I can't help it...some of the first round playoff action has inspired me to update this list. Not only will I make slight amendments to the Top 10, but I'll extend the list all the way up to No. 20.
I know this probably isn't fair to some of the guys who missed out on the playoffs -- i.e. Vince Carter, Michael Redd, Jason Richardson, and Brandon Roy -- but I can't deny the urge. I point out guys like Carter, Redd, J-Rich and Roy in particular because they are in contention for some of the later spots on the list, but they could be overshadowed by playoff upstarts like Tony Parker, Joe Johnson and Andre Miller.
(Note: A written explanation will follow the ranking only if I have something new to say about the player. See this list, or its precedent to catch up on past player analysis.)
#1-Kobe Bryant, SG-Los Angeles Lakers
#2-LeBron James, SF-Cleveland Cavs
#3-Kevin Garnett, PF-Boston Celtics
#4-Chris Paul, PG-New Orleans Hornets
#5-Tim Duncan, PF-San Antonio Spurs
"The Big Fundamental" is getting a promotion because he was absolutely incredible in Game 1 of the Suns/Spurs series, a game that certainly qualifies for the distinction of "instant classic." Duncan scored 40 points, something he failed to do throughout the regular season. Even more impressive was his unlikely, heroic three-pointer to tie the game at the end of the first overtime.
But the promotion isn't only about Game 1. Despite today's loss, the Spurs are well in command of the series (3-1 lead) and there's no question that Duncan has a greater impact as a two-way player than Steve Nash. Tony Parker has made a mockery of Nash's defense, while Duncan continues to be a defensive force and presence on a nightly basis. In addition, when Duncan gets deep position down low he can score at will -- there's just no stopping him.
It's still an absolute joy to watch Nash control the offensive tempo. So he may be losing his No. 5 spot, but drops only one position to No. 6.
#6-Steve Nash, PG-Phoenix Suns
#7-Amare Stoudemire, PF-Phoenix Suns
#8-Dirk Nowitzki, PF-Dallas Mavericks
#9-Deron Williams, PG-Utah Jazz
It's getting tougher and tougher to decide at the bottom of the Top 10. Congrats to D-Will on making the list for the first time.
There are a few players who I am too disgusted with (with good reason, though) to grant them the honor of a Top 10 selection. They are Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and Baron Davis.
Iverson and Melo have allowed their Nuggets to get absolutely embarrassed by Kobe and the Lakers, who, mind you, are still without their defensive force Andrew Bynum. Sure, Iverson and Melo are getting their points, but their combined field goal percentage is horrid and they are both totally inadequate defenders. If this was the Top 10 Scorers list, they'd both be on it -- but this one's about more than just offense.
Baron, whom many of you know is one of my favorite players, played so poorly in the most important game of the Warriors' season that head coach Don Nelson was basically forced into benching him. "B-Diddy" didn't even play in the second half. You can't be Top 10 if you're not even on the floor when your team needs you the most.
That leaves us with Deron Williams. He's the best player on the most underrated team in the NBA, and he's a stud in the fourth quarter. Williams creates a large majority of Carlos Boozer's opportunities and has no offensive weaknesses. I like his toughness and intensity on defense as well. Again, big ups to you D-Will.
#10-Dwight Howard, PF/C-Orlando Magic
I'm going against my usual mantra here: "You can't be in the Top 10 if your team doesn't look to you at the end of important games." Yet while that remains true with Mr. Howard, his Magic are up 3-1 against a versatile Raptors' team that quite frankly, is better than I thought. Despite the fact that Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson are the Magic's closers, D-Howard is still the best player on his team 75-80 percent of the time.
He's a dominant rebounder and an intimidating defender. He plays with fire and he does everything he can to help his team win. The same can't be said of Iverson, Melo and B-Diddy right now.
#11-Allen Iverson, G-Denver Nuggets
#12-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
#13-Carmelo Anthony, SF-Denver Nuggets
#14-Manu Ginobili-SG-San Antonio Spurs
Go ahead, say something bad about the way this guy plays the game. Just try it. Yea yea, he doesn't have the regular season statistics that some of the following players boast, but Ginobili is a f--kin winner. When the Spurs need a big play -- just like Duncan and Tony Parker -- Manu finds a way to come up with it.
Whether it's a lefty runner in the lane, a pull-up three, or a steal on the other side of the ball...GINOBILI (!! shout to Charles Barkley) gets it done in the clutch. Much respect for you, Manu.
#15-Tony Parker, PG-San Antonio Spurs
Quick. Clutch. Really, really quick. So damn clutch.
#16-Tracy McGrady, SG-Houston Rockets
Ever since he's been with the Rockets, I haven't been a big T-Mac supporter. I think he's just way too inconsistent with his outside shot. He takes ill-advised, heavily-contested shots that cause him to be one of the lower percentage shooters in the NBA.
That said, he's extremely versatile -- even more so than I originally thought. Watching him in the series with Utah, I've been very impressed with his defensive rebounding and ability to both strip offenders and block shots.
Can't find a way to win any big ones though. He just can't. Without Yao Ming, it's all on T-Mac in Houston. With the exception of Game 3, he's not doing enough to propel his team to victory in the fourth quarter.
#17-Chris Bosh, PF/C-Toronto Raptors
Similar to the case with T-Mac, I'm really not a big "Bosh guy." I feel like his game is very awkward, and he's soft in my mind; but hey, he seems to be puttin up 35 and 15 fairly often. I was extremely impressed with his 39 the other day against D-Howard too.
He features an exceptional mid-range jumper for his size, and being lefty never hurts either.
#18-Gilbert Arenas, G-Washington Wizards
#19-Chauncey Billups, PG-Detroit Pistons
#20-Carlos Boozer, PF-Utah Jazz
Just got too tired for explanations on the last three.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Mets Are Not a Real Team
When a professional athlete or team is awful beyond the point of logical comprehension, my friends and I always say that player or team is "not real." For example, big left-hander Mark Hendrickson (formerly of the New Jersey Nets) was the Florida Marlins' opening day starter this season. He's "not real." The Miami Heat's roster for the latter portion of this season -- boasting D-League studs like Joel Anthony, Kasim Powell and Stephane Lasme -- was "not real."
That leads us to my New York Mets. Though they currently sit at 8-6, just a half game behind the Marlins for first place in the NL East, the Mets are not real. It pains me to say it, but it's true. Just look at the Mets' everyday lineup:
1-Jose Reyes, SS
2-Ryan Church, RF
3-David Wright, 3B
4-Carlos Beltran, CF
5-Carlos Delgado, 1B
6-Angel Pagan, LF
7-Brian Schneider, C
8-Luis Castillo, 2B
I look at that and I very nearly vomit. That configuration is really difficult to stomach on a nightly basis. Casual baseball fans would say there are 4-5 real players in that lineup: Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado and perhaps Castillo. In reality, the Mets have only three real hitters, if that. They are Wright, Beltran, and maybe Reyes.
Delgado provided a clutch RBI single against the Nationals last night, but it came off big-time bum Jon Rauch. Those of us who are familiar with NL East baseball know that Rauch is definitely not real. Delgado has been OK to this point in the season, but in general he's finished. He can't hit anything at 92 mph or above, and he's a non-factor against left-handed pitching. He blows in the field, too. Delgado actually dropped a throw the other day. Not in the dirt or anything, just an easy toss from Wright -- popped out of his glove. What is this, Little League?
Castillo is nearly a .300 lifetime hitter, so fans who haven't been following closely might think that he's real. Nope. Definitely not. Castillo has two bad knees and he can't hit the ball out of the infield. Not that he hit the ball out of the infield much in the past, but he used to be able to beat out slow choppers. Now he chops them and he's out by 40 feet at first. Nice work on the four-year contract Omar Minaya. Between Minaya and Willie Randolph, I'm gonna be a Royals fan before I know it.
Then there's Reyes. He's "real" because of his basestealing, defense and general raw speed, but I'm still not sold on him at the plate. The mechanics of his lefty swing are absolutely atrocious. He's found a way to make it work in the past, but the herky-jerkyness doesn't lend itself to long-term consistency. His right-handed swing, however, is more natural and smooth. For Reyes, it's too bad that 70-80 percent of pitchers are righties.
So that leaves Church, Pagan and Schneider. I like Church against righties. His stroke is fluid and he really trusts his hands through the zone. He still chases too much junk in the dirt for my liking, particularly against southpaws.
Pagan has played inspired ball, but I think we all know it's just a fluke. He's excited about the opportunity he has in Moises Alou's absence, and he's capitalizing to the best of his ability. But expect his batting average to drop consistently from now until the point when Alou returns. The saddest part about Pagan's inevitable demotion to the bench? We won't get to see the fans at Shea Stadium standing and flapping their metaphorical wings like Disney's "Angels in the Outfield."
And Schneider, well, I've never liked the guy. Ever since Buck Martinez chose Schneider as his catcher for the USA team during the World Baseball Classic, I've hated them both. Schneider just can't hit. He just can't. His lifetime average is below .260.
Sadly enough, the Mets' bullpen is also not real. Aaron Heilman is easily one of the worst setup men in all of baseball, Jorge Sosa is going through a Rick Ankiel control stage, and Matt Wise's fastball was around 67 mph before heading for the disabled list.
On the bright side, both the lineup and bullpen have the potential to become real. If Alou and catcher Ramon Castro can return to the lineup healthy and relatively productive, that will have a drastic impact on the Mets' success.
Formerly nasty right-hander Duaner Sanchez has finally returned to the bullpen after a loooong hiatus. If he can get anywhere near where he was in 2006, the Mets can push shitty Heilman back to the 7th inning, or maybe trade him. The ever-reliable lefty Pedro Feliciano deserves the 7th inning anyway. He's been untouchable the past season and a half. Other lefty Scott Schoeneweis shows occasional signs of life, as well.
As far as starting pitching goes, even without Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, the Mets' rotation is still real by today's standards. Johan Santana, John Maine and Oliver Perez are a strong 1-2-3, and young sinkerballer Mike Pelfrey is off to a dominant start. Journeyman Nelson Figueroa has been surprisingly effective, too.
So while the Mets aren't "real" right now, they have the potential to improve significantly within the next month and a half/two months. The extent of the improvement will be dependent on Alou, Castro, Sanchez, and perhaps El Duque. Hopefully we can hold our own until some of the "real" players return to form.
That leads us to my New York Mets. Though they currently sit at 8-6, just a half game behind the Marlins for first place in the NL East, the Mets are not real. It pains me to say it, but it's true. Just look at the Mets' everyday lineup:
1-Jose Reyes, SS
2-Ryan Church, RF
3-David Wright, 3B
4-Carlos Beltran, CF
5-Carlos Delgado, 1B
6-Angel Pagan, LF
7-Brian Schneider, C
8-Luis Castillo, 2B
I look at that and I very nearly vomit. That configuration is really difficult to stomach on a nightly basis. Casual baseball fans would say there are 4-5 real players in that lineup: Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado and perhaps Castillo. In reality, the Mets have only three real hitters, if that. They are Wright, Beltran, and maybe Reyes.
Delgado provided a clutch RBI single against the Nationals last night, but it came off big-time bum Jon Rauch. Those of us who are familiar with NL East baseball know that Rauch is definitely not real. Delgado has been OK to this point in the season, but in general he's finished. He can't hit anything at 92 mph or above, and he's a non-factor against left-handed pitching. He blows in the field, too. Delgado actually dropped a throw the other day. Not in the dirt or anything, just an easy toss from Wright -- popped out of his glove. What is this, Little League?
Castillo is nearly a .300 lifetime hitter, so fans who haven't been following closely might think that he's real. Nope. Definitely not. Castillo has two bad knees and he can't hit the ball out of the infield. Not that he hit the ball out of the infield much in the past, but he used to be able to beat out slow choppers. Now he chops them and he's out by 40 feet at first. Nice work on the four-year contract Omar Minaya. Between Minaya and Willie Randolph, I'm gonna be a Royals fan before I know it.
Then there's Reyes. He's "real" because of his basestealing, defense and general raw speed, but I'm still not sold on him at the plate. The mechanics of his lefty swing are absolutely atrocious. He's found a way to make it work in the past, but the herky-jerkyness doesn't lend itself to long-term consistency. His right-handed swing, however, is more natural and smooth. For Reyes, it's too bad that 70-80 percent of pitchers are righties.
So that leaves Church, Pagan and Schneider. I like Church against righties. His stroke is fluid and he really trusts his hands through the zone. He still chases too much junk in the dirt for my liking, particularly against southpaws.
Pagan has played inspired ball, but I think we all know it's just a fluke. He's excited about the opportunity he has in Moises Alou's absence, and he's capitalizing to the best of his ability. But expect his batting average to drop consistently from now until the point when Alou returns. The saddest part about Pagan's inevitable demotion to the bench? We won't get to see the fans at Shea Stadium standing and flapping their metaphorical wings like Disney's "Angels in the Outfield."
And Schneider, well, I've never liked the guy. Ever since Buck Martinez chose Schneider as his catcher for the USA team during the World Baseball Classic, I've hated them both. Schneider just can't hit. He just can't. His lifetime average is below .260.
Sadly enough, the Mets' bullpen is also not real. Aaron Heilman is easily one of the worst setup men in all of baseball, Jorge Sosa is going through a Rick Ankiel control stage, and Matt Wise's fastball was around 67 mph before heading for the disabled list.
On the bright side, both the lineup and bullpen have the potential to become real. If Alou and catcher Ramon Castro can return to the lineup healthy and relatively productive, that will have a drastic impact on the Mets' success.
Formerly nasty right-hander Duaner Sanchez has finally returned to the bullpen after a loooong hiatus. If he can get anywhere near where he was in 2006, the Mets can push shitty Heilman back to the 7th inning, or maybe trade him. The ever-reliable lefty Pedro Feliciano deserves the 7th inning anyway. He's been untouchable the past season and a half. Other lefty Scott Schoeneweis shows occasional signs of life, as well.
As far as starting pitching goes, even without Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez, the Mets' rotation is still real by today's standards. Johan Santana, John Maine and Oliver Perez are a strong 1-2-3, and young sinkerballer Mike Pelfrey is off to a dominant start. Journeyman Nelson Figueroa has been surprisingly effective, too.
So while the Mets aren't "real" right now, they have the potential to improve significantly within the next month and a half/two months. The extent of the improvement will be dependent on Alou, Castro, Sanchez, and perhaps El Duque. Hopefully we can hold our own until some of the "real" players return to form.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Not As Bad As They Seem, Vol. 1: The Bulls
Watching the Bulls/Cavs game tonight, it was overtly clear that the Bulls aren't that bad -- not at all, really. Yet they sit at 29-45, 11th in the "weak" Eastern Conference. I put "weak" in quotes because talent wise, I don't think the East is nearly as weak as people think. As far as results go, well, I can't argue with the East's label as the clearly inferior conference.
But back to the Bulls. I think they have 13 guys on their roster who could make an argument for considerable playing time. Yup, I'm gonna list them: Shannon Brown, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Drew Gooden, Ben Gordon, Aaron Gray, Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes, Joakim Noah, Andres Nocioni, Thabo Sefolosha, Cedric Simmons, and Tyrus Thomas.
Now Brown, Gray and Simmons are younger guys who have all shown potential in limited minutes. However, I realize they are the bottom three of this list, so for argument's sake let's say head coach Jim Boylan wants to cut it down to a standard 10-man rotation. Gooden came down with what appears to be a season-ending injury toward the end of last week, so let's leave him out as well.
Left over nine: Deng, Duhon, Gordon, Hinrich, Hughes, Noah, Nocioni, Sefolosha and Thomas.
Deng, Gordon, Hinrich and Nocioni are the four key holdovers from the successful Chicago teams of the past two seasons. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I realize Deng, Gordon and Nocioni have battled nagging injuries, but if they're all available, why not just start them all? They have great continuity and fluidity as a unit, that's what made the Bulls a contender in the East the last two years. To stick to the cliche, Scott Skiles shouldn't have been fired, either.
So: PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, F-Nocioni, F-Deng. That leaves the center position, and with Gooden out, I guess Noah has earned that position with his play in the season's second half.
PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, F-Nocioni, F-Deng, C-Noah, 6-Hughes, 7-Sefolosha, 8-Thomas, 9-Duhon. That's not bad at all. Sefolosha has developed nicely this season, and is a rare young player with exceptional defensive skills. Hughes can handle duties at three different positions -- PG, SG, and if needed SF -- and Thomas brings energy, athleticism and exuberance. Duhon is a pretty heady combo guard.
I don't know. Do they look bad to you? Yea, this season was a mess with the Skiles firing and the Ben Wallace trade involving eight Bulls and Cavs -- but if they retain most of what they have here, I don't see any reason why the Bulls would struggle again next season. Find a solid replacement for the interim (Boylan) and they should be a top 4-6 Eastern team again. I'm sure some experienced coaches out there would love to inherit this level of talent. Maybe Mike Fratello, Larry Brown...hell, maybe even Hubie Brown.
Don't fret, Bulls fans. I think you guys are going to be OK in the near future.
But back to the Bulls. I think they have 13 guys on their roster who could make an argument for considerable playing time. Yup, I'm gonna list them: Shannon Brown, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Drew Gooden, Ben Gordon, Aaron Gray, Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes, Joakim Noah, Andres Nocioni, Thabo Sefolosha, Cedric Simmons, and Tyrus Thomas.
Now Brown, Gray and Simmons are younger guys who have all shown potential in limited minutes. However, I realize they are the bottom three of this list, so for argument's sake let's say head coach Jim Boylan wants to cut it down to a standard 10-man rotation. Gooden came down with what appears to be a season-ending injury toward the end of last week, so let's leave him out as well.
Left over nine: Deng, Duhon, Gordon, Hinrich, Hughes, Noah, Nocioni, Sefolosha and Thomas.
Deng, Gordon, Hinrich and Nocioni are the four key holdovers from the successful Chicago teams of the past two seasons. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I realize Deng, Gordon and Nocioni have battled nagging injuries, but if they're all available, why not just start them all? They have great continuity and fluidity as a unit, that's what made the Bulls a contender in the East the last two years. To stick to the cliche, Scott Skiles shouldn't have been fired, either.
So: PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, F-Nocioni, F-Deng. That leaves the center position, and with Gooden out, I guess Noah has earned that position with his play in the season's second half.
PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, F-Nocioni, F-Deng, C-Noah, 6-Hughes, 7-Sefolosha, 8-Thomas, 9-Duhon. That's not bad at all. Sefolosha has developed nicely this season, and is a rare young player with exceptional defensive skills. Hughes can handle duties at three different positions -- PG, SG, and if needed SF -- and Thomas brings energy, athleticism and exuberance. Duhon is a pretty heady combo guard.
I don't know. Do they look bad to you? Yea, this season was a mess with the Skiles firing and the Ben Wallace trade involving eight Bulls and Cavs -- but if they retain most of what they have here, I don't see any reason why the Bulls would struggle again next season. Find a solid replacement for the interim (Boylan) and they should be a top 4-6 Eastern team again. I'm sure some experienced coaches out there would love to inherit this level of talent. Maybe Mike Fratello, Larry Brown...hell, maybe even Hubie Brown.
Don't fret, Bulls fans. I think you guys are going to be OK in the near future.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Around the Sports World
I don't have time for a pointed, full-length post so I figured I'd briefly comment on recent action in the sports world.
NBA: I'm watching the Warriors/Mavericks game right now and Dirk Nowitzki has unexpectedly returned from injury. Rotoworld.com reported earlier today that Dirk would definitely not be playing tonight -- so much for that. Dirk looks fine in the early going, he picked up a couple of easy buckets.
As for the game itself, it has major Western Conference playoff implications. If the Warriors win, they'll be in a three-way tie with the Mavs and Denver Nuggets. The Mavs have the homecourt advantage tonight and the momentum of Dirk's return, so it'll be a tough task for the Warriors. Also, the Warriors are without valuable, injured swingman Mickael Pietrus once again tonight.
Monta Ellis has to take advantage of his mismatch with "Grandpa" Kidd. There's no way Kidd can handle Monta's mind-blowing quickness. Although I must say, Kidd looks sharp with his distributing here in the first half.
Along with the Lakers, the Warriors are my favorite team in the West, so I'm in their corner tonight. Unfortunately, with Dirk looking about 90 percent and Josh Howard playing phenomenally of late, I don't think Golden State will pull this one out on the road. Their best hope is to keep it extremely close through the fourth quarter, because they have top-notch closers in Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson.
MLB: I don't know what to think about the Mets. They won an easy one on Opening Day, looked absolutely awful in a loss last night, and smoked the Marlins tonight. As usual, the Metropolitans are going to drive me nuts.
There is a ton of pressure on David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes this season. Moises Alou is injured again, and the Mets will sorely miss his run production and .300-plus batting average. Carlos Delgado continues his downward spiral toward retirement, and who knows what we'll get from Angel Pagan, Ryan Church and Brian Schneider.
And can everyone please stop with Pedro. PLEASE. He's 78 years old and he throws 81 mph. Sure, he occupies the No. 2 spot in the rotation, but anyone who knows baseball knows he's the Mets' fourth or fifth best starter. He's clearly behind Johan Santana, Oliver Perez and John Maine, and if healthy, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez is probably better than Pedro, as well.
Yea, blah blah Pedro is the emotional leader. Spare me. He's pretty much finished -- he's a decent No. 4 starter in the NL and nothing more. Bring back El Duque and we'll be fine.
NBA: Mike Bibby coming through big time for the Hawks. I posted when the trade happened: helluva job by Atlanta's management. The move for Bibby put them over the top and clearly separated them from the Nets and Pacers. Ugh, the Nets. Don't get me started.
FIRE LAWRENCE FRANK!
Anyway, Bibby knocked down a hugeee three at the end of regulation to tie it against Toronto. Hawks went on to win it with 147 total points after overtime.
MLB: My fantasy team is lookin pretty sharp so far. Home runs from six different guys and it's only Wednesday. Oh, just in case you're wondering: Mark Teixeira, Josh Willingham, Dan Uggla, Nate McLouth, Chipper Jones and Stephen Drew.
Yes, I drafted Nate McLouth and started him the first week of the fantasy season. I'm that good.
NBA: Update on the Warriors' game already. We're down by 16 in the second quarter. The Mavs are looking the best I've seen them all season. I said our chances were slim when we were only down five...just thought I'd throw that out there. We have to get it respectable in the third quarter or else this one is gonna get out of hand like last night against San Antonio.
No Warriors in the playoffs = no fun. Pick it up, Baron. Do it yourself if you have to.
NBA: I'm watching the Warriors/Mavericks game right now and Dirk Nowitzki has unexpectedly returned from injury. Rotoworld.com reported earlier today that Dirk would definitely not be playing tonight -- so much for that. Dirk looks fine in the early going, he picked up a couple of easy buckets.
As for the game itself, it has major Western Conference playoff implications. If the Warriors win, they'll be in a three-way tie with the Mavs and Denver Nuggets. The Mavs have the homecourt advantage tonight and the momentum of Dirk's return, so it'll be a tough task for the Warriors. Also, the Warriors are without valuable, injured swingman Mickael Pietrus once again tonight.
Monta Ellis has to take advantage of his mismatch with "Grandpa" Kidd. There's no way Kidd can handle Monta's mind-blowing quickness. Although I must say, Kidd looks sharp with his distributing here in the first half.
Along with the Lakers, the Warriors are my favorite team in the West, so I'm in their corner tonight. Unfortunately, with Dirk looking about 90 percent and Josh Howard playing phenomenally of late, I don't think Golden State will pull this one out on the road. Their best hope is to keep it extremely close through the fourth quarter, because they have top-notch closers in Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson.
MLB: I don't know what to think about the Mets. They won an easy one on Opening Day, looked absolutely awful in a loss last night, and smoked the Marlins tonight. As usual, the Metropolitans are going to drive me nuts.
There is a ton of pressure on David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes this season. Moises Alou is injured again, and the Mets will sorely miss his run production and .300-plus batting average. Carlos Delgado continues his downward spiral toward retirement, and who knows what we'll get from Angel Pagan, Ryan Church and Brian Schneider.
And can everyone please stop with Pedro. PLEASE. He's 78 years old and he throws 81 mph. Sure, he occupies the No. 2 spot in the rotation, but anyone who knows baseball knows he's the Mets' fourth or fifth best starter. He's clearly behind Johan Santana, Oliver Perez and John Maine, and if healthy, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez is probably better than Pedro, as well.
Yea, blah blah Pedro is the emotional leader. Spare me. He's pretty much finished -- he's a decent No. 4 starter in the NL and nothing more. Bring back El Duque and we'll be fine.
NBA: Mike Bibby coming through big time for the Hawks. I posted when the trade happened: helluva job by Atlanta's management. The move for Bibby put them over the top and clearly separated them from the Nets and Pacers. Ugh, the Nets. Don't get me started.
FIRE LAWRENCE FRANK!
Anyway, Bibby knocked down a hugeee three at the end of regulation to tie it against Toronto. Hawks went on to win it with 147 total points after overtime.
MLB: My fantasy team is lookin pretty sharp so far. Home runs from six different guys and it's only Wednesday. Oh, just in case you're wondering: Mark Teixeira, Josh Willingham, Dan Uggla, Nate McLouth, Chipper Jones and Stephen Drew.
Yes, I drafted Nate McLouth and started him the first week of the fantasy season. I'm that good.
NBA: Update on the Warriors' game already. We're down by 16 in the second quarter. The Mavs are looking the best I've seen them all season. I said our chances were slim when we were only down five...just thought I'd throw that out there. We have to get it respectable in the third quarter or else this one is gonna get out of hand like last night against San Antonio.
No Warriors in the playoffs = no fun. Pick it up, Baron. Do it yourself if you have to.
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