Is almost single-handedly killing the Spurs.

BENCH.

Scored 24 in leading them to a 3-2 lead tonight!

Short retirement.

This looks like Chicago's year. They were getting shelled worse than Sherman shelled Atlanta in the three overtime periods against Boston. But somehow they scored on a double deflection to win the first game 4-3.

Wow, you waited exactly 3 seconds after the winning goal to declare Chicago the better team.
Way to not ride the fence.

I'm for Boston, but Chicago seems lucky. The Bruins outplayed them.

I watched all 3 OT's... The Bruins had several chances but could not score.
As a B's fan, I hoped for a split in Chicago. I picked Boston in 6.

The Bruins were absolutely shelling the Hawk goalie in the overtimes. Amazing they didn't score. Hawks have been lucky, along with very good, this season. The Kings had two point blank scoring chances in the first overtime of Game 5 last week and probably should have won...but Chicago did.

The very young Detroit Red Wings had Chicago down 3-1 then choked ... They were eliminated in 7 games... 4-3 .....

Spurs

Heat

Thank goodness the player number issue has been resolved!

What is the difference between the ARCA racing series and the NASCAR racing series? Just asking because I had thought that the Pocono 200 was in the same league as the Indy and Daytona 500s but when I went to the Pocono 200 site it mentioned the ARCA racing series. Wondering if they have different rules for who can race in each series because I thought it was amazing that a 17 year old had won the Pocono 200 until I saw that more than 1 17 year old was in that race. For me, it was amazing since, in the state of the US that I live in 16 year olds can get a learner's permit for driving then they can get an intermediate driver's license at 17 years old and a full driver's license at 18 years old, meaning that Chase Elliott (the 2013 winner of the Pocono 200) is not legally capable of having a full driver's license in this state which means that he cannot legally drive on normal roads without restrictions in this state but that would not necessarily apply on a race track where only professional race drivers are allowed.

ARCA "is considered a minor, but professional, league of stock car racing, perhaps two steps down from the top-level NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and one step down from that series' minor league, the NASCAR Nationwide Series."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_Racing_Club_of_America

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARCA_Racing_Series_presented_by_Menards

Thank you, RObyn Hode, that explains it well for me as to why there were at least 2 17 year olds in the Pocono 200 this year.

Bruins sweep favored Penguins and now play for the Stanley Cup.

Going in to the playoffs I thought the Penguins would pretty much walk it. Shows what I know.

The B's are playing their best at the right time. Since their miracle win over Toronto, they are 9-1 and Tuukka Rask is making people say Tim who?

How many games will it go?

Upset special... Spurs take it in 6 games!

Heat in 6 or 7. Spurs may surprise early but LeBron and Wade are too much in the crunch.

Spurs are giving them everything they can in game 1...they just jumped ahead by 7 with 2 min to go!

Is Dwyane Wade still in the league?

MUST WIN tonight for Miami. So far very close.

Not any more. The floodgates are open and lots of people wearing the same color t shirts are making a lot of noise.

Spurs need to win 2 at home now.

T.J. Quinn of ESPN's Outside the Lines reports that Major League Baseball is preparing to suspend Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez and about 20 others connected to the Biogenesis clinic in Miami.

The Biogenesis mess had seemed to calm down over the last couple months, but apparently there could be a major fallout yet to come. Quinn is reporting that founder Tony Bosch is prepared to testify against the players connected with his clinic. He also adds that A-Rod and Braun could face 100-game suspensions because of their connection to Bosch and because they lied about PED use. Bosch has previously denied any knowledge of suspected PED distribution at Biogenesis but has apparently reversed course. Gio Gonzalez, who was connected to Biogenesis, will reportedly not be suspended because he only acquired legal substances. Quinn says suspensions could come within two weeks, though most players are expected to appeal. Jun 4 - 7:45 PM

Source: ESPN.com

Woods posted his highest nine-hole score as a professional when he shot an 8-over 44 on the back nine during Saturday's third round of the Memorial Tournament. He finished with a 7-over 79.

If he's not contending to win, he seems to lose focus and doesn't care. Today, however, was really ugly for him.

Not sure who is playing but I think T-Mobile just scored against a chemical company named Evonik.

Now some guy from the chemical company has scored on a free kick after collapsing in agony when tapped by a T-Mobile guy's knee. Most shocking was his immediate recovery from this devastating injury--it took only a few seconds.

Now as the game draws to a close a curious thing is happening. Players on both sides are inexplicably falling to the ground whenever an opposing player gets near them.

T-Mobile has scored again, but strangely, the player who scored ran away from his teammates and ignored them as they tried to grab him in celebration. He appeared intent on running to the side of the pitch and gesticulating wildly toward the spectators.

Now the game is over, but they have decided to play for three more minutes.

The match has finished.

T-Mobile is Champion of Europe.

LAUGH::

I love the play by play it was better than watching the game. BRAVO!!!

Yeah, Robyn doing play by play of his own rant! lol

One major drawback of soccer becoming more popular in the United States is how many people who don't understand the beautiful game are now willing to comment on it.

If it weren't for LeBron, the Heat would find themselves down 2-0 going to Indiana.

If it weren't for him, they'd be the same place as the Lakers!

I think that's a shot!

While they no doubt will be entertaining games, the Conference Finals look to be a ratings nightmare for television. Indiana, Miami, San Antonio and Memphis aren't exactly Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Dallas.

Miami over San Antone is 5, maybe 6. Memphis got this far because of injuries to OKC. Spurs might have taken OKC to 7 if Westbrook healthy. Biggest factor this season? Possibly OKC letting Harden go.

Why does the "city" in which they play mean so much more in the NBA? The players are what makes the team. Put Green Bay up against Denver and the talk for weeks wouldn't be anything but Rodgers vs Manning. In the NBA, I hope to see LeBron try to win one more against an aging Duncan and Co. Those who only watch Boston or LA don't really care anyhow.

According to Mark Heisler, former LA Times NBA writer ( @MarkHeisler ), it doesn't matter if the teams are from New York, Chicago or Los Angeles where the largest audiences are. The NBA has signed so many long term contracts they'll make money even if Biloxi plays Yuma for the title.

Biloxi -2.5!

I pick Yuma in 6.

My membership is set to expire today so I won't be posting again for a while. So, I'll just leave off with a few miscellaneous observations.

Yankees in 1st Place - There isn't anybody on the planet other than, maybe Joe Girardi, who saw the Yankees in first place with a lineup of has-beens, re-treads, and journeymen. The season started with nearly all of their best players (and biggest earners) on the DL and the outlook was both grim and painful. It was supposed to be a season long wake. A funny thing happened on the way to the funeral parlor. They started winning games. Other teams' castoffs like Wells, Overbay and Hafner were making big contributions. Even Youkilis while his back held out. How does something like this happen? I truly believe now that there is something fateful about putting on those pinstripes that brings the best out of players who weren't getting it done elsewhere. It helps them rise to the occasion. I know a lot of people hate the Yankees but I don't know how you can hate this team.

Memphis Grizzlies - Boy, was I wrong about them. I had them written off after going down 0-2 to the Clippers. From the next game in that series, they have transformed themselves into a true championship contender. Now when I look at them, I see shades of Dallas in 2011. I think they can employ the same formula to beat the Heat if they get to the Finals. They're relentless defenders that also have an inside-out offense that is hard to defend. The combination of Gasol and Z-Bo could neutralize LeBron. First they'll need to get past San Antonio and that's a tall order in itself.

Older Players - Still getting the job done. From Ray Lewis' invincible Super Bowl run with a torn tricep to Mariano leading the league in Saves a year after tearing his ACL to Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli outlasting a tireless group of young phenoms. Moral of the story? Don't write anyone's epitaph until the body is in the grave.


Until next time!

I hope he comes back soon. I still think the Red Sox may prevail but he's right, this group of Yankees may have better chemistry.

This Yankees team reminds me of those grinder teams of the late 90s. Tough, good chemistry, refuse to lose. Lots of guys who know how to play baseball.

There's nothing I'd like to see more than the Heat lose, other than Riles getting his hair messed up and forced to wear blues jeans and a plaid shirt.

It was one thing in the 1990's and 2000's to win big with big name players, aka steroid users, but team chemistry is trending in MLB, and the Red Sox are trying to take the approach of recent champions like the Cardinals and the Giants. Guys that like each other and have skills.

The 2013 Yankees have a team in that same mold... good club house guys and team mates who get along and have major league talent.
The problem in NY is, what happens when all the "all stars" return?

It's a long season and I'm not predicting anything big in Boston... yet. But I like the team.

See you soon JerNY

C

With the last match on 19 May at West Brom. 26 seasons as manager and 13 Premier League titles, including this season. His greatest success has to be the Treble in 1998-99 when Manchester United won the FA Cup, the Premier League and in one of the most incredible finishes in history, the Champions League title over Bayern Munich when Sheringham and Solskjær scored two last minute goals to win.


The Scot is 71.

I thought you were talking about A-Roid. Got me all excited for nothing. lol Sadly, that day will never come soon enough.

They just can't get rid of ARoid.

Well, he still has a hundred years left on his deal so perhaps our great-grandchildren will live long enough to see his retirement.

Pitchers duel doubleheader in Cleveland today. Tribe won first game 1-0 and Yanks leading 1-0 in the encore.

Saw the first game. Phelps pitched well for the Yanks.

The Man.

And lose by 11.

How bad was it? They made the bruising 90s Knicks look like the Showtime Lakers.

"David beats Goliath."

Los Angeles Dodgers

2013 Team salary: $223, 867,196 (2nd)
2013 Record: 13-20 (5th). Last in NL West. 3rd Worst in NL.

Los Angeles Angels

2013 Team salary: $128,764,160. (7th)
2013 Record: 11-22 (4th). Second to last in AL West. 2nd Worst in AL.


Combined: $352,631,356. 24-42.

Its still early in the season, but those trends show that money can't buy everything in sports. Probably a lot of mismanagement there.

That's the pot calling the kettle black.

Btw, the Yankees, with 6 starters out of the lineup, are in FIRST PLACE.

I don't think there's any bigger flop in baseball right now than the Toronto Blue Daze. Never has so much transpired in the offseason translated to so little on the field. Just goes to show you that one man's trash (Marlins) is not always another man's treasure. Sometimes trash...is well, just trash.

Oh, and giving away three of your best prospects for a veteran knuckleballer to pitch in the friendliest HR park probably doesn't seem as shrewd in hindsight.

Said Marv Albert 40 years ago today.

Willis Reid? Have u heard anything about him since that period?

Three upsets in round 1. Bulls were a good pick over the Nets. Denver and clippers both proved they're not ready to be champions yet.

 East... Heat in 5 (lose 1 in Chicago) and Pacers in 6 (Already won once in NY)

West... Memphis lost the first game but I think they will prevail over the injured Thunder in 7. Spurs should win but it may go to 7 games.

Those worked out well if I do say so!

Did you win Powerball too?

Missed by the city...bought mine at the wrong Publix!

And are booed at home in loss to Pacers.

LeBron got MVP on every ballot except one for Carmello! Must have been a NY writer who couldn't stand to see a unanimous vote for the first time. Too bad as he deserved that.

Why did LeBron deserve a unanimous vote? Carmelo did more for the Knicks this year than anyone has since Patrick Ewing AND led the league in scoring. First division title in I-don't-know-how-many years and the most amount of wins in I- don't-know-how-many-years. Certainly worth a vote. He made the Knicks relevant again and did it without the benefit of having two big all-stars at his side.

Best player doesn't always mean most valuable. If LeBron couldn't play all season, the Heat would still have a winning record between Wade and Bosh. If Carmelo wasn't there, the Knicks would have been out of the playoffs. In fact they were downright terrible when he sat out.

Knicks record against Miami this year: 3-1. I think Carmelo dropped 50 in one of those game. Just saying.

That's what the reporter who voted for Melo said.

Well, he was right. This idea that nobody in the league could be possibly be more valuable to their team than just one person is illogical. Carmelo is doing with the Knicks what LeBron did with the Cavs (and LeBron won 2 MVPs as a Cav).

Brooklyn loses at home to Chicago in Game 7.

Big game for Noah.

Who called it? Who said Bulls in 7? ;) ^^^This guy.

Now they can focus on getting DH there.

Man, I have lost all respect for this guy. He's a primadonna that would rather watch his team lose at home than suit up and risk not being 'perfect.' I don't know how the fans, or the coach or his teammates can put up with his inactivity. Oh, so it's okay for everyone else on that team to play hurt, sick and tired but he can't even try to play on his knee that was healed months ago? This is not the mark of a true leader. I don't think they'll ever win a championship with this guy. If there was ever a clear reminder that he is not Michael Jordan, this is it.

It's 3-2 now.

So much for dressing in black for a funeral... LOL

It's not over until...it's over. There is no team in the league that can rise from the ashes in the middle of game like the Celtics. Almost pushed it to a Game 7. Almost. Warriors until the end. Much respect.

Now it's the Knicks and Pacers in an Eastern Conference semifinals. What decade am I in?

Reggie Miller vs John Starks!

18-7.

Pick of Eagles.

on the Lakers and Celtics. Both about to be swept right out of the playoffs in the first round.

Time to rebuild.

Nash didn't play for the Lakers tonight. Nash will be 40 next season and hasn't played a full season in two years. Time to clean house.

They could have really used that draft pick they sent to the Suns in the Nash deal. I have serious doubts about Kobe coming back before the next all-star break. He'll say that he'll be back...just like Jeter. Don't count on it. This team will never compete for a championship again in Kobe's career. If he wants that 6th ring, he's going to have to piggyback on another team after his contract's up. Maybe he'll replace Fisher in OKC.

Will they try to build around DH or let him go? His stock has fallen more than Apple this past year!!! Do the Nets even want to go after him now?

At least Apple stock will rise again.

I think this has probably been the worst year in Dwight's life. Even worse than last year in Orlando. The level of scrutiny and criticism he's been under from both media and teammates alike while trying to carry an under-performing team has been off the charts. I don't think he ever had a day of fun as a Laker. I've heard that Houston and Dallas are going to make a strong push to sign him. Will he be able to walk away from all those extra millions?

"D'you want to know how fast things change in sports? Here's how fast...
Suddenly neither the Celtics nor the Lakers, who've won half the titles in league history, can get a game in the 1st round."

Mike Lupica - Sports Reporters

Playoff are looking like a decade ago when the Lakers strolled to three titles. Only the Knicks and the Spurs can give Miami a game.

The Knicks aren't that good. Getting by a depleted Boston line up with 2 of their best starters (Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger) out for the season isn't a big feat.
And Tim Duncan's fountain of youth is about to run dry.

Just give the title to Miami and everyone else go home.

Go home... there's nothing to see here!

When Dwight Howard was ejected, they called me to play center.

Couldn't happen to a more worthy jerk! I hope his agent who was partly to blame for the "Dwightmare" over the last 2 years is happy now. Shop him around...Mark Cuban may be the only idiot who wants him now.

I guess if you don't want to be on the floor while your team in swept from the playoffs the best thing to do is get ejected early!

Just like last year when he refused to join his team on the bench during the playoffs.

C'mon, Man!

By the way, I was extremely happy that the Celtics were able to win a home game for their fans and for all of Boston. It took some timely shots from Jason Terry, but they did it. Also because that was probably the last time for the fans to watch Garnett and Pierce play together. Just have a feeling.

He fell to the second round and now goes to a team in desperate needs for a QB. Problem is he's probably not ready as a rookie and will be put into the most intense position that can be imagined. I'm not sure anyone could win as a Jet right now including Rodgers. It will be a fun ride this year.

Yeah, I had a feeling they would take him if he didn't go in the first round. Makes a lot of sense. They need a QB to replace Sanchez and getting the best one in the draft as a second rounder is a bonus. Now...Sanchez will have competition. My guess is that Sanchez will start the first half while Geno gets up to speed and then takes over. They also took the best corner in the draft, too. So far, so good.

Sanchez is the finest quarterback in the NFL today.

At least they didn't take Barkley and create a glut of USC poster boys. lol

He is a quarterback of singular brilliance. Capable of completing passes not only to open receivers but also open defenders. His is a rare talent.

As for Barkley, few collegians have made such brilliant career moves as he did last season.

Maybe someday he'll be like another player with a bad draft day...who just signed a $110M extension for an added 5 years. The best get paid accordingly.

Pack took one of the best RBs in the draft. Always helps to mix in the ground game.

Jets traded their 4th rd pick to the Saints for a RB that was buried in their depth chart but has starter talent.

Packers have tried many at RB over the past few years but none lasted. I hope he does.

With Russell Westbrook's torn meniscus and impending surgery, the only team capable of extending the Heat has lost a key player.

Are the playoffs essentially over now?

It may have been close with him, now the fat lady can sing!

Whaaaaat? When did this happen? I'll have to go check this out. It did seem like he got hurt in the last game but then he shook it off.

If this is true, this opens the door wide open for the rest of the West. Personally I never thought OKC could beat Miami. The Heat thumped them in both regular season games. However, I think other teams like the Nuggets or Clippers or San Antonio are tougher match-ups.

The way Westbrook plays, I'm surprised he hasn't torn his ACL. It's not a coincidence that these injuries happen to these guys like Rose and Rondo. It's their manic, contortionist style of driving to the basket in traffic. A human knee is not designed for that kind of movement. It's a matter of time. It'll happen to John Wall and Kyrie Irving, too.

It may open the door wide open for the West, but whomever steps through that door will get their hat handed to them by the Heat.

Not necessarily. They wouldn't just roll over the three teams that I mentioned as possible opponents. Let's not forget that the Eastern Conference is a joke. Jordan's Bulls once upon a time had to go through a gauntlet to get to the Finals, but that is not the case anymore for Miami. Their overall record would not be as good if they had to play in the West.

I only wish Derrick Rose would stop being a worry wart and get back on the court with his El Toros.

For links to Biogenesis Steroid Clinic, the same clinic that ARoid and Roid Braun were involved with.

So far, 7 home court wins (8th will be over soon) and only one game close. Let's just move on to round 2!

After watching the Spurs-Lakers game two things came to mind:

The Lakers can't beat San Antonio and may not win a game.

The Spurs can't beat Oklahoma City and may not win two games.

So far it's gone almost by the script, but one team has really surprised me. The Clippers. They're playing on another level and make the Grizz seem slow and sluggish. Even the final score of the second game belies the dominance of LA. Can't see it going to seven games anymore.

Chicago got first road win in NY. That may be the only 7 game series.

The Celt's are toast. Go Bruins!

For the sake of competitive basketball, let's all hope that Chicago advances to play Miami. They're tough enough to give LeBron & Co. a lot of headaches. The Nets would be way too easy for them.

The Celtics offense is an embarrassment to Bill Russell and Larry Bird. Two straight games where they just died in the second half. It was like watching the Knicks play a team of ghosts.

Boston defeats Kansas City.

Neil Diamond flew in to Boston from Los Angeles this morning and showed up at Gate B at Fenway Pahk, er... Park, and asked, "Can I come in and sing?"
The young lady at the ticket booth replied, "Shewah thing Mista Diamond... what song are you goin' ta sing?"



BOSTON wins!

Good times never seemed so good!...

While our hearts and minds are with the city of Boston and the victims of the tragedy, it is time for the NBA Playoffs...

First thought, no on will seriously challenge the Heat in the East. I doubt a team can take them to 6 games. The Knicks might make it 6, but now they have to get by a fired up Boston team, and that may not happen.

The Lakers lucked out and as the seventh seed will play the Spurs. They would have gone out quickly in 4 against the Thunder. They may still go out in 4 without Kobe. But they are playing well now and Gasol is dominating.

Wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls knock of Brooklyn.

Golden State will exit quickly vs Nuggets.

Clippers vs Grizzlies in the first round will be epic.

My annual analysis and predictions. Eastern Conference edition.

HEAT vs BUCKS

What a joke on all the fans of basketball. Milwaukee is one of the least deserving playoff teams of all time. Six games under .500 while playing totally uninspired basketball down the stretch. The 1-8 match-up is always potentially the least interesting of the first round. This year it's just a mockery. It's why I think they should seriously consider revamping the way they match up teams in the playoffs. Why should anyone have to sit through such a lopsided series? Miami could sit all their starters and still sweep the Bucks. It's a joke.

Miami in 4

KNICKS vs CELTICS

This is without a doubt the worst Boston team since the pre-Garnett era and the best Knicks team in almost 20 years. New York can dominate the Celtics on both sides of the floor. The series shouldn't be as close and tight as everyone assumes it will be based on Boston's track record. I just can't see the Celtics pulling the rabbit out of the hat in this one. All eras end sometime. Pierce and Garnett are only human with a lot of mileage. Carmelo Anthony is in his prime, playing MVP-level basketball and has that 'look' in his eyes.

Knicks in 5

PACERS vs HAWKS

Indiana really fell to earth in a hurry. What was once a formidable challenger to Miami has since regressed to mediocrity. Somewhere along the line they lost their confidence. Especially Paul George. He's their budding star and if he doesn't score 20 points or more, they tend to lose those games. I would be really worried for them if they were playing anybody else in the first round. Fortunately for them, they get the Hawks. If there's any team that epitomizes mediocrity, it's the Hawks. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. With or without Joe Johnson.

Indiana in 6

BULLS vs NETS

In the eternal debate, what wins games more - offense or defense? I think these two teams will hash that argument out over seven games. The Nets offense versus the Bulls defense. It makes me wonder much home court advantage can you have in a new city in your first year. Do Brooklynites feel that passionate about a team they've only known for six months? I feel bad for the loyal NJ fans that ached and groaned with this team for so many years. The untimely death of Drazen Petrovic and his unlimited potential. Two back-to-back Finals failures against the West Coast dynasties of Los Angeles and San Antonio. Is this the year the pain ends? No. There's defenses and then there's Chicago. Isiah Thomas, himself, said this Bulls team reminds him the most of his old Pistons. High praise from a sworn enemy.

Bulls in 7

The Deer shouldn't be anywhere near the playoffs and I think you're right, the Miami bench could sweep them.

But da Celtics (as Tommy Heinsohn used to call them) may be tougher than you think.

Yes, the Celtics could be inspired by recent events. Just like the Yankees were in 2001

Yankees lost in 2001. Tragedy will win the hearts of your opponents, but they'll still come out and beat you. This Boston team is a shadow of what it was from 2008-2010. The Knicks are not a fluke. It was a long time before I bought into them, myself, but I believe that Anthony will carry this team on his back as far as the conference finals.

Yankees lost on the last out, because Torre pulled his infield in and should have left it out with Mo on the mound.

I agree with all except I think the Nets will take the Bulls in 7.

I think Game 7 is at Ebbets Field, so it will be tough for the Bulls.

THUNDER vs ROCKETS

The absolute antithesis of the Heat and Bucks. This is everything you could ask for in a 1-8 match-up. Energy, excitement and the return of the prodigal son (Harden). In some ways, the Rockets are what the Thunder were a few years ago. Hungry, high scoring upstarts attacking the establishment. Now the Thunder are the establishment. Perhaps one day these two teams will meet as equals. For now it will be great entertainment as OKC begins their road to a rematch with Miami.

Thunder in 5

SPURS vs LAKERS

Imagine if Ali and Frazier had decided to duke it out one more time years after the Thrilla in Manila. Two old warriors content to fight each other rather than try to catch their breath against another up-and-comer. This may be the last time in the Kobe/Timmy era that we'll see these two fading dynasties play a series of relevance. I think San Antonio is as relieved to play LA as LA is to play them. They know what to expect from each other - no surprises. Slow, half-court basketball. Only one glaring absence: Kobe. Is it Dwight's time? Is this now Dwight's team? He and Pau can rebound every ball in the arena. This will be a big problem for the Spurs...but not enough of a one to suppress their system that gets the ball to the right person at the right time.

Spurs in 6

NUGGETS vs WARRIORS

Yawn. This series bores the daylights out of me. Warriors seem like a one-trick pony to me with Curry. They live and die with him. David Lee is the reigning human double-double and the real backbone of their offense. You know what he's going to give you, regardless of Curry. What about the rest of the team? I think Denver breezes through this series so long as they don't lose any more key players to injuries. They are the team that I think OKC does not want to face in the conference finals.

Nuggets in 5

CLIPPERS vs GRIZZLIES

If the Spurs and Lakers are graying champions in their last bout, then these two are heavyweights in their primes beating the stuffing out of one another. Is there any chance that this series doesn't go the distance? This is the kind of fight that every kid wanted to see in the schoolyard. Both big, both strong and both nasty. This is the fight that keeps going until some teacher comes running to break it up. Boooo! No fair. Can't we give them nine games? I forecast the same result as last year. The bench is the tiebreaker.

Clippers in 7

I think I agree with all those picks.

These are almost all sure bets. Next round will br more challenging.

Tonight New York stands with Boston after the tragic events that occurred during the Boston Marathon yesterday.
Thank you New York... that was pretty cool.

During the Red Sox @ Indians game tonight, Cleveland opened the game with 'Sweet Caroline', and in Milwaukee, they played the theme song from the old TV sit-com, 'Cheers'.

And in NY, in the middle of the 3rd inning, they played 'Sweet Caroline', and it was amazing to see so many fans wearing NY Yankee's garb singing along with the lyrics to the song... and pumping their fists when it was time to sing "Whoa Whoa Whoa!"

For one day, there is no rivalry.

We all stand with Boston in this tragedy. We are all Red Sox fans. We are one nation.

I am so proud of the citizens, and guests, of the City of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in their response to this horrific act of cowardliness.
Tonight, The Boston Bruins host The Buffalo Sabers and the pre-game rendition of The National Anthem was sung by the entire building... chocked me up and brought tears to my eyes.

BOSTON STRONG

Cowards never win in the Land of Brave.

Go Bruins!

617 is the area code for Boston.

said Jim Nance as Adam Scott wins the Masters.

Smile, Greg Norman.

I couldn't be happier than to see him win. He has great talent and lost some close ones in the past. this will make him better.

Have subscribed to MLB.TV since 2009. You can watch it on your computer, phone, tablet or Roku/Apple box on your TV. Here's a screen capture from the game today--from my laptop.



The streaming Roku/Apple boxes don't allow all the options that the computer version does.

Here's the ultimate four game view:

Will he rise again? Every player talks about "leaving it all on the court," but nobody has left more limbs behind than Kobe. This is what will define him more than the stats and championships.

He'll be back. Like MJ, he is the ultimate competitor. What he will be at 35 or 36 is another story. Look at Chauncey Billups.

This is perhaps the worst injury possible. A broken bone heals completely but an Achilles tear never totally heals. If he comes back, he won't be able to jump and leap like he can now. I agree though that if anyone can do it, he will.
The bigger question is why he insisted and his coach allowed him to play every minute of the last few games. They weren't going to be able to win it all this year. Give it a try but don't risk this type of injury which is clearly related to overuse and not proper rest. He may think he's Superman but he's really human like the rest of us.

Unbelievable! The 14 year old 8th grader from China, Tianlang Guan, not only qualified for the Masters, he made the cut including a 1 stroke penalty for "slow play". He's now tied with last years champion, Bubba Watson, and beat some well known players like Ian Poulter and Hunter Mahan. This story is truly unbelievable and he becomes the youngest player to not only play in a major tournament but to make the cut.

He was preselected by the government when he was an embryo and trained 22 hours a day since birth.

Don't they have any age restrictions for participants? A 14 year old is still a child and should not be thrust into competition with adults - even if they have the physical talent. A 14 year old brain is still a 14 year old brain, even in the company of adults; and they should not be subjected to the kind of mental pressure that is part of playing at a world class tournament. They're already going to be under separate pressure to prove themselves as a sideshow curiosity for the viewing audience.

What is the rush lately with pushing younger and younger people into professional sports? There is nothing wrong with dominating at the junior level until your brain development catches up with your body. It's a question of mental health and there are plenty of cautionary tales.

The Masters has always invited amateurs who win certain qualifying tournaments to enter. Remember, Bobby Jones was an amateur and never turned professional and this is his tournament. Guan won the Asia-Pacific Amateur last year and thus got an automatic qualification.

What do you think of that time violation?

He had multiple warnings so it's appropriate. His caddie, if experienced, should have helped him avoid it however by keeping him up to the needed pace.
Tiger, however, got an unfair break and should have been DQ'd!

What was the deal with Tiger's drop?

The rule called for him to drop "as close as possible" to the point from which he hit the shot that went into the water. He consciously dropped it, as he said, 2 yards back which was a violation. He then signed his card without adding the 2 stroke penalty. The masters committee then today added the 2 strokes to his card from yesterday. By all rights, he could have been DQ'd for signing an incorrect card but they allowed this. Would they have given someone else the same break...who knows? You can read all the details on the Golf Channel on line.

Bill Dwyre in the LA Times said he should have done the honorable thing today and withdraw.

that was my humble opinion as well. If he was ever to win, this would have an "*" after it!

We're not talking about just an 'amateur.' He's a kid. Even if he's a prodigy, he's still a kid. There are serious pitfalls for a talented kid trying to swim with sharks. We've already seen what happens to a lot of them in show business. Anyway, that's my stance on it.

Baseball...warm days, hotdogs, bright sun. Wear your team's shirt. Lean back and relax and bask in the sun...


Except

in Chicago

i think the louisville press late in the game will be the difference. michigan will look good early l'ville will win

I agree...and Michigan is running better tonight than against the Syracuse zone. This will be exciting with lots of scoring and lead changes along the way.

Sir Charles made a good point about the guards. Louisville's guards are small and Michigan's are big. This will allow the Michigan guards to pass over the top of the guard pressure...but this Spike Albrecht is taking over this game right now with the 3s!

Another 3/3 on 3's!!! And he seldom played all year.

Oh c'mon! Dribbles behind his back and pops the 3 from 25 with a hand in his face????

Just hope he wakes up. It's not as easy as he makes it look. He's absolutely the difference so far.

Absolutely. You can't predict something like this. Similar to Shane Battier hitting 3s in the NBA Championship--but we've heard of Shane. Who is this guy?

It's a Two Man Game!

Albrecht vs Hancock!


Louisville leads!

That run at the end of the half makes this a game again. Second half will be great.

This second half is some of the most intense play I've seen in a college game. It's almost at the NBA level. Louisville is trying to close it out but Michigan not giving up.

Great game. Played at the highest level.

Good call golf!

Champs!

One of the key moments occurred before the game when Doug Gottlieb predicted Michigan would win. He has been consistently wrong. He's like the guy who sold his Apple stock in 2001.

Thanks. Louisville had the best overall team and the #1 ranking at the end of the year...then proved it in a really terrific game by both teams.

Kellogg said what you said when Louisville started to stretch the lead in the second half. The relentless pressure of Louisville started to tire Michigan. Only Trey Burke had anything left at the end and that was because he sat 12 minutes in the first half.

I don't think it was the pressure because there weren't that many turnovers. It was Peyton Siva and his ball skills. It was his game. Simple as that; then there was the little matter of Hancock's 3s to close the gap in the first.

Michigan didn't get enough from McGary. The difference could have been more production from him. He had foul trouble that led to L-Ville opening up some distance.

Swamp Fox, I feel your pain. Tonight we rooted for the same team. How can that school suffer any more heartbreak? What a game, though, what a game. You'll be seeing those Michigan players again, though. At least 3 of them will become NBA players and Burke will for sure be a lottery pick. Probably a few from Louisville, too.

McGary didn't contribute much because of Behanan. Only Burke was contributing at the end for Michigan.

Curious to see if McGary declares for the draft. This stinging loss might leave a bad enough taste in his mouth to come back for another year. On the other hand, he's a lock for the first round right now. Unless Burke decides to return, which is extremely unlikely, there probably isn't much incentive to stay since they won't be nearly as good without Burke. It's very hard to return to a championship game and even if you do, there are no guarantees (Fab Five - 1993). Though it would be nice if it were a silly afterthought for underclassmen to stay in college, but that is not the world we live in anymore.

What team do you think would be best for him?

It depends. Have to see what the draft order will be after they do the lottery. The pre-draft workouts are going to be very important this year because there's no clear-cut best player. Some mock drafts have Ben McElmore (Kansas) and others have Nerlen Noels (Kentucky). There are no game changers in this draft. The positions of players will probably change all the way up to draft day.

Incidentally, if the Lakers don't make the playoffs, then the Suns are going to have two lottery picks. LA is going to have to trade into the first round. They can't build a future on second round picks and if Howard doesn't resign, it's going to get ugly over there.

Carolina, can you pick some numbers for me for the next Powerball?

Congratulations to Louisville for winning The 2013 NCAA National Mens Basketball Championship!

There are soo many reasons, but it does not matter. Michigan played an awesome game and I for one are very proud of them.

The true winners were the fans. For 3 hrs last night, this "game" held the nation on the edge of thier seats.

This "Instant Classic" will be talked about for years ! Both teams played their hearts out and never gave up. That My Friends is PRICELESS

A Nation Thanks You SWAMP FOX 

You said it all right there.

Now will see if Syracuse is made of the same stuff as Louisville. Michigan leads Syracuse at the half.

Those 3's by Michigan from almost half court have been killers!

Michigan seems to have no offensive strategy in the second half other than to pass the ball around the perimeter and take 25 foot shots.

Set some picks, throw the ball in and kick it out, cut through the lane...

Duke sliced and diced West Virginia's vaunted zone the year they won it all. Michigan can't rely on outside shots. They need to force some Syracuse fouls.

Live and die by the 3...

Finally, they are waking up. The 15 footer from the side of the the free throw line is always open in the 2-3. The guards pull the 2 out and the forwards or forward/center set up in low posts to draw the 3 back toward the basket and the hole is there!

it's almost like Phil Jackson's Triangle Offense.

Michigan played better overall but those 2 terrible foul calls that took Carter - Williams and Triche out of the game decided it. CBS gets the finals match up they wanted with a little help!

My pick is correct. Duke vs Georgetown, just as I thought. :-/

McGary could be the #1 overall pick in the draft if he declares for it. He nearly got a triple double and that is almost unheard of for a 6'10 heavyweight. I had to listen to the game on the radio because CBS isn't working on my cable system. Anyway, John Thompson Sr, the former (and iconic) Georgetown coach was part of the play-by-play team and he absolutely raved over McGary. Kept repeating how much he was impressed with him. He knows a little something about big men.

But I was also totally unimpressed with supposed "POY" Trey Burke. He did very little tonight.

Wow What a Game ! Both Teams left all they had on the court. Cuse impressed me with their dixcipline; talent, leadership, expierience, coaching, height and smothering zone, that made Mi completely confused, and overwhelmed .... This team Won The Big East? I don't see how they lost any games ...

Michigan showed their youth. The are the youngest team in the 64 team field. They finished 5th in the Big 10 . Just one senior on the team, a 3rd string center... Their top players are POTY Burke-Soph, Hardaway - Jt. , Stauskis, Mc Gary, Robinson, Horford, Lavert etc are all Freshman.

Mi is too young to be scared, they impervise, adapt to what they do best ... havoc... They are all great players, take Burke drives away and somebody gotta be hot with the 3's .... or McGary, he has only startd the last 5-6 games has played awesome, is too young and improving and still learning. Simply put a V_E_R_Y Y_O_U_N_G T_E_A_M ...

I actually thought Cuse would stomp em ... But somehow Mi held it together and made the plays they needed when they needed them. Somebody stepped up. It does not matter , to them if it was POTH or the 4th guy off the bench!

Mi vs Lousville should be great. Both teams luv to run and gun . That is Mi strength! Will Mi youth show up and buckle under the pressure?? This will be the deciding factor of this game ... Should be fun to watch!

" GO BLUE "

Should be fun to watch but Louisville will win. If the game is close, their full court pressure which is far better than Syracuse will take control. Michigan wins if all their 30' 3's go in...not a great formula for success.

I would rate this a toss-up. You have not seen Burke break a press. VCU did..LOL Some good ball handlers on Mi team. You have not seen what Trey or Hardaway can do, as they took the pressure off the others to win the game. This game you will see Burke and Hardaway for 20 each ... Mi has tthe better TEAM ... but will the pressure and inexpierence, from the coaches down to all the young players , doom this team?? I donno?? Anyone hear a line?

"GO BLUE"

Current line is Louisville (-3.5), so a slight favorite. Michigan is on a high but Louisville has felt they were the best all year and are out to prove it. I still think Pitino has the edge on experience and deeper talent. But if Michigan can hit those almost half court 3's, who knows!

Sooo Mi has em right where they want them .. overconfident! True Louisville has better coaching and developed talent. Mi has nothing to lose .... It is either gonna be a Loiusville blowout or a Mich by a bucket.... IFFFF Mi can play their game and not just be happy with what they acomplished.. With freshmen who knows??

""GO BLUE""

They don't have to just hit 3s, they can bang Louisville inside all day with McGary. Do not discount this team. They have more natural talent than Louisville. They've already shown their mettle against three very tough teams in Kansas, Florida and Syracuse. Louisville has pretty much coasted through this tournament so I think Michigan has the edge in perseverance.

Their young team will end up just like the "Fab 5"...a little short of the title! Just my opinion, but we'll all find out soon enough.