the best player in baseball. Even Cubs fans admit that (at least they’re right on something).

Last offseason, the Cardinals failed to sign Albert Pujols to a contract extension. And since the day spring training started, all I’ve heard from all of my friends is how next year Pujols is going to be wearing Yankees pinstripes, Dodger Blue, or god forbid, a Cubs uniform. Or that the Cardinals are going to trade him to a contender this season. I’ve got news for you haters. He’s not going anywhere. Yet. So until this season is over, let’s stop talking about where Albert Pujols is going to be next year.

Throughout his career, Albert has respected the game. Always. He has refused over the course of his career to consider contract negotiations while the season is going on. This means that from the first pitch of spring training until the last pitch of the Cardinals season, he doesn’t talk dollars and cents. He wants to focus on his game, and on the team. And in my opinion, that’s how sports should be. Let the GM’s talk trades and transactions, but don’t talk to the player about extensions. So I respect Albert for asking his agent not to negotiate during the season. But in no way has Albert EVER insinuated that his refusal to negotiate during the season is an indication that he will not be playing under the Arch next year in St. Louis.

I understand my friends. They love to see me writhe in pain as I consider Albert playing in a different uniform. I’ve said that if Pujols leaves, I’ll burn his jersey. To me, Albert means ALMOST just as much to St. Louis as Lebron James did to Cleveland. He played high school ball in Missouri (closer to Kansas City), was drafted by the Cardinals, and came up through their farm system. But just because he has opted to become a free agent at the end of this season doesn’t mean he wants to leave. Albert’s agent said that “The expiration of today's deadline does not eliminate the possibility of Albert returning to the Cardinals in 2012, but simply delays negotiations until the conclusion of the Cardinals' season." In no way does that imply that he wants to leave.

I’m telling you. There is no chance in hell that the Cardinals decide to trade Pujols this season. If it happens, I’ll buy you a beer. And after the season, the Cardinals have negotiating rights to Pujols for five days. The team and its star player on not at an impasse over whether Albert wants to remain a Redbird, they are at an impasse over money.

Albert means too much to this team. He is the iconic figure in the city. If the team loses Albert, they lose their identity. But I’m not ruling out the possibility that Albert could head elsewhere. He may think he’s worth more than what he is, or the Cardinals may think he’s not worth what the market dictates. But until Albert actually hits free agency five days after the World Series ends, let’s stop talking about it. Nothing’s going to happen until then, and I want to enjoy watching the man play in the Cardinals’ uniform. Because I’m going to have a heart attack if I think of him stepping to the plate in Busch Stadium for the Cubs one more time.

The Daily Rant: Let's Not Get Ahead of Ourselves

So, we've got about eight baseball games in the books. There's been a lot of talk amongst my friends so far about how the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles are 6-2. Or how the perennial last place Pittsburgh Pirates are in second place in the NL Central. And how the World Series favorite Boston Red Sox are 1-7. Just yesterday I saw a poll on ESPN that already something like 85% of America believes the Red Sox won't make the playoffs.

I got news for you readers. Don't get your panties in a bunch about the standings yet, because 8 out of 162 is not that much. In fact, it's 4.9%. Not too big of a sample size. Which means there's still 95% of the baseball season left. That's a lot of games. We had a close knit group of friends in high school. One of them, Curry (be thankful I didn't use your actual nickname), is a huge Reds fan. Every year he would get really jacked up because the Reds were holding on at or near the top of the division. JShy (a huge Sox fan) and I would laugh, because every year around June 1st the Reds would begin their descent into the depths of the NL Central standings. JShy would win the $5 bet they make every year about who has the better record, and my Cardinals would take the Central division; EVERYBODY WINS! If only that was the case now, as the Reds seem primed for a long stay near the top of the division. Hold on a second as I grab a tissue to wipe away the tears over the death of the Cardinals dynasty.

Bringing us back on topic, the moral of the story: just because a team has a good start to the season doesn't mean that will hold up over the next 154 games. Now, those who disagree, what is that I'm hearing? You want evidence? Okay. I got your evidence right here. The following is taken after eight games the last three years.

Division Leaders - (record on that date, final record, final place in the standings).
April 13, 2010:
AL East - Toronto (6-2, 85-77, 4th place). Surprising start, not so surprising finish.
Al Central - Detroit (6-2, 81-81, 3rd place). Not that surprising, picked by many to finish in top two.
AL West - Oakland (6-3, 81-81, 2nd place). Surprising start, surprising finish above the Angels, as most picked the Angels to win the Division.
NL East - Philadelphia (6-1, 97-65, NL East Champs). Defending NLCS Champ. Not a shocker here.
NL Central - St. Louis (5-2, 86-76, 2nd place). My team always finishes near the top of the division, so no surprise. Second place: Pittsburgh (3-3, 54-102, dead last). Surpising start, typically pathetic finish.
NL West - San Francisco (6-2, 92-70, World Series Champs). And remember that they snuck into the playoffs on the season's last day or two after the Padres collapsed like a card table over the season's final two weeks.
Result: 2 out of 6 first place teams make the playoffs. 33%. Big whoop.

April 13, 2009:
AL East - Toronto (6-2, 75-87, 4th place). Second place: Baltimore (5-2, 64-98, dead last).
Al Central - Kansas City (4-3, 65-97, dead last) and Chicago (4-3, 79-83, 3rd place). Kansas City: This year's Cleveland. Sorry Tribe fans. Don't get ahead of yourselves.
AL West - Seattle (5-2, 75-87, 3rd place). Popular preseason pick to win the division; yeah, that worked out.
NL East - Florida (5-1, 87-75, 2nd place) and Atlanta (5-1, 86-76, 3rd place).
NL Central - St. Louis (6-2, 86-76, NL Central Champs). I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY. I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY. I HATE MATT HOLLIDAY.
NL West - San Diego (6-2, 75-87, 4th place).
Result: One team in 1st place make playoffs. 16.7% Two others finish with the third and fourth worst records in baseball (KC and Baltimore).

April 9, 2008:
AL East - Baltimore (6-1, 68-93, dead last). Apparently Baltimore has a tradition of hot starts, as well as a tradition of last place finishes.
Al Central - Kansas City (6-2, 75-87, 4th place). Ditto for KC.
AL West - LA Angels (6-4, 100-62, AL West Champs). Great team from start to finish. At least until the playoffs.
NL East - Florida (5-3, 84-77, 3rd place). Another ho hum season for the Fish.
NL Central - St. Louis (7-2, 86-76, 4th place). Gimme a second while I have a moment to gather my thoughts after remembering the Cards' September dive bomb after the Rick Ankiel PED use broke. Where is that guy now anyway? Bueller? Bueller?
NL West - Arizona (7-2, 82-80, 2nd place). Worst division ever, with the Dodgers winning at 84-78.
Result: One team in 1st place makes the playoffs. 16.7%.

3 Year Sample Size: 18 First place teams, 4, I REPEAT, 4, make the playoffs. For a staggering 22% clip. And of those four, the 2008 Angels and 2009 Cardinals were World Series favorites, and the 2010 Phillies were the two-time defending NLCS Champs. ONLY the 2010 San Francisco Giants could be considered a surprising team to make the playoffs after leading the division through the first eight games.

Those stats are exactly why I'm fully confident in Boston's ability to make the playoffs. Baseball wins come with a little luck, and some teams get more than others over the first week of the season. The Cardinals are 2-6, but could easily be 5-3 if Ryan Franklin wasn't an incompetent closer who can't finish a game to save his life (not to mention that atrocious goatee).

If you want a sufficient sample size, get back to me on June 1st (and given the Reds' early 2000's annual June slump, that date may be too early). By that point we'll have over 25% of the season out of the way. Then we can really start evaluating which teams are legitimate contenders, and which teams just had a little fun for the first week of the season. Until that date, just enjoy what you can Orioles and Indians fans. Because the ride's going to be over soon.

*** On another note: I lost a bet this weekend. As much as it pains me to say this, and as much as I want to punch him in the face, congratulations Michael Schwendemann on your victory over me at Crooked Tree Golf Club yesterday. It only took an 18th hole meltdown for you to beat me. But I'm still ahead in the all-time standings: 192-4. Ass. ***

The Daily Rant: It's Just a Ballgame Folks

I don’t know how many have followed this story, but it’s something that needs more attention. On March 31, San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow, father of two, attended Opening Night with two friends at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. During the game between two heated rivals, Stow texted his family that he was scared and that he felt nervous being at the game in Giants gear. After the game, a Dodgers victory, two Dodgers fans attacked Stow, punching him in the back of the head. Stow was knocked to the ground, hitting his head on the concrete. He went unconscious.

Fast forward to today, where Stow is laying in a hospital bed with permanent brain damage. Doctors have removed part of his skull to reduce the swelling in his brain, but he will probably never recover to become his former self. His children will never have the same father. All because a couple of no good thug fans decided that a person wearing an opposing jersey deserved to have the crap beat out of him for wearing Black and Orange. Meanwhile, Stow’s two assailants are free, and will probably never be found even though a $100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

I acknowledge that some opposing fans incite the violence. Some are obnoxious in the game, and some try to provoke fights. I’ve both seen and been with fans like that, and it makes the game impossible to enjoy for all involved. But the majority of fans wearing an opposing team's colors just want to see their team play; they live in the city the game is being played, or tickets are hard to come by. They should not be subjected to pain and violence. It’s possible to have good natured trash talk without repercussions.

I don’t mean to just call out Dodgers fans; I’ve been a part of fear-inducing situations myself. I was scared out of my mind while attending a St. Louis Cardinals game in San Francisco two years ago. I was walking around the outfield minding my own business, trying to take in the views of San Francisco Bay. I was called all sorts of names, pushed around, and was genuinely fearful for my safety. As soon as I left the ballpark, I took my jersey off as I was getting heated looks and words from Giants fans. I was afraid of a situation similar to what happened to Bryan Stow. Just this year I attended the Ohio State-Michigan game. I watched two drunken OSU students vault over five rows to blindside punch a Michigan fan in the back of the head, all because the guy was wearing a Michigan jersey.

Personally, I am absolutely disgusted by acts like these, and think it’s despicable that someone would treat fans of opposing teams like this. I understand that rivalries get heated. Good natured ribbing is part of the game. I constantly harrass friends who like rival teams of mine. I think it’s funny when I get booed walking up the aisle at the Reds ballpark while wearing my Albert Pujols jersey. I think it’s funny when people give me crap for being a Dayton fan at Xavier’s Cintas Center. But a line can, and often is, crossed. I love sports more than most, but violence has no place at the stadium; not over something as insignificant as a game. And what happened to Bryan Stow is inexplicable. Sports teams are not gangs. There is no reason to assault, or even kill, someone who happens to wear a rival’s teams colors.

No person deserves what happened to Bryan Stow. Some will say he shouldn’t have gone to that game. Others will say he deserved what he got. Those people need to get a life, and find more important things to live for. It’s just a game. I hope that Stow’s assailants get caught, because justice needs to be served.