Hornets return with hunger, Paul nearly captures triple-double

With all of the Western conference set to be riding on their back in the 2008-09 season the Hornets aim to flourish again. No one counted on them beating the Dallas Mavericks last year in the first round of the playoffs as they nearly squeaked past the Spurs. This is a new season and this energetic, talented New Orleans is ready for all competitors. Getting off to a good start last night the Hornets beat the Suns 108-95 in Phoenix. As usual it was a team effort that resulted in a big victory. Chris Paul got the rest of his teammates involved which lead to the Hornets' hot shooting in the first half. For the game they hit 54% on three-pointers. 3 players finished with at least 20 points each.

From the first quarter the Hornets were the composed team in control. The Suns' defense in the middle including Stoudamire and Shaq didn't serve as a main factor as New Orleans' got in the zone through streaky jump-shooting and good ball distribution. Leading by as many as 16 points the Hornets didn't get rattled by any comebacks by their opponent. Instead they clamped down on defense and thrived off turnovers by the Suns. Steve Nash tried to get Phoenix back in the game, finding teammates on the wing and inside while sinking a few shots of his own. The Suns reached within 3 points after Grant Hill's 17-footer to make it 83-80 in the waning minutes during the 4th quarter.

The outside shooting from New Orleans was too quick and accurate to overcome. As a result after 3 net burners from beyond the arch the Hornets built a 10-point lead and didn't look back. Coming off the bench James Posey added 13 points with a couple threes late to fuel the offense. Peja Stojakovic left the game early in the 4th quarter with a sprained ankle after hitting 7-of-13 shots for 20 points. Everyone on the team made a contribution in one way or another. Chris Paul knew how and when to get his teammates the ball. Not only did they make him look good, but he also had a upstanding performance: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists. He just missed a triple-double which would have made the win even sweeter.

With a 2-0 start for the season the Hornets show they're hungry again to be a contender in the West. After the game Chris Paul admitted he wasn't the only hand involved in the victory by stating, "This was a team effort. My teammates made my job easy by hitting big shots." The 4rd year star point guard a the centerpiece to the franchise and is such an unselfish player. That's makes this team so good. Any NBA franchise would like to a player the same as him on their side. I think since the Hornets look to be settled in New Orleans as their final permanent location their season run will only grow with a head of steam. Up next for their challenge is the Cavailers and Lebron James. This match-up is sure to turn heads and make waves.

Oden's NBA debut not a pretty sight

With Greg Oden ready to experience his first game in the NBA, back from a nasty year long knee injury everything appeared to be fine. The Portland Trail Blazers didn't have an easy opener against the Lakers from any stretch of the imagination. With high expectations for a young team having promise things went downhill in a hurry as the rookie Oden left the game after injuring his foot and ankle. He played a mere 12 minutes without scoring a point shooting 0-for-4 from the field. Ouch! That's not what Portland had in mind and it has to sting a bit. Another injury to their center wasn't suppose to be in the fold. Without him they didn't stand a chance against the Lakers who out ran them down the court and had their way on offense to command a wide margin lead.

The 97-76 blowout showed the inexperienced Trail Blazers have much work to be done this season. No doubt they have a good cast of young talent with Outlaw, Roy, and Aldridge back in the starting lineup along with a few new supporting additions in Rudy Fernandez and Ike Diogu off the bench. Efforts all-around will be needed to suffice in the brutal Western conference. No one on the team in this first game had the shooting touch to score at least 20 points. Brandon Roy started the game cold, missing his first 6 shots yet the newcomer Fernandez did found the range at times finishing with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting and 4 assists. The real issue now is Greg Oden's health which must be dreaded by the basketball franchise. Luckily it's not a major injury as reports gather the 20-year-old former Ohio State standout strained his foot and will have an MRI this week.

If the Trail brazers don't have their no. 1 pick from 2007 ready to go for most of the season they may be doomed. This is too early to assume though as the team will have to get the most out of their top players in the meantime. The big man's defensive presence will be a big factor. His tentative efforts in the paint to block shots will be a big asset. Back when he was freshman at Ohio State Oden was known for being a beast on the low block and making it tough for opponents to get easy shots at the basket. With good fortune the athletic rookie will only miss a couple games. Still the franchise is banking on him to give them a head of steam and draw close to a final seed in the playoffs this year. Only time will tell as the chemistry of the team must develop and everyone gets on the same page.

Condensing the MLB season: Selig only sees green

With a series of rainouts and suspended games during the baseball season out of the blue Commissioner Bud Selig wants to cut out a few games to prevent a late postseason. Okay...yes the weather is cold in October yet when has it not and that's always been apart of Fall baseball. For Selig to quibble and proclaim the season is too long at 163 games with unnecessary prolonging shows he's all about the revenue. He argues that the 'networks' can't have their prime-time schedules interrupted anymore. Oh, what a pity for FOX! If the ratings are sky high with their asses raking it in then they want to air their usual crap re-runs. They're one of the most notable networks for running reality shows into the ground for 2-hour cycles then some random 5-year old movie nobody gives a flying *&$@ about anymore!

I don't see what the problem is with the set 163-game schedule. Heck, this year some teams didn't make-up 3-4 games due to rainouts. If a team needs to have double-headers then so be it. Players get paid extravagant salaries and have it made so finishing up with a few more games won't subdue them. It's the least they can do for the fans. For a season to be shortened such a measure will eliminate (potentially ruin) playoff aspirations with hot runs coming down to the final day. If this is the case, competitors such as the White Sox and Twins can kiss their chances goodbye! I do feel it's time for a new Baseball Commissioner as Selig only takes actions for his personal gain and to suit his cronies. He needs to take a freaking hike!

Why does everything have to boil down to money? This will never end in sports. Too many lame complaints and excuses are spewed by pansies who watch on the sidelines and take no real active part in the game itself. Plus forget about players getting injured, that will happen regardless of time frames. Using such a natural occurrence as a plea tactic to speed up a season still won't stop fans from buying tickets. Can't MLB and owners ever be content with the f---ing revenue piles they churn while the majority of the country is flat broke (especially after purchasing tickets)? That slimy, pompous jackass of a Commissioner that doesn't know to set good standards or how to manage baseball needs to be humbled for once by being given the boot. After he takes a minute to see the prices on ballpark souvenirs maybe he'll get the average fan's perspective.

"What! $24.99 for a Rawlings baseball...wait a minute this same one costs even more, $89.99 for a team pullover fleece?? You've got to be freaking kidding me!! Who in their right mind comes up with this baloney &%$# s***!! How outrageous! The hell if I'm ever going to buy crap here.

The big wigs in the front office aren't concerned, but the moment their team starts stinking up the field it's panic time. Oh, the market then won't be big enough for sellers to get a solid return on their investment. That's when old Selig and his greedy pals will be left with their thumbs up their asses, speechless. I think the baseball schedule needs to stay the same without too many grubby hands in the mix screwing up the game for the fans. Having those extra few games is the whole purpose behind the excitement and interest brimming from late season hot streaks. To take that away would be like kicking a wounded horse when it's already toppled to the ground.

Goodbye Seattle: old Sonics look for clean slate in Oklahoma City

To say the decision to move the Sonics from Seattle to Oklahoma City wasn't risk is an understatement. With several straight losing seasons in an arena where fans didn't pack the seats the team owner felt an extraordinary financial decision was in order. As the result the struggling basketball franchise found a change in scenery. Luckily the move most likely won't cause a drop in the fan base with Kevin Durant set for his second season. Also rejoining the team will be Jeff Green who received considerable playing time last year. His 10 ppg and 5 rpg did little without enough support from the rest of the team to improve their record.

With the team moved to a new city a new name had to created. The catchy entity developed is none other than the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doesn't sound too impressive to me, I personally liked the original Super Sonics. The big question for this relocated, hyped-up team is how can they compete in the West with so many potential contenders to boot. Everyone knows Durant will be a threat anyway, among the top players in the league at his position yet won't be able to inact miracles for them to reach the playoffs. At this point the goal might as well be for Oklahoma City, once occupied temporarily by the Hornets to reach a .500 winning percentage and pull in a few extra choice talents with veteran experience.

It will take time for the young, aspiring franchise to get within pushing distance among the NBA's elite. Finishing the 07-08 campaign with a 20-62 record showed a sharp decline in progress than in previous seasons. The low mark proved to be one of their worst seasons in over a decade. With such high hopes after picking up the no. 1 draft pick who went on to receive the Rookie of the Year award this team looked to be going in the right direction. So far in the preseason, which really doesn't matter much, they're 1-5 and scheduled to play the Lakers tonight. I know it will take more than the additions of Joe Smith and Desmond Mason to catapult the 'Thunder' out of the water.

Bobcats look for answers in new coach

When it comes to evaluating the best teams in the NBA the Charlotte Bobcats unfortunately aren't on the list. Oh, they're got the talent alright just not the direction and leadership to win quite yet. With new coach Larry Brown stepping in the organization is working to turn around their previous losing seasons. Who knows what the Bobcats will get from Larry Brown, one since he's had his share of medical problems and is known for having spats with his players. Both coach and players will have to be differences aside for this team to improve and eventually become a contender in the Eastern conference. The primary owner, Bob Johnson got so down on the franchise he wanted to sell, but due to the market he knew there wouldn't be a good return on his investment.

Another important figure within the organization is partial owner Michael Jordan, which from media reports claim he's been an absentee member in the front office. If he doesn't get involved enough in the position he currently holds or shows he cares about the future of this team then how can they be successful? Getting a good mix of young talent is important too. The former Chicago Bulls Legend can't control how the Bobcats play on the court together yet can be apart of who they acquire in trades or as free agents. In this year's NBA draft Charlotte wanted to pick 7'0 center Brook Lopez from Standford instead mainly influenced by Larry Brown's approval got Texas point guard D.J. Augustine in the first round as the 9th overall pick.

I have a feeling Jordan and Brown aren't going to see eye-to-eye of many components needed to structure the team. It's apparent also that MJ will be bias in a way to the former Tarheel players such as Raymond Felton and Sean May. Then again he did favor going after Adam Morrison as a draft pick in 2006 who Charlotte did obtain. Plus adding Jason Richardson in trade from the Warriors wasn't too shabby either. Though now he's departed from the team. One thing is for sure the front office will have to put their heads together, maybe even hire a few choice recruits all while excluding owner Bob Johnson from all critical decisions. Otherwise Charlotte will continue to float towards the bottom of the league because Johnson appears to have no clue of how to assemble a winning basketball franchise. For an investor he sure is lazy, failing to commit to the diligent work it takes to build a top-tier contender. Jordan and the rest of top personnel will have to find a way to write the ship in 2008-09.

Watch out Phillies here come the Rays

After a gut-wrenching Game 7 the Tampa Bay Rays pulled out the stops and beat the Red Sox last night 3-1. In effect the most overlooked team in baseball is heading to their first World Series. Personally, I didn't think the ALCS would go further than 6 games as Boston did pose quite the scare. I suppose such a threat was imminent given the fall month. Again and again the young, feisty and determined Florida team refuses to give up. Throughout the series up and down their lineup players have made contributions. Last night the reliable Willy Aybar who usually comes off the bench went 2-for-3 with his second homerun in the series. Helping sustain the offense Evan Longoria rocketed a RBI double to keep the Rays ahead in the 4th inning. The prized rookie third baseman had hit 4 homeruns in the series within consecutive games.

I have to applaud the Rays' efforts in the high-pressured atmosphere they found themselves in and how composed they were for such a young, inexperienced team. Then again with veterans such as Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, and Eric Hinske at the helm they have the leadership. Plus it certainly helped to playing at home for the final game. Since finishing the regular season with the best home record in baseball it definitely served as a major factor. Much of the Rays' success last night also hung on their starting pitcher's performance. Matt Garza looked superb against the tenacious Red Sox lineup, scattering only 2 hits and an earned run over 7 innings while

allowing 3 walks. The promising right-hander kept his team alive and held the opposing batters in check.

With Boston finally behind them Tampa Bay is set up for a historic match-up against the Phillies in the World Series. The two teams have never met in the Fall Classic since the Rays are making their first appearance. At this point despite favoring the National League I have root for Tampa Bay. All they have accomplished within a year, switching from having one of the worst records in the AL to having the second best in the league plus clinching home-field advantage is remarkable. If the Royals managed to duplicate the feat then there would likely be a hole ripped open in the baseball atmosphere as baseball followers would be beside themselves! Let's just say Yankees owner George Steinbreiner or Commissioner Bud Selig has a better chance at passing a kidney stone (if they haven't already) than for that to happen. Longoria will be a key element to the Rays' success in the WS with aid from team favorites Pena, Crawford, and Kazmir. I pick Tampa Bay to win it all in 6 games over the Phillies. With absolute certainty, come hell or high water there will be a new World Champion!

Shaq's promises to hit free-throws no more than ego boost

Well, back at it again with his usual idiotic trash talking, Shaq is vowing to get revenge on the Spurs during the season opener on October 29. This time I think the brash, veteran wannabe rapper has really put his foot in his mouth. In an interview he made the ultimate mistake by promising to counter the Hack-a-Shaq strategy by exhibiting rare form at the free-throw line. Now there is an idea. Shaq actually hitting free-throws with consistency? Yeah....that's never happened so why in the hell would it work now? On a good day I believe Shaq could hit a corner of a BARN after air mailing a couple f--- basketballs onto the roof!! To fathom why he conjures up this crap and makes empty promises is beyond reason.

Everyone knows Shaq isn't the same player he used to in the 90's era (liked to slam dunk often to avoid shooting free-throws). With age a factor, slowing him down on the court and endurance not favoring him at all he better figure out how to hit free-throws soon. The season is not far off with teams like the Spurs determined to foul him, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that Shaq can't shoot at the line worth a s***!! For the brick layer to state that his opponents rely too much on the Hack-a-Shaq/Hack-a-Smack strategy is dumb because of course this will only make them clamp down on him even more with relentless force.

The Suns have two options for the season: one being to jerk Shaq and have him on the bench during crunch time to avoid costing them the game at the line or leave him in to embarrass the team and himself while ruining a potentially great ending to a game. The smart choice is clear, but knowing Shaq he'll be bull headed and want do things the hard way. I already feel bad for the Suns' fans. They are sure to be set up for disappointment. His teammates especially Steve Nash will have to find ways to keep the ball out of the Diesel's hands to salvage games.

The only hope for Shaq to show prowess with his numerous free shots expected for the season is to wear his old Reebok pumps, crank those babies up for good luck and pray the shoes don't explode upon impact on the court. Actually I don't think anything will work for him since his technique hasn't changed over the years. Having a instrumental free-throw shooting video wouldn't help either because with the angles he'd try it could only result in too many bricks bouncing off the rims while deafening a home crowd. It takes quite a bit of gall to make claims as Shaq has while bragging about his greatest weakness. After the season when Shaq has recorded a career high in free-throw misses the Suns will say adios. He needs to forget about releasing another rap song too because that crap can only get worse!

Rays continue to shine in playoffs, Longoria brightest star

With the Tampa Bay Rays up 3-1 in the ALCS the postseason only looks to get sweeter for them. Up and down the lineup this team who had the worst record in the AL East last year isn't the most fierce, but have deliver with clutch hits during crunch time. They've been underestimated the whole year and are now on the verge of heading to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. A big reason why is Evan Longoria. The 22-year-old has came through time and again, surging the Rays' offense and being a motivating factor. With Carl Crawford back everyone in the lineup is contributing is one way or another.

In yesterday's rabid 13-4 win in Boston the homeruns sprung off the bats' of Longoria, Pena, and Aybar. Even at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in baseball the Rays seem to feel at ease and in control. It didn't hurt their starting pitcher, Andy Sonnanstine, tossed 7 innings to allow 6 hits and 3 earned runs. Only walking a batter the young right-hander kept the Red Sox in check. Plus he had plenty of run support. The player of the game had to be Willy Aybar who went 4-for-5 with 5 RBIs! For Boston to come back from the 3-1 deficit it will take a special team effort. Their bats aren't exploding or as potent as they were in the ALDS against the Angels.

The numbers Evan Longoria is putting up in the playoffs are remarkable. Without him in the lineup the Rays managed to suffice in the regular season, but now with him present the team averages at least 2 more runs a game. That has been a big influence on pulling out close wins. Luckily Tampa Bay has a solid crop of young talent which is combining for their efforts to get the team to the World Series. B.J. Upton has also played a steady role so far in the postseason. His 11th inning sac fly made the difference in Game 2 and will a key player for the rest of the way. With the emerging outcome of the playoffs I don't think anyone predicted the Rays and Phillies playing at each other in the World Series. It would be amazing if Tampa Bay won it all!

Moped accident has more than ill-effects for Warriors' Ellis

An NBA player usually can relax and unwind after the season is over. They have the option to take a long vacation or spend time with family. For Warriors' guard Monta Ellis he chose to drive a moped to get his kicks. What eventually happened was the speedy NBA rising star had a minor accident and got injured. Fibbing at first about how he got injured when returning to summer camp training Ellis wanted to hide the real embarrassment. Let's face it how often do you hear about anyone wrecking a moped without being intoxicated? As a result for his cover up and time missed in summer practices Ellis got slapped with a 30-day suspension without pay.

In direct violation to this contract and team policy Coach Don Nelson and owner Chris Mullin didn't see this coming. They are definitely not pleased with the confirmation provided by the 22-year-old basketball standout about what really caused his injury. I have to imagine Ellis is lucky to not have received a stiffer punishment. In the process involving his suspension it's reported for him to lose $3 million. That part really sucks big time yet he didn't come forth with the truth to begin with. He'll probably have enough time to heal his wounds and learn to be more careful on small motorized vehicles (mopeds can't go much faster than 30 mph...so he might as well forget about a motor cycle).

With Baron Davis' departure from Golden State this off-season the Warriors are in need of another scorer. Now with Monta Ellis, who averaged around 22 ppg out for a while will have to find another option to supplement their offense. With a few good bench role players still available the Warriors may be okay for the first month of the season yet don't have quite all the elements a year ago which made them a potent, fast-track competitor. If Monta Ellis knows what best he'll get a chauffeur to drive him around places and make it to all the practices on time when he's allowed to return back on the team.

Rays ready for more than brawl in ALCS

With early season aspirations no one in the baseball world picked the Tampa Bay Rays to make it very far. Especially not to the AL Championship series. Well as usual the critics were wrong and that's normally how it works with least noticed team being the biggest surprise. The teams not picked to amount to diddly squat are the ones who emerge as top contenders. In this case the Rays play the role of Underdogs against the defending World champion Red Sox heading into a monumental series tonight.

The two teams let their gloves come off earlier this year when a bench-clearing brawl erupted. Rays' pitcher James Shields took offense to outfielder Coco Crisp charging the mound after being hit by a pitch. From there everyone from sides sprung into the field to get in on the action and defend their teammates. Luckily from that previous meeting none of the players involved got seriously injured. I'm sure there will be some heated tension between the clubs for the playoff series as they haven't forgotten what happened.

Every time a batter is plunked the other team always responds in later innings. Usually a heater comes in tight near the chin by the other pitcher. To escalate a brooding situation even more the players will start yelling back and forth from the dugouts and the field at one another. Then the umpires get mad and want to serve up ejections. I don't think this series will be too out of hand and should go the distance for 6 or 7 games. With Tampa Bay owning home-field advantage they may find themselves in the driver's seat yet still will have learn how to win on the road.

The Rays have their work ahead of them facing a difficult rotation which includes Josh Beckett, Dice-K, Jon Lester, and Tim Wakefield. I don't think the Red Sox will go any deeper than their top 3 pitchers and figuring out how to chip away and score runs against Dice-K will be quite the task. The 2nd year Japanese hurler earned a 18-2 record in the regular season with a low ERA. I think the answer for Tampa Bay lies primarily in the middle of their order. Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, and Carl Crawford must hit for the Rays to stay alive and have a chance. As far their rotation if their pitchers can be effective for at least 5 innings they'll be able to hang around and have a good shot to win the series. If a brawl does break out again, the Tampa Bay bench will have it in their best interest to avoid their best players throwing punches. Let the relievers go at it so the main star players won't get suspended.

First deaf player in NBA gets released

The NBA is trying to show a classy side now and restrain from discriminating against any player. This week the Cleveland Cavailers decided to release a first year player, Lance Allred who signed a short-term contract...and I mean really short (20-days). Allred became to the first deaf player to join the NBA. Apparently with Lebron James at the helm the Cavaliers are in search of a center to fill space in the paint. For whatever reason they let Allred go and will continue their scouting and trade possibilities elsewhere. I think it would've have been amazing to see this guy play alongside King James. One thing would have been for sure, "the noise and heckling in Cleveland wouldn't have bothered Allred. Don't see him 'feeling' any tension from that.

The strides the NBA is taking shows they're open-minded at least. For a while they'd been too kind to explosive and out of control players such as with Ron Artest and Rasheed Wallace, both who remain active. Too many teams could benefit from players with certain circumstances such as being deaf. Having a hyper active or hypochondriac on the team could lead to more fast break points and energy boosts off the bench. Now I can't imagine a blind person fitting well in the league. Sooner or later they'd get injured and end up committing a record number in turnovers. What is important though is the NBA is opening it's doors to a diverse pool of diverse regardless of their physical conditions. It's sure to make for an even more entertaining basketball season.

White Sox extend first round series, look to tie in Chicago

The Heavens above must be looking out for the Chicago White Sox. Avoiding elimination from the playoffs the team from the south side managed to pull out a crucial 5-3 win over the Rays. Leading the way with a gutsy pitching display was John Danks who was the one to help get them in the playoffs in the first time. He got the decision in the tie-breaker between the Sox and Twins. With offensive production from A.J. Pierzynski and Dwayne Wise who both doubled in runs Sunday the Sox managed to come out on top in Game 3. The most influential player which is going unnoticed in this series is Ken Griffey Jr. He's quietly getting hits (2-for-2 yesterday) and reaching base while playing good defense. Maybe he'll have some heroics in store for Game 4.

It's good to see at least one Chicago team still hanging in there and fighting. The fans on the other side of town are emotionally distraught to say the least with the outcome of the NL series, anticipating a celebration which didn't come. Instead it's a miserable time there with their home team letting their series escape them before it even really got started. Maybe next year so much emphasis and never ending reminders won't be put on a World Series (that's right it's Chicago....
people there go freaking crazy this time a year and can't maintain any self-control. Plus they only hurt themselves by paying too much for tickets). At least the White Sox are making the effort and showing they can compete in the AL that's the main thing. Today they won't have an easy task as they send Gavin Floyd to the mound to face the Rays' Andy Sonnanstine. If Chicago's pitching can keep the game within reason they can force a Game 5 back in Tampa Bay. The main concentration for the White Sox: stop Evan Longoria.

Pistons' Hamilton voices past failures with former coach

If it's not Shaq or Dirk ragging on another teammate or coach others among the NBA's elite have to put in their 2-cents worth (actually could be much more given their $20-30 million contracts). This time personal commentary surfaces from none other than the Pistons' Rip Hamilton. After losing the Eastern conference finals against the Boston Celtics this past season the jawing, smooth-shooting b-baller made it known he was unhappy with the way former coach Flip Saunders ran the team in his tenure. His admitted feelings come after Saunders was fired this year for not getting the Pistons to the NBA Finals. Okay, I understand how the veteran shooting guard is used to being a contender and on a winning team as well as his frustration with his ex-coach. However, what good will it do for him to complain about a coach's methods and preparation after he's long gone?

The time to 'rip' the coach or let him know in private that's something isn't clicking and causing too much frustration is during the time it's happening. Sorry, Hamilton finding fault with a team member, whomever it is can't help a situation when they are no longer active. That's like going around and criticizing a teammate for being injuried too long when he's one of the top scorers on the freaking team. Claiming that player is just faking it and loafing around because he doesn't want to practice to just make a statement for sake of reasoning for a team's decline is pointless. Plus making comments like that sure as hell doesn't bring a squad together. Now it's one thing if a player is always cherry picking on defense or is seen lounging around on the bench by the water cooler too often.

Looks like the nickname for Hamilton fits even better now. I'm sure Flip Saunders won't appreciate his former player's direct blame by singling him out. As I remember in the series against the Celtics it wasn't one person responsible for the team's fallout. He must have forgot about Detroit getting outplayed on the defensive end, going cold from the field in stretches which included Hamilton, and as usual Rasheed barking at the refs on almost every call while racking up the fouls. Take that into perspective and he will realize Flip wasn't the sole reason behind their defeat. The next coach who takes over duties for the Pistons better make it clear to Hamilton: things aren't always going to run smooth and be to his satisfaction as it takes a team effort giving their best to succeed. Once Hamilton looses those corn rolls and stops being self-centered maybe he'll realize that again.

Injured Phillie likely to miss Game 1, have effect on series

Everyone knows that the Philadelphia Phillies were a shoe-in for the playoffs. After capturing the NL East they waited back to see who their opponent would be in the NLDS. It turns out to be the Brewers. With solid firepower throughout their lineup the Phillies now have to be concerned with a health issue. Outfielder Pat Burrell is expected to miss Game 1 due to back problems. For a heavy hitter with over 25 homeruns this season his bat will be missed. They need as much offense as they can get facing Sheets and Sabathia. The pitching on sides may be fairly well matched up, but the offense I think will make an impact for the Phillies.

Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are coming stellar back-to-back seasons and will be the ones to lead the charge in the postseason. Much of the starting pitching effort will be relied upon Cole Hamels (14-10). His durability will be a big plus. The Phils give the ball to Les Walrond (1-1) who square off with the Brewers' Odalis Perez (7-12). Despite the issue with Burrell may be available off the bench I like the Phillies chances in this series. That doesn't mean it won't be tough. Their experience and explosive lineup make them one of the best teams in the NL. Plus when Howard catches fire and starts launching the ball into the bleachers it's hard to beat this team. Game 1 will be the preparation contest as the real fun won't start into the last 2 games of the series.