Happy Halloween!

Best Video Ever!

World Series Recap

To say that I am disappointed in this World Series is an understatement. First off, congrats to the Philadelphia Phillies, you definitely played better than the Rays for 5 games and have consistently been one of the better teams in Major League Baseball all season long. But, I have to say there are a ton of things that really bothered me in this series so I made a list, I checked it twice, and for a change on my blog this won't be nice.

1) Umpiring was horrific - It truly was! From game 1 to game 5! No calls on balks, to strike zones disappearing than reappearing, the tag..umm...no tag on Jimmy Rollins, to Rocco Baldelli's no swing, and J-Rolls hit by pitch that wasn't seen. I am all for letting things pass because of human errors do occur, but come on! The ball and strikes situations pissed me off the most. Very, very inconsistent. Bascially I found that the strike zone got much small from the regular season to the post season. Then, it changed again...then again. All that MLB has to do is get 7 of the best umpires in the league that end up being held responsible for one foul line, one base, or balls and strikes and they did not find the correct 7. These are suppose to be professional umpires and I really had to question too many calls on too many occasions for a World Series.

2) Rays starting pitching - No shows in my opinion. Yea, Jason Shields pitched ok for a little more than 5 innings. Scott Kazmir, continued to get behind the batter every single inning. This guy is one of the longest tenured Tampa Bay Rays and he did not step it up. If Lou Pinnella was managing this team he would have lost his hair with all the balls being thrown by the starting pitchers. I said it once and I'll say it again, offense wins games and pitching will always win championships.

3) The weather sucked - I can't throw any of the blame for this on anyone but mother nature. But, you could tell that the weather in Philly was bothering both teams. And bothering me because of the sloppy play that was caused from it. Having a day and a half between game 5 was absolutely brutal.

4) Where was the clutch hitting? - Wasn't found until game 5, at least by both teams. I just found it to be very piss poor that these players from both teams just didn't have it in them to perform on the big stage. The stats that we find at the bottom of the boxscore that indicates LOB, needed extra room on the page to list the astronomical numbers after it. Not scoring with zero or one out with a runner on third base is unacceptable. The Phillies got it done in game 5 and they are very much deserving to where a ring for accomplishing that.

5) Management of MLB/Umpires/Groundscrew in Game 5 - Awful, awful, awful. Are the only words that I can come up with. It was one thing to start the game, but for this game to be played at anytime in the 5th and to top things off make the Rays bat in the 6th basically telling them that if they don't score the game will be called and the Phillies will win. How sh!tty is that! O.k. here's what they should have done. After the 20 minute delay, allowing the groundskeeping crew to throw some quick dry down and rub it into the dirt (by the way, I do this for a living now, even if they had the best quick dry sand in the world it does absolutely nothing if it is pouring with rain out while applying it) they should have had the lead off batter step to the plate take one pitch, then call it. The Rays have gotten to this point in the season because of their ability to run the bases and hit the long ball. Luckily for them B.J. Upton was able to still steal second and score, but to take away the biggest threats for a World Series team and force them to score 1 run in pouring rain, puddles in the infield, and cold wind blinding the batters or they were going to lose the World Series is absolutely, positively wrong!

So as much as I am sad to see the baseball season come to an end. I am extremely disappointed on how it ended.

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

After last week's blow out victory for Jenelle, she looks to be the early favorite so far through round 1. This week we have two ladies from totally different backgrounds facing off. It's only going to get tougher. Enjoy the view and keep voting.

Lauren - Holder of case #12, Born in Newport Beach, California, 25-year-old Lauren Shiohama gets her unique look from her Japanese and Chinese decent. Shiohama graduated from the University of Southern California in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in business administration. Prior to pursuing modeling and acting full time, she had aspirations for a career in business. In 2006, she made her feature film debut in "Little Miss Sunshine," which won a SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast.

Pilar - Holder of case #14, Pilar was raised in San Antonio, Texas. With limited funds and a broken-down Mustang that she repaired herself, she arrived in Los Angeles and soon booked her first gig as a waitress at T.G.I. Fridays, a gig that led to her gaining 38 pounds in just three months. Her thirst for success soon landed several other independent films, including guest shots on soaps and "Las Vegas." Aside from acting and modeling, she is the host of The Playmate Hour, a one-hour slumber party talk show on Playboy Radio, Sirius channel 198.

A Chip Off The Old Block

You gotta love the enthusiasm of Mike Singletary in yesterday's press conference after the 49ers loss to Seattle. Yea, he's not old school! His former NFL coach must be pretty proud today.

Are you Smarter than a .....5th grader?

Since I didn't get a new Math question this week from Milk was a Bad Choice I figure I'd challenge you all or as they say down here y'all.

This was an actual item on a test given to a 5th grade class in Duval County. So ask yourself ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?

7 kids were in a bus, each with 7 bags. In each bag was a big cat, each big cat had 7 little cats. How many legs were in the bus? (Hint: There are no tricks to this question)

Game 2 Recap

I really couldn't tell you if it is bad coaching, great pitching, or poor hitting for the Phillies lack of run production with runners in scoring position in this series. All I know is if Philadelphia wants to win this, these concerns better get corrected. This was a very strange Game 2. The Rays scored 4 times last night with only one of the runs being scored on a hit. Philly's costly errors. Philly's best hitter last night was 9th batter Carlos Ruiz. A double play scored in the book 9-3. A pinch hit homer on a first pitch by a less than popular player. A squeeze play. And very questionable umpiring for the second straight night by the same umpire. Kerwin Danley was behind the plate last night and for some reason didn't call out Ricco Baldelli for swinging at a third strike which clearly he did. Then when the Phils look like they have things going to make an interesting 9th inning, phenom David Price clearly hit Jimmy Rollins with a pitch that moved his jersey. My "Star of the Game" was clearly Joe Maddon, his call to safety squeeze the pitch after a suicide squeeze failed was genius. Also, his management of the bullpen, though very interesting worked and we can't take anything away from him for that. Keeping Price, who was pitching in college just a year ago, in the game even though he clearly was not himself worked and they won the game, so what's to question? My "Disappointment of the Game" was clearly Jimmy Rollins. Who became the first player in World Series history go 0-5 in his first to games. He is late on his fastball, dipping when he swings and clearly is just uncomfortable at the plate. Many might think that the Rays are the clear favorites to win game 3 with Matt Garza facing the old dog Jamie Moyer. But, the Rays will be in Philly for this game and Moyer could stun the Rays with his off-balanced pitching.

Game 1 Recap

Since I really love baseball and hate to see it end I decided to add some more posts to my blog in the early morning hours with some comments after each game recapping the World Series. Hope that you enjoy!

You gotta hand it to Cole Hamels. Wasn't his best outing of the post season but he sure got some big out in big situations. Hamels has only given up 5 runs in 4 playoff games so far. He was my "Star of the Game" going 7 strong, with 5 ks. My "Disappointment of the Game" was Scott Kazmir, really haven't been thrilled with his performances this post season. He fell behind in the counts, and not concentrating on the batters with runners on base. And this worked to the Phillies favor by capitalizing on his inability to throw strikes. The bullpens were excellent last night for both teams which was nice to see on the Tampa Bay side. This game had many chances to go in another direction with the Phillies not cashing in on runs leaving 11 on base. What's with Ryan Howard? The MLB RBI leader this season only has 3 so far this post season, the Phils sure would like to see some production from the slugger. And for my readers that weren't sure with the call or non call, Hamels did indeed balk. Andy Pettitte would have even called that one. I really don't know how first base umpire Kerwin Danley didn't see that one. As Joe Madden said after the game, "That was a really good game tonight!". And for a game one I really couldn't disagree. As I was watching the game I was thinking to myself man this is an important game for the Phillies to win tonight, definitely more so than the Rays. Now the Rays are in a must win situation tonight.

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

We are moving right along this week in the 1st round of my Deal or No Deal Model Tournament. Cutie and holder of case #7, Sara moves on. It will only be getting tougher for the rest of the first round of ladies. Keep voting and let's move right along to this week's match up.

Anya - Holder of case #10, Anya is a 21-year-old Russian-born actress and model. Her upbringing taught her self-worth, determination, creativity, and a passion for life. Seeing the struggles in Russia gave her an appreciative outlook, making her the determined actress, student, and aspiring producer/director she is today. You also might have seen her on various commercials.

Jenelle - Holder of case #17, stacked 22-year-old Jenelle Moreno was born and raised in sunny Southern California. At a very young age, she knew she wanted to spend her career in front of the camera and was a natural at it right off the bat. At the age of 15 she was discovered by a major Hollywood agent, and the very next day, booked an eight-page spread in Teen Magazine

World Series Preview

A World Series that people weren't expecting and definitely Major League Baseball wasn't really wanting. But, I think that this is good for baseball. We have a worst to first situation going on in Tampa Bay, and a Philadelphia Phillies team looking to bring a city a world championship for the first time in a long time. On to my ever popular World Series Preview:

RAYS vs PHILLIES - Of course everyone that is a Philadelphia fan is crying about home field advantage because the American League beat the NL in the All-Star game. Wouldn't have mattered Philly faithful. Rays had a better record anyway, get over it. I am positive that at the All-Star game you weren't thinking negatively about MLB's ruling for home field advantage in the World Series until the AL won...again. Besides you have Cole Hamels on your team. This guy has really emerged this year as the next great post season pitcher. And now with the rest he will be the Phillies game 1 starter where he can give them an early 1-0 lead in the Series starting tonight. Doubters of the Rays should just keep doubting. I have already heard 5 predictions of the World Series winner in favor of the Phillies. Yea, on paper they have a better bullpen, up and down a better line up, and overall a veteran talented bunch. But they are facing the Rays! A team that has faced the likes of the Red Sox and Yankees all season to win the AL East. A team that had to defeat a very good Chicago White Sox team on the road. A team that was down 1-0 to the Red Sox, climbed back to a 3-1 lead, lost the lead, and faced the defending champs in a deciding game 7 coming out victorious. This should be a very good series. My keys for the series again include the inexperience of the Rays bullpen. I love the fact that David Price is in their with a huge amount of confidence right now, but he can't do it all. Will the Phillies lay off hurt them as history shows it usually does. Just ask the Colorado Rockies last year against the Sox. Here's the prediction, RAYS IN 7

Weekend Review

Another great weekend of sports was on the tube, and I missed most of it!

Saturday night, the Red Sox and Rays were on, as well as Texas vs. Missouri and the Kelly Pavlik/Bernard Hopkins fight. And I basically missed all these great events to be apart of Biketoberfest 2008 in Daytona. Walking down Main Street in Daytona was something like I have never seen before. So much T & A, great looking bikes, and tons and tons of people. And I am sure most of my readers are saying, "Didn't you feel out of place?" Not at all. Yea, there were a ton of hard core bikers their on the side of the road enjoying the sites. But, they are all harmless. Just don't cross them! So we hit some awesome dive bar that had no games on the televisions which meant one thing, the games were already over. And of course, they didn't have the fight on because it was pay-per-view. So I missed the sporting events Saturday night but what an experience it was to enjoy in Daytona.

During the afternoon though it was all about college football. And my game of the day included a team I have cheered for my entire life and a team I am have ties to. My brother, who went to the Capitol One Bowl on New Years, will admit he has always routed against Michigan except for that game. So, when I posted on my blog last week that I have started buying Penn State gear, basically telling the world of my loyalty to my school and Michigan was winning the game in the 1st quarter, of course my brother was routing for Michigan. I was lost for words. Of course, Penn State dominated the lesser Wolverines in the second half, but the first half just showed what kind of bad luck I have on the teams I rout for. This weekend, a buddy of mine, who is the high school baseball coach in my town is a huge Ohio State fan, yes bigger than you Shorty. Being from Ohio and now knowing that I am a student of Penn State he said that we have to get together for the game, with some Buckeye buddies. So this weekend my fanhood for the Nittany Lions will be on display for the first time. I don't like our chances!

It didn't look pretty but the Washington Redskins pulled out another game and have brought their record to 5-2. They have the another team they should beat this weekend in the Detroit Lions. I want to see them pummel them to the ground, not giving any chance of an upset.

YES! Las Vegas lost some money this weekend when I won on my future bet that I place the first week of May, picking the Tampa Bay Rays to win the American League Pennant at 25-1. They are now 7-5 favorites against the Phillies not quite the odds in Vegas but I think if you want to win do not bet against the Rays ever again.

My fantasy football team could of have a very miserable defeat, a historic victory, or what ended up happening a tie. I guess that I could be upset with a tie because after this week my team still is in last place in my division at 3-3-1, but I am only .5 game out. And, sorry cousin Adam, my team was down 17 points with only kicker Stephen Gostkowski left to play. That's right he put up 17 fantasy points for me, it could have been a lot more if the Denver defense made some stops but it was not meant to be and I will take the tie. This week I face reader of this blog, and coach of the Meriden Raiders Mif. He team, though hated on at the beginning of the year, is very very dangerous.

What 2 Watch This Weekend

FRIDAY

MOVIE NIGHT - Some of us have to get up at 4:30 a.m. tomorrow so I am sort of glad that I can get to bed early without any regrets like this morning. That's right, went to bed in the 7th inning, before the Red Sox batted. So tonight will be a pretty laid back night, I suggest Forrest Gump on HBO tonight. Or if your like me and are a customer of Netflix watch that movie tonight so that you can still mail it out tomorrow.

SATURDAY

MICHIGAN VS. PENN STATE - WOW! "My" Penn State will be looking to end a nine-game skid to Michigan when the Wolverines visit Happy Valley. The teams are heading in opposite directions: PSU is unblemished with an average margin of victory of 34 points; Michigan is struggling under Rich Rodriguez, losing to Toledo last week. After I took an exam this week that was 21% of my final grade and finished with a score of 100% (yea...it shocked me as well) I was so excited and instead of going to the bar I went to collegegear.com and purchased some Penn State gear. Honestly, for all my buddies back north...how can I not?

VANDERBILT VS. GEORGIA - The SEC streak stays alive on my What 2 Watch This Weekend posts. Vanderbilt has been shocking the SEC but they run into an angry group of Bulldogs with title hopes still on their minds. Vanderbilt looks to spark the offense with back up Mackenzi Adams taking over at QB. I really don't expect this to be a close game but who am I. I just wrote on my blog that I, a Michigan fan am buying Penn State gear.

MISSOURI VS. TEXAS - Another week, another Big 12 showdown for Texas. After defeating No. 1 Oklahoma last week, the Longhorns host Missouri. Horns QB Colt McCoy was rock-solid in beating the Sooners, while Mizzou QB Chase Daniel struggled to his worst game of the season versus Oklahoma State. The Longhorns have won the past four meetings by an average of 23.0 points. I told you in my Weekend Review that there is an upset brewing and I am sticking with it Mizzou 41 Texas 35.

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Even my brother didn't stay up for the game! Is a comeback again coming in October for the Red Sox. Remember way back before the 2004 season when the team in pinstripes had that magic in the month of October? Have the Sox since then owned that magic? First it was the Yanks in '04, then the Indians in '07, now could it be possible that the Rays are next to be wishing what could have been. The Red Sox have Josh Beckett and Jon Lester the final two games. You gotta like the Sox chances if Beckett pitches a gem Saturday night. Didn't I say in my preview, I wonder how the Rays young bullpen will be able to handle the pressure? Just checking!

SUNDAY

MINNESOTA VS. CHICAGO - For my Chicago Bears fans up north...your team should be 6-0! If you take away about 2 minutes between three games that is exactly what the record for the Bears would be. Is this team for real? Adrian Peterson ran all over the Bears defense last season and the passing game as of late with Gus Ferrotte at the helm (ugh) doesn't look half bad. Berrard Berrian is coming back to Chicago this week after running for the money in Minnesota this past off season. This should bring plenty of boos in the stands but hopefully for my fantasy team plenty of end zone appearances.

NEW ORLEANS VS. CAROLINA - Big, big match up in the NFC South. Carolina, was leading the division before they stumbled in Tampa and now face a dangerous Saints offense. With the great play of the Atlanta Falcons this division has really grown my interest. It may not be the best division but it is definitely the most interesting. As long as the Saints defense can keep them in games they shouldn't have any problem winning. Oh yea, and they could use a kicker as well.

INDIANAPOLIS VS. GREEN BAY - This is really another important game for the Colts. They are facing Tennessee, New England, and Pittsburgh in their upcoming games, while the Packers could afford to lose this game but they really need it to put pressure on the rest of the division. Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning seem to be back to their old ways which will have any defensive coordinator scratching his head in the film room.

MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEK

PAVLIK VS. HOPKINS - Undefeated middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik, 26, has knocked out 30 of the 34 fighters he has faced. The 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins has never been KO'd in his 20 year career. Living down in Florida now with the way the economy is, I will rarely pay for a fight now. We will usually head to a sports bar in Daytona who had all the pay-per-view matches which includes UFC. But, this weekend is BIKETOBERFEST! So will I see the fight, I really couldn't tell you. I have neen waiting for this fight since it was announced and I recently got my buddy really into Pavlik. We will definitely be down in Daytona this weekend and hopefully some dive-bikerbar will have the fight. Any way I know that all my boys will be watching this Saturday night with one of them sitting ringside. Emanuel Stewart aka Pablo!

Random Thoughts Today

Went to the gym today and tried to work out the kinks for my first match of my tennis season, and I am still sore! A ton of things I would like to get to today so let's get right to it.

Even I can be wrong once in a while. The Phillies dominated the Dodgers in 5 games in a "ho-hum" series which I thought would be a lot closer. This team is for real! Now, they can wait and rest Cole Hamels til Wednesday and have their pitchers set for the World Series. Watching their batters in the NLCS really impressed me, and it looks to me that the city of Philadelphia will be anxiously awaiting their club's first home game next Sunday night. My only question is that this lay off until the World Series for them is ridiculous, hope that they can stay sharp.

LET'S GO RAYS! One game closer to being a big winner of Las Vega money in the great Sunshine State. Just how good are the Rays? Good enough that they were down one game, and even though people wrote them off (including myself), they come back with the power stroke that kept them going all year. Now, after winning the last three games, two in Boston, they have a chance tonight to get to a place that was highly unlikely at the start of this season. The Rays organization have been waiting for this team for years. All the hard work in the minors, trades, development, and of course drafting the right guys has finally paid off for a franchise that has been in the basement of the AL East since their existence. Now, this series isn't over yet! Boston has shown that they can come back. But, that was a different team and they are playing a different team. These are the young Rays that have Ray-hawks, even there coach rocks a Ray-hawk.

Still not over the Redskins loss this past weekend!

My fantasy football team came from behind and pulled away with a 3 point victory this past weekend and looking to improve on my 3-3 record this week. Looking at the overall standings on my league's website showed that my squad, though last in my division, owns the 5th highest point total in the league. This is what I deal with in fantasy football! Last week I saw my team go down early to a terrible team that started Chad Pennington, who put up 66 points against me. So it was safe to say that I wasn't in a very good mood for the 1 o'clock games. But, my squad behind Bernard Berrian and Drew Brees roared back! This week I face my cousin, Adam, who has the worst record in the league but has just made some serious trades to change around his squad. I like my chances this week, but this is me, in fantasy football, and he owns 2 players playing Monday night where all I have is my kicker. I hate these weeks!

Finally, if you have been watching ESPN this week or listened to any talk radio, you probably heard about the college senior offensive lineman at Division II Mesa State College that cut off his right pinkie, after severely dislocating it. Before anyone puts in their opinion on the matter people should know that this "big" kid hasn't missed a game in his entire football career. This dates back to his Pop Warner days in 4th grade, up through high school, then for four years at Mesa State. He loves each and everyone of his teammates like they were his brothers, he would do anything for them and being on the football field on Saturdays, no matter what is going on in his life, is where he always feels at peace. So when the surgeon told him that his recovery time after surgery would be 6 months. With Mesa State undefeated in the conference and his career definitely coming to a terrible end he told the surgeon straight up, "Cut it off!". Who are we to question? When you get older all you have left when your sports career is over are the memories. So if you think that he is going to regret it, he'll tell you...

"If I had left it on, I know I would've regretted that the rest of my life."

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

Case #6, Megan, had the most lop-sided victory this past week among the first round match ups. This week you have your hands full as I expect this to be a very close race between these to beauties. Enjoy and keep voting!

Sara Bronson - Holder of case #7, this short cutie was born in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly relocated to Calabasas, California at the young age of two. She knew early in life that she wanted to be an entertainer. Whether she was dancing, singing, or acting, she really just loved to perform. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications and entertainment studies from Cal State Fullerton. In college, she was very active, adding musical theater to her long list of hobbies.

Tameka Jacobs - Holder of case #21, this tall, energic gorgeous woman, managed to win the love of millions of viewers each week on the show. Jacobs was born in the small California town of French Camp and at age three was the center of a racially charged custody battle. Her groundbreaking story was featured in People Magazine, Inside Edition, Extra and Star Magazine. Jacobs beat all odds and was adopted by a beautiful San Francisco Bay Area family who saw a shine in her.

Weekend Review

This past weekend in sports was very, very entertaining on the television (pending if your team won or lost). For those of you loyal readers, my school work is going very well right now after a terrible first exam a few weeks ago. I am starting to get use to the work due each week along with the work schedule that I am keeping up. Let's get right to my weekend review before I have to go to work and miss most of October baseball tonight.

I gotta start off with my team's terrible loss this weekend. The Washington Redskins looked awful! Even with the lead at the end of the 4th quarter they had no right coming close to win that game. After posting no turnovers in their first 5 games, the Redskins had two costly ones that both ended up in points for the winless Rams. Luckily for the 'skins, the Giants and Cowboys both lost, but the Cowboys lost more than a game on Sunday. They could end up losing 5 key players on their roster for the next couple of weeks if the NFL comes down hard again on Adam Jones. But, back to the Redskins...they better start getting the ball to Santana Moss, because they have been very successful this year when doing this. Plus, I just traded for him on my team!

I never would have expected both home teams to lose last night in the MLB League Championship Series. I didn't give the road teams a chance last night. But, again the Rays prove to us to keep doubting them and they will step it up a notch. Unbelievable how this team does it! The coaching in the Dodger/Phillies game was probably the first time I very questioned Joe Torre in my lifetime. When Derek Lowe, who had 74 pitches, didn't come out in the 6th inning I was like, wow! It was way too early for me. This is the thing, I have no problem giving the ball to Lowe after 3 days rest. But, in doing so, he has to be pitching to quite possibly pitch an entire game. There is no way I am going to throw a guy out their to just give me 70-something pitches. On top of that one of their better bullpen guys (of the few) Cory Wade had 33 pitches the night before. Every baseball guy knows that unless your Mariano Rivera, a guy who throws that much the night before never, ever pitches well the following day. And now the Dodgers will be facing elimination the rest of the series.

For the forth time this season we have a new #1 team in college football. Texas beat Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon (why was this game at noon by the way), and took control of the #1 ranking over Alabama who had a bye week. I am calling it right here and now, Texas will lose to Missouri this Saturday to mix things up more at the top of the AP polls.

Finally, my brother and I have been looking for something to keep us active during the fall and winter since the snow birds are coming down and that means golf prices going up. Plus, Tim shot an 83 the last time we went golfing, which included an eagle on a par 5. That's right Tim had an eagle! That same day I had the worst round of my life, so we couldn't pick a better time to try something different than now. Well, yesterday we went and bought tennis rackets and tennis balls and decided to give this sport and chance. I am in absolute pain today, but I defeated the multi-talented Timothy 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to earn the first victory of the tennis season. Look out Roger Federer!

What 2 Watch This Weekend

FRIDAY

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Dice-K hits the hill for the Red Sox after posting the best winning percentage on the road for a starting pitcher this season. On the other side young phenom James Shields who posted 14 wins and 160 Ks. Tropicana Field should be rocking for the 8 o'clock start on TBS.

DODGERS VS. PHILLIES - After hitting two homers off of Derek Lowe in game one to take the early 1-0 lead in the series the Phillies look to take a two game lead before heading on the west coast. One thing that I took out of the game was the great job both bullpens did last night which is always key for a post season game in the National League.

SATURDAY

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Game 2 figures to be the most intriguing of the first two in Tampa. Everybody will be watching to see how Josh Beckett ends up throwing in the game. I have heard way to much criticism of Tony Francona this week with him deciding on Beckett in game two instead of Jon Lester. One thing that I have realized from being a coach, you know more about your team than anyone can imagine, but you will still be questioned no matter what. Why are people second guessing a guy that has won 2 World Series rings in 4 years?

ARIZONA ST VS. USC - The Trojans look to get back in action in the ever popular PAC-10 against a feisty Sundevil team ("I'm a SunDevil, Jerry!). I still am giving the Trojans a great chance to win the conference and head to another Rose Bowl, but if my pre season prediction ends up being correct there should be another conference loss heading for them. Is this the week?

LSU VS. FLORIDA - The entire state of Florida has been talking about this game since the Gators loss to Ole Miss. This most-see Saturday night game in Gainesville will be rocking with one of the best rivalries in the SEC. Is it possible that the Gators lose on their home turf for the second straight game? I doubt it, but we gotta see which Tim Tebow shows up for this one.

WISCONSIN VS. PENN ST - The Badgers have lost two straight Big Ten games and are at home this weekend against a #6 nationally ranked team. Smells like an upset. Well, it very well could be, but my Nittany Lions are going to be the top dogs in the conference at least until their match with the Buckeyes October 25th. This will be a nice test for this young Penn State team on the road at night.

SUNDAY

RAVENS VS. COLTS - Both teams come into the game posting 2-2 records. The Colts are the home team, something that mattered every time a visitor hit the field. Now in their new stadium they have yet to win one on their turf. The Ravens should use a heavy load of rushes on a Colts defense that is desperately missing the likes of Bob Sanders in the secondary.

JACKSONVILLE VS. DENVER - David Garrard and the Jaguars are really not off to the start the they and we thought they would this season. Starting the year at 2-3 is one thing but losing to the Broncos this week would make things worse for a team chasing the Titans and Colts in their division. The Broncos are off to a great start and with a win at home this week they can really put a strangle hold on their AFC West with the Chargers falling off.

EAGLES VS. 49ERS - The Eagles might be the best 2-3 team in the history of the NFL. Donovan McNabb came out this week and put some blame on himself hoping to jumpstart a team that is at the bottom of the best division in the league. For the Niners, they are in an easier division where they could possibly come out of and make the playoffs for the first time in years. Big game for both teams in only week 6 of the early season.

PHILLIES VS. DODGERS - Game 3 heads to the west coast where the LA fans will be rowdy. I mean when actually was the last time that the Dodger faithful was in this position? That's right 1988! Manny has brought life to a city that has been dying to cheer about there baseball team. The pivotal game three should be in the Dodgers favor, but this is October anything can happen.

MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEK

TEXAS VS. OKLAHOMA - #5 vs. #1. The Red River Rivalry is back in action this weekend and this is one rivalry that really never disappoints. A year ago the Sooners won on a touchdown in the 4th to go on to a 28-21 victory. Before that the Longhorns won despite the loss of Vince Young. This rivalry is different because they always play at a neutral site, The Cotton Bowl. And when they tell you that the crowd is half and half, it is the truth, you really can't tell who has more fans in the stands. It's hard not to take the Sooners in this one, but stranger things have happened. Plus, Colt McCoy is playing at level this season that no one thought that he could get to after coming in as the starter after Young. I am looking at Sam Bradford, who is the leading passer in the BIG 12, to play very well...get the victory...and help his own cause with some Heisman brownie points.

League Championship Preview

Been working my ass off this week! I am stuck working the night shift (12-10) tonight and tomorrow pulling a double (7-9). But, hopefully the rain will keep up and I can come home for longer breaks and watch the MLB League Championship Series. I told my brother that if the Red Sox beat the Angels that tickets in Tampa would be outrageous. Well, I was correct! Not looking good for making the trip but we shall see. On to the previews...

DODGERS VS. PHILLIES - This series gets underway tonight with two pitchers that could quite possibly shut down their opponents, or get knocked out early. Cole Hamels, who was awful last year in the post season, as a big test facing Manny Ramirez and the rest of the right-handed batters for at least 2 games. Derek Lowe, who has been brilliant in his past 6 post season starts (4-0), was 5-6 this season on the road with close to 4.50. I always believe that the first game is always the most important, unless it goes to the 7th. And, in this series it is no difference. The Phillies, who haven't been to the World Series since the fatal Joe Carter shot, will have a crowd behind them that hasn't seen a title in their city in all the major sports since the Phillies won in 1980. And the Dodgers have been great since the addition of Ramirez, it almost seems to me that their line up starts with him, even though he sits in the 3 hole. No matter the outcome of the series both of these teams, with their performance this season, are deserving of a chance at a World Series title. This is a tough call, but I gotta make a decision. DODGERS IN 7

RED SOX VS. RAYS - Unless you live in California or Chicago, this will be the most watched series of the two. I really can't think of any team, as of late, making this kind of storied run in the post season in a while. The Rays, who have the home field advantage in this series, are looking to extend their season against a team in their own division in which they won the season series 10-8. I have been hating on the play of B.J. Upton down the stretch in the regular season, but he definitely stepped it up in the divisional round. The Red Sox is the most unhealthiest team left in the post season, yet they still are the dangerous. Their pitching rotation is step up beautifully, with stud lefty Jon Lester going game 3 at home and step up for a possible game 7 on the road. Two things that are going to be keys in this series are 1) Will the Rays bullpen handle the pressure in the late innings? and 2) Can the Red Sox win on the road?. Watching the Rays as of late I worry about their bullpen's confidence in pressure packed late innings. They have been shaky at best and the Red Sox had a few late inning comebacks against the Angels last series. With the Sox on the road, they only won once there. And let me tell you, as full as it will be with Red Sox fans at Tropicana Field, that place will be rocking Friday and Saturday night. Another tough call for me. If the Red Sox advance my pre season pick to win the World Series stays in tacked. If the Rays win...I win money from Vegas. I am cursed with betting so I am going to go with RED SOX IN 6

Deal or No Deal Model Tournament

It's Wednesday and it must be another match up of my Deal or No Deal Model Tournament. Case #5 Ursula defeated Alike to move on to the second round. Let's get right to the next 1st round match up of the models.

Amanza - Holder of case number 19, this newcomer is an exotic beauty has already graced the pages of magazines like Seventeen and Flaunt. She has appeared in several television commercials and is on billboards across the U.S. for the trendy new hot spot, Lucky Strike.

Megan - Holder of case number 6, Megan Abrigo is a true island girl who is making some big waves in Los Angeles! She was born on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii, where she got her start in modeling after being spotted by a photographer. She is also a graduate of Loyola Marymount University.

Random Thoughts Today

My famous Uncle Bob said to me this on Monday afternoon that there was nothing on the television Sunday because all that was on the stations was, as he puts it, "God Damn Sports!!!" As much as I agreed with him, I had to add..."Where's the problem?". Isn't the fall just so much fun? I absolutely love the month of October (at least down in Florida because the weather is still in the 80s). Playoff baseball and the being so comfortable on my couch on Sundays watching football and eating like a slob is so great! I just think that if there is a heaven on earth, it is founded in the month of October. Let's get into some random thoughts I have tonight that include a weekend review.

How good is Manny Ramirez? I am really curious on what my readers think. You can debate all day on who is the greatest hitter of all time is. But, during my 30 years on earth I gotta say the Manny is easily the greatest right handed hitter I have ever...ever seen! I know that I have said this before on this blog, but the guy just amazes me every time I watch him hit. Say what you want about him, but he will go down in history as one of the best post season players and pure hitters the game has ever seen when his playing days are over.

Hey John Lachey, your team wasn't the best team again this season. Sorry buddy! How you can say that you were the better team in this series with the Sox is a joke. You are based on your performance during the year on how you play in the post season. And the Angels just aren't good in October. How you can actually go home and look at yourself in the mirror and believe that you were on the better team after losing to an injury filled Red Sox team in 4 games is amazing to me. Hope that you enjoy your "best team of 2008" ring that you will receive on opening day in 2009.

Say what you want about how Chicago would be great for ratings in the NLCS but real, I repeat, real baseball fans like myself are really looking forward to the Phillies and Dodgers. This is a great match up ladies and gentlemen! Pitching match ups will be in place and the line ups will be well rested. I can say that the series could be done in 5, but I really hope not. I will not be mad at the outcome to the series either way, but just so my readers know, this will be a better series than the one in the AL. Yea, I said it!

As for the one in the AL, the Rays are 4 games closer to not only a World Series but a chance to win me some money from Las Vegas. My preview will be coming tomorrow so I won't give to much away now but if Josh Beckett pitches like he did in game 3 the Red Sox are doomed!

HOW BOUT THOSE REDSKINS!!!!

As painful as it is to write about, last night was the worst night of my fantasy football career. I really wonder why I even bother. Just when I think there is a chance, the walls close in on me. I was down 83...that's right 83 points going into the Monday night game with Drew Brees and Bernard Berrain playing. Well, after Berrain's miracle catch in the endzone and Brees marching down the field on their final drive the lead went down to 1. YOU WOULD THINK THAT SEAN PAYTON LEARNED THE FIRST TIME!!!!! Damn you! All I needed was a touchdown, but no they decided to run the ball and make Martin Grammatica have a chance at another game winner. He has already blown one this year, so you would think that Payton would try to get in the endzone so he wouldn't have another choke job from Martin. Glad you lost f*ck$rs! Cuz, now my record falls to 2-3 with a top five scoring team.

Divisional Round Preview

Well, as hard as it was to look, I had to go back and check out (remember) what my picks were at the start of the MLB season on my blog back in March. And I think that I know a lot about baseball!? Ha! This season I only correctly picked 3 out of the 8 teams that advanced to the post season. The only thing that I have going for me is that my World Series prediction still has a chance (Red Sox and Cubs). I really don't want to jinx myself but I think that my readers should know. When I went to Las Vegas back on the first week of May, I placed a bet. And to show you how talented I am at analyzing talent, I will tell you what I did. I placed a $10 bet that the Tampa Bay Rays would win the American League Pennant. I did not place any other future bets (besides the Washington Redskins winning and going to the Super Bowl but that doesn't count because any fan would do the same thing if the odds were right). At 29 to 1 the Rays were listed in May to win the AL. Before the season started they were 50 to 1. You do the math. My only problem is that if this actually hits for me I can only cash this at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Oh Well!!! I am desperately trying to catch the Rays live this playoffs but it is not looking good. Hopefully they will be at home on the weekend in the ALCS, then it will be a no brainer. Anyway let's get right to my divisional round predictions.

White Sox vs. Rays - This series gets started on Thursday which is good for the Sox considering the amount of games they have had to play in a row just to get to this point. The well rested Rays have the pitchers lined up and ready for action with James Shields and Scott Kazmir getting the ball in games 1 and 2. I am very interested to see how my boy Ken Griffey hits the ball with his first time back in the post season since the Clinton years. The Rays in my opinion are two rested and home field advantage will serve to be the reason the Rays win the first two games and ultimately win the series. RAYS in 4

Brewers vs. Phillies - It has been a great story this year with the "brew crew" getting back to the post season on the back of a remarkable CC Sabathia. What he has done with this ball club is truly amazing. He will be back on the mound in game 2 and I am almost positive that he will show no signs of being fatigued. The Phillies on the otherhand are back in the post season this year with another crack at a World Series appearance. They come into the NL playoffs as the best offense again, will it keep up? I think that it definitely will! PHILLIES in 4

Red Sox vs. Angels - The Angels finally have something to play for when this series begins tonight at 10 o'clock. After clinching the division back in May, the Angels really have been just winning games with no sense of urgency. The Red Sox have had their ups and downs this season and I firmly believe the reason that the Sox get back to the World Series is all on how Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell perform (if at all). As much as they need Beckett in their rotation, Lowell is very important to that line up and his post season experience as well. The Angels are very well rested, maybe too rested and the Red Sox have owned them in the playoffs. The key to the series is Jon Lester vs. John Lackey in game 1. Whoever wins, wins the series. RED SOX in 5

Dodgers vs. Cubs - Out of the three teams that the Cubs could have played I am pretty sure that they wanted nothing to do with the Dodgers. The Dodgers come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams since the addition of Manny Ramirez. Everyone on the roster has stepped it up and the suspect starting pitching is now showing signs that they can get the job done. The Cubbies, who had clinched the post season already, had to play the Brewers who were trying to get in. So it's not like they haven't played any meaningful games lately. Lou Pinella is going to go with his hottest and most consistent pitcher in game 1 in Ryan Dempster. This could prove to be a series changer in my eyes. This will be the best series of the 4 in my opinion. I gotta go with what I said at the beginning of the year. CUBS in 5