NLCS SHOWCASE - Dodgers vs. Phillies

NLCS SHOWCASE : A look at the Dodgers: Manny and the Rest

Who know the Pirates would have any impact on the Phils postseason hopes? Well, unfortunately the lesser-PA ball club dramatically changed the dynamic of the NL when they traded Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox. This move allowed the Dodgers and their free-wheeling GM Ned Colletti to bring Manny Ramirez to Hollywood in exchange for Bay and minor leaguers. It is clear the Dodgers would not be where they are now without the gifted, occasionly inept left fielder Ramirez.

Ramirez has hit .396 with 17 home runs since being traded from Boston.

Since no team is one man, it is important to mention the other key parts to the Dodgers attack. Shortstop Rafael Furcal is the Jimmy Rollins for the Dodgers, this according to Phils Manager Charlie Manuel. Furcal missed 125 games this season with a back injury, but a playing Furcal gives the Dodgers a potent leadoff hitter and a threat on the base path.

Catcher Russell Martin, right fielder Andre Ethier, and first baseman James Loney offer protection to Ramirez in the lineup. Here is the stats for the guys before and after Manny in the lineup:

#2 Spot in Lineup: C Russell Martin - .280 Avg, 13 HR, 69 RBI, .385 OBP

#3 Spot: Manny Ramirez

#4 Spot in Lineup: RF Andre Ethier - .305 Avg, 20 HR, 77 RBI, .375 OBP

#5 Spot in Lineup: 1B James Loney - .289 Avg, 13 HR, 90 RBI, .338 OBP

The fate of the series could rest on these Dodgers if the Phillies refuse to let Manny beat them.

Back, Just in Time

If the Phillies can make it this far, I can get back in front of the computer to tell you about it.

Celtics Land First Blow

For all the hype surrounding the NBA Finals, Game 1 lived up to it. Maybe the only thing missing from a great start to the NBA Finals was the short shorts, high tops, and knee-high socks that were the norm the last time these two teams meet in this series. Nonetheless, the Celtics pulled out a 98-88 victory in the Garden last night to take a 1-0 lead in the series. A victory that would make Bird, Parrish, and McHale proud.

Coming into the series it was obvious to say the Big 3 need to play well for the Celtics to win. That happened. Garnett lead the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Pierce was an efficient 7 for 10 for 22 points, and Allen had 19 points. Pierce was definitely the story in the 3rd quarter. After a poor man's Willis Reed impersonation, Pierce came back after colliding with teammate Kendrick Perkins. Pierce's reaction lead the audience to believe that would be very serious, but after about two minutes of gametime, Pierce triumphantly returned to a blazing appause which ultimately changed the momentum of the game.

As Kobe flourished in the 3rd with 12 points seemingly looking to take the game over, Pierce answered the bell. He was a perfect 5 for 5 in the quarter changing a 5 point Lakers lead into a 4 point Celtics edge going into the 4th.

As blame or praise usually falls on Kobe's shoulders, it is blame that probably should be associated with the star after the Game 1 loss. Bryant finished with a team-high 24 points but shot a dismal 9 for 26 from the floor. The Lakers could see more shooting woes for their star in the series with how well the Celtics can matchup with the star. James Posey, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajun Rondo took turns pestering Bryant which may be a sign of things to come.

Spygate Over? Not For Arlen Specter!

So, just when you thought it was over, it seems to be continuing. Philadelphia Senator and rabid Philadelphia Eagles fan Arlen Specter said today at a new conference that he is not happy with how the NFL handled the Spygate investigation.

"I have documented the strong factual case that the NFL investigation was neither objective or adequate, said Specter, If the commissioner doesn't move for an independent investigation, then it is a permanent black mark on the NFL, and the Patriots' record will be historically tainted. Depending on the public reaction, I may ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the NFL's antitrust exemption."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appeared to have shut the book on the whole story Tuesday but apparently he was wrong. Specter said he is willing to wait months for the league to start an impartial investigation. And to give you an idea on how serious Specter thinks this is, he is receiving chemotherapy treatments for Hodgskin's Disease while all of this is going on. Talk about devotion!

I think though that Specter needs to move on from this trivial bullshit and start concentrating this kind of effort towards the state of the nation's economy or the housing market.

As a matter of fact,

DO SOMETHING THAT IMPACTS PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS IN TODAY'S TROUBLE ECONOMY. A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS STATE DON'T GIVE TWO SHITS WHO MATT WALSH IS OR FOOTBALL FOR THAT MATTER. STOP IT!

/end rant

How Much Is Too Much?

Joba Chamberlain struck out David Dellucci last Thursday so why are we talking about it Tuesday? Well that reason would be that Hall of Famer Goose Gossage has a problem with Chamberlain's over the top celebration after the strike out.

David Dellucci had hit a game winning home run 2 days prior to Thursday's game complete with no celebration. So after Chamberlain's display, one that included a hellacious yell and a SUPER fist pump after striking out Dellucci, some critics are wondering "How much is too much celebration?"

Goose Gossage seems to think what Joba did wasn't "Yankee" like. Here's the complete quote;
"That's just not the Yankee way, what Joba did. Let everyone else do that stuff, but not a Yankee," Gossage told The Record on Saturday. "What I don't understand is, the kid's got the greatest mentor in the world in Mariano [Rivera]. He's one of the leaders of the team, so you'd think it wouldn't happen on that team."

David Dellucci also chimed in;

"It is what it is. If he wants to yell and scream after a strikeout, I guess that's what gets him going," he said. "It's May baseball. The home run was in a much bigger situation. I didn't dance and scream."

Do you think Goose and Dellucci are too old school or is their some validity to their arguments? Personally, I'm an old school guy, even though I'm only 21. What Joba did was unneccasary and over the top. I could see maybe pulling those shenanigins off during Game 7 of the World Series but not at this point in the season.

I would also like to point out that I am not being bias and think that players like Manny Ramirez needs to stop watching his home runs and flipping his bat like an idiot. Run it out, they taught you that in Little League. Manny would have a lot more doubles had he run some of those "home-run" balls out.

Technical Difficulties!

The new podcast will be up tomorrow. Audacity has been acting up recently but now everything is gravy. Look for the new podcast Wednesday afternoon!

Bill Simmons Grills Jimmy Kimmel

I think everyone knew he was lying, but to the extent of 31 pounds? I don't think Kimmel will ever garner the respect he had before this interview, and even then, it wasn't a lot.

Another Athlete Making Headlines...The Wrong Way

Richard Jefferson was charged with assault today. The incident appears to have happened in Minneapolis while the Nets were visiting the Bucks. The Graves Hotel was the scene of the crime that apparently had Jefferson choking out a male during said person's private birthday party.

Richard of course has a different account in which the party was actually Vince Carter's. He goes on to describe the altercation, "I was literally in our hotel bar and I had an individual come up to me who was very rude and very disrespectful and, you know, an altercation broke out." Apparently no bows were thrown and no blood bled.

Richard Jefferson's first court hearing is on June 18th.

Sports Wise Guys Podcast - May 6

May 6th Podcast

- Up-to-Date Updates

- NBA Playoffs

- Alley Oops

We begin with some news of the now in a segment we call Up-to-Date Updates. The NBA Playoffs are next on the table where we breakdown all four playoff series and give our predictions on the matchups. We close it out with some Alley Oops, with one of us tossing it up, and the other guy throws it down!

Check the site during the weekend, for the link to download this podcast!

Weekly Wrap Up

The news you should care about....because it's the news we care about. That means it has to be important.


MLB
-The Yankees Ian Kennedy demoted to minors.
-Dontrelle Willis' return to the Tigers put on hold.
-Rockies All-Star Troy Tulowitzki put on the DL.

NBA
-Kobe Bryant wins the MVP award.
-Pesky Hawks finally bow to the Big 3.
-Rick Carlisle front-runner for Mavs job.
-Mike D'Antoni meets with Suns management about coaching future.

NHL
-Flyers and Penguins end their series, meet in "Pennsylvania" Conference finals.
-Stars win a thriller, battle Red Wings in Western Conference Finals.
-From first to last, the Philadelphia Flyers rise to possible Cup contenders.

NFL
-Cedric Benson peppered sprayed during altercation with police.
-Marvin Harrison questioned about bar shooting in Philadelphia.