Mock Draft

The latest from About.com:

"The Raiders need offensive line help in the worst way and a franchise quarterback, but Johnson has the type of freakish physical ability Al Davis loves."

So, in other words, it doesn't make any sense to draft Calvin Johnson, but that's what the Raiders will do anyway. Could be. Who the heck knows? I wouldn't have minded this pick a month or so ago, and I still probably wouldn't mind it. But there are better choices out there. The kid is obviously gifted and good at what he does. But -- wide receiver with attitude? Ever heard of two of those? Or what about could develop as a lack of motivation? Or the fact that we don't need a wide receiver, at least not with the first pick? But that's their story and, until their next update, they're sticking with it.

Mavericks 99, Heat 93

I'm sorry, but to me this was much more than a mere game in the schedule. It was going to be that way until they kept showing footage of the Miami Heat winning the championship. That was supposed to be for the Mavs, but they blew it. That bothered me. The Mavs essentially had this one bagged and they were cruising, but the Heat pushed late. Sure, you had Josh Howard getting 25 and 9 and Nowitzki getting 22 and 11, but it was Jerry Stackhouse who owned the show tonight. He got 23 points, but it wasn't his sheer amount of points, but how he turned it on late. It was great to see. He took control for the Mavs on offense and defense and kept the Heat at bay as they tried to rally late. It was a dang good effort. You know Wade's gonna get his (and he did, with 31) but if you keep the game in check as much as possible, it's winnable. The Mavs win again, and they beat the team that beat them last year in the Finals. A little revenge is tasty sometimes.

Why do we continue to love bad teams?

A truly great question, and one that people ask me all the time. It's one that I ask myself. JD wrote a post about it concerning the Reds (and other Ohio teams). Specifically, he asks

"So why is it this way? Why can't we step back and look at these teams objectively?"

It's worth reading, if you're into bad teams. Which I am. The Reds and the Raiders. My other two teams have been doing pretty dang well lately. It's hard to deal with sometimes, a lot of losing. But it happens. And I still remain interested. I can't pull away. I expect to win, even if those expectations are not well placed.

Bye bye Olmedo

Rosey Crayons drops the beat.

Granted the great Ray Olmedo didn't do a WHOLE lot for the Reds, but he was a very capable Triple-A player and always gave full effort when he got a shot with the major league club. He hit well, he played impressive defense, and was pretty much a solid guy. I'll miss him. Sad.

Devils 4, Flyers 3 (Shootout)

Goals:
First Period: Ryan Potulny, Flyers (unassisted)
Scott Gomez, Devils (PPG) (Rafalski, Elias)
Second Period: None
Third Period: Kyle Calder, Flyers (Carter)
Jamie Langenbrunner, Devils (Greene, Parise)
Simon Gagne, Flyers (PPG) (Knuble, Forsberg)
Brian Gionta, Devils (Martin, Elias)

Shots on Goal: 38-23 Devils

Penalties: Devils - 4 minutes, Flyers - 14 minutes

What???!!?? The Devils won a shootout??!!?? Yes sir! Wild game today. Times of great focus from the Devils, times of pretty sloppy play. They were shooting like mad and thankfully some late goals fell through. They were on their way to zero points, but they pressed late and got the score to send it into overtime. So at least a point was guaranteed. But then Broduer felt like SHUTTING THE GATE and denying all three Flyer shooters in the shootout and Gionta scored a pretty little goal to take home the two points. Well done. I mean, not really. But yeah, well done!

--FIRST PERIOD--

The Devils took a while to get going in this one. I used to remember hating the Flyers with a passion, almost as much as the Rangers. Because the Flyers were dang good and always beating the Devils. But they haven't been all that good recently, so I don't hate them all that much. I'd still prefer a win today, though. I think the Devils have picked up enough steam to carry them into the second period.

--SECOND PERIOD--

The score should not be tied. The Devils had many opportunities to score, and not just on the power plays that they screwed up. They have a lot of shots on goal tonight, but there's a difference in my book between shots on goal and quality shots on goal. Although it seemed the Devils had quality chances, the actual shot is just not there. The defense is playing very well, as the Flyers can't muster hardly any offense at all. It was all lined up for the Devils to take a lead, as they clearly had the momentum. They are winning the faceoff battle and time of puck possession. It just wasn't meant to be. Hopefully we can see some magic later on.

--THIRD PERIOD--

Too dang much scoring. Not many shots registered on Brodeur, but they kept going in the net due to general sloppiness on the Devils part. They played relatively well, plenty of shots and plenty of puck time, they were just maybe a little too loose. The Devils were down 3-2 late and just when it was inevitable that they were going to head to an ugly (and I mean UGLY) loss, Gionta gets it to go with 20 seconds left!!! Time for overtime!

--OVERTIME--

Nothing settled here. It's going to a shootout. I don't like it, it usually doesn't work well for the Devils. See you on the other side.

Stevey, we hardly knew ye

Steve Sarkisian, who was to be the savior of the Oakland Raiders, has refused the non-offer. If that makes sense, good, you're ahead of the game. That's pretty much the story. To be honest, I was buying the hype about this guy, even though he's proved nothing to be worthy of being a head coach. Oh well. Back to the Rob Ryan bandwagon, the one I never left in the first place.

Mavericks 114, Lakers 95

Sweet justice. There was domination in Dallas. The Mavs killed them in shooting percentage, killed them on the boards, killed them in assists, killed them in blocks, and killed them in points. Kobe had an off night (and if 26 is an "off night," then you know he's dang good) and the Mavericks rolled early and often. Piece of cake.

Mock Drafts

In what is sure to be an ongoing series and one that will have several posts, I will link to those mock drafts that I stumble across. I have two today, one from the big kahuna that is Yahoo! Sports, and another from the Houston Chronicle. Both have Oakland selecting JaMarcus Russell, which is fine with me as you well know. The problem with all of the mock drafts is that they cannot foresee trades, swapping of picks, or any other such maneuvers. The links are below.

Yahoo! Sports - JaMarcus Russell
Houston Chronicle - JaMarcus Russell

Lightning 3, Devils 2 (Shootout)

Goals:
First Period: Jay Pandolfo, Devils (Madden, Brylin)
Second Period: Brad Richards, Lightning (Ranger)
Brad Richards, Lightning (PPG) (Boyle, St. Louis)
Third Period: Paul Martin, Devils (PPG) (Parise, Rafalski)

Shots on Goal: 28-28

Penalties: Devils - 8 minutes, Lightning - 8 minutes

Disappointing game. I wouldn't say the Devils played down to the level of their opponent, because the Lightning were hot (get it?) prior to this game and their offense is very capable of playing great hockey. The game went to a shutout, not favorable to the Devils, as they much prefer overtime. There was only one shootout goal scored, and guess who, it was by Brad Richards, who had the Devils' number all night. Sad. At least a point was salvaged. We'll try again next time.

--FIRST PERIOD--

Little does Jay Pandolfo know, but prior to this game, people were talking about him winning the Frank J. Selke Award, which goes to the best defensive forward in the NHL. He obviously wasn't listening, because he scored a nice goal right away in the game. An offensive forward? Not really. But a goal is a goal. The Lightning are a strange team to me. They should always be good, but my mom says they shouldn't be because "hockey teams based in Florida, by nature, should not be good at hockey." That's a non-sports person for you, focused on external factors. But anyway, I do remember the Lightning winning the Stanley Cup in a year that I was very bored with hockey. Why should they be good? They have Martin St. Louis and Vincent LeCavalier, two amazing offense forwards. And they have Nikita Alexeev, who is known for underachievement, but who has the potential to be dang good. They have defensemen that hit hard as well. Their goalie play has been average, and maybe that's what counts. But anyway, this period was nice. The above-mentioned St. Louis and LeCavalier got their chances and created chances for others, but it was Marty shutting them down and the Devils getting some quality chances of their own. The recent struggles on the power play are bothering me, hopefully this can be corrected. Gotta kill off Sarge's penalty in the second.

--SECOND PERIOD--

With such good scoring talent on the Lightning, you don't want to give them power plays. Well, the Devils did. They paid for it. Two goals this period by Brad Richards and a lot of penalty killing minutes for the Devils. Not smart hockey. Not disciplined hockey. Not fun to witness. Four shots is not something to be proud of. On to the third.

--THIRD PERIOD--

A much better period for the Devils, but nothing was settled here. Had some good chances, and at least we tied it up with Paul Martin's first NHL goal. It wasn't enough. Time for overtime.

The glory of 2-14

The Raiders official website, bless their hearts, tries to focus on the positive aspects of the forever-lost 2006 season. And of course, there was the defense. Which reminds me of the post that's eventually coming that brings up an issue no one wants to focus on. Anyway, the current one for today is the second-longest INT return in Raiders history - Chris Carr (from BOISE STATE) going 100 yards against Rothleisberger. Which was a great interception. And a great touchdown. And a fun game.

But that brings me to something I said to my mom over holiday break. Christmas break. I said to her, you know, the Raiders EASILY could have been 0-16 this year. If not for the goal line stand against the Steelers, they would have lost that game. If not for some timely plays against the Cardinals as well as having them go on the road after a short week on MNF and after they blew one of the largest fourth quarter leads ever, they could have lost that game. But they didn't. They won two. Whoop de doo. At least the Lions won three.

Reds notes

The Reds are toying with the idea of giving closer Eddie Guardado a minor-league contract so he can rehab with the team and not count against the 40-man roster. Seems like a good idea to me, particularly if the rehab proves effective and if the season is at a point where it still matters for the Reds. I've always been a fan of Gordo and enjoy having him around, even if he did make me nervous every time he went out there and pitched. Sure, he loaded the bases, but he found a way to get 3 outs.

Also, the Reds agreed to a one-year deal with Kyle Lohse. It's worth $4.2 million. That's a bit high, but in this day and age, it's really probably not. Lohse has had killer stuff in the past and then he tanked fast. He sorta turned it around in parts last year, providing some decent innings as pitchers do when they change surroundings (and leagues). There's no doubt he could be a decent pitcher this year, I just feel pessimistic about it.

So far, two MINNESOTA CONNECTIONS to the Twins.

Are you still Harang'in around? Good! Because hopefully so is Aaron, as he is trying to avoid arbitration by getting a good deal from the Reds. Apparently he asked for $5.5 million and was offered $4.25. Some say they are looking for a long-term deal, which would be good. But if not, I'm surprised the Reds wouldn't jump at the chance to sign Harang for that figure. Sure, it's smart money to negotiate, but Harange is no doubt the #1 pitcher on the team and will continue to do so, as Arroyo will no doubt have a down year. $5.5 million isn't really a whole lot to ask for, and it's somewhat disappointing to see the Reds counter with their figure. I'm sure we'll get a happy ending.

New Mavs Website

Check it out. Permanent link to the right side as well.

Mavericks 109, Rockets 96

Here comes Dickens: It was a tale of two halves. The Mavericks allowed Tracy McGrady to roam free in the first half, and got spanked because of it. No doubt the halftime speech was not pretty in the Mavs locker room, but they came out in the second half clamping down on defense and scoring like crazy on offense, and it paid off in a win that seems that it was a sure thing. But it really wasn't a sure thing at all. McGrady had 45, but that was about it for the Rockets. The Mavs turned it on at the end of the third quarter and for the rest of the game, but McGrady had the Rockets in it before then. The Mavs simply pulled away late and finished in a way that made it seem relatively easy. Nowitzki and Howard led the way with 30 and 28. Nowitzki completed a double-double with 10 rebounds. And what do you know - Devean George not only made a 3-pointer, he went 4 for 5!!! Atta boy, Georgie!!

32-8??? You've gotta be kidding me. Go Mavs!

Devils 1, Rangers 0

Goals:
First Period: Brad Lukowich (no assist)
Second Period:
Third Period:

Shots on Goal: 32-26 Devils

Penalties: Devils - 0 minutes, Rangers - 8 minutes

How sweet it is. The Devils playing "Devils" hockey. I hate to say it. But some people will get upset about it, and for that, there is hilarity. Brodeur shuts 'em out AGAIN. The man is a force. I don't care how good the defense is, or how the trap makes players take weak shots, Brodeur is the goalie to have in that type of system and he proves it time and time again. Another shutout. Brilliant work. A likely hero. Lukowich? An unlikely hero. But a hero. And the discipline was there again. I don't know what to do but praise these guys, for hot streakers they have been.

Chargers bite the dust

Haha. YES!!!!!!!!



And then what happens at the end of the game but LT freaking out. I thought he was acting like a whiny little punk, not wanting to talk to anybody, but it turns out that he was pissed the Patriots disrespected his field. I guess I can see that. But still. Win a freakin' playoff game!! Haha, I'm so happy. It's all I have as a Raiders fan, you have to understand. So eat it, Chargers fans. Eat it, taste it, and flavor it. Don't sample it, eat the whole dang thing.

Here's the money quote: "Anytime you're in the playoffs and lose, and certainly I have plenty of experience at it, there's a disappointment," Schottenheimer said.

Reds keep Ross, Wilson

The Reds agreed to a 2-year, $4.5 million deal with catcher David Ross. That's not bad money. I just doubt he can replicate his stats from last year. But he was definitely a decent guy. I hope he can still swing his bat and help out Arroyo and others. In other news that is not great, the Reds gave Paul Wilson a minor-leage contract. Never a big fan of Wilson, but there's no doubting that he's a quality man. I just don't like him pitching and that's a large part of what he does. Maybe it won't amount to anything, we'll see.

Justice for Brodeur

Brodeur back for ninth All-Star game

You're dang right. As well he should be. He won't be starting, Ryan Miller will do that, but he will be there. And he might just win the game. I'm proud of him and his amazing year, and he deserves to be there. Great job, Marty!

Also representing the Devils is defenseman Brian Rafalski. Go get 'em, Ralf!

Injustice towards Brodeur

Yahoo! Sports has their "fantasy hockey" standouts or whatever on their main page at all times. And I was going to check it because Broduer is in there all the time dominating, and he has dominated recently, doing pretty dang well. Well, I found Broduer. In the "NOT' section under who is hot and who is not!!! What a joke! But here it is in all of its proof. Please direct your anger mail to anybody but me.

Devils 2, Thrashers 1 | Devils 2, Islanders 1 (Overtime)

Well, I am back from Indiana and what do I see? Pretty much the same as the previous post, one of my good teams winning two straight games in nail-biting fashion. The first didn't go to overtime, but could have. The second one wasn't supposed to go into overtime, but it did. And the Devils walk away with 4 points out of a possible 4. I hate giving any points to divisional foes, but 1 point isn't so bad I suppose. But what did I tell you? It's that dang last-second trickery again. Brodeur (or the team) is having troubles with the late minutes/seconds of the third period. They need to work on that IMMEDIATELY. But hey, they have been doing dang good. Tomorrow night is the HATED Rangers. Come on, NJD!! Don't let me down! You haven't yet. Except once, maybe.

Mavericks, 115, Pacers 113 (Overtime) | Mavericks 97, Raptors 96

Well, I've been away a few days. And what do the Mavericks do? Pull off two incredibly narrow wins, complete with crazy nail-biting finishes. When it's all said and done, Dallas stands at an amazing 31-8, four games out in front of the Spurs for the division lead. Nowitzki carries the lead with huge games in points, and Josh Howard scores the game-winner against the Toronto Raptors. Good enough for me.