Last Call

A Jet By Any Other Name...

2011-07-01T19:31:00.001-04:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Quick: name the all-time points leader for the Winnipeg Jets. Bet you think it's Dale Hawerchuk, right? Wrong. The correct answer is Ilya Kovalchuk, with 615 points in 594 games.

That's because for all intents and purposes, the Hawerchuk-led Jets currently play in the desert under the moniker of the Phoenix Coyotes, and have done so since 1996. The franchise formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers now bears the Jets handle, but the similarities stop there.

When True North Sports and Entertainment unveiled the name to the hockey world at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft this past Friday, they perhaps unknowingly opened up a can of worms. Or maybe it was a can of New Coke. And just like the retooled soft drink that was an unmitigated disaster in the 1980s, it seems primed to leave fans with a bad taste in their mouths even before the Jets take to the MTS Centre ice in the fall.

True North's chairman Mark Chipman has already stated that the team's colors and logo will be different than that of its namesake.

The Jets may be cleared for takeoff, but these ain't your older brother's Jets.

It's one thing for the populace of a city to hold a deep-seated passion and sense of civic pride for its professional sports teams. It's an entirely different matter to subscribe to a theory of revisionist history that some fans in Winnipeg seem to have embraced, thinking it's still 1996 and thinking the Jets never left.

Like comedian Dave Chappelle said when referring to the late John F. Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy's alleged trysts with Marilyn Monroe, "those two pages in history are stuck together!"

Understand this, Winnipegers: this isn't an effort to rain on your parade. But these Jets are not a reincarnation of the former World Hockey Association team that merged into the NHL in 1979. The franchise that you have been given had only one playoff appearance in its time in the South; players like Hawerchuk, Shane Doan, Teppo Numminen, Thomas Steen and Teemu Selanne never played for this franchise; they're not coming back, either. Roll out the welcome mat for Evander Kane, Ondrej Pavelec, Bryan Little and Zach Bogosian.

There will be people who will suggest that the league do something similar to how the NFL handled the Cleveland Browns' move to Baltimore in the 1990s. The Ravens were effectively treated as an expansion franchise, and the city of Cleveland entered into an agreement that if there were ever to be a new Browns franchise, it would be able to maintain the team's history, record book, colors and logo. And that's all well and good; the rub here is that the city of Winnipeg never made any sort of similar agreement with the NHL.

So when Kane steps out onto the ice as a member of the Winnipeg Jets in October, hopefully he will continue to be able to wear his trademark No. 9, a number that belonged to one of the all-time greats to have played for the old Jets, Bobby Hull, and was retired from the old team. It's been reported that Kane is going to attempt to get Hull's blessing, which is certainly a nice civic gesture on Kane's part to establish some goodwill with the locals. But it seems a tad redundant.

At the very least, the Winnipeg seems to be leaning towards going forward as a continuation of the Thrashers, a progressive move to be sure. The franchise will continue to honor the legacy of Dan Snyder, whose No. 37 was taken out of circulation after the fatal 2003 car crash that also injured Thrashers star Dany Heatley, and in many ways signaled a beginning of the end for the team's tenure in the Georgia capital.

But with the end of a franchise's existence in one city comes the opportunity for the franchise, its new ownership group, its new coach and the fans (both old and new) to surge forward and create a new chapter in the annals of hockey history.

Face it Winnipeg: you've got NHL hockey back. Now here's your chance to move on and start a new (winning) tradition. Time to see the Jets take flight.

Tootoo's Resurgence Sparks Preds

2011-04-28T18:31:00.013-04:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

When you think of the "stars" of the Nashville Predators, your thoughts likely drift to goalie Pekka Rinne, captain Shea Weber and perhaps forward Steve Sullivan. Odds are punishing winger Jordin Tootoo isn't in the mix.

Truth be told, this is a club that has never had a true superstar, unless you count Peter Forsberg's 22-game cup of coffee as a playoff rental in 2006-07. Hell, does anyone even remember that?

To the average person, Tootoo is a guy known more for his brief fling with American Idol singer Kelly Pickler than he is for smashing an opposing player into the boards or scoring a timely goal. You want proof? This is the first result when you do a Google image search for Tootoo.

In a city where you would not expect hockey to have a devout following, the Predators are finally starting to reap the benefits of what they have sowed for 13 seasons. Nashville finally advanced to the conference semi-finals for the first time ever, and they've got Tootoo to thank for their run at history.

It seems the franchise has turned the corner. The mistakes of the past have been rectified; management is devoted to keeping its core players in Music City while bringing in components for a Cup run without sacrificing youth, the annual rotating carousel of goaltenders seems to have been stabilized with the emergence of Rinne, and the defensive corps is perhaps one of the most feared in the league. All the while the team has been anchored on the bench by Barry Trotz, who has been with Nashville since Day One.

The team even features the first home-grown player in franchise history -- Blake Geoffrion -- and wouldn't you know it, he's the progeny of hockey royalty. In fact, the franchise is a great representation of the new, modern NHL, in which small market teams can thrive. In addition to Geoffrion, the Preds' blueline also features rookie Jonathon Blum, of Long Beach, California. You read that right. The franchise should be a perennial contender for organization of the year.

But back to No. 22. He's come a long way, both in terms of his career and from the start of the season to where he is today.

Sure, Tootoo has his critics. There are some who lambast the forward as a careless, irresponsible player with no regard for the sanctity of the game. He's a frequent target of disciplinary action by the league, But the last few years have given fans a more mature Tootoo, one who plays much bigger than his five-foot-nine, 197-lbs. frame suggests.

The first player of Inuit descent to play in the league, Tootoo perhaps arrived to the NHL earlier than he should have at the age of 20. He also carried with him the baggage of being a trailblazer for Inuit youth in his native Nunavut, and the death of his older brother Terrance Tootoo, who committed suicide in the wake of a drunk driving arrest when Jordin was 19.

Still, as a rookie in 2003-04 Tootoo became something of a fan favorite in Nashville, with his punishing body checks, unbridled enthusiasm and community involvement. He even managed a feat many grinders seek, achieving a Gordie Howe hat trick in a January game against the St. Louis Blues.

Then came the lockout. By the time the new, improved NHL returned in 2005-06, Tootoo seemed to be missing a step, splitting time between the minors and Nashville. It seemed his career had stalled.

In 2007, he gained a lot of detractors after a hit on Stéphane Robidas earned him a five-game suspension. From that point on, Tootoo became the main villain on a team that was developing a reputation as a first round pushover.

That all changed for Tootoo this season. It started when the forward voluntarily checked himself into the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program in late December for alcohol abuse.

There can be plenty of speculation made as to what led to Tootoo's alcohol abuse; the fact of the matter is he had the foresight to notice a problem and confront it. And it speaks volumes that the Predators organization stood by him through it all, despite the implications of losing a heart and soul player like Tootoo at such a critical juncture in the season.

Upon Tootoo's return, the Predators went 13-7-3, good enough to secure the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and the team's feel-good story of the year tallied four goals and four assists, enough to tie his season high total of 18 points in 2007-08. Unlike that season, in which Tootoo finished with a plus-minus of minus-8, the forward was a plus-8, and drew rave reviews from teammates and the coaching staff for his contributions.

Those contributions have seen an increase in ice time for Tootoo, a sign that Trotz has all the faith in the world in his grinder.

Entering their playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks, not too many people predicted the impact that Tootoo would have. But there he was: slamming the likes of Luca Sbisa and Jason Blake into the boards, and making solid offensive contributions.

The line of Jerred Smithson-Tootoo-Nick Spaling paid dividends for the Predators when the Ducks neutralized the team's other scoring threats.

It was because of Tootoo's ability to create opportunities that the Predators iced the Ducks in six games. After driving to the net and getting a shot on Ray Emery, Spaling was there to chip in the rebound. After finishing the season with 18 points in 54 games, Tootoo completed the series against Anaheim with a goal and four assists in six games, placing him second in team scoring, while rocking a solid plus-3. Not too shabby.

Although it's perhaps too early to name Conn Smythe Trophy candidates for the playoffs' most valuable player, Tootoo's name certainly has to be in the mix if Nashville can continue its winning ways.

So when the puck drops on Game 1 of the Predators' Western Conference semi-finals against the Vancouver Canucks tonight, no doubt all of Nashville and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut will be tuned in and cheering on their favorite son. And there's little doubt that Tootoo will be happy to return the favor.

NBA Western Conference Playoff Preview

2011-04-16T17:57:00.001-04:00

BY EVAN SPORER

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP IMAGES

The NBA season has finally concluded. And while much has been made of the Eastern conference and the likes of the Miami Heat, probable MVP winner Derrick Rose, and the ageless Celtics, the Western Conference is certainly formidable in its own right. Check out how the West might play out.

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies

The Spurs have heard the criticisms before.

They’re too old. Their time has passed. They’re boring to watch, and haven’t adjusted to the new NBA.

Well, I’ll take boring and effective over flashy and on the outside any day (a’hem, Golden State Warriors).

The Spurs finished first in the Western Conference this year, amassing 61 wins, giving them home court throughout the West’s playoffs. They did so with the many of the same faces -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili -- but also an infusion new producers: DeJuan Blair, George Hill, and Gary Neal.

Even Richard Jefferson, whose acquisition was supposed to be a bust, came up big for the Spurs this year.

So, as always, this team was a defensive juggernaut. Although their 98 points allowed per game is deceptively high, the Spurs will wear you down on D. They’ll make you work on every possession just to get a decent look, and on many possessions, teams won’t. Defense wins championships; plain and simple, just ask Spurs head coach Greg Popovich (the guys has won four NBA titles).

And it is these new producers that separate this version of the Spurs from prior years. Popovich can finally go to the bench and insert a second unit that is not only competitive, but also capable of changing games.

So what this series comes down to is that Memphis could win its first playoff game since they played in Vancouver. What they cannot do is knock out the number one seed. The Spurs do too much too well, and while Memphis is a nice young team, they lack the playoff experience to take down a Pop team.

What it comes down to for the Griz is the youth factor. Guys like Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and Marc Gasol are all nice pieces, and will certain go out there and compete in this series, but in no way do they match up against Duncan – Park – Manu.

So, the fix pick is in. Give the nod to the old guys; San Antonio 4, Memphis 1

#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #7 New Orleans Hornets

I’m going to give Andrew Bynum some advice for this series -- don’t play in it.

Here’s why.

There was a time not so long ago this season when the Hornets was sniffing the top spot Southwest division, hopeful of a top four seed in the West, and firing on all cylinders.

Then reality hit, David West tore his ACL, Chris Paul booked a plane ticket to Charlotte for the off-season, and the Hornets fell to the six seed.

And just like how the Hornets season took for the worst, this first round series should be no different.

Aside from Chris Paul, the Lakers are better than the Hornets at every position on and off the court (meaning bench, coaching, cheerleaders; anything, you name it).

I’d call the Hornets a tune up match-up for the Lakers, but I think it would serve the two-time defending champs well to rest Andrew Bynum in this series, and gear up for the three peat. Where the Lakers is lacking right now is inside, but with the Hornets having no David West, this series should prove too difficult in the paint for the two-time defending champs.

I also think Shannon Brown needs to see a lot of time. Everyone knows that despite the fact that he’s a playoff warrior, Derrick Fisher is not the player he used to be (he’s an older, slower, worse version). So in those later rounds when the Lakers are forced to play Tony Parker, or Russell Westbrook, Brown’s play will go a long way in determining the outcome.

In a season of turmoil, coaching change, and constant rumors, the New Orleans Hornets performance is commendable. What head coach Monty Williams has done with this squad is certainly deserving of coach of the year. But plain and simple, no combination of Trevor Ariza or Marco Belinelli can guard Kobe, and Emeka Okafor will be eaten alive by Pau Gasol.

I think it’s also worth mentioning this is Kobe’s last post season with Phil Jackson, and probably one of (if not the) last shot he’ll get to win a fifth title. And while I’ll do my fair share of Kobe-hating just like the next guy, one thing no one can deny is his determination, which will only be heightened by the circumstances of this post season.

Colorado, stand up! Los Angeles 4, New Orleans 0

#3 Dallas Mavericks vs. #6 Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are sort of like an ant (bear with me).

You try to step on them over-and-over again, but you can’t squish them. And sure, the ant will move slower, one of its legs will get all mangled and nasty, but when you look down, that ant is still moving (ps. The mangled arm is Greg Oden, always the first to go).

And that’s what makes this series so interesting.

The Mavs are the better team on paper. They also cause some match-up nightmares for Portland. Tyson Chandler is a guy for the Mavericks who can defense Portland’s best player, LaMarcus Aldridge. But likewise, Portland’s Marcus Camby can do the same thing to Dirk Nowitzki.

And then there are the swingmen. Dallas boasts such players as Shawn Marion and Peja Stojakovic who have playoff experience and the ability to fill it up. But, Portland has guys like Rudy Fernandez, Gerald Wallace, and Nicolas Batum who can do the same thing.

See where I’m going yet?

This match-up, plain and simple, will come down to back court play. And while the Mavericks have a very tough, high basketball IQ backcourt with Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Jose Barea, and Rodrigue Beaubois, Portland has an ace in the hole that could turn this series upside down.

Now entering the game: Brandon Roy.

I don’t care how many times this guy has had his knee operated on. I don’t care if he’s had them redone more than Brittney’s boobs. The guy is a flat out superstar. He’s a shot taker, and a shot maker, and more importantly, when the game is on the line, you want the ball in his hands.

If Brandon Roy can play like… Brandon Roy, then Portland has the ability to pull this upset off.

Dallas will throw DeShawn Stevenson at B-Roy all series, but if Lebron has taught us anything (and that’s not much) it’s that Mr. Stevenson chokes come playoff time. Crab-dribble or not, I don’t expect Stevenson to give Roy too many problems.

So there’s usually one of these every year (or just about every year) in the Western Conference. And unfortunately for them, Dallas is usually on the receiving end.

YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHERE I’M GOING WITH THIS NOW! Portland 4, Dallas 3

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Denver Nuggets

No Melo? No problem… right?

Denver went 18-7 without the Melo-man, something no one could have predicted. And the way the Nuggets did it was with improved defense, curious, considering the new Nuggets boasted a slew of former New York Knicks.

But when the mile high club shipped Anthony to the Big Apple, head coach George Karl looked at his roster, analyzed what he had, and asked his team to speed things up, which they did.

When the Nuggets traded away Chauncey Billups, they handed over the reigns to Ty Lawson. The UNC standout has filled in stupendously, using his combination of speed and lack of size to evade defenders and find the hoop.

Even with the newly acquired Raymond Felton, Denver has found a way to use both him and Lawson effectively, and at times run sets with the two guards, creating match-up nightmares for their opponents.

But then again, Denver’s first round opponents isn’t your average NBA team.

The Thunder also like to speed things up, and Russell Westbrook and Eric Maynard will have no problem keeping up with Denver’s guards. On the flipside, Denver will struggle to find anyone to guard last year’s MVP Kevin Durant.

This series is going to be a track meet. Both team’s will take any opportunity they can to push the pace. In the post, it should be fun to watch the Thunder’s newly acquired Kendrick Perkins to battle with the no-nonsense Nene.

For Denver to win this series, it’s going to take a huge performance from Danilo Galinari. The Italian was the major piece of the Melo trade, and has the potential to elevate his game to all-star level.

I think the Thunder’s duo of Durant and Russell Westbrook will cause too many problems for the Nuggets, though. Durant’s length and scoring touch make him virtually impossible to defend. The Nuggets will throw Wilson Chandler, Galinari, and even Kenyon Martin at Durant. And for Westbrook, his ability to penetrate the lane and open up the wings for OKC will cause problems for Denver.

So this is definitely the most intriguing first round match-up. But the Thunder were there last year, and were one shot away from taking the eventually champs to a game seven.

This team won’t get bounced in the first round, but this will be a thrilling series. Oklahoma City 4, Denver 3

NHL East Playoff Preview

2011-04-13T00:36:00.045-04:00

BY EVAN SPORER

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP IMAGES

With the NHL season finally concluding, eight teams in the Eastern Conference are all set and ready to make a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.

With no clean sweeps in any of the regular season matchups between the playoff pairings, here is the low down on how the first round could shape up.

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 New York Rangers

Conventional sports wisdom would tell you to pencil in the No. 1 seed in any one-eight tilt. But then again, conventional wisdom may be thrown out the window when these two rivals face off in the first round.

The season series went to the Rangers 3-1. And not only did the Blueshirts take the series 3-1, they did it by winning the last three games of the series by a whopping combined score of 15-1! Plain and simple, the Rangers have owned the Caps this year.

Why, you might ask? It’s simple; the Capitals are one of those teams the Rangers wake up, see on its schedule, and get pumped for. Rangers’ All-Stars Marc Staal and Henrik Lundqvist live to play against top tier talent like Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. And, for whatever reason, the Rangers forwards put it into a different gear when they see the Caps. The Rangers averaged 2.75 goals in the 78 games they did not play the Caps. In the four they did? Oh, only 4.5 goals per, nearly a 63 percent increase.

So what does this series come down to? If the Rangers score the way they did against Washington in the regular season, the Eastern Conference regular season champs can kiss any chance at post-season honor goodbye. Caps head coach Bruce Boudreau has put an emphasis on defense this season, although it has been absent when his team has played the Rangers.

Washington is also going to have to find a way to beat Henrik Lundqvist, who boasts a 2-1 record versus the Caps this season with two shutouts. One thing the Caps also have to be weary of is that this Rangers team has been in playoff mode for months. The Caps have pretty much been in cruise control since the All-Star break. Don’t expect any game one jitters from the Rangers, but if the Capitals come out slow, don’t be surprised.

When these two teams lock horned in this first round of the playoffs two years ago, it was the Caps digging themselves out of a 3-1 deficit to march into the second round with a 4-3 series win. I think the Rangers turn the tables on Washington this year, and send them back to the Beltway with an upset, Rangers 4, Capitals 2.

#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #7 Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Miller is good. Like, really good.

But when you look at the Buffalo Sabres, it basically starts, and ends, with Miller.

Problem spotted.

For the Sabres to make any noise in the playoffs, let alone get out of the first round, Ryan Miller will need to play the way he did in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and that can’t even guarantee any success for Buffalo. 

The Sabres are going to have to bank on Philadelphia playing poorly, and more specifically, in-between the goal posts. While the Flyers can certainly fill it up offensively, its goaltending tandem of Brian Boucher and Sergei Bobrovsky have looked downright awful at times. The Flyers are the third highest scoring team in the league, but against a team like Buffalo, giving up three goals on any given night may be enough for Ryan Miller to nab the Sabres a win.

But I think this series really comes down to blue line versus blue line. Philly’s defense hosts a group of veterans including Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger, and some pretty experienced players in Braydon Coburn, Andrej Meszaros and Nick Boynton. Buffalo’s defense has an average age of 25, and a number of players with no post-season experience.

The one thing that’s really scary about the Flyers? Eight players on this team scored 16 or more goals this season. That’s almost enough to fill up three lines, meaning in the playoffs, if their top guys don’t contribute, they can count on the role players to fill it up. It always seems like whatever team in the post-season gets secondary scoring generally performs well, favoring a team like Philly.

Buffalo’s top guys are really going to have to perform offensively, as well. 30 goal-scorers Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford will need to find the back of the net early and often. Super rookie Tyler Ennis is also crucial to Buffalo’s success, but putting that much pressure on a rookie could prove to be a problem.

So, give Ryan Miller one. But give Philly the rest. Broad Street Bullies get the nod in this series; Flyers 4, Sabres 1.

#3 Boston Bruins vs. #6 Montreal Canadiens

Ready for some old time hockey? Let's get into it.

These two teams hate each other; plain and simple. Short of the Montreal police arresting Zdeno Chara in the coming days, we’re looking at the same old characters that have been at each other’s necks all season. This is going to be a bad blood series. Montreal has already considered moving the day of its elections because they could fall on the same day as Game 3, and lord only knows hockey supersedes politics in the Great White North.

So what about the actual hockey itself? Montreal took the season series 4-2, but three of those wins came in the first three games the teams met. Since then, it’s been all Boston, in a slugfest, rock-em-sock-em style.

In the last three games of this series, there were 26 goals scored -- over eight per. This playoff series should play a lot like those three games. Tons of goals, back and forth play. Penalties. Edge-of-your seat moments. You name it, this series will undoubtedly have it.

But which team does this favor? Even though Boston smoked Montreal in high scoring games during the regular season, a faster pace certainly favors Montreal. Boston is a team that likes to get the puck into the offensive zone and establish a forecheck, while relying on a solid defensive core and former (and maybe this year’s) Vezina winner Tim Thomas. So expect Boston to try to set the pace, and keep its foot off the accelerator.

But the Canadiens will be fine with a fast-paced series. It suits them better. Expect them to take every opportunity to get out on the rush. Missed shots, rebounds, and turnovers will result in Montreal players trying to force the effort. And when the Canadiens start darting all over the ice, you better believe the Bell Centre will be rocking.

The home team won all but one game during the regular season when these two teams met, with Montreal stealing the first game these two teams played in the Hub. So definitely take that into consideration, which definitely favors Boston.

This one goes to seven. No doubt in my mind. Boston had a historic collapse in the conference semi-finals last year. But I really think Boston’s home ice is the deciding factor in a game seven. Boston 4, Montreal 3.

#4 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #5 Pittsburgh Penguins

If you had a really nice car, but then took out the motor, the exhaust, and the majority of the super essential pieces, you would just have a bunch of parts.

With that, I give you, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Already down Evgeni Malkin, their 2009 Conn Smythe winner, it’s now coming in that the Pens will most likely be without captain and NHL poster boy Sidney Crosby.

So, assuming that Mario Lemieux stays up in the owners box, Pittsburgh is all out of super stars. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is certainly a very good player, but not someone capable of winning a series by himself.

On the either side of the puck, the Lightning is loaded with high-end talent, with the likes of Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis. The NHL’s surprise team of 2011 is certainly loaded with offensive firepower, and more than capable of putting pucks in the back of the net.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, its best two offensive players are on the shelf. Malkin was a pure sniper, and not only could Crosby light the lamp on his own, but he made his teammates better.

So how can Pittsburgh muster a series win? It certainly won’t be easy, but the Pens might be able to eke out a seven game gutsy series if they grind and work hard. Guys like Jordan Staal and Max Talbot will have to come up big, and most importantly, Fleury will have to stand on his head and keep Tampa’s scorers off the board.

If the Lightning gets on the power play often, Pittsburgh can forget about this series. Too many weapons for Tampa, who was only an average team five-on-five this season. But, on the power play, the Lighting was spectacular, converting on 20 percent of its extra-man chances, tops in the East.

This series had the potential to be a thriller, but without Malkin and Crosby, Pittsburgh’s chances are slim. Can’t imagine Tampa losing this one, Tampa Bay 4, Pittsburgh 2.

Happy April Fools

2011-04-01T05:24:00.003-04:00

Check out Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez in this funny MLB commercial, as part of their new "Always Epic" campaign for the 2011 season.

Unfortunately for Felix…this April Fools, I think the jokes on him…as those stuffed animals will be about all he wins this season. Can a fella get some run support?

Or wait…maybe the joke's on us, since he reels in about 20 million dollars a year…

NBA East Playoff Update

2011-03-21T22:30:00.008-04:00

BY EVAN SPORER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Beasts of the East

With the All Star game and the trade deadline behind us, the playoffs are just around the corner. With 11 teams within 4.5 games of a playoff spot, we size up not only who will make it to the playoffs, but ultimately come out on top.

The Big Three

Boston: Currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference by mere percentage points, this veteran Celtics squad has been winning games with its defense. Allowing only 91.7 points per game, the Celts boast the stingiest defense in the league and have all of Boston excited for another title run.

However, a trade deadline shakeup has many fans scratching their heads. Shipping Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Celtics lost a premiere post defender, and an excellent candidate to match up against the likes of Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire in the playoffs, or even a guy like Andrew Bogut.

However, the player they acquired in return, Jeff Green, certainly adds a different dynamic to these Celtics. At times, this team can at times get wrapped up in a half court offense, and Green will surely make the Celts push the pace. Guarding the Celtics with Green at the four and Garnett at center could prove to be difficult for any team trying to match that versatility.

My guess: pencil the Celtics in for a definite finish in the East’s top three, but the team's seeding will depend greatly on how quickly its roster can mesh with Green. But seriously don’t discount the loss of Perkins. A lot of this team’s title hopes now lie on the shoulders of Shaquille O’Neal. This team will definitely make it out of the first round, but I don’t expect a finals appearance.

Chicago: This is easily the most intriguing team in the East. When Chicago went out and spent ~~max money~~ $13 mil per season on ~~Chris Bosh~~ ~~Amar’e Stoudemire~~ Carlos Boozer, no one expected these Bulls to compete at the top of the East.

Well, that is where Chicago currently sits, or, at least in second, with as good a shot to win the East as anyone. And interestingly enough, they’ve done it without Boozer, who has missed significant time after injuring his ankle while falling over his suitcase in the airport, or something stupid. And just when the Bulls got Boozer back, ex-Gator and rebounding machine Joakim Noah went down with a thumb injury. Still, the Bulls have taken an unfortunate situation by the horns, and managed to remain relevant atop the East.

So let’s dissect these Bulls. Point guard Derrick Rose is hands down the MVP of the league right now. It’s not even a question. If anyone else wins the award, it’s absolutely ludicrous. But besides Rose, Boozer has performed admirably, and a revitalized Luol Deng has been a major contributor.

Chicago is second in the league in team rebounding and defense, something most fans would not know. But head coach Tom Thibodeau has his team believing in his system, and that hey can beat anyone.

One more quick point. It’s cliché, but sometimes you have to lose in the playoffs before you can win. Anyone remember the 2009 playoffs? Celtics vs. Bulls? Seven total overtimes. A boatload of oh my god moments. And a C’s victory in seven. That’s all I’m saying. Some of these players are battle tested, and have the taste of defeat in their mouths. I think the Bulls are a dark horse despite their current position, but I expect Chicago to ride Rose to no less than the conference finals. But, let’s see if they can handle the heat of the spotlight. Which brings me to my next point…

Miami: Oh yeah, those guys.

I’m going to make this really simple. Remember those first awkward days of class each semester? When you look around the room saying, ‘who the hell are these people?’ But it’s ok, because by the end of the semester, you assimilate into the class, and feel totally at home, unless you’re socially awkward.

And with that, I give you, the Miami Heat.

Nothing happens over night, but let’s be clear, this team is the best in the East. Two of the best four players in the NBA, and a premiere big-man who has completely been overshadowed by those two guys. The scary thing is, there are other pieces on this team, and it has been beat up all season.

The acquisition of Mike Bibby gives this team depth. Mario Chalmers and Bibby give the Heat a one-two punch at point guard, meaning that Lebron and Wade wont have to run the point, which suites Miami best. Otherwise, Miami has great complimentary players, like Mike Miller, James Jones and Eddie House, who are only asked to knock down shots, which they are more than capable of doing.

Udonis Haslem has been hurt for what seems like forever, but ~~head coach~~ GM Pat Riley continues to insist he will be ready for the playoffs. Well, having Haslem and Joel Anthony defensively in the post is going to give opposing teams headaches, and will start the fast break for the Heat countless times.

Everyone knows its story. The Heat throttle team’s with records below .500, but has struggled against the league’s best. But you know what, those games mean nothing come June. They count for zero, zilch. I don’t buy into the fact that it’s going to become psychological come playoff time. Do you know how big their egos are to join up to create a super team? I’m waiting for them to erect a Mount Rushmore in Miami.

The six-game losing streak certainly made the Heat look vulnerable, and downright unfit to compete with the league’s elite. Tears in the locker room? Five percent from the field with under 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter down by three or less? Insignificant? Absolutely. Let me reiterate; you don’t win a championship in March, you win it in June, when the Heat will be playing its best ball.

The Heat were my pick to make it through the East, and still is, I expect no less than a top three finish, and a trip to the conference finals. That 30-point shellacking of the Spurs? only a sign of things to come for Miami’s squad. The defensive intensity and effort they showed is exactly how to win a championship.

The Middle of the Pack

Orlando: The Magic is sort of like a jack-in-the-box.

They can lull you to sleep. And you wait, and wait… and wait. And they seem bland. What the hell can this team do? And then, all of sudden, bam! They rain three’s on you. And that is how the Magic can win come playoff time.

No one told the Magic the trade deadline was in February, and instead, GM Otis Smith cleaned house on Festivus shipping away Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, and Martin Gortat, among others, bringing back Hedo Turkoglu along with the ever-colorful Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson.

Orlando takes the most three-pointers per game, averaging over 25 per contest. And putting shooters on the floor and stretching defenses around Dwight Howard could prove to be a wise strategy.

I love Brandon Bass, but I think Ryan Anderson needs to start and see more minutes for this team to be successful. If Orlando is going to make any serious noise this post season, they’ve gotta go balls out. Go big or go home. They live by the three, they die by the three. And Ryan Anderson is certainly a knock down shooter. Sure he gives the Magic a boost off the bench, but I think they’ve got to just shoot, shoot, and shoot if they hope to win. If Orlando can shoot over 35 percent from three in the playoffs, they will be a very tough out.

This is a team that also has to take advantage of its backcourt depth. Sure they’re weak up front past Dwight, but the Magic’s second unit hosts Arenas and J.J. Reddick, two guys that come into any game, and yes, hit shots. If these shooters can come in and force opposing coaches to bring their starters back in earlier than planned, the Magic’s fast paced offense could seriously tire some teams out.

This team is an enigma. A mystery. There’s no reason it is not competing for a top spot in the East with its roster. But the reality is, it’s not. Right now, the Magic is at its ceiling, sitting in fourth in the East, which is where it will finish. But don’t get me wrong. This is a dangerous team, and not a team anyone will want to see in the playoffs. No way this team gets past the second round though. I expect an exit in either round one or two for these Magic.

Atlanta: Truly a middle of the pack team. The Hawks currently sit in fifth in the East, and will either finish in fifth or sixth. Guaranteed.

Atlanta went out this summer and gave Joe Johnson ludicrous money, ensuring he would remain a Hawk. Unfortunately, the Hawks only did that, and have virtually the same team. Its biggest move has been acquiring Kirk Hinrich, Kansas University standout, and mediocre NBA point guard. Oh wait, they have Jeff Teague, so buying out Mike Bibby was smart, right?

Ok, that’s enough jokes for now. But I’ll make this quick. The Hawks are done in the first round. Yeah, they’re a good team… for the East. No offense to Atlanta, but in the first round they’ll either get Orlando or one of those top three teams in the East.

Plain and simple, not gonna happen.

I don’t mean to short-change this team, but they just do not do anything well enough to make any noise in the playoffs. Oh well. At least the Falcons won the ~~Super Bowl~~ NFC South.

New York: No one wants to play the Knicks in the playoffs; here is why.

They can score.

A lot.

With the Knicks, you know what you’re going to get. Offensive prowess, and minimal to no defense on most nights. But making a case for the Knicks is easy. This team can go into any building, and on any given night light up the scoreboard. I don’t care how little defense they play, the Knicks can go out on any given night and outscore any team in the league. Don’t come out and shoot cold from the floor, because it’s going to take about 108 points to beat this Knicks team.

Obviously, now is not the time for the Knicks. Now, 2012, that may be another story. But these New York Knickerbockers are looking at a five or six seed, and a tough first round matchup. To be honest, I think the Knicks would be better suited finishing sixth. The Magic is too good offensively to be stopped by the Knicks, and would most likely face off against New York in a four-five matchup. So, let’s make things interesting, and say the Knicks finish sixth.

This is a team that is certainly capable of taking down the Heat, Celtics, or Bulls. They Knicks are currently 2-0 versus the Bulls, 2-2 against the Heat, and 0-2 against the Celtics (with the two games being decided by a total of 6 points, the second game a nano-second away from a Knicks buzzer-beater win).

In all likelihood, this team is out in the second round. But the Knicks have the potential to make some serious noise. Chauncey Billups is the guy you want running the point for your team come playoff time. Literally, I cannot think of anyone else in the league I’d rather have handling the ball in a playoff game.

If Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony continue to build up rapport moving forward, it will be scary for opposing teams. Obviously, outside of those two, there isn’t much to write home about. As of late, however, the role players have been stepping up, with the likes of Landry Fields, Tony Douglass, and Shawne Williams proving their worth. Regular contributions from those three and the rest of the Knicks role players and this team can compete with any in the East.

Expect the Knicks out in the second round, but always be ready for the unexpected.

Yes, They Might Make the Playoffs, but it is the East

Philadelphia: In a breaking news story, Allen Iverson is leaving his team in Turkey and taking his talents back to Philadelphia. In other breaking news, Charles Barkley is leaving his TNT job and also returning to the Sixers.

…Just kidding.

It is impressive and unexpected that Philadelphia has mustered to move into seventh in the Eastern conference. After a 3-13 start, the Sixers have gone 33-21, behind the efforts of Andre Iguodala who seriously benefited from playing with team USA over the summer. Still, it just won’t happen for Philly this year. This team can’t take down Chicago, Miami or Boston in a seven game series. No way, no how.

So, Philadelphia currently sits in the seventh spot in the East. The spot of doom. The seventh and eighth seeds in the East are like those two kids at summer camp who were never fast runners, but always fast enough to finish seventh and eighth in the 12-man race you would have.

But those two kids would never beat the two fastest kids in a race in the next round. Unless the two fastest kids broke their legs.

So, barring some broken legs, expect Philadelphia to be out. In four or five (games).

Indiana: Danny Granger is no MJ… or even Reggie.

And the Pacers are no contender, although they currently hold the last playoff spot in the East.

Put the Pacers in the category of, “wow, we’re marginally surprised this Division 1 caliber team has moved into the last playoff spot in the East.”

Yeah, I’ll give them that. I’ll also give them four games against Miami, Chicago or Boston until they’re all playing golf.

As I said, Danny Granger is not good enough to put a team on his back. Unfortunately, that is what the Pacers need, because outside from Granger, there isn’t much.

Roy Hibbert has been a nice surprise for Indiana, but Garnett, Boozer, or Bosh would absolutely eat him alive.

Point guard play is also key in the post season, and while Jamaal Tinsley has performed admirably for the Pacers, Rose, Rondo, or Wade would run circles around him.

Hey, maybe Larry Bird will come down and suit up? I actually give that a better chance than Indiana winning a playoff series.

Detroit: This is why Detroit can WIN a playoff series (yes, this season).

This team is as dysfunctional as any in the league. The Heat may cry, and call out its coach, but it never flat-out boycotted its coach. It never laughed on national television as its coach was escorted from the floor after being ejected.

But let’s just throw some names out. Rodney Stuckey. Richard Hamilton. Tracy McGrady. Ben “I’ve got the biggest balls in the gym” Gordon. Tayshaun Prince. Ben Wallace.

This is a talented team. Ben Gordon almost single-handedly beat the Celtics in 2009. He is a big-time player, whether it was at UConn, or now in the NBA.

So, just to clarify, Detroit first has to make the playoff.

Currently sitting 4.5 games out of the eighth seed and having to climb over three teams, and currently spiraling into oblivion with its off-the-court antics, Detroit’s playoff hopes look slim.

But let me make this clear; of the teams currently sitting in spots 7-11, I give Detroit the best shot at winning a playoff series.

Now, will they get there? Eh… probably not. Which is unfortunate, because it would be much more fun to watch those guys gut it out versus the East’s elite than watch Andrew Bogut get dunked on repeatedly.

Where They Will Finish

1 – Boston Celtics 5 – New York Knicks

2 – Chicago Bulls 6 – Atlanta Hawks

3 – Miami Heat 7 – Philadelphia 76’ers

4 – Orlando Magic 8 – Milwaukee Bucks

A Super Bowl For Your Thoughts

2011-02-06T02:31:00.004-05:00

BY EVAN SPORER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Remember that kid in class who would always get a 99 percent on his math test, but still complain about it?

And you would sit there with your lousy 83, thinking, ‘Why is he complaining? He has it nice. He can’t even appreciate what he has.’

So, with that, I’ve got a message for all the Patriots fans that for some reason can’t be happy with their freakin’ 99: watch the Super Bowl.

I know your beloved gridiron pantheons weren’t as successful this season as you hoped for, but that should not inhibit you from watching what is shaping up to be one of the best sporting spectacles in recent memory.

There are too many subplots and intriguing storylines to tune out and watch whatever re-runs competing networks might peddle that night.

From a stylistic standpoint, this game will be unlike any Super Bowl played since the early 90s. Instead, it’ll be like back when Lawrence Taylor was flying around the field on one side, and Darryl Talley, Shane Conlan, and Cornelius Bennett (the three AFC Pro Bowl linebackers) were on the other — also known as Super Bowl XXV.

This Super Bowl, like the aforementioned New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills contest of 1991, features two smashmouth, dynamic defenses that play in your face, loud, abrasive football. Simply put, they play football the right way.

The saying goes, “defense wins championships.” Well, these two teams boast championship caliber defenses, with the Steelers and Packers allowing the fewest and second fewest points respectively this season in the NFL. Get ready for a doozy.

There is no shortage of big names on the defensive side of the ball, either. Guys like Clay, Hawk, Farrior, and Woodson -- the kind of names you would only normally hear on Ben Stiller’s dodge ball team.

This matchup features the classic battle of the, veteran “been there — done that” quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger versus the “up-and-comer” Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, the same QB who replaced Brett Favre in 2008, and has finally taken the Pack to football’s grandest stage.

By comparison, it took Favre four years to reach the Super Bowl (and 16 years to expose his genatalia via text), while Rodgers reached the big game in just three years (and has yet to bare all by his phone). A Super Bowl win for A-Rodge could mean permanently coming out of Favre’s football shadow, and garnering the respect he deserves.

Let’s not forget: the last time the Packers won the Super Bowl was 1997, and they came just one win short of another Lombardi trophy the following year in 1998 -- long before iPhones and ‘sexting’ were even invented. Green Bay is craving a title.

And for history’s sake, let’s not forget who the Pack defeated in 1997… those Bill Parcells-led Pats.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has enjoyed immense success as of late. Winning Super Bowls in 2005 and 2008, the Steelers are the second most successful team in recent memory behind… ahem, your Foxborough gods.

This is a rare opportunity for the football fanatics of the Commonwealth to watch a game in January/February objectively, which can lead to more enjoyment. Just think; you don’t have to hold your breath every time Brady’s Beiber-cut gets ruffled, or when Belichick decides to go for it on fourth down from his own five yardline.

Take it from a New York Giants fan: watching post-season football with no vested interest can potentially open up a world of viewing enjoyment.

Unfortunately, this game will be played in the comfort of Cowboys Stadium, in the good ol’ Longhorn state. A snowy backdrop could have turned this insta-classic into an all-timer, but we’ll have to make do.

Maybe you are still depressed, and have not left your room since that dreadful Sunday.

Maybe some of you are reading this from the sanctity of the rock you’re hiding under until the NFL season kicks off next September.

But if you consider yourself a football fan, this is a game you’re not going to want to miss. Do yourself a favor, take yourself out of witness protection, sink into your couch, and pray Fergie does her best Janet Jackson impression.

Top 10 Storylines: 2011

2011-02-01T23:59:00.003-05:00

BY EVAN SPORER

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 was the year of the tiger. Boy did someone mess that up. Anyway, without dwelling too much on the past year of sports, here are 10 major storylines as we hop into 2011, or, the year of the rabbit.

1. NBA and NFL Labor Agreements

Before any 2011 NFL or NBA storylines can be addressed, what first needs to be tabled are the statuses of collective futures of those leagues.

As of now, there is no labor agreement in place between the player’s association and the owners of both leagues.

What could that mean potentially? A lockout… or lockouts.

Right now, neither the NFL nor NBA are even remotely close to signing a labor agreement, with both sides very far apart. I don’t think that average sports fan has really processed what this could mean, or the huge effect this could potentially have.

These are billion dollar corporations that employ mass amounts of people. So forget about the athletes. They’ll survive without their salaries for a year. But think about all the unemployment that would accompany a lockout. Those who work for the league would be left jobless, and that could be catastrophic.

Also, imagine those months in-between the baseball season without football or basketball.

Major factors in getting these deals done? For the NFL, if the owners want to move to an 18-game schedule, the league will have to remain un-capped as players’ will expect some higher numbers on their paychecks.

The NBA wants to cut contract length, and decrease both salary length and guaranteed money. The players… not too happy. There has to be a middle ground, right?

As of now, things are not looking good for David Stern or Roger Goodell.

2. Heat Big Three

This would probably be the number one story, if we knew there would be basketball played in 2011-2012. But, for now, the Heat are only focused on this season, as they try to take down the Celtics in the East, and attempt to dethrone the two-time defending champion Lakers.

The Heat are starting to come together. And one aspect of this team many people did not consider when it was formed this past summer is that this is a defensive juggernaut. Despite the fact that they can fill up the score sheet, it is the way the Heat play defensively that will propel their finals chances.

Many people felt a big win over the Lakers on Christmas-day was meaningless. But I’m not buying it. If the path through the finals does go through Los Angeles, and the Heat are a part of it, these players know they can go into the building and get a win.

I don’t expect an MVP out of South Beach this season, but I do expect a title.

3. Phillies Fine Four

This may be the best rotation on paper. Ever.

Obviously, until things play out, there is no crowning the Phillies’ four aces. But to put things into perspective, barring injury, these guys (Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels) will take the ball 80% of the time for Charlie Manuel’s team… bad news for the National League.

The thing I found intriguing about this move is that a fourth starter really does you no good in the postseason, which is where the Phillies were headed even before acquiring Cliff Lee. Obviously this team will be judged on its playoff success, but one of these guys (probably Oswalt or Hamels) will have to swallow their pride and head to the pen’ come playoff time. And anything short of a World Series championship will be considered a disappointment.

This team will win 100 games in the regular season. There is no doubt in my mind. But like I said, it’s how this team plays in October that will mold its reputation.

One more thought. When the Mariners won 116 games in 2001, in a much tougher AL West (compared to the 2011 NL East), the Mariners top four starters combined for 70 wins. This may be bold, but I am predicting 74-78 wins for the Philly big four. What does that mean? Well, I’m not going to say they’ll challenge the 01’ Mariners’ record, but expect big things.

4. Melo in Limbo?

Carmelo Anthony will be traded before the February trading deadline. Here is why.

“I'm not Chris Bosh," Anthony reportedly said. "We're not the same person. What I do will be straight up. Management knows that."

What does that mean? Well, Chris Bosh spent the entire 2010 wavering on his desire to return to Toronto. In the end, Bosh left, and the Raptors were left with diddlysquat. Carmelo is flat out telling Nuggets management that he will exercise his early termination option in 2011 if the Nuggets have not moved him. So, expect Melo to be on the move, and pronto.

This is a huge story. Why? This is one of the purest scorers in the league, and a great competitor. His desire to get better on the defensive end speaks to his desire to win (and also his desire not to get moved to the ~~New York~~ Brooklyn Nets).

So where does Melo go? I’m going to break this down into two categories: the New York Knicks, and teams not named the Knicks willing to rent Melo for half the season. More specifically, I’m looking at the Rockets and Mavericks, teams that think Melo may put them over the edge and give them a shot to win a title this season.

For the Rockets, trading Yao Ming may give them the young pieces to send over to Denver to acquire Melo. For the Mavericks, it’s less about reloading and dumping, because owner Mark Cuban is convinced that he can convince Melo to stay in Dallas.

What this really comes down to? Carmelo will be living in New York by next year (assuming we’re still playing basketball).

The question is, does he move in during February, or over the summer.

5. The Trials of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens

These stories lost a ton of steam when both trials were postponed to 2011, but believe me, as these two court dates approach, they will receive national and global media attention.

When Barry Bonds and Rogers Clemens stood under oath before a House committee and testified that they never used performance-enhancing drugs, the fight against steroids was taken to a new level.

These cases are simple. The case against Bonds was built on documents seized during a federal raid of Burlingame steroids lab. The issue now is the validity of said documents, which Bonds’ defense will surely refute.

Clemens’ case will be built largely on the testimony of former trainer Brian McNamee. McNamee will testify eyewitness (and firsthand) accounts of injecting Clemens with steroids, which may be hard to refute. Other testimonies are expected from former teammates Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi.

From a historical standpoint, this will only add another chapter to one of the ugliest controversies baseball has ever faced. What tarnished the league’s image throughout the 90’s and the early 2000’s will now be reopened.

And just when it seemed like the year of the pitcher in 2010 finally detracted the attention away from steroids, the issue will only be back at the forefront o when these two all-time greats (until proven guilty by a court of law) take the stand.

Guilty verdict(s) will seriously bring into question any baseball accomplishments over the last 20 years, if they have not already been challenged.

6. The NFL’s Head Case

I’ll keep the head puns to a minimum, but would like to start by saying Roger Goodell has a major headache to deal with (I’m done, seriously).

Player safety has been a huge league initiative for years, with this year taking those attempts to a new level. The message from the league has been clear; do not engage players in the head region. But referees, due to pressure from the league, have been reaching for the yellow flag on anything that comes close to an illegal hit.

This is a very unique issue. On the one hand, concussions are up a whopping 20% across the league this year. That stat may be a bit misleading, as concussions are being looked at more closely, and recorded more meticulously, but the number still stands.

On the other hand, it is painful to watch defenders get flagged for 15 yards for a clean hit, and then lose $25,000 on Tuesday when they get a FedEx envelope from Mr. Goodell.

I think one of the main problems with this issue is referees are asked being asked to judge something that takes place in a split second at very high speeds. I do not think referees should be expected to monitor hits to head in accompaniment with their normal duties.

Just like the league added an extra official in the backfield this season, I think an official needs to be added to monitor the ends of plays. This would allow referees to focus on their normal duties, and not have to worry about missing a dirty hit.

Also, I think the old facemask rules should be applied to these illegal hits to the head. Instead of blindly tacking on 15 yards to every hit, give five yards for the unintentional, lesser hits, and 15 for those major, concussion-causing blasts.

Not bad, eh. But who knows if that would even work. No matter what, expect some change into how the league handles these affairs, and expect huge player opposition.

7. BCS Busted? Conference Realignment

The old saying, “if you cant’ beat em’, join em,’” has never been more applicable.

With the likes of Boise State, Utah, and TCU fed up with a questionable BCS (Bowl Championship Series) system, and other teams seeing an opportunity to rake in some extra cash, it’s time to play musical chairs.

Starting next season, TCU will join the Big East, Boise State will join the Mountain West (and Nevada will follow in 2012), Colorado and Utah will join the Pacific-10 and Nebraska will join the Big Ten.

To be completely fair, who can blame most of these teams? This year, TCU did all they could. They won every game on their schedule, and became the eighth team all time to finish undefeated and not win a national championship.

But some aspects of this story simply do not add up. The BCS’ argument against holding a championship playoff is that it would make the season too long for student athletes, and would force them to travel too much.

Travel too much? Then how do you explain allowing TCU (a Texas university) accept an invitation to play in the Big East? Talk about extra travel, TCU will be forced to go to the East coast every-other week.

But this conference realignment may silence all BCS quarrels for the time being. But it also may expose some mid-major teams as being weak compared to the country’s powerhouses. Or, it could create super-conferences, and make for great competition.

And keep this in mind; there will always be those who oppose the BCS. So expect more complaints next year no matter what.

8. (Potential) Franchise Relocation

One of those stories that always gets tons of attention, and seemingly for no reason.

Expect that to change starting this year.

First and foremost, it looks like football is coming back to Los Angeles. And soon. With blueprints drawn up in a stadium in downtown LA it won’t take long for the league to approve the move (of probably the Vikings or Jaguars).

Now that the NBA has taken control over the financial unstable New Orleans Hornets, it probably will not be long until the Hornets have a new address also. Could the NBA end up back in Seattle? Could a professional sports franchise make its way into Las Vegas? Or will a dark horse become the nest for these Hornets (if they keep their name).

And of course there’s the NHL. Franchise relocation is always thrown around fervently when NHL rumors are discussed. But with the potential rise of the NHL starting in the fall, and the potential for increased revenue, these rumors may become reality.

Many Canadian cities will surely put in a bid, which will only be bolstered by their huge viewership and support. Quebec will try to reclaim its hockey stake. Gary Bettman has also discussed stationing the NHL in Europe, where there is a large fan base.

Relocation candidates? There have also been murmurs of the New York Islanders being relocated to Kansas City. Phoenix is another city that could lose its NHL franchise.

When the New Orleans Hornets were not shipped off to Oklahoma City, the Thunder struck and showed just how good a basketball market the Hornets missed out on. Don’t expect franchises to pass up the opportunity to take their teams to where the money is.

9. MLB Playoff Expansion

America’s pastime could undergo a makeover… a big makeover.

After the 2010 Winter Meetings, it was learned that no owners or general managers of MLB franchises were opposed to adding another round to the playoffs.

Under this expansion, an additional wild card team would be added to each league, bringing the playoffs up to ten teams in total. The two wild card teams in each league would play in the added playoff round, for the right to advance to the divisional series.

The fact that this idea was met with unanimous support makes it seem more inevitable than hypothetical. Another round of playoffs means more money for the league, with additional tickets sales, ad revenue, and concession sales.

With the newfound success of wild card teams come playoff time in baseball, this is a huge development. Since the wildcard was instated in 1994, nine wildcard teams have made the World Series. Of those nine, four have won.

This new wrinkle would surely add more excitement and intrigue to what sometimes can turn into a bland playoff process.

10. The Rise of the NHL?

Finding an NHL game on your television can sometimes be like finding Waldo… hard, but not impossible.

Well, let’s think about September 2011. The NHL season begins, and potentially, with the exception of the MLB playoffs, is the only major-four sport in progress.

Then, the MLB crowns its champion in November, and the NHL is the only major four sport in progress… until April.

With impending lockouts for both football and basketball, the NHL is looking at its fantasy. Interest around hockey has already been increased with the 2010 Winter Olympics and the addition of the annual Winter Classic.

Watch an old highlight a NHL game from the early 2000’s. The network name in the corner is generally ABC or ESPN. If a lockout does cancel the 2011-2012 football and basketball seasons, major networks will pick up the NHL without a doubt.

And this is a league ready to flourish under the spotlight. This is a young league, with huge star-power, and new innovations. For those who stopped watching hockey after the 2004 lockout, the league has tweaked the rules to increase goal scoring, and the pace of the game.

In case of a lockout (or lockouts), sports fans will have to go somewhere to find the testosterone they crave. What not a better place than a sport that not only allows but encourages grown men to fight? IF the NBA and NFL cannot reach labor agreements, and lockouts ensue, expect the NHL to be the sporting world’s Most Improved Player come next year.

Welcome to the Other Side

2011-01-18T22:17:00.009-05:00

BY IAN TASSO
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP IMAGES

Take yourself back nine years.

The date is February 2, 2002. The place is the Louisiana Superdome.

Outside, it’s quiet. Warm. Damp. Humid.

Inside, it’s equally as quiet. Warmer. Damper. Sweatier. 73,000 fans collectively holding their breath as fabled kicker Adam Vinatieri lines up to cement his name in the NFL history books.

Kurt Warner meanwhile, sat on the bench, bloodied, looking on helplessly. Marshall Faulk sat there too, just as his quarterback, every bone in his body aching. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, there all the same, mimicking their general -- their quarterback -- who had been knocked around and smacked in the face more than those kids at the end of Step Brothers.

Seconds later, Vinatieri’s arms shot through the air like red and blue fireworks, igniting a Patriot celebration. They had toppled the Goliath. They had beaten the giant.

The Greatest Show on Turf however, was over. They had hit the wall, and were upset by a team that had no business being there, and no business winning. The most powerful team in the NFL -- the Super Bowl favorite -- a team that had all the marbles, all the cards, and all the tricks, had come up short.

It’s a tale as old as time. It’s a tragic storyline. And it’s also the way sports are.

Because nine years later, the Patriots are on that sideline. Wounded. Bullied. Beaten. And Braylon Edwards and the Jets are doing backflips on the field.

I’m not saying it’s a direct parallel, but it’s pretty damn close. One year you’re writing the history and ten years later you’re drowning in it, unable to get out of your own way. Three straight playoff losses will do that to you as a fan, and suddenly, you don’t feel so high and mighty anymore.

As a Patriot faithful it can get pretty damn tough to not keep putting yourself on that field, with all the promising talent, and countless double-digit winning seasons. But somehow, like right now, we keep finding ourselves on the sidelines, packing up for next season. Three times in a row, to be exact.

I’m not saying the Patriots are cooked in the long run, or even in trouble. I’m not saying they’re done. In fact, I can guarantee they’re anything but.

They are mortal though. Perhaps more than that. All that Brady-Belichick magic is gone. I don’t know where it went, but it’s obvious it’s not there anymore. That doesn’t mean they can’t recreate it. Or at least come close. But right now, it’s clearly not in the confines of Gillette Stadium. At least when the calendar turns to January that is.

The first slip-up, if you can call it that, was the 2007 Super Bowl. But you can’t compare that loss to this most recent one. It’s not even close. Not even Jesus defeating Moses in some fictional Mortal Kombat game atop Mount Everest could top that.

But this year; this year we had it all again. This year we had the record setting offense. This year we had the genius coach making all the right calls. This year we had the young defense peaking at the right time. This year we had the team playing their best ball when it mattered most.

But this year, we ended up right back on that sideline.

Welcome to the other side, New England. It’s no doubt a weird place for Patriots fans to be. But it’s a place that nonetheless has been inhabited by plenty of other teams, at plenty of other times.

Ten years ago it was us against the world. Now it’s the world against us.

Ten years ago, it was our hardened, mouth-punching, defensive-minded, ruthless squad of scrappers knocking out the Greatest Show on Turf. Now, it’s the exact opposite. Our record-breaking offense getting strong-armed by teams we thought we could beat. Teams we should have beat.

This stings. This stings bad. I don’t want to hear about how it was only a Divisional Round exit. I don’t want to hear it. This hurts just as much as a Super Bowl exit, an AFC Championship exit, an exit out of a moving vehicle, an exit from a bar at 1am after they say you’ve had too many drinks, or any other exit you can think of.

Why does it hurt so much? Two reasons. One, because it’s the Jets. Those filthy, rotten, trash-yapping, loudmouthed Jets.

They finally backed up their talk and it stings like hell. Let’s face it: they won. They won fair, square, and it sucks. It sucks because they’re everything the Patriots arent -- everything the Patriots refuse to be. They are the exact opposite of everything the Patriot Way is founded upon. And they beat us.

Not only that, but they beat us by playing like us. They took a page right out of the Pats’ Super Bowl book and punched New England in the mouth every chance they got. The result? The Patriots didn’t look like the Patriots. They looked like a one seed caught in the headlights -- a high and mighty that didn’t know what to do when someone came at them hard and fast.

It sucks because the Jets finally got over the hump. Last year didn’t count. They backed into the playoffs, and the Patriots got shellacked out of it. It was like a round where both boxers just hug each other and sweat all over one another and nobody gets any points.

This year? No excuses from Patriots fans. We don’t have any. Try to think of one. You can’t. They won, we lost. They came to play, we didn’t. They’re still playing, we aren’t. The team that was specifically designed to beat the Patriots -- a team of big-mouthed grunts from around the NFL, each with Cromartie sized hatred for the Patriots, finally did what they were constructed to do.

And now we get to hear all winter long how they’re the big dog in the East, and the Pats are second best.

And you know what? They might be right. We deserve the crap we’re going to get. That’s the worst part of it. How do we come back to a Jets fan who says “we knocked you out.” By saying we won three Super Bowls five years ago? No thanks. After years of despising the Yankee Defense, I’m not about to use it myself.

The second reason this loss stings so hard might be the worst. It’s not so much about what happened, but more what didn’t happen.

This year, the Patriots really had a shot to bring home their fourth ring. They honestly, positively, had the best shot in the NFL to do it. All they had to do was beat a team they already thrashed 45-3, take down a Pittsburgh squad they already hammered on the road, and claim one final victory over either a Bears or Packers team on the big stage, both of whom they had already beaten in the regular season.

The road was paved with gold. And we crapped all over it. Chipotle-away style.

But with every storm cloud comes some silver lining, right? At least, that’s what we’re led to believe. So here’s what I got for you Patriots fans.

One, at least you don’t live in a one sport town like New Orleans, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis or the hundreds of other cities that fall into that category. And no, I’m not talking about an actual one sport town like Seattle (wait, do we count the Mariners?). I’m talking about a city where if one team falls, the whole calendar year is a failure -- not just the season.

Think the Saints of N’arlans. Think the Wings of Motor City. Think the Colts of Indianapolis. And (maybe not so much anymore) the Cavaliers of Cleveland.

Flipside, check out Boston -- sure, the Patriots may have stumbled hard, but at least New Englanders have the Celtics, Bruins, and newly reloaded Sox to fall back on. Literally three first place teams. Not a bad safety net at all.

Not convinced? Ask a Steeler fan what happens this weekend if New York takes the AFC crown. Aside from rivers drying up all across the country and locusts falling from the sky, the answer is probably “nothing.” I mean sure, they’ve got the Penguins...but what after that? Go Pirates?

Consider yourself lucky Bostonians. Not many cities get dumped by a Victoria’s Secret girlfriend and have a Perfect 10 Model to fall back on. Here in Boston, we’ve got three of them. Losing happens, and we’ve got a trio of first place teams to console us through the bad weather. Meanwhile, Ravens fans have...the Orioles? Gulp.

Secondly, you know the Patriots will be in the exact same position come next playoffs. This year sucks, but they’ll be right back next year.

You know it, I know it, your mother knows it, her boss knows it, and even his daughter who doesn’t watch sports know it. I can’t guarantee another number one seed, but if you think this core group won’t be right back near the top of the AFC next year, with all the returning young talent they have, you’re out of your mind.

The young guys will only get better. Sure, Gronk and Hernandez were phenomenal in their rookie seasons, but how do you think they’ll do with an entire off-season to prep with Brady? What about Mccourty, Chung, Meriweather and the rest of the secondary with another season under their belt? Try Mayo, Spikes and Cunningham with another year to gel in the middle of that defense.

And what about the whole lot of them now sporting their first playoff scar -- finally finding out that there’s more to “The Patriot Way” then just putting on the blue uniform and finishing 14-2. Not to mention the seven new draft picks that will be joining them in April.

Bottom line is, sure, Sunday sucked. I’m not trying to say it didn’t. But in the end, things are looking up for Patriot Nation. Not too bad when you consider exactly a year ago, the sporting world left them for dead. They were a “crumbling dynasty.” And just a few months after that, Randy Moss was traded, and the rest of the free world jumped on with them.

Now? Now they’re back, and arguably as prepared for the future as ever.

Sure, this loss sucks. Really bad.

Nothing will ever come close to 2007, but if there ever was one that did, this would be it. They had a real shot to go to Dallas, and thanks to their bitter, disgusting, loud-mouthed rivals, are stuck snowed in at Foxborough -- and not because next weekend’s game is at home.

But to appreciate the sun you’ve got to know what rain is. And here in Boston, we’re no stranger to bad weather.

So put NHL.com in your favorites, get out your Celtics jersey, sit back, crack open a "Budweisah," and enjoy the Laser Show. Don’t worry about the boys in blue. They’ll be back for more next year.

And consider this loss a little fuel to the rivalry fire. Because remember, Yankees fans always said it wouldn’t be a true rivalry until we beat them. Beating up on a team for a decade does not a rivalry make. And they were right..

But then 2004 happened.

Consider this Rexy’s 2004.

Game on fat man. Let’s do this.

Oh, and one more thing. Go Packers.

NFC Playoff Picture

2010-12-21T18:18:00.004-05:00

BY EVAN SPORER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

With one more week in the books, the playoffs grow even closer.

And with the 2010-11 postseason quickly approaching, certain teams are vying for position, others are fighting for their playoff lives, and the rest are trying to prove they have what it takes. Where does your team sit?

In a Class of their Own:

Atlanta Falcons

Seems like these Falcons are on a collision course to meet the Patriots in Dallas come February. Like the Pats, the Falcons have played lights out at home, and clinching home field advantage could go a long way for the Falcon’s high-powered offense.

Matty Ice is coming into his own in his third season in the league, and should get some MVP consideration. His main target, Roddy White, leads the NFC in receiving yards, and the entire league in receptions. Ryan and White’s chemistry is key to the Falcons success.

Then there’s Michael Turner, who has eclipsed the 1,000 yard plateau after a down season in ‘09, and his ability to run the ball along with backup Jason Snelling has opened up the pass game even more for Ryan.

So what could cage these Faclons?

Both of this teams losses have come on the road, outside of the Georgia Dome. Also, this team has been susceptible to the long pass, with a secondary that ranks 25th in the NFL.

Can the Falcons beat the better teams the NFL has to offer? Sure, they have put up big wins against Baltimore, Green Bay, and a big win IN New Orleans. But on the flip side, the team fell flat against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

A Week 16 matchup versus New Orleans should tell us a lot about these Falcons. For now, they sure look like the best the NFC has to offer.

In the Clear:

Philadelphia Eagles

These aren’t the Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook Eagles of yester-year.

No, these Eagles are all about the big play, in their quick-strike pseudo West coast offense. Andy Reid has certainly done an excellent job drawing up plays that take advantage of his offense’s speed. These Eagles are just plain fun to watch.

Obviously Michael Vick is the catalyst. Despite his rejuvenation as a passer, Vick’s seven rushing touchdowns mark a career high. Vick has shown major progress in the pocket, and with vertical options like DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin, what’s not to like?

Injuries have plagued the Eagles’ secondary. Asante Samuel has missed three games, although he is now healthy. However, it seems like the question won’t be how many stops the Eagles get, but how many stops their opponents can muster on defense.

What it comes down to?

Can Vick stay healthy? This guy has been taking a pounding outside of the pocket, already suffering some broken ribs. Let’s just say Kevin Kolb is no Michael Vick. The Eagles would love to finish second in the NFC and ensure they get a home game in the playoffs.

Besides, everyone saw what happened when the Eagles were forced into the cold in Week 12. Their offense went into hibernation against the Bears in a lopsided defeat.

Chicago Bears

Da Bears. The best thing about this team? They win football games the way that gets you playing through February: with their defense.

The offense has not been consistent enough to write home about. Despite having the mad scientist Mike Martz calling the shots, the pass and run games rank 25th and 26th respectively.

Jay Cutler gets sacked… a lot. Too much. Protecting the quarterback will be key for the Bears come playoff time. Cutler has been sacked 43 times in 12 games. That won’t cut it in the post season.

So obviously for the Bears it comes down to the defense. They are third in points allowed, and second against the rush. However, the Bears secondary ranks 18th in the league, and as we know, this is a quarterback’s league. The Bears will need improved play from their secondary to make any noise in the playoffs.

And of course, this team needs to muster some offense. Where will it come from? If Cutler can stay on his feet long enough, Devin Hester and Johnny Knox can be dynamic in the pass game with their speed and ability to gain yards after the catch. But Matt Forte will need to run the ball more effectively to provide Cutler that cushion in the pocket.

Big upcoming matchups against the Jets and Packers could go a long way in where the Bears finish in the NFC.

Fighting for Position:

New Orleans Saints

The champs are (still) here. Despite both a tough loss last week to the Ravens and being overshadowed by the NFC leading Flacons, the Saints sport a 10-4 record and look pretty good for the number five seed in the NFC.

No one wants to play this team in the playoffs; they are the defending champs, and will play with that swagger. But, these are not last year’s Saints, and the biggest advantage the 2010 NFC teams may hold over the Saints is knowing the defending champs are now mortal.

Unfortunately for the NFC, Drew Brees is still… Drew Brees. He is exceptional in the pocket, and has just enough mobility to keep plays alive.

But the big problem with the 2010 Saints is the running game – which this year, compared to last, has been non-existent. Reggie Bush was lost for a good portion to the season due to a broken leg, Pierre Thomas has been limited to five games with a bum ankle, and rookie Chris Ivory has been thrust into the lineup. And it shows, as the run ranks 26th in the league.

This team plays the pass well of defense, but their inability to stop the run may be their undoing.

When it gets cold, teams tend hand the ball off, and the Saints will need to figure out a way to stop opposing team’s ground attack if they want to hoist the Lombardi trophy once again.

New York Giants

What a let down last week was.

Probably the most inconsistent, but also still the most intriguing team in the playoff picture. The Giants are loaded with talent, but, at times, shoot themselves in the foot with stupid mistakes.

But like the Bears, the Giants play defense. That is their identity. New defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has these Giants reenergized and looking like the 2007 Super Bowl champs.

The defense leads the league in takeaways, but the offense leads the league in giveaways. If Eli can curb his interceptions, however, this team can be dangerous.

Second in the league rushing the football, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are formidable against any defense. The real question come January for the Giants is can they play smart football?

Losing Steve Smith for the season is huge, but Derek Hagan has filled in nicely. It would probably surprise most that the Giants boast the third best offense in the league in terms of yardage.

But again, the dagger -- Eli Manning has thrown 26 interceptions, a career high. When was the last time he threw that many INT’s? Oh, just 2007, the year the Giants won it all. This team has the same tools as the ’07 squad, and could be a serious dark horse in how the NFC plays out.

Or, they could play undisciplined football, and fizzle out early.

On the Bubble:

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers who?

Matt Flynn was supposed to lay down in Week 15 against the Pats, but instead, played 59 minutes of stellar football, as the Packers lost in an inspired effort on a late hiccup. This team plays every game like it’s their last, a direct product of Coach Mike McCarthy.

Obviously the major concern right now is the health of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But this guy is a stud; he can make every throw on the field, and is asked to throw a lot, attempting over 30 passes per game. But if he is concussed on the sidelines, the Pack can kiss any playoff chance goodbye.

After Ryan Grant went down in their first game of this season, this team became very one-dimensional, something that could hurt their postseason chances big time. Their rushing attack now ranks 24th in the league, and teams can key in on Rodgers defensively and almost ignore the run completely.

What could propel this team that currently sits outside the playoff picture? This is an impact defense. McCarthy has these guys spend the end of practice work on stripping the ball, and the first thing this unit has in mind is to take the ball away.

The run game came out of nowhere against the Pats, piling up 143 total yards. If Jackson and the hard-nosed John Kuhn can produce like that on a regular basis, teams will be forced to load the box against Rodgers, freeing up some space in the secondary.

So, A-Rodge, get some good rest, watch some Jersey Shore, and relax. Get your head in a good place. You’re going to need it there against the Giants defense in what is basically a play-in game next week. If the Giants win, they clinch a playoff spot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a technicality, I have to include the Bucs in this group. But, talk about being a product of your schedule? The Bucs are 8-6, and their eight victories come against opponents with a combined record of 32-79.

Their schedule has been a joke, and when they’ve lined up against a good opponent, the Bucs have fallen flat. This team missed their chance to go into a tie for sixth place in the NFC with a home loss against the Lions last week (which snapped the Lions NFL record 26-straight road losses).

Talk about a loss that destroys confidence. With games remaining against the Seahawks and Saints, the Bucs will have to go 2-0 to make the playoffs, and somehow pull off a miracle upset in the Superdome.

But this team does do a lot well, for all their undoings.

One, they run the ball pretty consistently, and are top ten in the league on the ground. Two, they’ve gotten pretty good play from second-year QB Josh Freeman.

But defensively, these are not the John Gruden Bucs that won the super bowl not so long ago. This team surrenders nearly 350 yards per game, and does not play postseason style defense.

Plainly put, the ship might have sunk for these Buccaneers.

The Mild, Mild West:

The funny thing is, three teams in this division are still alive, all of which with records below .500 entering Week 16. Even the lowly San Francisco 49ers have a shot with their current record of 5-9.

So, without taking any further cheap-shots at these sub par teams, lets take a look at who might come away with the NFC West crown…

…. Those Niners

Two big divisional games coming up for the Niners. They’ll play at the St. Louis Rams, and then wrap things up at home against the Arizona Cardinals. This is a team that controls their own destiny. Unfortunately, with the loss of Frank Gore for this season, this teams destiny may not be the playoffs.

… Those Rams

Rookie quarterbacks aren’t supposed to lead their teams to the playoffs…right? Well, whether it has been the leadership of Sam Bradford, or the ineptitude of the entire division, the Rams could be on track to make the playoffs for the first time since the Greatest Show on Turf. Stephen Jackson is the best offensive player in the division, and needs to play like it down the stretch to get the Rams in.

Oh, and an away game Week 17 against co-division leaders the Seattle Seahawks could go a long way in their playoff hopes also. Speaking of...

…. Those Seahawks

It would be a feel good story if Pete Carroll made his return to the NFL by leading these lowly Hawks to the playoffs. Unfortunately, this team has to travel to Tampa to face a Buccaneer team also fighting for a playoff spot.

So what will it take? Uh…a lot.

This team is not in the top half of the league in any major offensive or defensive categories. So how will the Seahawks get into the playoffs? A miracle… or, maybe just a weak NFC West.

But probably a miracle.

AFC Playoff Picture

2010-12-19T10:50:00.002-05:00

BY IAN TASSO
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The temperatures are dropping - fast.

And that can only mean one thing: playoff football.

With the postseason quickly approaching, certain teams are vying for position, others are fighting for their playoff lives, and the rest are trying to prove they have what it takes. Where does your team sit?

On a whole different level:

New England Patriots:

Not only do they have what it takes, they are what it takes; the prototype for success. Is there one quarterback you'd rather have in a playoff matchup than Tom Brady? And at home, too? Locking up home-field advantage might have been the worst thing for the AFC. Not good news unless you hail from somewhere between Boston and Maine.

Still, there are a few questions. Can they win sloppy? The game against the Browns showed a distinct weakness with this team – if Brady is off, this team sheds a little skin.

Also, second half defense. The past two games, New England has shown they can close out games – but early on this year, they had trouble slamming the door shut. Which Patriots’ defense will we see down the stretch?

In the clear:

Pittsburgh Steelers:

They have a lot going for them. For one, in the middle of January, there might not be another team you’d be more afraid to play: a pummeling defense, a genius for a coordinator, and Troy Polamalu.

When that temperature plummets, and teams resort to grounding, pounding and defense, the Steelers are your team, and have been that team for the last decade.

Still, their offense goes through spurts of weakness that can really hurt in the postseason. Their defense might be able to stomach most…but all?

And also, the matchup difficulties. If they stroll in to New England for an AFC Conference title, the Patriots will be licking their chops: Brady eats Pittsburgh alive. He’s the best in the business at pre-play reads, and the Steelers’ patented zone-blitzing becomes rendered useless. If you’re the Steelers, you’re crossing your fingers someone slips up New England.

Or else it could be another short postseason run.

Fighting for position:

Baltimore Ravens

They must show consistency to make an impact.

They have all the tools to win in January and February – a smart, skilled defense, and an offense full of weapons.

Still, I see shades of the 2006 New England Patriots in them – an aging core group of defenders that let games slip away from them late; think the Houston game.

That being said, they still have those tools. An offense with names like Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap is enough to keep defensive coordinators sleepless.

But it still all falls on the shoulders of Joe Flacco. Can he carry them? Color me not convinced.

New York Jets:

Oh boy.

The most talked about story before the season looks to be the most talked about story after the season as well. The Jets exploded onto the 2010-11 season, downing the Patriots in week two, and grabbing a hold of first place in the AFC East until week 13.

But now, they’re floundering. Their ground-and-pound offense has evaporated, and it’s all fallen on Mark Sanchez’s “still not ready to carry it all” shoulders.

The defense has their own concerns too – the secondary looks weak, Darrelle Revis doesn’t look like Darrelle Revis, and Rex Ryan may be losing his edge. Will a few crushing losses (Dolphins/Patriots) be enough to steer this team completely off course?

I don’t think so – but they need to straighten things out. The offense is still explosive enough to make some noise, and the defense has the potential to be a nightmare in the playoffs. But the glaring red light here is that if it all falls on Mark Sanchez – and teams will do all they can to make sure it does – New York could be in serious trouble.

Much like they are now.

Kansas City Chiefs:

This might be the most under-the-radar team heading into the postseason. They’ve made absolutely no noise, but have a sound coach, a great system, a potent offense and a solid defense.

That being said, against the better teams in the NFL, they struggle. They fell to the Colts earlier in the year, and then the very next week were out-shot by the Texans.

Their schedule has been very easy thus far, featuring divisional games against the Raiders and Broncos, and inter-conference games against the NFC West (self explanatory.)

Still, they lead the NFL in rushing yards (165.4/game), and if they get a lead, they’re the one team that has shown they can hold it. But the question is – can they get that lead?

So far, they’ve shown they have the ability to rise above that question. But playoff football is an entirely different animal. Something tells me they’ll find that out very quickly.

Because when teams cue in on that rushing attack, it all falls into Matt Cassel and the 29^th overall pass offense’s hands. We’ve heard that before huh? It happened with Priest Holmes, it happened with Larry Johnson – will we be fooled once again into thinking the run-heavy Chiefs can sprint through January?

On the bubble:

Jacksonville Jaguars:

Where did this come from?

Seriously, before the season, if anyone had picked a “surprise” AFC South team to take the division from the Colts, it would have been the Texans. Shows what we know.

But this team has so many glaring weaknesses; it’s hard for me to envision them as anything more than a first-round-exit. They rank 28^th in pass defense, and 18^th in rush defense. That means they rank in the second half of the NFL in overall defense: not good heading into the postseason.

On top of that, they’re 29^th overall in passing offense. So if you shut down their run, you shut down the Jags. And they can’t really stop you from scoring either. Yikes. No pressure Maurice.

Indianapolis Colts:

And here’s the scariest team on the bubble. For one reason and (really) one reason only: Peyton Manning.

I guarantee if you give the Patriots, Steelers, Ravens and Jets a call, the one thing they’ll agree on is that they don’t want to see Mr. Manning in the postseason. Because he’s shown again and again that no matter who he has as his supporting cast, he has the ability to take you down.

That being said, that supporting cast is especially weak this year. No Dallas Clark, no Austin Collie, no Bob Sanders, no running game and a defense that is paper-thin. And on top of that, at times, Manning himself has looked very spotty, as if he’s trying too hard to do it all himself. But can you blame him?

The biggest question here is will this team make the playoffs. They need some outside help, and Sunday’s clash with the Jaguars has gone from a meaningless game to a highlighted event in a matter of months.

Because if they do make the playoffs, mark my words – Manning won’t go down without a fight.

San Diego Chargers

Ah, the Chargers.

Seems we’re at this point every year, aren’t we?

They have such an explosive team – are atop the NFL in overall defense, and are pretty damn close in overall offense (3^rd in passing, 14^th in rushing.) Yet right now, they stand on the outside looking in at the playoff race.

How is that even possible? A few reasons.

One, they make way too many mental mistakes. At times, it almost seems like they’re trying to find ways to lose games.

And another reason is coaching. You have to wonder how much of that stems from the top – and how much Norv Turner’s job really is at stake this year. Because if the Chargers don’t make the playoffs, you have to think Turner might be on his way out.

But even if they do, you begin to wonder if teams would really be afraid to see the Bolts in the middle of January.

Why? They have potential, yes. But playoff football is all about limiting your mistakes. The good teams let you hang around until you lose the game for yourself. Do we really think the Chargers have the capacity to avoid that pitfall?

Not to be Left Out

2010-12-08T14:43:00.002-05:00

BY BEN BARKER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The Boston Red Sox filled a giant hole in their lineup when the pulled of the Blockbuster deal of the off-season to acquire Adrian Gonzalez.

A-Gon will provide a TON of power from the left side of the plate, and his inside out power stroke will absolutely abuse the Green Monster.

But even after sticking Gonzalez into the middle of Boston’s star-studded lineup, one question still looms over Beantown. Who the hell is going to play left field?

The Sox have more than a few options; let’s take a look.

1. Magglio Ordonez:

The Red Sox have always like the idea of bringing Magglio Ordonez to Boston, and now they finally have a chance.

The ex-Tiger was a key member of the potential Alex Rodriguez-Manny Ramirez-Nomar Garciaparra trade that fell through back in 2004.

Ordonez has spent the past six seasons in Detroit where he’s had great offense production. While he only played in 84 games last season, he still hit at a clip of .303. In 2007 Ordonez won the batting title with an amazing .363 average.

Of course, the Sox couldn’t expect a season even close to that out of the 37-year-old outfielder, but an incentive filled 2-year deal might be enough to draw Ordonez to a team with a great chance of contending for the World Series.

2. Carlos Beltran:

If the Sox fail to get Ordonez, they may open up trade talks with the New York Mets, and start weighing the possibility of grabbing former All-Star Carlos Beltran.

Beltran is owed an outrageous 18.5 million dollars in 2011, but new Met’s GM Sandy Alderson has made it clear that he would be willing to eat up to half of that salary if it improved his team’s pitching.

The Red Sox are rumored to have dangled Daisuke Matsuzaka’s name over the Met’s head, but a lofty contract of his own would probably put the nix on that potential swap.

The Sox will probably treat Beltran as a fallback option, and would most likely have to give up some young arms to obtain him. Still, Beltran would bring some bottom of the order power to the Sox, and again, the Green Monster never hurt anyone.

3. Josh Willingham:

Boston has expressed some interest in acquiring Washington Nationals outfielder Josh Willingham.

Theo Epstein has always been a big Willingham fan, and made a pitch to bring him to Boston during his initial stint in Florida. Willingham’s best season came back in 2006 when he hit .277 with 27 long flies. He hasn’t been able to match those numbers since, or even come close really, but at 31 years old, he still has some potential.

Theo wouldn’t have to give up too much to bring Willingham to Boston, but he is probably one of the weaker options offensively.

4. Carl Crawford:

Of course, there is always the possibility the Sox could open their wallets and land Crawford, but the Gonzalez trade has made this far less likely.

Jason Werth’s 7-year 127 million dollar deal is going to have a large affect on the contract that Crawford signs. Werth is older, and less productive offensively than Crawford, so the Sox would probably have to dish out close to 200 million dollars over an 8-year span.

This seems very unlikely and Boston will probably opt for one of the above options, while keeping their fingers crossed that Crawford doesn’t land in New York.

5. In House:

Even with all the possibilities above, if the Red Sox are unable to land a left fielder via trade or free agency, they still have some internal options.

Mike Cameron was hurt almost all of last season, but is still under contract for 2011. If Boston does opt to stick with Cameron, they would probably keep Ryan Kalish around as a crutch.

No matter how it all turns out, the Red Sox will be far better off then they were before thanks to the Gonzalez trade. Still, left field leaves a large hole that the Red Sox would be keen to fill before the season started.

The Winter Meetings are still in progress, and there is much off-season to be played out. Stay tuned.

Jets Have Tools to Take Down Pats

2010-12-05T15:21:00.003-05:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The legendary Bill Parcells once said, “you are what your record says you are.”

And while on the surface that saying might be brain-numbingly obvious, and as empty as Al Davis' heart, Tuna just may have been on to something. As of their Thanksgiving Day performance, the New York Jets boast a record of 9-2, good for first place in the AFC East.

Following last season’s run to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Jets have been the media darlings of the National Football League. Rex Ryan is always good for a quote (or two), and the team’s antics constantly have even members of the media in stitches. And then there was their appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks series -- talk about exposure.

Living in Boston, it’s not rocket science to see that the New England Patriots have entrenched themselves as the toast of the town.

The numbers speak for themselves. Three Super Bowls in a four-year span. Four appearances in the big dance in the past decade. If we flash forward to the present, New England has put up more than respectable numbers this year, carrying an identical win-loss record as New York.

Patriots fans -- and while we’re at it, a lot of the media -- will be inclined to remind outsiders that New England’s record is identical to the Jets; even going so far as to imply that Rex Ryan’s team has gotten by on dumb luck.

Let’s face it: the Jets are not a perfect team; then again, no one else is either.

No team has been perfect since the ’72 Miami Dolphins, and no team will finish this season will finish with a perfect record. But the essence of perfection is what teams seek; it’s the yardstick by which superior teams measure themselves against inferior teams. And right now, within the current NFL environment, there is no clear-cut favorite.

Perhaps it’s a changing dynamic in today’s game. The days of a team being anchored by one guy who would do it all -- think the Joe Montana-led 49ers or John Elway’s Broncos -- are gone. Sure, we see smaller examples of a quarterback carrying the weight of the entire team on his shoulders -- Tom Brady might in fact be the best example -- but for the most part, a team that goes the distance is a team that wins by committee.

What a team needs to do -- what the Jets are doing -- is capturing that essence, and showing it can win in different ways. And more often than not, this season the Jets have showcased the ability to do this in many ways, shapes and forms.

In particular they’ve also demonstrated an aptitude to create a late-game resurgence that makes all the highlight reels.

Once again, however, many are more likely to claim that Mark Sanchez and Co. got lucky. But the ability to scrape together a late-game triumph is an intangible that the Jets have showcased in spades this season, and what makes this team special is the fact that they are not relying on one individual to get lucky.

One week it may be Sanchez who gets the job done. Another week it may be Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards. Or maybe LaDanian Tomlinson will bust out with an impressive running game.

When push comes to shove, the Jets still are able to walk onto the field with that warranted swagger and back up the trash talking. Which brings us back to this upcoming contest with the Patriots.

Both teams are more than capable of winning this game; and in most cases I would be inclined to say that the Pats will take the skirmish -- home turf advantage notwithstanding. Tom Brady is always in the mix when you discuss the Pats’ fortunes. The team currently is riding a 25-game home unbeaten streak in the regular season when Brady gets the start.

If the Jets are going to win, they are going to need to turn in their best effort of the season, because Rex Ryan knows that Bill Belichick is not going to give him an inch.

A weakness that Ryan needs Sanchez to address comes right after the snap.

At times this year Sanchez has displayed a near-sublime ability to roll out of the pocket once it starts to collapse. He’s used his impressive footwork and smarts to wheel away and get the ball up the field. But the rub here is that as Sanchez begins to run up the right side, he frequently neglects to protect the ball, often lifting his left hand off the ball.

This opens the door for defensive ends like Tully Banta-Cain to rush in, strip the ball from Sanchez, and cause a turnover that in a game like Monday night’s, could mean a world of difference.

That being said, Sanchez has vastly improved his protection skills from his rookie season: his four fumbles this year compared to 10 in 2009 are a testament to that. Again, it’s a combination of luck and the fact that he is more likely attuned to his deficiencies.

But the sophomore cannot afford to make rookie mistakes under center against a team that has been around the block and knows what it takes to win.

Fortunately for Sanchez, he has plenty of tools to work with. Edwards and Holmes have been tremendous assets for the young quarterback, and Dustin Keller -- though he hasn't been getting as many looks as of late -- has shown that he too can contribute.

And lets not forget Tomlinson. The running back has seemingly turned back the clock since coming over from San Diego this past off-season, managing 741 yards on 166 attempts and five touchdowns on the ground.

Then of course there’s the defense.

The Jets are heads above the rest of their division and only second to Pittsburgh in the AFC in points against with 187, but that total may spike against the Patriots with the loss of Jim Leonhard. The safety suffered a broken leg in Friday’s practice that may put his season in jeopardy, never mind Monday’s game.

Considering Leonhard is the one who is primarily responsible for calling the signals, in addition to serving as the team’s main punt returner, Ryan is going to have to dig deep into his bag of tricks to fill the void. On the other side of the ball, New England lead the NFL in scoring (30.4 points per game), and New York’s offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will have his hands full if he wants to keep pace with the Patriots’ attack.

Another factor is going to be Darrelle Revis. The cornerback missed much of training camp, and it showed in the team’s first collision at New Meadowlands Stadium. The last time the Jets squared off against the Patriots, Tom Brady still had Randy Moss as an offensive weapon, and they connected for a brilliant one-handed touchdown catch by Moss that made Revis look silly. Critics will tell you that maybe he shouldn't have spent all that time filming those TV spots, because Moss, despite yielding one interception to Revis, certainly had the edge over No. 24 that September afternoon.

And while Moss may no longer be with the club -- and many will tell you they’re glad he’s no longer with New England -- there's no denying the fact that his mere presence was an effective strategy for Belichick to combat Revis.

Revis, however, has since rebounded, and has been impressive the past few weeks shutting down players such as Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson and Terrell Owens.

Meanwhile, since dealing Moss, Belichick has been making more use of tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. And let’s not forget that Tom Brady still has Wes Welker, who has a team-leading 65 catches for 592 yards and six touchdowns. Ryan is going to have the option of using Revis and fellow cornerback Antonio Cromartie to wreak havoc for Belechick’s slot receivers.

That of course opens the wings to receivers like Deion Branch and Brandon Tate – thus continuing the Wheel of Fortune-esque “pick-your-poison” spin you take against these Patriots. But I digress.

No matter what happens, Monday’s game is more than likely going to have it’s fair share of thrills and excitement.

Looking forward at the rest of the Jets’ schedule, they still could theoretically afford to lose this game. The only other real threat as the season winds down is going to be next week’s game at Heinz Field against the Steelers.

So if this week spells the end of New York’s undefeated road record, it’s not going to be a terrible loss. The season series will only be evened up, and should the teams meet again in the playoffs, it’s going to set the stage for a dramatic game whose intensity could only be superseded by the Super Bowl.

Perhaps this Jets team has squeaked by on dumb luck. Maybe Ryan, Sanchez, Revis, et al will be exposed as the paper tiger much of the media claims they are.

Or maybe under the glare of Monday Night Football, in front of a nationally televised audience, the Jets will hit Mach 3 and show everyone what they can truly do.

Remember that home unbeaten streak of the Patriots I mentioned before? The last time Brady lost at home in the regular season? November 12, 2006.

The opponent? You guessed it: the Jets.

My prediction: New York in a squeaker. 24-21.

An Early Christmas Present for Red Sox Nation

2010-12-04T19:14:00.003-05:00

BY IAN TASSO

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Few things wake me up at 10-o’clock in the morning on a Saturday.

A text message from my father that reads “OMG Gonzalez to Sox” is one of those things.

Few notes here. One, the fact that this message was the only thing in my inbox on a Saturday morning is nothing short of good news. This means no felonies were committed last night. Or at least nothing big. Or nothing big that I was directly involved with.

Two, I was in my own bed. That might not mean much to most people, but to a college student, given the alternatives -- my own couch, someone else’s couch, my floor, someone else’s floor, the sidewalk, or not at all -- this is quite a moral victory.

And lastly, at 10am, a sentence like “OMG Gonzalez to Sox” can be enough to ensure heart-failure. Or at the very least, an immediate return to unconsciousness. My dad should realize these things and hold off on texts like that until at least past noon.

Alas, the old man had not, and now I was stuck in a pickle.

More than anything, I was shocked for multiple reasons. First off, my eyes were actually open at 10:00 in the morning, and that doesn’t happen too often. Second, I had both my socks on - which may not sound like much to you, but that’s usually the first indication that I didn’t have to run away from anything the night before. Third, my dad had just used “OMG” in a text - pretty hilarious in and of itself. And lastly, Adrian Gonzalez might actually be headed to Boston.

After a minute of weighing my options, I then closed my eyes and went back to sleep. That’s a lot of pressure to deal with at ten in the morning. I’d handle those questions at a much more comfortable wake up time. Like noon. Or 12:30.

Or 1:30.

So here’s what I got for you. Adrian Gonzalez is 99% headed to Boston, barring a failed physical -- or a “Sturm,” as I like to call it -- and this is what it all means:

Who is he?

A former number one overall pick in 2000 by the Florida Marlins, Gonzalez was plucked right out of high school - along with a $3 million signing bonus -- making him the first infield position player taken first overall since Alex Rodriguez in 1993.

Unfortunately, Gonzalez was plagued by injuries early on in his career, and after a rather severe wrist injury, Florida traded him to the Texas Rangers in 2003, in the deal that sent Ugeth Urbina to the Fish.

One season later, Gonzo made his debut for the Rangers - playing in 16 games for Texas in 2004, and 43 more in 2005.

After the 2005 season, Gonzo was then shipped over to San Diego in exchange for Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka -- one of the few glaring mistakes the Rangers’ front office has made in recent history. Keep in mind, that’s a front office that has brought over players like Cliff Lee, Josh Hamilton and Vladamir Guerrero, and groomed Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and Colby Lewis into top-level studs.

Unfortunately -- or fortunately if you’re a Red Sox fan -- they dropped the ball with the Mexican -- American first baseman, who was born in San Diego, Cal. but was raised for 12 years in Mexico.

In his first season with San Diego, Gonzalez took over the starting first baseman job after Ryan Klesko went down with an injury. Since then, Gonzo has led the Padres in home runs in all five seasons, RBIs in all but one, and average in all but two.

Why you should be excited:

The Sox front office has been after this man for the last three years. And when I say after him, I mean after him like a pack of wild dogs after Michael Vick wearing Milkbone underpants.

Ruthless doesn’t even begin to describe how ruthless Theo has been in his pursuit of this guy. The Red Sox rumor-mills have been clogged to the rafters with the name “Gonzalez,” and only now does it actually mean something for Sox fans

This guy is the whole package. He can hit: both for power and for average. He can field. He’s never a problem in the clubhouse. He’s the model of consistency: only once over the past five seasons has he not topped 30 homers (25 in 2006, his first full year with the Padres), and only once in the past four has he not crossed the 100-mark in RBI (2009, where he hit 99).

On top of that, he also still has a lot of productive years in him. Unlike Victor Martinez, who the Sox let skip away to Detroit, Gonzalez has at minimum 6-8 years of twine-clubbing baseball and leather-dusting defense at the corner.

I kid you not when I say this: this kid is the entire package. He’s the closest thing you’re going to get to Albert Pujols without mortgaging your entire payroll.

And he’s the best hitter the Red Sox will have featured in their lineup since Manny Ramirez skipped town for Los Angeles.

Why San Diego gave him up:

If he’s so good, why did the Padres give him up?

A few different reasons.

The biggest one of course, is that they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, with only nine calendar months separating the Padres and absolutely nothing in return if Gonzo leaves via free-agency -- which, he would, because they have about enough money to throw at him as I do. Which is about five bucks. And a button. Maybe some cookies. But not too many though.

Second, after exercising the first-baseman’s option for 2011, The Fathers made one thing crystal clear: Gonzalez was on his way out -- either now, or by the deadline.

And lastly, that shoulder surgery -- regardless of his presumed 100% recovery -- is a bit of a red flag.

This flag waves extra-high for the Padres, an organization that right now, really only has one trading chip in their possession -- Gonzalez. The mere thought that he might only pop 25 this season with around 70 batted in if that shoulder issue lingers is terrifying for that front office, and this kid’s value isn’t getting any higher next year.

Why the Sox pulled the trigger:

Lot’s of reasons. A) they have the farm products. B) they need the power. C) Beltre is asking for way too much money. D) If they didn’t grab him, the Yankees probably would have. And E) He's Theo's wet-dream. An OBP monster that makes J.D. Drew look like Richie Sexson.

Sure, they gave up Casey Kelley, their number-one ranked prospect, and their number-three and six in addition, but as far as payout goes, this was about as good as it was going to get for the Sox.

The price isn’t anything so steep that it should jump out to Sox fans, especially when you consider what the Yankees gave up for Curtis Granderson: Austin Jackson, the best prospect they’ve had since Derek Jeter.

When you put those two deals side by side, the Sox look like the Bruins and the Padres look like the Leafs.

Which reminds me: thank you, Phil Kessel.

What you can expect from him:

It’s only going to get better.

The fact that Gonzo has been able to slug like he has in San Diego is a miracle in and of itself. The man has topped 40-100 nearly every year in Petco Park -- ESPN.com’s 29th ranked “power” field -- and now heads to Fenway Park, which ranks eighth on that same list.

Friendly Fenway is clearly only going to get better. But how much better?

Well, for one, the lineup will help. Coming to Boston means pitchers will now be forced to attack Gonzalez, meaning more strikes, more hittable pitches, and as a result, more runs coming off his bat.

Last year, Gonzalez was second in the Majors last year with 35 intentional walks -- second only to Albert Pujols. This number will only decrease in a lineup like Boston’s, which will no doubt force pitchers to keep Gonzo off the bases, as he’ll likely be sandwiched in between the likes of Pedroia, Youkilis, Ortiz, Crawford and/or Werth, depending on how the lineup and the rest of the off-season shakes out.

I’m sure if you ask Adrian, he’d much prefer those guys over David Eckstein, Ryan Ludwick, Miguel Tejada and Yorvit Torreabla.

My thoughts: somewhere between 45 and 50 dingers, about 145 runs batted in, and somewhere around a .280 -- all career highs, except the average.

Don’t be surprised if that average dips even lower though, as a result of the the adjustment he's going to have to make from the gap-heavy hitter he was in San Diego to the Monster-finding, short-porch-using one he'll have to be in Fenway.

Also, the competition -- don't forget, the rotations the Yankees and Rays will throw at the left-hander 36 times a year will be a lot tougher to handle than the ones the Dodgers and Diamondbacks did.

Still, he’s no stranger to great pitching. Over his five years with San Diego, Gonzo has dug in the box against the World Champion Giants’ big three of Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez 134 times. In those at bats, he’s posted a .262 career average with five home runs and 19 RBI.

Not too shabby.

And for those of you that might be thinking Sanchez may have been the numbers booster in that stat-egory, it was actually Cain, who Gonzalez hit at a .321 clip against, with four dingers and 13 RBI.

Why it might not work:

Now, I’m as big a Red Sox fan as the next guy, but being a journalist, I have to look at all angles. Sure, the move's great. But why might it not work?

Simple. Just take a look at Renteria. Or Bay. Or any of the other six million guys the Sox have brought into their huge market that have plummeted like the Colts without Dallas Clark -- or the "wherever the hell Randy Moss goes" with Randy Moss.

It’s no secret that Boston is a unique market. Unique in the fact that, more Sox fans care about a game in April than Rangers fans care about a game in September. It’s just the harsh truth. This city is crazy about their sports; especially when you consider the fan-base the Sox cover, which spans about three states in every direction.

That means there are just as many screaming fans in May as there are in October. And some players love that. Guys like Josh Beckett, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz loves that.
They came over from rather small fan bases -- Minnesota, Cleveland, and Florida -- and fed off that emotion like Hungry Hungry Hippos on steroids. Quite literally, in Papi's case. (Too soon?)

But some players don’t. Some players hate the fact that if you give up five runs in three innings in April, you get crucified. Some players hate that going 0-4 on a Wednesday afternoon in June will put you on the front page for two days. Some players can’t stand the pressure. See: Edgar Renteria.

Some players love it. Some players don’t. It’s impossible to tell which one Gonzalez will be -- and don’t listen to anyone who tells you either direction, unless they know the guy personally.

This is just one we’re going to have to wait and see with.

Also, that shoulder bugs me a bit. Injuries always do. I'm no doctor, but the Red Sox have always been careful about injuries -- remember how they balked at the Santana deal?

Now look at him. He's as useful as a sack of bricks.

The Sox must know he's fine. Because if he isn't...

The Verdict:

This one’s a huge win for the Sox.

They get one of the few guys out there with absolute 30/100/.280 year-in-year-out bottom line, and with a lot of great years ahead of him.

Not only that, but barring a gross -- and I mean gross -- overpayment, they’ll have enough cash lying around afterwards to grab either Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford, with some still left over.

This acquisition fills a huge power hole in the Sox lineup, giving them a guy that will crank in that cleanup spot like we haven’t seen since the Ramirez days.

Bottom line is this makes the Sox serious contenders for not only next year, but the next few years to come.

And by serious contenders, I mean a team you should be surprised if they don’t take home an AL pennant at least four out of the next six seasons. With this rotation, and the addition of a bat like Gonzalez, this Sox team is shoulder-to-shoulder with both the Yankees and Rangers in the American League.

And grabbing a guy like either Werth or Crawford puts them a few arms length’s ahead.

Even using my journalistic non-bias, it’s tough to find a loophole in this deal that makes you think twice. Really, the only downside to this deal is that Beltre’s the odd man out. I kind of liked him.

But unless you’re Adrian Beltre, I’m sure you won’t lose too much sleep over it. Unless you count me losing those precious minutes of shut-eye this morning.

And even if you are Adrian Beltre, I’m sure you’ll be alright. You’ve got a nice $40-50 million deal waiting for you in Los Angeles. I don’t feel too bad.

Get excited Red Sox nation. This is the guy you’ve been waiting for.

A Manny Ramirez bat with a Mark Teixeira glove and a Jason Bay attitude.

Cue the Duckboats? I'm thinking maybe.

And if either Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth are in red socks within the next few weeks, I’m thinking bingo. Troy Brown style.

Week 7; NHL Power Rankings

2010-12-04T14:13:00.002-05:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN

EDITORLAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Stove Heating Up for Sox

2010-12-02T16:58:00.002-05:00

BY BEN BARKER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

With Victor Martinez heading for Detroit, the Boston Red Sox are turning up the heat on their pursuit of free agent outfielder Carl Crawford.

Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein and Manager Terry Francona met with Crawford and his agent earlier this week in Houston, Texas. It seems as though Boston has become more serious about turning every Sox fan’s dream into a reality.

Crawford will be seeking a deal in the 6-7 year range worth just around 120 million dollars. Just last off-season, Matt Holliday raked in a 7-year 120 million dollar contract from the Cardinals. Crawford is considered at least equally as talented as Holliday, and his contract will most likely be for similar figures.

The Red Sox are publicly against giving out contracts exceeding 4 years, and rightfully so. The last three deals that the Sox have shelled out for 5 years or more have been to JD Drew, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and John Lackey. Crawford, however, may prove to be worth the risk.

Even with the Crawford talks heating up, the Red Sox aren’t forgetting about Jayson Werth.

Just days after meeting with Crawford in Houston, Epstein and Francona met with Werth and super-agent Scott Boras in Chicago. It has been almost assumed that the Sox would end up with Werth for the start of the 2011 season, and this is just another step in that direction.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been rumored front runners in the Crawford sweepstakes, and if they drive the price too high for Boston’s liking, the Sox could end up with an outfield of Werth, Ellsbury, and Drew. Werth would prove to be a cheaper fix for the Sox, and his power from the right side would fill the void left by potential ex-Sox Adrian Beltre and now Detroit Tiger, Victor Martinez.

Whether its Crawford or Werth, the Sox will end up with a fresh new outfielder for the 2011 season. Still, the problems don’t stop there.

While Boston is still in the running to bring back Adrian Beltre, it is perceived as a long-shot. If Beltre walks, the Sox will need to either add a new third baseman, or sign a first baseman and move Youkilis to the hot corner.

With the resigning of Varitek at the backstop, the Sox have at least assured they have the veteran to fall back on if the Saltalamacchia experiment fails.

Whatever the case, Boston has a lot of work to do before opening day hits us in April. Stay tuned.

If the Season Started Today:

1B – K. Youkilis

2B – D. Pedroia

SS – M. Scutaro

3B – J. Lowrie

LF – J. Ellsbury

CF – M. Cameron

RF – J. Drew

C – J. Saltalamacchia

DH – D. Ortiz

Oh, The Places They'll Go

2010-11-25T11:38:00.006-05:00

BY BEN BARKER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The top five MLB Free Agents in 2010, and where they’ll play in 2011:

#5 Adam Dunn

Chicago White Sox

Adam Dunn has made it very clear that he doesn't want to be a full time DH at this point in his career.

Chicago will probably re-sign Paul Konerko, but even if they do, Dunn and Konerko could split time at first and DH.

This would be key for the White Sox, as they need some more power in the middle of their order. Konerko went off last year, but will need some help in 2011. Dunn has been offered arbitration by the Nationals, but will certainly decline and sign elsewhere.

Look for him to land in the windy city with a 3-4 year deal hovering around 10 million annually.

#4 Adrian Beltre

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Nobody is smiling more this off-season than Adrian Beltre.

This guy looked to be circling the drain as a legitimate power hitter in the MLB … and then 2010 happened.

Last year Beltre battled through injuries and almost single-handedly propelled the Red Sox into the playoffs. Brandon Wood didn’t work out for the Halo’s last season, and they’ll look for an external replacement for 2011. Nobody fits that mold better than Beltre, a guy who can do it with his bat, and his glove.

Beltre has made it clear that he’d like to return to the West Coast, and I can’t think of a better fit than the Angels.

#3 Jayson Werth:

Boston Red Sox

The Sox clearly need to add another bat for 2011, and they seem to be set on Jayson Werth.

They’ll make a legitimate push for Crawford, but will most likely settle for the cheaper option in Werth. Theo likes the idea of Werth roaming right field in Fenway, and the Green Monster should provide a nice landing spot for many balls of the bat of the power-hitting righty.

The Red Sox have always been apprehensive about handing out contracts that exceed 4 years. Werth will seek a fifth year, but the Sox may hook him with a team/player option.

#2 Carl Crawford:

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mike Scioscia just won’t allow the Angles to have another year like they did in 2010.

After finishing 10 games behind the Rangers in the AL West, many Halo fans pointed the fingers at the departure of Chone Figgins, John Lackey, and Vlad Guerrero.

While the Angels would have missed the playoffs even with these guys (Figgins and Lackey both had the worst year of their careers), the front office clearly has some ‘splaining to do after adding NOBODY last year. The Red Sox will also make a lunge for Crawford, but will ultimately back off down the stretch, as the Angels make a much stronger push.

Crawford will bring the speed back to the top of the Anaheim order and make life far easier for guys like Torri Hunter and Kendry Morales.

Look for Crawford to sign for no less than 100 million.

#1 Cliff Lee:

New York Yankees

Even though the Rangers couldn’t bring home the hardware in 2010, Cliff Lee insured that he would in 2011.

Lee has posted astonishing numbers in the playoffs throughout his career, and as we’ve seen in the past (cough...Carlos Beltran cough...) that’s all it takes to score a big contract in the off-season. The obvious favorite for Cliff Lee is New York.

The Yanks have never been afraid to spend money, and the wallets are going to fly open again this winter. Burnett struggled mightily in 2010, and despite a hot start, Phil Hughes tailed off toward the end of the season. A tandem of Lee, Sabathia, and Petitte could be one of the best southpaw trifectas of all time.

Look for Lee to land in New York to the tune of a 6-7 year deal worth just over 20 – million per year.

Week 6; NHL Power Rankings

2010-11-24T10:44:00.001-05:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Last Call On-Air: John Havlicek

2010-11-23T15:55:00.002-05:00

November 19, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: Celtics all-time leading scorer, 8-time NBA Champ and 13-time All Star
John Havlicek

Last Call On-Air: Kathryn Tappen

2010-11-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

November 19, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: NESN Bruins Analyst
Kathryn Tappen

Last Call On-Air: Tanguay Strikes Again

2010-11-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

November 12, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: Comcast Sports Net
Gary Tanguay

Last Call On-Air: Donaldson Returns

2010-11-23T15:15:00.000-05:00

November 12, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: Proidence Journal, Sports Writer
Jim Donaldson

Last Call On-Air: Ryan Durling

2010-11-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

November 5, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: Bruins writer and Biz Director, SomethingsBruin.net
Ryan Durling

Last Call On-Air: Gary Washburn

2010-11-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

October 29, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza
Special Guest: Boston Globe National NBA Writer
Gary Washburn

Don't Look Now...

2010-11-22T13:02:00.002-05:00

Editor's Note: This article was originally featured in Emerson College's The Berkeley Beacon: http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/

BY GABE SOUZA
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

It was second and goal on the three-yard line, midway through the third quarter, with the Patriots cruising 17-3.

But New England's quarterback doesn't settle for cruising.

In recent years he might have lobbed a few spirals in the direction of Randy Moss -- who may, or may not have caught them.

But this was not the time for that. This was time for No. 12 to take back his team, to do what he would've done in the Super Bowl-winning years of 2001-04.

Tom Brady rushed to the line of scrimmage, gave center Dan Koppen a quick pat, took the snap, and used every inch of his 6-foot-4 frame to pile-drive his way into the end zone.

The touchdown gave the Patriots a commanding 20-point lead over Pittsburgh, a team many deemed the best in the NFL.

Almost immediately, over 64,000 Terrible Towel-waving fans fell silent.

Big Bad Tom, with his golden locks and growing scruff, leapt up, raised the ball, and with one giant scream, spiked it to the ground in celebration, instantly refreshing memories of the historic Snow-Bowl win nine long years ago.

And when that pigskin pounded the turf Sunday night, it sent a shock wave through Heinz Field, the repercussions of which were felt throughout the NFL.

The message was clear: Tom Brady is back.

The Pats tacked on a few more scores and defeated the Black and Gold 39-26, Pittsburgh's worst beatdown of the year.

There's no doubt New England has had its fair share of impressive victories this year, from the opening day feeding frenzy against Cincinnati to the obliteration of Miami last month.

But what the Patriots showed in this win -- this white-washing -- is that they are different from last year's team, and even further from the undefeated squad of 2007.

They're young, chippy, and they've got a lot to prove. They don't want to just beat you, they want to pound you into the turf.

Sunday night was a true Belichick and Brady performance. Coming off the team's worst loss of the season in Cleveland, they went out and pummeled one of the best teams in the league.

But it wasn't just that they beat Pittsburgh; they embarrassed them.

They didn't just score the most points the Steelers have given up all year; they scored the most points by a visiting team ever at Heinz Field.

They didn't just expose one of the NFL's best defenses -- they brutalized it. Heading into this game, the Steelers were giving up an average of just 75 rushing yards per game. The Patriots gained over 100.

It wasn't enough to shut down Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh offense for most of the game. Instead, they took the Steelers' future Hall of Fame wide receiver Hines Ward out of the game with a concussion after a blistering hit from safety James Sanders.

The examples could continue, but the point is clear: Brady's fire is back. The cocky, in-your-face, emotional leader that took no prisoners in rising from being a seventh-round draft pick to Super Bowl MVP in one season, is back.

You saw it in week six in a huge home win vs. Baltimore, after Brady delivered a first down strike to tight end Aaron Hernandez and then got stapled to the turf by all-pro linebacker Terrell Suggs.

Instead of gingerly picking himself up, Brady shot to his feet and was in Suggs' grill chirping away before the referee even blew his whistle.

Only Brady and Suggs know what was said during that conversation, but one thing's for sure -- I wish I could see that every week.

Because Brady knows when he lines up across from you on Sunday, he will beat you.

And not only will he beat you, but he'll embarrass you.

That's why he talks the talk. Because he can walk the walk better than anyone around.

That's the Brady I remember.

In recent years it seemed Brady had tried to rack up the statistics a la Peyton Manning.

But now No. 12 is back on the scene. The guy who doesn't care about his number of touchdown passes or his completion percentage as long as his team wins. The guy who will do almost whatever it takes is back on the gridiron playing like he's in high school.

Hey, NFL, you might wanna watch out.

Or don't. See if Tom cares.

Week 5; NHL Power Rankings

2010-11-15T22:26:00.000-05:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Well, That was Embarrassing

2010-11-09T23:45:00.004-05:00

BY TOM NIERADKA
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Sunday night, as I was watching the Dallas Cowboys get rocked by the Packers, I thought to myself…I'm almost embarrassed for the Cowboys right now.

Nothing went right for them, and I just couldn't stop laughing at their misfortune.

So I thought to myself that so far this year, there have been quite a few really odd things that have happened, more so than usual even. Looking back week nine, after much deliberation I was able to compile a list of the top five most embarrassing and ridiculous moments from the games this past week.

5. Hapless Vikings rally from 14-point deficit to beat the hapless Cardinals, accidently make Brad Childress look good.

There has been a lot of press about the Vikings this week, mostly related to everyone wanting Brad Childress to be fired, including the players who have had enough of his “BS”. Percy Harvin apparently almost came to blows with Childress during an argument where Childress suggested that Harvin wasn't trying hard enough at practice.

All I can say about that fight is that Childress is lucky he checked himself before he wrecked himself.

Back to the game, up until the last five minutes everything was going according to plan. The Vikes were about to lose to the woeful Derek Anderson and the Cardinals, and seal the fate of their perennially terrible coach.

However even the best laid plans can often go bad, and in this case Brett Favre actually decided to avoid throwing interceptions, and instead hit Visanthe Shiancoe for a 25 yard TD in regulation to tie the game, then setting up the game winning field goal in overtime.

But wait, winning is good right?

Usually it is, but in this case the best thing for the Vikes would probably have been a loss. It would have ensured that owner Zigi Wilf fired Childress after the game, with some fans even calling for his firing at halftime (a move I too would have endorsed).

But now the Vikings are stuck with one more win, maybe making fans think that the team has a shot at the playoffs, and likely (and unfortunately) keeping Childress around for at least another week.

4. Wes Welker kicks an Extra Point and kickoff, is actually the only thing that went right for the Pats against Cleveland

When your wide receiver kicking off and making the extra point is the highlight of your game, you know something went wrong. And for the Patriots - who before yesterday held the best record in football - to lose to Eric Mangenius and the Cleveland Browns, something went wrong indeed.

I debated making this point about rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had a large role to play in the Patriots loss. On a shallow kickoff in the 1^st quarter, Gronk called for a fair catch of the ball, and then proceeded not to catch it, giving Cleveland the ball for a second straight drive, this time beginning inside the Patriots 30 yard-line.

Fast forward about 20 game minutes, and the Pats are driving right before halftime. Gronk catches a ball on the Cleveland three, only to fumble it and stop a drive that could have changed the momentum of the game going into the half. Not to mention the countless Tom Brady passes that clunked off Gronkowski’s fingers like children in a bouncy-castle.

But all the blame cannot fall on Gronk, as overall the Pats just looked straight-up confused. Receivers were making a lot of uncharacteristic drops, the newfound explosive running back Danny Woodhead was a non-factor, and for some reason the Pats were unable to stop running back Peyton Hillis.

The Denver Broncos reject and his abnormally huge biceps ran for 185 yards and 2 TD's on 29 carries, and rookie QB Colt McCoy was effective against a Patriot’s defense that was exposed as the subpar unit that it is.

The only thing that did work? Wes Welker made that PAT, and kicked it off all the way to the 30. Gold star for Wes.

3. Kansas City finds a way to lose, despite 13 Raider penalties and 3 turnovers.

Oddly enough, the Chiefs-Raiders matchup was actually a big game for the first time in a decade, and for once the AFC West is actually interesting.

The Chiefs defense has been hot as of late, and the Raiders offense was finally coming together on the shoulders of running back Darren McFadden. However, for most of the game the Raiders looked terrible, and their 13 penalties combined with 2 fumbles and an interception should have lost them the game.

But late in the 4^th quarter the Chiefs collapsed, mostly due to cornerback Brandon Flowers not being able to catch the ball when it is thrown directly into his hands by Raiders QB Jason Campbell.

Instead of a game-ending pick, this turned into a 29 yard pass to rookie Jacoby Ford, to set up a game-tying 41 yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski. Janikowski is so huge he could probably just have kicked it 30 yards back without the completion (70 yarder), but it’s always nice to make the kick more of a sure thing.

But wait, the story gets better. In OT the Chiefs won the coin toss, muffed the return so they begin from their own 10, and managed all of 2 yards on 3 plays. They then punted it over to Jason Campbell and the Raiders, who on the first play connected with Ford on a 47 yard pass, to set up a Janikowski chip shot from 33 yards out.

First of all, the Raiders shouldn't be beating anyone, especially through the air. Kansas City had a big chance here to set themselves up as the favorites in the AFC West, but to lose to the Raiders opens the door for a tight race for one playoff spot between the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders.

It makes the west more interesting I guess, but all three of those teams are so terrible that if any one of them makes it past the first round it will be a miracle.

2. Rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh misses extra point, makes it a 3-point game to force OT for the Jets instead of 4

Sticking with the theme of players who shouldn't be kicking field goals, this was kind of hysterical.

For comparison sake let's take Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, a guy with an average build for a kicker. He's 6-1, and weights in at 215. Ndamukong Suh is 6-4, 307 pounds, and is an enormous defensive tackle.

Really, didn't Detroit have anyone better to attempt the extra point? The punter, maybe? I feel like he has more experience kicking the ball than a guy who touches the ball maybe once a season, and it’s not with his feet.

But why was this one point so important? On the final Jets drive of regulation time, the score was 20-17, instead of 21-17 which it would have been had Suh made the PAT.

Instead of forcing the Jets to score another touchdown, they only need a field goal to force overtime, which they got, and eventually won the game. I don't know what coach Jim Schwartz was thinking, but in retrospect I bet he would have selected someone different to attempt that extra point. Add that to the long list of “Things The Lions Wished They Did Better.”

1. The Cowboys bad luck on a fumble call, and the fact that Green Bay actually stopped trying to score at the end of the game

The Dallas Cowboys are terrible, and though they ran into some bad luck...it would happen to them.

The first and possibly funnier situation came on the kickoff with 2:04 left in the first half. Dallas return man Brian McCann fumbles the ball, and Packers linebacker Nick Collins returns it 26 yards for the touchdown. Sucks for Dallas as is, but the situation is even more hilarious then it initially seems.

First off the call was terrible, and McCann did not fumble the ball in any way shape or form, he was clearly down by contact. So Dallas can challenge, right? Right, except that they were out of timeouts, so they couldn’t challenge the call. And the time on the clock was 2:04, and outside of two minutes the officials are not allowed to review the call on their own.

So there sat Wade Phillips, with no timeouts in the first half – think about that for a second - and not able to challenge a terrible call, just four seconds standing between him and a free challenge. And then I though to myself...only Dallas.

And speaking of Dallas being terri-bad (and I don't use that word lightly), Green Bay actually felt bad for them being so horrible, and legitimately stopped trying to score.

They had the ball on the Dallas 17 with around seven minutes left in the game. So they put in the backup running back, and ran the ball four straight times. They didn't bother with the field goal, they just went ahead and stopped trying and said “Dallas, you can have the ball back, it's not like you'll do anything with it anyway”.

And of course, Dallas didn't do anything with it, ending the game appropriately with quarterback John Kitna eating a sack.

Dallas Cowboys, that was truly embarrassing. Perhaps now things will change for the better, with Wade Phillips finally out of town.

But most likely, they won’t. It’s like they always say: you can take the coach out of the Cowboys, but you can't take the Cowboys out of the Cowboys.

Week 4; NHL Power Rankings

2010-11-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

BY JESSE LIEBMAN
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

CSN Stores - They've Got Just About Everything

2010-11-08T12:26:00.002-05:00

BY IAN TASSO

Here at Last Call – we're all about sports. It’s what we do, it’s what we’ve always done, and it’s what we’ll continue to do. We know that, and so do you.

But we also know the most important part about sports is conditioning and preparation, because without those, you’re no better than the competition.

That’s why Last Call has teamed up with CSN Stores, an online realtor with over 200 stores, selling everything form barstools to barbells.

In the coming weeks, we here at Last Call will be checking out some of their fitness products, and letting you know the who’s who and what’s what about some of the cool stuff they’ve got – from treadmills to yoga mats and everything in between.

Be sure to stay tuned – you’re not going to want to miss this.

And in the meantime, be sure to check out CSN Stores, for all your fitness – and home furnishing – needs.

Week 8: NFL Power Rankings

2010-11-05T16:37:00.003-04:00

BY DARREN GROVE
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS