I’m Calling It A Wipe-out !!!!
Well the NBA Finals have come to an abrupt end, with the Cleveland Cavaliers being blown out in the Finals by the Golden State Warriors , completing a sweep with a degree of clinical precision not seen in a very long time . Kevin Durant adds to his impressive resume’ as he was named Finals’ MVP for the second consecutive season . His being given this accolade places Durant as one of only two players to have won multiple scoring titles as well as the Finals’ MVP . For the Cavaliers as the losing finalists , the fact that each loss in the four games played was by double-digits or less , emphasizes why there is such a large chasm between the quality of the teams in the Eastern Conference of the NBA and their counterparts in the West.
Slide show.
Adding more embarrassment to Cleveland’s debacle in the Finals remains the uncertainty concerning the future of LeBron James . The player can choose to opt-out of the final year of his contract and seek to become an unrestricted free agent , leaving to join a legitimate contender within the league. Based on all of the criteria seen, there are at least five or six teams that might be a destination for the superstar.
LeBron James should he choose to leave Cleveland for the second time in his esteemed thirteen-year career, it would once again lead to a great deal of frustration and anger among the franchise’s fans. Bear in mind however, this team in its original guise at the start of the season , was the one which James himself had a great deal of input in assembling . Just before the All Star Break , Cleveland Cavaliers’ GM Koby Altman brought in players he felt would complement the skill-set of LeBron James and Kevin Love . For Love as the second-best player on the Cavaliers’ roster, his productivity during the NBA Finals, could be best described as sparse, while the rest of the players were simply along for the ride. LeBron James has now been on five losing teams in the NBA Finals and he now has on his resume , a second series’ sweep with the first coming when the Cavaliers were summarily annihilated by the San Antonio Spurs during the 2007 NBA Finals , where Tim Duncan led the Spurs to what was an expected series’ victory, but not which was so lopsided.
After-all LeBron James was seen as the face of the NBA and the ” anointed best player on the planet “ . King James as he has often referred to himself , an anointing which many of his supporters and NBA analysts are in complete agreement with.
Whatever the future now holds for LeBron James , be it his remaining in Cleveland or his offering his services to the highest bidder, I would like to see the player come to a quick decision , rather than it being a long drawn out drama , something akin to a very bad soap opera episode.
I’m an avid boxing and Mixed Martial Arts’ fan and over this past weekend both sports showcased events which were meant to lure the fans back to the respective sports, which had been experiencing something of a lull. The UFC showcased their main event , UFC 225 , where the main card , had the top-two contenders within the Men’s Middleweight Division fight for the title , with the winner getting the chance further enhance his resume’. Robert Whittaker of Australia faced Yoel Romero of Cuba, in what could be best described as a war of attrition rather than a about that had a great deal of athleticism or tactical display about it. The fact that Whittaker won on a split decision , should tell you all you need to know about the bout and the fact that it failed to live up to expectation . Far be it for me to suggest, but the UFC is in a sad state of affairs at present in spite of being under new ownership and having a multi-year , multi-billion television contract with Fox Sports (FS1) . . If the ratings continue to decline for a number of their big events , other than premiering big-time PPV match-ups, that whets the appetites of the fans , then UFC President Dana White will continue to have a hard time justifying his comments that the UFC is the premier brand in the world when it comes to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) .
He has made his return to the professional boxing ring after BBBC (British Boxing Board of Control) mandated suspension for failing a drug test. Former Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury was back in the ring to face Sefer Seferi of Albania, in what was meant to be a tune-up fight for the former champion, as he seeks to legitimize his position in the Heavyweight rankings. Fury has always been known to talk the talk , but rarely has been able to walk the walk. Other than his victory over a fast declining Wladimir Klitschko , there’s nothing on the British fighter’s resume’ to suggest that he has the potential to reclaim the world title. The two best fighters within the division, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course for multi-million dollar unification bout to settle once and for all who is the best heavyweight fighter on the planet .
Tyson Fury has always questioned the claims that he took a banned substance , but has failed to explain, how after two random test samples the , the test still came up positive for a banned substance. He should consider himself lucky that his suspension was not for a great deal longer than the two years he spent away from the ring. As for his performance against Sefer Seferi, well let’s just say , lethargic and ring-rusty would be apt ways to describe his victory over his Albanian opponent. Fury doesn’t have the prowess to take on either Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder , let alone beat either of the claimants to their versions of the World Heavyweight title .
Australian Jeff Horn after his somewhat dubious victory over boxing legend Manny Pacquiao , had sought to legitimize himself as one of the best welterweight boxers in the world. His majority decision verdict over the Filipino legend , quickly made Horn a national hero in Australia. In order to further validate that victory , the Australian took on Terence “Bud” Crawford , as Horn defended his WBO Welterweight Title against the hard-hitting American challenger on Saturday night. . Crawford barely broke sweat as the took the title from the Australian champion with a stoppage in the ninth round. Let’s just say Jeff Horn was way out of his class and league , in spite of that victory over Manny Pacquiao .
So as the President, Donald Trump continues to regale us with his insight with the ongoing issues within the world , he recently spoke of his wish to sit down with the players of the NFL to speak with them on the issues of their grievances concerning social injustice. Trump was still basking in the limelight after pardoning Alice Johnson who was serving a life sentence with regard to drug trafficking and money-laundering . Johnson was granted a pardon , after reality show star Kim Kardashian prevailed upon the President to take a look at Johnson’s case.
Alice Johnson freely admits that she knew the risks , but she sought to earn quick money , because of her plight at the time. I guess when your home is being used as a drug cash and stash-house, as well as being a distribution center for a violent drug gang , then any excuse can be allowed for your actions ? The President we know has been extremely critical of the NFL players whom he says are being unpatriotic by refusing to stand for the national anthem. Stating repeatedly, in failing to do so , it dishonors the men and women have fought in wars to protect the rights of citizens in America and freedom across the world. This President fails to understand the real reason why the players are taking this stance and has never addressed the real underlying issues. One of the latest signs of not only complete stupidity on the part of the President but also lack of common sense , was the statement made , where he suggested it was time to grant Muhammad Ali , a full pardon for his crimes. Now bear in mind Ali’s case was overturned in the US Supreme Court on appeal , meaning there were no longer any charges for him to face.
Call me naïve or just plain stupid, but what fucking planet is Donald Trump now living on and does he ever take any advice proffered up to him by the Solicitor General , much less the Inspector General within the US Justice Department or from anyone within his administration ? Or will continue to take advice from his daughter, Ivanka Trump , his two clueless sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr , as well as his son-in-law Jared Kushner (husband of Ivanka Trump) .
The day, Donald Trump actually shows signs of interest let alone knowledge of a social issue , rather than chomping off at the bit like a rabid dog in search of a victim . It will be the day that he can be taken seriously for the role for which he was elected into office for.
Rafael Nadal added further to his astonishing tennis career , claiming his eleventh French Open title at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris , France this past Sunday . Nadal’s victory over Dominic Thiem was clinical and surgical in its precision and gave the Spaniard his seventeenth Grand Slam title , three behind by the all-time leader Roger Federer , whose current tally stands at twenty Grand Slam singles’ titles .
Next up for Rafael Nadal by way of the next Grand Slam Tournament will be Wimbledon at the All England Club , where Nadal will be looking to add a third Singles’ title having won previously in 2008 and 2010 . Nadal , Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are the only men currently active on ATP Men’s Tennis Tour to have to have won all four legs of the Grand Slam ( Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open) . With his French Open victory Rafael Nadal holds unto the number one ranking in the world, closely followed by Roger Federer.
So here we go again, fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers are complaining , because their high-priced roster of stars are falling by way the wayside due to injuries . Dodgers’ team manager Dave Roberts seems to have his work cut out again for himself this season as the team struggles to get back on track , being competitive within the NL West and NL in particular. At one game above .500, this is not where the Dodgers expected themselves to be at this point of the season , but even with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games game , you have to be feel that this team is far more capable of producing , than what we’ve seen to date.
In their recent weekend schedule the Los Angeles Dodgers came away with a 2-1 series’ victory over the Atlanta Braves . The two teams are next scheduled to meet on the 26th July when the Dodgers will face the Braves on the road Sun Trust Ballpark in at Atlanta , Georgia as part of their regular season series’ meetings in 2018. However, with the rest of their June schedule not yet in full swing, the next game on the itinerary for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the team squaring off against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, 12th June , with Bartolo Colon of the Rangers facing a yet to be named opposing pitcher for the contest.
With that type of payroll , it’s about time the Los Angeles Dodgers put up or simply shut and just stop with their continued whining about injuries and all of the other things you’d come to expect of their oh so anxious and at times obnoxious fans.
Picture gallery. Click on an individual frame to see that picture in a newly reformatted size along with accompanying narrative.
Of the sporting events to have taken place over the last ten days , which spectacle has been the most interesting to watch as it began to unfold ?
Tophatal ………
MLB results from the 8th to the 10th June
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Tophatal's Blog 
I just hope that LeBron James is not going to fool around as he’d done previously when he decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the warmer climate of South Beach where he would go on to win two NBA titles . Now while there’s talk that James could very well bolt to another team . If he wants more money then his best option would be to remain in Cleveland, but if it’s the opportunity of winning and surpassing the 6 titles won by Michael Jordan , then his best option might be joining the Boston Celtics where they have a dynamic roster with several credible young stars. The only issue being , which of the point guards would remain ? Would it be Gordon Hayward or his teammate Kyrie Irving , who has previous history and issues with James who was a former teammate , while he was a Cavaliers’ this past previous season ?
NBA news
Tophatal …………
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Tophat,
Somehow, I can’t see Boston embracing LBJ. A nice fit would be Philly.
Btw, how bad do you think Tristan Thompson wants to kick Dramond Green’s ass?
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Ronbets
Tristan Thompson would have trouble kicking his own ass , let alone Draymond Green’s ass . Thompson is a goddamn pussy . His baby mama , has him licking and kissing her ass and anything else she wants , even when though he’s still providing for their kid, while having made Khloe Kardashian pregnant. Only a frigging fool , would actually purchase over $3,000 worth of fashion apparel for an ex , merely because she says she can no longer afford to live the lavish lifestyle she once had with the player. Is it any wonder Thompson contributed so little to the Cavaliers’ playoff experience . Without LeBron James on the roster, that team wouldn’t good enough to be called scrubs , let alone beat a WNBA franchise competitively .
Danny Ainge is capable of pulling off the impossible. Bear in mind the Celtics played the entire playoffs without both Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving .
The Lakers are not a viable option for LeBron James because , I believe he’ll have little time to deal with Lonzo Ball or in fact Lonzo’s father LaVar Ball . Let’s be real Ball Sr , has become one gigantic pain in the ass and it’s likely to get even worse once the NBA Draft comes around, with LaVar already making noise about who should be drafting LiMelo Ball .
Tophatal ………………
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Tophat,
“Danny Ainge is capable of pulling off the impossible.”
That’s not the gist of my comment about Boston embracing LBJ.
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Ronbets
I do understand what you’re saying , but here’s the thing also , if LeBron were to remain in the East , his best bet, would be to join the Boston Celtics as that’s by far his best option within the conference.
Tophatal …………
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At this present moment in time UFC President Dana White needs to shut the fuck up ! He put together a card for UFC 225 , that was an embarrassment to watch from start to finish . On the card , White had former WWE champion CM Punk have his second fight as a Mix Martial Artist. Let’s just say that were they a reward for the most inept display from a UFC fighter on the night , then Punk would have won that reward , hands-down . White believes that Mike Jackson’s showboating in his victory over the former wrestling champion did the UFC no good at all . Bear in mind he had nothing to say about Punk’s mediocre performance , not once holding the fighter’s inexperience or lack of technique as a real cause for concern. Almost thirty seconds into the bout , CM Punk had already been taken down twice and his lack of ingenuity also showed.
UFC news
Tophatal ……
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With so many of their players on the DL , it is hard to envisage how the Los Angeles Dodgers will fare over the rest of the season , especially during the months of July , August and September . Heading into today’s game the Dodgers will be without at least eight projected starters as they face the Texas Rangers at their home venue for this intra-league game . The starting pitcher for the Rangers will be veteran starter Bartolo Colon as he seeks to set his name among the record books for the number of career-wins by a starting pitcher from the Dominican Republic . That figure is 245 wins held by Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal . Colon is two wins shy of the record.
Surprise , surprise , the Atlanta Braves are still making waves within the NL East . They are a game behind the Washington Nationals as they head into today’s game where they are due to face off against the New York Mets in a divisional contest at SunTrust Park in Atlanta , Georgia ,. This should be a very riveting contest between the NL rivals .
Within the AL , the New York Yankees seem to have worked out their kinks as they and the Boston Red Sox vie for divisional supremacy within the AL East . They have played three games less than the Red Sox, but hold a three-game lead over their perennial rivals and foe. The Yankees will be in action today when they take to the mound to face the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium . Tanner Roark of the Nationals will be on the mound as he faces CC Sabathia , who’s likely in his last year with the Yankees’ ball-club.
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A date hasn’t been set , but it appears that the top-two heavyweight boxers in the world , Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course for a unification bout , that will produce an undisputed champion and linear champion within the division for the first time almost fifteen years. Both fighters are guaranteed a multi-million dollar payday with Joshua likely to earn in excess of $50 million for the bout , while Wilder could have his biggest payday yet of his still flourishing career. It looks as if London , England could be the staging of this event with both fighters having given their verbal committal to be be there for this bout . Anthony Joshua is unbeaten with 22-0 record and Deontay Wilder (40-0) also maintains a perfect record in the ring . When this fight takes place, it will be the first time in a very long time in the history of boxing, where both titlists will have unbeaten records as they each seek to make boxing history. A possible date for this contest based on early reports could be mid to late September .
Boxing news courtesy of Yahoo Sports
Tophatal ………………
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Far be it for me to suggest but with all of the naysayers and critiques about the performances of LeBron James during the NBA Finals , I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not just about the player’s ability but the fact that he was surrounded by players who were not complimentary to his skill-set. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest mistake was the firing of former GM David Griffin and the hiring of Koby Altman as his successor. Team owner Dan Gilbert’s ego continues to be greater than the ambitions of the ambitions of the franchise. With the Cavaliers having been obliterated in the NBA Finals by the Golden State Warriors , the Cavaliers are now left to wonder how the club will now move forward. LeBron James is likely to opt-out of his contract , seek free agency and then either choose to re-sign with Cleveland or move elsewhere. The choices appear to be the Boston Celtics , Philadelphia 76ers , Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers . In light of the cap availability issues for 2018 , these are likely to be some interesting times ahead for the teams in pursuance of LeBron James . The Lakers are still a long way off from where they need to be and the team remains a complete mess in spite of the lack of leadership shown by Lonzo Ball , face of the franchise as claimed by some.
The Golden State Warriors as the three-time NBA champions are likely to boost the roster , with GM Bob Myers likely to have the blessing of co-owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber to pursue Anthony Davis , whose intent is to leave the New Orleans Pelicans after their failing to make the NBA Playoffs since Davis was drafted by the Pelicans . Chances are Bob Myers , will not only make it an immediate priority to sign Kevin Durant to a lucrative contract , but also make room to acquire the Pelicans’ All Star center to a commensurate deal .
NBA news
Tophatal
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Tophat,
You mentioned Bartolo Colon. Looking at this portly veteran and wonder how he does it. Well, he has one of the best work ethics for a pitcher. Besides, he discretely practices polygamy. Well sort of. He ‘maintains” 2 families. One in the states and the other in Dominican Republic. Never comes to the ballpark horny.
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Ronbets
Bartolon Colon can still play at a very high standard. His stats are proof of this.
https://baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml#pitching_standard::7
https://baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=colonba01&year=Career&t=p#oppon_extra::3
Tophatal
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Draymond Green? He’s a diry player and bully. Wants no part or Tristan Thomson.
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Ronbets
Tristan Thompson is overrated as a player. He adds little of value to what is a really less than average Cleveland Cavaliers’ team. Look at the Cavaliers’ stats not just for the Playoffs , but also for the Finals itself. If that’s not an indicator as to how bad they are, then what is ?
http://stats.nba.com/team/1610612739/players-traditional?SeasonType=Playoffs&dir=1&sort=PTS
http://stats.nba.com/team/1610612739/players-traditional?SeasonType=Playoffs&PORound=4&Round=4&sort=PTS&dir=1
Tophatal ….
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Tophat,
The only ppl getting rich with stats are statisticians. The Cavs made it to the NBA Finals. Just how bad can they be?
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Ronbets
It’s easy when the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing in a conference that would be the envy of the teams in the WNBA .
Your thoughts on Justify winning this year’s Triple Crown ? Good for the sport of horse racing or was it really just another year where the quality was poor with just one good equine among the group ?
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Tophat,
Horse racing needed that Triple Crown to stay relevant. The three legs have become a social event rather than a sporting event. Justify was a beast, but the Belmont victory left a little controversy. Questionable riding by Geroux aboard Restoring Hope a stablemate of Justify. Claims his erratic riding aided the victory. Resting Hope did run like an offensive lineman running interference for Justify. The stewards reviewed the tapes and found nothing afoul.
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Ronbets
I watched just two legs of the Triple Crown and there was nothing there to suggest to be Justify was up against top-class talent. Thoroughbred racing in America is nowhere near as good as it is in Europe and that is an undeniable fact. Justify’s trainer Bob Baffert is lucky enough to have trained the last two Triple Crown winners , with American Pharaoh in 2015 and now Justify this year (2018). American Pharaoh is a far better horse than Justify but beyond that I can’t say that either would be as good as Affirmed , ridden by Steve Cauthen or even Seattle Slew.
Steve Cauthen I believe is the best jockey America has produced over the last five decades. He proved himself to be of the highest caliber , having achieved greatness in America and then heading over to Europe where he had an astonishing career also .
Tophatal ……………
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Steve Cauthen if I recall got too big and had to continue racing in Europe. Today’s Mike Smith ain’t chopped liver.
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Ronbets
Steve Cauthen was a beast once he arrived in Europe winning some of the biggest races in England including the Derby , and Britain’s own version of the Triple Crown . The only big race win not on his resume’ was the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe’ , Europe’s most prestigious horse race. Racing in America is good but the real equine talent is to be found in Europe .
Triple Crown winning jockey Steve Cauthen .
Tophatal
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Ronbets
Today’s jockeys are skilled but I do believe the equine talent just seems to be mediocre within American Thoroughbred racing.
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Ronbets
Well Tiger won’t be winning the US Open unless he works a miracle over the final rounds of the event in Southampton , New York .
PGA Tour news
Tophatal …………….
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The USPGA made fools of the world’s best golfing talent. Shinnecock course in NY was converted into a golf mine field. Greens were choppy, gps was need to find pin location. They promised to make positive alterations for rd.4. Things are bad when elite golfers are high-fiving bogies.
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Ronbets
This might be the most shocking result of the opening games from the World Cup with barely a week into the tournament.
Tophatal …
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Ronbets
The final two rounds of the US Open became a complete farce. Phil Mickelson being penalized two strokes was just sheer lunacy on his part. Play from the golfers at certain points became unbearable to watch.
Who knew that Dustin Johnson would wilt under pressure ? Kudos to Brooks Koepka in becoming the first back to back winner of the US Open in several years.
Tophatal …
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Some very good results came by way of Major League Baseball yesterday . The New York Yankees got the better of the Washington Nationals in a game played at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon . Gregorious was the hero for the Yankees , driving in two runs on the way to the team’s 3-0 victory over the Nationals . Both teams will be back in action today with the opposing pitchers will be Sonny Gray of the Yankees as he faces Erick Fedde of the Nationals .
There are mounting rumors that the New York Yankees might be willing to add Bryce Harper to their roster of highly paid stars , should the player become available, based upon the competitiveness of the team . It’s long been rumored that Harper wants to play for a legitimate contender . Over the past five seasons , it has been clear that the Nationals’ struggles are off their own making.
The New York Yankees’ divisional rivals the Boston Red Sox are also in action and it will be interesting to see how the team will fare through the rest of June. In today’s game the Red Sox will be facing the Baltimore Orioles .
Tophatal ………..
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At this point last season within Major League Baseball , little was known about how the season would actually end. As of the 13th June the divisional standings were reflective of the team’s play . As of today , we can see that are playing with a great deal of zeal , but it would be fair to suggest for several ball-clubs their seasons are essentially over.
Texas Rangers’ starting pitcher Cole Hamels’ could possibly be one of many targets who’ll be traded as the free agency period begins with teams looking to bolster their rosters and making the postseason . Hamels and the Rangers are having their issues this season as the team seeks to be competitive within the AL West . In his last game as a starter for the Texas Rangers , Cole Hamels pitched in a contest where the team would fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers . Hamels and the Texas Rangers are back in action on Friday afternoon where they will be facing the Colorado Rockies at home .
While the Texas Rangers are having an indifferent start to the season , their rivals within the AL West , specifically the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros are vying for divisional supremacy . The Mariners will face the Boston Red Sox , while the Astros take on the Oakland A’s .
Texas Rangers news
Tophatal
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So Paul George is unsure if he’ll return to the Oklahoma City Thunder and all of the dominoes are likely to fall into place , once LeBron James makes his decision known to the world as whether or not he will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or parlay his services to the highest bidder . With so many teams looking to place themselves into a cap-friendly situation it will be interesting to see what will transpire during this off-season. One also has to bear in mind there is the 2018 NBA Draft coming up during the month of June .
There are likely to be at least eight teams looking to acquire LeBron James as a free agent . James for his part , if he leaves the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time will only join a franchise with a legitimate chance of winning the NBA title . Cleveland’s disastrous display in the NBA Finals was exacerbated by the poor play of several players throughout the Finals itself , most notably from Kevin Love , Tristan Thompson and several others.
NBA news
Tophatal ……………..
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Tophat,
If Bowie Kuhn was still MLB Commish, you would see many of these rich getting richer trades voided. Revenue sharing is fine, but if I’m a fan in Arlington or some other poor market and my team keeps having fire sales…………I’ll find an alternative form of entertainment.
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Ronbets
It’s crazy to think that the New York Yankees might well be interested in acquiring Bryce Harper . The Washington Nationals’ outfielder has Scott Boras as his agent and Boras will be seeking to push to make the player the highest paid in baseball with a deal that will surpass the $325 million that Giancarlo Stanton got while still signed with the Miami Marlins before he joined New York at the end of the 2017 season .
As for when Bowie Kuhn was MLB Commissioner , baseball didn’t have the revenues the game is now witnessing today . Bear in mind it was the league hierarchy and owners who acquiesced to the demands of the union MLBPA .
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A great weekend schedule within Major League Baseball where we could see some movement within the divisional standings . With each passing week things just seem to be getting worse for the Tampa Bay Rays as they seek to dig themselves from out of a whole on many fronts . The team managed by Kevin Cash is now treading on thin ice , with the play being inconsistent . Injuries have begun to play its part concerning the Rays’ deficiencies . This weekend will see them in action against the New York Yankees on the road .
Friday’s game will see the Tampa Bay Rays face the New York Yankees with opposing pitchers Nathan Eovaldi of the Rays face Yankees’ rookie Jonathan Loaisiga , both right-handed starting pitchers .
It would be correct to suggest that the Los Angeles Dodgers with their litany of high-priced stars on the team’s roster might be in need of an upgrade at some point during the season . For much of the year they have been playing sub.500 baseball . Granted , of late they have been on a winning streak over their last ten games , having won eight out of their last ten . This weekend the Dodgers will be in action as they face divisional rivals the San Francisco Giants at home as part of their regular season series . The opening game for their weekend series against the Giants will pit starting pitchers Derek Holland of San Francisco against Ross Stripling of the Dodgers .
MLB news
MLB weekend schedule
Tophatal …………..
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Failure to launch as Tiger Woods now proves himself once again incapable of competing at the highest order as the second Grand Slam Major of the Year takes place with the US Open in Southampton , New York . At the end of the first round , world number one golfer Dustin Johnson leads the field , but he would later be joined by three other golfers after a tumultuous day with of blustery weather. Woods who hasn’t won a Major 2008 is in the midst one of his worst rounds played in the US Open where he could end up missing the cut-off should his second performance be as inconsistent as seen in round one. At 10 over par (82) woulds finds himself fourteen shots behind the leader Dustin Johnson with the projected cut-off being at +7 (seven over par) , if he is to be a participant in the final two rounds at the US Open. Tiger Woods would need a sensational round with a score in the low sixties in the second round , if he going to be there for the final two days of the tournament.
Dustin Johnson , leader at the 2018 US Open .
PGA Tour news
Tophatal …………..
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The last twelve games of the NBA season didn’t so much provide us with what we witnessed during the Playoffs or the Finals itself but it surely guided us to the inevitable. It will be interesting to see where the NBA Draft takes us and which players are thought to be the top prospects in this upcoming Draft.
The Phoenix Suns having won the Draft Lottery will take the overall number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft . Phoenix’s front office will be guided by GM Ryan McDonough will certainly assess what’s needed by the coaching staff to make the roster better than what was witnessed last season. Devin Booker has the makings of becoming the face of the franchise if things fall into place for the organization.
Luka Doncic seems to be the player everyone is talking about but I think it would be a bold thing to believe that the Slovenian could become the first European drafted number one overall in NBA history . This Draft is a risky one with not a great deal of overall dynamic talent to be found in depth . Even the highly touted LiAngelo Ball , with much of the ” touting” actually coming from his father LaVar Ball . Ball Sr believes both his sons should be playing side by side on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster and in spite of the Lakers’ own needs , I for one cannot see another Ball on the team playing alongside an elder sibling , Lonzo Ball .
NBA news and the NBA Draft
2018 NBA Draft prospects
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So the rubber has hit the road and in spite of their being no foundations of substance , it’s now being rumored that two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and San Antonio Spurs’ swing-man Kawhi Leonard wants out of from San Antonio. For much of this season Leonard was sidelined due to injury and was not a participant as San Antonio made the NBA Playoffs with the team being ousted in the first round . Spurs’ Head Coach Gregg Popovich has yet to meet with Leonard to discuss any possible move , while the player himself has not suggested that he actually wants out from the franchise . However, it has become abundantly clear there’s a mounting thought he might well have played his last game for the franchise with the Spurs , once again likely to go through a period of transition and rebuilding of the roster.
Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs
Courtesy of ESPN
If Kawhi Leonard were to leave the San Antonio Spurs by way of a trade then it would be one of monumental proportions likely to involve two or possibly three teams. Leonard is not due to become a free agent until 2020 and has two years left on his existing contract.
Given the current climate of the NBA , with just about everyone and their mother waiting on LeBron James to make the announcement concerning his long-term future. It would appear that the dominoes are noting going to fall into place until that particular decision is made as to what moves the league is likely to see among the free agents around the NBA . More importantly the NBA Draft will also play a big part as to which players we shall see on the move during this off-season.
The leading candidate to acquire Kawhi Leonard might well be the Los Angeles Lakers as they seek to bolster their own roster , seeking to become competitive within an all too powerful Western Conference . Yet the feeling remains those in charge of the front office have bigger fish to land , namely LeBron James and Paul George .
NBA news
San Antonio Spurs news
Tophatal
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The third round of the US Open has gotten underway and fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Tiger Woods will be missing from the field for the final two rounds of the event. Woods missed the cut after a disastrous second round where his play was erratic . Leader going into the third round is world number one Dustin Johnson whose play has remained consistent during the tournament .
PGA Tour news
Tophatal ………..
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Tophat,
An ex-marine friend of mine from SCar told me that Dustin Johnson was quite the athlete in school. He was dunking early in middle school.
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Ronbets
Dustin Johnson remains a studious learner of the game. He alongside Rory McIlroy and Jordan Speith are the three best players in the game of golf at present. Tiger Woods was simply going through the motions. His confidence isn’t where it needs to be and his game is just as bad.
Tophatal …
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The Seattle Mariners are playing with a great deal of bravado as they look to remain consistent within the AL West . A division which at present might just be one of the most competitive in all of baseball. The Mariners are less than two games behind the Houston Astros heading to the games to be played on Saturday and Sunday . The Mariners will be in action today when they face the Boston Red Sox at home in Safeco Field in Seattle , Washington ,.
MLB news
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All this without All-Star 2nd baseman Robbie Cano. Haniger a big surprise along with new ace Paxton. King Felix has fallen to the other side of the hill.
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Ronbets
That Seattle Mariners’ team is a very good one , but between now and the All Star Break, I want too see what they’re capable of doing. The Houston Astros remain the team to beat within the division.
I’m hoping that Mike Trout can lead the Los Angeles Angels to a deep postseason run in 2018. Trout remains the best player in baseball by a long way.
Tophatal …
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Suspicions are that Saudi Arabia ‘dumped’ the initial World Cup game to the Russians. Pathetic actors that ‘lost’ 5-0.
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Ronbets
There are some teams in this World Cup that are not deserving of a place, but because he of their geographic location and the competition for the qualifying stages. That’s how they end up gaining entry.
Tophatal …
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Ronbets
Not taken into account this is the month of Ramadan . All of the players on the Saudi roster would have been fasting with their only nutritional intake likely to be liquids. That being said the 5-0 loss to Russia was not unexpected , just the lack of competitiveness shown by the Saudis.
France barely got by Australia eking out a 2-1 victory.
Tophatal ……
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I felt the tremors this morning when Mexico beat Germany 1-0. The large Mexican/American population here did a little celebrating. Hey, you guys didn’t win nuthin yet.
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So Dustin Johnson falters and it leads to Brooks Koepka winning the US Open , becoming the first back to back winner of the tournament in over a decade. The leader through the first two rounds Dustin Johnson had an erratic final two rounds of the tournament. Phil Mickelson had an error stricken round and was penalized two strokes having gone against protocol with his play. Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Tiger Woods missed the cut and it remains to be seen how and if Woods will be back in the right frame of mind to make a spirited attempt to win The Open which is being held at Carnoustie Golf Club , from July 19th to the 22nd, as Jordan Speith looks to defend the title he won in 2017.
PGA news
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Well as the weekend came to an end within Major League Baseball the standings shifted slightly after the series’ results came to a conclusion . The Miami Marlins are having a disastrous time and their Sunday afternoon loss to the Baltimore Orioles left them in an unenviable position within the NL East .
The next game for the Miami Marlins will see this team wits with the San Francisco Giants as part of a three game road series which begins today , Monday , 18th June , 2018. On the mound for the Marlins will be Caleb Smith as he faces the Giants’ Andrew Suarez .
The New York Yankees lead the AL East on percentage points having played fewer games than the Boston Red Sox , but the division itself has become very tight between the two top teams. Both will be in action today as they each seek to make inroads within the AL . The New York Yankees will face the Washingon Nationals on the road while the Boston Red Sox will meet the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday afternoon in a game being played at Target Field in Minneapolis St-Paul , Minnesota ,.
MLB news
MLB standings
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Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are having truly spectacular seasons within Major League Baseball as both players continue to display some great form . Neither player is in action today as both the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros hit the field .
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Carmelo Anthony literally flunked this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder rarely adding note or any weight to the team over the course of the season and into the NBA Playoffs . The fact that the Thunder never made it out of the first-round should not have come as a surprise to anyone . Now the talk appears to be what GM Sam Presti will do to bolster this lineup during the off-season by way of the NBA Draft as well as free agency acquisitions .
It seems all but certain Paul George is likely to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder , leaving Sam Presti and the coaching staff to make a decision about Carmelo Anthony and several other players on the roster as to their own impending futures. Anthony and George are due to become free agents in 2019 , but can opt out this season or the Thunder could decide to off-load both players clearing up some cap space . With Russell Westbrook being the only other player of note among the Thunder lineup , this doesn’t leave the franchise as a desirable destination for an aspiring player to seek out as a landing spot seeking to legitimize championship aspirations.
A decision is likely to be made and it is one I feel that will come about within the next four days with the NBA Draft on the horizon.
From my own perspective, I feel that over the last six years , Carmelo Anthony’s career has been on a downward trajectory . Other than international success representing the country , his career has achieved nothing of note. He might also want to get the hell out of Oklahoma after another “Baby Mama”(Mona Scott) scandal having hit the fan and his side chic posting pictures of his kid on Instagram and You Tube.
Oklahoma City Thunder news
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Tophat,
Your comment about DJ, McIlroy adn Speith being the best golfers in the world is debateable. You’re jumping over quite a few pros like JThomas, JRose, etc. Besides, McIllroy is quietly battling a virus he picked up in China, with no cure in sight. I give you DJohnson for sure.
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Ronbets
When all three( Speith , McIlroy and Dustin Johnson) are on top of their game they’re worth a watching, because be they’re playing at a level far better than the others. The world rankings being what they are , for me it’s more subjective rather than objective.
Would you say after his second consecutive win of the US Open , you’d consider Brooks Koepka , one of the top-five golfers in the world ?
Rory McIlroy needs to slow down
his schedule somehow , but it’s hard doing so , when sponsors are offering close to six figures or more just for an appearance at so many damn events, many of them not even sanctioned by either the PGA or European Tour .
McIlroy is now among the highest paid athletes in the world and perhaps the most popular golfer on the PGA Tour , not named Tiger Woods or Jordan Spieth.
I see a line has now been drawn in the sand by the San Antonio Spurs’ front office , with their alluding to the fact they’ve no wish to trade Kawhi Leonard , possibly the best two-way player in the NBA . He and LBJ are at the top of that category . I believe the stats prove that fact !
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Things are slowly beginning to heat up within Major League Baseball . There were several games of importance which took place yesterday , which could shape the divisional standings . There was a double-header played between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals where the games were split one apiece. Solid games with both teams playing at a heightened level . Both teams will be back in action on Tuesday afternoon with the Yankees set to face the Seattle Mariners , with Domingo German on the mound for New York with the opposing pitcher for Seattle being Marco Gonzales . The Nationals for their part are due to meet the Baltimore Orioles in a home game being played at Nationals Ballpark in Washington, DC .
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on a good run as of late getting a great deal of support from their pitching staff . Manager Dave Roberts’ will be in action today when the team faces the Chicago Cubs on the road at Wrigley Field in Chicago , Illinois. This should be one of the best games of the day on Tuesday’s schedule .
At the trade deadline we could very well see a flurry of moves taking place as teams in the wildcard and divisional hunt seek to bolster their respective rosters. One such player on the move could very well be the Tampa Bay Rays’ starting pitcher Chris Archer . Archer is having a very frustrating season with the team as they continually struggle. Kevin Cash will have a strong role to play as he tries to guide this team a postseason berth for the first time since 2013. The Rays would fall in the ALDS to the Boston Red Sox .
Playing sub.500 baseball the Tampa Bay Rays currently find themselves behind both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees within the AL East. Chris Archer for his part is not due to become a free agent until 2022 , but it seems likely that the front office might be willing to part with their starting pitcher if they were able to get some top talent prospects or something equal of value. The Rays are in action today as they face the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston , Texas,.
MLB news
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Speculation has began and already there seems to be a great deal conjecture as to which player will be drafted first overall when the NBA Draft takes place . The common consensus was, Luka Doncic the European Player of the Year out of Slovenia . However a number of analysts have questioned the player’s physical appearance not his ability . The consensus now seems to be that the Phoenix Suns who have the number one overall pick will take DeAndre Ayton with that pick rather than trading down. The one player who could leap over them all and be that number one pick , might well be Marvin Bagley III , a real athlete who has produced at the highest level of College Basketball .
NBA news
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Mike Trout seems to be firing on all cylinders this season as he leads the offense of the Los Angeles Angels . The team will be looking to play itself further into contention within a very tough AL West division . The Angels are already 9 1/2 games out of first place , where the Houston Astros (49-26) seem to have a healthy lead over their nearest rivals . Trout and the Angels will be in action today when they face the Toronto Blue Jays at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim , California . Aaron Sanchez of the Blue Jays will be on the mound for Toronto as he faces Tyler Skaggs of the Angels . Given the previous meetings between these two teams over the last two season, this contest could prove to be extremely interesting.
MLB schedule 20th June
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It seems all but certain that Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback Jameis Winston will be sitting out the first three games of the Buccaneers’ regular season opening schedule for 2018. Head coach Dirk Koetter will have to review the situation and make the decision whether or not it would be in the team’s best interest to either start one of Winston’s understudies Ryan Fitzpatrick , Ryan Griffin or delve into free agency signing a veteran for the upcoming season. Now while many speculate that it would be in the franchise’s best interests to sign Colin Kaepernick . I feel that would be a non-starter, as it is commonly known the league hierarchy , specifically the franchise owners as well as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , have no wish to see Kaepernick make a return to the league. Winston’s mandated three-game suspension stems from conduct unbecoming and bringing the game into disrepute. From my own perspective , Jameis Winston’s long-term future in the league is not a bright one , with the player simply failing to live up to all of the hype and never-ending expectations. He’s failures have been well-chronicled and nothing that he has done would show that he’s heading in the right direction , much less his being able to truly command the respect of his teammates .
NFL news and Tampa Bay Buccaneers news
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