Curt Schilling's blood bet and other shenanigans

Red Sox veteran pitcher, Curt Schilling is out to prove a point to the media and the sports world. This past week rumors swirled about whether Schilling's sock in the 2004 ALCS had blood on it or not. Certain news sources are convinced it was red paint or dye. How ludricious! Everone knows Curt was injured in that series and pretty much all of the playoffs yet labored to help Boston go on to win the World Series. Playing with sutures in his ankles, showing clearly pain on his face at times, it was obvious WHAT WAS ON HIS SOCK!

Now he has bet the media $1 million for anyone who can bet prove the substance on his sock wasn't blood. I think he should defend himself and has a right to be mad about this nonsense. His disgust for the media critics concerning this was posted on his blog. I know some sports reporters are sly, lying weasels who don't always care about the truth, they're just looking for a story which is usually vastly exaggerated. No one will be able to prove the Red Sox starting pitcher wrong. I'm sure he's already made fools out of the media and they will be eating their own words.

Warriors putting the burn to Mavs, Davis in control

If you asked NBA fans earlier in the season if they thought the Golden State Warriors would be undefeated against the Dallas Mavericks in the regular season or even had a slim chance of clinching the playoffs they'd probably say 'no'. Well, in the NBA playoffs the unthinkable occurs. After the huge Game 1 upset at Dallas, Baron Davis and his Warriors are putting the heat on the Western conference contenders. Most everyone has the Mavs as the favorites to emerge into the league championship series then go on to play in the Finals.

The game got completely away from them Sunday night and Dirk nor Howard and Terry could ignite a comeback. Again, as with the final stretch of the season, Baron Davis was phenomenal. He damn near completed a triple-double, serving up 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists. What's not to like about this guy? He's the man! The critics who voted GS out early should reconsider their judgment...wait and see what happens.

Coach Don Nelson's strategy is working thus far against his former team. I'd like to see him keep up the creative game plans and shock the basketball world if the Warriors can indeed pull off a stunning upset. They're up 1-0, will play one more game at Dallas before heading home for 2. The young squad, full of leapers thrives off energy plays and feeds off the home crowd's reaction. Keep doing what works, GS and good things will happen!

Yankees, Red Sox 2007 showdown

Tonight at 8 p.m. ET the Red Sox and Yankees will hook up for Game 3 of their first classic series of the season. Boston goes for the sweep, a rare occurrence with their AL rivals. After the blown saved last night by Mariano Rivera Fenway Park will no doubt be rocking as the home crowd's beloved Bo Sox must have a high level of confidence coming into the game. David Ortiz will be ready to bust out the big bat and slug a few homers. With that short wall in right field it's very possible if he pulls the ball.

The real hot hitter in this series and all of baseball is of course Alex Rodriguez. He has 8 homeruns in his 11 or 12 games, which is astounding. Like him or not he's hitting the stitches off the ball! Boston won the first game of the series then followed with a 7-5 victory Saturday. Ortiz smashed a 2-run shot and went 2-for-5 with 4 RBIs yesterday. He leads the team with 13 runs scored, 17 RBIs, and 6 homeruns. Josh Beckett recorded another win, pitching 6 innings. He's now 4-0 behind solid run support from the lineup.

The series finale tonight at Fenway Park should be another close game. With a win the Red Sox can move to 12-5 before Toronto comes to town for a 2-game series. After the homestand is over they'll travel to Baltimore than see the Yankees again. I'm sure the Boston fans will heckle and catcall A-Rod the entire game and the noise will only intensify when he strides to the plate. I'm pulling for Boston. Can't wait to catch some of the action!

NBA playoff match-ups: My picks and predictions

It's official the NBA playoff first round match-ups are in line. Last night as I had hoped for the Golden Warriors clinched the final seed in the West after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers with relative ease, 120-98. Baron Davis dropped a triple-double (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists) and was a pivotal player in the Warriors run for the postseason. This will mark the first time since 1997 that the franchise has entered the postseason. Way to go Golden State! Unfortunately, they will face the Mavs in the first round. Even though I know that don't have much of a chance I'm pulling for GS.

Also featured starting this weekend will be the Rockets vs. Jazz, which should be a very entertaining, close series. Yao will battle Okur as McGrady counters Kirilenko. I pick the Rockets to win in 7 games. They've got a stronger bench with Mutombo and Juan Howard. The other series in the West are the Lakers vs. Suns and Spurs vs. Nuggets. I realize the Suns have one of the best, running offenses in the league, but I going with the Lakers in 7 games. Kobe can pretty much control any game and enable Los Angeles to make big comebacks. Plus it doesn't hurt they have a lanky, talented veteran in Lamar Odom and a potentially dominating center in Andrew Bynum. We'll see if that's enough. As far as the Spurs-Nuggets the series is going to San Antonio in 5 or 6 games. They have too many weapons and are too good of a defensive team for the Nuggets to withstand.

In the East, I'm confident that the Cavs will knock out the Wizards again. Without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler it's going to be next to impossible to survive. I think Cleveland will advance on in 5 games. The other match-ups are the Nets vs. Raptors, Heat vs. Bulls, and Magic vs. Pistons. Although, they're the underdogs I believe the Raptors will upset the Nets in 7 games. Toronto is the surprise team of the year and are way underrated. Their young, energetic lineup may wear out the older, tired Nets. Hey, I'm a Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson fan, but I don't think they know who they're up against and may tend to take games for granted.

The Magic and Pistons will be an interesting series because both teams to me are toss-ups. Yes, the Pistons are former NBA champs, but are known for slacking off and making bold promises they can't keep. I like Orlando because of their diverse talent, but I'm going with Detroit in 6 games. They play smart basketball and are filled with veteran, top-caliber players. The most anticipated series in the East, the Heat and Bulls also should be close. I expect a few nail-biters because either team can explode and play up-tempo, high energy basketball on any given night and do the unexpected. Looking over the lineups and benches I feel Miami will knock off their opponents in 6 games. Wade and Shaq will find a way to deliver in the clutch and lead their team to the second round in search of a second consecutive title.

Golden State pushing hard to claim final playoff seed

The NBA playoffs are almost here. Only one final seed remains as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are battling for it. The two teams within a game of each other. Both are having a resurgence second half. They've both got a good mix of talent. Coming into today's game The Warriors are 40-40 while the Clippers hold a 42-40 record, a slight edge over their competition.

With New Orleans out of the picture as they fell too far behind in the West, the focus is on only the two contending teams. The Clipppers have a veteran squad with plenty of experience and talent which include Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, and Corey Maggette. Their competition has a new look with mid-season acquisitions, Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson. It will all come down to which team is the most hungry. Personally, I'm pulling for the Warriors because I'm a big BD fan and they deserve to make the postseason.

Either team won't have an easy matchup in the first round whether they face the Mavs, Spurs, or Suns. Last year the Clippers forced a Game 7 against Phoenix, but that was without Amare Stoudmaire. It's sure to be a fight to the finish. Whoever prevails will be the real underdogs going into the postseason...and have their work cut out for them.

Weasely Sports agent busted for smuggling foreign ball players into U.S.

Well, it's about time some doofus was caught for harboring illegal aliens in the U.S. Unfortunately, for one potential baseball team they will now be out of a crop of foreign baseball players. Sports agent, Gus Dominguez was found guilty in a California court of smuggling 5 Cuban baseball players into the country and then tried to deny he did anything wrong. According to reports this guy dropped the foreign athletes off in the Florida Keys. Later the Sports agent had them transported to California. This crap has gone on for years and now people are just starting to take notice?

For his trouble, Dominguez faces up to 5 years in prison for the conviction and up to 10 years each for 20 other smuggling convictions. The 48-year-old agent has created quite a legal mess for himself. These illegal foreigners must be mad after finding out because they're out of a contract and most likely will be deported back home. Then again, this is America and a lot of crap falls through the cracks all the time. I don't expect the government to take any action on the matter (The Bush Administration hasn't done squat in the last 7 years).

If anything this case helps MLB. At least there will a few less Joses or Juans in the dugouts and on the field so the coaches won't get so confused. Let's face it, Mexico and Cuba has such an abundance of these guys that they could load up several team rosters. The effect could be disastrous when in the middle of a game, an emergency occurs such as pieces of the stadium's roof start to crumple without the players realizing it and none of them can speak a word of English. They'd be screwed! The umpires could only point to the rafters as they scamper off the field. MLB can survive without a few less foreign ball players who are smuggled on a plane or crammed into the trunk of a car.

Durant, Florida Gator standouts heading for NBA

College hoops fans knew it was coming sooner or later. After repeating for the National title, pro scouts were determined to recruit the Gators' Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer, Al Horford, and Ron Lewis. The Boston Celtics showed their immediate interest in the freshman, Kevin Durant by hounding him and his family with relentless phone calls to home. For their attempts the NBA fined the franchise $50,000. After a long anticipated wait the Texas Longhorns' star made his decision: he declared his entry into the Draft.

I have to admit even though I haven't watch these guys play much they are extremely gifted on the court and can only get better over time. It's good that Noah and Horford waited at least until the end of their junior years. I suppose they feel they have no more to accomplish at the college level since winning back-to-back National titles (who can blame them really?) I'm surprised that Ohio State's Greg Oden hasn't made any news concerning the Draft. If he stays put he will still be one of the best low-post players in the country and make OSU a threat in the tournament again.

All of these young athletes entering the Draft are foregoing their college education for now and have thought over all the possible options. They can always go back later if they so choose to after embarking on a pro career. I wish them all the best in the future because they're a talented group that will no doubt showcase their skills on the biggest stage of them all.

Wade returns to Miami while teammate gets arrested

The Miami Heat are sure glad to have Dwayne Wade back. His return on Sunday showed him in limited action on the court. His presence wasn't enough for the Heat to overcome the Charlotte Bobcats as they lost in overtime, 111-103. Just when good things happen for the Heat they receive bad news of reserve forward, James Posey being arrested for drunken driving. Police pulled him over for stopping his car in the middle of the road in Miami. I guess this is minor disruption for the NBA Champs, who look to have gained a renewed sense of confidence.

Shaq (15 points, 9 rebounds) wasn't a big factor in the game Sunday, but Alonzo Mourning did more than his part by scoring 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the field with 3 blocks. The game was close until it went into OT. Then the Bobcats took control. Gerald Wallace was the difference with 30 points. Wade played 27 minutes (didn't enter the game until the 2nd quarter) and finished with 12 points and 8 assists. The way the playoff picture is shaping up it looks like Miami will face Cleveland in the first round, owning home court advantage. This will make a big difference in the series.

I hope Wade gets his stamina up and progresses with his recovery, however he probably won't be at his best come playoff time. His season scoring average, 28.4 ppg was missed dearly by the Heat and the star who went from playing 40 plus minutes a game may serve as a role as bench scorer to give his team a lift. This team is veteran-savvy from players to coaches so they've got the experience to win, it's only a matter of getting it down.

Arenas kisses season goodbye, no joy in Washington

The Washington Wizards have seen their season, filled with great expectations slip right from under them. Their star guard's knee injury has changed the whole playoff picture for them. He's out 2-3 months, done for the season. This is truly disappointing for the Wizards. Once ahead of the Heat they now find themselves trailing in second in the division as a less favorable seed. Arenas was having another sensational year, averaging around 28 ppg with 6 apg.

No longer are the Wiz without Arenas, but also Caron Butler went on the shelf with a broken bone in his hand this month. Coach Eddie Jordan had made real good progress with this team and now look what happens? Antawn Jamison is the sole veteran leader left to salvage the remainder of the season. His performances alone won't be enough for Washington. Agent Zero as he calls himself, couldn't have caught a worse break. I guess the Wizards will have to count their losses and look forward to 2008...better luck next year.

Felix dominates A's. AP Photo/ Elaine Thompson

Mariners' Hernandez, talk of the town in Seattle

Opening Day was bittersweet for me. Although, my favorite team, the Chicago Cubs lost to the Reds in the AL it was all gravy for my second favorites, the Seattle Mariners (always root for). The highlight of Opening Day was 20-year-0ld pitcher Felix Hernandez. He whiffed 12 batters in 8 innings of work as the M's shutout the A's 4-0. Providing the padded lead to insure a victory was Richie Sexson who launched a 3-run shot to center late in the game. I'm happy to see the Mariners move in the right direction to kick off the season.

All anyone talked about yesterday was Felix Hernandez. His performance left no one to question his conditioning efforts in the off-season. He apparently lost 20 pounds, looking leaner while showing great command on his pitches. Piazza and Milton Bradley couldn't catch up to the high heat nor should've bothered trying. The M's still are locked in a tough division, but they face less of a battle against Oakland since Zito is gone.

Seattle made a smart move this off-season with the acquisition of veteran hurler, Jeff Weaver who has playoff experience and won a World Title with the Cardinals last season. His experience will definitely be a major asset to the club as Weaver could play a huge role in the second half for the M's. A lot of faith will be put in the young, ever growing pitching prodigy. He will turn 21 in a few weeks and has his best years ahead of him. Wait until he adds another nasty pitch to his repertoire, hitters won't have a chance. Good luck to the M's in 2007!

NCAA championship showdown prediction: No. 1s lock up

Final Four weekend was thrilling as Georgetown, UCLA, Florida, and Ohio State laid it all on the line. It seemed inevitable however that the Gators would make a second consecutive appearance at the National Championship game. Their star lineup outmatched and outplayed the Bruins in route to a 76-66 victory. 4 players for Florida hit in double-digits in scoring while Horford and Noah combined for 28 rebounds. They'll encounter a versatile Ohio State in the title game.

The answer for Ohio State Saturday against Georgetown wasn't Greg Oden, it was a series of efforts from the rest of the team. That's what it will take to knock off the National Champs, which is no easy feat. Florida only lost 5 games all season. Ohio State's 67-60 triumph over Georgetown wasn't real impressive yet without their pressure defense the outcome would probably have been different. Greg Oden got in early foul trouble, sitting out a large chunk of the first half. His 13 points, 9 rebounds performance was a vital contribution in order for OSU to advance to the National Championship.

The significance of the title game is the first time in five years that two no. 1 teams squared off. Each contender has a cast of talent that can step up and take over. Mike Conley Jr. and Ron Lewis will be factors when Oden is on the bench for OSU while Brewer, Noah, Hortford, and Green serve as the key components for Florida. I think the game will come down to their final 30 seconds and whoever goes on the last short run will win. I pick Ohio State because they have more motivation to succeed and conquer the National Champs. Best wishes to the Buckeyes. Whomever prevails, it's going to be a historic, captivating game.