Troubles ? Yes me too !

< Troubles ? Yes me too !

At diverging ends of the same kaleidoscope within the world of baseball we have two teams , both seeking to achieve the same goals his season . For the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays , this could prove to be a make or break season for both of these esteemed franchises . Both teams are barely playing .500 ball within the league standings with the Dodgers firmly rooted at the bottom of the NL West with a 17-22 record , forty games into the MLB season . For Joe Maddon and the Rays , this season has simply been one of sheer inconsistency , with the team now having lost their AL Cy Young Award winner from 2012 , David Price (1-4, 5.24 ERA ) for what appears to short but most definitely acute period , where he will be sorely missed from the team’s starting lineup, as he will be placed on the team’s DL . Not the sort of start that the fans had envisaged for the ball club coming into the season.

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At the same point last year things were somewhat different for both teams in terms of their standing at the time . Joe Maddon came into the season with what was adjudged to be the best pitching lineup in baseball , with a league leading 3.19 ERA in 2012 , yet this season things are not quite what they should be as it relates to the team’s pitching within the AL . With Price now on the fifteen-day DL , spearheading the lineup of the Rays’ starting pitching , will be Moore (7-0, 2.44) , whose surprising start to the season , has him amongst the top pitchers in the AL as well as within MLB , itself .

If this Tampa Bay Rays’ team is to have any chance of having a successful season , then for all sense and purpose the level of their play will have to be raised from beyond its current . Long considered to be the Rays’ best player and the presumptive leader in the clubhouse . I have always felt that Evan Longoria , undoubtedly a tremendous player , I believe him to be lacking in the skills needed to be viewed as a leader on this roster . A prodigious talent , the Rays drafted the third baseman as their first overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft . In the subsequent years Longoria has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Rays both on and off the field of play . He is now the highest paid player on the Rays’ roster and amongst the highest paid third baseman in the game. Albeit , that he will have a long way to go in order to match the reputed $29 million that the New York Yankees will have to pay the sidelined , and often controversial Alex Rodriguez , the game’s highest paid player on an annual basis . Clearly a case , where reputation rather than apparent talent is a constant reminder why the game of baseball remains devoid of financial expediency amongst the team owners and general managers .

Although the Rays are 6-4 in their last ten games , a two-game losing streak , is clearly representative of the ongoing problems facing Joe Maddon and his managerial staff , as they close out the first quarter of their arduous 162 game schedule . And the team’s most recent game was a narrow defeat suffered at the hands of their divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox , a team that seems to have rebounded under the presence their recently installed manager John Farrell . Joe Maddon will now take his to Camden Yards to face the Baltimore Orioles in a three game series , with the first of those games taking place on Friday , in what is sure to be a highly competitive match-up. Taking the mound will be Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 5.25 ERA) of the Rays facing off against Jason Hammel (5-1, 4.93 ERA) .

Already 4 ½ games behind the division leading New York Yankees (25-16) within the AL East , the division is likely to become either a three of four-way dogfight , if the Orioles can play themselves into the mix to join the Red Sox , Yankees and Rays as part of this all-our guerrilla warfare that is likely to take place between this quartet of teams over the course of the season . I think that is pretty safe to say , that in spite of the off-season splash made by the Toronto Blue Jays in acquiring Jose Reyes and R A Dickey , that organization is simply bereft of intelligence , overall talent , but above all , managerial acumen !

How this season goes for the Los Angeles Dodgers and what they are able to achieve , could go a long way in determining whether or not Don Mattingly and his managerial staff are retained at the end of this year . With a splash being made after the franchise was acquired for an astonishing $2.15 billion , it has to stated that with an ownership group that includes Magic Johnson , Hollywood mogul Peter Guber , and billionaire venture capitalists , Todd S Boehly and Mark Walters , expectations are understandably high. . Anything short of the MLB postseason will be seen as a major disappointment for the organization but most notably the fans . For a team with one of the largest payrolls in baseball , success for the Dodgers will be measured by the number of World Series titles that this organization believe that they can amass . And for the Los Angeles Dodgers whose last postseason appearance came in 2009 , in the NLCS , which came with a lopsided 4-1 series’ loss to the Philadelphia Phillies .

Almost forty games into their schedule the Dodgers are a ghastly (17-22) , looking up at the San Diego Chargers (18-22) , Colorado Rockies (21-20) , Arizona Diamondbacks (23-18) and the division leading and defending NL West champions the San Francisco Giants (24-17) . With almost $90 million tied up in players on the team’s DL , it is easy to understand why the Dodgers had their woes this season , just prior to the return of Zack Greinke . A case could be made that the team’s failure are simply because of the unforeseen injuries to a number of mainline starters . Yet with a roster that is literally filled with All Stars at several positions , this should not be the excuses one would expect to hear anyone on the coaching staff , much less from a front office executive or the players themselves .

The Dodgers will be tested this weekend , when they begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium , in Atlanta , Georgia , over the next three days. On the mound in the first of the three scheduled games , will be Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers against Paul Maholm of the Braves . If there is another case to be made for Don Mattingly and the team’s woes , then it would have to be the anemic lack of run productivity from the team’s alleged potent offense . With a team ERA of .261 , the Dodgers at this point of the season have a lowly 127 runs batted in (RBI’s) , an NL low and ranking them next to last in the league , just above the woefully inept Miami Marlins . Hard to imagine that being adjoined to this team , given the makeup of the roster and the prodigious talent that makes up the offense . Matt Kemp looks a pale shadow of himself compared to last season , whereas, the always consistent Adrian Gonzalez is simply doing what he does best , and that is to hit and create runs . And this season from an offensive standpoint , Gonzalez has proven to be the Dodgers’ best player , by far .

If these are signs of desperate times, then I would have to say that in spite to a solid start to their season , the Texas Rangers remain under a great deal of pressure to succeed . In two of the last four seasons this organization has stepped unto the game’s grandest stage and simply come up short . In 2010 and 2011 , back to back seasons , the Rangers under manager Ron Washington played in the World Series , and the fact that on both occasions , the manager’s teams were simply no match for the San Francisco Giants or the St Louis Cardinals . Both seasons with then team President , Nolan Ryan in charge , a team that w as built under Ryan’s expressed wishes , with the ambition to garner that elusive title . No expense was spared to lavish millions on players who were thought to be in their prime or on the cusp of meeting that goal. GM Jon Daniels , was merely the puppet , as the marionette Nolan Ryan pulled all of the strings needed .

From my own perspective, I believe that the Rangers will be hard pressed to replicate their divisional success of the past few seasons . Last year , for 157 days of the 182 days that the baseball season on view. It was simply a spectacle for those in attendance for many of the games , many of us were privileged to witness the team`s dominance of the AL West . Yet over the last ten days of their season imploded, as they succumbed to the Oakland A`s on the final day of the regular season, and in doing so , lost their divisional title . Last year , for 157 days of the 182 days that the baseball season was simply a spectacle for those in attendance of the games , many of us were privileged to witness the team`s dominance of the AL West . Yet over the last ten days of their season imploded, as they succumbed to the Oakland A`s on the final day of the regular season, and in doing so , lost their divisional title . That meltdown on the final day of the regular season led to the ramifications , as during the off-season, we saw the removal of Nolan Ryan from his position as team President , albeit that he still retains a minority stake in the franchise as an owner . Ryan relinquished his role in all day-to-day personnel decisions, which will now be left in the hands of Jon Daniels and team manager Ron Washington . The Hall of Fame pitcher , will now be with Rangers in merely an advisory and consultancy role , without any real authority whatsoever .

For the Rangers ,in spite of the doubters , because many believed that a number of their off-season moves including the trade of Josh Hamilton , might well have hindered the progress of the team. Instead , the performances of Yu Darvish , has the fans simply forgetting about the players who left during this past off-season . On Friday the Rangers will play host to the Detroit Tigers for a weekend three game set at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington , Texas . With each team, seeking supremacy within their division, this series should make for an interesting insight into the ambitions of both of these highly respected ball clubs.

It would be correct to suggest that last season Washington Nationals` GM Mike Rizzo , erred , when he made the decision to end the season of pitcher Stephen Strasburg far too early than was needed . With the player being placed on a pitch count, the decision was made that Strasburg would pitch no more than one hundred and eighty-five innings for the entire 2012 season . That decision in essence, cut what hopes and aspirations the team ad for the postseason and it simply sent the wrong message to Strasburg`s teammates and to the Nationals` fans . No amount of excuses from manager Davey Jonson or the downright asinine assertion , that the shutting down of the player was for his own well-being and good . Harper`s innings` count would end up at 159.1 innings for the year and the subsequent belief still remains that the loss of Strasburg for the postseason led to the Nationals` downfall.

For Stephen Strasburg and teammate Bryce Harper , as the two stalwarts of the current roster , as the duo along with Gio Gonzalez are seen as the long-term future and their of their championship aspirations. This season both of the aforementioned stars have suffered rather serious injuries during games. And remarkably, neither Davey Johnson or Mike Rizzo have sought to have either Harper or Strasburg removed from the games in question . Kind of idiotic , when you consider how much fuss was being made over Stephen Strasburg and his long-term health. So I guess with hindsight you can teach two old dogs a trick after-all ! And that is ow not to make a complete ass of yourself while trying to safeguard your image and baseball intellect . This season the Nationals have gotten off to something of an inauspicious start , yet they remain within striking distance of the Atlanta Braves in the NL East , as they seek to make a successful defense of their divisional title .

The NL East should prove to be an interesting duel between the Braves and Nationals in terms of their play and ultimately their regular season meetings in 2013 should prove to be pivotal , as both seek to earn a playoff berth this postseason .

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Picture gallery for your perusal .

One quarter of the way through the MLB season , what if anything has stood out most for you in terms of the play of the teams and what do you hope to see from the ball clubs in the lead-up to the MLB All Star Game in 2013 ? By all means, simply leave a comment as you see fit .

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(1) Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) celebrates with teammates Jordan Schafer (17) and Andrelton Simmons (19) after hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, May 17, 2013 in Atlanta. Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis looks on at right. AP Photo/John Bazemore …

(2) Los Angeles Dodgers’ Nick Punto is forced out at second base by Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla (26) after a Matt Kemp ground ball in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 17, 2013, in Atlanta. The Braves would defeat the Dodgers 8-5 . AP Photo/John Bazemore …

(3) Tampa Bay Rays’ Ben Zobrist , left,connects for a double against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of a baseball game , Friday, May 17, 2013, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton …..

(4) BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 17: Evan Longoria (3) of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with manager Joe Maddon (70) after scoring in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 17, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images …

(5) Bryce Harper is seen ere alongside Nationals` manager Davey Johnson and a team medical assistant , as he is escorted off the field having suffered a mild concussion . AP Photo /Matt Palmer ….

(6) Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo , left, talks with manager Davey Johnson during batting practice at Nationals Park, Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, in Washington. The Nationals host the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League baseball division series Wednesday. The best-of-five series is tied 1-1. < AP Photo/Alex Brandon ….

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tophatal …….. 05/17/2013

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MLB news and team by team news

MLB important dates

MLB transactions

MLB standings and wildcard standings

MLB schedule

MLB results 16th May

MLB results 17th May

MLB probable pitchers (05/17/12013)

MLB probable pitchers 18th May

This week in MLB history and on this date (05/17) in MLB history

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Hot chic pic of the day actress Sharon Leal .

You asked my opinion and now I’m giving it to you , nothing has changed

You asked my opinion and now I’m giving it to you , nothing has changed

What looked as if it would prove to be an exciting NBA postseason , is now turning out to be a horrendous nightmare not only for a number of favored teams who harbored championship ambitions , but it could also lead to a monumental nightmare for the television ratings and become a major catastrophe for NBA hierarchy led by Commissioner David Stern . Nonetheless , the league will now have to go with what now appears to be its only plotl-ine left , and that is the possible successful defense by the Miami Heat and the title they won in 2012 .

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With Stern , due to step down from his position in February of 2014 , it was widely known that he wanted to step down on a career-high, after twenty-five years as the NBA Commissioner . He will be succeeded by his able second in command , Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver . Though this postseason doesn’t appear to be have been clouded by any major controversies , it must be said that once again the officiating this postseason once again remains as inconsistent as it has ever been and as we have all known to be in recent years . Players and coaches , have ran afoul of the league officials , with financial penalties being levied against the perceived culprits . And as usual , David Stern has remained staunchly supportive of the referees , even when their errors have come to light.

The Miami Heat have simply cake-walked through this postseason , easily dispatching their first round opponents the Milwaukee Bucks with effortless ease . In their conference semifinals’ showdown with an injury ravaged Chicago Bulls’ …. roster , LeBron James and his teammates , merely toyed with the Bulls this second round series , albeit , that they lost just one game , in that best of seven games series . At 7-1 this , postseason , Erik Spoelstra seems to have his team playing at a high octane level , ready to place their foot on the gas , as and when needed . James for his part has raised the level of his play , more so , now in the postseason , than at any time during the regular season .

Having come through that series against the Chicago Bulls unscathed , the Miami Heat now await , the series’ victors between the number the two seeded , New York Knicks , who are fighting off elimination against a determined Indiana Pacers’ team , coached by Frank Vogel . And for the teary-eyed Knicks’ fans who have now been inexplicably silenced by their team’s inept play in this series . Well, let’s just say , that when praise is due, it ought to be given and where criticism is warranted , then take it like a man , stop with your goddamn bitching and whining as to what might have been .

There is no doubt in convention circles , that this series against the Bulls would have been far more interesting had the Heat faced , Derrick Rose , Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich , a trio of players who in part , have been sideline during the postseason , due to various injury woes. Inasmuch as head coach Tom Thibodeau , might well be disappointed , he saw in several of his players , a grit and determination that he can build on for the future . And amongst the players , who I believe will be an integral part of the team’s long-term future, will be Jimmy Butler ! He proved to be a defensive stalwart , albeit , the team faced a Heat with a great deal of offensive fire power. Thibodeau also , can take pride that in Joakim Noah , he seems to have found someone who is not afraid to play with gusto , while leading by example . It now also raises the question , can and when Derrick Rose chooses to return , will or would he , be willing to defer his leadership role to Noah ? My own thoughts are , the point guard did his teammates and the Bulls’ organization no favors in being none committal concerning whether or not he would be a willing participant in the postseason . It would be remiss also , to overlook the contributions of Rose’s replacement this off season , diminutive point guard , Nate Robinson .

With the Bulls’ abrupt departure , it now leaves now speculating , which of the two teams left , now said to be slugging it out , will be or would prove enough of a formidable opponent for the Miami Heat , as they are now a mere eight games away from repeating as NBA champions ? In each of their regular season meetings with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks , Erik Spoelstra’s team were definitely tested in each of the match-ups in question. In their regular season series’ meetings with the Pacers , Miami were on the wrong side of the loss column , 1-2 this past season . And in their always highly contested meetings with the New York Knicks , once again the match-up would lead to another regular season deficit (1-3) for the Heat . Yet this is the postseason , a time where nothing can be left to chance , and where the circumstances will be entirely different , with their being so much at stake . The odds-makers in Las Vegas will undoubtedly make the Miami Heat the prohibitive favorites in either of the series’ match-ups in question .

Now if someone can explain to me how a team that finished atop of their division , the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference , with a mark of 58-24 , some five games ahead of their closes divisional rivals , the Brooklyn Nets (49-33), can then suddenly in the wake in what do not appear to be insurmountable odds , seemingly fall apart , in the way that the New York Knicks have done ? Was it not enough that all season long their all too obnoxious fans, were simply lauding this team , as if they were the second coming of the era , during which the franchise led by Patrick Ewing were deemed perennial contenders within the Eastern Conference. Instead , but for their first round series’ victory , this team would not have been viewed a passable imitation of a varsity basketball team . No excuses , here it is , the New York Knicks are vastly overrated , upon which their play is solely based upon the offensive prowess of Carmelo Anthony , with their being little if any, overall leadership ability being shown by anyone on the entire roster .

Called upon to now show their mental and physical fortitude , the Knicks find themselves adrift in the midst of sheer ambivalence , and some rather asinine statements , forthcoming from members of the playing and coaching staff, as to the reasons why they now find themselves in a 3-1 hole to the Indiana Pacers . And if that were not enough , Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson , has to be in apoplexy as to why his team has been so poor in their defensive assignments . Nowhere, has this been more evident , than in this series against the Pacers . Roy Hibbert is being made to look like an All Star , while David West , Paul George , George Hill are making the core of this Knicks’ roster look their age . AARP would feel proud and privileged enough to make Marcus Camby (39) , Jason Kidd (40) , Kenyon Martin (36) , Amare` Stoudemire (31) and Pablo Prigioni (35) early paid up members of the organization representing the nation’s population, aged fifty and over . Far be it for me to suggest , but that grouping combined have played their part , in much of the Knicks’ defensive and offensive woes during the postseason .

Tonight’s game five remains pivotal for both teams , with the Pacers seeking to close out the series . Should the Knicks be fortuitous in their endeavors and manage to eke out a win on their home-court at Madison Square Garden , then it would set right up for a grand series’ finale over the possible , final two games of this conference semifinal series .

Zack Randolph , it has to be said, has simply come into his own over the past three seasons , but during this season , the player has looked like someone on a mission of acceptance from his peers , while seeking redemption , after his often troubled stay in Portland , with what was then a franchise known not only as the Portland Trailblazers but also as the “Jailbreakers” . So much so , that it was hard not take note of the back pages of the nation’s daily papers , when you simply read about another player from the Blazers’ organization running afoul of the law , for a litany of legal issues , be it DUI , spousal abuse , drug possession and or sexual assault . Take your pick , at one time or another, it was simply a staple within that organization , for a player or players to parlay their notoriety for some illegal or stupid act , that would have them become part of a police blotter after their apprehension and arrest.

Having easily dismantled the “ highly touted “ …. Los Angeles Clippers , few gave the Memphis Grizzlies much of a chance against the Oklahoma City Thunder , the defending Western Conference champions . In what was seen as a supposed precursor to a possible conference finals’ match-up against the winners of the San Antonio Spurs versus the Golden State Warriors . A clear path , had been set for the Thunder and Scott Brooks’ players, yet somehow , someone forgot to pass on that particular script to the Grizzlies. Lionel Hollins and his team , simply flipped the script and hoisted the Kevin Durant and his teammates on their ass , with a surprisingly easy , 4-1 series’ victory.

Now one could question whether or not Memphis would have won their series against the Thunder , who were without their All Star point guard , Russell Westbrook . On the sidelines , having suffered a season ending injury , the player has supported his teammates throughout the postseason. It must be said that with Westbrook missing from the team’s lineup , a great deal more was being asked of Kevin Durant as well as Kevin Martin . , who was not able to provide the foil needed , in order to assist Durant throughout the series . Last night’s game was very much indicative of that and a great deal more , as neither the team or Scott Brooks made the adjustments necessary in order to erase any part of the series’ deficit , much less play themselves back into contention . Suffice to say , with the departure of the Thunder , the Western Conference Finals may well lack the buzz , panache and excitement everyone might have been expecting . Randolph and his teammates await the outcome of the series between the Spurs and Warriors , knowing full well that the Grizzlies , now have their own destiny in their hands .

A decision has been made with regard to the future of the Sacramento Kings , with David Stern , pretty much playing Devils Advocate in a decision , which I find to be completely asinine , disingenuous and self-serving on the part of the commissioner . Hell, no one ever said that you had to be honest or a man of integrity to be the highest ranking executive within the NBA hierarchy . None of the traits that I believe Stern actually possesses ! With the NBA’s Board of Governors voting against the relocation and sale of the franchise to the consortium led by billionaire venture capitalist , Chris Hansen and Microsoft Chairman Steve Ballmer . This now leaves the road clear for a rival bid by software mogul , Vivek Ranadive to be accepted by the league to acquire a 65% stake in the Kings . The remaining 35% would still be retained by the Maloof family , current owners of the beleaguered Western Conference franchise .

Stern was very welcoming of the Hansen , Ballmer bid , when it was first announced, with the billionaire entrepreneurs giving the league a clear indication that it was their intent to buy the franchise for a reputed $575 million and then seek to relocate the Kings to Seattle , Washington . David Stern is either averse to making money or he simply got weak kneed when the team owners snubbed their noses at two individuals whose combined fortunes could swallow up the entire NBA in terms of the value of the league’s thirty teams . Either way, this episode leaves a rather distasteful odor , when you seek to dig to the bottom of this all. Sacramento City Mayor , z Kevin Johnson , whose last minute effort led to the Ranadive bid , will now seek to use public funds to either refurbish the Sleep Train Arena , home to the Sacramento Kings , or they well may well seek to use those funds in conjunction with what we are told will be private financing to possibly build a new venue and a commercial and residential complex that will sit by side with the proposed venue . Now bear in mind , that the Kings remain one of the NBA’s poorest supported franchises in terms of home and overall attendance , as well as being one of the NBA’s least profitable teams . It does beg the question what are the ulterior motives behind Johnson’s moves , when his own city is currently facing an economic blight , with a major budgetary deficit that still has yet to be properly addressed ? Anyone care to answer that particular question ?

Politicians no matter what their altruism might appear to be, are no different from drug dealers who pedal their ware to young and old . Only in such instances , it is deemed as a felony and a crime . whereas , an incompetent elected official can lie , cheat and steal , will not face any legal repercussion , unless his hands are physically caught in the “ cookie jar “ , misappropriating public funds for his own personal use or soliciting a bribe . I’d like to think that Kevin Johnson doesn’t fall into any of the categories mentioned , but , then again , the former NBA star , turned politician , has himself , been less than upfront throughout this whole saga . Much like the NBA commissioner , who continues to bask in his own limelight , claiming accolades that he is not necessarily deserving of .

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Picture gallery .

What thoughts if any, do you have concerning the salient points raised within this piece ? By all means do leave a comment as you see fit , and thanks as always for the continued support of this site as it greatly appreciated !

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(1) Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) talks with Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal against the Chicago Bulls, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Miami. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee …

(2) Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (3) and Chris Bosh , right, hug after the Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 94-91 in Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal, Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in Miami. The Heat advanced to the conference finals having defeated the Chicago Bulls 4-1 in the series . AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee ….

(3) Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose , left, stands with teammates during the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Miami. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee …

(4) Chicago Bulls’ Carlos Boozer wipes his face as he stands with Joakim Noah (13) during a time out in the first half against the Miami Heat in Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinal, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Miami. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee …

(5) New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony, left, and Indiana Pacers’ Paul George vie for a rebound during the first half of Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Indianapolis. AP Photo/Darron Cummings ….

(6) Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) and Serge Ibaka (9) defend during the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball playoffs Western Conference semifinal, in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, May 15, 2013. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki …

(7) Vivek Ranadive , left, has the support of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and California state Sen. Darrell Steinberg in buying the Kings. Photo: Richard Drew, AP ….

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NBA owners vote to keep Kings in Sacramento

Seattle still without NBA team after relocation denied

Hinkie formally introduced as 76ers president

The Splash Brothers

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Hot chic pic of the day Sarah Randall .

The boy who cried wolf …..

The boy who cried wolf

Now inasmuch as I love the game of golf and like the majority of the fans , I believe the sole reason to watch the sport, is primarily the ongoing ‘dominance’ of Tiger Woods , as he chases down with a view to surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ all-time Grand Slams’ tournament wins of eighteen Majors . Woods , the winner of fourteen Grand Slam titles , is already a four-time winner on the PGA Tour for this season , as well as leading the PGA Fedex Cup … standings . Not so long ago, I read a rather asinine , yet innocuous and inane piece by a fellow blogger, who suggested Woods’ career was on the decline . Clearly , the piece was written by an individual with very little knowledge of the sport and someone who I believe, had done little research if any , into Woods’ career , let alone that of Jack Nicklaus and many of the all-time greats within the sport . It is all too easy to come out with a rationale , yet to make a statement and not have anything to back it up with , is simply asinine and completely lacking in intelligence . Leave that sort of bullshit to those who espouse it best , the lame ass politicians in Congress !

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In The Players Championship , held this past weekend at the TPC Sawgrass Course in Ponte Vedra , Florida . This tournament often considered to be a “fifth Major” by PGA Tour professionals , had a great deal of thrills and excitement over the four days of competition . Nonetheless , the tournament itself , will now become more known for what has taken place off the course , rather than for any of the exceptional play that was said to have taken place throughout the four days competitive play. Long considered , two of the best players of this era , Tiger Woods and Spaniard , Sergio Garcia , have long held some might say a great deal of animus towards one another . Whereas , Woods has had a considerable amount of success worldwide as well on the PGA Tour . Garcia’s success , if anything , have been fleeting , with no one lingering moment that would indeed make you sit up and take note .

The final round of The Players Tournament would turn out to be a round full of errant play, several players in contention for the lead , with most notably both Woods and Garcia vying for the top spot on the leader-board. As the final holes of this event played themselves out , it was clear for all to see that Garcia was the player under pressure and someone who is not known to handle adversity all that well . Consider the fact that Woods, when in contention for the lead of a tournament from the third round onward , the player is a staggering 52-4 . Pressure ? I’d say that Sergio Garcia might well have been pissing and defecating in his pants , for all of the good it would do ! The Spaniard would suffer a meltdown in the final round of play , twice placing his ball in the water on the fifteenth green as well as double-bogeying that the sixteenth hole , leading to his falling out of contention for a victory . Woods would end up with the victory , his second Players Tournament Championship win and the seventy-eighth of his professional career on the PGA Tour . A mark that now leaves him four behind the all-time leading total of eighty-two wins , held by the legendary and late Sam Snead .

In the aftermath of it all , Garcia would claim that Woods’ conduct was unsportsmanlike , very much unrepresentative of the etiquette of golf . Pardon me for saying this , but since when was there anything remotely resembling the etiquette of golf , much less sportsmanship of the PGA Tour ? Consider the fact, that fairness and sportsmanship is seemingly judged by the interpretation of the rules, as seen fit by Tour Chairman Tim Finchem and members of the PGA Tour Executive Board . And if that wasn’t enough , players are now of a differing opinion , on whether or not belly-putters should be allowed to be used on the Tour by their fellow professionals . One should also not that Tour professional Vijay Singh is now seeking to sue the PGA Tour for loss of reputation and seeking punitive damages for what he says are unfounded allegations that he used a banned substance . With the R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club) , international governing body for golf , along with the PGA Tour are now sensitive to the issue of steroids within their sport , as well as now seeking to have te sport reintroduce to the Summer Olympics , first as an exhibition event , in 2016 , and ten formally in 2010 . One could attest to the fact that these are now sensitive times for the sport , as they seek international recognition beyond their already large international fan-base . With WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and and the USOC (US Olympic Committee) and USADA (US Anti Doping Agency) already tackling the issue of illicit use of banned substances within the sport of cycling and the recent behavior of former seven-time Tour De France champion , Lance Armstrong , does anyone truly believe that Tim Finchem now wants to see golf , its image and the PGA Tour dragged through the mud , with its image sullied any further ? Your thoughts on this all ?

Courtesy of ESPN

Vijay Singh sues PGA Tour

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Vijay Singh sued the PGA Tour on Wednesday for exposing him to “public humiliation and ridicule” during a 12-week investigation into his use of deer-antler spray that ended last week when the tour dropped its case against him.

The lawsuit was a surprise, and so was the timing — the day before The Players Championship, the flagship event on the PGA Tour held on its home course where Singh, who has three major championships among his 34 PGA Tour victories, has honed his game for the past two decades.

More from ESPN.com

Vijay Singh’s decision to sue the PGA Tour is misguided and says a lot about the man himself, writes ESPN.com’s Bob Harig. Story

“I am proud of my achievement, my work ethic and the way I live my life,” Singh said in a statement. “The PGA Tour not only treated me unfairly, but displayed a lack of professionalism that should concern every professional golfer and fan of the game.”

Singh filed the lawsuit in New York, where he has a home and the tour has an office. He is in the field at The Players Championship and will start with Robert Garrigus and J.J. Henry at 2 p.m. ET Thursday.

The 50-year-old Fijian, inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, said in a Sports Illustrated article in January that he used deer-antler spray and he was “looking forward to some change in my body.” The spray was said to include an insulin-like growth factor that was on the tour’s list of banned substances. The tour sent a sample from Singh to be tested, and it returned small amounts of IGF-1.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced April 30 that the tour was dropping its case because of new information from the World Anti-Doping Agency, which said deer-antler spray no longer was considered prohibited because it contained just minimal amounts of the growth factor.

The lawsuit claims the PGA Tour relied on WADA’s list of banned substances and methods without doing any of its own research, including whether such substances even provide any performance-enhancing benefits. Singh’s lawyers said the tour “rushed to judgment and accused one of the world’s hardest working and most dedicated golfers of violating the rules of the game.”

“We have not seen the lawsuit, just the statement,” PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said. “We have no comment.”

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Click on link to read in full .
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Singh’s character to my mind, still remains in question in spite of his worldwide career , and as an inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame . When first questioned, on this matter , the Fijian golfer was reluctant to answer any questions on the matter . Vijay Singh is reluctant to discuss the matter in public , without the presence of a legal adviser . As to what that might suggest , I will let you be the judge of that ! Consider also, the PGA’s own rules on banned substances are ambiguous at best , and with the substance in question known to be used by Vijay Singh , commonly known as Deer Antler juice , known to have slight traces of anabolic steroids . It does beg the question how will the PGA Tour and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club address the issue on the Tour as well as on a global basis ? The spirit of the game be damned , if the ambiguity continues , then to hell with this bullshit of fairness and sportsmanship ! It is now time for Finchem and his cohorts to stop blowing smoke up everyone’s ass, in trying to suggest that golf remains the last true bastion of sportsmanship and professional course etiquette , as nothing could be further from the truth .

Well , with a number of series now about to reach a crescendo in the semifinal stages of the NBA postseason . It is now time to take stock of the teams and how they are said to be faring . If you consider yourself to be a loyal and devout New York Knicks’ fan, do you bury your head in shame by the team’s embarrassment in their continually woefully inept displays against the Indiana Pacers ? Or do you simply decry the fact that this is nothing more than an aberration that the team is now facing a pivotal game four while quite possibly being on the cusp of elimination . All season long , Knicks’ fans and many of their players , were seemingly under the impression that it would be preordained that the team would be on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals , and a potential match-up against the Miami Heat . Well as now , things are not looking so good for Mike Woodson’s players , as they seek to erase a 2-1 deficit against Frank Vogel’s all too competitive Pacers’ team .

Tonight’s game will be a true test of the intestinal fortitude of Knicks’ forward , Carmelo Anthony and his teammates when they face the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana , Indianapolis . Grit and determination has been ever present, but it has been the defensive mindset of the Indiana Pacers throughout much of the playoffs . For all of the talk of the Knicks and playoffs their perceived prowess , other than their first round series victory , there has been very little to suggest in this series they are capable of erasing this deficit (2-1).

Should the Pacers prevail , tonight , then it would certainly cast a giant shadow over the Knicks’ organization . Most notably for team owner , James Dolan , GM Glen Grunwald this would be seen as a truly disappointing season , in light of franchise’s own lofty expectations . Of the remaining participants now in the now postseason , only the Miami Heat have a larger payroll than their Eastern Conference counterparts , the New York Knicks. A commitment that is just under $80 million , with the biggest outlay going to Amar`e Stoudemire , a player who has yet to make a solid contribution of any kind to the Knicks during the regular or postseason for the organization. That being said, if Carmelo Anthony is able to lead this team in erasing this deficit , then it leads to a best of three game series’ finale , in what so far has been a highly entertaining and scintillating series .

In world of theater , the saying “ it is not over until the fat lady sings “ , might just be ringing true as it relates to the Oklahoma City Thunder . The number one seed in the Western Conference , now find themselves in a horrendous hole , after last night’s inexplicable six point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies . Needless to say , that the fat lady off stage near right is simply clearing her throat she gets set to regale us will with an aria . On the other hand , it could very well be that Kevin Durant and his teammates are trying to lull us all into a false sense of security . At this juncture , my money is now definitely on the fat chic ! . Who would have thought that the Thunder would be facing a 3-1 deficit , and that Zack Randolph and Marc Gasol would have been amongst the most explosive offensive duos during the postseason ? Not I said the fly ! Likewise , even with the loss of Russell Westbrook to a season ending injury , I still felt that that Scott Brooks’ players had enough to simply withstand an all-out assault from Lionel Hollins’ players . Now all that awaits this Grizzlies’ team and a path to the conference finals , will be for them to close out their series with a rousing game five victory at the Chesapeake Energy Center in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma on Wednesday night when the two teams meet to resume their conference semifinal series . And the chances are , that will be the likely outcome given the rather inconsistent play from the Thunder over the past two games .

The series as they are now placing themselves out within the Western Conference now seems to be taking on a life of their very own . And nowhere is that now self-evident tan the series between San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors . The head coach of the Warriors Mark Jackson has simply made believers out of is doubters who were dubious of his abilities as a coach in the NBA .From my own perspective I firmly believe that Jackson was greatly overlooked in the NBA Coach of The Year balloting , but this is merely my belief , objective as it appears to be.

For the Spurs` Big Three of Tim Duncan , Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker , this might well be the trios` last hoorah . In their time together, the triumvirate have garnered … several of the game`s highest individual and team awards . That in of-itself will not be enough to satisfy the most ardent of fans of the San Antonio Spurs , who simply wish to see another title brought to the franchise , whose last postseason triumph, the fourth in their history came in 2007 .

With the series now tied at two games apiece (2-2) , it now leaves Gregg Popovich in something of a dilemma , and how he makes the adjustments needed to secure a series` victory . It is clear that from a defensive standpoint , the Spurs are struggling and have struggled to negate the effectiveness of Steph Curry throughout this series . As Curry goes in this contest , then so might the Warriors` postseason foray and the franchise`s aspirations .

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Picture gallery .

In light of the points raised within this article what thoughts if any do you have concerning this article ? Simply leave a comment as you see fit and thanks as always for the continued support of this site !

Picture and slideshow details below .

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(1) Tiger Woods of the USA plays a shot from the 11th tee during round two of The Players Championship at The Players Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 10, 2013 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America … (2) Sergio Garcia of Spain plays a shot from the 11th tee during round two of The Players Championship at The Players Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 10, 2013 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America ….

(3) Sergio Garcia (left) and Tiger Woods shake hands on the first tee prior to the start of the third round of The Players Championship from the TPC Sawgrass Course at Pontre Vedra Beac , Pontre Vedrea , Florida , AP Poto / Micael Fletcer ….

(4) Vijay Singh (L) of Fiji talks to Robert Allenby of Australia during a practice round for THE PLAYERS Championship at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 8, 2013 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Singh has field a federal civil suit in US Courts claiming defamation of character , libel and slander in a suit filed against the PGA Tour and Commissioner Tim Finchem . Vijay Singh is claiming that suit derives from the fact that the PGA Tour knowingly leaked details concerning an ongoing investigation of his knowingly taken a banned substance . Singh maintains is innocence stating that he only takes a medical supplement known as Deer Antler juice , which does contain small amounts of anabolic steroids . The player is seeking punitive monetary damages . Many of Singh`s peers believe tat is actions will do irreparable damage and harm to the PGA`s reputation and they have called for him to halt his legal action . AP Photo /Keith Meachem ………

(5) New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony wipes his face as he leaves the court following the first half of Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Knicks would lose game four 92-83 , and now face a pivotal game five on Thursday night , as they are now down 3-1 in the best of seven-game semifinals` conference series . AP Photo/Darron Cummings …..

(6) New York Knicks’ Jason Kidd (5) shoots past Indiana Pacers’ George Hill during the first half of Game 4 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Indianapolis. AP Photo/Darron Cummings …..

(7) San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) is fouled by Golden State Warriors’ Harrison Barnes , left, and Golden State Warriors’ Festus Ezeli also defends during the first half in Game 5 of a Western Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series , Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Eric Gay ….

(8) Steph Curry (left) is seen ere looking to defend the lane against the Spurs` Tony Parker during game three of the Western Conference semifinals played at the Oracle Arena in Oakland California on the 10th May , 2013 . AP Poto / Keith McCarron ……

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Tophatal 05/14/2013 aIK

NB : As of 14th May 9:32 pm EST no results were known concerning NBA games being played .

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NBA news and archived stories

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NBA results 13th May

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Mine is not to reason why , only to ask the questions when needed

Mine is not to reason why , only to ask the questions when needed

Well the NFL Draft came and disappeared , leaving a great many fans , either overjoyed or extremely disappointed with the decisions made by their respective teams . And for the franchise with the ignominy of having that final pick for the last player to be taken . Let’s just say , for that player and others taken in the seventh and final round ,it is simply nothing to be ashamed of. If memory serves me correctly , a certain three-time Superbowl winning quarterback and future Hall of Fame inductee by the name of Tom Brady , dropped from the middle rounds , only to be taken as a sixth round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots . And as we know , the rest as they say “ is history “ , not just for Brady and his undoubted postseason exploits but also for that of the franchise .

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Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Tyler Eifert (85), a tight end from Notre Dame, catches a pass during NFL football rookie mini-camp , Friday, May 10, 2013, in Cincinnati. AP Photo/Al Behrman …

As a die-hard Patriots’ fan , I must say that I was not overly enamored with a number of the picks made in this draft by the front office of the organization . However, in light of the team’s defensive woes over the past few seasons . I can only assume and hope that GM Nick Caserio , Bill Belichick and the coaching staff , will have firmly addressed the needs of the team . Certainly , in 2012 , this secondary of the New England Patriots were found to be wanting in the most explicable of moments , but specifically during the regular season . As to the postseason and the team’s exploits there . Well, the cupboard was laid bare, during the AFC championship game , against the eventual Superbowl champions , the Baltimore Ravens . Not only was that cupboard empty , but the anemic performances rendered by the Patiots’ players in that conference title game , led me to believe that they simply gave up before the second quarter, simply thinking that they could rest on their laurels , because of a 13-0 lead over a Ravens’ staff that at the time seemed ill-prepared .

The second half of the game would prove to be Belichick’s undoing , as the team was unable to muster a single point in the final two quarters of game . Someone perhaps, should have told Bill Belichick that the best performing quarterback during the postseason was in fact in fact a member of the Baltimore Ravens . Joe Flacco , simply excelled , out playing his counterpart , and further emphasizing why during this off-season the Ravens’ front office were simply prepared to “break the bank” in offering the four-year starter a whopping six-year …. $120 million contract , making one of the highest paid players in the NFL and certainly amongst the “ highest paid “ at the quarterback position . Needless to say, Ravens’ owner , Steve Bisciotti and GM Ozzie Newsome believe to be , money well spent .

The Baltimore Ravens’ off-season has been well chronicled , with their being a number of departures , from the players who were part of that Superbowl winning team . One might surmise that John Harbaugh and his coaching staff might well be despondent after the defections and retirement of certain players, but such has been the astuteness shown by Ozzie Newsome and his continued brilliance , concerning his this and previous draft classes . It would take a foolish individual to bet against the Baltimore Ravens making a quick return to the postseason .Simply consider Habraugh’s coaching record and the playoff appearances made by the franchise since he succeeded Brian Billick in 2008 .

In many respects, I do believe that there has been a disconnect between Belichick and what he believes to be are not his flaws as a head coach. Conceited , obnoxious and clearly, he is not willing to admit when he has definitely made a monumental mistake . Much of that has led to many of the on field coaching miscalculations, which now seem to be all too prevalent in the Patriots` play over the past two seasons. The AFC East this season will be filled with pratfalls for the Patriots as they go about seeking another divisional title and making the postseason .

Bill Belichick and his players , will open up their season with a quartet of preseason games beginning with a game against the Philadelphia Eagles and in many respects , I do believe that there has been a disconnect between Belichick and what he believes to be are not his flaws as a head coach. Conceited , obnoxious and clearly, he is not willing to admit when he has definitely made a monumental mistake . Much of that has led to many of the on field coaching miscalculations, which now seem to be all too prevalent in the Patriots` play over the past two seasons. The AFC East this season will be filled with pratfalls for the Patriots as they go about seeking another divisional title and making the postseason .

As I alluded to earlier , the Patriots will open up their season with a quartet of preseason games beginning with a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field , in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , on the 9th August , 2013 , week one of the NFL`s preseason schedule . The team will open up their regular season with a game against divisional rivals , the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium , in Orchard Park , New York , which kicks off the NFL`s regular season schedule .

Now, while this off-season has been filled with stories , that the ever demanding NFL fans yearn for and a great deal more . Perhaps the biggest story may well be that of the New York Jets` drafting of quarterback Geno Smith and the player`s demeanor and rallying cry that he “ entered the NFL to win “ . Conceited, bellicose and full of bravura , Smith may well feel that he has something to offer the Jets , considering their disastrous 2012 season , where Rex Ryan could seem to get noting right and where the continued idiocy surrounding both Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow became cannon fodder for print and television media alike . Never mind the anecdotes that the late night television talk show were graced with, in terms of never-ending comedic content ……. “how far can Tebow throw ? Obviously not far enough. “ How many Jets` players does it take turn on a light switch? None , they still live in the dark ages and no one on last season`s roster, is actually intelligent enough, to even know that Edison invented the incandescent light bulb.

GM John Idzik has been entrusted to rebuild the roster through the draft and via free agency . Given Idzik`s experience and is astuteness in the drafting of Seahawks` quarterback Russell Wilson in 2012 as a third round draft pick in last season`s draft by the Seattle Seahawks , when Idzik led the franchise`s front office . The Jets are hoping that he can work his magic for a second time in such an instance, by having a quarterback competition amongst the quarterbacks on the Jets` roster . It was under such a premise that Wilson won the starting … spot on the Seahawks` roster . . Russell Wilson would show is maturity , leadership and dexterity in leading Seattle into the playoffs , where they would succumb (28-30) to the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round of the postseason .

It would be asking a great deal of Geno Smith to beat out Mark Sanchez for the starting role at the quarterback position , yet given Sanchez’s woes this past season , it would not come as a surprise , should that situation arise . Sanchez is under a great deal of pressure to prove that he is still a viable commodity as a quarterback in the NFL , after all the of plaudits and acclaim received in the first two years of his career .

The Jets will open their regular season with a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida , on the 8th September , 2013. It should be a game that will be a test for both sides as each seeks to resurrect their flagging franchise’s fortunes.

Speaking of a franchise with flagging fortunes , what chance is there for the Jacksonville Jaguars to turn things around ? First time head coach Gus Bradley will have a difficult season , along with new owner , Shahid Khan , having spent $773 million to purchase the franchise, and now seeking push a declining attendance level , and place it amongst the upper echelons of the NFL . For one of the NFL`s least profitable franchises , it must be said that the Jacksonville Jaguars are in a market, where it is barely self-sustaining . Yet for some reason , there is this continued belief that the franchise can maintain a presence in the Central Florida market place , while remaining part of the NFL .

The Jaguars` season in 2012 , started and ended with the ineffectiveness of quarterback Blaine Gabbert , and the problem that apart from not being able to put up points on the scoreboard , with both the defense and offense of team was simply anemic , if not mediocre overall ! ! The struggles of Jaguars will be littered with obstacles this season , which I do not believe that they will be able to overcome. The team in its present guise, simply is not good enough , in spite of the players drafted and their off-season maneuvers in terms of the acquisition of free agents . Call me naïve , but the Jaguars have not been of any relevance in the NFL in over a decade and to think that because an owner (Shahid Khan) , no matter what the success attained in the business world . It is by no means a dead-on certainty, that he will be able to replicate that success in the NFL , even with the professionals that make up the Jaguars` front office and tat of the coaching staff .

For Gabbert , this season will place the quarterback under a great deal of pressure , as he has seen many of his contemporaries from the 2011 NFL Draft have a considerable amount of success, while the player himself , has continually struggled throughout his entire two-year career in the league . Bear in mind also, the quarterback is amongst the highest paid players on the Jaguars` roster . Gus Bradley , has few alternatives , if his quarterback is unable to lead this team to even some moderate success in the AFC South , much less in the league over the course of the season.
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I am of the opinion that players ought to be rewarded , based upon their productivity and not solely upon potential or acclaim . Yet for some reason, this off-season Cowboys` general manager and team owner , Jerry Jones saw fit to reward the team`s starting quarterback , Tony Romo with a seven-year $119 million contract , that makes Romo amongst the highest paid players at the position in league . Consider the fact , that while many would consider Tony Romo a very good regular season quarterback . The player`s failings and continued failure in the postseason belies the fact, that Romo has yielded little in return for the franchise over the course of his ten-year career. One playoff win , and he gets rewarded with an exorbitant contract , for a player who lacks leadership skills and were he and his teammates continue make excuses, with alarming regularity for their recent postseason woes . For Romo , one win in four playoff postseason appearances would suggest to me, that there isn`t an ounce of goddamn common sense to be found inside the Cowboys` front office and even less amongst their ever under-achieving playing staff .

Sooner or later , Jerry Jones will begin to realize that Jason Garrett simply isn`t good enough a coach , to guide Cowboys to were think that they ought to be , much less realize the fact, that the team last season was not good enough to garner a playoff berth . Now the Dallas Cowboys, are now seeing their divisional rivals back amongst the upper echelons of the NFL.

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File- This Dec. 30, 2012 file photo shows Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) standing during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. Romo and the Cowboys have agreed on a six-year contract extension worth $108 million, with about half of that guaranteed . The agreement was reported on the team’s website Friday March 29, 2013. AP Photo/Alex Brandon ….

Sooner or later Jerry Jones will begin to realize that Jason Garrett simply isn`t good enough a coach to guide Cowboys to were think that they ought to be , much less realize the fact, that the team last season was not good enough to garner a playoff berth . Now the Dallas Cowboys, are now seeing their divisional rivals back amongst the upper echelons of the NFL. Now the Dallas Cowboys, are now seeing their divisional rivals back amongst the upper echelons of the NFL . What better way for the Cowboys to begin their regular season than a match-up against New York Giants ? A franchise that in recent years under head coach Tom Coughlin , seems to have found a way to achieve what the Texas franchise has failed to do in almost two decades , and that is to win a Superbowl . In recent years the contests between these two teams have been highly competitive and all too physical . And the NFC East is all the better , when both the Cowboys and Giants are both playing at very best . Your thoughts on the matter ?

As usual, there is always a reason to heed each season cautiously , as the head coaches are going to be on “the hot seat“ . Much of that, boils down to the play of the teams , and how they fare over a sixteen-game schedule . It will be interesting to see which of the head coaches are, or will fall from grace !

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New Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen (L) greets Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (c) and team owner Mark Davis , during a press conference on January 30, 2012 in Alameda, California. Dennis Allen was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing Hue Jackson who was fired after one season . Getty Images / Justin Sullivan ….

! I may well be, rushing to a presumption of judgment , but having seen the customary merry-go-round as the usual plethora of firings take place amongst coaching staffs and front office executives . Given frequency with which the Oakland Raiders tend to fire their head coaches in recent seasons. I get the feeling that Dennis Allen`s tenure could very well be sort-lived ! Team owner , Mark Davis and GM Reggie McKenzie , I believe are deeply distrusted by the vast majority of Raiders` fans . Yet , rarely do I ever hear them being critical of the front office in recent years and the confounding ways in which they have conducted personnel decisions. Needless to say , once again the Raiders` draft class and recent acquisitions will be questioned in many areas , and quite honestly , I would not expect it to be any other way !

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Slideshow .

With the preseason a little more than three months away , but with a number of teams having brought in their rookies for their symposiums , organized training activities (OTA`s) and none roster invitees . It should be very interesting to see how a number of the first round draft picks will fare , in comparison to their predecessors of last season. Your thoughts on the upcoming season and in particular, which teams , do you believe will be a credible contender for the Superbowl ? Chime in with a comment as you see fit .

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(1) Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Tyler Eifert (85), a tight end from Notre Dame, catches a pass during NFL football rookie mini-camp , Friday, May 10, 2013, in Cincinnati. AP Photo/Al Behrman …

(2) New England Patriots NFL football head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a news conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Friday, May 3, 2013. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer …

(3) FILE – In this Jan. 20, 2013, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks to wide receiver Wes Welker (83) before the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass. The Denver Broncos have found a new target for Peyton Manning , agreeing to a two-year deal with Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker . AP Photo/Elise Amendola, ….

(4) Broadcaster Jim Nantz interviews Baltimore Ravens quarterback and Superbowl MVP , Joe Flacco (5) after the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. AP Photo/Bill Haber …

(5) File- This Dec. 30, 2012 file photo shows Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) standing during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. Romo and the Cowboys have agreed on a six-year contract extension worth $108 million, with about half of that guaranteed . The agreement was reported on the team’s website Friday March 29, 2013. AP Photo/Alex Brandon ….

(6) Rookie head coach, Gus Bradley , is seen here overseeing workouts with the Jacksonville Jaguars` first team squad . Bradley has an arduous season ahead with quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who has failed to live up to expectations as a two-year starter with the Jaguars` franchise . Gabbert enters his third season , while under a great deal of pressure from his backups , Chad Henne , Jordan Rodgers , and Matt Scott . Florida Times Union / Mark Cready …..

(7) New Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen (L) greets Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (c) and team owner Mark Davis , during a press conference on January 30, 2012 in Alameda, California. Dennis Allen was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing Hue Jackson who was fired after one season . Getty Images / Justin Sullivan ….

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NFL related articles and links : Courtesy of NFL.com & Yahoo sports

Packers’ rookie running backs having friendly competition

Tannehill gushes over Wallace

Draft Fallout: Urlacher era is over

Raiders CEO Trask resigns after 25 years with organization

Giants sign 5, waive 6 after rookie mini-camp

Tophtal … 2013/05/10

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NFL news and archived stories

NFL transactions and for the month of April

NFL schedule (2013) , week one , two and three and four

NFL preseason schedule

2013 NFL Draft

2012 NFL standings (division) and by conference

2012 NFL regular season results and postseason results

2008 NFL regular season and postseason

2008 NFL divisional standings & conference standings from that season

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New England Patriots’ overview & profile

New England Patriots’ news and archived stories

New England Patriots’ schedule and their preseason schedule

New England Patriots’ 2013 draft class

Patriots’ off-season transactions (May) and for the month of April

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Hot chic pics of the day . Bar Refaeli (above), and actress Kerry Washington , below and Vanessa Minnillo ..

Bada-bing bada-boom ! Wow , she`s hot , is Kerry Washington , damn hot !

Minnillo , is she a naughty schoolgirl or what ? Your thoughts on the matter ?

Same time next year , but this year appears to be no different from last season

Same time next year , but this year appears to be no different from last season

A month into the baseball season and fans are now exhilarated with the play of the teams and their impressive starts in several cases. With that in mind it should be noted , that there are a number of teams that have fallen short in failing to meet early expectations . Injuries have played their part but none more so than per usual . The New York Yankees have Derek Jeter , Alex Rodriguez , Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson still sidelined , in various stages of recovery , but with no timetable actually set as of yet for their return . Consider the fact , that the five players in question , account for more than $83 million of the team’s annual $227 million payroll for 2013 , which currently are not on the playing field for a team that now has posted a 18-13 (.581) record , good enough for third place within the AL East .

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Slideshow .

For the Yankees’ fans , I believe that they will continue to rally behind the team , in spite of their off the field issues , as it relates to their still ailing and troubled star Alex Rodriguez . The third baseman is once again embroiled in another sordid affair , in which his name and that of several other Major League players are in engulfed in a further story of illicit banned substances , that have been allegedly supplied to them by a South Florida supplements’ company , Biogenesis , owned by Floridian businessman , Anthony Bosch . The company is at present subject of joint investigation by the DEA , FBI and US Justice Department . Meanwhile, MLB Commissioner , Bud Selig is said to be closely monitoring the ongoing investigation from afar . I liken Selig’s interest in the matter , much as in the same way he monitored the financial misdeeds of Frank McCourt , as he financially ruined the Los Angeles Dodgers , Saul Katz’s and Fred Wilpon’s continued “ idiotic” stewardship of the still financially embarrassed and uncompetitive New York Mets . Need I remind you all, of the ongoing mess that remains the Miami Marlins and the very fact that team owner , Jeffrey Loria still seeks to apportion blame elsewhere for the team’s ineptitude in 2012 , while then seeking to conduct his own “ bargain basement sale “ , in terms of trading away many of the team’s high-priced acquisitions of last season ?

The Miami Marlins, losers of two straight and are 5-5 in their last ten games . It does beg the question , how much more will the fans of this impoverished team continue to tolerate , in spite of the claims by many analysts, that baseball , Major League Baseball , remains a viable option within the state of Florida . Granted , the state does remain a hotbed for excellent talent and the Spring Training (Grapefruit League) home for several teams around the league , as well as their Minor League affiliates . Yet beyond that , for Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays , there has been either a steady decline or sparse attendance for their home games , as well as what appears to be an anemic fan-base .

Having been a one-time supporter of the Miami Marlins , I long shied away in my continued support of the franchise , after the inherent lies perpetrated by the team’s ownership , that has been continually been suborned by Bud Selig and an “ absolutely clueless” hierarchy , that is seemingly supported by the also clueless on air radio and television analysts , and personalities who cover the sport . As to the print media and their idiocy , well let’s just say if those assholes cannot succinctly inform the public of anything worthwhile, as it relates the real underlying issues of baseball . Then under what circumstances, are we to believe that they would be able to explain to us in depth , the reasons behind the continued economic imbalances as well the continued cheating that still runs the gamut of Major League Baseball ?

This season if anything , we have seen a string of great performances from several pitchers within the AL and NL , that has given us a clear indication as to the reason behind the “rise of the pitcher” and less of an emphasis in terms of run productivity . . The Texas Rangers’ starting ace , Yu Darvish came within “ two outs” of pitching what would have been baseball’s twenty fourth “perfect game “ in baseball’s history earlier in this season , in an exemplary display of a controlled pitching performance that was simply scintillating to say the very least . On the receiving end of that 7-0 loss , were the woefully inept Houston Astros (9-24) , whose record this season , is the worst in the Majors , and it is looking increasingly like that this team could very well end up surpassing last season’s mark within MLB for the worst record (55-107) in the game.

Speaking of teams, that are, and will remain inept, beyond the Astros , Miami Marlins. There is a growing belief that the Chicago Cubs , New York Mets and San Diego Padres , simply show no wish to be competitive . The continued excuses , especially amongst the Mets’ fans has become mind numbingly stupid and beyond belief ! No amount of excuses can be made for the ineptitude shown by the front office staff , even after the dismissal of former general manager , Omar Minaya , with the influx of Sandy Alderson and J P Riccardi , to now assume control for all of the executive decisions made , with regard to the acquisition of player personnel , either through the draft or free agency . . The Mets are not even remotely competitive within the NL East this season , and in all likelihood , if Terry Collins and his managerial staff are unable to turn things around . Then, we are likely to see the dismissal of the manager, from his first managerial position within the game .

Wednesday afternoon , the New York Mets will play host to another struggling ball-club , when they take on the Chicago White Sox at Citi-Field , in Flushing , New York . A game , where I expect that the attendance is likely to be somewhat dour , if not anemic ! Taking the mound for the Mets will be Jeremy Hefner (0-3, 4.34 ERA) who faces Jake Peavy (3-1, 3.38 ERA) .. At 12-16 , the Mets are in need of victories , as well as series’ wins , if they are in anyway of having a chance , much less of keeping in close proximity of the division leading Atlanta Braves (19-12) , . who are closely followed by the Washington Nationals , Philadelphia Phillies , followed by the Mets and the barely recognizable Marlins at the foot of the division.

As I alluded to earlier , this season the pitching within the Majors seems to be significantly better than I expected it to be ! In the past few seasons there has been the propensity see a significant rise in home runs and , RBI’s , but one of the more startling statistics that has come to the fore, has been the fluctuation in the number of “walks” from season to season . Either the batters are simply not that good , or the pitching , however cyclical it might well be , is now back at a level where the likes of Yu Darvish , Matt Cain , Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez , Clay Buchholz , Clayton Kershaw and Jordan Zimmerman being dominant this season .

It has been a number of years since the game has seen a player reach one of the pinnacles within the game and that is forty home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season . Seven years in fact , a feat that has only been accomplished four times in the game’s history . Alfonso Soriano , then playing for the Washington Nationals was the last player to achieve that feat in 2006 , which now seems to have become something of a rarity within the game of baseball. Personally , I now find that feat somewhat more enthralling, far more than the single season home run record . Albeit , that the taint and stain now associated with the players that have surpassed Roger Maris’ mark over the past decade and a half , does make the game of baseball all the more tawdry and dare one say , meaningless in terms of Maris’ feat ? It must be said , the “era of steroids “, simply has been a blight , casting a giant shadow over the game today , while the league hierarchy still remains at a loss , how best to address the issue . Meanwhile, the game’s revenues increase exponentially , primarily from the re-negotiation of the television contracts and less from the profitability of the league’s thirty teams.

As to the aspirants , seeking to succeed the reigning World Series’ champions , the San Francisco Giants . It must be said that one of the prohibitive favorites before the season started , might well have been the cash-laden and definitely ambitious Los Angeles Dodgers . Lead managing partners , Mark Walter , Todd S Boehly and Magic Johnson , have simply let it be known “ no expense would be spared “, as the Dodgers seek to bring back a title to the city of Los Angeles and to a ball club simply starved of that success.

It will be a quarter of a century since the Los Angeles Dodgers were triumphant in baseball’s biggest postseason fare. As the 1988 team proved to be successful in defeating their fame instate , rivals the Oakland Athletics 4-1 in a best of seven series finale to the season of that historic finale series . World Series MVP , Orel Hershiser had an “ outstanding series” as mirrored in his stats for several of his electrifying performances for the Dodgers , who were managed by legendary franchise icon Tommy Lasorda .

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed by Don Mattingly is suddenly struggling to get an an injury riddled …. team competent to compete against divisional rivals within the NL West . It`s pretty much safe to say that if Mattingly isn`t able to at least guide the Dodgers deep into the postseason . Then there is the likelihood that GM Ned Colletti will have to consult the front office as to whether or not it would be in the franchise`s best interest to retain Don Mattingly`s services as the team`s manager .

A knock against the was the bravado sown by their fans and owners alike , was in thinking , that merely because of franchise`s monetary resources, backed by a multi-billion dollar television contract and the $125 billion in assets of venture capital firm Guggenheim Partners Inc , parent company of Guggenheim Baseball Properties , owners of the Dodgers` ball-club. With a payroll now exceeding $233.1 million of which , there is now $68.9 million now committed to players on the team`s disabled list . It is easy understand, one of the numerous reasons behind the Dodgers problems this season , specifically as it relates to the team`s play . If there is one thing that we know about this team , it is that from a pitching and from an offensive standpoint the Dodgers are capable mounting a mid-season assault that could very well place them amongst the thick of things within the division as well as the NL overall . From an offensive and pitching standpoint the team does possess the weapons to get the job done , but much of that will be dependent upon the leadership shown by the likes of Matt Kemp , Clayton Kershaw , Adrian Gonzalez , Josh Beckett , Hanley Ramirez and Carl Crawford , whose combined salaries make up a large part of the financial commitment that the front office has made to the aforementioned players .

Mattingly will lead is players into a three-game series starting on Friday 10th May at home in Dodgers` Ballpark , in Los Angeles California, against the Miami Marlins , led by first-year manager Mike Redmond . This is a series that should tell us a great deal about the apparent directions that the teams are said to be heading in and their overall ambitions over the course of this season.

For the moment the Boston Red Sox (21-13) seem to be riding on the crest of a wave with the best record in the American League . A mark , which they currently share , with the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers , however , to my mind , the team that has been playing the best baseball over last ten games has to be the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers (19-12) , who over their last ten games , have gone an astonishing 9-1 , best in the Majors , and most certainly by far the best in the American League .

Yet , for all of grit and determination shown there is a common belief that the Tigers lack real leadership quality and the very fact that for all sense and purpose , the team`s manager, Jim Leyland appears to be too laid back a coach . I could very well be wrong in my summation of Leyland , but last season`s World Series` loss to the San Francisco Giants , I believe was a damning indictment of what was said to be wrong with the team and organization , from top to bottom . Add in the laissez-faire approach of the managerial staff and what could be further from the truth ?

The Tigers were brushed aside with the utmost of ease , in a rather embarrassing 4-0 series sweep , in what could only be described as one of the more embarrassing series’ defeat MLB postseason history . For Detroit Tigers’ GM Dave Dombrowski and owner Mike Ilitch , these are trying times for a franchise that has labored for years and who have not won a title since 1984 , when they defeated the San Diego Padres 4-1 for the last of the ball-club’s four titles that they have won over the course of their history. Bittersweet memories , when you consider also , that prior to last season’s appearance against the Giants , Jim Leyland and the Tigers would also come up short in 2006 , when the team fell to the St Louis Cardinals and the heroics of the diminutive David Eckstein , who was named World Series MVP after his heroic performances for the Cardinals .

In spite of their being three legitimate All Stars on the Tigers’ roster . I am inclined to believe that Miguel Cabrera , the game’s most recent Triple Crown winner , along with Cy Young and AL MVP winner , Justin Verlander and the always prolific Prince Fielder are likely to struggle should they make another return the postseason . Last season’s anemic postseason displays were simply endemic of what appears to be an ongoing problem for the franchise, as a whole . The Detroit Tigers appear to be gun-shy and all too afraid of even their own shadow being cast across a baseball diamond . Your thoughts , on my assumption concerning the Tigers?

The consensus coming into this season, was the fact that the Tampa Bay Rays might possess the best pitching staff in the Majors . Last season’s AL Cy Young winner David Price was said to be confident and the fact he was the recipient of a one-year $10.1 million contract was a boost in confidence for the player and presumed leader amongst the Rays’ pitchers . Instead for Price , his season has been one of indifference , and some shoddy pitching from a number of his teammates , thought to be able to provide Joe Maddon with the biggest weapon that the Rays have in their arsenal and bag of tricks .

Amongst the Rays’ pitching staff , it has been Matt Moore (6-0, 2.14 ERA ) off to a surprising 6-0 start that seems to have caught everyone by surprise and placed him among the best pitchers in the AL as well as the league (MLB) as a whole , with the season barely just over a month old .

Coming off a decisive 10-4 victory over a struggling Toronto Blue Jays’ lineup , the Rays will again play host to the team at Tropicana Field on Thursday evening . Taking the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays will be David Price against R A Dickey (2-5, 5.36 ERA) in what should a fascinating match-up the game’s most recent Cy Young Award winners from the AL and NL , respectively.

Given, the season that Dickey had in 2012 with the Mets , where he was the sole reason to watch that impoverished team play . Now the fortunes of the Blue Jays seem to have taken a turn for the worst and it would appear that even in light of their propensity to make a lavish splash in the off-season with a number of high-priced acquisitions . Someone, may well need to remind GM Alex Anthonopolous that a team cannot be made up from ill-fitting parts, that is completely lacking chemistry as well as leadership both on and off the field of play .

Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons and his staff will be thoroughly tested throughout the course of this season , and it should come as no surprise if once again , this franchise were to have another failed season .

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Picture gallery .

At this point of the MLB season , what if anything, has been the biggest surprise to you as a baseball fan ? And by the All Star Game , do you believe that a number of teams can be ” written off “ as lost causes , in terms of their perceived expectations ? Chime in with a thought on this , and anything else you believe pertinent to the subject matter .

Picture and slideshow gallery details below.

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(1) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio, front, reacts as New York Yankees’ Vernon Wells , rear, rounds the bases on his two-run home run in the first inning of a baseball game in Denver on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. AP Photo/David Zalubowski …

(2) New York Yankees’ Vernon Wells , left, follows the flight of his two-run home run with Colorado Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario in the first inning of a baseball game in Denver on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. AP Photo/David Zalubowski …

(3) Injured Derek Jeter (2) of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout with teammate Jayson Nix (17) during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on May 4, 2013 in the Bronx borough of New York City. There does not seem to be a timetable set for the short-stop’s return after complications related to his recuperation , from his leg injury . Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images …

(4) Marlins’ owner Jeffrey Loria and David Sansome seen here at the inaugural opening the 34,500 seat Marlins’ Ballpark in Miami , Florida built at taxpayers’ expense and now having become something of an elephants’ graveyard for the teams’ home games since its opening in April 2012 . Miami Herald / Hector Rodriguez ….

(5) Yu Darvish (11) is seen in a baseball game played against the Astros , in Minute Maid Park , in Houston , Texas , where he was on the cusp of becoming the twenty fifth player to have thrown a perfect game in baseball history . The Houston Astros were able to derail Darvish’s bid for baseball immortality . AP Photo / Sam Parish ……….

(6) Matt Kemp (27) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his three run homerun with manager , Don Mattingly(8) during the fifth inning to trail 5-4 to the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on September 21, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Mattingly’s contract with the Dodgers at the end of this season and it would appear that Stan Kasten , SVP of Baseball Operations appears to be noncommittal with regard to the manager’s future. After thirty-three games into the season and with a plethora of injuries to several All Stars on the team’s roster . The Dodgers are 13-20 , firmly placing them at the bottom of the NL West . Harry How / Getty Images …..

(7) Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Moore has gotten off a fast start going 6-0 with a 2.14 ERA , which places Moore in the upper echelons of the AL pitchers in terms wins as well in MLB as a whole . AP Photo/Mike Carlson …..

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MLB related stories :

A’s-Indians tilt takes controversial turn in ninth

Goldy tags two more homers for D-backs sweep

Papi goes 0-for-5 as 27-game hitting streak ends

Moore gets 6th win, Rays beat Blue Jays 10-4

Hit by liner, Happ says ‘I feel really fortunate’

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MLB pieces within this site . Merely click unto the link provided below.

MLB archived articles

Tophatal …….. 05/8/2013

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MLB news and news from around the league

MLB team injuries

MLB transactions

MLB standings and wildcard standings

MLB schedule 8th May 2013

MLB probable pitchers

MLB results 7th May 2013

MLB team payrolls 2013

This week in MLB history

This day in MLB history (8th May) and 9th May

MLB World Series overview

World Series champions by franchises

MLB World Series appearances and titles by leagues : American League (AL) & by National League (NL)

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Desperate times call for desperate measures ………..

Desperate times , calls for desperate measures ……

Strange as it now seems, the NBA finds itself in a quandary with the departure both the Los Angeles Lakers and now the Boston Celtics from postseason play. This now leaves the league without the two most prestigious teams in NBA history and quite possibly, what is likely to lead to a decline in viewership, for postseason play . The fact that both teams were unceremoniously dumped in the first round was not astonishing but it does lead us to question however , what is it and where will both franchises be heading , in terms of their immediate and long-term future ?

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For head coaches Mike D’Antoni and Doc Rivers , it now leaves both , questioning whether or not they can proceed along into next season , with aging rosters , and in some case , players who are essentially , either past their prime or who have simply underperformed . From my own perspective I believe it to be both and the very fact that a false sense of security led both to believe that their teams were simply good enough to make a deep playoff run during this postseason . Now we know, that has not been the case , and both teams in their current guises, are likely to be revamped by their respective front office staffs.

While many of the results of the postseason might not have come as a great surprise to a number of fans and analysts alike . It must be said , that the fashion in which a number of teams were dispatched from the playoffs did come as a surprise . Perhaps none more so than the Brooklyn Nets whose payroll is was amongst the highest in the league . The team’s three main stars , Deron Williams , Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace accounted for more than 54% of the ….. team’s $83.9 million payroll .

With Nets’ fall from grace against a short-handed Chicago Bulls’ team , where the ramifications were great and the judgment from the front office , was swift and “cold-blooded “ . GM Billy King , in conjunction with team owner , Mikhail Prokhorov have summarily dismissed interim head coach PJ Carlisimo , issuing a public statement, announcing that the coach would not be returning for next season. . Carlisimo was able to get this team playing with a great deal of resolve during the regular season , but somehow , the their postseason play was lackluster and uninspiring . As to the continued idiocy that Deron Williams is one of the premiere and “ elite “ point guards in the NBA . I would like to know what it is , that Williams is said to have done to warrant such plaudits from analysts and fans alike ? More style over substance than anything else , with the idiotic hyperbole surrounding a player who has failed to reach anywhere near his alleged potential. Williams cannot be seen as a leader , and he simply does not possess that trait , in spite of comments being made to the contrary about the player .

Pushed to a game seven , which was played at the Barclays Center , in Brooklyn , New York . The Brooklyn Nets simply did not have an answer for Joakim Noah , whose play during the game was simply outstanding . Never mind that from a defensive standpoint , this PJ Carlisimo coached team seemed to be as slow, as a group of aging geriatrics in search of a bedpan , as they sought to discharge themselves of a bodily function . Suffice to say , the stench now emanating the NBA’s newest venue had more to do with the odor of fecal matter and urine which may well have emanated from the bodies of the Nets’ players , who were ran off their home-court by Tom Thibodeau’s players .

Where this now leaves the Brooklyn Nets and the decisions that will undoubtedly have to be made as it relates to this roster , and that of the hiring of a high-profiled head coach. A great deal of that will now boil down to the mindset of the team’s billionaire owner , Mikhail Prokhorocv and the price he might well be willing to pay , to get the right man for the now , open vacancy. We already know that his desired choice , eleven-time NBA title winning coach , Phil Jackson is not available for the position . Jackson has accepted in principle , an executive position with the Detroit Pistons , having met privately with the team’s owner , Tom Gores . That now creates a dilemma and a great deal of speculation as to whether or not , the Pistons’ general manager , Joe Dumars will remain a part of the organization , in essence , becoming a subordinate of Phil Jackson , whose role within the organization will be a great deal similar to the role held by Jerry West , within the Golden State Warriors’ front office under co-owners , Joe Lacob and Peter Guber .

It is my own belief , that Dumars is likely to relinquish his role within the Pistons’ front office, having guided the franchise to their most recent win of an NBA title in 2004 , when the team coached by Larry Brown won with surprising ease , , shoving aside a star laden Los Angeles Lakers’ roster of All Stars . In the subsequent years , fate has not been too kind to a franchise that has simply labored , while making numerous mistakes in terms of , off and mid-season trades , mishandling of the rather archaic and asinine salary cap ($58.044 million) and draft classes .

Unless I am mistaken, the New York Knicks and their fans either believe that this postseason , they are meant to be a team of destiny , and supposedly the likely combatants to meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals . Anyone who has witnessed team’s play in their first round match-up against the Boston Celtics , will know that they were extremely luck to come through unscathed , ultimately with a series’ victory (4-2) . Yet this team was far from convincing under Mike Woodson’s tutelage . If nothing else , the Knicks’ players showed their complacency but above all , they clearly misjudged the mental approach that the Celtics brought in this series .

Now when it matter most , the Knicks are back to the ways of old , proving that they simply do not have the mental or physical toughness to play with any real grit or determination . In the opening game of their Easter Conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers . This Carmelo Anthony led team , was exposed , and all of their flaws were on display, for everyone to witness . Defensively incapable of stopping a much younger team at its core , the New York Knicks are said to be ” showing their age “ . Granted , with age comes experience , and along with that there should be dexterity in one’s play . Yet , somehow , Anthony and his teammates were simply unable to do that , in seeking to defend their home-court advantage in game one of this series .

Frank Vogel , his coaching staff and players have to be delighted with the fact that they fired the opening salvo , with a 102-95 victory at Madison Square Garden in front of a sold out crowd , with millions more , watching via a national television broadcast network . Now the question becomes , can the Knicks avoid going down 2-0 in a series , that will undoubtedly be defined by their presence of mind , and whether or they can defend their home-court with any sort of distinction ? Your thoughts on the matter ? The two teams will resume the series on Tuesday evening during prime-time , where Mike Woodson and his players will surely be looking to avenge that game one defeat .

It’s still early days yet in the NBA postseason , but overall , are you completely satisfied with the turn of events that have taken place ? Also , which teams do you believe are now in need of a good enough head coach to lead that franchise where they need to be ? Chime on this and anything else you believe to be pertinent to the subject matter at hand

Slideshow details below .
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(1) CHICAGO, IL – MAY 02: Brooklyn Nets Head Coach, P.J. Carlesimo, addresses the media during a press conference following Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Bulls during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2013 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The much traveled and well-respected head coach will not be returning to the Nets next season , a decision said to have been jointly made by GM Billy King in conjunction with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov . Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images ….

(2) Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during Game 6 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets in Chicago, Thursday, May 2, 2013. The Nets won 95-92. AP Photo/Daily Herald, Joe Lewnard …

(3) Pistons’ general manager Joe Dumars (left) is seen here with the team’s owner Tom Gores . The franchise has brought in famed former head coach Phil Jackson in a consultancy and executive role to provide Dumars with insight on personnel decisions . However , it is being widely speculated that apart from Dumars’ role being diminished , it could very well lead to his abrupt departure from a a franchise where he has spent his entire professional career as a player and front office executive . AP Photo / Michael Ross ….

(4) Boston Celtics’ head coach Doc Rivers is seen here with the team’s general manager Danny Ainge . This off-season Ainge and senior managing partner , Wyc Grousbeck will face several tough questions , as to whether or not the roster will need to be revamped for the upcoming 2013-14 season . Veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are nearing the end of distinguished careers , but their productivity was very much lacking when it was needed the most during the postseason . AP Photo/ Kirk English ….

(5) Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) drives past New York Knicks forward Kenyon Martin (3) in the second quarter of Game 1 of their second-round NBA basketball series at Madison Square Garden in New York, Sunday, May 5, 2013. AP Photo/Kathy Willens …

(6) From left to right , Avery Johnson ,former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets is seen here with team owner Mikhail Prokhorov, center , and the team’s general manager , Billy King . With a bloated payroll and simply no one on the roster capable of playing any defense , much less their being team defense exhibited by team . It became increasingly clear why the Nets were unceremoniously dumped out in the first round of the NBA Playoffs , by an injury plagued Chicago Bulls team. AP Photo /Richard Carter ….

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Tophatal 05/06/2013 ……… http://tophatal.wordpress.com

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NBA news and archived news

NBA Playoffs overview (brackets)

NBA results 5th May

NBA schedule 6th May

NBA free agents 2013 and for 2014 and future payrolls based cap-hits

NBA team salaries (cap figure of $58.044 million for the 2012-13 season)

Highest paid NBA players (overall)

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Hot chic pic of the day Kate Upton

More images below . Do enjoy . I know that I will !

In the land of milk and honey ………

In the land of milk and honey

Well the NFL Draft came and went without too much fuss or ballyhoo , but yet fans are now either trying to speculate as to what now is likely to take place amongst a number of franchises around the league . The biggest story might well have been the New York Jets’ decision to waive the team’s backup quarterback, Tim Tebow . GM John Idzik in many respects , was simply being polite with regard to the player’s future and undoubtedly his deteriorating skillet . Yet , for some sense of purpose there seems to be fans around the NFL , who believe that the player is still capable of playing the game at a high level within the league . From my own perspective in spite of what Tim Tabor was able to achieve in 2011 , he is simply not good enough to play the position in the NFL . Doubt my word , then simply look at the stats which will bear this all out , most notably in 2011 and of course last season .

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The pressure now seems to be on the Jets’ incumbent starting quarterback , Mark Sanchez , whose own long-term situation will be under scrutiny by the front office . Not to be left out of that equation also , will be the future of head coach Rex Ryan , whose four years with the franchise , has seen more lows than highs. Ryan it was said , was a defense minded guru of the game , but over the past two seasons, this was not borne out at all , by the team’s play . And with the team’s draft class , said to be one a mixed bag of tricks , with the biggest name of that class being West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith . As to what, this might now mean for Mark Sanchez, can now be determined in the public statements made by John Idzik . The general manager for the fans and public’s consumption has said that in essence all five quarterbacks on the team’s roster will be part of the competition , to fill the starting role for the franchise this upcoming season .

Character issues or not , the young rookie quarterback will have a great deal to prove in his rookie season , if it is his intent to beat out Sanchez , David Garrard , Greg McElroy and Matt Simms , for the starter’s role on this team .

There now seems to be a complete disconnect in the NBA between the intelligence of the players , how they view themselves and what now seems to be happening in the real world . As all know , athletes today, simply see themselves , as above the fray , above the law , and if nothing else , they will have their agents , simply create an image, that in no way reflects who these athletes , actually are . The New York Knicks in the past forty-eight hours have gone from a franchise that was one everyone’s lips as the likely contender and opposition for the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals , to a roster full of self-observed players , in which their fans are now looking to make excuses for the players’ lapse in judgment and their somewhat anemic performance in game five of their first round match-up against the Boston Celtics . A Boston team , who now seem to be playing with a great deal of emotion , in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon tragedy . As to the lapse in judgment , put that down to the juvenile mentality of a seasoned veteran , in Kenyon Martin , who seems to be having something of a rejuvenated NBA life after something of an underachieving career overall . It was at Martin’s insistence , that he and his teammates dressed in black as a show of unison , and apparently as a way of somehow imposing their will upon their opponent . Well, that idiocy seemingly backfired , with the Knicks being hoisted on their own ass , deservedly so , as they were soundly beaten by their Eastern Conference rivals .

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Forced into a pivotal game six match-up , albeit , that the Knicks lead the series 3-2 , they simply cannot allow the Boston Celtics to come away with a victory tonight , when the two teams meet in a packed TD Bank North arena , in Boston, Massachusetts ,. With seemingly nothing to lose , Celtics’ coach Doc Rivers knows that with his team riding on a wave of emotion and with the fervent support of the residents of Boston , leveling the series and then setting up that series’ deciding game seven , would place the Knicks in an unenviable position . A scenario that doesn’t exactly bode well for the New York Knicks and specifically New York sports’ fans in general . The 2004 ALCS between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees , not only did that series rancor the New York fans , but it set about the spiraling out of control of every fan within the tri-state area who just happened to be a Yankees’ fan , after the Red Sox came back from erasing a 3-0 deficit to win the series 4-3 , then going to win the World Series that season .

The likelihood of that scenario now happening does seem remote , but given the uncertainty shown by this Knicks’ team and the inexperience of this current roster as it relates to postseason play. It would not necessarily be something of a surprise to see the team bow out postseason play . Yet on the other hand , it would be seen as catastrophic , given the high expectations of this organization , the coaching staff and players . It would be pretty much safe to say that after Carmelo Anthony’s spectacular season , the one thing the one thing he is likely to regret , would be for this team to dumped out of the postseason unceremoniously , while the whole NBA world looks on .

The New York Knicks’ fans may well have been justified, in suggesting that their team were perhaps the ones to beat during the regular season , with the exception of the Miami Heat within the Eastern Conference . Yet , when asked to succinctly put into words the strengths and weaknesses on this roster , it was akin to watching a child trying to speak their very first words . They were enraptured , by style over , any real substance , it was as plain and simple , as that ! This Knicks’ team lacks a great deal of heart , lacks toughness , but it overall , when it comes to real adversity , there is no one willing enough to step up to the plate and lead by example . While ESPN analyst and noted journalist Stephen A Smith gushes over the team like a high school senior out on a prom date , believing that he’s unto a sure thing . At the back of his mind , even Smith , is now having reservations as to whether or not they possess the psyche to actually get the job done .

With their being some critical game sixes on the schedule tonight , for all sense and purpose a number of teams participating , are likely to see their seasons come to an abrupt end . This much I do know , of the first round series that have taken place or that have yet to reach their finality . None has been more entertaining than that of the series between the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets . Not only has this contest become one of mental attrition , it has become physical , with now an apparent dislike between the two teams and the opposing head coaches , each making their feelings felt as to the lack of sportsmanship by either . It’s time for George Karl and Mark Jackson to “ throw down “ , take off the gloves , really say what they mean and might feel .

Last night , it all came to a head when the two teams met in game six , with the Warriors looking to close out the series and the Nuggets simply looking to stay alive . Instead , the game became the “coming out party “ for Steph Curry , who this postseason , has been the most electrifying player to watch , as his stature and game has grown. . There was a sense that we were seeing the NBA’s new star , and indeed Curry may well be what the Warriors’ fans have yearned for, after all these years in the wilderness and being the butt of so many jokes around the NBA.

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Warriors’ owners , Joe Lacob and Peter Guber , along with Jerry West , have steered this franchise from being a nondescript entity to one of the league’s more surprising teams this season . A season in which the franchise has shone , a great deal now is expected of this team as they proceed forward . In the conference semifinals , a second round match-up against the number two seeds , the San Antonio Spurs awaits Steph Curry and his teammates . As to the likely outcome of that series , much of that will be predicated upon the play of Curry and the coaching ingenuity shown by Mark Jackson . I get the feeling that while that series will be entertaining , the likely outcome will not be what the Warriors’ fans are hoping for !

On Saturday night , WBC and WBA light middleweight champion Floyd Mayweather (43-0,26 KO’s) will defend his welterweight title against fellow American , Roberto Guerrero in what will or should be a highly entertaining spectacle . Mayweather , long regard as the best pound for pound fighter on the planet , in reality is now fighting merely to pad record and the monetary gain. The financial rewards for the titleholder for this bout , is likely to see him , walk away within excess of $25 million , simply for defending his title, and before any residuals are added to that figure. Already , a shrewd businessman , Floyd Mayweather , along with his partner Leonard Ellerbee , through his promotion’s company , now have the financial clout to dictate when , where and whom he fights and that is all set to his own schedule.

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Mayweather remains the biggest draw in boxing , and the long awaited bout that many have yearned for , is now unlikely to ever take place . With two recent losses on his record , Manny Pacquiao is now on the decline and no longer a desired opponent of Floyd Mayweather , in spite of his own claims, of having offered the Filipino fighter $25 million guaranteed , to face him at a place of their choosing . The titleholder knows how to talk up a fight , denigrate an opponent , but most of all , he simply knows how self-promote. Not since Muhammad Ali at his very best , have we seen a fighter with this much talent , simply wade through his opponents as if it were all secondary to him and simply a light workout . Granted , one might point to “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Mike Tyson at the height of their acclaim , but neither fighter had the aptitude or showmanship now being exhibited by the Michigan native .

Mayweather for is part, seeks to stake his claim , as one of the best ever in the annals of boxing history . With career earnings in excess of $ 225 million , the fighter recently signed a six-fight deal with the CBS owned Showtime Network , that will see Floyd Mayweather earn $200 million over the duration of the deal, which does not include any of the ancillary benefits normally associated with such deals. Boxing`s steady decline, in terms of viewership and the sport`s now narrow audience , no longer makes it the prerequisite destination for the average male , let alone the legion of females drawn to the bouts and the fighters .

Away from the gladiatorial arena , Mayweather, in a recent interview conducted with ESPN`s , Stephen A Smith , which sought to soften the boxers image . Smith fawned over the fighter. much like a schoolboy with a crush on a teenage girl . The interview in so many ways , was bile inducing drivel and slop , with the fighter pointing to the fact that he was incarcerated for a six-month sentence, during which he stated he missed his kids , spouse and other immediate family members . It should be noted, that the reason for Floyd Mayweather`s incarceration, was the fact he was charged with assault and battery on his spouse , children, as well as threatening a federal witness and law enforcement officer. Yet , this was excluded in the interview while Smith tried to suggest Mayweather had in fact turned over a new leaf in is life. I`m sorry but Smith , like Floyd Mayweather , were simply seeking to blow smoke up everyone`s ass with an interview that simply had no substance to it at all . Being the biggest, doesn’t always mean the best and that now is certainly the case when it comes to journalistic integrity .

One month into baseball`s long and arduous season, it looks as if we already know the teams that seem to be playing themselves out of contention without any chance of being remotely involved in postseason play . I am not about to suggest that this season is likely to be a monumental bust , but there does seem to be something of anomaly being set in this scenario. Coming into this weekend`s schedule , several games are likely to have the fans rooting wholeheartedly for their teams . The Boston Red Sox (20-8) currently have the best record in the Majors leading the AL East by a 2 ½ game margin over the New York Yankees (17-10) .

The San Diego Padres are a team heading nowhere with the team`s coaching staff seemingly at a loss , as to how best to address the woes of the organization . Far be it, for me to suggest , but having changed hands in terms of the team`s ownership , nothing seems to have changed at all in terms of the mediocrity exhibited by the ball-club .

Bud Black has been entrusted to manage this Padres` team . So far this season , things simply have not gone as planned, with the San Diego Padres rooted firmly at the bottom of the NL West with an 11-17 record . The Padres are scheduled to meet the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series at PETCO Park in San Diego , California . The first of those three games are set to start on Friday , 3rd May 2013 , and somehow this contest between two struggling teams , gives credence as to what can go so wrong , when an organization has been completely mismanaged .

What thoughts if any, do you have concerning the points raised within piece ? Simply chime in with a comment as you see fit and as always , thanks for the continued support of this site !

Tophatal ……. 05/03/2013

NB : At the time this posting the series between the Celtics and Knicks was not yet final in terms of a result .

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(1) Jets` GM John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan .

(2) Stephen A Smith and Floyd Mayweather .

(3) Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots over Denver Nuggets’ JaVale McGee (34) during the first half of Game 6 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, May 2, 2013. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez …

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NFL news and news from around the league

NFL archived stories

NFL Draft

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Boxing news

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NBA news and archived stories

NBA Playoffs’ bracket and overview

NBA postseason schedule

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MLB news and press releases

MLB standings (05/03/2013) and wildcard standings

MLB schedule

MLB results

This week in MLB history

May 3rd

All good things must come to an end, and they will, at some point !

All good things must come to an end, and they will, at some point !

This baseball season will have an inevitability about it , but perhaps none more so than when Mariano Rivera takes the mound for the final time of his illustrious career . Granted , there remains the common belief that the team in its current guise can make it to the World Series , while seeking to win that title for an unprecedented twenty-eighth time in the New York Yankees’ history . Team owners , Hank , Hal Steinbrenner and their younger female sibling , Jennifer Steinbrenner-Swindahl have sworn to carry on their late father’s legacy , which was one of steady and unprecedented success , while seeing the economic growth of the ball club seemingly increase exponentially at an impressive rate .

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Slideshow.

Brian Cashman as the general manager of the Yankees , remains under a great deal of pressure to succeed , as the heightened expectations have always been there , ever since he ascended to his current position within the franchise’s hierarchy . The late George Steinbrenner III , whose death saddened baseball’s fraternity , remains a constant reminder of his striving for success.

Joe Girardi and the team’s coaching staff have seen this team struggle while still remaining somewhat competitive within the AL East this season . With a mark of 15-10 , good enough for second place within the division , the ball-club sits three games behind the Boston Red Sox (18-7) . With their being a growing concern over the team’s pitching , it will be left to Mariano Rivera , CC Sabathia , Andy Pettite and Hideki Kuroda to spearhead the pitching staff , which remains one of the weakest within the AL and the league altogether . With that in mind , it should be noted with a litany of injuries , Joe Girardi knows that he can no longer afford to have any more shortfalls with regard to the health of his roster .

The New York Yankees are now severely challenged in terms of run productivity , albeit, that Robinson Cano remains the lone constant and the team’s best player . A more telling issue might well be the fact that the Yankees’ most recent game , which ended in a 9-1 loss to the Houston Astros played at Yankees Stadium , in New York City ,New York on Monday afternoon . If nothing else , it would suggest that this team remains far off from where it needs to be if it is to make a serious challenge in taking on the might of the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays , Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays .

The Yankees will host the Houston Astros and Bo Porter’s struggling team , two more times as part of a three-game series . It must be said , as the New York Yankees proceed over the course of their season , I do believe that they will continue struggle throughout their schedule . While Brian Cashman spares no expense in assembling a roster , it does seem ludicrous that in spite of the claims that Hal Steinbrenner sought to pare down the team’s payroll , instead it has increased back above $215 million for the 2013 season . And while this is nothing new for a franchise whose estimated value is estimated is in excess of $1.8 billion , with their being added resources available , via the team’s wholly owned cable sports’ programming outlet the YES Network Inc . It does beg the question, at what point will the ball club cease to be merely reliant upon the premise of being built upon , solely existing , because of their financial excesses , rather than building organically from within , in terms their competitive presence . It certainly has been a long time , during which one could point to the fact that the franchise could point to having produced a prominent and perennial All Star over the past decade.

If Mariano Rivera, is said to be, in the twilight of his career , it should be noted that Derek Jeter , the Yankees’ third baseman , who is still recuperating, while on the DL. Jeter yearns to be part of the present roster , but with the team’s orthopedic specialist noting that the player still has a cracked bone in his right foot , that still has yet to heal . There is no foreseeable situation, that indicates that Jeter’s return will be imminent, with the player making a contribution to the team.

With Jeter sidelined , questions also, still remain as to the well-being also of Alex Rodriguez, and his name now being associated company founder, Anthony Bosch and his South Florida based medical supplements’ company Biogenesis Inc . Bosch and where his company is at present, under investigation by the US Justice Department , after the revelations that Biogenesis supplied several prominent Major League players with PED’s (performance enhancing drugs) A denial, categorically and wholeheartedly denied by the company’s founder , Anthony Bosch. In his first public interview, with ESPN’s …. Pedro Gomez , Bosch was noncommittal in several answers concerning the claims and allegations , and with regard to the documents now said to be in the Justice Department’s possession , documenting the sale and distribution of the illicit substances in question .

Rodriguez , along with 2011 NL MVP , Ryan Braun have denied their association with Bosch’s company , albeit that Braun’s agent , Nez Balelo has issued a public statement on his client’s behalf, stating that Ryan Braun was merely a paid consultant for the company , in his role as an endorser of one of the company’s various supplement products. However, Anthony Bosch, when questioned by Pedro Gomez directly on the claims made by Balelo , they were immediately unanswered , with the company founder stating that Braun was not a paid endorser for any of his company’s products . It now begs the question, will Bud Selig and the MLB hierarchy simply still sit around with his fingers stuck in their rectum, while the game of baseball is further tainted by the misdeed and ill-gotten gains of the steroid cheaters within the game ? It is not as if Selig has front and center in his handling with the whole steroid debacle to begin with ! Never mind the simple-minded idiocy and complete denial shown in the legitimate circles of journalism that was said to be covering the sport . It should also be noted, that for many of the ass rendering purists within the game, who still live in a bygone era , who believe that the game still has a purity and character, when nothing could be further from the truth !

If there is one thing that is a certainty with the season still in its infancy , it is that both the Miami Marlins and New York Mets remain a goddamn mess from a competitive and economic standpoint , and that is with due compliment to the genuine Mets’ fans out there , who are of the belief that because the ball club was a afforded financial backing from several prominent Wall Street financial institutions , that simply creates a “stay of execution” for a franchise that has been mismanaged thrown to the wolves by the team’s ownership group headed by Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz. Even with the alleged acumen of Sandy Alderson and J P Ricciardi , it is now becoming clear that the Mets remain a work in progress , and that is in the aftermath of the idiocy shown by Alderson in giving David Wright an exorbitant and outrageous contract that now places a stranglehold on the franchise’s growth. As productive as Wright is said to be , without their being any semblance of competitive spirit and play from anyone else on the roster beyond Lucas Duda , there is simply nothing at all that would suggest that the Mets have the wherewithal to compete with the likes of the Atlanta Braves or the Washington Nationals over the course of this season .

The Mets are currently playing .435 borne out with a 10-13 mark as of the 29th April , ranking the ball club in the lower half of the NL and MLB as a whole. Surely , something good can come out of this season for the franchise beyond the continued mediocrity we have witnessed over the past six seasons with this organization .

Mets’ manager Terry Collins and his coaching staff will have a great deal to prove, as I believe that Collins’ tenure could very well be short-lived if he is unable to guide this team to at least a winning season ! Anything short of that and the front office will have to act aggressively , by bringing in a manager with wholly different attitude and a background of proven success . I don’t believe that claim can be made with regard to Collins’ managerial experience and resume`.

If the New York Mets’ season in 2012 could be a described as unabated disaster , then the Miami Marlins’ year was simply a mess , with the front office , managerial staff led by Ozzie Guillen , simply clueless as to what was needed to create a winning formulae for success. Less we forget also , through a great deal of connivance by team owner Jeffrey Loria and with the intervention and collusion of Bud Selig , the city of Miami now finds itself the subject of federal investigation. And with that ongoing investigation being conducted by the Criminal Division of the US Justice Department , this could have some serious repercussions and ramifications for the city of Miami , and in particular for the game of baseball, and how the sport conducts its business and specifically the actions of the team owners .

The city of Miami remains under investigation by the federal government after the allegations were made that city commission members may well have been paid to change their vote , on the financing bill, that became the source the building of the 34,500 seated Miami Marlins Ballpark , built at the cost of an estimated $600 million , which is being completely funded with public financing . And with the Justice Department, having subpoenaed documents in the city’s possession, as evidence, that they believe will assist in the building of their case. From my own standpoint , I believe that far too often , city and state politicians would rather fall in line and side with sports’ hierarchies , rather than doing what is in the best interests of their constituents and residents . Bud Selig has been reluctant to speak openly on the matter of the Marlins’ Ballpark , and the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile , Jeffrey Loria , and senior executives from the Marlins’ hierarchy have been reluctant to speak publicly on the matter , citing the ongoing actions of the US Justice Department . It begs the question , what and when will Bud Selig show that there is transparency to be found as to how the league conducts its everyday business ? Repeatedly , I read fans continually complaining about their being overtaxed, but I have yet to read of any complaints wherein , the fans are actually calling for Selig and the team owners being taken to task and that of cities where the teams reside , and the fact that there remains a gross misuse of public funds . Personally, I don’t believe the fans intelligent enough to fully comprehend what is going on within their midst ! And nowhere is that more evident than with the continued idiocy being shown by the fans of the Tampa Bay Rays , calling for the building of a new stadium to house the two decade old franchise .

When subjected to the questions as to where the funding for such an endeavor should come from the fans and media within the local area , clearly cannot give a definitive answer as to how the financing should be realized . With the cities of St Petersburg and Tampa , as well as the state having their ongoing budgetary woes , it is clear that the fans are at a loss to give succinct and logical explanation , as to how the financing would be in place for the building of a new venue.

Rays’ owner Stuart Sternberg continually complains , giving numerous reasons as to why new stadium is needed for his ball club , but yet the owner has been completely noncommittal in stating , that he would in part fund such an endeavor from his own personal fortune . Yet the anal retentive fans of the Rays , and the local media show their complete stupidity and lack understanding of the underlying economic realities . That should really come as no surprise given the complete lack overall understanding of the fans , ingenuity and leadership at all levels within the state’s political hierarchy. The state of Florida remains locked in a fucking time warp , which is still embedded, in the era of the sixties and seventies . Doubt my word ? Then simply consider the actions of the state’s unpopular and much ridiculed governor , Republican Rick Scott , and it should be noted that the Democratic Party within the state , remains a complete oddity , and a mirror image that we continue to witness at the national level for both of the political parties in question. Both are aimlessly heading nowhere , without a sense of urgency or an understanding concerning the economic woes of the country . Likewise the same thing remains a constant within the game of baseball , which is mirrored by the financial woes of several teams around the league .

The AL Central once again , looks like a division that will be highly contested but I do believe that it remains the Detroit Tigers’ to lose ! Granted, we repeatedly here that the Kansas City Royals will be a team to be reckoned with , and will play their part in competitive season and divisional race. Yet consider the fact , that, this organization as been one of the most mismanaged and incompetent franchises in all of baseball over the last decade . One would have to be either increasingly optimistic in seeing this team currently ascend to the top of the AL , while remaining competitive enough to be seen as a legitimate contender for the World Series . Ned Yost and his staff have been given the reins to guide this team over the course of the season . And while Yost can relish in the fact that his pitching staff has been bolstered by the addition of James Shields and Wade Davis , it might not prove to be enough to get the franchise where they desire to be .The Kansas City Royals are in the midst of a series against Tampa Bay Rays , with the two teams meeting tonight at Kauffman Stadium , in Kansas City , Missouri , for a night game .

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Picture gallery for your perusal .

Your thoughts at present on the state of play within baseball ? Also what opinions do you have on the league’s current situation as it relates to the South Florida based medical supplements’ company Biogenesis ? Do you believe that the league hierarchy should carry out their own investigation or simply leave it once again in the hands of the federal government to deal with the matter ? By all means do take time to chime in with a comment as you see fit .

Tophatal ….. 04/30/2012

Picture and slideshow details below .

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(1) Houston Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez (30) fields New York Yankees’ Ichiro Suzuki’s fifth-inning infield single in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2013. AP Photo/Kathy Willens ….

(2) New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera delivers in the ninth-inning of their 7-4 victory over the Houston Astros in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2013. AP Photo/Kathy Willens …

(3) ESPN’s Pedro Gomez , right, is seen here with Anthony Bosch , the founder of the South Florida based pharmaceutical and supplements’ company Biogenesis . The company at present is under investigation by the US Justice Department and FBI for what is believed to be a widespread case of Bosch’s company supplying several prominent Major League players with PED’s and other banned substances prohibited by baseball’s hierarchy. Bosch was very noncommittal with his answers when pressed on his association with several players mentioned in the confiscated documents now in the federal law enforcement’s possession . Courtesy of ESPN & AP Photo /Matt Cohen ….

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MLB news and news from around the league

MLB transactions and transactions in the month of April

MLB standings 30th April 2013 and wildcard standings

MLB results 30th April and teams’ schedule 1st May 2013

MLB probable starting pitchers

MLB standings 1st May 2012

This week in MLB history

This day in baseball history 1st May

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Hot chic pic of the day Melanie Iglesias . One hot piece of Latina @ss ! Your thoughts on that ?

As one door closes , another one opens . For Christ’s sake , keep the f##king door shut !

As one door closes , another one opens . For Christ’s sake keep the f##king door shut !

Well the idiocy of the NFL Draft has come and gone , in spite of this high-profiled event , nothing will really be learned until many of these rookies get their first taste of the NFL , during week one of the upcoming season . And to hear many of these draft geeks and on air personalities speculate and prognosticate , you would’ve thought that all thirty-two teams in the NFL were in sheer dire straits . In reality this draft had more to do with personalities , lack of real talent in a vast array of areas , in spite of the recommendations being made by members of the media .

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Now Tim Tebow having been cut from the organization at the behest of GM John Idzik , speculation still remains as to the future of the team’s beleaguered quarterback , Mark Sanchez whose performances in 2012 , were amongst the worst in the AFC and NFL throughout much of last season .

Courtesy of Pro Footballtalk.com

Testaverde disappointed Tebow didn’t get a chance

By Darin Gantt

While just-released quarterback Tim Tebow hasn’t had much support today, at least one former Jet is disappointed he didn’t get a chance to stay.

Former quarterback Vinny Testaverde had worked with Tebow recently in Florida, and he said he saw significant mechanical improvement.

“I was kind of disappointed because I was hoping he’d get a chance to show the coaches what we worked on,” Testaverde told Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. “I think they would’ve been impressed if they had compared this year to last year ” .

Testaverde spent a week with Tebow, concentrating on his footwork. In layman’s terms, Testaverde said Tebow “was stepping in the wrong direction when he was throwing the football.”

Testaverde also consulted with IMG instructor Chris Weinke, saying they “speak the same quarterback language” because they both played under Dan Henning.

“Chris and I looked at Tim careful and we were both amazed,” Testaverde said. “Everybody has been focusing on his throwing motion, trying to fix that, but nobody had picked up his footwork. His footwork was all screwed up. Chris and I looked at each other after about four or five throws, and we saw the same thing. We got his footwork fixed. His throwing motion is now a non-issue.

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Sanchez is owed in excess of $12.8 million for the upcoming season , but it seems that in all probability , John Idzik will seek a trade of the player, rather than retain him for the entire season while still having to make the financial outlay . He is due a roster bonus of $4.1 million due on the 1st June , and a possible trade partner , if anything would rather seek to only pay a nominal sum with regard to the player’s salary , and then assuming the remainder of Mark Sanchez’s contract from 2014 through to 2016 . This upcoming season for the Jets will be very interesting to see how they fare in their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the 8th September 2013 ,

It seems that fans , agents and analysts alike were simply surprised that a quarterback was not taken in the top ten of the first round of this NFL Draft . The fact that it was the Buffalo Bills , with the sixteenth pick in the first round taking EJ Manuel , made that whole premise all the more surprising . That being said , now consider the franchise’s options at the position , when you consider that Kevin Kolb is meant to be the Bills’ starter for the upcoming season . Shit , I’d rather walk on hot coals , rather than seeing Kolb quarterback any franchise within the NFL , as he simply does not possess the talent needed to be a starter in the NFL . Yet somehow, Bills’ head coach Doug Marrone and the front office believe the veteran to be their man . It is my belief , that sooner , rather than later , Manuel will be a starter in the league , quite possibly this season , if Kolb’s recent performances are anything to go by.

The AFC East , if nothing else , should prove to be a great deal fun , considering the antics of the teams from within the division and their performances from last season . Among the teams seeking redemption from last season’s nightmare , just happens to be the New York Jets , whose head coach , Rex Ryan barely escaped from the franchise’s purge of a mediocre coaching staff from 2012 . Out went , offensive coordinator , Tony Sparano , whose ides of team offense bordered on being absurd . And the very fact , that he has now joined the coaching staff of the Oakland Raiders , further enhances the notion , that coaching in the NFL , is no longer about creativity in terms of coaching talent but simply the “ rehashing” of “ mediocre coaches” “ , whose ideas are in essence , from a bygone age “ ! How else can one simply explain the fact that Sparano and Ryan were simply so how out of touch reality , while being allowed to ruin the franchise , and with asinine belief that Tim Tebow would be able to contribute to a team that was lacking in talent and creativity , never-mind poor coaching from every layer , within a considerably inept organization. Yet boneheaded individuals swayed by their emotions, continued to call for Tebow’s inclusion either as a starter or in some other capacity for the franchise . Fantasy geeks were either that blasé or simply that goddamn stupid, throughout much of 2012.

Sanchez is owed in excess of $12.8 million for the upcoming season , but it seems that in all probability , John Idzik will seek a trade of the player, rather than retain him for the entire season while still having to make the financial outlay . He is due a roster bonus of $4.1 million due on the 1st June , and a possible trade partner , if anything would rather seek to only pay a nominal sum with regard to the player’s salary , and then assuming the remainder of Mark Sanchez’s contract from 2014 through to 2016 . This upcoming season for the Jets will be very interesting to see how they fare in their season opener against Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the 8th September 2013 .

With this draft I expected the New England Patriots to do a great deal more than they did , but once again I believe they have failed miserably with this particular draft class . To try and suggest that Jamie Collin s , Aaron Dobson , Logan Ryan , Duron Harmon , Josh Boyce , Michael Buchanan and Steve Beauharnais . These are the players drafted by the organization with view redeeming itself after a monstrous postseason foray , which was best summed up in the team’s embarrassing loss to the eventual Superbowl champions , the Baltimore Ravens , in the AFC championship game . Given the team’s malaise during the game itself and the very fact that Bill Belichick was out-smarted and outmatched by his opposite number John Harbaugh .

I firmly believe that Belichick failed to address the concerns of this team on defense , albeit , that they made a few off-season deals that would suggest that he , GM Nick Caserio and the coaching staff have addressed the team’s failings over the past three seasons. ( 2012 , 2011 & 2010 ). This season if this team in its present guise is unable to address those woes , then the Patriots’ 2013 regular season foray is likely to be an extremely tough one . While fans and analysts alike will point to the potency of the team’s offense over the past few seasons . One should also remember , defense wins championships , and the offense is simply there , as the mainstay of the regular season .

With the NBA postseason now in full swing with the opening round series in some instances , all but established . It seems somewhat unbelievable to believe that the league’s two most renowned franchises are about to be or have been eliminated the first round of the NBA Playoffs . The Boston Celtics have fought back from the cusp of being eliminated in game four , but still find themselves with an almost insurmountable issue in having to still erase a 3-1 deficit in their first round series against the highly regarded New York Knicks .

Having watched this series unfold , to say that I am disappointed in the lack of commitment being shown by the Celtics , would be a tremendous understatement . The core of this roster simply is not good enough , nor has there been any leadership shown by seasoned veterans such as, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett . Granted , while Doc Rivers does not have the privilege of having the team’s best player on the court , It must be said , that as surely as Rajon Rondo is missed, it should not be made or seen as the primary excuse for the team’s poor play in this series . Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson has simply instilled into this team a real “killer instinct” , not often witnessed with the Knicks’ teams from the franchise’s recent past .

It would be fair to suggest that the Boston Celtics and the franchise’s front office will have to reassess the makeup of this roster and look to build around either Rondo or seek to bring in a marquee free agent during the off-season . Certainly , GM Danny Ainge and senior managing partner Wyc Grousbeck will have to come to a decision , sooner , rather than later as it relates to the immediate and long-term future of this renowned franchise .

This series may well be far from over in the eyes of the Celtics’ fans and players, and it does seem highly unlikely that the team will be derail what now appears to be a focused Knicks’ team obviously looking towards that perceived showdown with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals . Alas , it is my belief that after all of the in-fighting within the Boston Celtics’ locker room and the animosity that allegedly lingered between Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen wasn’t quashed by the coaching staff , head coach or by the Kevin Garnett , the perceived leader of this roster . Instead , Garnett chose to show his immaturity , by berating his former teammate , haranguing him , after his departure , but even more so , when it was announced that Allen had signed with the reigning NBA champions , the Miami Heat.

These are certainly the twilight years in the careers of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce , certainly , two players that are likely to be enshrined in the Naismith (Basketball) Hall of Fame , having met the eligibility requirements upon their retirement .

Despite their value and profitability , it would be fair to say that the Los Angeles Lakers are the most storied franchise in NBA history alongside their most heated rivals the Boston Celtics . With the two franchises accounting for over thirty of the NBA Finals competed for in NBA history .

In what wasn’t seen as a strange turn of events, when the Bryant-less Lakers met the San Antonio Spurs in their opening round series , expectation were high. Instead lackluster … performances , an injury riddled roster and the growing immaturity of Dwight Howard shone through , in what can be best described as piss poor performances all-round from every participant on this Los Angeles Lakers roster during the series. And you simply know things are bad for the franchise when one of the Lakers’ most celebrated fans , actor , Jack Nicholson offers his congratulations to Gregg Popovich and the entire Spurs’ roster , while ignoring several members of the Los Angeles Lakers’ playing staff.

With the Lakers being swept 4-0 in the series , it was the franchise’s earliest exit in the postseason , where the Lakers has a lost series , in such an embarrassing fashion , with that coming in the 1967 Western Conference Semi-Finals to the San Francisco Warriors (Golden State Warriors) .

Mitch Kupchak and SVP Jim Buss now have the unenviable task of assessing the roster and making a number of far-reaching decisions as it relates to the makeup of this team . In my m honest opinion , the general manager and team owner have erred in so many decisions as it relates to this franchise in recent years , that it has been a constant comedy of errors , watching the Lakers as their season came to an abrupt end. Suffice to say , with Dwight Howard showing a real lack of commitment and his getting into foul trouble in the third quarter of game four (103-82) , the fate of this team was sealed as the Spurs came away with a rather lopsided victory , as they now await the victor of the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies .

The Los Angeles Lakers, are now left on the outside looking in , as their season has simply gone up in flames . In all likelihood, with the Lakers’ bloated payroll ($100.1 million) , and no semblance of financial rationale for the never-ending stupidity to simply overpay for marginal talent , much as it would appear to be for a number teams around the NBA , while David Stern inexcusably tries to make the claim that the franchises of the NBA are financially responsible . Perhaps the NBA Commissioner could indicate the transparency of the claims he continually makes ? Once a boneheaded asshole , always a boneheaded asshole ! Nothing more , nothing less as it relates to David Stern !

ESPN’s David Aldridge is reporting that there will be a stay of execution as it relates to the sale of Sacramento Kings by the Maloof family to a consortium led by billionaire venture capitalist , Chris Hansen and Microsoft Chairman Steve Ballmer . In what is said to be a last-ditch attempt by the city of Sacramento mayor , Kevin Johnson , it appears that the NBA hierarchy and its Board of Governors have vetoed the sale of the franchise , and the consortium’s bid of almost $600 million is now likely to be overruled ,with the commissioner having been left with egg on his face , as initially he welcomed the pursuant bid of Hansen and Ballmer .

Courtesy of ESPN

In shocking twist, the Kings will likely stay in Sacramento

By David Aldridge

The NBA has all but officially decided to keep the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento.

In a unanimous vote of the league’s combined Relocation and Finance committees Monday afternoon, 12 NBA owners recommended that the league’s Board of Governors vote to deny the relocation of the Kings to Seattle — and, in doing so, deny the sale of the team from the Maloof Family to a Seattle-based group led by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

The recommendation will be taken up by the full Board for a formal vote the week of May 13. But it is almost certain that the full Board will go along with the recommendation and vote to keep the Kings in Sacramento, at least for another year.

Relocating a team requires a majority, or 16 of the league’s 30 teams to vote yes. As 12 teams have already voted no, that means the Seattle group would have to get 16 of the league’s remaining 18 teams to vote yes, a near-impossibility. And once relocation is voted down, the sale of the team to Hansen’s group would follow, for Hansen has consistently said he was only interested in buying the Kings if he could move them to Seattle.

“I’ve never been prouder of this city,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson Tweeted Monday afternoon. “I thank the ownership group, city leaders, but most of all the BEST FANS IN THE NBA!!!”

While the Maloofs are not obligated to sell the Kings, they will now be under incredible pressure to do so, after Sacramento put together a group led by software magnate Vivek Ranadive, who would be the first majority NBA owner of Indian descent. Ranadive’s group submitted a formal bid to the NBA earlier this month that NBA Commissioner David Stern said was comparable to the Seattle bid, and which the league considered binding.

It is not clear what steps the league could take if the Maloofs opt not to negotiate with the Ranadive group or sell to it. Stern reiterated earlier this month that the league does generally allow owners to sell to whomever they want, provided the new owners’ finances are in place, even though the league decides whether teams will be allowed to move.

The league also knew that its owners’ decision would rip the heart out of one city or the other. There was no solution that could make both happy.

“It’s not exactly comparing two cities,” a source with knowledge of the discussions said Monday. “It’s been hard to leave a place that’s been good to the NBA. Leaving a team, leaving a city, leaving a bunch of fans when they stepped up. That’s what it is.”

The decision caps an incredible comeback by the city of Sacramento, which looked doomed to lose its team after Hansen and the Maloofs announced in January they had reached a binding deal for the Maloofs to sell 65 percent of the team to Hansen, or $341 million, on a franchise valuation of $525 million. Hansen gave the Maloofs a non-refundable $30 million deposit as part of the agreement.

Ranadive’s group, according to an April 17 letter from the Maloof Family to the league that was leaked to the media, agreed to match the $525 million valuation for the team, but wanted to give the Maloofs a $15 million non-refundable deposit instead of $30 million. The Maloofs claimed that entering into an agreement with the Sacramento group would constitute a breach of contract with the Hansen group and would reduce the family’s leverage to negotiate in case the league vetoed the sale to the Hansen group.

Hansen had meticulously put together a plan over two years, purchasing land near Major League Baseball’s Safeco Field on which he wanted to build a new arena for an NBA and National Hockey League team. He reached an agreement with the city of Seattle for construction of a $491 building with up to $200 million in public funds.

But Sacramento, led by Johnson, came roaring back, putting together its own arena deal and ownership group, first led by supermarket mogul Ron Burkle and 24-Hour Fitness founder Mark Mastrov. But Burkle had to drop out of the team and arena plans after a conflict of interest with one of his businesses, which represents NBA players, was discovered.

Burkle was replaced by Ranadive, a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors, who quickly became the face of the Sacramento group. The city and the Ranadive Group reached agreement on construction of a $447 million arena, with Sacramento contributing $258 million toward the costs.

The Board of Governors postponed a final vote on whether to accept the Seattle or Sacramento plans when it met earlier this month, with NBA Commissioner David Stern citing the incredibly complex issues the league faced. Could it vote to leave a city whose fans had been incredibly loyal over the years, and who had reached agreement with the Maloofs last year on a new arena deal, only to see the family walk away?

On the other hand, Seattle had famously lost its team, which became the Oklahoma City Thunder, in 2008, and the NBA had lost a potentially dynamic market. The Hansen bid for the Kings wildly inflated the value of all other NBA teams, and the potential revenues from a regional sports network and other corporate dollars made Seattle an enticing city. In addition, Hansen’s group went about its business quietly, as the NBA prefers.

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For the last eight years the Sacramento Kings have been one of the least supported franchises in the NBA , along with being one of the least profitable of the NBA’s thirty teams . Why in the world Johnson would seek retain a loss making concern that is barely supported with anemic attendance level seems somewhat idiotic , but for the life of me I cannot understand the reasoning behind the mayor’s madness when his city has its very own budgetary woes to deal with . As with any asinine politician, who ill-serves his electorate, and the citizens who have entrusted him to lead. It does beg the question , will he now seek to use public resources to aid millionaire software magnate Vivek Ranadive and his last-minute bid for the Western Conference franchise ? Ranadive stepped into the fray , the moment this consortium hastily put together by Kevin Johnson , when billionaire real estate magnate , Ron Burkle dropped out the syndicate citing personal and professional reasons . In reality, Burkle’s concerns lay elsewhere , as he is one of the lead developers of the downtown Los Angeles area, seeking build a commercial and private real estate development , that will potentially house a 85,000 to 100,000 seat stadium with the view of luring a relocating or a new NFL franchise into the nation’s second largest ad market and its second most populated city. Be that as it may , my question for commissioner , if he is now prepared be mindful of the Board of Governors’ wish in such an instance . Then what in essence is now so different here from the same situation that arose when the Seattle Supersonics’ sale to Clay Bennett , when that franchise was then relocated to Oklahoma City ? Clearly , the league hierarchy , in this instance, has never acted with any real transparency , as it relates to their decision-making .

Many of you will know by now, that there were allegations made that the NBA acted with a great deal of subterfuge as they simply sought to relocate the Sonics’ franchise because of the advantage tax breaks that would be received by the Oklahoma City Thunder , from the municipality of Oklahoma City . Over the first five years of the residency within their new home (Chesapeake Energy Center) , the franchise was able to receive in excess of $65 million in tax breaks and other lucrative benefits for the state of Oklahoma’s only professional NBA franchise , much less its only professional sport’s franchise. It now begs the question what benefits will the city of Sacramento offer to the new ownership group of the Kings and their wish to remain in the California state capitol ? Is this really how Kevin Johnson and his fellow city commissioners wish to spend the goodwill and the resources of the city, while the NBA once again profits from this all. Most of all, the biggest benefactors from this all will remain the Maloof Family , and the lead siblings, Joe and Gavin Maloof , who preside over the sports’ interests of the familial holdings .

If Vivek Ranadive’s bid is now approved , and the Maloofs walk away with their newfound cash haul of $600 million to aid them in now ailing business interests as it relates to the family’s beverage , hospitality and transportation interests , their departure from the ranks of owners within the NBA fraternity , cannot come around quick enough in some circles . Joe and Gavin Maloof’s alleged business acumen as it relates to the Kings , has been at best , mediocre and a complete farce . The very fact that GM Geoff Petrie has also presided in and over this fu#king mess , makes it all the more asinine , that David Stern continues to make these dubious claims as to the league’s continued financial health and well-being. Meanwhile, anally retentive fans, continue to buy into the commissioner’s continued bull$hit ! The sooner the commissioner departs from his post , the better off NBA will be ! Unfortunately, Stern’s heir-apparent , Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will assume his role in February 2014 and will follow in the same vein, as his predecessor. What else could the NBA ask for, at this juncture ? Simply one more reason to see the NBA for what it has simply become , a brand and business template completely devoid of character , integrity but above all , real leadership from anyone with a position of authority. Does anyone actually believe that David Stern has always acted in the best interest of the league?

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What thoughts if any do you have concerning the points raised within this piece ? By all means do leave a comment as you deem fit , concerning the subject matter and anything else that you believe to be pertinent .

Tophatal ……….. 2013/04/29

Picture and slideshow details below .

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(1) In this Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 photo, New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. The New York Jets say, Monday, April 29, 2013, they have waived Tebow. AP Photo/Gary Wiepert ….

(2) Tim Tebow (15) is seen here alongside his now former teammate, Mark Sanchez(6) , after the former Heisman Trophy winner was waived by the franchise . The New York Jets still have 5 quarterbacks remaining on the roster . There now seems to be mounting speculation that Sanchez is likely to be traded by the Jets , should they be able to find a suitable trade partner willing to undertake the remainder of the player’s sizable contract . GM John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan have refused to speculate on Mark Sanchez’s immediate future at this juncture . AP Photo / Richard Carter ….

(3) Jets’ front office executive John Idzik, left, sits next to New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan while waiting to be introduced as the Jets new general manager on the Jan 24th, 2013 . AP Photo / Mark Ruffo …..

(4) West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith is seen here making his first public appearance as a member of the New York Jets . The quarterback was drafted as in the second round by the AFC East franchise . Smith hopes to make an immediate impact and contribution for the Jets this upcoming season . Yet it appears unlikely that he will be the starter in week one , as the common belief is , that veteran quarterback David Garrard will be the starting quarterback in that game , their season opener , against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Getty Images North America / Paul Windham …..

(5) Veteran quarterback David Garrard, pictured inset , is likely to be the team’s starting quarterback during the regular season , but he is likely to face stiff competition from newly drafted rookie Geno Smith , as well as the other passers on the roster seeking to become the primary quarterback in the team’s depth chart . AFP / Ricardo Marchiallo ….

(6) New York Knicks’ Raymond Felton (2) gets a high-five from a teammate as Boston Celtics’ Doc River s walks onto the court after calling a time out during the second quarter of Game 3 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series in Boston, Friday, April 26, 2013. AP Photo/Winslow Townson ….

(7) New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert (21) tries to control the ball as Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce (34) struggles with Knicks’ Kenyon Martin , far right, during the second half in Game 4 of a first round NBA basketball playoff series in Boston, Sunday, April 28, 2013. The Celtics won 97-90 in overtime. AP Photo/Elise Amendola …..

(8) Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) , of Spain, knocks the ball out of the hands of San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan during the second half in Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series , Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Los Angeles. The Spurs won 103-82 and swept the Lakers in four games to bring the Los Angeles’ franchise’s season to an abrupt end . AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill ….

(9) Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard , right, looks on along with San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal , left, after receiving a technical foul during the first half in Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Los Angeles. Howard scored seven points before getting ejected early in the third quarter for arguing . The Spurs won 103-82 . What we have seen from Dwight Howard in recent years has been the player’s growing immaturity and complete lack of leadership skills , but there are those who stand by the claim that he remains the best center in the NBA , and that may well be the case from a defensive and offensive standpoint , but it has to be said that he lacks the leadership qualities as such revered centers as Shaquille O’Neal , David Robinson , Hakeem Olajuwon , Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain . AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill ….

(10) Indian-American software mogul Vivek Ranadive who is now showing an interest in purchasing the beleaguered Sacramento Kings . In the aftermath of 12 of the NBA’s thirty owners voting against the sale and relocation of the franchise , it now leaves the road clear for Ranadive’s bid to be accepted by the league hierarchy and Board of Governors . Getty Images North America / Bill Parker ……….

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NFL news and news from around the league

NFL archived stories

NFL Draft (2013)

NFL quarterbacks taken in this season’s draft

NFL team transaction

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New England Patriots’ news

New York Jets’ news

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NBA news and archived stories

2012-13 NBA Postseason summary & news

NBA Playoffs Brackets

NBA results 28th April & results 27th April

NBA schedule 29th April

NBA free agents 2014

NBA team salaries & players’ salaries highest paid

Boston Celtics’ news

Los Angeles Lakers’ news

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Hot chic pic of the day Jordan Carver .

More of Carver on the move , just as you may well like it , or not .

Take it from me , those puppies of Carvers’ need to be sucked and played with a great deal , if only in fun !

A room with a view , and it’s looking good , baby !

A room with a view , and it’s looking good , baby !

I have to admit that this is one time of the sports’ calendar that I do not always look forward to ! One , you have the NFL Draft , three days of monotonous boring chatter , amongst draft geeks , on air television pundits , merely speculating on what may or may not happen, with a number of teams seeking to improve upon last season . Meanwhile , in the NBA , their postseason , while in its infancy , has now began to create a great deal high emotion and drama . Never mind the fact , we now have an ailing and “ aging “ Los Angeles Lakers’ team on the cusp being unceremoniously dumped out of the postseason foray . Call me naïve , but who in their right mind , actually believed that the Lakers stood a chance against the San Antonio Spurs in this first round match-up ? Granted, the loss of Kobe Bryant to a season ending injury, seemingly, has made the Spurs’ task that much easier. However, the reality here, was the mere fact that this Lakers’ roster really has no depth at all , to it. .

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Away from the two sporting scenes mentioned , in baseball , we have seen the fast start to the season by the Atlanta Braves’ (21-15) , and their outfielder , Justin Upton , and his having struck an astonishing eleven home runs in twenty games for the team, while at the same time being looked upon as a mid-season contender for NL MVP . Under manager , Fredi Gonzalez , his coaching staff , and this Braves’ team have proven to be dominant within the NL East , while it could be said that , they are now the best team in the Majors , judging by their record alone .

Strange as this may seem , as an avid Braves’ fan , my biggest concern as it related to the team , was whether or not the pitching staff , could and would improve upon their showing of last season . This season the staff has been stellar, leading the NL in team ERA (2.52), while seemingly being miserly in terms of their play in the first two-thirds of a game , with some stellar defense , with solid contributions coming from all-round .

Next up for Gonzalez’ players will face will an intra-league game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park , in Detroit , Michigan , in the best of a three game series , starting on Thursday , 26th April . That series should prove to be highly entertaining and interesting for a number of reasons , beyond what takes during the three game series.

It must be a sign of the times because having moved from the NL Central to the AL West , the Houston Astros still remain a moribund franchise . From a team that bore and ended up with a league worst and franchise worst record of 55-107 in 2012. In spite of the team having changed ownership , with Jim Crane , having assumed control with the three-quarters of a billion purchase of the franchise from Drayton McClane , it would appear that the incompetency of the front office remains intact along with an impoverished coaching staff , that seems completely lacking in confidence and bereft of ideas .

At 7-14 , the Astros are already struggling to make their presence felt within the AL West , and those struggles have been highlighted in the losses racked up by this team , with manager , Bo Porter on appearance alone , now seems to unsure, how best to deal with the adversity that he and the team now face .

The Astros’ task will not get any easier of their next six games , having to face both the Boston Red Sox (14-7) and New York Yankees (11-9) on the road , while not looking to further place themselves in anymore jeopardy of becoming completely irrelevant this season . They will begin a four-game set , starting today at Fenway Park , in Boston , against a resurgent Red Sox franchise . Needless to say that the Astros’ Phil Humber will be under a great deal of pressure to succeed , when he faces his opposing starting number , pitcher , Clay Bucholz . An intriguing match-up in what should prove to be a very interesting series . That being said , less than one fifth of the way through the regular season schedule , and does look as if the Houston Astros’ mark of last season could very well be in jeopardy at this juncture , basing that simply upon the figures at this point last season .

Not really wanting to rain on anyone’s parade , but watching the Los Angeles Lakers’ flounder at present , while several of their players continue to make excuses for the team’s poor play, does bring a wry smile to my face . OK, so I am a contented Spurs’ fan looking to see the franchise make it to another conference semi-finals’ appearance . For Mike D’Antoni , the mounting criticism of his coaching style , and the lack of team defense cannot be overlooked at as it relates to the regular and postseason . And if to further emphasize the issues that the team now faces , beyond the injuries to Kobe Bryant , you have the “ walking wounded “ of Steve Blake , Steve Nash and Jodie Meeks , making the team’s locker room, now seem like the triage unit of a military medical base . Only in this case , it’s not a military unit , that has come under fire , but a bunch of whining bunch of overpaid individuals that make up the Lakers’ roster .

If neither Nash or Blake are ready to suit up for Friday night’s game three , then it will be left to seasoned veteran point guard , Chris Duhon , to be the team’s facilitator at the position , when the series resumes at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , California,. Dwight Howard , for his part has given the Lakers a solid contribution this postseason , but the reality to be faced here , is that Howard cannot do it all alone , and I seriously doubt that the center , actually relishes the leadership role that has now been entrusted upon him ! ! Whatever the outcome of this series , GM Mitch Kupchak , along with SVP and team owner , Jim Buss will have to seriously take a look at the makeup of this roster , its age and the overall experience of the players concerned .

The NFL Draft , what more or else can anyone say about this three-day spectacle of insipid self-serving gratuity on the part of the NFL ? Isn’t it bad enough that one of the league’s newest owners is now embroiled in an investigation that could have some serious consequences and serious ramifications . as to the league itself conducts its business as well as how it goes about vetting potential suitors seeking to buy an NFL franchise . Cleveland Browns’ owner , Jimmy Haslam , part of a Tennessean political dynasty and a self-made billionaire, now finds himself at the center of a federal investigation of which he and his company, Pilot J Inc are the focus of a fraud and grand larceny investigation . If the allegations are to believed, based upon certain pieces of information leaked , and documentation that is now in the hands of the FBI , which alleges that sales’ employees circumvented payments due to the company’s clients , for their own personal use, as well as being used in a scheme to prop up and boost Pilot J’s financials , for accounting purposes and obvious financial gain. While Haslam, has suggested that he was unaware of the scheme that is said to have taken place , lead investigators from the FBI have suggested otherwise , with the CEO’s name being mentioned in several documents that would suggest that he may well have been a willing participant in the fraud that has been perpetrated leading to the loss of tens of millions of dollars due to clients nationwide.

Bill Haslam , governor of Tennessee , hasn’t yet begun to distance himself from his sibling , but now even he, seems to be on the verge of being caught in the crosshairs of this now joint investigation by the White Collar Crime Unit of the FBI and the US Justice Department’s Criminal Division . Damn guys , what the f#ck have you now gotten yourselves into ?

The Haslams , are known to be “ big political contributors” to Republican causes , as well as to legislators at the state and federal levels , having raised millions of dollars for the Republican Party over the last decade and a half . Far be it for me to suggest , but when the shit begins to roll downhill , you had better make sure that none of it sticks your ass ! Herein , lies the un-savoriness of this whole shebang, as it now relates to the NFL and the very fact that the league has yet to issue a public statement , beyond the idiocy league spokesman , Greg Aiello , stating that the commissioner’s office is closely monitoring the situation. Roger Goodell and the entire NFL hierarchy couldn’t monitor their own goddamn “ bowel movements “ , if of prescribed to do so by experienced medical professionals . Yet we are now to believe, that they are closely monitoring the federal government’s investigation of a franchise owner ? When this investigation was first underway , Jimmy Haslam was in the process of purchasing the Browns from then owners , the Lerner family with the league and their board of governors approving the sale. It now begs the question what type of due diligence was taken , if any , by the NFL when they conducted a background check of Jimmy Haslam and the financial documentation made available to the NFL ? Much of this idiocy , back to my mind , is somewhat reminiscent of Reggie Fowler , now a minority stakeholder in the Minnesota Vikings , sought to become the first African-American minority owner of an NFL franchise .

A great deal of embarrassment would come to light for the NFL hierarchy as well for the then bidder , Fowler , who failed to obtain the financing necessary , albeit, that the documentation he provided the NFL for their approval failed to indicate his financial woes and the very fact that , the funding was not fully in place by the financial institution , he stated was being made available to him. It would however lead to then commissioner , Paul Tagliabue seeking out a new purchaser of the franchise. Fowler would , himself seek legal action against the NFL, by suggesting that they showed a prejudicial bias, in denying his bid to purchase the Vikings from Red McCombs . Tagliabue was successful in bringing in Zygi Wilf to buy the beleaguered team , with Reggie Fowler on board as a minority stakeholder . It’s pretty much safe to say, that after that embarrassing episode , the NFL no longer seeks to see itself being made a complete idiot in the eyes of the public or the fans. Yet somehow , NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell , over the past eighteen months has brought that all back to the fore , with his ongoing incompetence and a great deal more !

After a nondescript season that saw the Browns end up with a 5-11 record and firmly rooted at the bottom of the AFC North . With that final mark in the NFL , it grants the franchise the chance , with the sixth pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and from thereon-in , the sixth in the second round (68th overall) , subsequent picks in the third , fourth , fifth , sixth and seventh rounds accordingly .

Browns’ head coach Rob Chudzinski , his coaching staff along with the front office led by GM , Michael Lombardi , and CEO Joe Banner , this franchise will undoubtedly have to strive to make last year’s woes a thing of the past . From my own perspective the Browns were woefully inept last season and in 2011 , in terms of the draft classes in question. What might be even more idiotic concerning the Cleveland Browns , was the thinking that Brandon Weeden , was simply good enough to lead this team to any semblance of success this past season .

Weeden was taken as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of 2012 NFL Draft and the fourth quarterback taken overall behind by Andrew Luck , Robert Griffin III , and Ryan Tannehill . With the exception Luck , Griffin and Russell Wilson , the rookie quarterbacks of last season, can be viewed as moderately average , if nothing else .

I am not about to suggest as to where , and how the Browns should come to any type of personnel decision as it relates to this NFL Draft . Those decisions will be made by the executives who seemingly know best, and not by any prognostication from any draft geek , television pundit or NFL analyst for that matter . However , over the upcoming season and specifically as it relates to the Browns , I’ll be keeping an observant eye on the franchise , seeing how they progress and the type management style brought by Rob Chudzinski , and his staff. As to how this all plays out , as to the ongoing investigation being conducted by law enforcement into the activities of Jimmy Haslam and his company.

To my mind this unraveling episode is liable to have some far-reaching ramifications for the NFL and every single franchise from this point onwards . There are those within this community who simply do not fully comprehend the allegations now being leveled against the Browns’ owner and the very fact that the NFL were simply negligent in how they went about granting their approval in the sale of the Cleveland Browns . Doubt my word ? Then ask yourself this , how in this day and age a multi-billion dollar concern such as the NFL with all of the resources at their disposal , yet they can botch such an exercise and then act as if their actions have been above reproach. Jeff Pash , as the NFL’s Chief Legal counsel , may well be the accomplished and an incompetent legal adviser , that the league has at present , but then again , it shouldn’t really come as a surprise to anyone given the ongoing incompetence that is routinely being exhibited by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell .

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What thoughts if any do you have with regard to the salient points raised within this piece ? By all means do take time to leave a comment as you see fit and thanks as always for the continued support of this site !

Picture and slide show details .

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(1) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood throws against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in Denver. The Rockies won 6-5 in 12 innings . AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez …

(2) Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) tags out Colorado Rockies’ Eric Young Jr., (1) at home during the 11th inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in Denver. The Rockies won 6-5 in the 12th inning. AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez …

(3) Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz points to the dugout as he rounds first base on a solo home run in the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Boston, Thursday, April 25, 2013. The Red Sox would go on to defeat the Astros 7-2 . AP Photo/Michael Dwyer ….

(4) Houston Astros’ Philip Humber .. pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Boston, Thursday, April 25, 2013. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer …..

(5) SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 24: Gary Vitti , athletic trainer of the Los Angeles Lakers, speaks with Steve Blake (5) as the team plays against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2013 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Photos by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images ….

(6) San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers’ Dwight Howard (12) while trying to score during the first half of Game 2 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. AP Photo/Eric Gay ….

(7) Browns’ CEO Joe Banner ,left , is seen here with team owner, Jimmy Haslam , brother of Tennessee governor Bill Haslam (R_Tn) . Haslam’s company Pilot J Inc is at present the subject of a federal law enforcement investigation concerning fraud , grand larceny . The ongoing investigation is now joint investigation by the FBI and US Justice Department , with senior sales executives and certain executives within the company who are said to be implicated in the investigation. AFP/Photo /Martin Gorham ….

(8) Barkevious Mingo , from Louisiana State , stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. AP Photo/Jason DeCrow …..

(9) Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) talks with quarterback Jason Campbell during NFL football mini-camp at the team’s training facility, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Berea, Ohio. Weeden and Campbell threw passes side-by-side as the Browns opened their first mini-camp of the season. The 29-year-old Weeden is the incumbent and started 15 games last year. He was the 22nd overall pick in the 2012 draft. Campbell, 31, was signed as a free agent on March 26. The ninth-year pro appeared in six games last season with the Bears. AP Photo/Tony Dejak …

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By Tophatal 2013/04/25

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MLB news and news from around the league

MLB schedule 25th April

MLB probable pitchers 25th April

MLB standings and wildcard standings

NFL news and news from around the league

NFL team transactions and transactions from the month of March , 2013

2013 NFL Draft

NFL Draft by team and by round

2012 NFL Draft

NFL schedule regular season 2013

Cleveland Browns’ profile

Cleveland Browns’ news and archived Browns’ stories

Cleveland Browns’ roster & team statistics (2012)

AFC North division (2012)

Cleveland Browns’ draft order 2013

Cleveland Browns’ draft history

Cleveland Browns’ 2012 schedule

Cleveland Browns’ schedule (2013)

NBA news and 2013 NBA Playoffs’ series schedule

NBA schedule tonight & results from Tuesday night

NBA postseason stats : Players’ scoring ppg

Assists per game

Rebounds per game

Field goal percentage

Teams’ postseason stats : Teams’ stats summary (postseason)

Team stats’ offense

Team stats defense

Eastern Conference series’ results & summary

Western Conference series’ results & summary

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