Wow! It has been a while since I've been able to post! Ok, time to go around the horn with the current happenings in sports.
First Up: NBA Playoffs
No Lakers, No Celtics, No worries. These playoffs have been exciting and unpredictable as any in years. You have to love seeing veterans like Dirk, Kidd and Jason Terry make another run at The Finals while battling Durant and Westbrook. This Western Conference Finals Series not only has that clash of generations, but also the classic Red River Rivalry battle of Texas and Oklahoma. How fitting that The Cotton Bowl and Mavericks both play in Dallas. I've got Dallas taking it in 6 games.
Chicago is mentally and physically tougher than Miami. It is that simple. Tom's Celtics' defenses stymied LeBron's Cavs for years and now his Bulls are doing the same to his Heat. Chicago will knock out the "Heatles" in 5 games...yes 5.
Next: NHL Playoffs
Boston vs. Tampa Bay...usually this is a Red Sox-Rays matchup, but I'd love to meet the person who predicted a Bruins-Lightning Eastern Conference Finals. As someone who appreciates The Original Six, I personally am rooting for the Bruins to beat any hockey team from Florida. Nothing against the Lightning, but they've had their Stanley Cup and you have to love a 19 year-old scoring goals in the NHL Playoffs.
Northern California vs. British Columbia...another cold climate team facing off a summer vacation destination team. Congrats Sharks, you didn't blow a 3-0 series lead. Congrats Canucks, you are Canada's final hope for the Stanley Cup. I don't believe the Sharks are mentally tough enough to win this series. Sadly, the Sharks have million dollar talent, but a ten cent will to overcome adversity. Vancouver has an entire country and a 1-0 series lead behind them.
Third: The NFLockout
Dear Owners & NFLPA, You can not win over the public by blaming the other side. The public does not care about courts and leverage, it cares about you both doing what you are supposed to do...take our money to produce a fun and entertaining product. Figure it out, shake hands, stand in front of a press conference smiling, holding hands and get on with what you are supposed to do. As Gordon Gecko reminded us in Wall Street 2, money is not the most important asset, it is time; and your time is running out.
Fourth: MLB
The Yankees are coming apart at the seams. The Red Sox are coming together. Neither is leading the AL East, that honor belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays...yes, the Carl Crawfordless Rays. This is always the most fun division to watch and will not disappoint this year. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds have become the fiercest rivalry lately in baseball. When Tony La Russa, a manager mind you, calls out a broadcaster, a Reds broadcaster mind you, you know this feud is getting intense. One can only hope the NL Central produces the Wild Card so these two might meet in the NLCS. Oh that's right, the Phillies are in the NL, well maybe they could both still be in the playoffs.
Finally: NASCAR
11 races is enough of a sample to determine how the Chase may shake out. Mark my words: the 2011 Sprint Cup Champion will either be Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards or Kyle Busch. These three are the only three with the consistency and versatility at different tracks to win the Chase. Personally, I believe this is the year Kyle Busch breaks through to win the Cup. Unlike the San Jose Sharks, he has finally coupled his immense raw talent with maturity. That discipline will be a dangerous, almost "Intimidating" prospect for other drivers as Kyle reminds many of Dale Sr.'s talent and style. Jimmie is still the champ and the Cup goes through him. Carl will back-flip after more wins this year, but my money is still on #18 to take that final bow in Homestead with the 2011 Sprint Cup Trophy.
That's all for now! Have a Happy Memorial Day!
