Heeeeeeeeee's back! Tiger did it. I think that was the moment that my son actually crapped himself when I yelled "YES" and pumped my fist when Tiger hit the birdie putt on 18 this afternoon at about 7:50pm - I know because the sun set in Orlando at 7:43pm. After staying close all day, the pressure of the Tiger on the prowl got to "the field" and Tiger pulled into the lead on the 72nd hole at Arnie's tournament. This sets the stage quite nicely for 2 weeks from now in Augusta. You know Tiger's taking a few days off to be home with the family, count some more money, then gonna go back out and work his butt off for about 8 days before the start of the Masters. And on Easter weekend, of all times. Amen corner indeed.
Showing posts with label NCAA basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA basketball. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dom's Dish - NCAA Bracket nearly busted Edition
So, after a long few weeks of watching college basketball (Mens' tournament), I was right about 2 things: Villanova will make the Final Four; Two Big East schools will be in the Final Four. It will be a tough road for both Villanova (playing a team on fire, North Carolina) and UConn (playing a hot Michigan State team 75 miles from East Lansing). I was also right about a #2, a #3 and two #1 seeds there in Detroit, Memphis and Louisville blew it for me. Ah well, there's always next year. In the meantime, it's been a fun journey watching all the games, especially Nova's miracle finish the other night. Let's hope the last 3 games stay interesting and Nova comes out on top - after all, Jay Wright deserves it. How can you not love the guy?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dom's Dish - NCAA Tourney Watch Edition
So, yeah not too bad day 1 and 2 for all my picks, 22 of 32. Unfortunately some of those losses I had going to the Sweet 16 or beyond. Hope you gamblers aren't takin your advice from Dom's Dish.
After a scare, Villanova has played an awesome 3 halves now, dominating UCLA (pronounced "you-cla") and showed their Big East stamina and physicality. Looking good for a team I have in the finals!
Everytime I watch Coach K and Duke, I think about what could be if he were to ever have a strong low post presence. Let's face it, Zoubek from Haddonfield, is nothing more than a slow-mo stick figure. Ever since Luol Deng, there's nothing in terms of talent above 6 foot 8. And we see how that Small Forward has turned out with the Bulls. I wonder what his teams could have done with someone like Hansbrough or Duncan (Tim) or even Shaq. Someone to take up some space on offense while swing men and guards work the perimeter and even grab a few rebounds! Ah well, even if Coach K ever had the talent, would he have the coaching to deal with it? I think yes. Maybe then they could actually get back to the Final Four.
After a scare, Villanova has played an awesome 3 halves now, dominating UCLA (pronounced "you-cla") and showed their Big East stamina and physicality. Looking good for a team I have in the finals!
Everytime I watch Coach K and Duke, I think about what could be if he were to ever have a strong low post presence. Let's face it, Zoubek from Haddonfield, is nothing more than a slow-mo stick figure. Ever since Luol Deng, there's nothing in terms of talent above 6 foot 8. And we see how that Small Forward has turned out with the Bulls. I wonder what his teams could have done with someone like Hansbrough or Duncan (Tim) or even Shaq. Someone to take up some space on offense while swing men and guards work the perimeter and even grab a few rebounds! Ah well, even if Coach K ever had the talent, would he have the coaching to deal with it? I think yes. Maybe then they could actually get back to the Final Four.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Dom's Dish - Dishin the Bracket Edition
Dom's Dish - Thursday, March 19, 2009 10am
Ok, here we go, 2 hours until the madness, mayhem, chaos and general disarray begins. I've filled out 5 brackets on ESPN.com, 1 on Yahoo! and multitudes in my head, but I filled out the last one on paper that The Dish will be using to take it to the house! Here we go, region by region...
First for the play-in game, I'm taking Morehead State. I always take Morehead State, I love the name AND it's where my boyhood idol Phil Simms went to school. Someone on ESPN called them "The Morehead State Phiting Phil Simms". I mean, the notable alumni section from Wikipedia.com has listed Phil at the top among some bowlers, former D-level MLB players, some country music singers, Billy Ray Cyrus (Miley's dad), Baltimore Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh and Chuck Woolery. I'll take Phil Simms for the love connection, Chuck. Not bad for a school from Kentucky - speak of the devil, I wonder if Gillespie will get fired from the "main campus" after his first 2 seasons. I hate when the analysts talk about Kentucky and Indiana (and now Arizona) like the basketball programs BELONG in the tournament year after year. It's all about coaching and recruiting. Once your star coach is gone, the program reverts - see Bruce Pearl leaving UW Milwaukee (who?).
Anyway, on to the brackets:
Midwest:
Louisville will come out. I have all the top seeds advancing throughout except for: Sienna over Ohio State (1st Rd 9 over 8), USC over BC (1st Rd 10/7). Thus Louisville, Wake Forest, Kansas and Michigan State in the Sweet 16, and Louisville and Rick Pitino in his white suit beating Tom & Jerry Izzo in the Elite 8. Kansas and Arizona could throw a wrinkle in the bracket, but I'm pretty confident in that they've lost too much. Louisville Cardinals move on - from Kentucky.
West:
Memphis shows its worth to advance - 29 straight heading into the National Semifinal. All top seeds advance except: Texas A&M over BYU (1st Rd 9/8), Mississippi State over Washington (1st Round 13/4), Maryland over California (1st Rd 10/7). In the second round, UConn (1), Memphis (2), Missouri (3), and my Cinderella to the Sweet 16 - Mississippi State (13 seed) move on. UConn and Memphis in the final, Memphis flexes its muscles and John Calipari is in the National Semifinals again with a different Freshman point guard.
South:
UNC pulls through with an ailing Lawson. I don't want it to happen, but this could be a story book year for Hansborogh in his last year. All top seeds advance except: Temple over Arizona State (1st Rd 11/6), Clemson over Oklahoma and Blake Griffin (2nd Rd 7/2). UNC (1), Gonzaga (4), Cuse (3) and Clemson (7) in the Sweet 16. UNC and Syracuse advance to the Elite 8 on coaching and guard play, with UNC, Roy Williams and Crazy T going to the Final 4.
East:
This one is all messed up as Nova moves on to the Final 4 on team chemistry and the road through Philly. Lots of crazy stuff here: Pitt advances against Tennessee (over Oklahoma State - 1st Rd 9/8). Xavier holds seed as does Florida State, though Florida State over Xavier (5/4) in the 2nd Round. Tennessee beats Pitt as foul trouble hinders their big man and Fields comes up short - 9 over 1 in 2nd Round up top. Tennessee and Florida State in the Sweet 16 up top. Down low, VCU pulls the upset over UCLA in the 1st Rd (11/6) and Nova (3), Texas (7) and Duke (2) hold on in the first round. Nova (3) and Duke (2) pull to the Sweet 16 matchup. Nova and Tennessee pull the upsets (3/2 and 9/5). Villanova and the sharply dressed Jay Wright advance to the Final 4 - just so you know, Giorgio Armani wears Jay Wright suits.
Final 4:
Villanova (3), UNC (1), Memphis (2) and Louisville (1) make it to the big show. Louisville pulls it out over Memphis ending their 29 game win streak - the bigger conference experience helps down the stretch. Villanova pulls it out over UNC ending the reign of "the greatest men's hoops player of all time" - Tyler Hansbrough - however you spell it. It's an all-Big-East finale - Louisville and Villanova, AGAIN, and unfortunately, again Louisville takes the Title - this one for all the enchiladas - 75 to 69. Louisville Cardinals - the overall #1 seed from the best conference, wins.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dom's Dish - Quick Edition Cali style
Ok, no real formatting or anything here, just some random thoughts as I sit in a nice hotel in the middle of one of those boom-to-bust-type areas called Temecula, CA...
Just saw the news, Tiger Woods will be back next week at the Accenture Match Play! Great news for the sponsor (Accenture), his sponsors (Nike, Gatorade/G, Buick, etc), and of course TV and the PGA. I am getting goosebumps writing this - is Tiger the reason for all this recession? We'll know soon enough if he was the reason. People love Tiger - he's not the typical underdog that people love, he's America's hero, and I'm sure in the next few days, this news will start to take over from all the A-Rod steroid scandal, the Economy/stimulus woes and all the greedy investors out there. Or maybe not. Either way, get ready to watch some golf this spring.
So, I'm thinking that $4M/year is way too much for a punter. The Oakland Raiders just signed Shane Lechler to a $16M, 4 year extension. Granted, he's been on my one Fantasy team two years running, but $4M to punt the ball a few times a game - I know he's been an integral part of the Raiders game the last few years because their offense is so bad, but still. What's next? $15M for a Cornerback? Oh wait, Al Davis just authorized that for Nnamdi Asomugha - 3 yrs $45.3M. Though he's worth it as probably the only true "shutdown corner" in the league, I can see Drew Rosenhaus right now on ESPN in a few weeks asking for $10M for Lito Shephard - "Leeetoe". What recession? Al Davis, when is he retiring?
It's just about Tourney Time - get ready, we'll be ramping up in the next 3-4 weeks with conference championships. The field is so wide open this year, it should be a good NCAA tournament time - who will win? Oklahoma, NC, Duke, Pitt, UConn, Memphis, Davidson?
Utley seems ready to roll down in Clearwater. Says he thinks he'll be ready for Opening Day - don't forget we have the World Baseball classic that delays everything by about a week. Just want to again point out that the Phillies are 2008 World Phucking Champions - boy how I wish Hines Ward would have said something like that at the Steelers celebration. We'll see what 2009 brings, hard for them to repeat, but I'll take another Division Championship. What a month for sports mid-March to mid-April will be with WBC, NCAA, Spring Training, NBA ramping up and of course The Masters.
Around the Balls - just wanted to throw that in, nothing else to add.
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!
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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
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Dom's Dish - April showers edition
Dom's Dish - Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Eddie Robinson passed away last night at 88, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. I don't remember much about Eddie, except seeing him but once a year for the annually televised Grambling / Southern football game, usually on NBC. The halftime show battle of the marching bands was always fun to watch, but so was Eddie, always in a suit and tie on the sidelines, directing traffic. Such a passionate and amazing man. Some amazing stats: 80% of his players graduated, 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, 408 wins, over 200 players that went on to the NFL, only 8 losing seasons in 56 - yes, fifty-six consecutive seasons as a coach, from 1941 to 1997. You really need to read this article to appreciate the hard times, and the class of man he was: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2825016
Florida won the NCAA Tournament. Even though I dislike them for one player and the school as a whole, it is still pretty impressive winning 2 in a row in this day in age, especially since all 5 starters returned for school this year.
Oh Lou Lamoriello! Three games to go in the regular season and he fires the coach of the NJ Devils, Claude Julien. I've never met the man, but after 20 years as the Devils GM, I feel I know him. Having had a slump in the past month: In February, the Devils were a hot 10-3, however for the month of March they were 6-8. With the playoffs right around the corner, perhaps lightning will strike again for Lou - he's twice had to make a coaching change late in the season for a playoff run - once in 2000 (Larry Robinson stepped in and they won The Cup and last year Lou stepped in after Larry Robinson left in the middle of last season. With all of this going on, and both side alleging no "bad blood", this doesn't appear to be an A.J. Smith/Marty Schottenheimer deal. Plus, the Devils have lots to look forward to: Martin Brodeur last night tied the record for wins in a season (47 - 2 games to go), and the Devils are in the driver's seat for the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Plus, Patrick Elias, Brian Gionta and John Madden are all healthy from their mid-season injuries. They don't score as many goals as most teams, but their #1 in goals against in the Eastern conference, thanks to Brodeur and their trap defense. (For those Devils fans in South Jersey, they will be on tomorrow night against the Flyers at 7pm on Comcast SportsNet. A win clinches the Atlantic Division for the Devils.)
For those that missed it last week, the "Peyton Manning" dude, can't change his name after all. As predicted right here in "The Dish" on February 8th, the judge did not allow it "...because it would be too confusing and might infringe on the privacy of the Indianapolis Colts quarterback." And I quote: "I'll tell you now, it isn't going to happen. He filed paperwork yesterday and now will have to appear before a judge to make this official." Now if only I put my emotions aside and predicted Florida would win it all, you all might have some more cashola in your pah-quettes!
Breaking News: Mike Doss, signs with the Minnesota Vikings. The best of the remaining free agents, the safety formerly of the Colts is now a Viking. No more chance for the Eagles, but you have to bet they at least contacted him...
Some randomness:
South Park - 24 "hill dog" - it was only a matter of time. Right in her sniz. Hope a few of you watched in laughter as did I. By the way, I got an email about the US Airways merger with America West Airlines from the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Ready for this? Ready? His name is H. Travis Christ. See that's the problem with US Airways! Your sales guy is Christ and he still can't control the weather in Philly!!!
Kelly Holcomb = Taylor Hicks? At least Kelly Holcomb is in his 30's though: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=66789
So, yeah, I had asparagus recently. Made it on the grill, wrapped in foil with some butter, and garlic powder. (I've had it like that before, but usually over the brother-in-laws, and usually with about "a few" beers, so I didn't notice it then.) I went to urinate later that night and almost passed out from the smell! Now, after a while, coffee "scented" urine, is nice. Asparagus urine is just wrong! Here's a tip - drink at least 48 oz of fluid next time you eat asparagus.
By the way, I hate when my bowling ball pours Portland Cement into my washing machine. Oh, and March: "Came in like a lion, went out like a lamb" - anyone else know what I'm talkin' about?
Finishing this up - I'm watching "Undercover Brother" on USA network. Chappelle, Doogie Howser, the Principal from "Boston Public" - I may have to do like Eddie Griffin says and get it on DVD. (I'll avoid driving like him though) Talking into my baseball mitt...
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- In a little smaller than giant - the Lady Scarlet Nights of Rutgers came up short last night in the championship game. Pat Summitt and the Lady Volunteers of Tennessee are just too good. That was Pat Summitt's seventh - yes, 7th, Division I Championship. Talk about impressive. Not too sure she was as great a cheerleader as Bruce Pearl was painted orange, but 7 Championships is nothing to laugh at. Neither is Candace Parker, though a very beautiful woman, she's a beast on the court.
White-leather-stitched- When is opening day again? JK - I bowed out early on the NCAA game Monday night to watch some of the Angels/Rangers game in Los Angeles, err...California, err...Anaheim. The game is really starting to grow on me - kinda like that skin tag on my left armpit!
Rubber-non- Only 2 or 3 games left in the regular season. Post-season hockey might be better than post-season basketball. No, it is.
Big-brown-oblong- Commish Roger Goodell met with Pacman Jones and Chris Henry yesterday and set up an "Advisory Committee"
Tiny-white- The Masters begins tomorrow and continues through Sunday (FYI, most golf tournaments are 4 rounds, in case you didn't know). I'm still taking Tiger. I'm not sure if he'll win by 12 strokes like he did in 1997, but Tiger is going for "one for the thumb".
Program Alert:
The Masters - coverage begins tomorrow, 4pm on USA.
Chevelle's new CD "Vena Sera" hit stores yesterday. I rate my "music" for my iPod by the intensity (speed/anger being a 5, mellow being a 1) - this CD has almost all "4's" on the Dom scale.
Links:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2825016 - Eddie Robinson - nice video on there
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2818261 - Brodeur article - not ordinary
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=2823081 - Devils GM fires coach - more perspective
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2816559 - Peyton Manning name change guy
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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, March 26, 2007
Dom's Dish - Anna Jaws Saban aerial basketball suit edition
Dom's Dish - Monday, March 26, 2007
The best football news this offseason just came over ESPN's wires this morning: Ron Jaworski will join Tony Kornheiser and Mike Tirico on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Not that I hate Joe Theismann...he's just so damn annoying! Tony Kornheiser has joked about it on "Pardon the Interruption" - PTI - that there exists some angst between he and Theismann, and I always though he was kidding, but there wasn't much chemistry in that box. Mike Tirico is awesome - he was a guest host with Tony on PTI last week, and he's actually pretty funny. Now, if they can stipulate in Jaws' contract to not be such a "homer" when they broadcast the Eagles this year, then that will be some pretty good coverage on ESPN all year. "We appreciate the work Joe has done for 19 years and continue to talk with him about another high-profile football role with ESPN," said an executive with ESPN. Riiiiiggghhht. I hope not, we want to see less of him, not more.
Now, seriously, what is up with that? It's not just CBS that wastes their money on it - ESPN/ABC, and others do it. Aerial coverage for an indoor sporting event?!?!? Especially places like East Rutherford, Sacramento, anywhere for that matter. "Here is the building where everyone is - you'll notice these vast parking lots around it," like why? I think we've all seen an arena before, and cars from about 1,000 feet up. Daytona Speedway, Giants Stadium, Citizen's Bank Park, heck even Augusta National works - BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE OUTSIDE! It's cool when they show a place like Dallas or Miami at night with the lights on for a basketball game - but can't they just take a picture from a tall building or a local news helicopter one time, and save that. We don't know - and frankly, I wonder how many others care if the shadows fall to the left or right of the picture. Stop wasting money - give whoever the sponsor is (Goodyear, Southwest Airlines) a few extra shout outs on air - no need to waste gas. Another reason American's are hated 'round the world.
Speaking of the NCAA tournament: "Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far." I should have picked one from each bracket, but I really don't like Florida. I think I would like them if that Troy Polamalu look-alike Joakim Noah weren't there. I don't really know what it is, other than the hair. I had these same sentiments against Adam Morrison (porn 'stache might be the main factor there), Troy Polamalu, Michael Bolton...but not Cole Hamels or Jared Weaver. Guess it's the long nappy hair - I wonder why Santillo's? Anyway, hopefully we don't have to see him (Noah) dancing again or doing the stupid gator chomp, instead he can look more like the shot of Morrison crying on the court after a loss. Against UCLA on Saturday about 10:30pm. I'm hoping for a Georgetown-UCLA matchup on Monday, though the only team I can't stand of these four is Florida. All those years rooting for Florida State in college football will make one learn to dislike the Gators. Two #1 seeds and two #2's - somewhat boring and predictable, not sure if 2007 counts as "March Madness."
ESPN needs to go out on a limb, I say for like a week at least. When I'm watching the 5 or 6pm news, chances are, I might be just getting home from work, in a business suit or at least a nice button down shirt. Watching Larry Mendte, Vince DeMentri, Bill Evans or Katie Couric are times it's neat that they're dressed up for TV. When I watch Sportscenter, I'm in jeans, sweats, gym shorts or pajamas. For one week, I say, let the hosts of Sportscenter and other shows dress like they're in the comfort of their homes. Make-up is fine, just no suits. I wanna see Stuart Scott wearing matching pajamas with a classy Hef-style robe. Tony and Wilbon on PTI wearing matching sweatsuits, and Linda Cohn in jeans and a flannel. If they get complaints in the week, switch it back to suits, but I say try it out.
Nick Saban is already on the same level with ESPN. Confused? An Alabama fan named their first son "Saban." Kind of weird going after the last name. You'll remember there have been somewhere in the area of 20 known cases of people naming their children "Espn" over the past few years from Colorado to Denmark, I believe. I guess we're not too far off from my son Donovan "Tiger" Santillo.
Breaking Entertainment News: Anna Nicole Smith died from an "accidental overdose" according to the Medical Examiner. "Anna Nicole Smith was taking a long list of medications from methadone for pain and Valium. There was no foul play indicated." Those are the facts in a nutshell, but be prepared to watch it on the evening news for 5 minutes at a whack. How long before this plays out on an episode of "Law & Order"?
Around the balls:
Big-brown-oblong- NFL Owners' meeting is this week in Phoenix. Aside from punishments for off-the-field issues, revenue sharing and a stadium for the Giants and Jets will be discussed. News out of New Orleans today is that the Saints will remain there until at least 2010. I wonder if Goodell will try to live up to Tagliabue's expectation of getting a team to LA by 2009. Results of the revenue sharing discussion will play a part.
Giant-orange- Barton College over Winona State in the Division II Championship game looks like one of the best endings to a basketball game in the last 20 years - college or pro. Anthony Atkinson hit the lay-up with 0.1 seconds left. They'll probably show it on ESPN highlights tonight if you haven't seen it. Along with the Reggie Miller's 8 pts in 8 or so seconds in the playoff game against the Knicks like 10 years ago, or the Christian Laetner shot in the Final Four, this is up there. And by the way, Winona State had won 57-straight games - wow.
White-leather-stitched- Carl Pavano looks to be the Yankees opening day starter. It would be awesome to see him actually earn some of the money from the contract he signed in 2005. Rubber-non- It's almost over people - most teams have 6 or 7 games left in the regular season. Now if only the Devils can stop giving up 6 and 7 goals and maybe do something in the playoffs this year.
Tiny-white- Tiger. Need I say more.
Only-when-they-wreck- "The car of tomorrow" debuted in Bristol, TN this past weekend. I know you all were watching.
Program Alert:
Is this the week I turn off "24"? "Lost", "24" and "Grey's Anatomy" - three shows on the decline.
6 days to the regular season!
--------------------------------
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
The best football news this offseason just came over ESPN's wires this morning: Ron Jaworski will join Tony Kornheiser and Mike Tirico on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Not that I hate Joe Theismann...he's just so damn annoying! Tony Kornheiser has joked about it on "Pardon the Interruption" - PTI - that there exists some angst between he and Theismann, and I always though he was kidding, but there wasn't much chemistry in that box. Mike Tirico is awesome - he was a guest host with Tony on PTI last week, and he's actually pretty funny. Now, if they can stipulate in Jaws' contract to not be such a "homer" when they broadcast the Eagles this year, then that will be some pretty good coverage on ESPN all year. "We appreciate the work Joe has done for 19 years and continue to talk with him about another high-profile football role with ESPN," said an executive with ESPN. Riiiiiggghhht. I hope not, we want to see less of him, not more.
Now, seriously, what is up with that? It's not just CBS that wastes their money on it - ESPN/ABC, and others do it. Aerial coverage for an indoor sporting event?!?!? Especially places like East Rutherford, Sacramento, anywhere for that matter. "Here is the building where everyone is - you'll notice these vast parking lots around it," like why? I think we've all seen an arena before, and cars from about 1,000 feet up. Daytona Speedway, Giants Stadium, Citizen's Bank Park, heck even Augusta National works - BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE OUTSIDE! It's cool when they show a place like Dallas or Miami at night with the lights on for a basketball game - but can't they just take a picture from a tall building or a local news helicopter one time, and save that. We don't know - and frankly, I wonder how many others care if the shadows fall to the left or right of the picture. Stop wasting money - give whoever the sponsor is (Goodyear, Southwest Airlines) a few extra shout outs on air - no need to waste gas. Another reason American's are hated 'round the world.
Speaking of the NCAA tournament: "Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far." I should have picked one from each bracket, but I really don't like Florida. I think I would like them if that Troy Polamalu look-alike Joakim Noah weren't there. I don't really know what it is, other than the hair. I had these same sentiments against Adam Morrison (porn 'stache might be the main factor there), Troy Polamalu, Michael Bolton...but not Cole Hamels or Jared Weaver. Guess it's the long nappy hair - I wonder why Santillo's? Anyway, hopefully we don't have to see him (Noah) dancing again or doing the stupid gator chomp, instead he can look more like the shot of Morrison crying on the court after a loss. Against UCLA on Saturday about 10:30pm. I'm hoping for a Georgetown-UCLA matchup on Monday, though the only team I can't stand of these four is Florida. All those years rooting for Florida State in college football will make one learn to dislike the Gators. Two #1 seeds and two #2's - somewhat boring and predictable, not sure if 2007 counts as "March Madness."
ESPN needs to go out on a limb, I say for like a week at least. When I'm watching the 5 or 6pm news, chances are, I might be just getting home from work, in a business suit or at least a nice button down shirt. Watching Larry Mendte, Vince DeMentri, Bill Evans or Katie Couric are times it's neat that they're dressed up for TV. When I watch Sportscenter, I'm in jeans, sweats, gym shorts or pajamas. For one week, I say, let the hosts of Sportscenter and other shows dress like they're in the comfort of their homes. Make-up is fine, just no suits. I wanna see Stuart Scott wearing matching pajamas with a classy Hef-style robe. Tony and Wilbon on PTI wearing matching sweatsuits, and Linda Cohn in jeans and a flannel. If they get complaints in the week, switch it back to suits, but I say try it out.
Nick Saban is already on the same level with ESPN. Confused? An Alabama fan named their first son "Saban." Kind of weird going after the last name. You'll remember there have been somewhere in the area of 20 known cases of people naming their children "Espn" over the past few years from Colorado to Denmark, I believe. I guess we're not too far off from my son Donovan "Tiger" Santillo.
Breaking Entertainment News: Anna Nicole Smith died from an "accidental overdose" according to the Medical Examiner. "Anna Nicole Smith was taking a long list of medications from methadone for pain and Valium. There was no foul play indicated." Those are the facts in a nutshell, but be prepared to watch it on the evening news for 5 minutes at a whack. How long before this plays out on an episode of "Law & Order"?
Around the balls:
Big-brown-oblong- NFL Owners' meeting is this week in Phoenix. Aside from punishments for off-the-field issues, revenue sharing and a stadium for the Giants and Jets will be discussed. News out of New Orleans today is that the Saints will remain there until at least 2010. I wonder if Goodell will try to live up to Tagliabue's expectation of getting a team to LA by 2009. Results of the revenue sharing discussion will play a part.
Giant-orange- Barton College over Winona State in the Division II Championship game looks like one of the best endings to a basketball game in the last 20 years - college or pro. Anthony Atkinson hit the lay-up with 0.1 seconds left. They'll probably show it on ESPN highlights tonight if you haven't seen it. Along with the Reggie Miller's 8 pts in 8 or so seconds in the playoff game against the Knicks like 10 years ago, or the Christian Laetner shot in the Final Four, this is up there. And by the way, Winona State had won 57-straight games - wow.
White-leather-stitched- Carl Pavano looks to be the Yankees opening day starter. It would be awesome to see him actually earn some of the money from the contract he signed in 2005. Rubber-non- It's almost over people - most teams have 6 or 7 games left in the regular season. Now if only the Devils can stop giving up 6 and 7 goals and maybe do something in the playoffs this year.
Tiny-white- Tiger. Need I say more.
Only-when-they-wreck- "The car of tomorrow" debuted in Bristol, TN this past weekend. I know you all were watching.
Program Alert:
Is this the week I turn off "24"? "Lost", "24" and "Grey's Anatomy" - three shows on the decline.
6 days to the regular season!
--------------------------------
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
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Dom's Dish - Spring Sprung edition
Dom's Dish - Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The NCAA tournament. What else can I say? So far my prediction has held up: "Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far." The first and second round games were somewhat uneventful. Not many upsets, and not many last second or OT wins. Sure, everyone's brackets are screwed, but that's every year. Problem is, almost every year, the 5/12 matchup is the biggest upset. Not one time did that hold true this year. All 7's won (over 10's), two 11's beat 6's, no 1's or 2's lost in the opening round, however three 9's beat 8's. The seeds left? 1-5, 3-7; 1-4, 3-2; 1-5, 6-2; 1-5, 3-2. Bad year to be a 4 seed - UVA, Maryland, Texas - 7, UNLV and 6, Vanderbilt have the chance to be "Cinderellas" if you can call a 6 or 7 an underdog. There have never been all four #1 seeds in the Final Four - will 2007 be the year? (Why is six afraid of seven? Because 7-8-9!) I should have checked with a doctorate in Stat before filling out my bracket this year!
(Someone let President Bush know that he is not Donald Trump - "ya fired!" Eight US attorneys let go? What's going on, lame duck?)
Breaking news: The Eagles have signed DT Montae Reagor, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, to a 3 year $8.25 mil. I was waiting for over 20 minutes for the "11:30" news conference, but Adam Schefter of the NFL network had already reported it. I was able to listen to Dave Spadaro while I waited! Reagor is 6-3, 285. His season was ended prematurely last year because of an automobile accident on his way to a home game in Indianapolis, week 6 last year. He did not play another game after the accident on the Colts Super Bowl run. (The accident caused a fractured orbital bone below his left eye, that required surgery.) "Experts" are already questioning his ability to come back from this injury, but we're not talking an ACL or hamstring injury. Then I looked at him once the PC started. Wow. His face is swollen and his eye is almost shut, however he did just have cosmetic surgery this past Friday. As long as the swelling goes down by the middle of Training Camp, expect Reagor to be on the roster as a DT, specializing in the pass rush. What does that mean to the DT picture? Gut feeling? Don't be surprised if Jerome McDougle and/or Darwin Walker wind up being traded before or on draft day for some more draft picks. Why them? Expiring contracts - 2007 and 2008, respectively. (last year, Hank Fraley, Hollis Thomas, Josh Parry, and Mark Simoneau were all traded - contracts were set to expire 2006, 2006, 2007 and 2007 respectively)
No doubt, free agency for the Eagles has been subdued (compared to the T.O., Kearse year and frenzy last year), however when asked for comment on the recent free agent signings, die hard Eagles fan "Cougar" Wright on the Kevin Curtis signing, "It's good!" Thanks Cougar, back to Merrill in the studio...
"Sorry Roger, you tiger now"
(After too many years, I've officially had a "Philly Cheesesteak". Sunday marked the day (National Irish Hangover Day) that a car load of four of us went down to Sout' Philly and got ourselves the glorious sandwich. Not Geno's or Pat's, we tried the place that Bobby Flay challenged on "Throwdown" - Tony Luke's right near the stadium and food warehouse section of town. We parked right under 95 - lots of pigeon shit there - and we tried the more modern "beef and beer" building. Onions, provolone and pure 100% rib eye steak - scrumptious. And you don't have to worry about how the heck you order it. The wings are good too! I can now say I am from "South Jersey" after all these years. Now I can live up to my name = "Cheesesteak.")
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Gilbert Arenas and John Dorian, what do they have in common? Both shout odd things after a "zinger" of sorts. "Zoom zoom zoom" is what J.D. (of "Scrubs") shouts after a good zinger. "Hibachi!" is what Arenas aka "Agent Zero" shouts after he knows a shot is going in...I don't know what my thing will be, but you'll know it...
White-leather-stitched- There is still talk that the Phils will trade Jon Lieber, a starting pitcher, for a reliever. I still question the possible move - traditionally it's harder to find a good starting pitcher who can throw for 6-7 innings every five days versus a guy to throw 1-2 quality innings every other or third day, right? Maybe I don't know enough about baseball, but still there's the possibility of injury, then they're up a creek...
Big-brown-oblong- Word on the street is that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (no, not Dom Goodell) may in fact suspend Adam "Pac man" Jones for up to 1 year for his conduct off the field. For those that missed all 10 run-ins with the law since his draft in 2005, the kid "can't cut off his friends" according to interviews that appeared on ESPN all weekend long. He's going to wind up suspended, piss the rest of his money away and be broke by 32. Sad.
Tiny-white- Tiger collapsed last weekend. From 6-under the first day, he had a three-hole series of bogey, double-bogey, triple-bogey. With only two weeks to go, I'm sure he'll be out on the range and on the course every day until Augusta begins. Tiger or the field in the Masters? I'll Take Tiger.
--------------------------------
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/
The NCAA tournament. What else can I say? So far my prediction has held up: "Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far." The first and second round games were somewhat uneventful. Not many upsets, and not many last second or OT wins. Sure, everyone's brackets are screwed, but that's every year. Problem is, almost every year, the 5/12 matchup is the biggest upset. Not one time did that hold true this year. All 7's won (over 10's), two 11's beat 6's, no 1's or 2's lost in the opening round, however three 9's beat 8's. The seeds left? 1-5, 3-7; 1-4, 3-2; 1-5, 6-2; 1-5, 3-2. Bad year to be a 4 seed - UVA, Maryland, Texas - 7, UNLV and 6, Vanderbilt have the chance to be "Cinderellas" if you can call a 6 or 7 an underdog. There have never been all four #1 seeds in the Final Four - will 2007 be the year? (Why is six afraid of seven? Because 7-8-9!) I should have checked with a doctorate in Stat before filling out my bracket this year!
(Someone let President Bush know that he is not Donald Trump - "ya fired!" Eight US attorneys let go? What's going on, lame duck?)
Breaking news: The Eagles have signed DT Montae Reagor, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, to a 3 year $8.25 mil. I was waiting for over 20 minutes for the "11:30" news conference, but Adam Schefter of the NFL network had already reported it. I was able to listen to Dave Spadaro while I waited! Reagor is 6-3, 285. His season was ended prematurely last year because of an automobile accident on his way to a home game in Indianapolis, week 6 last year. He did not play another game after the accident on the Colts Super Bowl run. (The accident caused a fractured orbital bone below his left eye, that required surgery.) "Experts" are already questioning his ability to come back from this injury, but we're not talking an ACL or hamstring injury. Then I looked at him once the PC started. Wow. His face is swollen and his eye is almost shut, however he did just have cosmetic surgery this past Friday. As long as the swelling goes down by the middle of Training Camp, expect Reagor to be on the roster as a DT, specializing in the pass rush. What does that mean to the DT picture? Gut feeling? Don't be surprised if Jerome McDougle and/or Darwin Walker wind up being traded before or on draft day for some more draft picks. Why them? Expiring contracts - 2007 and 2008, respectively. (last year, Hank Fraley, Hollis Thomas, Josh Parry, and Mark Simoneau were all traded - contracts were set to expire 2006, 2006, 2007 and 2007 respectively)
No doubt, free agency for the Eagles has been subdued (compared to the T.O., Kearse year and frenzy last year), however when asked for comment on the recent free agent signings, die hard Eagles fan "Cougar" Wright on the Kevin Curtis signing, "It's good!" Thanks Cougar, back to Merrill in the studio...
"Sorry Roger, you tiger now"
(After too many years, I've officially had a "Philly Cheesesteak". Sunday marked the day (National Irish Hangover Day) that a car load of four of us went down to Sout' Philly and got ourselves the glorious sandwich. Not Geno's or Pat's, we tried the place that Bobby Flay challenged on "Throwdown" - Tony Luke's right near the stadium and food warehouse section of town. We parked right under 95 - lots of pigeon shit there - and we tried the more modern "beef and beer" building. Onions, provolone and pure 100% rib eye steak - scrumptious. And you don't have to worry about how the heck you order it. The wings are good too! I can now say I am from "South Jersey" after all these years. Now I can live up to my name = "Cheesesteak.")
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Gilbert Arenas and John Dorian, what do they have in common? Both shout odd things after a "zinger" of sorts. "Zoom zoom zoom" is what J.D. (of "Scrubs") shouts after a good zinger. "Hibachi!" is what Arenas aka "Agent Zero" shouts after he knows a shot is going in...I don't know what my thing will be, but you'll know it...
White-leather-stitched- There is still talk that the Phils will trade Jon Lieber, a starting pitcher, for a reliever. I still question the possible move - traditionally it's harder to find a good starting pitcher who can throw for 6-7 innings every five days versus a guy to throw 1-2 quality innings every other or third day, right? Maybe I don't know enough about baseball, but still there's the possibility of injury, then they're up a creek...
Big-brown-oblong- Word on the street is that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (no, not Dom Goodell) may in fact suspend Adam "Pac man" Jones for up to 1 year for his conduct off the field. For those that missed all 10 run-ins with the law since his draft in 2005, the kid "can't cut off his friends" according to interviews that appeared on ESPN all weekend long. He's going to wind up suspended, piss the rest of his money away and be broke by 32. Sad.
Tiny-white- Tiger collapsed last weekend. From 6-under the first day, he had a three-hole series of bogey, double-bogey, triple-bogey. With only two weeks to go, I'm sure he'll be out on the range and on the course every day until Augusta begins. Tiger or the field in the Masters? I'll Take Tiger.
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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/
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Dom's Dish - Throwback uni's, NCAA confusion and Jehova's edition
Dom's Dish - Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Ides of March have come....Aye, but not gone, Caesar! (Happy Belated Pi Day to everyone: 3-14! ~ 355/113 baby!)
Ah, the throwback uni! I have to say, it seems like the NBA teams wear throwback or special uniforms about 20 of their 80 game schedule. One I'm kind of sick of, is the neon orange Cleveland Cavaliers uni. I mean, they're ORANGE! I don't know what it is about orange, I'm just not a fan, especially for uniforms. Now some people in my family will say that I have "orange" Reebok mesh shorts, but I will dispute that and mention that they initially were "rust" color, and are now, especially after about 9 years of service. The one exception though, is Syracuse. It's just a nice orange. The other night, the Chicago Bulls wore green uni's in honor of Saturday's Holiday.
One I am fond of that I saw last night, is the Dallas Mavericks green and blue trim. Back in 1992 (when I had the full set of NBA Fleer trading cards) (and also had Run DMC "Down with the King" for my "Walkman") when I was really getting into the league, I thought the green uni's were one of the best in the NBA. Seeing those throwback colors reminded me of the old Hartford Whalers (NHL) uniforms. But I digress...great uni's, but an even better battle between the Suns and Mavericks. I do enjoy the half-court offense mentality of the East Coast - it's like a chess match, but the style of play these two teams run is like a fast half-court offense. It's unbelievable how fast they can score without even a real "fast-break". It's crazy how good the teams shoot - obviously both defenses are not top in the league, but the "plays" they run where someone is almost always open for a 3-ball, all the movement away from the ball, and the high percentages they shoot, they epitomize professional basketball. Talk about entertaining - fans there barely sat down from the mid-4th quarter on! (Side note, the announcers just mentioned that Jason Terry (Mavs) wears 5 pair of socks for each game - that has to add like a shoe size and a half - good cushioning, but when they say he's on fire, do they mean his feet?) What a shot by Terry with 4.9 seconds left in OT to tie it up with Nash's hand in his face! Now into the second OT, I've decided Steve Nash should definitely appear next to the word "awareness" in the dictionary. Double team him? He'll make an amazing dish. Single coverage, he'll put it up from anywhere or drive on you. Someone should give him an award! And, oh by the way, Amare Stoudamire is back: 41 pts on 16-19 FG, 9-12 FT, 10 REB, 2 BLK.
Lance Briggs' agent? Drew Rosenhaus. Bears coming off a Super Bowl loss, 2 years ago, the Eagles were too when T.O. made noise in the offseason. Chicago and Philly are both blue-collar towns. In an interview on ESPN, he likened his job to, in a way, being an average Joe. Last I checked, not many of "us" have $7.2 mil on the table or would have turned down a 7-yr $33 mil deal (as he did last offseason. To quote Little Richard from the Geico commercial: "Oooo - LOOK OUT!"
Apparently the NCAA Tournament starts this week. Who knew!? You all probably filled out your brackets by now, but here's a few predictions: Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far. In maybe five brackets I've filled out, I have Ohio State, UCLA, Memphis, Georgetown and UNC winning it all, pick one. Still never a 16 has beaten a 1. 12/5 and 8/9 are the most common upsets. Aside from that, you might statistically be better off picking the higher seed in the rest of the games. (I'll have to ask somebody I know with a doctorate in Stat) Some major complaints: what the hell is this "opening round" / "play-in" game b.s.? What about this East/West/South/Midwest two years ago to city names last year to city names AND "regions" this year? How about mixed regions playing in the same place? (West and Midwest playing opening round games in Buffalo, NY) What is going on? Disorder! Disorder! Dis-Ooooerder! And they talk of expanding the field from 64....er, 65? I guess we can go to 256 teams. That might satisfy everyone. 256 to 128 to 64 in one weekend (last weekend), then 64 on from this weekend. Now that would be some madness! I mean after all, there are only 119 D-I football teams and all those Bowl games (33 in 2006/2007) - there are 326 D-I Mens basketball teams. Tennessee Technological University? Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University? University of Texas, Pan American? NCAA - if you do expand, my vote is 256! Then every network will have to cover those games.
Little did I know when my wife and I were looking for a house, but my neighborhood is definitely the "training grounds" for Jehova's Witnesses. To each his own - religion and spiritualism is something that I believe is, and should remain personal for everyone. Each has their own way (or non-way) of expressing it, and their own beliefs. Anyway, being that I work from home now and used to work odd hours in the restaurant business and be home during days, I've been caught standing at the door talking to them twice before. It's crazy, a mini-van will pull up, 10 people pile out and walk the streets. It kind of reminds me of a large family of trick-or-treaters in a safe neighborhood, a family dispersing in the mall with a meeting time/place, or worse yet, a clown car, except in suits and ties wielding pamphlets. They won't catch me anymore. Yesterday, while waiting for a fence estimate, the doorbell rang; but before I unlocked the door, I spotted the guy in the suit and army crawled right behind the chair. I tell you, I hid quicker and better than my brother watching the Wicked Witch in "The Wizzard of Oz." Yeah sure, that was last weekend, but I learn quick. Those Jehova's weren't gonna get me this time, no sir. Morale of the story? Nothing good ever happens when someone wearing a suit shows up at your front door. By the way, if anyone wants me to scan in the latest copy of the "Watchtower" pamphlet, let me know.
Some more of the best commercials on TV:
- "Carne asada." "CAAAR-nay Asada." "Ricardo Montelban?" (Taco Bell lions)
- "MOOOU-LA!" "You save El-Moula!" (Comcast Cable)
- The catchy acoustic guitar playing the background music for "Zoom zoom zoom!" (Mazda)
- "YOU COME PUSH IT! You push it real good!" (Comcast)
(Speak of the devil, Comcast all of the sudden sucks ass in my neighborhood - I feel like Mr. Slowsky during the day on the internet and at times at night, I'm lucky if I get every third word on digital cable, watching through the green bars)
For the catch phrases:
- "Boost mobile! Where you AT!?!"
- The new "Day Dreams" commercials (gentleman's club in Philly) "Where the girls wear nothing but a smile."
The worst:
- The Mazda commercial with the song "Let the sunshine...." (getting up there in frequency with the Dodge Rock-em sock-em commercial)
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Syracuse did not disappoint as did Drexel. 10-6 in the Big East gets an NIT birth, not even a #1 seed there either. I think they'll win it all, Jim Boeheim is that kind of coach. On great coaching - any press conference with Bobby Knight is worth watching. Such an entertaining cocky prick.
White-leather-stitched- Gary Matthews Jr. finally came out and said he never took HGH. Yeah, we believe you know that you're all lawyered up (such a good term, "Law & Order"). Oh yeah and Pete Rose said yesterday - on radio - that he bet on the Reds while managing them, every night.
Rubber-non- The Flyers gave their new GM Paul Holmgren a 2-year contract extension. Am I missing something? "Has made great moves since taking over in late October," so says The Hockey News. They are in last place, right? Ah well, go Devils - get healthy, will ya!
Big-brown-oblong- JaMarcus Russell of LSU had his Pro Day yesterday. He's dropped 10 lbs since the combine and he again flaunted his arm strength. (85 yards standing up, 65 yards from his knees and 45 yards from his back) Hopefully he is all the Raiders need to again come back from the "black hole" they're in. Otherwise he might be the next Tim Couch or David Carr, and throwing from his back will be a useful trait.
Program Alert:
Uh....someone said the NCAA Tournament started sometime soon....not sure when...ah well, maybe it'll be on ESPN sometime?
Game of the workday prediction: 10 Texas Tech vs. 7 Boston College - 12:25pm EDT
Links:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/photos?photoId=1480360&gameId=270314006 - Mavs in green
http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/sponsorship?sortOrder=0&division=1&sport=MBB - 326 teams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi - Pi
--------------------------------
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/
The Ides of March have come....Aye, but not gone, Caesar! (Happy Belated Pi Day to everyone: 3-14! ~ 355/113 baby!)
Ah, the throwback uni! I have to say, it seems like the NBA teams wear throwback or special uniforms about 20 of their 80 game schedule. One I'm kind of sick of, is the neon orange Cleveland Cavaliers uni. I mean, they're ORANGE! I don't know what it is about orange, I'm just not a fan, especially for uniforms. Now some people in my family will say that I have "orange" Reebok mesh shorts, but I will dispute that and mention that they initially were "rust" color, and are now, especially after about 9 years of service. The one exception though, is Syracuse. It's just a nice orange. The other night, the Chicago Bulls wore green uni's in honor of Saturday's Holiday.
One I am fond of that I saw last night, is the Dallas Mavericks green and blue trim. Back in 1992 (when I had the full set of NBA Fleer trading cards) (and also had Run DMC "Down with the King" for my "Walkman") when I was really getting into the league, I thought the green uni's were one of the best in the NBA. Seeing those throwback colors reminded me of the old Hartford Whalers (NHL) uniforms. But I digress...great uni's, but an even better battle between the Suns and Mavericks. I do enjoy the half-court offense mentality of the East Coast - it's like a chess match, but the style of play these two teams run is like a fast half-court offense. It's unbelievable how fast they can score without even a real "fast-break". It's crazy how good the teams shoot - obviously both defenses are not top in the league, but the "plays" they run where someone is almost always open for a 3-ball, all the movement away from the ball, and the high percentages they shoot, they epitomize professional basketball. Talk about entertaining - fans there barely sat down from the mid-4th quarter on! (Side note, the announcers just mentioned that Jason Terry (Mavs) wears 5 pair of socks for each game - that has to add like a shoe size and a half - good cushioning, but when they say he's on fire, do they mean his feet?) What a shot by Terry with 4.9 seconds left in OT to tie it up with Nash's hand in his face! Now into the second OT, I've decided Steve Nash should definitely appear next to the word "awareness" in the dictionary. Double team him? He'll make an amazing dish. Single coverage, he'll put it up from anywhere or drive on you. Someone should give him an award! And, oh by the way, Amare Stoudamire is back: 41 pts on 16-19 FG, 9-12 FT, 10 REB, 2 BLK.
Lance Briggs' agent? Drew Rosenhaus. Bears coming off a Super Bowl loss, 2 years ago, the Eagles were too when T.O. made noise in the offseason. Chicago and Philly are both blue-collar towns. In an interview on ESPN, he likened his job to, in a way, being an average Joe. Last I checked, not many of "us" have $7.2 mil on the table or would have turned down a 7-yr $33 mil deal (as he did last offseason. To quote Little Richard from the Geico commercial: "Oooo - LOOK OUT!"
Apparently the NCAA Tournament starts this week. Who knew!? You all probably filled out your brackets by now, but here's a few predictions: Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State, UCLA will go far. In maybe five brackets I've filled out, I have Ohio State, UCLA, Memphis, Georgetown and UNC winning it all, pick one. Still never a 16 has beaten a 1. 12/5 and 8/9 are the most common upsets. Aside from that, you might statistically be better off picking the higher seed in the rest of the games. (I'll have to ask somebody I know with a doctorate in Stat) Some major complaints: what the hell is this "opening round" / "play-in" game b.s.? What about this East/West/South/Midwest two years ago to city names last year to city names AND "regions" this year? How about mixed regions playing in the same place? (West and Midwest playing opening round games in Buffalo, NY) What is going on? Disorder! Disorder! Dis-Ooooerder! And they talk of expanding the field from 64....er, 65? I guess we can go to 256 teams. That might satisfy everyone. 256 to 128 to 64 in one weekend (last weekend), then 64 on from this weekend. Now that would be some madness! I mean after all, there are only 119 D-I football teams and all those Bowl games (33 in 2006/2007) - there are 326 D-I Mens basketball teams. Tennessee Technological University? Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University? University of Texas, Pan American? NCAA - if you do expand, my vote is 256! Then every network will have to cover those games.
Little did I know when my wife and I were looking for a house, but my neighborhood is definitely the "training grounds" for Jehova's Witnesses. To each his own - religion and spiritualism is something that I believe is, and should remain personal for everyone. Each has their own way (or non-way) of expressing it, and their own beliefs. Anyway, being that I work from home now and used to work odd hours in the restaurant business and be home during days, I've been caught standing at the door talking to them twice before. It's crazy, a mini-van will pull up, 10 people pile out and walk the streets. It kind of reminds me of a large family of trick-or-treaters in a safe neighborhood, a family dispersing in the mall with a meeting time/place, or worse yet, a clown car, except in suits and ties wielding pamphlets. They won't catch me anymore. Yesterday, while waiting for a fence estimate, the doorbell rang; but before I unlocked the door, I spotted the guy in the suit and army crawled right behind the chair. I tell you, I hid quicker and better than my brother watching the Wicked Witch in "The Wizzard of Oz." Yeah sure, that was last weekend, but I learn quick. Those Jehova's weren't gonna get me this time, no sir. Morale of the story? Nothing good ever happens when someone wearing a suit shows up at your front door. By the way, if anyone wants me to scan in the latest copy of the "Watchtower" pamphlet, let me know.
Some more of the best commercials on TV:
- "Carne asada." "CAAAR-nay Asada." "Ricardo Montelban?" (Taco Bell lions)
- "MOOOU-LA!" "You save El-Moula!" (Comcast Cable)
- The catchy acoustic guitar playing the background music for "Zoom zoom zoom!" (Mazda)
- "YOU COME PUSH IT! You push it real good!" (Comcast)
(Speak of the devil, Comcast all of the sudden sucks ass in my neighborhood - I feel like Mr. Slowsky during the day on the internet and at times at night, I'm lucky if I get every third word on digital cable, watching through the green bars)
For the catch phrases:
- "Boost mobile! Where you AT!?!"
- The new "Day Dreams" commercials (gentleman's club in Philly) "Where the girls wear nothing but a smile."
The worst:
- The Mazda commercial with the song "Let the sunshine...." (getting up there in frequency with the Dodge Rock-em sock-em commercial)
Around the balls:
Giant-orange- Syracuse did not disappoint as did Drexel. 10-6 in the Big East gets an NIT birth, not even a #1 seed there either. I think they'll win it all, Jim Boeheim is that kind of coach. On great coaching - any press conference with Bobby Knight is worth watching. Such an entertaining cocky prick.
White-leather-stitched- Gary Matthews Jr. finally came out and said he never took HGH. Yeah, we believe you know that you're all lawyered up (such a good term, "Law & Order"). Oh yeah and Pete Rose said yesterday - on radio - that he bet on the Reds while managing them, every night.
Rubber-non- The Flyers gave their new GM Paul Holmgren a 2-year contract extension. Am I missing something? "Has made great moves since taking over in late October," so says The Hockey News. They are in last place, right? Ah well, go Devils - get healthy, will ya!
Big-brown-oblong- JaMarcus Russell of LSU had his Pro Day yesterday. He's dropped 10 lbs since the combine and he again flaunted his arm strength. (85 yards standing up, 65 yards from his knees and 45 yards from his back) Hopefully he is all the Raiders need to again come back from the "black hole" they're in. Otherwise he might be the next Tim Couch or David Carr, and throwing from his back will be a useful trait.
Program Alert:
Uh....someone said the NCAA Tournament started sometime soon....not sure when...ah well, maybe it'll be on ESPN sometime?
Game of the workday prediction: 10 Texas Tech vs. 7 Boston College - 12:25pm EDT
Links:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/photos?photoId=1480360&gameId=270314006 - Mavs in green
http://web1.ncaa.org/onlineDir/exec/sponsorship?sortOrder=0&division=1&sport=MBB - 326 teams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi - Pi
--------------------------------
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/
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Dom's Dish - Tony Romo edition
Dom's Dish - Thursday, February 8, 2007
I have finally kept up my end of the bargain. After saying it and not really following through, I intently watched the Duke - North Carolina game last night. With the exception of a few minutes at the beginning of the game to bring out the recycling (btw- I hope and recommend you all recycle, though not for property tax purposes in NJ, purely environmental) and a trip to good ol' Mickey D's, I watched the game. (Side note, what is up with a box for your sandwich? Such a waste. And besides, have you ever forgotten you got food to go and sat on a Big Mac on your car seat? Like that box would help it? What's the point? From an economic standpoint, it's got to be more expensive to produce the box than using the traditional wax paper. As for environmental, since you're not supposed to recycle boxes "contaminated by food" (as per Burlington County, NJ regulations -pizza boxes, etc), these boxes end up in a landfill. I wonder if anyone has ever petitioned McD's to go no-box?)
So, watching the game, I knew at some point in the second half that Duke would fold like a box. What were they, 3-10 shooting free throws? Them, the Cavaliers and any other team that struggles at the line are due to fold. (What's worse, missing free throws or calling out "free money"? If you can get fined $10g's for that, they should start fining for missed free throws in key situations in the pros.) Watching the fans in the stands, they're crazy, really. I don't know how any group of players could lose on that court, talk about fanatical. Some observations: If the tourney is all about guard play, Duke is definitely in trouble. On many occasions, some of their best guards couldn't hold their dribble when pressure and almost got caught with a turnover. North Carolina was faster and wanted the ball. "ESPN the magazine" had an article on the freshmen, Wayne Ellington (UNC) and Gerald Henderson, Jr. (Duke), who play on opposite ends of this rivalry, so yet another reason to watch. They're from out near the Villanova area and my initial reaction is that Duke got the better of that one. Gerald's father played in the NBA, the kid has some serious "ups", and will likely improve from his 6.3 PPG. Keep an eye peeled.
Speak of college hoops, I was watching "the Holy War" game - Villanova and St. Joes on Tuesday night, and had some thoughts on the name of key college matchups. Holy war? Another in college football is Oregon vs. Oregon State is called "Civil War." Wow. Mentioning these names to scholars might bring about some strong feelings either way. I just wonder if the Harlem Globetrotters matchup against their foes the Washington Generals should be called "World War 1" and the New York Nationals matchup "World War 2?"
So, Wade Phillips is going to be the head coach in Dallas. Obviously T.O. will be the biggest hurdle. (re-iterating a point, I don't think Jason Garrett warrants the OC position in Dallas, due to his performance in Miami this past year, and people mention the "buzz" he got this offseason - the Cleveland Browns wanted to hire him! That's a "buzz"?) Odds are already out for next year's Super Bowl winner. The best odds as you may have heard are the Chargers (6 to 1). Problem is, as predicted right here, the San Diego Chargers have now lost their Offensive and Defensive Coordinator in the same offseason, pulling both out from under Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer, who by the way, has a 5-13 postseason record. I can't remember hearing about a team losing both coordinators in one offseason.
So, you may have heard of the Peyton Manning name change guy. I'll tell you now, it isn't going to happen. He filed paperwork yesterday and now will have to appear before a judge to make this official. Now after seeing him on "Cold Pizza," he is gonna fold. "A man of his word," he didn't have an argument ready to tell the judge why s/he should allow it. If a judge allows this guy to change his name in order to fulfill a sports bet, this country is in trouble. Then again, maybe this has happened before and no one has ever heard of it. Don't worry dish fans, I will never "call myself" a QB's name. Me llamo Tony Romo.
I am now a Phillies Season Ticket Holder. This officially concludes my being a "New York" or "North Jersey guy." I bought the Sunday package, 14 games to enjoy the Phils. Talking to the ticket agent on the phone, "the Right Field Side is more the family side, while the Left Field Side is mostly younger people" - she went on to say things like "people drink over there" "they're rowdier" "we sometimes get complaints from that side" and "if anyone complains tell them to go to the Right Field side" - I am not kidding. I went with the Left field side, since you know my wife and I, we're such rock-stars.
Don't worry, I won't mention anything about the female NASA diaper-wearing love triangle murder attempt-er. Sh*$ too late!
Around the balls:
Basket- the Celtics are horrible. I've never seen so many "posterizing moments" against one team in one season. For those that saw the highlights from D-Wade last night know what I mean.
Base- A-Rod "dodged" some questions about a potential buy-out at the end of the 2007 season, and now it's news. I think we all know what is going to happen, he's gone either way, but hopefully Clemens will hop on board and they'll win the World Series this year, this way A-Rod can pass on "Peyton's monkey" that he was passed. New title for A-Rod's next children's book: "Little Alex finds Peyton's monkey" an instant classic and NY Times best-seller.
Rubber-non- Mark Messier is not backing down from his statement that he would like to one day be the GM of the NY Rangers. In fact, he is saying that he could do it right now. Brazen.
Foot- An old item hear, but worth mentioning and reminding you fantasy football GMs out there. Domanick Davis has changed his last name to Williams (mother's maiden name). I heard a reporter mention Domanick Williams and was confused for a second, don't want you educated "dishees" to miss out.
--------------------------------
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/
I have finally kept up my end of the bargain. After saying it and not really following through, I intently watched the Duke - North Carolina game last night. With the exception of a few minutes at the beginning of the game to bring out the recycling (btw- I hope and recommend you all recycle, though not for property tax purposes in NJ, purely environmental) and a trip to good ol' Mickey D's, I watched the game. (Side note, what is up with a box for your sandwich? Such a waste. And besides, have you ever forgotten you got food to go and sat on a Big Mac on your car seat? Like that box would help it? What's the point? From an economic standpoint, it's got to be more expensive to produce the box than using the traditional wax paper. As for environmental, since you're not supposed to recycle boxes "contaminated by food" (as per Burlington County, NJ regulations -pizza boxes, etc), these boxes end up in a landfill. I wonder if anyone has ever petitioned McD's to go no-box?)
So, watching the game, I knew at some point in the second half that Duke would fold like a box. What were they, 3-10 shooting free throws? Them, the Cavaliers and any other team that struggles at the line are due to fold. (What's worse, missing free throws or calling out "free money"? If you can get fined $10g's for that, they should start fining for missed free throws in key situations in the pros.) Watching the fans in the stands, they're crazy, really. I don't know how any group of players could lose on that court, talk about fanatical. Some observations: If the tourney is all about guard play, Duke is definitely in trouble. On many occasions, some of their best guards couldn't hold their dribble when pressure and almost got caught with a turnover. North Carolina was faster and wanted the ball. "ESPN the magazine" had an article on the freshmen, Wayne Ellington (UNC) and Gerald Henderson, Jr. (Duke), who play on opposite ends of this rivalry, so yet another reason to watch. They're from out near the Villanova area and my initial reaction is that Duke got the better of that one. Gerald's father played in the NBA, the kid has some serious "ups", and will likely improve from his 6.3 PPG. Keep an eye peeled.
Speak of college hoops, I was watching "the Holy War" game - Villanova and St. Joes on Tuesday night, and had some thoughts on the name of key college matchups. Holy war? Another in college football is Oregon vs. Oregon State is called "Civil War." Wow. Mentioning these names to scholars might bring about some strong feelings either way. I just wonder if the Harlem Globetrotters matchup against their foes the Washington Generals should be called "World War 1" and the New York Nationals matchup "World War 2?"
So, Wade Phillips is going to be the head coach in Dallas. Obviously T.O. will be the biggest hurdle. (re-iterating a point, I don't think Jason Garrett warrants the OC position in Dallas, due to his performance in Miami this past year, and people mention the "buzz" he got this offseason - the Cleveland Browns wanted to hire him! That's a "buzz"?) Odds are already out for next year's Super Bowl winner. The best odds as you may have heard are the Chargers (6 to 1). Problem is, as predicted right here, the San Diego Chargers have now lost their Offensive and Defensive Coordinator in the same offseason, pulling both out from under Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer, who by the way, has a 5-13 postseason record. I can't remember hearing about a team losing both coordinators in one offseason.
So, you may have heard of the Peyton Manning name change guy. I'll tell you now, it isn't going to happen. He filed paperwork yesterday and now will have to appear before a judge to make this official. Now after seeing him on "Cold Pizza," he is gonna fold. "A man of his word," he didn't have an argument ready to tell the judge why s/he should allow it. If a judge allows this guy to change his name in order to fulfill a sports bet, this country is in trouble. Then again, maybe this has happened before and no one has ever heard of it. Don't worry dish fans, I will never "call myself" a QB's name. Me llamo Tony Romo.
I am now a Phillies Season Ticket Holder. This officially concludes my being a "New York" or "North Jersey guy." I bought the Sunday package, 14 games to enjoy the Phils. Talking to the ticket agent on the phone, "the Right Field Side is more the family side, while the Left Field Side is mostly younger people" - she went on to say things like "people drink over there" "they're rowdier" "we sometimes get complaints from that side" and "if anyone complains tell them to go to the Right Field side" - I am not kidding. I went with the Left field side, since you know my wife and I, we're such rock-stars.
Don't worry, I won't mention anything about the female NASA diaper-wearing love triangle murder attempt-er. Sh*$ too late!
Around the balls:
Basket- the Celtics are horrible. I've never seen so many "posterizing moments" against one team in one season. For those that saw the highlights from D-Wade last night know what I mean.
Base- A-Rod "dodged" some questions about a potential buy-out at the end of the 2007 season, and now it's news. I think we all know what is going to happen, he's gone either way, but hopefully Clemens will hop on board and they'll win the World Series this year, this way A-Rod can pass on "Peyton's monkey" that he was passed. New title for A-Rod's next children's book: "Little Alex finds Peyton's monkey" an instant classic and NY Times best-seller.
Rubber-non- Mark Messier is not backing down from his statement that he would like to one day be the GM of the NY Rangers. In fact, he is saying that he could do it right now. Brazen.
Foot- An old item hear, but worth mentioning and reminding you fantasy football GMs out there. Domanick Davis has changed his last name to Williams (mother's maiden name). I heard a reporter mention Domanick Williams and was confused for a second, don't want you educated "dishees" to miss out.
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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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