Dom's Dish - Sunday, April 27, 2008
Well, since I was at a party yesterday and not parked in front of a computer (like I am this morning) I decided to recap the third round. There was a lot of action with trades and I offer some commentary on the previous two rounds of picks. Enjoy!
Nice move Miami trading down - they still have holes.
64: Detroit - nice pick with Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida - what did they do, kick GM Matt Millen out of the room? Hopefully this kid will be a work horse for them - 6'1" plus
65: Rams select John Greco, OG out of Toledo - big guy, probably play OT, but not sure he'll be able to step in to replace Orlando Pace right away. He is durable.
66: This is what Miami just traded down for - I say Dan Connor out of Penn State....and it's not - DE Kendall Langford out of Hampton. They really are bulking up that line. Jason Taylor is still there. Big kid - 6'5" 290 lbs - play the end in that 3-4. Plus they have Phillip Merling.
67: Panthers select Charles Godfrey, CB from Iowa. Another [coach] product- a lot of mid-level defensive backs taken from Iowa these last few years. Another 6-foot corner. Gotta cover those big WR's in the NFL nowadays.
68: Atlanta on the clock with one of the picks they got for Deangelo Hall. And they go ahead and select a CB with that pick - Chevis Jackson out of LSU. Tall CB - 6'0" looks almost like D Hall.
By the way with the the trade early on here, there have been like a hundred (ok maybe 12) trades. Coming awful close to my prediction of "20 if not 25-30"! And what's that? New England trades their pick to the Chargers.
69: Jacob Hester of LSU - the big Fullback goes to the Chargers. Looking for a change-of-pace back to compliment LT or an actual FB to replace Lorenzo Neal? Probably an actual FB here. Hard-nosed kid, maybe even someone to get a few carries.
70: Da Bears on the clock and they select Earl Bennett, WR out of Vandy. Wow, that's like 2 picks from Vandy now - before Jay Cutler a few years ago I don't remember anyone else from Vanderbilt.
71: The Ravens take Tavares Gooden, ILB out of Miami. Someone to line up behind and learn from Ray Lewis. Smaller guy, but their current LB's are all up for contracts next year.
72: Bills on the clock. Maybe another DB? Kidding, seems like they only take DB's in the first round these past few years. But instead they go D-Line with DE Chris Ellis out of Va Tech - 6'5" 260. A first team All ACC player - of course Chris Long being the other DE first All ACC.
73: KC selects Jamaal Charles, RB out of Texas. Nice change of pace for Larry Johnson if he comes back from his foot injury. They have another pick a few teams away, so I guess this is their flyer?
74: The Panthers take the ILB no one else would take - Dan Connor out of Penn State - aka Linebacker U. Frankly, I'm surprised he fell this far, even for being an Inside Linebacker.
75: The 49ers stack their defensive backfield by adding Reggie Smith, CB out of Oklahoma.
Another 6-foot CB!
76: The Chiefs with their fifth selection (already) in the draft, take Brad Cottam a TE from Tennessee - almosyt 6-8 and 270 lbs. They must be just drafting "from their board" not on need, though they did lose free-agent TE Kris Wilson to the Eagles this year. Everyone is making a big deal about losing Jared Allen and them not replacing him yet - though they did take two DT's last year and another this year.
77: The Bengals take another Defensive player - DT Pat Sims from Auburn. I haven't heard anything about his character, can't go wrong with taking a big guy to clog the middle - they missed out on two or three DT's in the free agency period via trades, so you knew they would go there.
78: The Pats are back on the clock and select an OLD from Michigan - Shawn Crable. They sure are shuring up that front seven with LB's this draft. By the way, Jerrod Mayo, their first round pick from Tennessee - Defensive Rookie of the year next year, sticking by that.
79: The Houston Texans select Antwaun Molden, CB out of Eastern Kentucky.
80: The Birds here on the clock. I'm thinking O-Line or CB? Justin King CB out of Penn State? Nope, Bryan Smith a DE out of McNeese State. Smaller guy, talk is he could be a Special Teams helper. Not sure what the Eagles are doing here, I guess their board is just a lot more different than anyone else. By the way, I love how ESPN lists Jevon Kearse as a "Key Loss" for the team, considering he maybe
81: Early Doucet, comes late but to the Cardinals - the WR out of LSU. With the loss of Bryant Johnson (their third WR) he is a perfect slot guy, but an in-case of Anquan Boldin bolts out of AZ or holds out.
82: The Chiefs again - DaJuan Morgan out of NC State, a Safety.
83: The Bucs make the NY fans happy with the selection of Jeremy Zuttah, OG out of Rutgers. Gruden sure is building up that O-Line. Let me just tell you, two years ago when I was playing NCAA College Football 2008, Zuttah was a great blocker.
84: The Falcons select another WR - WR Harry Douglas out of Louisville. I guess the unhappy Joe Horn won't be there anymore, plus their past 1st round picks haven't panned out. Smaller guy, slot receiver in the NFL
85: Craig Stevens, TE out of Cal goes to the Tennessee Titans. Is it just me
86: Wow, how this guy fell. Tom Zbikowski, Safety out of Notre Dame finally goes to Baltimore. I guess John Harbaugh likes Notre Dame guys just as much as Andy Reid. Baltimore has gone QB, RB (Ray Rice), ILB and Safety. Nice draft there Harbaugh.
87: Andre Fluellen, DT from Florida State goes to Detroit. I am pretty sure this is the first Seminole taken - wow - late 3rd round? Fluellen is a big
88: Bruce Davis, OLB of UCLA goes to the Steelers. They are looking for some insurance for the bad news prone James Harrison (domestic violence charge earlier this year).
89: Steve Slaton, RB out of West Virginia falls to the Houston Texans. Man, Houston has some horses now, that are young, hopefully they pan out. Chris Brown went there in the Free agency period (Titans), the aging Ahman Green is not the answer, and Darius Walker out of Notre Dame, but hopefully their new O-Line coach Alex Gibbs can get that zone blocking scheme down.
90: Da Bears again, they take a big DT out of Arkansas -Marcus Harrison. Perhaps a nice replacement for Tank Johnson and backup to Tommie Harris.
91: Green Bay on the clock and they take Jermichael Finley a TE from Texas. Smallish guy for a TE - 6'4" 240lbs. He'll be able to bulk up and possibly step in over the next year to replace Bubba Franks. Interesting draft for GB: WR, QB, CB, TE...hmm.
92: Another trade, Dallas moving out, allowing the Detroit Lions to move in. Cliff Avril a big DE out of Perdue goes to Detroit. Detroit - what's up? Really, did they put the mute button on Matt Millen? I like their draft - OT, OLB, RB, DT, DE.
93: The Colts looking to rebuild and get back to a Championship game, take an ILB from Georgia Tech Philip Wheeler. Without having their Depth Chart in front of me but knowing the 4-3 cover two, I'm guessing he'll move outside initially.
94: The Patriots. CB or LB, CB or LB? WOW! QB! Kevin O'Connell, QB out of San Diego State. They have a #2 already in Matt Cassell, but this is a nice Belichick pick for some competition. 6-5 225 lbs. Nice gig for him, throw to Randy Moss in practice.
95: The Giants select Mario Manningham, WR out of Michigan. Nice pick, watch out man, the Giants have a boatload of WR's now - the fragile Plaxico, David Tyree, Steve Smith and now Maningham? Manningham may be the eventual #1 when Plax's contract is up or he tears and ACL, whichever comes first.
We're now into the supplemental picks that can't be traded.
96: Washington takes an OG from Northern Iowa in Chad Rinehart.
97: Cincinatti seeks to replace Chris Henry (the WR) and maybe the Chad with Andre Caldwell, WR out of Florida. Another one that early on in predictions, was a first round pick. Reche's brother - ok college career,
98: Atlanta on the clock again, seeking to rebuild about 10 of 22 positions, they take Thomas DeCoud a Safety out of California. I give ATL a few years before they're in the 10-6 range again, buit nice draft - QB (Matt Ryan, Franchise QB), OT, ILB, CB, WR, S.
99: Last pick of the Third Round here, the Baltimore Ravens on the clock and take Oniel Cousins, OG from UTEP.
That's it for the pick-by-pick analysis, I'll go ahead here and recap some interesting picks as I see them over the next few rounds.
Dallas is up first in the 4th round with a pick they received from Miami for 2 players - LB Akin Ayedole and TE . Bill Parcells sure does like his players. Oh wait, another trade! Oakland moves up and takes Tyvon Branch, CB from UConn. Someone for DeAngelo Hall and Asimouga to mentor, and a nice KR.
The Rams with the next pick finally take Justin King, CB from Penn State! Nice pick, could return kicks, nice cover guy, but going to a St. Louis team that hasn't been the best recently in developing young DB talent - see Tye Hill out of Clemson.
Another trade - Jets trade out to GB. Then Cleveland trades up with the Cowboys pick. Almost half of the picks in each round has "T" next to it on ESPN's mock draft board - madness!
The Birds back up - their first of three in the fourth round and they take an OT from Pitt - the other OT, Mike McGlynn with pick 109. Played Guard and Tackle there - just what the Eagles like, OL versatility. At 6-5 318 lbs, I'm thinking he and Max Jean-Gilles will supplant Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans next year as guards and they'll move outside to tackle. I know the Birds took a lot of heat for trading out of the first round again but at least this time they got a #1 next year when they may need a starter to play Tackle or Safety due to contract situations. I was a little miffed too, they took another OT from Pitt here, but could have had Jeff Otah. You have to figure some of their moves are related to dollars this year.
The Buffalo Bills took a corner back at pick 114 from Akron - Reggie Corner. They sure like DB's from the state of Ohio, eh? Nate Clements was from Ohio State (#21 pick in 2001), Donte Whitner from Ohio State (#8 overall pick in 2006), Ashton Yabouty from Ohio State (3rd Rd pick in 2006).
Eagles again - pick 117, they take a Safety Quintin Demps out of UTEP. We'll see if he's gonna make the team as an eventual successor to B-Dawk. Then with pick 131 they take a Corner - Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. Coming off a knee injury, I am guessing this is another fit for their board and need for depth. Possibly someone they can put on the practice squad or IR for a year to build.
--------------------------------For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dom's Dish - Late Mishmash Edition
Dom's Dish - Friday, April 25, 2008
"It's the most wonderful time...of the year" - I can't get that song out of my head, and I know that this isn't in fact the most wonderful time in a traditional sense (Christmas / Winter Holiday season) or even the sports sense (early September's start to the NFL season) - but you have to say, we're pretty damn close. We just came off a somewhat predictable, but still fun Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Masters just a few weeks ago, the final pushes for the NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season and now, the NFL Draft! No, it's not September, it's April a close second - plus the benefit of the impending summer! No blood brother, it's not over yet.
Breaking News: Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season. The National Player of the Year wants one more shot at a title with Roy Williams. Unfortunately he may need to do it without Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington - the sophomore back court - who are both declaring for the draft but not yet hiring agents leaving possibility they could return with "Crazy T."
Grandpa Larry Brown resigned yesterday as Executive Vice President of the Sixers of Philly, and according to his agent, he wishes to pursue a coaching position "in the NBA or college". Sixty-seven, Basketball hall of famer, former NBA and NCAA champion, fresh off helping re-build the Sixer franchise, and being forced out by Isiah in NY only 2 seasons ago he wants more?!?! Don't worry Isiah, you'll get yours soon enough. Anyway - I knew a man who used to see Larry Brown at a restaurant outside of Philly around 2000 when he was coaching the Sixers. I remember him telling me that he just exuded passion for the game of basketball. He's the Joe Paterno of basketball, never mind the 15-20 different houses he's lived in across the US. Does he just have Mayflower Moving on speed dial? (The number is 1-800-299-1700 in case you were wondering). Anyway, hopefully Larry heads back to school and coaches there - maybe he can stay there for 4 years and inspire the next generation to feel the love instead of the greed - not that Larry hasn't made a pretty penny (he actually owns the US Mint in Philadelphia - true story).
So, I was wrong. The Devils got spanked by the Rangers like they did all season long and the Flyers did beat Ovechkin. My buddy - let's call him "Boy" - has been on me to provide an update on NHL hockey - I guess "Boy" can't get enough information on the Flyers from the games he goes to, and he doesn't like my annoying text messages: "Puck the Flyers" "Flyers suck" "Nice seats, good to see you'll have a good view of Ovechkin scoring all those goals". Well "Boy", I was wrong please accept my apology. The Flyers are on a roll - the Celtics of Hockey with their amazing turnaround from last year's nightmare-ish season. They put it together the last 2 months of the season and the other "Marty" of the Atlantic Division - Buron -was hot as anything in the net. Breaking news though, they did lose last night to the Montreal Canadiens aka "Habs". And finally after twenty-something years I know what the hell "Habs" means - In French "Les Habitants" as in citizen - Canadiens - get it? Kinda like the Washington Cits of the NL East. Anyway - playoff hockey progresses. I really don't know why people don't watch it - not that no one does, just it's ratings are like half of "How I Met Your Mother" and like 1/100th of American Idol. Oh that's right, people can't follow the puck - I got news for you, the goalie can't always either - that's what's fun about it! So either way, turn it on and watch a game - there's not as much of a difference between East Coast and West Coast like there is in the NBA.
Baseball is back and although all the teams I follow aren't living up to expectations yet: Phillies and Yankees - it is early - another 140 games to go. Obviously, the Phillies are the team better built for the future, but with J-Roll on the DL and Ryan Howard acting more like the paper salesman than the MVP, it's looking kind of bleak...until you look at the rest of the team. Adam Eaton has pitched better and will hopefully pick up a win or at least a decision sometime soon. Cole Hamels' ERA is 2.75. Brad Lidge is 5-for-5 in Save conversions, throwing in the mid-90's. Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Rudy Seanez each have a 0.00 ERA out of the bull pen. And then of course there are the two early MVP candidates. You know you're thinking that. Pat the Bat is back: .355 8 25 RBI's with 18 walks. The nice .750 slugging ain't too bad either. He's no Chase Utley. Considered by almost every writer to be the MVP of last season in August before he went out with the broken hand, the numbers speak for themselves: .385 avg, 10 HR, 21 RBI, and 76 total bases for a .835 slugging percentage. And it gets better, J-Roll was finally convinced by relief pitcher JC Romero to go on the DL (be back after May 5) and Shane Victorino is already making a rehab start. If Howard comes around and J-Roll was their injury for the year, it could spell trouble again for the NL East. Oh, and here's a question for you - who for the SF Giants had the most combined RBI's the last 4 seasons? Barry Bonds? Nope, Phillies current Third Baseman Pedro Feliz whose meager 2.13 average has still produced 8 RBI's in the month with 3 HR's. It would be higher is Pat Burrell stopped clearing the bases in front of him. And I am happy with Feliz's defense thus far - 3 errors in 23 games. Pat the bat's turnaround = "a change in his batting stance" - damn, that's like a golf grip I guess. Maybe he should give Ryan Howard some advice? Maybe he will stop looking like an enormous Offensive Lineman taking a crap sprawled across the batter's box?
Oh that crazy NFL draft! I am gonna go out on a limb here and say Jake Long will be the first pick of the Miami Dolphins, and that there will be a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin' going on. Kansas City, Atlanta, the Eagles - all with multiple picks - expect to hear those names early and often. KC is reportedly looking to trade down for more picks. Atlanta is looking for more picks to build up their decimated franchise. The Eagles have traded up and down in recent years but really are looking for the best player available. With disgruntled Wide Receivers, aging QB's, leftover DB's and Franchise players left without signing their tendered offers, it has the potential to be hard to follow. There's no sense predicting picks - you can't believe a word NFL GM's say - see Jeff Ireland of Miami - but I will make some predictions as to who gets moved. Baltimore will look to move up for Matt Ryan so John Harbaugh can build his franchise around a QB like Andy Reid did in Philly. I think Philly will move up looking for an Offensive Lineman in the first round, then back later on. Chad Johnson will still be in Cincinatti and Shaun Alexander, fresh off his release will talk to Philly, if not sign with them. Jeremy Shockey will be traded, Anquan Boldin will stay, Roy Williams will stay all for now. I say somewhere in the area of 20 total trades in the next 2 days of the draft, if not 25, 30. If Chris Long is on the board still, he'll wind up a Raider. Darren McFadden's mom won't get her wish and he'll wind up in NY as a J-E-T Jet. The Patriots will move down from 7 to acquire picks - LB's and CB's. I say Glenn Dorsey at 2 - either to Atlanta or New Orleans (who would move up from 10). Who knows if I'm right? You gotta watch. Recap early next week.
Around the Balls:
Big-brown-oblong - Oh, the NFL draft is tomorrow. Be there.
Huge-orange - In case you're living in a bubble, the NBA Playoffs started and looks like all of the series that started 2-0 are back to 2-1. I'm looking forward mostly to the Suns being able to do the same tonight against the Spurs - or as we gringos like to call them "Los Suns y Los Spurs." I tell you what though, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul look pretty damn good after only 2 games! My money is on Chris Paul for regular season MVP though, but it's gonna be close. Ok if by "my money" I mean one dollar, and if by Chris Paul, I mean Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett. As for early off season news, Vince Carter of the Nets had minor ankle surgery this week. This can't be good news for the Nets and Jay Z - first you trade Kidd, now this? It's still early - their luck they'll get a top 5 lottery pick and be able to get Derrick Rose to replace JKidd. Beasley will be the number 1 pick though. Two months to the NBA draft on that awesome Wednesday night - they should do a weekend draft like the NFL. Guess it could be worse - a Tuesday or Thursday morning MLB draft?
Small-white-stitched - I've seen and pulled some odd and crazy pranks in my time, but the Boston fan who planted - pretty much literally - David Ortiz's jersey in the new Yankee Stadium, then blabbed it, then got it dug up and now Ortiz is off his slump - that guys got a death wish. One of the most heated rivalries in sports where fans in Boston rioted after their first World Series and the dude's a construction worker? Bet you he doesn't get much work anymore without plastic surgery and an alias. By the way, can someone dig up Ryan Howard's jersey at Citi Field? It's near the concession stand. It must have been that #6 jersey - or maybe it was that Rollins #6 from Reading?
Tiny-white - Well, Tiger tried. He was on a roll, but actually is human. Now after ONLY a second place finish at the Masters, he broke news a few weeks ago that he underwent knee surgery. Now granted, he's not scrambling around a 100-yard field or shooting jump shots from 25 feet, but I'm sure there could be some repurcutions.
Medium-green-fuzzy - Roger Federer finally won his first tournament of the year - it took him 3 1/2 months to do it, and te other dude had to withdraw near the beginning of the second set. Rafael Nadal hasn't made much noise either - guess that means they're waiting to ramp up for the summer tourneys? Guess Federer should stop chilling with Tiger and making those weird Phenom commercials? I'm just saying, I won't use that razor, so stop with the oddity.
Round-rubber-non - Danica Patrick made history last week as the first woman to win an Indy car, Formula 1 or NASCAR race. I was pulling for her and she got robbed a couple times. I wonder what influence this will have on other women in the sport of car racing.
Program Alert:
NBA Playoff Basketball- All weekend long. Suns/ Spurs 10:30pm tonight.
NFL Draft - Saturday 3pm - ??? ; Sunday 10am - ???
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
"It's the most wonderful time...of the year" - I can't get that song out of my head, and I know that this isn't in fact the most wonderful time in a traditional sense (Christmas / Winter Holiday season) or even the sports sense (early September's start to the NFL season) - but you have to say, we're pretty damn close. We just came off a somewhat predictable, but still fun Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Masters just a few weeks ago, the final pushes for the NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season and now, the NFL Draft! No, it's not September, it's April a close second - plus the benefit of the impending summer! No blood brother, it's not over yet.
Breaking News: Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season. The National Player of the Year wants one more shot at a title with Roy Williams. Unfortunately he may need to do it without Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington - the sophomore back court - who are both declaring for the draft but not yet hiring agents leaving possibility they could return with "Crazy T."
Grandpa Larry Brown resigned yesterday as Executive Vice President of the Sixers of Philly, and according to his agent, he wishes to pursue a coaching position "in the NBA or college". Sixty-seven, Basketball hall of famer, former NBA and NCAA champion, fresh off helping re-build the Sixer franchise, and being forced out by Isiah in NY only 2 seasons ago he wants more?!?! Don't worry Isiah, you'll get yours soon enough. Anyway - I knew a man who used to see Larry Brown at a restaurant outside of Philly around 2000 when he was coaching the Sixers. I remember him telling me that he just exuded passion for the game of basketball. He's the Joe Paterno of basketball, never mind the 15-20 different houses he's lived in across the US. Does he just have Mayflower Moving on speed dial? (The number is 1-800-299-1700 in case you were wondering). Anyway, hopefully Larry heads back to school and coaches there - maybe he can stay there for 4 years and inspire the next generation to feel the love instead of the greed - not that Larry hasn't made a pretty penny (he actually owns the US Mint in Philadelphia - true story).
So, I was wrong. The Devils got spanked by the Rangers like they did all season long and the Flyers did beat Ovechkin. My buddy - let's call him "Boy" - has been on me to provide an update on NHL hockey - I guess "Boy" can't get enough information on the Flyers from the games he goes to, and he doesn't like my annoying text messages: "Puck the Flyers" "Flyers suck" "Nice seats, good to see you'll have a good view of Ovechkin scoring all those goals". Well "Boy", I was wrong please accept my apology. The Flyers are on a roll - the Celtics of Hockey with their amazing turnaround from last year's nightmare-ish season. They put it together the last 2 months of the season and the other "Marty" of the Atlantic Division - Buron -was hot as anything in the net. Breaking news though, they did lose last night to the Montreal Canadiens aka "Habs". And finally after twenty-something years I know what the hell "Habs" means - In French "Les Habitants" as in citizen - Canadiens - get it? Kinda like the Washington Cits of the NL East. Anyway - playoff hockey progresses. I really don't know why people don't watch it - not that no one does, just it's ratings are like half of "How I Met Your Mother" and like 1/100th of American Idol. Oh that's right, people can't follow the puck - I got news for you, the goalie can't always either - that's what's fun about it! So either way, turn it on and watch a game - there's not as much of a difference between East Coast and West Coast like there is in the NBA.
Baseball is back and although all the teams I follow aren't living up to expectations yet: Phillies and Yankees - it is early - another 140 games to go. Obviously, the Phillies are the team better built for the future, but with J-Roll on the DL and Ryan Howard acting more like the paper salesman than the MVP, it's looking kind of bleak...until you look at the rest of the team. Adam Eaton has pitched better and will hopefully pick up a win or at least a decision sometime soon. Cole Hamels' ERA is 2.75. Brad Lidge is 5-for-5 in Save conversions, throwing in the mid-90's. Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Rudy Seanez each have a 0.00 ERA out of the bull pen. And then of course there are the two early MVP candidates. You know you're thinking that. Pat the Bat is back: .355 8 25 RBI's with 18 walks. The nice .750 slugging ain't too bad either. He's no Chase Utley. Considered by almost every writer to be the MVP of last season in August before he went out with the broken hand, the numbers speak for themselves: .385 avg, 10 HR, 21 RBI, and 76 total bases for a .835 slugging percentage. And it gets better, J-Roll was finally convinced by relief pitcher JC Romero to go on the DL (be back after May 5) and Shane Victorino is already making a rehab start. If Howard comes around and J-Roll was their injury for the year, it could spell trouble again for the NL East. Oh, and here's a question for you - who for the SF Giants had the most combined RBI's the last 4 seasons? Barry Bonds? Nope, Phillies current Third Baseman Pedro Feliz whose meager 2.13 average has still produced 8 RBI's in the month with 3 HR's. It would be higher is Pat Burrell stopped clearing the bases in front of him. And I am happy with Feliz's defense thus far - 3 errors in 23 games. Pat the bat's turnaround = "a change in his batting stance" - damn, that's like a golf grip I guess. Maybe he should give Ryan Howard some advice? Maybe he will stop looking like an enormous Offensive Lineman taking a crap sprawled across the batter's box?
Oh that crazy NFL draft! I am gonna go out on a limb here and say Jake Long will be the first pick of the Miami Dolphins, and that there will be a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin' going on. Kansas City, Atlanta, the Eagles - all with multiple picks - expect to hear those names early and often. KC is reportedly looking to trade down for more picks. Atlanta is looking for more picks to build up their decimated franchise. The Eagles have traded up and down in recent years but really are looking for the best player available. With disgruntled Wide Receivers, aging QB's, leftover DB's and Franchise players left without signing their tendered offers, it has the potential to be hard to follow. There's no sense predicting picks - you can't believe a word NFL GM's say - see Jeff Ireland of Miami - but I will make some predictions as to who gets moved. Baltimore will look to move up for Matt Ryan so John Harbaugh can build his franchise around a QB like Andy Reid did in Philly. I think Philly will move up looking for an Offensive Lineman in the first round, then back later on. Chad Johnson will still be in Cincinatti and Shaun Alexander, fresh off his release will talk to Philly, if not sign with them. Jeremy Shockey will be traded, Anquan Boldin will stay, Roy Williams will stay all for now. I say somewhere in the area of 20 total trades in the next 2 days of the draft, if not 25, 30. If Chris Long is on the board still, he'll wind up a Raider. Darren McFadden's mom won't get her wish and he'll wind up in NY as a J-E-T Jet. The Patriots will move down from 7 to acquire picks - LB's and CB's. I say Glenn Dorsey at 2 - either to Atlanta or New Orleans (who would move up from 10). Who knows if I'm right? You gotta watch. Recap early next week.
Around the Balls:
Big-brown-oblong - Oh, the NFL draft is tomorrow. Be there.
Huge-orange - In case you're living in a bubble, the NBA Playoffs started and looks like all of the series that started 2-0 are back to 2-1. I'm looking forward mostly to the Suns being able to do the same tonight against the Spurs - or as we gringos like to call them "Los Suns y Los Spurs." I tell you what though, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul look pretty damn good after only 2 games! My money is on Chris Paul for regular season MVP though, but it's gonna be close. Ok if by "my money" I mean one dollar, and if by Chris Paul, I mean Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett. As for early off season news, Vince Carter of the Nets had minor ankle surgery this week. This can't be good news for the Nets and Jay Z - first you trade Kidd, now this? It's still early - their luck they'll get a top 5 lottery pick and be able to get Derrick Rose to replace JKidd. Beasley will be the number 1 pick though. Two months to the NBA draft on that awesome Wednesday night - they should do a weekend draft like the NFL. Guess it could be worse - a Tuesday or Thursday morning MLB draft?
Small-white-stitched - I've seen and pulled some odd and crazy pranks in my time, but the Boston fan who planted - pretty much literally - David Ortiz's jersey in the new Yankee Stadium, then blabbed it, then got it dug up and now Ortiz is off his slump - that guys got a death wish. One of the most heated rivalries in sports where fans in Boston rioted after their first World Series and the dude's a construction worker? Bet you he doesn't get much work anymore without plastic surgery and an alias. By the way, can someone dig up Ryan Howard's jersey at Citi Field? It's near the concession stand. It must have been that #6 jersey - or maybe it was that Rollins #6 from Reading?
Tiny-white - Well, Tiger tried. He was on a roll, but actually is human. Now after ONLY a second place finish at the Masters, he broke news a few weeks ago that he underwent knee surgery. Now granted, he's not scrambling around a 100-yard field or shooting jump shots from 25 feet, but I'm sure there could be some repurcutions.
Medium-green-fuzzy - Roger Federer finally won his first tournament of the year - it took him 3 1/2 months to do it, and te other dude had to withdraw near the beginning of the second set. Rafael Nadal hasn't made much noise either - guess that means they're waiting to ramp up for the summer tourneys? Guess Federer should stop chilling with Tiger and making those weird Phenom commercials? I'm just saying, I won't use that razor, so stop with the oddity.
Round-rubber-non - Danica Patrick made history last week as the first woman to win an Indy car, Formula 1 or NASCAR race. I was pulling for her and she got robbed a couple times. I wonder what influence this will have on other women in the sport of car racing.
Program Alert:
NBA Playoff Basketball- All weekend long. Suns/ Spurs 10:30pm tonight.
NFL Draft - Saturday 3pm - ??? ; Sunday 10am - ???
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Monday, April 7, 2008
Dom's Dish - So many fools, So little time Edition
Dom's Dish - Monday, April 7, 2008
With the second edition of the Dish this month, I am going to exposesome recent "Fools" in sports and entertainment. Without furtherado...
Brett Favre, retired (so he says) QB of the Green Bay Packers - Well it's been more than a month since Brett retired, or has it? After the teary-eyed farewell, word was abound last week that Brett's agent was"putting feelers out" to see if there was interest to have him playfor another team in 2008. The report from a well-respected columnist in Los Angeles is not at all surprising since Brett hasn't filed his retirement papers yet. Now some note that a reason to file is so your pension can kick in and since Brett made millions, it's a moot point. I say, if you're that convincing that you're done, then put them in anyway so the temptation isn't there. Look at Vinny Testaverde - he came back time and time again when sitting on his couch. Imagine Favre wearing a Patriots or Raiders jersey?
Brian McNamee, former trainer to Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite -News came last week that Mr. McNamee was selling "signed items of Roger Clemens" on eBay. This, just a few weeks after fainting behind the wheel of his Lexus in Queens, NY which caused him to hit a bus head on. For those that missed the rest of the news on Brian - he is the trainer who was named in the Mitchell report and had "evidence" of Roger Clemens using HGH and steroids that was sitting in his basement for the past 7 years or so. Riiiiiggghhht.
Tom Crean, Head Coach Indiana University basketball - Big news early last week was that Tom Crean, the former coach at Marquette accepted the head coach vacancy at Indiana University. Perhaps someone should clue Mr. Crean in. Indiana Basketball is not what it once was in the days of Bobby Knight (who, by the way, is hysterical as an analyst on ESPN now) and Isiah Thomas (who, by the way, sucks as a coach and will soon be fired). Indiana as a state hasn't been good at basketball professionally since Reggie Miller (2003-ish) and collegiately since Larry Bird (1979). Before taking the job, didn't Crean even research what had happened this year with Kelvin Sampson's firing and the probable impending sanctions and really recent dismissals? Now I know Marquette did well in the Big East, but why leave now? Also, can someone PLEASE explain how Marquette, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is inthe BIG EAST? Irregardless, good luck Crean. I still say you look like Jay Glauber of the NY Daily News.
Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver Denver Broncos - For those fantasy football gurus, you, like me, probably didn't know who he was until last season week 4 when you picked him up on the Waiver Wire and he led your team to a championship. Ok, maybe not that far, but he worked out well for a second year player. Now, entering his thirdseason Marshall is living up to his "Baby T.O." nickname (I kid you not!) Mid-week he was called out by his fellow 2006 draftee and starting QB Jay Cutler (aka "Coosh"). In an interview Cutler/Coosh let everyone know that "he's not my favorite person right now." Why you ask? Well he's facing possible domestic assault charges from a girlfriend, more charges from a DUI in Colorado, and there's an offseason injury to speak of. About 3 weeks ago he suffered an injury which he said he "slipped on a fast food wrapper" into a TV. Really though, he was horsing around with his brother and the arm went through a TV severing NERVES in his arm, etc. Three months or so of rehab. Fool. I have one word for you Brandon - PLASMA.
Chris Henry, Unemployed Wide Receiver - Formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals AKA Cell Block C, Chris was jailed after another run-in with the law (if you can call it that). He was arrested for assault of an 18 year old man and damaging his property- broke his car window, this a week after an expired license plate. Some more background, he was suspended for 8 games to begin last season after his multiple arrests and detainment for underage drinking, marijuana, DUI's, assault and sexual assault. That's a fine American youth right there. I think he and "Pacman" Jones of the Titans (former teammates together at West Virginia University) have some sort of running bet on how much havoc they can wreak and still remain in the NFL getting paid millions. Well Chris Henry has no team at this point, and I'm sure Commissioner Goodell will add to the already 11 games he's been suspended for in the past (in just 48 regular season games). Give this man a duncecap!
The Detroit Tigers - Well after starting the season 0-3 losing to ever-horrible Kansas City Royals (and our favorite pitcher, Gil Meche- the $55 million man), it couldn't have gotten worse...until losing to another in-division team, the Chicago I can't find my White Sox. I think the Beatles sang "You can't buy me love" - well someone should let the Tigers' GM know money can't buy them wins. Sorry, make that ONE win. With all the noise they made in the off season with the addition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and "that lineup is the best in the American League" and "their pitching is the best in the AL Central" I am sure this is not the start anyone expected. I'm sure they'll turn it around, the season does bring another 156 games. I mean, who am I to talk? The Phillies and Yankees both suck rightnow too.
And now on to the Entertainment Fools:
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me aposition at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a"Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep youposted on my progress.
(The names have been removed to protect the innocent)
"Congratulations man. If you ever need help using those press passes, let me know."
"Congratulations man...Looks like everything is coming up SANTILLO in 2008"
"Dom, that is awesome news! I'm really happy and proud for you."
"well done sir, well done."
"CONGRATS! Does this mean you will now get to rub elbows with Ron Jaworski at his Valleybrook Golf Course?"
"OMG CONGRATS DOM you go BOY This could not have happened to a nicer person"
"Thats great news! keep us posted we are soooooo happy for you."
"Don't forget the little people when you make it big. Good Luck!"
"Finding your dream job is like winning the lottery? Hey, can I borrow some money?"
"WOW!!! THAT IS AWESOME! CONGRATS DOM! I'M PROUD OF YOU SANJAY!"
"I only put paper in your sandwiches when you were kids!"
and finally...
"You're an ass... but you had me for a second" - (this was the firstresponse too)
"...well played on picking an actual editor"
Domsdish: "yeah I get [ESPN the] Mag and flipped to pg 10 to get thename. Helps when you do your research."
Yes, yes, it was an April Fool's Joke. I threw it together, packaged up with some facts and put another paragraph together in hopes of fooling you. And what do you know - I actually got the job! No I didn't, still fooling you. I will stay employed as an IT Consultantand NOT be working for ESPN the Magazine. Thanks to all those out there who believed it -meaning two things. A.) You actually read this crap B.) You think this stuff is worth me getting paid.
So, I'll press on writing the Dish as time permits with that goal one day within reach, and then when you see me on ESPN, only then will you believe me and know it's true. Thanks for the kind words everyone!
So, Memphis can actually shoot some free throws? I'll have a full special edition Dish NCAA Men's tournament re-cap mid week, but wow -Kansas and Memphis really took NC and UCLA apart, eh? Tonight's gameshould be an interesting one. Let's go Memphis! (Trying to at least have picked the winner here.) My Women's Bracket was shot after the second round - though seriously, the end of the Tennessee-LSU game was awesome. I tuned in just in time to see Candace Parker drive the length of the floor in about 3.7 seconds before it was tipped in to win it.
So, I'm driving home from dinner the other night - well, let me clarify, I was driving back from getting some Taco Bell and beer. I was chillin out, wearing my Phillies shirt and Eagles knit cap, listening to the Led Zepplin "A to Z" on WMMR (93.3 FM in Philly),which is a band I never really listened to or appreciated - now, I know I'm getting old since I am learning to appreciate them, but I digress. Anyway, driving nice and slow, navigating the streets of my neighborhood at dusk (that means the sun just went down Officer Nic) and just nice and relaxed (hadn't had a beer yet). I'm about to pull up to my house and I see three piles of random color on my lawn, so I'm thinking - who the heck left their garbage on my lawn - then I get closer and see they're in the shape of bodies! HOLY CRAP! The one nearest the curb is white and bright red - I'm thinking - F*** someone got shot on my lawn!? So I freak out for a second, then get evencloser until I realize it's three neighborhood kids wearing three different jackets and hats just laying on my lawn looking at the sky. WHEW! They were like 7-12 years old - that's all I need, if my wife freaked when there was a drive-by 1/4 mile away, what would she think now? I went to pull in the driveway and they started to get up - I rolled down the window "it's ok, you can stay there, you just scared me". Oh to be a kid again! I rolled up the window, put the car in park and cracked up hysterically before going inside to enjoy some beer, tacos and more Led Zep! Even when I don't amuse myself, something amusing happens.
Around the balls: (all-Philly version)
Brown-oblong- We have confirmation that Donovan F. McNabb will not be leaving Philly - straight from the horse's...er, coach/VP's mouth. Andy Reid backed McNabb and stated that no teams have expressed interest in trading for McNabb. With that being said, April 26th's draft can't come quick enough!
White-stitched- Well, the Phillies sure are off to their usual start. I was at the opening Night game last week (the temperature was about 30 with a wind chill of like 10) and they couldn't squeak it out. Their first win came on a walk-off walk, and they're 1-2 with the Reds with one left on Monday. Hopefully they can catch some fire. At least Adam Eaton looked half decent - Charlie Manuel just left him in 1 batter too long on Saturday.
Giant-orange- The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers actually clinched a playoff spot! I don't watch every game, but any chance I get, I catch some of their play, and let me tell you right now- they're gonna be good. They really don't have superstars yet, but if they can keep Andre Igudola, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith together the next few seasons, expect them to be a 3 or 4 seed in the playoff hunt the next few years. "Put it on the board."
Black-rubber-non- The Flyers made the playoffs too! Holy cow! And even beat the Penguins to close out the season. They vaulted two places from 8th seed to 6th and will face the Washington Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin (aka Goal machine). It won't matter if they make it past them, the NJ Devils will beat them in round two. (Although it's not good for the Devils that they have only 1 win in 8 meetings against the Rangers this season, is it?)
Wow, Philly is a sports town!
Program Alert:
NCAA Men's Championship: 9:21pm EDT tip on CBS.
Yes, 9:21PM!!!It's like the Football Championship game being played on January 8th!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-casterhaving my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or wantto be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address tosend it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, emailme. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
With the second edition of the Dish this month, I am going to exposesome recent "Fools" in sports and entertainment. Without furtherado...
Brett Favre, retired (so he says) QB of the Green Bay Packers - Well it's been more than a month since Brett retired, or has it? After the teary-eyed farewell, word was abound last week that Brett's agent was"putting feelers out" to see if there was interest to have him playfor another team in 2008. The report from a well-respected columnist in Los Angeles is not at all surprising since Brett hasn't filed his retirement papers yet. Now some note that a reason to file is so your pension can kick in and since Brett made millions, it's a moot point. I say, if you're that convincing that you're done, then put them in anyway so the temptation isn't there. Look at Vinny Testaverde - he came back time and time again when sitting on his couch. Imagine Favre wearing a Patriots or Raiders jersey?
Brian McNamee, former trainer to Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite -News came last week that Mr. McNamee was selling "signed items of Roger Clemens" on eBay. This, just a few weeks after fainting behind the wheel of his Lexus in Queens, NY which caused him to hit a bus head on. For those that missed the rest of the news on Brian - he is the trainer who was named in the Mitchell report and had "evidence" of Roger Clemens using HGH and steroids that was sitting in his basement for the past 7 years or so. Riiiiiggghhht.
Tom Crean, Head Coach Indiana University basketball - Big news early last week was that Tom Crean, the former coach at Marquette accepted the head coach vacancy at Indiana University. Perhaps someone should clue Mr. Crean in. Indiana Basketball is not what it once was in the days of Bobby Knight (who, by the way, is hysterical as an analyst on ESPN now) and Isiah Thomas (who, by the way, sucks as a coach and will soon be fired). Indiana as a state hasn't been good at basketball professionally since Reggie Miller (2003-ish) and collegiately since Larry Bird (1979). Before taking the job, didn't Crean even research what had happened this year with Kelvin Sampson's firing and the probable impending sanctions and really recent dismissals? Now I know Marquette did well in the Big East, but why leave now? Also, can someone PLEASE explain how Marquette, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is inthe BIG EAST? Irregardless, good luck Crean. I still say you look like Jay Glauber of the NY Daily News.
Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver Denver Broncos - For those fantasy football gurus, you, like me, probably didn't know who he was until last season week 4 when you picked him up on the Waiver Wire and he led your team to a championship. Ok, maybe not that far, but he worked out well for a second year player. Now, entering his thirdseason Marshall is living up to his "Baby T.O." nickname (I kid you not!) Mid-week he was called out by his fellow 2006 draftee and starting QB Jay Cutler (aka "Coosh"). In an interview Cutler/Coosh let everyone know that "he's not my favorite person right now." Why you ask? Well he's facing possible domestic assault charges from a girlfriend, more charges from a DUI in Colorado, and there's an offseason injury to speak of. About 3 weeks ago he suffered an injury which he said he "slipped on a fast food wrapper" into a TV. Really though, he was horsing around with his brother and the arm went through a TV severing NERVES in his arm, etc. Three months or so of rehab. Fool. I have one word for you Brandon - PLASMA.
Chris Henry, Unemployed Wide Receiver - Formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals AKA Cell Block C, Chris was jailed after another run-in with the law (if you can call it that). He was arrested for assault of an 18 year old man and damaging his property- broke his car window, this a week after an expired license plate. Some more background, he was suspended for 8 games to begin last season after his multiple arrests and detainment for underage drinking, marijuana, DUI's, assault and sexual assault. That's a fine American youth right there. I think he and "Pacman" Jones of the Titans (former teammates together at West Virginia University) have some sort of running bet on how much havoc they can wreak and still remain in the NFL getting paid millions. Well Chris Henry has no team at this point, and I'm sure Commissioner Goodell will add to the already 11 games he's been suspended for in the past (in just 48 regular season games). Give this man a duncecap!
The Detroit Tigers - Well after starting the season 0-3 losing to ever-horrible Kansas City Royals (and our favorite pitcher, Gil Meche- the $55 million man), it couldn't have gotten worse...until losing to another in-division team, the Chicago I can't find my White Sox. I think the Beatles sang "You can't buy me love" - well someone should let the Tigers' GM know money can't buy them wins. Sorry, make that ONE win. With all the noise they made in the off season with the addition of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and "that lineup is the best in the American League" and "their pitching is the best in the AL Central" I am sure this is not the start anyone expected. I'm sure they'll turn it around, the season does bring another 156 games. I mean, who am I to talk? The Phillies and Yankees both suck rightnow too.
And now on to the Entertainment Fools:
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me aposition at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a"Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep youposted on my progress.
(The names have been removed to protect the innocent)
"Congratulations man. If you ever need help using those press passes, let me know."
"Congratulations man...Looks like everything is coming up SANTILLO in 2008"
"Dom, that is awesome news! I'm really happy and proud for you."
"well done sir, well done."
"CONGRATS! Does this mean you will now get to rub elbows with Ron Jaworski at his Valleybrook Golf Course?"
"OMG CONGRATS DOM you go BOY This could not have happened to a nicer person"
"Thats great news! keep us posted we are soooooo happy for you."
"Don't forget the little people when you make it big. Good Luck!"
"Finding your dream job is like winning the lottery? Hey, can I borrow some money?"
"WOW!!! THAT IS AWESOME! CONGRATS DOM! I'M PROUD OF YOU SANJAY!"
"I only put paper in your sandwiches when you were kids!"
and finally...
"You're an ass... but you had me for a second" - (this was the firstresponse too)
"...well played on picking an actual editor"
Domsdish: "yeah I get [ESPN the] Mag and flipped to pg 10 to get thename. Helps when you do your research."
Yes, yes, it was an April Fool's Joke. I threw it together, packaged up with some facts and put another paragraph together in hopes of fooling you. And what do you know - I actually got the job! No I didn't, still fooling you. I will stay employed as an IT Consultantand NOT be working for ESPN the Magazine. Thanks to all those out there who believed it -meaning two things. A.) You actually read this crap B.) You think this stuff is worth me getting paid.
So, I'll press on writing the Dish as time permits with that goal one day within reach, and then when you see me on ESPN, only then will you believe me and know it's true. Thanks for the kind words everyone!
So, Memphis can actually shoot some free throws? I'll have a full special edition Dish NCAA Men's tournament re-cap mid week, but wow -Kansas and Memphis really took NC and UCLA apart, eh? Tonight's gameshould be an interesting one. Let's go Memphis! (Trying to at least have picked the winner here.) My Women's Bracket was shot after the second round - though seriously, the end of the Tennessee-LSU game was awesome. I tuned in just in time to see Candace Parker drive the length of the floor in about 3.7 seconds before it was tipped in to win it.
So, I'm driving home from dinner the other night - well, let me clarify, I was driving back from getting some Taco Bell and beer. I was chillin out, wearing my Phillies shirt and Eagles knit cap, listening to the Led Zepplin "A to Z" on WMMR (93.3 FM in Philly),which is a band I never really listened to or appreciated - now, I know I'm getting old since I am learning to appreciate them, but I digress. Anyway, driving nice and slow, navigating the streets of my neighborhood at dusk (that means the sun just went down Officer Nic) and just nice and relaxed (hadn't had a beer yet). I'm about to pull up to my house and I see three piles of random color on my lawn, so I'm thinking - who the heck left their garbage on my lawn - then I get closer and see they're in the shape of bodies! HOLY CRAP! The one nearest the curb is white and bright red - I'm thinking - F*** someone got shot on my lawn!? So I freak out for a second, then get evencloser until I realize it's three neighborhood kids wearing three different jackets and hats just laying on my lawn looking at the sky. WHEW! They were like 7-12 years old - that's all I need, if my wife freaked when there was a drive-by 1/4 mile away, what would she think now? I went to pull in the driveway and they started to get up - I rolled down the window "it's ok, you can stay there, you just scared me". Oh to be a kid again! I rolled up the window, put the car in park and cracked up hysterically before going inside to enjoy some beer, tacos and more Led Zep! Even when I don't amuse myself, something amusing happens.
Around the balls: (all-Philly version)
Brown-oblong- We have confirmation that Donovan F. McNabb will not be leaving Philly - straight from the horse's...er, coach/VP's mouth. Andy Reid backed McNabb and stated that no teams have expressed interest in trading for McNabb. With that being said, April 26th's draft can't come quick enough!
White-stitched- Well, the Phillies sure are off to their usual start. I was at the opening Night game last week (the temperature was about 30 with a wind chill of like 10) and they couldn't squeak it out. Their first win came on a walk-off walk, and they're 1-2 with the Reds with one left on Monday. Hopefully they can catch some fire. At least Adam Eaton looked half decent - Charlie Manuel just left him in 1 batter too long on Saturday.
Giant-orange- The Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers actually clinched a playoff spot! I don't watch every game, but any chance I get, I catch some of their play, and let me tell you right now- they're gonna be good. They really don't have superstars yet, but if they can keep Andre Igudola, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Jason Smith together the next few seasons, expect them to be a 3 or 4 seed in the playoff hunt the next few years. "Put it on the board."
Black-rubber-non- The Flyers made the playoffs too! Holy cow! And even beat the Penguins to close out the season. They vaulted two places from 8th seed to 6th and will face the Washington Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin (aka Goal machine). It won't matter if they make it past them, the NJ Devils will beat them in round two. (Although it's not good for the Devils that they have only 1 win in 8 meetings against the Rangers this season, is it?)
Wow, Philly is a sports town!
Program Alert:
NCAA Men's Championship: 9:21pm EDT tip on CBS.
Yes, 9:21PM!!!It's like the Football Championship game being played on January 8th!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-casterhaving my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or wantto be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address tosend it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, emailme. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Dom's Dish - MLB Baseball is back Edition
Dom's Dish - Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Well, baseball is officially back! I know most of you will argue that it was back over a week ago when they opened the season in Japan, but I'm not buying it. It might as well have been figure skating or a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition (yeah, it's been on TV before!) to have counted. I mean, come on, 6am Eastern on a Tuesday?!? Baseball is back on American soil and it started with a bang - the Washington Nationals and their new ballpark opened the season on Sunday night in South D.C. and Ryan Zimmerman won the game with his walkoff homerun. Then the Yankees got rained out, the Phillies collapsed, to rebound and tie it in the 7th, before collapsing again on a horrible "closer" in Tom "Flash" Gordon (more like "Crash" Gordon), and a bunch more games were on that I didn't care about yet. But still baseball is back, and if you're anywhere near NJ today, you know it's spring (it was 72 degrees driving home tonight). I even grilled some hamburgers last night for the first time of the year....ahh, it's Spring - only 5 more months to football!
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me a position at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a "Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Around the balls:
More later this week!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
Well, baseball is officially back! I know most of you will argue that it was back over a week ago when they opened the season in Japan, but I'm not buying it. It might as well have been figure skating or a "Rock, Paper, Scissors" competition (yeah, it's been on TV before!) to have counted. I mean, come on, 6am Eastern on a Tuesday?!? Baseball is back on American soil and it started with a bang - the Washington Nationals and their new ballpark opened the season on Sunday night in South D.C. and Ryan Zimmerman won the game with his walkoff homerun. Then the Yankees got rained out, the Phillies collapsed, to rebound and tie it in the 7th, before collapsing again on a horrible "closer" in Tom "Flash" Gordon (more like "Crash" Gordon), and a bunch more games were on that I didn't care about yet. But still baseball is back, and if you're anywhere near NJ today, you know it's spring (it was 72 degrees driving home tonight). I even grilled some hamburgers last night for the first time of the year....ahh, it's Spring - only 5 more months to football!
So, for anyone that reads the bottom of these Dish emails, you know that I once dreamed of being a sportscaster or sports writer. Well, today, I am excited to report, that the call has come. I submitted my work (domsdish.blogspot.com) to the Sports Editors of several papers (Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, Philadelphia Inquirer) and to the editors at ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and today I had a message on my phone from Gary Belsky of ESPN the Magazine! We've been in touch via email the last few weeks and he wanted to offer me a position at The Mag starting May 1! I will be able to work from home with less travel than now with my current job as an IT consultant! I won't divulge the starting salary, but lets just say this is indeed a "Dream Job!" Mr. Belsky encouraged me to keep writing The Dish in the meantime to keep up my skills, so be prepared for now. He was impressed with my work. Thanks all for the support, I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Around the balls:
More later this week!
--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com
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