the nutz

The Only Way to Save Jacksonville Football

2009-09-16T22:23:00.004-04:00

Rumor has it that the Jags will be the 'team' to go to London....The only way to save Jacksonville is bring in Florida's savior for next season and draft Tim Tebow.

One movie to look forward to in 3 months

2009-08-29T23:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary Pete!

2009-08-24T13:12:00.003-04:00

Has it been twenty years. On this day twenty years ago, I was being interviewed by Jeff Fox from channel 3 news in CT about the banning of Pete Rose from baseball. Didn't know much about it then and looked like a fool on television. But, knowing what I know now about Pete it's hard not to have a feeling that things could have been much different if this man just admitted what he did instead of trying to lie his way out of situations. I can't see him being allowed back any time soon, even when Bud Selig goes.

Insane Bolt!

2009-08-20T19:01:00.002-04:00

After posting a new World Record in the 100 M. Usain Bolt broke his 200 M World Record today. Is he the most exciting athlete in the world right now? I think I would have to say yes!!!

Random Thoughts Today

2009-08-20T18:28:00.002-04:00

Yes! I'm Back! Lots to get to little time. Sorry for the delay but it is what it is, my Internet connection took a little longer than I first thought and now my life is in tact. Man, have I missed my computer. Let's get right to some thoughts for the day.

Doorbell...$2.00. Bar Stools...$17.00 each. Refrigerator...$699.00. Buying your own house...priceless. I can't even begin to describe the feeling that I have had doing things to my own place. My parents, God bless them, have gone above and beyond straightening out the crib while I've been at work. But, my greatest pleasure has been using all my free time on caring for my home. It has been costing me some $, but what are you going to do. Speaking of $, just got my first mortgage bill in the mail today, I don't know what I should do...frame it or throw it in the garbage.

God I hate the NFL PreSeason! Such a tease. The month of August drives me insane. It's hot, baseball teases us until the real month of the season: September, and I have been counting down the days until my Fantasy Football Draft. And to top things off, the NFL season doesn't start for another 3 weeks!

Few things about the MLB season I have thought of the last couple of weeks. The Yankees are better than I thought. The Red Sox pitching is worse than I thought. And Albert Pujols is as good if not better than I thought!

Still can't believe that Tiger lost last week. I was drunk and I still thought the putts he was hitting was way off!

Since I am on a very tight budget these days, here's just a glimpse of what my dinners are like now at the new home: salad...pasta...fishsticks! Gotta love it. I go grocery shopping and everywhere you look and everywhere you hear your suppose to eat healthy. I would just like to say, why should I do that to myself? Have you gone to the grocery store and seen the prices for the healthy food section? No wonder we have a weight problem in this country. Nobody can afford the healthy food so they settle for the 99 cents eggs instead of the 4.99 egg beaters. At least I can still afford Busch Light, which I have been hooked on the last month!

More to come, give me a chance to settle into the house and all will be well. Hope my readers didn't all leave me for good.

Please Stand By

2009-08-11T16:14:00.002-04:00

The Nutz will have to be put on hold for a little while, since I have no Internet service in my new home at the moment. All is going well with the move, and I will be sure to keep you all up to date with what's going on as soon as possible. Been spending money like it's my job! I'd say I love, but that is an outright lie! Be well, and the posts will come soon enough. If only my brother, who has nothing to do by the way, would step up his game.

Shark Week

2009-08-05T16:20:00.003-04:00

Every year in August the Discovery Channel has a week feature on Sharks also known as "Shark Week". Sharks are by far my favorite creature on this planet that I am totally terrified of. Where I am located now just down the 95 south turnpike, is the shark bite capital of the United States in New Smyrna Beach. This is the time of year where we find the most bites, because the surfers love the waves this time of year and it is a lot warmer as the sharks start moving more north. Maybe for many of you this is not your cup of tea, but I am thoroughly intrigued on how these creatures live, and of course what these idiots with these cameras are thinking by being around them. Here is a quick video of Great White Sharks, fish that we thankfully don't have to worry about around here. Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary Robin!

2009-08-04T19:41:00.001-04:00

Again, how old are we? This happened 16 years ago today! Damn!

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-07-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

Say it ain't so David? One of the most beloved Red Sox since Mike Greenwell was on the 2003 steroid list. I have to agree with Ozzie Guillen, enough with the delayed list. Get the entire list out asap so we don't have to hear anymore and we can move on. Every month there comes a name that gives the game another pop in the eye. This was a sad story that came up yesterday, but I should know by now that I shouldn't be too surprised by anyone that comes up on the list. Another bad day for baseball!

Done Deal!

2009-07-30T19:05:00.003-04:00

After much pain, stress, and turmoil I finally closed on my house today at 2:05 p.m. Lots of emotion I have been feeling since the closing especially when I stepped into my new home for the first time. I have come a long way to get where I am today as a human being and I would just like to thank my family for sticking by me through the good times and bad. I had been a knucklehead for many years and I still had your support. And of course my close friends, you all know who you are. As hard as it is not to have you all around to share this moment with and of course drinking it up at my house warming party, you all were a major factor in me sticking it out down here in the Sunshine State, and for that you won't be forgotten. Especially, while I'm drinking beers on my back porch, miss you all. Thanks fellas!!!

Fat People Getting Hurt

2009-07-28T06:33:00.001-04:00

I was in the mood last night to see people get hurt. I have nothing against fat people, hell, I'm trying to become a client. It's just funnier see this stuff happen to them!

What the Hell is Going On?

2009-07-27T15:54:00.000-04:00

Something seriously is going on here. The celebrity death toll keeps rising. If you think this is just a coincidence, then you are obviously entitled to your own opinion. Me something is definitely is going on and it's not good for the celebs out there. I mean can anyone agree with me that this has easily been the biggest stretch of celebrity deaths in such a short time that the United States has ever seen? Let me show you the list and you be the judge...

Ed McMahon started things off on June 23rd at the age of 86, he had one of the more recognized voices in the country and was filthy rich then went bankrupt, still didn't die from stress that had probably overcame him. He still had no money, was still living in the same house because Mr. Trump bailed him out and was doing better than strangely passed and no one knew why because they thought that he was getting healthier. The very next day at 58, Ed Thomas was not as lucky. Dying almost instantly, from being shot by a crazed former player. He was not as recognized as McMahon because he didn't seek the public, but he was a very recognized high school football coach by his peers and beloved by many in his community.

Then on June 25th the nation which was almost expecting her death, Farrah Fawcett died at the age of 62 of cancer. When you heard the news, you had a feeling that the Fawcett family would absolutely love the attention that she will get now and then a couple of hours later a the biggest star that could ruin that dies in Michael Jackson of cardiac arrest. Are you serious? And let's not forget a voice that we have heard on commercials forever in Billy Mays on June 28th. The nation in every which way in overwhelmed in just 5 days. The death tolls slow down for about a week then it comes and hits us again, hard.

Steve McNair takes center stage on the Forth of July but many of us did not know or could care less to know that the creator of WD-40 past a day earlier in John Barry. Then two days after, a guy named Oscar Mayer Jr. goes. How can the executive of a company that gives us hot dogs die just after all we Americans do is eat his product to celebrate our nation a couple days earlier? Then the oldest living employee in America, bee-keeper Waldo McBurney, dies at the age of 106. Followed by Arturo Gatti, why he past is still in question, however it was he was way too young at 37. The former president of ABC passes on suddenly as well in Mark Mandala, then a man some people thought was already dead in Walter Cronkite, without much publicity. Then that damn Taco Bell dog dies of a stroke, Gidget, what the hell!!! Then most recently former boxing champion Vernon Forrest dies on July 25th in an attempted car robbery.

Way too many people in way too short of a time. Why is this happening? I haven't got the clue. But I can tell you that many celebs will be very happy to see the months with J's in them take a break until January.

Funny People

2009-07-26T17:20:00.000-04:00

Once you see this trailer you get a better perspective on the movie than you would from the trailers on the commercials. This movie is not at all what I thought it was until I started watching this youtube trailer.

Jim Rice

2009-07-26T13:39:00.005-04:00

I told my father today that I would pay a tribute to the baseball player Jim Rice. My father told me that he was lucky enough to get to see this man play in person when Rice was at the top of his game and easily one of the most feared hitters in the American League at that time. It's hard to argue. In the late 70s / early 80s you had guys like Ripken, Murray, Jackson, Brett, and Winfield. Guys already on their way to Hall of Fame status. Then there was Rice, quiet, arrogant, and yet among his teammates the best you can ask for. His delay for the Hall reminds me of someone from another sport that had credentials but overlooked...Art Monk. Rice's stats as a whole (career: .298/382/1451) aren't outstanding to say the least, especially since baseball is marked by how well your numbers are. Many say that he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball at during his prime, that alone has to bypass his career stats for the Hall. Think about these stats before you criticize his induction today:

-He is the only player to lead the majors in triples, homers, and runs batted in in the same season (1978).
-He hit 39 homers or more four times in his career
-Also, he had 8 seasons of more than 100 RBI
-Seven seasons he batted over .300
-Finished in the top 5 in AL MVP voting six times winning one in 1978
-In his rookie season he finished 2nd in ROY honors and 3rd in MVP

-8-time All-Star
-Pressured into playing LF guarding the Monster for 16 seasons after guys like Yaz and Williams.

Say what you want about the man whos numbers might not be quite there, but when you have stretch of a career like he had where he had each pitcher in the palm of his hand that deserves a right to Cooperstown. He deserves more than he was given, but finally after some time the Hall of Fame voters put the right man in.

Here's a little piece ESPN did for him, just to show you what kind of man Rice was not portrayed as.

Rice the hero

The NFL Draft to Expand

2009-07-23T19:31:00.005-04:00

The audience for the NFL draft has been growing, and the league has responded by expanding the event from two to three days.

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified teams Thursday that the draft will be spread over three days in 2010, running Thursday, April 22, through Saturday, April 24.

In addition, the first round will start in prime time at 7:30 p.m. ET.

"We continue to look for ways to make the draft more accessible to more fans," Goodell said in a statement. "Moving the first round to prime time on Thursday night will make the first round of the draft available to fans on what is typically the most-watched night of television."

ESPN and the NFL Network will televise the entire show.

The second and third rounds will start at 6:30 p.m. ET on April 23.

Rounds 4 through 7 will be on April 24, starting at 10 a.m. ET.

A total of 39 million viewers watched the draft this year.

The NFL said the first round lasted just under 3½ hours in 2009, which would fit neatly into a prime-time slot.

From 1988 to 1994, the NFL held its draft on Sunday-Monday two-day blocks. From 1995 to 2009, the league made it a Saturday-Sunday event.

Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton and The Associated Press.

I don't know about any of you but I like this a lot. My only problem was that I did enjoy being lazy on my couch during the late rounds on Sunday and channel surfing back and forth to the draft. Should be very, very television friendly for us NFL Draft lovers from now on, especially now that we get to see and hear Mel Kiper spit out his nonsense about all the players drafted! God I love the Draft!

Who's Hungry?

2009-07-22T18:26:00.002-04:00

A new feature to The Nutz, for the rest of the summer I will be posting each week and great summer food that anyone can enjoy being for the south or the north. Summer time is for some great drinking with some great eating out in the sunshine or on a cool summer night. Enjoy!

This week's food is ribs!

No matter pork or beef, sauteed or just pasted sauce on the grill, ribs makes for some great eaten during the summer with some cold beverages.

Here's a tip. Head to your local convenient or grocery store, preferably Arescos Superette, grab some pork ribs that are nice and thick. Also, grab the best BBQ Sauce in the business, in Jack Daniels Original #7 Barbecue Sauce and a apply it to the cold ribs in a tin and store them in the fridge for about 6 hours. Then your good to go, in the oven or on the grill, preferably on the grill though. So get yourself a rack of ribs this weekend and enjoy some summer sun.

Break Dancing at Church?

2009-07-22T08:48:00.003-04:00

I found this video a couple of days ago and had to post it on my blog. This dude is just loving God and loving life. Pretty funny!

One Bright Spot at the ESPY's

2009-07-21T19:49:00.004-04:00

Did any of you catch how my favorite sideline reporter was looking at the Espy's in LA last weekend but shown Sunday! I love this Gator girl and she was looking quite captivating on the ESPN red carpet. Getting to see her was one of the few bright spots, and there were only few, of the ESPY's on Sunday night. Oh my.

The Slacker is Back (Random Thoughts Today)

2009-07-21T17:28:00.005-04:00

Man, does it suck getting older! I'm not talking in age, I talking being a responsible human being, it sucks. How much do I miss "The Apartment"? When I would just work a few jobs, pay my bills, go out Thursday...Friday...Saturday...and Sunday and still have some money left over for food. Man that was great! Now I find myself, going out not as late on the weekends only...saving money...and spending most of my time at Lowes, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart looking for things for my house. So I have been holding in on a ton of issues in my life and I can't take it anymore. So let's vent, here's some Random Thoughts from your slacker Deez...

Buying a house sucks ass! I am going to try to not do this for another 20 years, I hope! Things are still getting delayed regarding me moving into my first home, but hopefully (still crossing my fingers) it will be this Friday...hopefully! I wish I could tell all of you that it is because of my credit rating, or my pay is that low for a loan, or I just suck. But that is not the case at all. These f'n loan officers and underwriters taking care of thing are a bunch of slackers...more than me. Now I know why you have lawyers do all your work for you when your buying a home up north, you don't have to worry about crap. If I don't close on Friday, things could get ugly!

Damn you Tom Watson! I can't root for anyone in golf, because they just find a way to choke and ruin my Sunday! Tom, you gave me one of the best golf weekends of my life and with one 8 foot putt, you threw it right back into my face. Thanks for making me drink alone on Sunday Tom, your the best!

To ESPN, DO NOT PUT SAMUEL JACKSON HOSTING THE ESPY'S EVER AGAIN!!! p.s. why not bring back jt?

And you know what, F--- you Brett Favre and f--- you waiting til July 30th for your decision. I have had your back through the good times and bad, but this has gone too far. Enough is enough Brett, hang it up so the media can find something else to write or talk about.

Netflix is getting canceled this week and Directv might be on the way out the door as well. Time to start growing up and knowing where my money is going, and to be wasting it on these two companies is not helping me for the long term. Redbox, is more convenient, and $1 a day isn't bad at all. F--- your "long wait" or "very long wait" Netflix, I know you must be making some money, go get more copies and send the ones I want right away! Damn!!!

Something alittle more pleasant, I have finally been catching up on a ton of reading lately, especially with my book I've had on the right side of the blog forever now, Pistol. As much of a fan I was of him, even though I have only seen videos and read articles, this dude and his father were absolute nutjobs! And can anyone out there honestly tell me that they knew that Pistol Pete had an older brother? I'm half-way through this amazing book and I recommend anyone that is intrigued with this man to read it. One of the best biographies your ever going to read!

F--- Florida bugs!

F--- Florida drivers!

and F--- the Florida rich broads, bunch of _____!

One good thing that did come out of this week is that we are a week away from NFL training camp! Can you believe football season is almost here!

Big Fan

2009-07-15T20:09:00.003-04:00

My brother Bill, sent this new movie starring Patton Oswalt that is coming out at the end of August. Still very unsure what I think about this film, but it definitely caught my eye. Just passing it onto my blog and onto my readers. Definitely, a much needed Random Thoughts post will come tomorrow. Since the baseball players have a day off tonight, so do I. America's Got Talent will own my television tonight.

Trivia Tuesday

2009-07-14T06:09:00.000-04:00

1) There are 3 active players that hit over 50 hits in the 1980s and over 50 hits in the 2000s. Who are they?

2) Ken Griffey Jr did not win the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 1989. Who won and who came in second? hint...both pitchers

3) JD Drew won the All-Star Game MVP Award last season becoming the 4th Red Sox to win this award? Who were the other 3?

4) Derek Jeter is the only player ever to win the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP in the same season? There is only 1 player that has won both of these awards during his entire career, can you name him?

5) Can you answer these questions regarding the 2002 All-Star game that ended in a tie?
What was the score?
What inning did the game get called?
Who were the managers in the game?
Where was the game played?
Who was the MVP?

Movies Released 20 Years Ago

2009-07-13T14:52:00.004-04:00

Summer is usually the season full of newly released films hitting the theatres. After reading an article this week about the 20th Anniversary of Field of Dreams, I began to realize how old I am getting. Are you kidding me? Twenty years ago Field of Dreams came out. The first movie that actually made me cry, came out that long ago. Certainly doesn't feel that long. And being the curious guy that I am, I went and found the films that were released back in 1989. Get ready to feel old as I list a couple handfuls of popular films that came out 20 years ago. Enjoy!

Field of Dreams

Batman

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Back to the Future 2

Driving Miss Daisy

Major League

Pet Sematary

Born on the 4th of July

Ghostbusters 2

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

The Abyss

Harlem Nights

Weekend at Bernies

Look Who's Talking

Lethal Weapon 2

When Harry Met Sally

Glory

Jacknife

Twister

Dead Poets Society

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Little Mermaid

My Ultimate AL All-Star Team

2009-07-13T10:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday and today I am posting my ultimate all-star team of my generation. This team consists of a 25-man roster, 9 starters with a DH, 8 bench players, 8 pitchers two of them relievers, and at least 2 left-handed pitchers on the roster (something that is very difficult to do). My subs are the best positional players that I will need for the game as back ups. The roster is absolutely loaded and took me some time deciding the starters and who my subs were. So I am sure that these rosters I put up won't go without controversy, hell I even had to go back and forth on a ton of players. Today is the AL team, I thought that the NL was difficult to do, this team was a nightmare. Enjoy!

My AL All-Star Team

Starting Line up

Rickey Henderson LF

Don Mattingly 1B

Ken Griffey Jr. CF

Bo Jackson DH

George Brett 3B

Cal Ripken Jr. SS

Ivan Rodriguez C

Roberto Alomar 2B

Ichiro Suzuki RF

Roger Clemens SP

Subs

Kirby Puckett OF

Derek Jeter SS

Terry Steinbach C

Frank Thomas 1B

Wade Boggs 3B

Lou Whittaker 2B

Jim Rice OF

Dave Winfield OF

Bullpen

Frank Viola

Bret Saberhagen

Pedro Martinez

Jack Morris

Jimmy Key

Dennis Eckersley

Mariano Rivera

My Ultimate NL All-Star Team

2009-07-12T16:16:00.004-04:00

Today and tomorrow I will be posting my ultimate all-star team of my generation. This team consists of a 25-man roster, 9 starters with a DH, 8 bench players, 8 pitchers two of them relievers, and at least 2 left-handed pitchers on the roster (something that is very difficult to do). My subs are the best positional players that I will need for the game as back ups. The roster is absolutely loaded and took me some time deciding the starters and who my subs were. So I am sure that these rosters I put up won't go without controversy, hell I even had to go back and forth on a ton of players. The AL will come tomorrow, hope you enjoy and comments are always welcome!

My NL All-Star Team

Starting Line up

Tim Raines CF

Tony Gwynn RF

Barry Bonds LF

Mike Schmidt 3B

Dale Murphy DH

Will Clark 1B

Gary Carter C

Ryne Sandberg 2B

Ozzie Smith SS

Nolan Ryan SP

Subs

Andre Dawson OF

Albert Pujols 1B

Mike Piazza C

Barry Larkin SS

Steve Sax 2B

Andres Galarraga OF

Chipper Jones 3B

Darryl Strawberry OF

Bullpen

Dwight Gooden

John Tudor

Greg Maddux

Randy Johnson

Orel Hershiser

Trevor Hoffman

Lee Smith

I am Sure That You Have Heard of...

2009-07-10T18:10:00.002-04:00

the Olympics. You probably also heard of the Special Olympics, World Games, and even the Nutmeg Games. But, have you ever heard of the Summer Redneck Games? Before I sign off for the day because of an exhausting work week that has not ended yet I wanted to let you all know about what these true southern folk do in East Dublin, Georgia the second weekend of every July. These country folk will be competing in events that only a true redneck can even think of. I'm talking a redneck horseshoes tournament, the watermelon seed spitting competition, a mudpit belly flop competition, armpit song performances, and of course the bobbin' for pigs feet competition can't be forgotten. You have to check out this website. You think that I might be pulling your chain, but you have to check this out. I'd say that this is unbelievable, but being here in the south for two and half years now...I am not in the least bit surprised about this event!

Who's Hungry?

2009-07-09T21:28:00.001-04:00

A new feature to The Nutz, for the rest of the summer I will be posting each week and great summer food that anyone can enjoy being for the south or the north. Summer time is for some great drinking with some great eating out in the sunshine or on a cool summer night. Enjoy!

This week's food is the fried chicken!

No matter who you are or what kind of diet or health craze your on it is hard to resist the fried smell of some chicken. I am not at all telling you to go out and get some KFC oh no, no, no. Simple to make in any kind of deep frier that you can pick up dirt cheap at a Walmart or you can hit up a grocery store for pre-made (maybe just here). I could go weeks without having any Publix (main grocery store in the area) fried chicken but once I have some I'm hooked. Usually every Friday, which I call Fried Chicken Friday I head to Publix after work and buy me an eight-pack with biscuits that last me for the weekend. It's great! My brother, the Toe, got me hooked on a fried chicken place in Jacksonville that is off the hook, Bojangles. When you get to the dirty south and looking for some great fried chicken eatin you have to hit this place up. If your up north find a place that sells fried chicken, except KFC, and get you an eight-piece of love!

Coming in 2010

2009-07-08T10:38:00.002-04:00

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg are back at it with another mini-series next year on HBO. Hard to imagine that it will be better than Band of Brothers, but I never would doubt anything that these two do.

My Night in Daytona

2009-07-08T08:50:00.003-04:00

It was a very hot and steamy day on July 4th to say the least. I didn't want to even attempt to get out of the house at all that day until I had to, because I worked in the stuff all week and needed a desperate break from the sun. Plus, I went out drinking the night before and didn't want to chance sweating out my alcohol so early before heading to the Coke Zero 400. I headed over to my buddy Den's house at about 3, to find out what time we were leaving and the next thing I knew I was drinking and swimming in his pool. The night couldn't start any better!

We had to have a toss up on who was driving, and since the AC was out in his truck it was an easy choice to have me drive for the night, not to mention that I did not know the guys we were going with who had got me the tickets. The race started at 8:00, but we didn't want to chance the traffic so we left at 5 o'clock to head to Daytona Beach to pick up his buddies, of course a drink for the road wouldn't hurt. No traffic at all on the way, got to Daytona with ease so we went to an awesome bar before we picked up the ticket holders and pounded a beer while we watched the breaking news update of the death of Steve McNair. This bar was awesome, though. The next time my boys from up north get down here we have to go there. It was called "The Arena" and was filled with beautiful flat screens nicely spaced throughout the bar, a VIP lounge, a couple high end pool tables, an outdoor deck facing the ocean, and the biggest round bar I have ever seen. After we pounded are drink is was back in the car to pick up the other two. Now let me tell you about these guys...

The dudes names were Archie and Jimmy, friends of Den's up north. Both look like Jersey guys and every other word that came out of their mouths was f^@k. Not kiddin. Here's the first words I heard from him story might be exaggerated but the content is still the same.

"That f^@king race last night was f^@king weak. And that f^@king fat f^@k sitting in f^@king front of us was going to get his f^@king ass kicked for f^@king talking shit."

It was just like that. But, these guys are loaded. They came from nothing and that dude Archie is worth about 50 million dollars, but the cool thing about both of them is that they don't flaunt it at all and actually dress like kind of scumbags. Archie hands me the ticket and tells me that he's not responsible for anything that happens now once it is out of his possession. I look at the price of the ticket. One Hundred and Sixty dollars, with tax, 170! A few more drinks at their house and we hit the road in my small ass Mirage to International Speedway.

International Speedway was mobbed! We parked at Den's wife's work for free and walked about a 1/4-1/2 mile to the track. Walking to the track is probably one of the better experiences your going to have if you want to really chuckle. Archie explained it perfect, "There are f^@king race fans like us and there are f^@king hick ass race fans like them!" So true! I wish I had my camera for all of you. On a bench on the side of the road there was a foursome of rednecks looking for tickets, how they had the money for tickets was beyond me, but only 1 of the 4 had a shirt on, all were wearing those cut jean shorts that they wore in the 80s, and of course all of them were hammered and giving high fives to fans wearing Earnhardt shirts or hats. Certainly a site to see.

We get to the track and went up stairs like no other, mind you it is still sizzling out and alcohol already in the system was causing sweating already, now I have walked a half a mile which now feels like 3 miles going up these stairs. We finally get to our section and Den's like, "you ready?". Of course! Now we are changing to Captain and Cokes, which were $8, not nice! We get drinks for Jimmy and Archie and get to our seats. To my surprise there is not one fruitcaked redneck around us. But I already forgot how much our seats were, nice keep drinking. Our seats were incredible! Top level and right at the start/finish line. You can't get better seats than these. And I'll tell you what was there, was big-breasted women...everywhere! I swear to all of you I think that it is a prerequisite to have a large chest if you a female NASCAR fan. If you have small tits, sorry you have to leave! Unreal! My eyes were on the t-shirts of the women fans more than the race track throughout the night.

Before the start of the race I look to my left then look to my right and notice that their is massive amounts of people at this race. Nothing like I have ever seen before. I decided that I was going to do my rooting mostly for Joe Gibbs young prodigy Joey Lagano, but I wouldn't be mad if Tony Stewart won at all. I have to apologize to Den, but I still can't get into the the race as a whole. The start is kind of hot because all the cars are piled up together going 160+ not even two feet apart. The middle sucks, I never officially got drunk because of the massive amounts of state cops out and about this weekend, but I was feeling good and since all the wipe outs were on the other side of the track, boredom started to set in.

Then we get to the final ten laps. At this point now I am feeling quite well, I didn't have to buy a drink the whole night. A stupid ass caution flag comes out for whatever reason while Stewart has a nice lead. So the cars get bunched up together for the final 8 laps. I look at Den and say, dammit I want to see a crash right in front of us. He says we just might now that they are bunched like this now. Kyle Busch takes the lead from Stewart with a lap and a half to go. Nobody like Busch much, in fact he is hated throughout NASCAR fans. If you haven't seen the end of the race, I'll have it at the end of the blog. But, like most of the fans there it is one of the better finishes that you'll ever see at a race. Not lying to you the finish of this race on youtube is exactly how I saw it live. At the last turn on the final lap, Stewart not taking a 2nd place finish bumps Busch to the wall and what ensues is absolute may lay. Busch hits the wall and takes out the almost the entire field right in front of us at the finish line, while Stewart cruised by before the pile up to finish as the winner. It truly was an awesome finish to get to see after the boredom that happened to me before the last 10 laps. Busch's car was a wreck, and fans were pumped about it. Just imagine leaving this place with the rednecks so happy a guy got into a huge wreck and his car was in shambles. A fight happened right when we were leaving probably because somebody was staring at somebody's girlfriend's boobs. The two hour ride home sucked ass, with state cops everywhere, but ultimately it was a decent night in Daytona. The dude that was suppose to get us into the strip club was hammered throughout the race and somehow disappeared from us somewhere in the middle of the race so the tittie bar was out of the question. But definitely the night in Daytona was something everyone should try to experience whether you like racing or not but I'll tell you what it is something that I could only handle once a year!

End of the Race

Weekend Review

2009-07-06T13:22:00.002-04:00

Before I get into my weekend in Daytona, there were many events that were on the tube that I paid alot of attention to this past weekend. Let's get into what my thoughts were on the weekend that was...

The biggest news, in my opinion was the murder of former NFL MVP Steve McNair. McNair was an incredible human being during his playing career, which featured him doing much for the communities around him. But alot of what we thought of him will definitely be a little tarnished after the apparent affair that was going on with the 20-year-old that was dead with him. As Jay Mariotti wrote yesterday,

Whatever glowing perceptions we have of a public figure, particularly in sports, too often are exposed by lurking warts and skeletons. Just because Steve McNair made a remarkable commitment to community service -- in lockstep with a football career defined by his legendary toughness and tolerance for pain -- doesn't mean he led a perfect life.

After reading and listening to most of the evidence of the case and how the police aren't really looking for suspects right now, it definitely looks to me that it was a murder/suicide. After her arrest on Thursday night of a DUI with McNair in the car, I am willing to bet that McNair finally smartened up a couple days later, went to her condo to tell her it was over because word would ultimately start to get out that he was seeing someone other than his wife and she took it hard. So hard that she pulled out a gun in her possession shot him a couple of times than turned it on herself after realizing what she had done. McNair was always a standard of what a NFL player should be while he was playing, a very hard worker that always played when hurt and stayed out of the police blotter. Many athletes that make bad decisions in their life are able to change and give themselves a chance to make up for the mistakes made. Unfortunately, McNair will never get that chance.

For whatever reason, I woke up early on Sunday morning and watched the Wimbleton Men's Final between the United States best mens tennis player verses the best player in tennis history. Roger Federer was an easy pick to obviously destroy US hope Andy Roddick quietly and quickly. But that was not the case at all! Roddick and his 2-18 record career verses Federer was all in the past, because Roddick did not back down at all. It was a great match to watch to start the day yesterday. Unfortunately, Federer finally broke his serve to win the match, which was difficult to do to say the least, since he didn't do it the entire match. Federer is now the all-time leader in Major Championships with 15. With Federer being as good as he is, I now wonder if Roddick is just a victim of bad luck or he just came up as a tennis player in the wrong era. I use to hate on Andy for a while for not being that guy the United States desperately needs in the sport of tennis, but now after his performance yesterday and Roger's now 15 championships maybe he is what the US has needed since the departure of Andre Agassi.

I much as I hate to say it, damn the New York Yankees are hot!

Tiger Woods won his own tournament yesterday by narrowly defeated Anthony Kim which was he third win this year 68 overall. This was his final tune up before the British Open, I'm expecting big things from him over seas this month.

Tim Wakefield was announced to his first All-Star game next week, which is long overdue!

My Saturday night in Daytona will be coming later

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T11:41:00.002-04:00

Enjoy the burgers, dogs, and beers and have a safe holiday weekend to all of you!

Coke Zero 400

2009-07-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

Today I am going to make a 30 minute ride or so to Daytona Beach. I will be blogging about my experience tonight later on during the Holiday weekend. Not being a NASCAR fan is fun because I get to watch people get really into a sport in which cars go around in a circle for hours and you sit and hope that somebody gets into an accident. But, in the local newspaper this week reading about the upcoming race I got a real sense on how much Daytona International Speedway is the host of some of the greatest races, finishes, and filled with enormous tradition. The first time I went to watch a race, the Winn Dixie 250, it was less than a trill for me with only a few of the top racers racing in the Nationwide series, all I did was drink heavily and hope for a crash that never did come. Tonight, is one of the few races that is under the lights for the Sprint Cup Series (which I just know as the big names series) and from what I understand this is a huge race for the racers at the top of the points standings. I will be doing my rooting tonight for Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs' driver, and Middletown's own, 19-year-old Joey Logano. Hopefully I am very entertained with lots of crashes fueled by lots of alcohol.

Who's Hungry?

2009-07-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

In my book there is nothing better than cold beers and eating food that makes you say,

"I ain't doin' nothin' the rest of the day but this!"

I love the summer, but the food you can eat in the summer is much better. So every week the rest summer, I will be giving you my food of the week.

This week's food is the sausage patty!

I went to the grocery store this past week dying for something off the grill. Little did I know that sausage patties don't exist in the south unless you make them yourself. So I grabbed a pound of ground Italian sausage went home, pounded it into patties threw some black pepper on it then threw them on the grill. Yummy! I am telling you that they are better than hamburgers, no doubt in my mind. So to do some advertising for my cuz, head to Arescos Superette and go get you some pre-made sausage patties throw them on the grill and enjoy the day in the sun!

I Think That I am Becoming a Southerner

2009-06-30T19:19:00.005-04:00

It took some soul searching, but I have finally come to a crossroad in my life where I know that I am changing...for the good or the bad is yet to be seen. I am becoming a Southerner! I'll explain...

My tan line is ridiculous! Everyone of you that read this blog has seen me come back home dark skinned, now it is out of control. My skin tone is the darkest I have ever noticed. And let's not mention that I have taken the "farmer's tan" to an entirely new level. I'm talking ankle to knee cap is like a big black leg brace being worn on each leg, and my dark necked "ring-around-the-collar" is utterly absurd.

Alligators, snakes, and lizards aren't a big deal anymore. I had to pick up a huge dead water moccasin (most aggressive snake in Florida) out of the parking lot the other day, not even thinking twice about it. Actually seeing them is a big thrill of my day. I have gotten so use to the alligators in my park that I tend to get closer to the water each day I see one. And, those little lizards that everyone sees in Florida (that are not geckos), I find them on my car, in the house, or on the front porch...no big deal, their just little lizards.

I am man enough to even admit my dipping tobacco intake is bad!

I am now studying to become a Class A Driver. Yes, I will be licensed to drive a big rig probably in the next month or so. The same big rigs that everyone hates driving next to on the highway, and the same ones that have drivers always riding your ass for no apparent reason other than they hate everything about your little car. Being a Class A Driver also means that I am going to have to know the inside and outside of the truck for pre-trip inspection purposes, and know what is wrong with my vehicle's engine if something goes wrong. Which brings me to my last topic...

This Saturday night, I will be attending...(cough,cough) the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona. Where all the big named drivers will be racing. Let me explain though, I am going with my boy Den who got the tickets through a buddy of his, and there in the luxury tower at the track. So I will be hanging with all the big-dog racing freaks being taken care of during the entire race. Not to mention that I will be able to see every part of the track while women make sure that my ever excessive drinking habit is getting taken of. Tell me you would pass this up! Den told me that I have to be "into" the night on July 4th. So what I am going to do is go to the race, get absolutely hammered, throw in a lipper, scream like an idiot, then go to some dirty strip club and try to talk a dancer into coming home with me. After all...

I think that I am becoming a southerner!

Dirty Diana

2009-06-30T19:17:00.001-04:00

One of the more underrated songs MJ ever had. Strong guitar playing, and the lyrics from Mike were classic!

Happy Birthday Timbro!

2009-06-28T06:39:00.002-04:00

Happy 28 bud! Miss ya already if you can believe it. Enjoy the day, CT, and your summer!

Beat It

2009-06-27T18:41:00.001-04:00

No matter how you think of this video now, this was a very bad ass video when we were kids. Even though I still don't know how Mike got into that diner without anyone there, or the pool hall for that matter. The way he helped those guys from killing each other to dancing with each other is an act of God. The dance scenes in this video were great for it's time, and I remember my mother not thinking it was good for me to watch for my age. The classic red jacket is what made this video great.

Remember the Time

2009-06-26T19:11:00.000-04:00

I remember the time when this video first came out. It was on a Monday night, but I can't recall if it was before or after The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I do remember this being a big deal, especially for the release of a music video to a television audience. I am going to keep doing this so get use to the videos.

The King of Pop

2009-06-25T19:04:00.000-04:00

Died today at the age of 50. I was suppose to write about something else today, but I am really lost for words. He was my favorite artist growing up, and still today I would pop in the Michael Jackson's Greatest hits on my Ipod every now and then. And of course all of you know my love for the Thriller dance, even though I can never quite get the entire dance down. Miss ya Mike, even though I have been missing the real you for quite some time! There will never be another entertainer like you!

Big One for USA

2009-06-25T14:47:00.003-04:00

Clint Dempsey scores the 2nd USA goal verse Spain.

By now you have probably heard that USA upset Spain Wednesday 2-0. If you missed the game, you missed a great one. High intensity and fast paced. In the 27th minute of the game phenom Jozy Altidore broke by a defender and put a shot into the back of the net. In the second half USA got a little insurance when Clint Dempsey found the back of the net after a Landon Donovan pass was deflected by a Spanish defender. It turned out to be a huge goal because moments later center mid-fielder Michael Bradley would be given a very questionable red-card and the US would have to play a man down. Goalie Tim Howard had an incredible game making several great saves especially after sub par performances versus Italy and Brazil.

This is a huge win for the US not just because it sends them into the final, but because it was against the #1 FIFA ranked Spain. A team that hasn't lost in 35 matches. It gives them hope and it gives their fans hope for a positive outcome in the 2010 World Cup. They need a good showing in the 2010 World Cup just to make up for the dismal performance in the last two. I not saying they could win it, but this victory shows they can play with the big boys. And remember against Italy they played 10 on 11 most of the game and held a lead for most of the game until they ran out of gas.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR TEAM USA: After probably facing Brazil in the finals (no one expects them to win this one especially after a 3-0 drubbing last week, but they could make it interesting). The US will face and hope to advance through Grenada, Honduras, and Haiti in the Gold Cup in July. The match against Honduras should be a good one after a 2-1 victory last early in June for the US. It is at RFK stadium and DC has great fans which should help. The match against Haiti is at Gillete Stadium. If you like watching goals scored this might a good one to attend, plus its relatively close. After that they go back to World Cup Qualifying(yes they still need to qualify) against Mexico on August 12th.

CWS Championship (Game 2 ReCap - Game 3 Preview)

2009-06-24T18:11:00.005-04:00

I had a funny feeling this would happen! Texas' Taylor Jungmann put on a pitching clinic for the ages last night by siliencing the LSU Tiger bats, something that doesn't happen often. After almost a hour and a half rain delay, Jungmann and the Longhorns took it to LSU and now have tied the series at one a piece to force the ultimate championship game tonight. Texas DH Russell Moldenhauer led the offense again last night stroking his 4th homerun in Omaha and has put his coach, Augie Garrido a win away from his 6th national title as a coach. There really wasn't much to last night's game except of course the pitching of Jungmann. I had a feeling it would be a much different night for him yesterday after throwing 6 straight balls in his short appearance in Game 1, and I was right. Pitching a complete game of 5 hit ball, striking out 9, walking 2, and not allowing an earned run was a more impressive line than that of LSU's record against right-handers this season (37-3).

As for tonight's main event between the game's top storied programs. LSU is obviously going to go to sophomore Anthony Ranaudo, something I am very surprised they didn't do last night. He last pitched Friday against Arkansas posting 6 innings of shutout ball, so he should be ready to go tonight. Texas is going with their soph as well in Cole Green who posted 2 victories in Omaha against Southern Miss and Arizona State. I don't think that either starting pitcher will get past the 6th inning tonight, so expect the bullpens to play a major factor. I have a name for each team tonight that is going to play huge. The bats will be out for both teams tonight as I like Texas RF Kevin Keyes and LSU 1B Ryan Schimpf to both step it up after both posting o-fors last night. I am so sad that this tournament is going to be over tonight, but so pumped for the game.

"There were 288 [college baseball teams] that started," Texas coach Augie Garrido said. "Two are left with one game to play. It's pretty awesome."

Don't miss it!

LSU wins the championship tonight 9-7

Ricky Rubio and ?s about the NBA Draft

2009-06-24T16:22:00.003-04:00

I have a lot of questions regarding the NBA Draft. How high will Rubio go in tomorrow's NBA Draft? Actually, the real question is, will he be worth it? I hope so for his sake. Lots of big names in this draft, but are they NBA material? How high will Tyler Hansborough go? How are the Knicks going to screw this draft up? Why do the Timberwolves have 15 1st round picks? Why did Hasheem Thabeet skip out on a workout from a team experts are saying are going to pick him? Is Stephen Curry going to be for real? Say what you want about this class being "weak", I certainly think that this could be one of the more entertaining Drafts in years. I think many "experts" are going to be dead wrong on where players will be chosen. We shall see!

CWS Championship (Game 1 ReCap - Game 2 Preview)

2009-06-23T18:29:00.002-04:00

Game 1 was amazing last night to say the least. Filled with drama, clutch pitching, and balls leaving the yard it will be hard to imagine Game 2 being quite as good. Last night Texas hit 5 HRs with 3 of them coming from players that have only hit 3 all season. But, it wasn't enough! LSU's freshman closer Matt Ott was absolutely phenomenal out of the pen for the Tigers in the late inning earning the victory. I don't know if all saw my man Jared Mitchell's 2-run triple to tie the game at 3 early on but it was a sight to see watching him fly around the bases. Another freshman stepped up big late after starting the game terrible, and this could be why baseball is so great. Just when you can't possibly do anything more worse than strikeout 3 times in 3 at-bats for your team. Centerfielder Mikie Mahtook, was awful then late when he team needed him most he came up with the GW RBI single in the 11th that capped an amazing comeback in Omaha. LSU coach Paul Mainieri had to be breathing a sigh of relief when he got back to hotel last night after almost losing a game the way they have won games all season.

Even though it is raining in Omaha as we speak, don't think for a second that it will be canceled. So that means for me another sleepless night. And it won't be the last. I really like Texas to pull off a major victory bring the Championship series to a third and final game. Likely pitching tonight for the Longhorns is freshman Taylor Jungmann who has great poise on the mound even though he threw 6 straight balls last night when Texas needed him. But, being forced out of the bullpen last minute and getting the nod on the mound are two separate things. If the they don't go with Jungmann than expect Cole Green who pitched the clincher on Saturday. As for the Tigers they are going to have to go with someone that is not as rested as they would like. Expect them to go with super soph Anthony Ranaudo, but don't expect him to be at full health. Lot's of small ball as expected for the Longhorns and if the Tigers win tonight expect lots of balls leaving the yard on their part instead of their foes.

Texas wins Game 2 6-5

A Few Random Thoughts for Today

2009-06-23T16:19:00.003-04:00

One more week til the move...I hope! Just when you think that you have everything together, someone punches you in the mouth and tells you that we are still not a go for your June 30th closing. So I have been trying to keep my mind occupied with others things like sports the past couple of days. Work really sucks right now because it is so hot and we have a huge (4000 people expected) 3 on 3 soccer tournament this weekend I am preparing for. So at the moment I am massaging my foot while I write. Here's a few things that happened this weekend I would love to share with all of you.

I can't remember the last time where I actually watched most of a PGA golf Major Tournament until the US Open this weekend. The shitty weather up north certainly helped, but I was really tuned in. As most of you already know I am a huge Phil Mickelson fan, even though he drives me insane more often then not. So the weekend had me hooked especially yesterday with the chances that came up for Lefty, but of course he came up short in a US Open again (5 times). Now I have to watch golf without the stresses that Phil gives me every weekend. Should I even bother watching the next couple of tournament without him? And that poor Barnes kid, I found myself rooting against him to fall, to make things interesting this weekend for the tournament. Then the guy really falls on Monday and I find myself feeling sorry for him because the poor guy could not find the fairway to save his life. If he was anything like me as a golfer he would have smartened up and aimed right so his ball would hook on the fairway. Players make adjustments, well I guess only players like me. Gotta hand it to Lucas Glover though, he hit timely shots even with having never been in that position before.

Am I the only one that feels Manny Ramirez should not be allowed to play in the Minors right now. What a crock!

It was Father's Day on Sunday and I totally forgot to get my father a gift. So like any good son would, I raced to Target early Sunday morning and bought him the book Crazy for the Storm. Suppose to be a very good father-son/son-father book so I came through. But what he really liked about the day was I also went to Redbox and got Gran Torino. We watched it together that morning and he was really impressed with the movie, probably because the Clint Eastwook character reminded him of his old man.

I bought my first piece of furniture for my new home yesterday. You get a nice sense of where my priorities are when I tell you that my first purchase was a television stand. Nice...bar stools next on the long list.

I'll get to the CWS in a later post tonight, but man what a first game. To quote Mike Patrick last night...

"Just another one of your typical College Baseball games in Omaha."

I couldn't have put it better myself Mike!

CWS Championship (Game 1 Preview)

2009-06-22T18:10:00.000-04:00

Been taking a much needed break from the computer lately to focus on some reading, new home furniture, a friend from Georgia, and many hours relaxing on the couch because of the amount of work I have been doing outside. Well, first off I would like to add that college baseball got what they wanted for the start of tonight's best of 3 championship series between two of the game's biggest powerhouses. LSU (5 NCAA titles) and Texas (6 NCAA titles) do battle in Omaha for bragging rights for the nation's best team. Surprisingly these two standout programs have only faced each other in the CWS twice before tonight.

The overall #1 seeded Longhorns have gotten here the right way. Great defense, being patient at the plate, a little small ball with timely hits, and late inning drama. 8-1 throughout the tournament, Texas is living up to the one seed something I never saw coming. They will be starting their ace tonight with Chance Ruffin (10-2) and if he continues his strong pitching expect game 1 to go to the Longhorns.

The overall #3 seeded Tigers have gotten here by just being flat out good! I read from ESPN.com that since May 21, the Tigers own a 13-game win streak and have outscored their opponents by a 110-41 margin. They have ace Louis Coleman (14-2) on the mound tonight and if he gets an early lead it could be lights out in game 1. If you have watched the CWS at all, the Tigers aren't going to surprise you at all with what they do. Playing defense and scoring runs, it's that simple!

LSU takes Game 1 7-2

The HangOver

2009-06-17T16:19:00.002-04:00

Forget about what you have read or heard about this movie. Just go and see it asap! I went with my brother Bill on Monday and I can't remember the last time that I saw a movie and was absolutely in pain from laughing like I did when I left. The 2nd Annual Deez' might be filled with this movie unless some other comedies step it up...ALOT! Forget your plans for this weekend and go see this film...now! What on earth are you waiting for!

Days 3 and 4 in Omaha

2009-06-17T15:51:00.003-04:00

Still trying to get over the fact that we will not be seeing Cal State Fullerton the rest of the College World Series. But that is Baseball! The last two days in Omaha have been very lethargic to say the least, until the night cap last night. Virginia and LSU dominated Cal State and Arkansas Day 3, and North Carolina took care of business quite early against Southern Miss during the afternoon of Day 4. Then comes the reason why college baseball is so great. I was at the bar with my buddies, watching the Red Sox, Yankees, and the CWS. Arizona State was just taking it to Texas from the get-go and then before I could blink the score went from 6-0 to 6-3. Then to make matters worse for SunDevil fans the game that they hand in the palm of their hand went sour and the Longhorns absolutely took care of business the rest of the way and now the #1 overall seed is in the drivers seat sitting in the semi-finals awaiting their opponent. Just when you think you have a game won, student-athletes come together, put together some hits with pitchers throwing strikes and now you go from being a win away from the championship to fighting for you tournament life the rest of the way. I really am not at all putting blame on Arizona State, just it looked to me that Texas wanted the game more.

So to recap: Cal State Fullerton, Southern Miss are eliminated

LSU and Texas are in the semi-finals with no losses

Tonight we have a very intriguing match up between Virginia and Arkansas in an elimination match. Both teams were the hottest teams entering the tournament and playing in the tournament before the trip to Omaha. Expect nothing less than just good baseball from these top programs. Should be fun as usual!

Day 2 in Omaha

2009-06-15T07:48:00.003-04:00

Most of you that read this know already that I am a pretty big Lou Piniella fan. One thing that has always drove him Nutz just as much as me is the when pitchers don't throw strikes. While coaching high school kids in my life, I kind of just dealt with it even though it drove me insane. Watching the Southern Miss Golden Eagles hand over a win because of walking batters brought me to drink myself to sleep. In the nightcap of Day 2, Texas took advantage of Southern Miss pitchers not throwing strikes. It's amazing to me that College, Minor, and Major League players even after all the coaching and all the games played that they still can't find the strike zone when it counts. Now because of walking in the winning run last night, the Golden Eagles have the pleasure to North Carolina Tarheels in an elimination game Tuesday. In the first game, which I missed, all of because of the foursome in front of us were taking their sweet old time hitting their shots into the woods, so I would like to thank them. From what I read it was the ultimate pitching game. Unlike Cal State, Arizona State started their #2 pitcher in Josh Spence and came out victorious. Now they have the luxury of starting their ace Mike Leake to advance to the CWS semi-finals against Texas Tuesday. I done told you about how the Tarheel bats need to come up in the tournament. Now they are fighting for their NCAA title lives against Southern Miss.

Today, we have great drama, with Cal State Fullerton on the verge of elimination at 2:00 against Virginia. And in then at 7:00, we have two SEC foes competing for the right to the semi-finals in Arkansas and LSU. It should be fun.

The Toe is on Break (perks of a teacher)

2009-06-14T21:49:00.007-04:00

Here's the deal. I enjoy my job, but I love the summer break. Here's what a Teacher's summer is like and things that you might pick up as well:

Biggest accomplishment since end of school June 9th: Read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Looking forward to the movie in October.

2nd Biggest accomplishment: Coming back to beat my brothers and father at golf today.

Right now: Nursing a little sun burn and Let's go Southern Miss!!!!

Current Employment Status: Math and GIS (geographic informations systems) teacher in Florida....Connecticut certification currently pending. Which means, 60/40 staying in Florida for another year.

Work Plans for Summer: Curriculum writing these next 4 days (hourly rate plus stipend) and 4 days job shadowing with Public works department (3 hours a day).....More than enough money for summer fun.

Vacation Trip: I know this might be A$$ backwards but, drive up to Connecticut July 3rd- August 5th.

Looking forward to in Fall: THE Adamant Wedding.

Tomorrows activity: Curriculum writing (easy cash), U.S.A. vs. Italy soccer at 2:30 ESPN, chilling by or in the pool.

Everday activity: drinking Cold beverages.

I know this post doesn't excite many, but I know a few aspiring or current teachers that read this. Hope your summer break goes as well as mine. Maybe I'll post more this summer now that I have more time. We'll see. Later.

The Road Trailer

Day 1 in Omaha

2009-06-14T11:02:00.002-04:00

This is why I love our America's past time. Baseball is so unpredictable, but it can be so costly if you don't make the right decisions at the right times. I had a toss up in my picks with LSU and Cal State Fullerton winning it all and it all mattered on who I thought would win when they got through their first round match ups. Oh how I underestimated the underdogs in yesterday's games. In the first game of the CWS Arkansas handled the Cal State pitchers and hitters with much ease throughout the game. One thing that bothered me though was when Titans coach, Dave Serrano thought that it would be best to start a freshman in the opener (Noe Ramirez) instead of trying to win one game at a time and get the first victory out of the way with ace Dan Renken. Well, now they are going to have to win the CWS the hard way...win out. And it will start on Monday against ACC Champs Virginia who lost to LSU in the night cap. I think that I had told you all that LSU had the best outfield in the nation and they certainly proved my point in their win last night. Diving catches, clutch hitting, and power stroking was on display for the Tigers outfield. One thing that bothered me about the game was waking up this morning and finding write ups on the Internet saying the LSU "crushed" Virginia, not the case at all. The Cavs had the game if their relief pitchers through breaking pitches for strikes. Don't get me wrong, LSU really showed us last night that they are the class of the CWS as far as their offense is concerned, but the game last night was much closer than what writers are writing about today.

I am hitting the links with my brothers and father early this afternoon so I am going to miss the start of the best game of the tournament in my opinion at 2:00. But don't you miss it when two class A pitchers go head to head when probable starters Mike Leake (pick 14th in the Draft) and Arizona State face Alex White (picked 7th in the Draft) and North Carolina.

Deez' CWS Picks

2009-06-12T18:51:00.002-04:00

After breaking down the two brackets, it doesn't get any tougher than making my selections. It sucks that LSU and Cal State will knock each other out early, oh well. So quickly before I hit the bed here's my breakdowns to each bracket until the final. Enjoy the CWS tomorrow, starts at 1 o'clock!

Bracket 2

1st Rd. - Texas defeats Southern Miss --- Arizona St defeats UNC
Losers Bracket - UNC defeats Southern Miss (Southern Miss eliminated)
Winners Bracket - Arizona State defeats Texas (ASU advances to semis)
Elimination Game - UNC defeats Texas (Texas eliminated)
Semi Finals - Arizona State eliminates UNC
Arizona State advances to Championship

Bracket 1

1st Rd. - LSU defeats Virginia --- Cal St Fullerton defeats Arkansas
Losers Bracket - Virginia defeats Arkansas (Arkansas eliminated)
Winners Bracket - Cal St Fullerton defeats LSU (Cal St advances to semis)
Elimination Game - LSU defeats Virginia (Virginia eliminated)
Semi Finals - Cal State Fullerton eliminates LSU
Cal State Fullerton advances to Championship

Cal State Fullerton wins the NCAA title 2 games to 1

Omaha Preview

2009-06-11T18:39:00.004-04:00

Getting 5 out of 8 isn't half bad, huh? Well, I don't know about most of you but I have been thoroughly impressed with the College World Series so far. Besides the umpiring, the games have been good and all the best teams this season (for the most part) have made it to Omaha to find out who will finish as National Champions for the 2009 season. What I am going to do today is make a case for every team that is in the College World Series, on why they could and should win it all. Expect random posts throughout the World Series and predictions later on Friday. Enjoy!

TEXAS

The overall #1 national seed got through Texas State, Boston College, and Army in the Regional round, then got by TCU in 3 games in the Supers to advance. The Longhorns have a good line up that gets the bulk of their wins on your mistakes. Getting runners at the top of the order will fuel the positional game which means lots of sac bunt and moving runners to get an extra base. They can be contained, but not likely. With 5 upper classmen in the starting line up expect no mistakes on the field with timely hits on offense. They have one of the deeper pitching staffs in Omaha, which starts with ace Chance Ruffin (10-2) and ends with Austin Wood (15 Saves). Wood got a ton of hype after pitching 13 innings of no-hit ball in the Regionals against BC. If their pitchers can throw strikes and make their defense make plays for them, the Longhorns will be victorious in Omaha.

SOUTHERN MISS

The lowest seeded team left in the field. The Regional #3 seeded Golden Eagles got through Georgia Tech, Elon, and Georgia State then got by a stunned the #8 national seed Florida Gators in the Supers in 2 games. Head coach Corky Palmer has got his team to their first ever CWS and this team has a lot of grit to them. Especially when they plugged their way to the deciding victory of the Gators in game 2 after being down 5 runs. This feisty club is going to bother a lot of teams in Omaha, especially with their hard-to-strikeout line up that has a lot of pop with senior, Bo Davis leading the way (.371/14/53). Todd McInnis (9-4) and JR Ballinger (6-3) have been tough throughout the tournament and if they stay hot watch out Omaha we might have another Cinderella lurking around.

ARIZONA STATE

The national #5 seed has gotten through Oral Roberts, Cal Poly, and Kent State in the Regionals then took care of business quickly against Clemson in 2 games. One of the more impressive teams all season long has been the SunDevils. Loaded with a ton of pitching, after their first game we will get a great sense of how this team will fare. The best pitcher statistically, and in my own opinion left in the tournament is junior Mike Leake. The kid is just impressive! 15-1 with 150 Ks and an ERA of 1.36 does the kid only some justice on paper. He might be better than what his stats show. His sidekick Josh Spence isn't half bad either and will throw the occasional "efface" pitch to his opponents. Their line up is very good for a PAC -10 team with a lot of power coming from stud catcher Carlos Ramirez and centerfielder Jason Kipnis. Oh by the way be on the lookout for a celeb in their line up, Johnny Ruettiger is the nephew of...you guessed it, Rudy from the movie.

NORTH CAROLINA

The national #4 seed was able to breeze through Coastal Carolina, Kansas and Dartmouth in the 1st round regional then got through East Carolina with ease in 2 games in the Supers. We haven't seen much of CT's own Matt Harvey during the tournament but expect him now. Along with upper classmen Alex White and Adam Warren the Tarheels are set for pitching and are ready to make another run at a NCAA title. But, we all know about how good their pitching is, crap...they have been good for 4 straight seasons. The offense is really going to be key in Omaha. The recently drafted 2nd overall pick of the MLB Draft, Dustin Ackley is an absolute star, but he can't do it alone. Freshman 2B Levi Michael cannot play like a freshman in Omaha or the Tarheel will be leaving early. Michael (.298/13/56), Ackley (.412/22/70), and catcher Mark Fleury (.315/12/59) will have to do what they did all year driving home their teammates at the right time.

CAL STATE FULLERTON

The national #2 seed has gotten through the tournament so far with much ease, defeating GA Southern, Gonzaga, and Utah in the Regional round then embarrassing Louisville in 2 games in the Supers. Another loaded pitching staff totally under the radar before the tournament began, but only because of their age. Led by their super soph Dan Renken (11-2) who everybody already knows about, but he is only a third of the story. Making a run at another CWS title will rely on how freshmen studs Noe Ramirez (9-1) and Tyler Pill (11-2) will be the key to success. They all have live arms that will keep batter off balanced throughout the game. Their starting line up has 6 batters that batted over .330 this season. They all can steal a base at any time and beat opposing pitchers up if they fall behind in counts and have to throw fastballs right down the cock, which Khris Davis (16 HRs) and Jared Clark (12 HRs) love.

ARKANSAS

The Regional seeded #2 Razorbacks got through the likes of national #7 Oklahoma, Washington State and Witchita State, then took care of business against a highly talented Florida State team in 2 games. There is really nothing special about Arkansas and that is why they are so fun to watch. Because all they do is just win! Unfortunately for them they had a week off to cool down because coach Dave Van Horn has got them playing baseball the right way at the right time. Their line up runs around SS Ben Tschepikow. He does everything right at the plate. If their starting pitchers get 5-6 good inning, their bullpen will shut you down. Led by closer, Stephen Richards, the Razorbacks victories over the Seminoles was key from the success of the bullpen getting the job done when need be.

VIRGINIA

The Regional #2 seeded Cavs got through the toughest Regional bracket with UC Irvine, San Diego State, and Fresno State, then got by an Ole Miss team that took them to the brink of elimination twice in the Super Regionals best series. The ACC Champs just want to keep playing, because they just keep on winning. Defying all odds Virginia is hot and staying hot and probably are wishing the World Series started on Monday. Freshman Danny Hultzen is tough with a 9-1 record this season, it'll be fun to see how he throws against LSU in the 1st round. With a starting line up consisting of only 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, and 4 freshmen the Cavs have been very, very loose and I can only imagine what this team could do if they stay hot. No team in the field wants to play this team right now and I can't say that I blame them.

LSU

The national #2 seeded Tigers took care of business with ease in the Regionals against Minnesota, Baylor and Southern U., then got by a good Rice team in 2 games in the Supers. Along with Cal State, LSU has been the most impressive team in the tournament so far. A starting line up that consists of no seniors, is certainly acting like they have done this before. When you get a chance to watch this team play you won't find a better outfield than what the Tigers send out there in Ryan Schimpf, Mikie Mahtook, and Jared Mitchell. The thing is though, everyone in their line up can get it done with power, which not only makes them dangerous but hard to pitch to. If you get to their bullpen you might have a shot, but it is a very narrow one. Their starting eat up inning like it's a home cooked meal, especially Louis Coleman (13-2).

Bryce Harper

2009-06-11T06:15:00.002-04:00

He is the most talented 16-year-old in baseball today. He was on the cover of last week's Sports Illustrated so I decide to look for him on youtube. There are tons of long videos but I wanted to get to the point right away. Here is him taking batting practice at Tropicana Field in Tampa earlier this year. Amazing for 16!

20 More Days

2009-06-10T16:34:00.006-04:00

This just in to The Nutz, I will be closing on my new home in 20 days. That's right boys and girls your boy Deez will be a home owner at the end of the month. I wanted to post it on here before I start making some calls. It's a foreclosed 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom house filled entirely with tile flooring. Not kiddin, the whole house has tile including my huge back porch. It's a smaller home, but really how much does a guy like me need. The home inspection went very well on Friday and I am happy with the report I got on Monday. So I decided let's do it! The wait is finally over and now I can honestly say that I will be broke forever now. The anticipation is driving me insane because there is just so much to do to my new house. Painting and a lot of landscaping features are first on my list. So start getting your bags packed to my peeps up north because a new party house will need some CT love real soon. Here's a few pics of the place:

Zack Morris is Back!

2009-06-10T05:52:00.000-04:00

Is He Going 2 Be Worth it?

2009-06-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Steve Strasburg is getting so much hype right now, that people that don't even follow college baseball know his entire story. In today's draft the Washington Nationals are going to have to come up with a lot of money for this phenom, something they sure don't have a lot of. But, his agent Scott Boras isn't an idiot. He knows what his client is worth and how much he should get. And even though he will be dealing with the Nationals, if they want his client they are going to have to pay for him. This kid is getting more hype than any college pitcher you could ever think of. Many scouts think that he is Major League ready right now! Since the Nationals spring training facility is less than an hour and half away, I am thrilled with the fact that I could see him pitch next spring. I just hope, for the Nationals sake, that he will be worth it to the organization and become an absolute star. Unlike these hyped college pitchers in the past:

- Ben McDonald 1st pick in 1989 by Baltimore

- Paul Wilson 1st pick in 1994 by New York Mets

- Kris Benson 1st pick in 1996 by Pittsburgh

- Matt Anderson 1st pick in 1997 by Detroit

- Mark Prior 2nd pick in 2001 by Chicago Cubs

- Todd Van Poppel 14th pick in 1990 by Oakland

June 6th, 1944

2009-06-06T06:51:00.000-04:00

The Normandy Landings were the first operations of the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord, during World War II. The landings commenced on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), beginning at 6:30 British Double Summer Time (H-Hour). In planning, D-Day was the term used for the day of actual landing, which was dependent on final approval. The assault was conducted in two phases: an air assault landing of American, British and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight, and an amphibious landing of Allied infantry and armoured divisions on the coast of France commencing at 6:30. The invasion required the transport of soldiers and materiel from the United Kingdom by troop carrying aircraft and ships, the assault landings, air support, naval interdiction of the English Channel and naval fire-support. There were also subsidiary 'attacks' mounted under the codenames Operation Glimmer and Operation Taxable to distract the Kriegsmarine and the German army from the real landing areas. The operation was the largest single-day amphibious invasion of all time, with 160,000 troops landing on June 6, 1944. 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in over 5,000 ships were involved. The landings took place along a 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The Allies had previously invaded mainland Europe September 3, 1943 with the landings in Italy.

Total allied casualties (killed, wounded, missing, or captured) are estimated at approximately 10,000.These comprised:United States–6,603, of which 1,465 fatal.United Kingdom–2,700.Canada–1,074, of which 359 fatal.

-Wikipedia

People always ask me why Saving Private Ryan is my favorite film of all time. This opening scene tells it all for me. Many of us Americans don't appreciate enough what happened 65 years ago today. We need to start and remember all the lives that were lost for the future of our country.

CWS Tournament (Super Regionals)

2009-06-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

After correctly picking 10 out of 16 of the Super Regionals I am feeling pretty damn proud of myself. This is probably the toughest tournament to pick winners from because baseball is that damn good, but I am pretty sad to see that only one #3 seed advanced. Let's get right to a preview for the 8 Super Regional match ups for the right to advance to Omaha.

#1 TEXAS VS. TCU

The Longhorns had possibly the most interesting 1st round out of all the top seeds. A blow out victory, a 25 inning marathon, and a walk-off homer. While the Horn Frogs, swept their way to the Supers with ease defeating Oregon State in the final of the 1st round. While many think that Texas doesn't have the offense to win, TCU unfortunately doesn't have much pitching to compensate. The first game is key to the series for TCU. With their ace on the mound in pitcher and freshman, Kyle Winkler, putting the pressure on the Longhorns will build them confidence to advance to their first ever CWS.

#8 FLORIDA VS. SOUTHERN MISS.

The only 3 seed to advance to the Supers, Southern Miss. found a way to defeat Georgia Tech twice and advance to their first Super Regional. The Gators, who I gave no shot against Miami, romped the Hurricanes in the 1st round finale to advance. The Gators starting pitching is a lot better than i first thought, to which they should have no problem advancing to Omaha. But, not so fast! The Gators are going to have to...have to swing the bats because the Golden Eagles are going to throw strikes, make plays in the field, and get runners on base. Their head coach Corky Palmer is Southern Miss baseball and will be retiring at the end of the season. And with a veteran ridden team, don't expect them to go quiet into the night when Southern Miss and Palmer are this close.

#5 ARIZONA STATE VS. CLEMSON

One of the best teams in the nation all year round, the SunDevils, got through the first round in 4 games. While the Tigers got a scare and defeated Oklahoma State in the finale to advance. Clemson's offense is dangerous, like I mentioned in my preview, unfortunately Arizona State's pitching is way to good to withstand a lineup like the Tigers. Mike Leake (15-1), is the best of the best left in the CWS. And the SunDevils also have Josh Spence (8-1) and in a best of three series I find it hard to believe that they will have any trouble with Clemson's offense led by firstbasemen, Ben Paulsen.

#4 NORTH CAROLINA VS. EAST CAROLINA

Like I expected all the top seeds advanced in the Arizona State Bracket. But, the one team my that I wasn't all that confident in was the East Carolina Pirates who squeaked by South Carolina in the Regional finale. While the Tarheels had no problem like I expected, taking care of business in three games. Has there ever been a team like this Tarheel class who is looking for their forth straight trip to Omaha? Loaded again with offense and a deep pitching pitching this Tarheel team looked unstoppable in Regional play. One thing that could poise a problem is that the bottom of their line up is streaky, and if they don't come up in a best of three series, the dynasty run could come to an end.

#2 CAL ST FULLERTON VS. LOUISVILLE

The best "team" in the CWS is Cal State, sweeping their competition in the 1st round. The Cardinals knocked off a feisty Vanderbilt team to advance, even though they were the only Big East team to make the field of 64. I am desperately trying to find a way to make a case for Louisville in this match up, but the only one is 3B Chris Dominguez and his 23 HRs and 80 RBI. Cal State is way too experienced, offensively and defensively, and their pitching is quite good. With a line up with all .300 hitters, I am expecting nothing less than a two game sweep over the Cardinals in impressive fashion.

FLORIDA STATE VS. ARKANSAS

As I expected, the Razorbacks got through their 1st round Regional by defeating the overall #7 seeded Oklahoma Sooners. While on the other hand, I gave the Seminoles no shot in their Regional and they got through in only 3 games by scoring 37 runs in the finale verses Ohio State. FSU has arguably the best coach in the college game in Mike Martin, and even though I doubted them last round they are poised to advance to Omaha despite having most of their line up filled with sophomores. Arkansas is one of 4 SEC schools to advance to the Supers. Their starting pitchers will give up some runs so the offense is going to have to step it up against the Seminoles freshmen starting pitchers early.

VIRGINIA VS. MISSISSIPPI

In what could possibly be the best match up in the Super Regionals, the ACC champion Caviliars got by the overall #6 UC Irvine Anteaters, while Ole Miss made it interesting by defeating a pesky Western Kentucky squad. Virginia is on fire! The pitching/defense/offense are all peaking at the perfect time, and I should have known better than picking against them in the 1st round. So a first trip to Omaha is very likely as long as they keep it up against a Rebels team that is looking for a 5th trip but 1st since 1972. Ole Miss wins with defense and and getting guys on base and the Cavs are going to have to get lead-off men out in order to contain the Rebels getting men in scoring position because that is what they do best.

#3 LSU VS. RICE

You look at this match up and the first thing you say to yourself is, why now? Rice and LSU are both notorious for landing in Omaha and they proved it in the Regional round by both teams taking care of their opponents with ease, even though Rice did it in 5 games they were very convincing in their victories. In a three game series, the Owls can beat the Tiger, but i don't know if it is possible. The Tigers were my early favorites before the field of 64, but the draw wasn't to favorable with the chance of facing this Owls team. Rice will throw juniors Ryan Berry and Mike Ojala who's combined record for the season is 12-1 with both pitchers having an ERA under 2.00. But, LSU is LSU they can beat you in every aspect of the game if your not careful. Offensively they are loaded at the top of the line up with LF Ryan Schimpf leading the power surge.

It should be a great weekend of baseball...enjoy!

Could He Be the Last?

2009-06-03T18:52:00.003-04:00

Randy Johnson is going for his 300th victory tonight against the Washington Nationals. During his mid-twenties no one thought that this current 45-year-old had it in him to get to this point. But he has! And it begs the question... Who will be the next pitcher we see it the monumental number 300? Let's take a look at the active players closing in...

With 250 wins and at the age of 46, I like Jamie Moyer, but he is out!

Andy Pettitte is at 220 and he maybe has a couple years left.

Pedro Martinez and John Smotz are at 214 and 210 respectfully, let's face it there's no chance.

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is at 189, does he really have 111 wins left...I don't think so.

Bartolo Colon and Livan Hernandez are both in the low 150s, bigger chance of them going on a diet then getting to 300.

Roy Halladay just turned 32 and is currently at 140. Possible, but the way the Jays throw him not likely!

131 at 31 for Roy Oswalt, needs to turn into a Greg Maddux to have a shot with his size frame.

CC Sabathia, now we're talking. Turning 29 this july and with 122 wins, we have a chance. He plays for a winning team that will score him runs when needed. It's very possible with CC.

Johan Santana...Another possibility? The 30-year-old has 116 wins, can beat you with smarts and movement of pitches. Also, playing for a team that can go and get players to produce at the plate.

So you can see that it is going to be a while if it does indeed happen, but we are certainly going to have to wait a while. So remember Randy Johnson tonight, so one day you can tell your kids (or grandkids) that we got a chance to see the last 300 game winner in Major League Baseball.

This Day in Sports

2009-06-02T18:58:00.007-04:00

It's just another one of those days in sports. Where things happen to happen on the same exact day as another memorable moment. Here's a few anniversaries we are celebrating today, June 2nd.

BABE RUTH RETIRES Many experts, among others, say that he was and is the greatest player the game has ever seen. And today he hung up his jersey for the final time in his historic career. Many don't know this but he ended his career with the Boston Braves, after playing part of the season in 1935. One of the more amazing stats that Ruth holds is that 4 times he hit for more than 50 homeruns for a season in the '20s, but that is not the remarkable thing. The amazing thing is that only 2 players hit over 50 during that stretch.

LOU GEHRIG DIES At the very young age of 37, one of the best players the game has ever seen and the first "iron horse" as he was called, was taken from a fatal disease now baring his name. Finishing 7 homers short of 500, Gehrig is more famously known for playing in 2130 consecutive games. The streak ended when Gehrig became disabled with the fatal neuromuscular disease that claimed his life two years later. His streak, stood for 56 years until finally broken by Cal Ripken, Jr. He finished his career with 2 AL MVPs and 6 World Series Championships.

TED WILLIAMS ENLISTS IN NAVY If baseball is always known for statistics, just imagine what could have been if Ted Williams didn't leave the game of baseball for heading to protect our country. Williams missed 3 1/2 seasons of baseball, 3 of them during the prime of his career. Known for being an absolute hitting genius, Williams numbers do indeed stand out but just imagine what could have been. .344/521/1839 also finishing with just over 2600 hits. He still owns the career OBS percentage record of .482. This 17-time all-star is best known by myself for doing something no one of his caliber has ever done, which was hitting a homer in his final Major League at-bat.

KEN GRIFFEY JR DRAFTED BY THE MARINERS There hasn't been many #1 picks of the MLB Draft where you can say, "Hey we made a Hall of Fame choice with our selection." Well, that's what the M's did on this day 22 years ago today. Only three overall top draft choices come to mind when you say the "best 1st pick ever", Alex Rodriguez and Chipper Jones are the others. For his first ten seasons in Seattle he finally gave the fans something to see and cheer about on a daily basis. Which ultimately led them to being able to build a bigger and better stadium. Griffey was the state of Washington for 10 years and in my opinion was the best player of the 90s. He is not the same player he was back then, but Griffey is part of the 600 HR club and is less than 300 hits away from 3000.

USA, USA, USA........

2009-06-01T20:31:00.004-04:00

I apoligize for not giving a Championships League Finals preview....I'm so disappointed in myself. Barcelona won. It was a good match, not as exciting as last years. I'm just glad Cristiano Ronaldo and Powerhouse Manchester United lost..I hate his arrogance. He reminds me of A-Rod and the Yankees.

Coming up this week is two matches for our beloved USA squad in their Road for the 2010 World Cup. Playing Wednesday night at 10:00 against Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica and then on Saturday in Chicago against Honduras, who believe it or not, are probably one of the toughest opponents in their grouping in order to qualify for the World Cup. Why should you watch? The U.S. is starting to form their team with talent from the experienced (Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu) and welding it with the young gunz (Freddi Adu, the coach's son Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore). If and when Adu and Altidore are on the field at the same time you'll probably not want to fall asleep. These two can put on a show, which the U.S. is not accustomed to. Adu reminds me of Bob Cousy with the ball, but he does it all with his feet! Altidore himself scored a hat trick last USA showing. Also, keeper Brad Guzan will play either date. If you don't know who he is, think of Brian Urlacher, with hair and with a goalie shirt. He'll play like Urlacher would too. Even if your not a big fan I suggest you TiVo it just in case. I guarantee Adu or Altidore will be on top plays Thursday.
As for predictions...USA should roll against Costa Rica, but as a team they play tentative away. Honduras will be a good test, but in Chicago, USA should win:

June 3rd (USA 2-0)
June 6th (USA 1-0)

Also, heads up for June 15th and 18th when USA plays in the Confederations Cup. They open with Italy on the 15th and Brazil on the 18th. It will be interesting to see how they match up right now. I think USA matches up well with the Defending World Cup champs. Remember or NOT, they tied during USA's dismal tour in 2006.

Monday's Sports Quiz

2009-06-01T20:09:00.002-04:00

Since Mr. Smith is going to constantly use the Internet to find his answers I am going to make it harder for all of you. Well not exactly. Today's questions have everything to do with dimensions. I think that it is pretty easy, but we will see. I won't give any clues at all. Good Luck class!

1) In the world of sports what is 4.25 inches in diameter?

2) In the world of sports what is 60' 6''?

3) In the world of sports what does 15 ft represent?

4) In the world of sports what is 18' 6'' wide?

5) In the world of sports what is 6ft x 4ft?

Lebron's a Spoiled Little Kid

2009-06-01T18:03:00.004-04:00

During my drive back home from Orlando, all I heard on talk radio was Lebron James' actions after losing Game 6 to the Magic Saturday night. All of his life he has spoiled himself because of the great talent that was given to him. And it all came out after losing Saturday night. Lebron is under a huge microscope and I get that. He's only 24 years old and has just finished his 6th NBA season, it's time to act like a professional Lebron. He says that he is a winner and a huge competitor. Ok, thanks Lebron. I think that mostly every professional athlete is a huge competitor, maybe they haven't won as much as you, but they go out every night and try their best to win. I am sure that he had no problem facing his losing opponents in the first two rounds after defeating them this playoffs. I don't agree with how Dwight Howard acts all the time, but he should have been given a proper hand shake from his Olympic teammate, Lebron, for a job well done and good luck. I was sent a text message earlier this week from Shorty that said, "Lebron is not Michael Jordan...Jordan never missed a clutch free throw in his life.". Referring to Lebron's missed free throw with a minute left in game 4. I have always been so sick of the Lebron/Michael comparisons since James hit the big stage. And he has proved my point that he will not ever be the next Jordan. Jordan would have took the loss like a man, even though he would hate it, and give his post game hand shakes and face the media in the post game conference...always! Lebron acted just as bad as when Chicago finally solved the Detroit Pistons and we saw Isaiah Thomas and company leave the court with 11 seconds before being defeated by the Bulls. Like I said I know Lebron is only 24, but he is a professional and it's high time to grow up. Are we really suppose to think that an email to Howard yesterday solved everything? The big picture is, is that Lebron has just been a spoiled athlete his entire life. He's nothing less than just a big sore loser. Am I really suppose to believe that he is going to stay in Cleveland after acting the way he did the other night. Lebron is going to try to get his own way, just like a kid at the candy store begging his mother for a Reese Cup and whining until he receives his piece of candy. You lost Lebron...grow up!

CWS Tournament

2009-05-29T06:37:00.001-04:00

UC IRVINE BRACKET

1) UC Irvine (43-13)

4) Fresno State (32-28)----------------->

3) San Diego State (40-21)

2) Virginia (43-12-1)

---------------------->

1) Mississippi (40-17)

4) Monmouth (32-23)------------------->

3) Western Kentucky (39-18)

2) Missouri (34-25)

1) Rice (39-15)

4) Sam Houston St. (36-22)-------------->

3) Xavier (38-19)

2) Kansas State (41-16-1)

----------------------->

1) LSU (46-16)

4) Southern U. (30-15)------------------->

3) Baylor (29-24)

2) Minnesota (38-17)

I saved you all the best for last! After careful research and crunching my numbers I finally figured out where I am going with the loaded UC Irvine Bracket. LSU is college baseball and they have not disappointed me in the least with their stellar play all season long in the stocked SEC. Honestly who would want to face this team in June? Where do I begin to talk about the #3 overall seed in the tournament? Only one player in their starting line up is batting under .300. Starting pitcher Louis Coleman, probably gets the least amount of love as far as stud pitchers are concerned and he has 11 victories and 2 CG. This team rarely plays small ball, wondering why...they stole 103 bases this season. My match up with Rice is a tough call, only because I picked both teams in my pre-season picks to advance to Omaha. Though Rice is a very good team and should push the Tigers to the brink of the 3 game of the Super Regionals, LSU will advance to Omaha. I got a chance to watch a very good Mississippi team in action this year at Gainesville. I was very impressed, even though their All-American pitcher, Scott Bittle was less than par on that day. Their starting line up is very balanced and defense is as stellar as it can get. Centerfielder and lead off man Jordan Henry gets the offense going with his .347 average, an OBP of .477, and 34-40 stolen base rate. Now to the best Regional Bracket in the tournament. UC Irvine has been atop all the polls for the last three weeks and then they get slapped right in the mouth for doing so in the Regionals. They received the #6 overall seed, face the defending champs in the first game (Fresno State), has the nation's best pitcher (Stephen Strasburg) and the ACC Champs (Virginia) in the other match up. You know what though, I still think that they can advance. But, Virginia is the hottest team entering the field with consecutive victories over North Carolina twice and Georgia Tech to win the ACC Tournament. I can't stear away from the Anteaters though. Loaded with All-Americans UC Irvine is destined to get back to Omaha this season. I just noticed that I again put all the #1 seeds to the Supers. Probably not going to happen. A couple of sleeper teams you should look out for if the #1's do end up going down are Baylor, Minnesota, Western Kentucky, and definitely Fresno State. So it's a wrap! Here are my final two teams to advance...

Omaha Bound:

UC Irvine

LSU

Recap my final 8:

Texas

Miami

Arizona St

UNC

Cal St Fullerton

Ohio State

UC Irvine

LSU

CWS Tournament

2009-05-28T16:19:00.002-04:00

CAL ST FULLERTON BRACKET

1) Cal St Fullerton (42-14)

4) Utah (26-29)-------------------------->

3) Gonzaga (35-16)

2) Ga. Southern (42-15)

--------------------------->

1) Louisville (44-15)

4) Indiana (32-25)----------------------->

3) Vanderbilt (34-25)

2) Middle Tennessee (43-16)

1) Florida State (42-16)

4) Marist (31-26)------------------------>

3) Ohio State (40-17)

2) Georgia (37-22)

----------------------->

1) Oklahoma (41-18)

4) Wichita State (30-25)----------------->

3) Washington State (31-23)

2) Arkansas (34-22)

My upset special bracket. Cal State Fullerton is the overall #2 seed in the tournament, and they are the only top seed that I have any confidence in during Regional play in this part of the bracket. The Titans played who they had to play in conference play this season and did their job. But, they also posted victories against many top 25 teams including Arizona State, UC Irvine, San Diego State, and the sweeping of 2 seed Oral Roberts. No matter who they play in the Super Regionals they will advance to the College World Series. Who they will play is the question. Many experts are saying if anyone is going to pull a Fresno State this year it will be Indiana. I would have to agree, but I love Vanderbilt advancing to play the Titans instead. The Commodores use a balanced offensive attack with speed on the bases which starts with Connecticut's own, freshman Jason Esposito and his 20 out of 24 stolen base attempts. In the more intriguing bottom part of the bracket I love both #1 seeds going down. Ohio State has been the class of the Big Ten this season with much surprise. So what does the NCAA do? They give them a 3 seed in Florida State's bracket, fuel for the fire I say. Ohio State isn't too strong with their offense so what wins them games is the pitching which starts with Alex Wimmers (9-1, 131 SO, 2.68) and ends with Jake Hale (16 S, 1.21). Arkansas should have won the SEC this season in my opinion, but just came up short. This Razorback team is very dangerous and could really turn some heads if they play good ball early. They defeated the overall #8 seed Florida 5 times this season, 5! Their pitching is quite suspect with four of their starters not having an ERA under 3.90. Offensively they are very balanced with freshman 3B Zack Cox really stepping up as of late. Remember his name when it's all said and done, this kid has serious power which he displayed in the SEC Tournament. The Arkansas/Ohio State match up in the Supers was a tough call, but I am going to stay with my guts and put a Big Ten school in Omaha. So here's my CWS picks...

Omaha Bound:

Cal State Fullerton

Ohio State

CWS Tournament

2009-05-27T16:23:00.004-04:00

ARIZONA STATE BRACKET

1) Arizona State (44-12)

4) Kent State (42-15)--------------------->

3) Cal Poly (37-19)

2) Oral Roberts (31-13)

----------------------------->

1) Clemson (40-19)

4) Tenn. Tech (30-22-1)------------------>

3) Oklahoma St. (32-22)

2) Alabama (37-19)

1) East Carolina (42-17)

4) Binghamton (29-20)------------------->

3) George Mason (42-12)

2) South Carolina (38-21)

------------------------------->

1) North Carolina (42-16)

4) Dartmouth (27-16)-------------------->

3) Kansas (37-22)

2) Coastal Carolina (46-14)

It's very simple in the Arizona State bracket. The schools hosting, should come out victorious. East Carolina was my only question mark, but after failing miserably in last year's CWS I expect the Pirates to come out swinging and marching to the Super Regionals against Dustin Ackley and the North Carolina Tarheels. For those of you not knowing Ackley, let me be the first to tell you that he is the best offensive player in college baseball this year and could be the 2nd overall pick in the MLB Draft. The Tarheels are poised for another nice CWS title run after closely failing the previous 3 seasons (2nd, 2nd, and 3rd). They also have 4 stud starting pitchers that had 27 combined victories this year in Brian Moran, Adam Warren, Alex White, and Matt Harvey which will bring them back to Omaha. In the top portion of the bracket the Sundevils should ease their way to the Supers while Clemson's run could be a little more tricky. The Tigers have an interesting bracket with Alabama, a SEC stud, and an Oklahoma State team looking to prove everyone wrong by sneaking their way into the field of 64. Clemson has one of the more balanced teams entering the tournament with players that hit for average and power and a very deep pitching staff starting with Casey Harmon and his near 7-1 strikeout to walk ratio. When Clemson does indeed get by their Regional round they will definitely get swept by a very, very good Arizona State team. The Sundevils, 5th overall seed in the tournament, are absolutely loaded with offense starting with Jason Kipnis (.380/14/65). So there you have my easiest bracket which could end poorly. So here's my final prediction for the Arizona State Bracket...

Omaha Bound:

Arizona State

North Carolina

500 posts

2009-05-27T06:07:00.003-04:00

For two years to keep in touch with my buddies up north, I have been writing on this blog. Some haven't been pretty. Some still haven't been finished. And some have been just down right stupid. But writing on The Nutz has filled a space that was missing when I moved down to the Sunshine State. Even though I have very few readers you all make it worth my time, though most of my posts have everything to do with me and sports. With buying a house in the future and school coming in 3 months, I don't know how much time I will have on the computer. But I will keep working hard for your enjoyment. Here is the first video I ever posted on The Nutz, enjoy!

CWS Tournament

2009-05-26T16:16:00.005-04:00

CWS Bracket

The seedings are in. All they have to do now is play. The defending champions, Fresno State sneaked their way back into the field with a great conference tournament. My pre-season predictions weren't all that great, but I still have 7 of 8 teams left to advance to Omaha. The tournament begins this Friday with four teams trying to knock each other out in a double elimination round play. I left you all a bracket in case you were interested how this thing really works. For the next 4 days I will be giving you my predictions for each region (1 of 4 sides of the bracket). For your own information, I am naming the brackets on who the highest seeded team is. This is the best time of the year if your a true baseball fan. Even though the toughest thing to do is picking teams for the CWS...Let's get right to the proclaimed Seth Davis of college baseball's picks...

TEXAS REGION

1) Texas (41-13-1)

4) Army (34-19)---------------------------------------->

3) Boston College (33-24)

2) Texas State (41-15)

---------------------------->

1) TCU (36-16)

4) Wright St. (33-28)------------------------------------>

3) Oregon St. (35-17)

2) Texas A&M (36-22)

1) Georgia Tech (35-17-1)

4) Georgia St. (39-20)------------------------------------>

3) Southern Miss. (35-23)

2) Elon (40-16)

----------------------------->

1) Florida (39-20)

4) Bethune-Cookman (32-26)---------------------------->

3) Jacksonville (36-20)

2) Miami (36-20)

Texas received the overall #1 ranking for the CWS. Hense the easy schedule in the Regional round. The Gators received the #8 overall ranking but must get through all Florida schools to advance to the Super Regional, won't be a easy task in the least. Since the Gators got offered to host a Regional round, my father is actually trying to get tickets as we speak, unfortunately a man named Chad will be down in Orlando this weekend so I told him I couldn't go. Even though a 4 seed did win the National Championship last season, I am not finding too many upsets in the first round of this bracket. I really like Texas and GT to breeze through their Regions to the Supers as 1 seeds, both are way to talented for their other matchups. I had Texas A&M advance to the Championship game in my preseason picks but I can't seem to get them past Texas in the Supers so, count on the Longhorns to advance to the CWS. I can't pick Florida over Miami, can't do it. Even though the Hurricanes have had a less than stellar regular season, at least for their standards, I think that they can sneak their way out of Gainesville to the Super Regional round against the Yellowjackets. Now this is really where I am tossed. GT is one of the hottest teams entering the CWS and split the regular season series with Miami 2-2. Let's face it, I am going to go with Miami because of their name...plain and simple. So here are your two teams heading to Omaha in the Texas Region:

Omaha Bound:

Texas Longhorns

Miami Hurricanes

Could This Be The One?

2009-05-25T09:52:00.003-04:00

I put a bid on my first house on Saturday. Will find out if they except my offer tomorrow. More info to come later.

NCAA Selection Show

2009-05-24T19:31:00.000-04:00

The complete pairings for the NCAA Baseball 2009 field will be announced during Monday's The Road to Omaha selection show (ESPN, 12:30 p.m. ET). Look out for random blogs today on the NCAA Baseball season during the day tomorrow!

Random Thoughts Today

2009-05-21T16:19:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a week. For once, while I have been in the state of Florida, it has felt like Connecticut. Here's some thoughts for the week...

Rain. It hasn't stopped. I'm talking constant water flowing from the sky for days like the CT. And I have been working in it. I am talking getting soaked on 4-wheelers picking up debris, cutting down branches, and making the parks and trails as safe as possible for my community. It has been pretty brutal! I was asked to work a 24 hour shift yesterday, but by the time I got back to the shop they told me to go home and get some sleep. Thank god! The rain has stopped for now but suppose to continue in some spots throughout the weekend. I haven't seen the sun since Sunday morning...unbelievable.

Damn those Magic! Not only did they pull off a win last night they had to steal since the Cavs are coming off a long layoff. But the "O" fans at work haven't stopped letting me have it about the Celtics. Now they are talking swept of the Cavs. Give me a break! I dunno where these fans come from, but they are starting to piss me off. Not to mention that the Magic continue to amaze me with their tenacious defense and ability to throw the pick and roll as well as the inside/outside game the teams are having trouble defending. I don't usually rout for Lebron James because of the Jordan comparisons but please Lebron put an end to the Magic fans season.

I just read Jake Peavy to the White Sox possibly. If Peavy goes to the AL, he is on my trade block immediately. He will never be able to handle the line-ups in the AL...ever!

How selfish are we (or me)? Phil Mickelson's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and he will be leaving the tour to tend to her and their family. I'm a huge Phil fan, even though he tends to piss me off more than make me smile. It's going to be hard to watch the Majors now and see how Phil botches up another Major Championship. Certainly is a terrible situation, and I don't know if I enjoy watching Phil hold up a trophy at the end of a tournament or seeing his wife in HD.

Finally, buying a house f'n blows!

Monday's Sports Quiz

2009-05-18T12:39:00.003-04:00

Since last week's 1st quiz was pretty difficult I decided to lower my standards this week. These questions are fairly easy, so don't think for a second that I am being hard on all of you. Here's The Nutz Sports Quiz #2...

1) Who did the Detroit Tigers defeat in the 1984 World Series?

2) How many times did Don Mattingly win the American League Batting Title?

3) Hasheem Thabeet became the 6th UCONN Husky to win the Big East Player of the Year Award, who were the other 5?

4) There are 2 active NBA players with multiple NBA MVP Awards, who are they?

5) In the 2004 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers traded #1 overall pick Eli Manning to the New York Giants for their draft pick, Phillip Rivers. What pick was Rivers drafted by the Giants?

Answers

2009-05-17T07:50:00.004-04:00

1) Who are the only players with 10+ NBA Championships?

Bill Russell was the easy choice. Russell ended his career with 11 championships. The other was a little more difficult. Sam Jones who also played for the Celtics finished his career with 10 titles.

2) What pick was Tim Lincecum in the 2006 MLB Draft?

Lincecum was selected 10 overall in the 2006 Draft. Notable players selected before Lincecum were: Evan Longoria (3), Brandon Morrow (5), and Clayton Kershaw (7).

3) Out of his 99 rushing touchdowns, how many touchdowns over 50 yards did Barry Sanders have in his career?

Sanders finished his career with 15 rushing touchdowns over 50 yards which is a NFL record.

4) Out of the 12 players on the 1992 Dream Team roster, how many never won a NBA Championship?

6 players: Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing, Christian Laettner, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Charles Barkley

5) Which team has the most losses in Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament history?

Kentucky...they have the most games played in the NCAA Tournament as a program but also have the most losses (45).

Thanks for playing more questions coming tomorrow. It was a tough first quiz, here's the grades:

Toe: 0/5

Pitbull: 1/5

Random Thoughts Today

2009-05-14T18:32:00.002-04:00

Yea I'm a slacker! Been really slacking on my "Best Draft Picks by Your Team" blog. But I do I an excuse. I have been pretty busy, trying to better my situation in the F.L.A. Lots of goings on in the world of sports, here is a brief recap of what has been going on in the world of Deez.

Yep, your boy is trying to buy a house! My own house. Like...it'll be all mine! I have to take advantage of the rates and the cost of homes. All of you in the north really have no idea how much i can get a good home for right now. I'm talking homes for 95,000 that were built in the last 10 years. Plus, with the 8000 dollar tax credit for 1st time home owners, I'd be an idiot not to try to buy right now. In addition, I forgot to mention that my parents are living in the Sunshine State now (if I haven't mentioned that before). So I have been really going hard at homes right now; short sales, pre-foreclosures, foreclosures, and regular sales. Hopefully sometime in the next two months I will have my house, but I am trying to be as patient as possible.

What a hockey game last night, huh? It took me one period to try to find something else on the tube being that the game was over before it even started. The Penguins were dominate from the start and didn't allow Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals any room to come back in the game. Thanks NHL for wasting my time, again you lose and us fans that try to be casual fans win. NHL Hockey is for the hockey lovers and that's not for me.

The Celtics are looking to close out the series against the Magic tonight, something that I certainly didn't think was possible with 10 seconds left in game 4. The Magic have really choked their way into this situation in my opinion. But, the southern hicks that are die hard fans say, "Man...their playing in the 'O' tonight, it's do or die man, their ain't no way the Magic are goin down tonight man, ain't no chance!" Ok, well if they do at least they can shut it until football season because southern hicks could give two shits about baseball unless of course a Florida team is in the playoffs.

I can't remember if I mentioned this before, but I am a new subscriber to Sporting News magazine and I absolutely love it. This newest addition though bothered me a little. This week they published the biggest rivalries in each of the 50 states. In state rivals no matter the sport, high school, college, or professional. Awesome idea right! Just wait til all of you Connecticut folks here who they think is your biggest in-state rival. Are you ready for this. Bridgeport vs. Hartford AHL hockey! Come on! First of all this rivalry has only gone on for 8 years. Secondly, I know for a fact that you could find a high school rivalry ten times better than this one. What a joke! Connecticut colleges need to start stepping up there game. I realize I live in a much bigger state now, but come on AHL hockey owns the states best rivalry. I think that's worse than Kansas' rivalry, which is two community college basketball programs that date back to 1929.

That's all I have, have a great rest of the week!

Well, the Time Has Finally Come!

2009-05-13T18:55:00.001-04:00

I am going to watch a NHL Hockey game tonight.

Like, actually watch it. Like, in about 10 minutes the game is going to start and I am going to watch a hockey game on television. Am I wrong?

I am still confused about the rules in hockey, but I have found myself this week wondering, "Who won the Pittsburgh/Washington game?". And now, tonight, is game 7! I don't think I could have picked a better day to watch a hockey game again. Two of the best players in the game are facing each other in a win and advance game. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Captials and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins are arguably the best in the game. If there is ever a time for the NHL to get that "casual fan", tonight is the night. And I am going to admit to all of my readers (about 4), that I am going to watch an NHL Hockey game tonight. The game is about to start so I am going to search for a pic to post with the blog and sit my ass down with a bottle of wine and watch some ice hockey!

Monday's Sports Quiz

2009-05-11T16:49:00.004-04:00

I have been getting great sports questions from my buddy Jeremy lately that baffles me. Especially when I don't know the answer. I can't ask him anything about MLB baseball because he knows the answer right away. Blows my mind! Today let's see how my readers can do. You might have to check these on the Internet but at least try to answer them on your own. Winner gets a free tour of my new home whenever that happens. Good Luck!

1) Who are the only players with 10+ NBA Championships?

2) What pick was Tim Lincecum in the 2006 MLB Draft?

3) Out of his 99 rushing touchdowns, how many touchdowns over 50 yards did Barry Sanders have in his career?

4) Out of the 12 players on the 1992 Dream Team roster, how many never won a NBA Championship?

5) Which team has the most losses in Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament history?

The Future Phenom?

2009-05-11T10:09:00.003-04:00

This week's back page of ESPN The Magazine, Rick Reilly came through with another excellent story. Pat Verditte is a 23-year-old pitcher for the Charleston Riverdogs, the single-A club for the Yankees. But, he is not your ordinary pitcher. Verditte throws lefty and righty. Above is an 8 minute video of this kid facing a switch batter in a game. It's pretty funny. After this game there was a new rule which most minor league umpires call the: "Verditte rule". This rule now states that at the start of the at-bat the pitcher must declare his throwing arm, which then the batter can pick his side, and allowing both players to switch only once during the at-bat. This kid throw about 90 mph righty, and has 4 pitches from both arms. Last season he earned 23 saves with a 0.83 ERA. Why is he still in A-ball concerns me. But, after Riley's article this week and could turn some heads and start pushing this kid up a couple of levels. An absolute great story!

TPC hourly posts.......(yeah, I'm bored)

2009-05-10T14:53:00.007-04:00

3:00....

It seemed like the players out on the course were playing well prior to NBC turning on the cameras. The wind is starting to pick up, but come on!!! It's been an ugly first hour. Ben Crane looks strong except for that missed birdie at 3. Woods and Cejka are playing the worst golf I've seen since my outing last week. If they keep it up it will be Crane or Poulter or maybe Stenson in the end. Another (cough, cough) great weekend for Mickelson. Way to go Phil!!

4:23....

Sorry, caught alittle Golf nap. Henrik Stenson now leads...Cejka is going to be an Amateur after this round. Tiger isn't much better. I'm rooting for Woody Austin right now who barely made the cut.

5:06....

The Americans are falling. It looks like Stenson has the poise to win after the birdie on 13. Shane Battier has more 3's right now than Tiger has fairways hit. With 7 holes left its going to take a miracle for Tiger to take this. Neighbor Jim Furyk finished strong at 6 under. I don't think that is enough though. Cejka is starting to turn it around on the back 9. Maybe I can write about John Mallinger next hour.

6:08....
Henrik stays dry he'll win it. I think if Tiger didn't fall out of the gate, Stenson wouldn't be so comfortable right now. I'm not a big fan of Kevin Na. Every miss hit is not his fault "I can't believe it went that far", "I can't believe it broke that much"....Kevin, you put in a great weekend, but your not that good. He's about as annoying as these little black bugs mating everywhere!

6:23....

Sweden prevails.

Another Steamy Sunday at TPC

2009-05-10T08:53:00.003-04:00

Being in the neighborhood I feel like it's an obligation of mine to write about The Players Championship. German Alex Cejka looks to hold a 5 shot lead heading into Sunday. The question is will he hold it being in the final pairing with Tiger Woods on Sunday? I'm not too sure he will. Yesterday, he was able to contain his lead and play solid golf with few watching him and most of the spectators were following Tiger. Today, with Tiger he will have most of the gallery on him. And with Tiger showing glimpses of being back to his old self it's going to be an extremely hot Sunday afternoon for him. With the 90 degree temperature and the dry course a round in the red is going to be hard to come by. With that said Cejka will need to keep his pace, keep chomping on his gum, and shoot an even par round today to win the championship. If he drops one look for a playoff round with Tiger. Which we all can figure out what will happen then. They only other player I see possibly being there at the end is Ian Poulter with his solid mid-range game that you need for this course. Poulter could stick around, but he is also one of those players that when things go bad they really go bad. So if he is not around the top of the leaderboard Sunday he'll probably shoot about a 79. Another player that could be there at the end if the leaderboard really struggles today is Kenny Perry at 4 under starting the day. So enjoy your Sunday watching the beautiful North Florida weather and the roars at 17. It should be an exciting finish Sunday.

Guess Who's Goin' Dancing in March?

2009-05-06T17:23:00.008-04:00

The NCAA Selection Committee had a selection show on Monday night, May 4. No, it wasn't televised. No, it had nothing to do with #1 seeds. And no, the final selections not invited didn't get to enter another tournament. Nope, this selection committee had the honor of drawing the first names out of the big box on who wins the rights to get not only discounted tickets for the first weekend games at the sites of the NCAA Tournament in March, but be able to have the choice of the "best available" seats listed before tickets go on sale in June. And guess whos name was chosen for the 1st round (both sessions) and 2nd round games in Jacksonville, Florida for the 2010 NCAA Tournament? YES, IT WAS YOURS TRULY!!!

I can not believe my luck! Tuesday morning I was notified of being selected via email. I thought that I was still asleep. I only put my name in the big box about a month and a half ago for shits and giggles, not even thinking I was really going to win. Then Sunday, May 3 came and I told my father and brother, "Hey those tickets are being drawn for the tournament tomorrow.". So the tickets were able to be purchased at 10:00 am today (which is bullshit, some people do work for a living). I went online first thing when I got home and immediately checked the "best available tickets". Most of the best ones were already gone. By the time I researched 6 more times for other locations, the best available seats had changed again. So for the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament bracket located in Jacksonville, my brother (i hope) and myself will be attending 6 games for a grand total of...$216 dollars a ticket! Are you f'n kidding me? Oh, yea...I forgot to mention that we will be 6 rows from the court to the left of one of the baskets. FOR SIX GAMES OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT!

Sorry to be so excited about this, but this has always been one of those sporting events I have always wanted to attend. Being such a huge college basketball fan, all my buddies down here know how great of a thing this is for me. And I am sure that my buddies up north will definitely feel the same, probably with a little hate involved though. I am so thrilled I have no idea what to do right now. Well, first things first...I am going to finish off my coronas while looking at the best teams for college basketball next season. R U Serious, the NCAA Tournament?

Don't forget...

2009-05-05T15:29:00.000-04:00

It's Cinco De Mayo!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2009-05-04T15:33:00.003-04:00

What a weekend it was in the sports world! One of the best that I can remember. A couple of game 7s, boxing, The Kentucky Derby, and lots of Major League Baseball. Let's take a look at my view from the weekend that was.

One of the most exciting horse races I have ever seen happened on Saturday night at Churchill Downs. Mine that Bird, the 50-1 shot, went from last to first. Riding the rail with such grace and speed on the muddy track and became the longest shot to win the Kentucky Derby since 1913. In 2007, Mind that Bird was purchased for $9,500 and slipped into the field of 19 horses last minute. It truly was a site to see this awesome horse make a run for the roses. It was really something out of the movie Seabiscuit after the victory making a victory trot in front of the gallery. I don't believe that this colt has a chance in the Preakness, but we will have to see for sure.

There were a few game 7s in the NBA playoffs this past weekend. One series was the strangest series I have ever seen, the other was the best 1st round series I have ever seen. The Miami Heat/Atlanta Hawks series was as strange of a series that you will ever see. Not one game out of 7 games was a close one. They weren't even fun games to watch, with Atlanta pulling out the game 7 and advancing to the 2nd round. Now in the other series it was quite the opposite. The Celtics and Bulls played in one of the best 7 game series in the history of the NBA Playoffs. Seven total overtimes in the first 6 games and the Celts were determined not to make it a close one in game 7 by eliminating a very good and very young Bulls squad. Next up for the injury ridden Boston team is Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

Is there anyone out there that believes like I do that Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters of all time. Let's not take anything away from what kind of boxer you believe Ricky Hatton is or was on Saturday night. I really can't remember a boxer of my lifetime with the speed, the drive, and the power that a boxer of his caliber has. I firmly believe when Mayweather wins his next fight he is going to have to carefully decide if he really wants to fight boxing's best pound for pound man in Pacquiao. Because honestly, I really don't think that he wants to get in the ring with that man.

In case you guys were wondering, the NHL's best players are squaring off in the playoffs right now. With the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby facing the Washington Capitols and Alex Ovechkin. If there ever was a time to start watching this sport, now is the time and this is the series!

Carl Crawford might be on the verge for more historical feats this season after converting on 6 stolen bases against the Red Sox yesterday. He is currently 17 for 17 this season with the Rays having played in only 26 games so far. Is 100 steals a possibility? I think yes!

Way Too Easy

2009-05-03T17:59:00.002-04:00

Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters of my generation. Another unbelievable performance last night!

Random Thoughts Today

2009-05-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

I gotta say first that I am sorry for the lack of posts this past week. Tomorrow's post will give a illustration why. Since I have to work early in the a.m. tomorrow I have some extra time to give you my thoughts for the week. I hope that all my readers from the great state of Connecticut are enjoy some early heat. Here's a couple of thoughts before a very entertaining sports weekend.

You know what sucks about Ray Allen? He is my favorite UCONN Husky of All-Time. But unfortunately I am not alone, and that's what sucks. I got a chance to meet Ray at a UCONN practice my senior year in high school. He signed a couple of things for me and was really a down to earth guy and fool around with all of us during his free time. From that point on I can not root for the guy. He does everything right. Works hard on both ends of the courts, shoots the rock like nobody I have ever seen, and is down right a good dude. He is one of the few players in the NBA since the departure of Michael Jordan that I check on and see how he has been doing. And when he became a Celtic, I thought...this is awesome! Allen put on a show for the ages last night against the Bulls. He hit for 51 points in a defeat, the largest point total for a player on a losing team since...his Airness' 63. As much as I needed my sleep last night, I couldn't shut the tv off because I was waiting for how Ray was going to awe me again. So like I said, I hate that I like Ray Allen, because the rest of Husky nation feels the same, but I guess I really can't be mad at that.

Josh Beckett really hasn't been the same since his suspension. Granted, the Tampa Bay Rays have own the Red Sox the last two years but something is definitely up with Beckett. He sucks! He can't get batters chasing those pitches he was so successful with during his career. I personally think that he might be all done, he might be approaching the point in his career where it starts to fall apart. Almost like somebody that played for the Sox and lost whatever he had and went elsewhere. Another Roger Clemens anyone?

I have seen Role Models, The Wrestler, Doubt, and Seven Pounds the last two weeks. And I can honestly say that I don't think that I have gone through a stretch of movies like this where I have enjoy each one. I received Frost/Nixon yesterday on my Netflix and am about to pop it into the dvd player. I really recommend all of these films to all of you, even though I have heard mixed reviews about Will Smith's latest movie, I still think that it is a must see.

My fantasy baseball teams are driving me crazy and it's only the start of May.

This weekend is loaded with must see sports tv. And besides the Game 7 game between the Bulls and Celtics, the Kentucky Derby will be taking over Saturday. This weekend marks the anniversary of the "Night Train" in Las Vegas. I wish I could remember a little more of that weekend but I am always reminded by my boy Jon Fid on how awesome I was. Enjoy the weekend!

Grading the Draft

2009-04-28T11:16:00.001-04:00

This was probably one of the most entertaining and unpredictable drafts that I can remember. I only missed maybe a hour and a half of the entire draft by going to play a round of 18 Sunday morning. So it was needless to say I was very into the happens of the 2009 NFL Draft. Grading teams for the draft is funny because you really don't get a sense if the teams drafted well for at least a couple of seasons. So instead of grading teams, here's a small list of my winners and losers from the Draft and a little look on my thoughts on how the Washington Redskins did. Hope that you feel your teams did well, because if you didn't it could be a long 4 months until the season.

WINNERS

Green Bay - It was hard to miss in the 1st round being so deep, but grabbing B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews as instant starters was key to their draft.

Buffalo - The Bills did everything they were suppose to do in this draft as far as addressing their needs.

NY Giants - Unfortunately the Giants did an excellent job, grabbing players late in the draft that could have immediate impact.

San Francisco - Not only did they land a monster in Michael Crabtree, but they acquired a 1st rounder next year for the 43rd and 111th choices.

Philadelphia - I really didn't understand the pick of Jeremy Maclin, because he is not a possession receiver, but the Eagles are definitely loaded on the offensive side of the ball next year.

LOSERS

Oakland - Darrius Heyward-Bey?

Kansas City - If they really think that Tyson Jackson is going to be a stud fine. But, was he really worth the 3rd overall pick or could you tried to trade out and get more, because you need it.

Cleveland - They certainly didn't make out in the Sanchez trade. And I am quite confident that they didn't do their homework or their computers weren't working. Because they had to be a better reason for deciding not to pick for 2 + hours.

Dallas - Their draft consisted of nothing more than special teams players.

Carolina - They basically gave away their 1st round pick next year for a d-back from a mid-major and a special teams returner...nice!

Washington's Draft

I kept looking over to my brother as the DEs started to slip in the top 10. Then, Brian Orakpo was really falling. Then, the Broncos take Knowshon Moreno...THANK YOU! WOW! Orakpo is going to be a stud. Obviously if you saw my Big Board I was really high on this kid from the start. And I think that he will be a force playing along side with Albert Haynesworth. And with Andre Carter on the other side of the d-line, I don't want to jinx anything but...forget it. Let's just say it has been a while since the Redskins had a "real" pass rush since the 80s - early 90s. They didn't hold a round 2 pick because of the trade for Jason Taylor (thanks for nothing). In round three they drafted a cornerback from Maryland in Kevin Barnes. I like the pick after the loss of Shaun Springs, but this kid is no ordinary DB. He stands at six feet and his reach is outstanding. They didn't draft any offensive linemen, this is something that really bothered me. But, I can't get to worked up they didn't do anything too stupid and they came away from the draft with all their draft picks for next year. If their linebackers they drafted in the 5th and 6th rounds can compete for a back up position, I think that the Skins had a very good draft considering they were without a 2nd and 4th round pick.

The Most Exciting Play in Baseball

2009-04-27T12:00:00.002-04:00

With two outs, Ellsbury not only caught me off guard but the Yankees as well.

Deez' Mock Draft

2009-04-23T16:36:00.007-04:00

I will continue the best draft picks by your team next week. But, before I head to Jacksonville this weekend for a much needed break. I will be posting you my mock draft for the 1st round. After much debate, and listening to countless hours of analysts, I have decided what team is doing what. Last year I did pretty well, this year I am looking for 50% correct. I can't wait for the draft, and this year I don't even have to rush out of work. Let's take a look at who I think will be going where, with a little overview on why. P.s. keep in mind that trades are always possible and my predictions are for the teams not the pick.

Deez' 2009 Mock Draft

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford/QB/Georgia

If they think that Stafford is a franchise QB then they have to go with him.

2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith/OT/Baylor

The Rams couldn't be happier seeing this man in a Rams jersey after Orlando Pace.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry/OLB/Wake Forrest

Scouts say he is the best player in this years draft. Chiefs need a lot of help.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Mark Sanchez/QB/USC

After thinking that Sanchez is going to fall in this draft, it makes perfect sense here at 4.

5. Cleveland Browns - Brian Orakpo/DE/Texas

I don't know what the Browns will do here, but they should take Orakpo but they prob. won't.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe/OT/Virginia

This kid is a can't miss for the Bengals. Even though Andre Smith certainly acts like a Bengal.

7. Oakland Raiders - Michael Crabtree/WR/Texas Tech

They are all about the big names of the draft, Crabtree in my opinion has the biggest.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - B.J. Raji/DT/Boston College

The Jags would have loved to see Crabtree here, but they will settle for a DT or trade the pick.

9. Green Bay Packers - Aaron Maybin/DE/Penn State

This makes sense. The Pack will be looking to add somebody to start right away with this pick.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Jeremy Maclin/WR/Missouri

The Niners will love seeing a playmaker like Maclin fall to ten for them. Instant offense!

11. Buffalo Bills - Tyson Jackson/DE/LSU

The Bills are in definite need of a pass rushing DE. They have to go with this position and BA.

12. Denver Broncos - Robert Ayers/DE/Tennessee

With all the DEs going fast they have to take one here. But, I really don't think that they will stay here.

13. Washington Redskins - Andre Smith/OT/Alabama

Here's the thing...I want them to go with a DE, real bad. But if this mammoth is on the board they need someone to fill in for aging Jon Jansen. I really am expecting fireworks on late Saturday afternoon with Dan Synder tearing up the phone lines. But, if I am them, and this player is on the board, this really is a no-brainer.

14. New Orleans Saints - Chris Wells/RB/Ohio State

The only way this doesn't happen in my opinion is if somebody jumps up to get him b4 the Saints do.

15. Houston Texans - Brian Cushing/OLB/USC

I don't know if any of you have seen USC's linebackers last year. But, Cushing was the one that stood out.

16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga/ILB/USC

I am getting queasy just thinking about him and Merriman playing the 'skins week 17.

17. New York Jets - Josh Freeman/QB/Kansas State

Jets fans won't be very happy as usual with their pick, but where else did you want them to go.

18. Denver (from Chicago) - Clay Matthews/OLB/USC

Like I said, I don't believe that they will pick at either spot, but this addresses both needs.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Everette Brown/DE/Florida State

I really believe that this could end up being the steal of the draft. This kid is crazy good!

20. Detroit Lions - Michael Oher/OT/Mississippi

The Lions did what they were suppose to, grab a QB and OT with their first round picks.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - Knowshon Moreno/RB/Georgia

I was trying to find a way out of the Eagles drafting him but I can't. Only if they pull a "Stevey" again.

22. Minnesota Vikings - Eben Britton/OT/Arizona

This is going to be an interesting draft for the Vikings, what they will do first is key.

23. New England Patroits - James Laurinaitis/ILB/Ohio State

After addressing their cornerback need during free agency, linebacker is the smart play.

24. Atlanta Falcons - Larry English/DE/Northern Illinois

I thought that they might go elsewhere, but with Tony Gonzalez coming to town I changed my mind.

25. Miami Dolphins - Darrius Heyward-Bey/WR/Maryland

My Dolphin readers should be extremely happy with this playmaking speedster from the ACC.

26. Baltimore Ravens - Hakeem Nicks/WR/North Carolina

They won't be happy missing out on Heyward-Bey, but Nicks is a nice replacement.

27. Indianapolis Colts - Kenny Britt/WR/Rutgers

The WR draft class is so deep that the Colts will just be happy one of them will still be on the board.

28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) - Brandon Pettigrew/TE/Oklahoma State

The NFC East just got that much tougher with this pick. I hate the Pitbull and all Eagle fans if this happens!

29. New York Giants - Jared Cook/TE/South Carolina

The G-men really get screwed here, as the big wide outs are gone, and the Eagles steal Pettigrew from them.

30. Tennessee Titans - Percy Harvin/WR/Florida

The Titans are going to build their offense with speed, short passes from Collins to Harvin sound nice.

31. Arizona Cardinals - LaSean McCoy/RB/Pittsburgh

NFL experts are saying that Hightower doesn't look like the answer, McCoy could very well be.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Vontae Davis/CB/Illinois

I thought Dr. Z was crazy when I saw his picks, but when the Steelers see this guy on the board, he will be gone!

The Best NFL Draft Pick by Your Team

2009-04-22T06:14:00.006-04:00

ESPN Insider had a great idea leading up to the draft. Team by team they put the top 10 draft choices in the history of the franchise. One thing that I didn't like was that they put draft picks like John Elway on the top 10 for the Colts or Brett Favre for the Falcons. Starting today up until the Draft next Saturday here at The Nutz, I will be listing the best picks by a franchise in their history. But it'll be a little more insightful. My criteria is as follows: value at pick, value for the franchise as a whole, overall success by the player, and what he meant to the team during his career. I will go division by division. Hope you enjoy and if you think that I am wrong in anyway...you know what you can do!

AFC West

Denver Broncos- Terrell Davis 1995 Rd. 6 Pick 196

No player that makes this list will have such a short impact with a team and still be worth the best player ever drafted by it's franchise. Davis won the hearts in Colorado very quickly after being drafted so late in the '95 draft. With only seven years under his belt in Denver he is still the team all-time leading rusher. What won me over for T.D., was John Elway had a problem in Super Bowls until he arrived. And Davis was a major force on the Broncos offense for both of their championship teams having won Super Bowl MVP in one of them. Never ever getting enough credit Davis is one of those running backs that we will always look back and say that he had "What could have been" careers.

Kansas City Chiefs- Tony Gonzalez 1997 Rd. 1 Pick 13

The best tight end the game has ever seen, and to think he wasn't a half bad basketball player in college as well. With the team on the decline the last couple of years the team can not afford to get rid of this guy after all he has done for the franchise, let alone the seats he puts in the stands. Gonzalez, still looking for a chance to play in the Super Bowl, is the all-time tight end leader in single season catches (102), career touchdowns (76), and yards (10,940). This ten-time Pro-Bowler is the Kansas City Chiefs and I really can't imagine him in another jersey.

Oakland Raiders- Marcus Allen 1982 Rd. 1 Pick 10

I still don't know how he fell to 10 in the draft after what he did in college. Playing ten years for the silver and black, Allen is best remembered for his heroics in Super Bowl XVIII. He ran for 191 yards, caught 2 passes for 18 yards, and scored 2 touchdowns in the Raiders 38-9 victory over my Washington Redskins. He went to 6 Pro-Bowls, was the rookie of the year, won NFL MVP in 1985, and was a two-time All-Pro selection. One of the lowest things owner Al Davis has done was run this man out of town, something that should have never been done to a guy that brought winning in the NFL to the west coast.

San Diego Chargers- Junior Seau 1990 Rd. 1 Pick 5

No player in the NFL at any point in my life was really the face of a franchise like Seau was. Seau was the San Diego Chargers! His dancing and fist pumping after great plays also stood out negatively, but the Chargers fans loved it and him for it. For the entire 90s he led his team in tackling, and was a major part of the Chargers getting to the Super Bowl in 1994. Especially for his 16 recorded tackles in the AFC Championship game. He was a great man in the California area to have. Having started the Seau Foundation, that deals with raising money for drug awareness, abused kids, and college scholarships.

The Best NFL Draft Pick by Your Team

2009-04-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens- Ray Lewis 1996 Rd. 1 Pick 26

Say what you want about the character of this linebacker, he is one of the best the game's ever seen. He was the fifth linebacker taken in the '96 Draft, but proved his worth even though scouts thought his size was too small. When Baltimore got a NFL team back to their city they were in need of a man that can carry the team on his back, and Lewis was most certainly the amn for the job. 10 Pro-Bowl selections along with being a 2-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner. Not to mention Super Bowl MVP in their win against the G-men in 2000.

Cincinnati Bengals- Anthony Munoz 1980 Rd. 1 Pick 3

Though him being selected this high led to much debate, Munoz proved to be the right choice for the Bengals, something that certainly lacks in Bengals draft history. Standing at 6'6'', Munoz was an absolute beast on the line, giving his quarterbacks time to throw and running backs room to run. Despite his history of being hurt, he only missed 3 games in his 12 years with Cincinnati. Finished his career as an 11-time Pro-Bowl selection, 10 All-Pro nominations, a member of both All-Decade team of the 1980s and the 75th Anniversity All-Time team.

Cleveland Browns- Jim Brown 1957 Rd. 1 Pick 6

Arguably one of the best running backs in league history, Brown rushed for over 12,000 yards and had 126 touchdowns in a 9-year career with the Browns that ended before he turned the age of 30. Every season he played, Brown was voted into the Pro Bowl, and is the only rusher in NFL history to average over 100 yards a game for his career. He led this old franchise to a NFL Championship in 1964, was a 3-time NFL MVP, and of course was a member of the 75th Anniversity All-Time team.

Pittsburgh Steeler- Terry Bradshaw 1970 Rd. 1 Pick 1

This was the toughest of all the picks thus far. But, this man quarterback his Steeler team to 4 Super Bowl Championships in which two of them resulted in him being the MVP. Having Franco Harris in the backfield, and the "Steel Curtain" defense helped a lot don't get me wrong, but Bradshaw still had to play well for them to win. His threat of the deep pass always opened thing up for other plays. This 3-time Pro- Bowler also won the NFL MVP award in 1978 and in 1999, he was ranked number 44 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Not to mention that Bradshaw's post season record is an astonishing 14-5.

April 20th

2009-04-20T13:25:00.001-04:00

On this day 23 years ago, Michael Jordan went to the Garden and put on a show for the ages. You gotta love the background music!

My 1st College Baseball Game of 2009

2009-04-20T12:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my father, brother and I headed to Gainesville to catch a couple of top 25 teams face each in an SEC battle on the diamond. #16 ranked Ole Miss came to the Sunshine State and face a #25 Gator team that desperately needed a victory yesterday. McKenthan Stadium was ranked in the top 10 a year ago as one of the best looking baseball complexes in college baseball. So being a huge fan of good looking baseball fields, I was glad to see it again. But I really want to add, and to finally put this into my blog.

I hate Florida Gator fans!

The chats, the complaining, I hate it. They are sooooo spoiled it's disgusting. The entire game I kept hoping that Tim Tebow will get caught with marijuana soon, just so I can throw that in Gator fans' faces. I like Tebow too. But, honestly, Gator fans might be worse than UCONN fans. Coming from me, that says alot! Back to the game.

With the weekend series split so far, and the Gators heading road games against Georgia and LSU soon, winning this 3-game series would boost this teams chances with a field of 64 bid. The Rebels from Ole Miss were ranked 9th in my pre season picks, and they looked sharp yesterday. The 1st inning looked liked signs of disaster, when the Rebels All-American closer/turned starting pitcher Scott Bittle couldn't find the plate, walking in two runs in the opening inning. But, after that he certainly settled down by pitching six innings with 8 strikeouts and allowing only more more earned run after the terrible first frame. For the Gators, starting pitcher Alex Panteliodis (3-5), was pitching too poorly, but was pulled after walking the first batter in the 5th and only allowed 3 earned. The thing that confused us baseball fans in the stands was why he was pulled? Because the next two pitchers used were awful. Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan was making some questionable moves throughout the game, which meant to me that he was really in a panic about winning this game. Also, the Gators All-American centerfielder Matt den Dekker had a tough series. He went 0-5 yesterday with 3 strikeouts, as a lead off hitter, finishing 0-11 for the weekend series. The other lead off hitter for the Rebels on the other hand was unbelievable! Centerfielder, Jordan Henry was the epitome of what a lead off man should be. He got on base all 5 times yesterday. Was patient as patient can get, walking 4 times and hits a high bouncing infield single in his final at-bat. He also stole 3 bases! The Rebels ultimately won the game 5-3 after 8 innings, with the help of catcher Kyle Henson 2-run homer. The reason for the 8 innings is that the SEC rules state if a game lasts longer than 3:30 on a Sunday they have to end the game at the top of the next inning for traveling purposes for the road team. The Rebels are now 28-11 and 11-7 in the SEC while the Gators dropped to 26-14 and 10-8. The Gators are in trouble now. Like I said earlier they have some serious road series coming, and the field of 64 is slimming by the day. As for the Rebels the bulk of their tough games are already over, so expect them to keep climbing up the top 25 board while the Gators will surely drop out when the polls come out today.

Here's a look at the current top 25 as of April 13th in USA Today.

The Best NFL Draft Pick by Your Team

2009-04-19T09:05:00.006-04:00

AFC South

Houston Texans- Andre Johnson 2003 Rd. 1 Pick 3

Even though at the beginning of his career he was like a see-saw, he is finally starting to get it and in my opinion is one of the top wide receivers in the league. Every time you watch a Texans game their are Johnson's #80 jerseys in the stands. The success of the Texans revolves around him getting the football and making plays. Why do you think that they signed him in '07 to a 6 year extension over 60 million? At 27, he has already been to 3 Pro-Bowls with two 1st team All-Pro selections.

Indianapolis Colts- Peyton Manning 1998 Rd. 1 Pick 1

Wilipedia calls him the NFL's most markable player. They are correct! I didn't think that it was much of a toss up when he was drafted over Ryan Leaf, but obviously it really wasn't. Since being drafted by the Colts Manning has been the ultimate driver behind the one of the league's most potent offenses. Finally winning a Super Bowl in 2006 has capped a career filled with Pro-Bowl selections and 3 NFL MVP awards.

Jacksonville Jaguars- Fred Taylor 1998 Rd. 1 Pick 9

I didn't really get a sense of how valuable Taylor was to this franchise until I moved down to Florida. All the football he has ever played has been played in the state of Florida, for that he is a leader in the community. Fred Taylor jerseys have filled the entire northern part of Florida for ten years. Even though he has not received much recognition for his play the man was still very valuable to this franchise as far as staying competitive. He was asked to go to his first Pro-Bowl in '07, and even through 3 injury filled seasons, each year he wasn't hurt he rushed for over 1200 yards.

Tennessee Titans- Bruce Matthews 1983 Rd. 1 Pick 9

It doesn't happen enough times that teams get a great amount of credit when drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. But, when that player sticks with your time through good times and bad for 18 years, he was well worth the pick. Matthews, is one of the best offensive lineman in the history of the game, having been selected to 14 Pro-Bowls, 9 All-Pro 1st teams, and a member of the 1990s All- Decade team. Whatever and wherever asked to play, he just did. Having started 292 of his 296 games at all the positions on the offensive line.

How Bad Can Things Get?

2009-04-18T17:53:00.004-04:00

Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse for the Washington Nationals. Something like this happens during Friday night's game against the Marlins!

Look out everyone...here comes the Washington N A T I N A L S!

NBA Playoff Preview (1st Round)

2009-04-18T11:59:00.002-04:00

I don't know about most of my readers, but I have had a tough time following the NBA this season. Yea, I know all about how Lebron, Kobe, and Dwayne have played this season since ESPN talks about them constantly. But, between football, college basketball, and now baseball the NBA just can't get a hold of someone like me. And it has been this way for a while. Yea, I still check out scores and have an idea of what is going on in the NBA when it is on television, but I never really go out of my way to find out what happened in the league the night before. The NBA Playoffs begin tonight with lots at stake, and still, I find it hard to look for great story lines. Yea, you have Lebron looking for his first title, KG out in Boston, and some possible upset specials in the 1st round of the Western Conference. But, the last couple of seasons for me the regular season always started this weekend. So I am going to try my best and follow the NBA a little closer over the next 3 months (at least it feels that long) and do the best I can to handicap the games for my readers. Here's a look at my 1st round predictions...

EAST

#1 Cleveland vs. #8 Detroit

No chance for the Pistons. Lebron is going to take over this series early. CAVS 4-1

#2 Boston vs. #7 Chicago

The baby Bulls will hang in there, but ultimately the Celts will prevail. CELTS 4-2

#3 Orlando vs. #6 Philadelphia

The Magic have to get rid of the Sixers early, just so that they can be ready for Rd. 2. MAGIC 4-2

#4 Atlanta vs. #5 Miami

Watching the Hawks on SportsCenter has impressed me, but so has Wade! HEAT 4-3

WEST

#1 Los Angeles vs. #8 Utah

Phil Jackson is so dominate in the first round and he doesn't even break a sweat. LAKERS 4-1

#2 Denver vs. #7 New Orleans

My NBA upset special. As long as I have a blog, I will never go against Chris Paul. HORNETS 4-3

#3 San Antonio vs. #6 Dallas

Everyone loves the Mavs in this series, not me! I thought the Spurs are great at home? SPURS 4-2

#4 Portland vs. #5 Houston

Somebody needs to help me out with this one, I really don't have a clue. So I am going with a push meaning my pick won't occur until game 7.

The Best NFL Draft Pick by Your Team

2009-04-17T08:52:00.005-04:00

AFC East

Buffalo Bills- Thurman Thomas 1988 Rd. 2 Pick 40

For 12 seasons Thomas was the face of a franchise that owned the AFC during the early 90s which led to 4 straight Super Bowl appearances. He led the league in total yards for 4 consecutive seasons, a Pro-Bowler 5 times, 1991 League MVP, and a spot on the NFL's All-Decade team of the 90s. Thomas finished his career with the Bills as the all-time leading rusher.

Miami Dolphins- Dan Marino 1983 Rd. 1 Pick 27

Even though he was the last of the great quarterbacks drafted in the '83 draft, he was definitely the most important. Marino had held or holds almost every single NFL passing record. Even though he never won a Super Bowl, Marino was the major reason for the success of the franchise during his time there. Marino was a 9-time Pro-Bowler and NFL MVP in 1984. How much did Marino mean to the Dolphins? Well, he has a bronze statue of himself outside Dolphin Stadium, and the city of Miami renamed the street the Stadium is on from Stadium Street to Dan Marino Blvd.

New England Patroits- Tom Brady 2000 Rd. 6 Pick 199

This really wasn't a difficult choice. It is one thing for a drafted player in the 6th round become a Pro-Bowler, it's another for that player to lead their team to 3 Super Bowls wins. At the age of 31, he is already regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game, with a NFL MVP in 2007, two Super Bowl MVPs, and Sporting New's Sportsman of the Year 2005. I can't think of a late round draft choice that has meant more to his team than Brady.

New York Jets- Mark Gastineau 1979 Rd.2 Pick 41

Regarded as one of the best defensive linemen in the history of the game. For ten seasons he was the face of the Jets defense which led to 5 Pro-Bowls, a NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1982, and in 1984 he recorded at that time 22 sacks in a single season which was a NFL record. His shocking retirement after only ten seasons was hard for Jets fans to swallow, but he left the game as the all-time sack leader and his #99 will always be remembered in New York.

Random Thoughts Today

2009-04-16T16:13:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the couple day hiatus, been trying to get over my trip to Orlando, where "snowbirds" are owning the streets for hopefully one last week. The weather in the dirty south has been unbelievable! So much so that we are starting are hurricane season a little earlier than usual. I have many thoughts on my mind today with the baseball season and other topics in sports. I heard that the Connecticut weather has been great lately! And just so you know, the high school baseball regular season is coming to a close...in April!

During my entire life of watching football on Sundays (or Mondays) I have heard the voice of John Madden. For better or worse Madden was always there to make you chuckle. Whether it was Sunday afternoons, Monday Nights, or Sunday nights he was the voice you really just got use to over the years. His passion for the game of football really showed while he was broadcasting games, especially for the older players on the field. Ones that put their time in the game, like he did. Madden announced his retirement today from being the ultimate color-man on television during the fall. It is certainly going to be a weird season not hearing his voice, especially during the playoffs. I don't know if I am going to miss him in the booth, but he certainly will never be forgotten!

My father decided last week during the opening of the season, and more so now, that he is going to root hard for all the underdogs in the Major League this year. He sure picked one hell of a year to do that. 5 of the six divisions in the Majors currently have 1st place teams leading the division that were suppose to finish in the gutter at years end. Out of all the teams the Florida Marlins are currently 8-1, after sweeping the Braves this afternoon. My father quickly has jumped on the bandwagon. Living in Florida and watching young talented kids playing the game you love is awesome! That's why it was so easy for me to like the Rays last season. There is something about watching young prospects make a name for themselves that is fun to watch. Yea, some might be playing for themselves so that they can get that multi-year contract. But they are all playing hard and every inning you see them taking the extra base or diving for balls. How can you not love that? I just hope the Mariners can keep it up!

It was just announced on ESPN that Kevin Garnett might miss the playoffs. Sorry Boston, maybe next year!

The hateful Duke basketball guard Greg Paulus is now trying to play football. After a being a 4 year bball player as a Blue Devil he is going to try and play a sport that won him Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in high school. First he tried out with the Green Bay Packers, like Aaron Rodgers doesn't have enough to worry about, and now he says that he is going to compete for the Michigan quarterback job. You heard correctly, the University of Michigan Wolverines! NCAA rules state that if a player does not have a red-shirted year, and since he is graduating this year, he can go to a graduate school and play one more season. And since Michigan really doesn't have much of a competition for their starting QB job, why not the Wolverines? Obviously, having sat on the bench a little more this season at Duke got him to thinking about the future and his alternatives. He's 6'1'' and 180 pounds, if he does get to play this year, maybe being a hated Dukie really wasn't worth it after all.

I never thought that I would say this but...I hate Mel Kiper right now. Yea, I can't stand the quarterback situation in Washington right now, but that doesn't mean I want a QB taken 13th overall in this month's draft. Kiper has the Washington Redskins taking Mark Sanchez with their 1st of 5 picks in this years draft. With so many needs at other positions, this makes me look forward to the upcoming season less and less. And now owner Dan Synder wants to draft him. Somebody must hate me!

Oh and before I leave, if Isiah Thomas' reputation hasn't taken enough of a hit. Did you hear the Athletic Director announce him to the podium as "Isiah Thompson"? Still trying to find the video so I can show it. Hilarious!!!

Happy Easter Weekend!

2009-04-12T12:20:00.002-04:00

It must be Easter Weekend, since I found myself drinking each of the last 4 days. Easter Weekend all got started at "The Apartment", and I can't help but to think about the time I spent being an absolute drunk for 4 consecutive days. So from us here at The Nutz ,to everyone, hope you have a safe and happy Easter Weekend. Ahh...memories huh BadChoiceMilk?

Deez' Big Board

2009-04-11T07:13:00.000-04:00

We are exactly 2 weeks away from the biggest day for college players and NFL teams during the spring season. I have some time before I make my predictions on who is going where in the draft, so before I make my trip to see America's Favorite Couple here is a look at my top 25 players on my Big Board for the NFL Draft.

1. Michael Crabtree WR Texas A&M

2. Brian Orakpo DE Texas

3. Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

4. Jason Smith OT Baylor

5. BJ Raji DT Boston College

6. Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

7. Matthew Stafford QB Georgia

8. Aaron Maybin DE Penn State

9. Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

10. Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

11. Andre Smith OT Alabama

12. Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

13. Chris Wells RB Ohio State

14. Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

15. Percy Harvin WR Florida

16. Everette Brown DE Florida State

17. Rey Maualuga ILB USC

18. Mark Sanchez QB USC

19. Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

20. Tyson Jackson DE LSU

21. Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

22. Brian Cushing OLB USC

23. Peria Jerry DT Mississippi

24. Vontae Davis CB Illinois

25. James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State

Way Too Soon

2009-04-10T10:35:00.005-04:00

I would be lying if I said I knew of Nick Adenhart before his death early Thursday morning. Getting the chance to watch his final game was an honor. I don't thank Directv ever, but this time they did something right for me, without even knowing it. Directv allows us baseball fans with no money to preview their MLB package for the first two weeks of the season. While watching their game-mix, you get the opprotunity to watch 8 games at once. So, I got home late from work Wednesday night, there were only a few games for my viewing at 10:00. One of the games was the Athletics/Angels game. I saw this kid pitching that I didn't know for a couple innings absolutely owning the A's. And I thought "wow", this kid is pretty impressive. To that I had enough and was getting tired and work at 7:00 am was in the back of my mind. So I turned off the television, not knowing that live on tv, Nick Adenhart was pitching the last game of his life. The 22-year old, a year less than my youngest brother, was taken away from this cruel earth by a drunken driver after the game of his life. He had just finished pitching 6 strong innings of shut-out ball for his Angels. Something that many thought wasn't possible after overcoming majors odds against him. Tommy John surgery before the MLB Draft dropped him to the 14th round, 4 seasons in the minors, and in his 3 previous starts in the majors his ERA was 9.00. But all that was behind him for 2 hours Wednesday night. He pitched the game of his life at the Major League level with his father in the stands. Why would God take him away after such a glorious day? The Angels are favorites to get to the post season this year and you'd be ignorant to think that God doesn't work in mysterious ways. For one night, Nick Adenhart made a name for himself, unfortunately most of us wouldn't of appreciated his work if it wasn't for his death.

Rivals.com 2009 Top Recruits

2009-04-09T12:51:00.000-04:00

For my final post about college basketball here is a look at the top recruits and their schools for next season. You can click on the player or the school and check them out for yourselves. These players in Rivals top 25 are all 5 star recruits. Thanks to Rivals.com!

2009 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools

1- John Wall Raleigh (NC) Word Of God Christian Academy G 6-4/184 list

Blazingly fast with the basketball, Wall is an impeccable ball handler with court savvy. The right hander has a penchant for beating defenders with his left hand and can then counter with a terrific left to right behind the back dribble. Finding teammates on the move is his forte, but he is also an excellent finisher at the rim. His jumper is still a work in progress, but it is good enough to keep the defense honest.

2- DeMarcus Cousins Mobile (AL) LeFlore F 6-9/250 Kentucky

Power forward with top notch inside/outside skills.

3- Xavier Henry Oklahoma City (OK) Putnam City G 6-6/210 list

Sweet shooting lefty also has size.

4- Derrick Favors Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta C 6-9/220 Georgia Tech

Skilled post player with soft touch.

5- Jordan Hamilton Los Angeles (CA) Dominguez F 6-7/210 Texas

Point forward with a strong all around game.

6- John Henson Tampa (FL) Sickles F 6-10/200 North Carolina

Developing prospect has lots of upside.

7- Kenny Boynton Plantation (FL) American Heritage School G 6-2/187 Florida

Compact scorer has a more than reliable pull up jumper.

8- Avery Bradley Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/175 Texas

A big time scoring threat from the off guard position.

9- Lance Stephenson Brooklyn (NY) Lincoln G 6-6/195 list

Physical guard who plays with an aggressive attitude.

10- Renardo Sidney Los Angeles (CA) Fairfax F 6-10/250 USC

Good in both the high post and the low post.

11- Michael Snaer Moreno Valley (CA) Rancho Verde G 6-4/185 Florida State

Athletic shooting guard has a complete game.

12- Milton Jennings Summerville (SC) Pinewood Prep F 6-9/200 Clemson

A serious inside/outside scoring threat.

13- Abdul Gaddy Tacoma (WA) Bellarmine Prep G 6-3/170 Washington

Rangy point guard with a great feel for the game.

14- Mouphtaou Yarou Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian F 6-9/210 Villanova

Physical post player with a skill game.

15- Latavious Williams Humble (TX) Christian Life Center F 6-7/195 list

Ultra-athletic forward with a high ceiling.

16- Dominic Cheek Jersey City (NJ) St. Anthony G 6-5/175 Villanova

Dead-eye shooter with ball handling skills.

17- Dexter Strickland Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick G 6-3/175 North Carolina

Great feel for the game and even better scorer.

18- Thomas Robinson Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy F 6-8/222 Kansas

Athletic post player who is a relentless rebounder.

19- Royce White Hopkins (MN) Hopkins F 6-7/210 Minnesota

A multi-dimensional forward with a surprisingly polished game.

20- Ryan Kelly Raleigh (NC) Ravenscroft School F 6-9/205 Duke

Finesse forward with dangerous face up game.

21- Alex Oriakhi Tilton (NH) Tilton School C 6-9/245 Connecticut

Athletic power forward who can go and get the ball.

22- Daniel Orton Oklahoma City (OK) Bishop McGuinness C 6-10/260 Kentucky

Long big man who is good in the high post.

23- Wally Judge Jacksonville (FL) Arlington Country Day F 6-9/218 Kansas State

Intriguing forward who can own the boards.

24- Dante Taylor Fort Washington (MD) National Christian Academy F 6-8/230 Pittsburgh

A raw talent with great upside.

25- Maalik Wayns Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic G 6-1/190 Villanova

Tough, physical point guard in the Philly mold.

Tyler Hansbrough's Legacy

2009-04-07T09:34:00.004-04:00

After another successful season of The Nutz predicting a champion in a pre season post, in North Carolina, I can't help to remember that I picked them to win the last two years. The main reason why is I had all the confidence in the world with the man pictured above. I have never ever been a bad critic of him, instead I have embraced all is positives and stayed away from the negatives. Today, the ESPN radio show Mike and Mike in the Morning asked the question I never even thought about.

"Is Tyler Hansbrough on UNC's all-time 1st team?"

Tough question? I think not. Here's his credentials:

All-American 1st team 07, 08, 09

All-American 2nd team 06

Naismith Player of the Year 2008

ACC Player of the Year 08,

All-ACC 1st team 06, 07, 08, 09

Most career point in ACC history

And now a National Championship

Hansbrough is the epitome of what a college basketball player is. Night in and night out he comes to play. He leaves it all on the floor. He came back for one reason, win a National Championship. It wasn't about the scoring record, or more personal achievements. It was about one last run with his coach and his teammates. I am not at all talking about what this kid can do at the next level, that's for another day. But, I will say this, I wouldn't doubt him at the next level. Even with all his achievements from his freshman year, he has progress into one of the more dominate players in NCAA history. He might not look good doing it, but he always got the job done. In this day of the college basketball player, you don't find many that have enormous talent that want to stick around for all 4 years. I will say this, you will never again see another kid like Tyler Hansbrough and for this reason he has to be on UNC's all-time team. So thank you Tyler it certainly has been our pleasure.

My all-time North Carolina team:

G - Kenny Smith, 1984-87

G - Michael Jordan, 1982-84

F - James Worthy, 1980-82

F - Antawn Jamison, 1996-98

F - Tyler Hansbrough, 2006-09