Why Not?

Why not watch an old school KG/ Stephon Marbury commercial?

Smith Latches On With Texans

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith cashed in on his team's trip to the Super Bowl by landing one of the top defensive end contracts in the past couple of years.

Smith, according to a source, agreed to a five-year, $35 million contract with the Houston Texans on Saturday that will pay him $24 million over the first three years of the contract.

Antonio Smith is a very good veteran to work opposite of Mario Williams. The Texans may have the best defensive line in the NFL, and if they can build around the defensive line and re-sign guys like Dunta Robinson for the secondary and get a some linebackers they could be a very respectful defense. If only the offense can get some consistency behind it this team could be scary in a couple of years.

Cassel To Chiefs

Matt Cassel, whom the New England Patriots named as their franchise player in early February, has been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cassel has been informed he is being traded to the Chiefs, ESPN.com's John Clayton and ESPN's Michael Smith have confirmed.

The Boston Globe reported on its Web site that official paperwork had been filed with the NFL. The story was first reported by NFL.com.

Cassel had accepted the Patriots' non-exclusive franchise tender, guaranteeing the quarterback at least $14.65 million next season. Cassel faxed his acceptance to the Patriots, the NFL and the NFLPA, but the Patriots also needed to offer him the one-year contract. ESPN

We all new this was going to happen. Once Pioli went to KC, we knew there was going to be a good chance Cassel would end up there. Already the Pioli/ Patriots relationship is coming into effect with Vrabel first getting traded and now Matt Cassel. Although the picks are not specified, It has to be two first rounders. Either way, one of us will inform you once we know more.

****UPDATE****

Turns out it was for the Chiefs second round pick. Many people (myself included) expected a first round pick, but it really is a smart move. Essentially the Patriots gave up a back up QB and a LB on his last leg for a early second round pick, while also getting rid of 20 million off the books. This is a smart move doing it now because now they can grab a couple of free agents before they are all gone.

Sheppard To Jets For Picks

The Philadelphia Eagles completed their expected trade of cornerback Lito Sheppard on Satuday, sending him to the New York Jets for two undisclosed draft picks.

Sources told ESPN.com Friday night that the Eagles are believed to be receiving a middle-round choice in the 2010 draft and conditional 2011 draft choice. The level of the 2011 choice will be determined by a number of factors, including Sheppard's 2009 playing time ESPN

I love this move for the Jets. This solidifies the secondary because now they have a good corner across from Revis. This also means the Jets can use their first round pick on something else other than a cornerback. The Jets still remain a good qb away from being a hell of a team. Maybe Sanchez or Freeman will be available, and be able to lead the Jets next year.

Why Not?

Why not watch David Beckham and KG play soccer basketball?

200,000 Hits

BMack and I want to thank our loyal readers and getting us into the 200,000 club. We aren't satisfied but progress is a slow process. It seems like just yesterday we were at the 100,000 mark, but things our getting intense for us at Dueling Couches. We also would like to thank our other writers too, you guys are awesome and much better writers then us. So with that being said:

104 Celtics, 99 Pacers

Not to say any bold claims or anything but Stephon Marbury is the best thing that happened to the Celtics this year. Marbury finished with 8 points, 2 assists in 13 minutes. Rajon had 17 assists, Ray Allen had 30. Good win. More tomorrow, well probably not because it is the weekend.

Dawkins To Denver

Brian Dawkins agreed to a 2 year deal worth 15 million dollars with the Denver Broncos.

Although, Dawkins is older but he is still a hell of an athlete and a hell of a safety. It will be weird to see him in another uniform other than the Eagles. The Broncos need serious defensive help and having a good safety is the key to a defense. If the Broncos build around Dawkins they should be a very successful team.

The Broncos also signed former Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney to a four-year, $10 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed. Former Miami safety Renaldo Hill signed a matching four-year, $10 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed. Now Denver has two more players that McDaniels knows well.

Celtics Vs Pacers

Tonight the Celtics play the Pacers at home. It has been a while since we have seen the Celtics at home after that long road trip but here are a few points for the game. The first is that the Pacers are an extremely odd team, they have no one other than Granger that is a star, but they beat good teams. If the Celtics can contain Granger this could be a really long game for Boston. But luckily for the Celtics we have another Employee number 8. Stephon Marbury. With Gabe Pruitt suspended for partying to hard in California, we may see Marbury tonight. I mean, there is no one else. The line-ups for the Pacers is:
PG: TJ Ford
SG: Jarrett Jack
SF: Marquis Daniels
PF: Troy Murphy
C: Roy Hibbert

The Celtics will be starting Big Baby in place of KG/ Scal.

Looking at that line-up I see an instant advantage for Paul Pierce and Ray Allen with Jack/ Daniels on them. Both of them aren't even half the players those two are and if they can play their game, they will be all set.

Like most games Rajon Rondo, T.J. Ford will be the match-up for tonight. I think Rondo will be able to outplay ford and if he can get to the paint, this game will be out of reach for the Pacers.

99-95 Celtics
T.A. Ray Allen

also,
Happy 50 year anniversery Bob Cousy. 50 years ago today Cousy scored 31 points and 28 assists to lead the Celtics to have a record 179 points.


***Granger is out. I'm an idiot.***

Vilma's Back

The Saints reached agreement with free-agent linebacker Jonathan Vilma on a five-year, $34 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed and $23 million in the first three years.

This is huge news for the Who Dat nation. The Saints defense was so much better with Vilma at the middle LB spot. He couldn't fit into the Jets 3-4 scheme, but he is a perfect 4-3 linebacker. New Orleans was all worried about whether or not he was going to come back and now they can breath easy. In my eyes Vilma was the best middle LB on the market, sure Ray Lewis and Bart Scott have the hype but Vilma is still young and the real deal. Now that they have Vilma secured, they should start worrying about building around him.

Marbury Officially a Celtic

This morning Stephan Marbury cleared waivers and shortly after became a member of the Celts. Marbury is expected to be in uniform tonight when the Pacers come to town. I hope Danny and Doc know the baggage that comes along with starbury. This guy managed to turn his teammates, coaches, and executives against him when he was in New York. With that being said, I do buy into the theory that people around a winning organization buy into the team mentality. If he can swallow his ego and deal with playing reduced minutes he could become a key piece of the celts' second unit. The Celtics have agreed to pay the former all-star guard 1.3 million for the duration of the season.

Steelers Retain Kemoeatu

Kemoeatu agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract with the Steelers, according to multiple sources. Included in the deal is nearly $6 million in guarantees.

Kemoeatu was the top guard in this free agency period and figuring he is getting paid only 20 million over 5 years, shows the loyalty he has with the defending champs. (Teams offered 7 more million dollars than what he got) The Steelers line is shaping up nicely and if they can sign a good center, draft Alex Mack or hopefully Andre Smith falls, they should be in real good shape.

It's Friday!!!

HHHOOOORRRRAAAYYYYYY!!!

Pats Trade With Chiefs

Chiefs acquired Mike Vrabel from the Patriots for an undisclosed draft pick, pending a physical.

It's surprising the Pats made a trade with the Chiefs and it doesn't involve Matt Cassel. The Patriots traded their most consistent linebacker for a draft pick or picks. I don't get this move unless they get a couple of high draft picks. Vrabel has been the anchor for the Pats on defense and trading him (on an already thin linebacking group) doesn't make much sense. Unless the Pats believe they can draft a whole bunch of linebackers in the draft or get Ray Lewis, but I don't think that's likely.

DC MLB Preview: St. Louis Cardinals

2008 Record: 86-76

Key Additions:
Khalil Greene (SS)
Trever Miller (RP)

Key Losses:
Mark Mulder (P)
Adam Kennedy (2B)
Juan Encarnacion (OF)
Braden Looper (RP)
Cesar Izturis (SS)

Projected Lineup:
1 Skip Schumaker
2 Ryan Ludwick
3 Albert Pujols
4 Rick Ankiel
5 Troy Glaus
6 Yadier Molina
7 Khalil Greene
8 Brendan Ryan

Cardinals have a decent lineup. Pujols is coming off an elbow injury, but I think he is going to have an MVP season. Ludwick has been great for them, but the bottom of the lineup really needs Khalil Greene to find himself. Surprisingly I think he will, and this lineup will have a very good year.

Projected rotation:
1 Adam Wainwright
2 Chris Carpenter
3 Kyle Lohse
4 Todd Wellemeyer
5 Joel Pineiro

CL Chris Perez

Their rotation hinges on the comeback of Chris Carpernter. Sorry, Cardinals not a fan. I think he is extremely over the hill and overrated. Adam Wainwright could have a break out year, and he has the stuff to do it. Not to mention he is at the magic age of 27 (usually the year a player "breaks out"). Overall not very impressive, and I have some serious questions if this bullpen is going to be able to hold up, since this rotation is going to be working them a lot.

Minors Watch:
Colby Rasmus - Cool name, but he was terrible last year and looks like he is at least another year away before he can make an impact on this rotation.

Jess Todd - This guy will take over the #5 spot by mid season in the rotation. Doesn't do anything extremely well, but is solid all around. Is a lot better then Joel Pineiro.

Overall:
I think Pujols is going to be awesome, and that alone will make them a dangerous team, but I really don't like their rotation. Plus, I think Tony La Russa is starting to lose it. He cut Adam Kennedy really late and left the team without a proven second baseman, and was playing infielders in the outfield late last year. He is a great coach, but this team is going to take a step back this year.

Record: 80-82

Easy Enough

Bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks.

Simple and to the point.

Still Friday

Rip Hamilton Wants To Start

ORLANDO -- After weeks of dropping hints, the time for subtlety finally ended for Rip Hamilton.

Sitting at his locker room after Wednesday's 90-87 loss at New Orleans -- the Pistons' eighth straight -- Hamilton was openly critical of coach Michael Curry's decision to make him the sixth man.

"The way we've been starting is the way (Curry) wants it," Hamilton said. "I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning. But we're losing.

"Something's got to give. I'm all for doing whatever it takes for the team, but coming off the bench with us not winning, something's got to change."

He is right. Rip Hamilton needs to start in order for the Pistons to win. He is one of their remaining core guys and he needs to be able to set the pace. The Iverson deal clearly didn't work and with Rip going to the bench the teams offense is in shambles. As much as I hate Rip Hamilton, you have to feel bad for the guy. He has watched this team get the rug pulled right from underneath them and there is nothing he can do. Oh well, one less team the Celtics have to worry about beating.

Winslow Traded To Bucs

Tampa Bay just completed a trade for tight end Kellen Winslow, sending undisclosed draft picks to Cleveland in the deal.

Well this will help out tremendously when it comes to another option for whoever is the QB for the Bucs. Him with Bryant can be a poor mans Edwards and Winslow. Winslow has all the talent in the world but his own stupidity made him a asshole in Cleveland, whether it be riding motorcycles or calling out your GM and I don't necessarily trust him in Florida. I would imagine the pick is a second round pick with incentives.

I'm not really feeling what Mangini is doing here, first he says he hates Quinn, then he trades the most consistent offensive weapon. Anyways, we will see.

Defensive Free Agent Breakdowns

With Albert Hayensworth off the market I decided to list the best of the rest defensive players and break them down.

Let's begin with defense:
Free Safety:
1. Brian Dawkins 35 (Phi)
2. James Sanders 25 (NE)
3. Gerald Sensabagh 25 (Jack)
4. Darren Sharper 33 (Minn)
5. Mike Brown 31 (Chi)

This is the most needed position for a lot of teams. Last years play-offs proved that a good safety is the key to a defense. I like the veterans over the up and comers for this position. I would trust Dawkins over all of the rest of these guys.

Strong Safety:
1. Jermaine Phillips 29 (TB)
2. Sean Jones 26 (Clev)
3. Jim Leonhard 26 (Balt)
4. Lawyer Milloy 35 (ATL)
5. Rodney Harrison 36 (NE)

None of these guys jump out at me to being a team changer, but I am most intrigued by Jones and Leonhard. They are both young and can probably come to a team for a reasonable price. Harrison and Milloy are all washed up.

Cornerback:
1. Bryant McFadden 27 (Pitt)
2. Jabari Greer 27 (Buf)
3. Phillip Buchanon 28 (TB)
4. Leigh Bodden 27 (Det)
5. Chris McAlister 31 (Balt)

Every team needs themselves a cornerback. The need for depth at this position is most pressing. McFadden is an intriguing option because as a Steelers fan, he always got overlooked because of Ike Taylor. McFadden obviously has game in him if he played for the Steelers defense, but lets see how he does out of Pittsburgh.

Inside Linebacker:
1. Ray Lewis 33 (Balt)
2. Jonathan Vilma 26 (NO)
3. Bart Scott 28 (Balt)
4. Mike Peterson 32 (Jack)
5. Keith Brooking 33 (ATL)

Re-signing Vilma should be the Saints top priority, but even if they don't their are still a lot of other good options. Peterson and Brooking will be underpriced and steals for whoever picks them up and it looks like Ray Lewis is going to get paid a lot either in Baltimore or Dallas. Scott is also on the verge of re-signing with Balt.

Outside Linebackers:
1. Michael Boley 26 (ATL)
2. Derrick Brooks 35 (TB)
3. Angelo Crowell 27 (Buf)
4. Cato June 29 (TB)
5. Marcus Washington 31 (Wash)

I'm not really high on any of these guys, but there are some quality players in this class. It will be weird seeing Derrick Brooks out of a Tampa uniform, but he could very well end up on the Patriots because they like veterans. Marcus Washington will be underpaid and a steal for whoever gets him as well.

Defensive End:
1. Antonio Smith 27 (Zona)
2. Chris Canty 26 (Dal)
3 Igor Olshansky 26 (SD)
4. Chauncey Davis 26 (ATL)
5. Bertrand Berry 33 (Zona)

Canty and Olshansky are best suited for 3-4 defenses and can be very productive if they find themselves with a team that runs that defense. I don't know what to think of Canty because he is a hell of a talent, but his stats have dropped off. I believe he needs a change of scenery to thrive.

Defensive Tackle:
1. Javon Haye 26 (TB)
2. Rocky Benard 29 (Sea)
3. Shaun Cody 26 (Det)
4. La'Roi Glover 34 (St.L)

Other than Hayensworth this class isn't too appealing. La'Roi Glover will always have a soft spot in my heart but none of them are game changers like Hayensworth. Rocky Benard has a cool name though.

More Friday

A Hero On The Celtics

The answer may surprise you but it is Clifford Ray:


You probably know him as the older version, this guy:


I was reading his wikipedia page last night for some reason and I came up with this gem:
"In 1978, Ray was in the news for an entirely different reason: he helped save a dolphin's life. At Marine World in Redwood City, California, during maintenance in the tank of a bottlenose dolphin named "Mr. Spock", the dolphin swallowed a sharp screw. The veterinarian was unwilling to perform a risky operation while the screw was still in the dolphin's first stomach, just inches beyond his reach. His frustrated suggestion that he needed longer arms led someone to ask local star Ray (whose arms are 3 feet 9 inches, or 114 centimeters, long) if he could help. With gloves, lubrication, and guidance, he was able to reach down Spock's throat and retrieve the screw before it could cause more damage." Wiki

Amazing. A lot of time he gets over looked, but I had no idea he was this noble. Not only does he teach Perks amazing post moves, but he saves dolphins with his spare time. So for that Clifford Ray, we at Dueling Couches salute you.

Patriots Sign Baker

The Patriots signed former Jets TE Chris Baker. I don't know the terms of the agreement but this is a good move. Baker was cast off the Jets after the emergence of Dustin Keller, and with Ben Watson being terribly inconsistent and whoever else they have being spotty Baker is a good catch for the Pats. Baker can block and he has caught 40 passes before. I'm sure the Pats will do what they do to every tight end and feature him one game then not throw to him for the next four, but either way, solid pick up.

More Friday

Brady and Gisele Tie The Knot

Lucky Prick

Jets Ink Scott

The Jets are expected to sign Scott to a contract worth about $8 million per year that could land in the range of $40 million total. NFL

Great signing by the Jets. Now that Rex Ryan is the coach we will probably see a lot of former Ravens making their way to the Meadowlands. The trash talking, hard hitting linebacker is a hell of a player, but lets hope it wasn't simply because he was playing next to Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed. Scott is still young and will play perfectly when it comes to their revamped defensive scheme.

12 Hours Of Sex Kills You

"THIS was one bet Sergey Tuganov was determined to win. British newspaper, The Sun, reports the 28-year-old Russian man died after taking a bottle of Viagra pills for an apparent 12-hour sex romp. Two women told Moscow police they bet Tuganov $US4300 that he wouldn't be able to satisfy them during a non-stop half day sex marathon. The mechanic died of a heart attack minutes after winning the wager, Moscow police said. "We called emergency services but it was too late, there was nothing they could do," said one of the female participants who identified herself only as Alina. Medics said he most likely died from the quantity of Viagra he had ingested. There are 30 pills in an average 100mg bottle of Viagra (NEWS.com.au)."

What a way to go, even Jesus would die after 12 hours of sex. Anyways, I have some thoughts..
- If you had sex for 12 hours is there like a lunch break?
- Should you bring a water bottle? I would imagine that you would be very thirsty.
- Sucks that he just won the bet only to die right away. I bet he gave a thunderous fist pump right before he collapsed.
- Russian women are crazy, and they intimidate me. All I can think of is Ivan Drago's wife from Rocky IV.

Daily Red Sox Spring Training Update

Pirates 3 Red Sox 2

- Lester turned in a strong first spring training outing, allowing two hits in two innings. He threw 30 pitches, 19 for strikes. Interesting note was that Lester featured a lot of changeups. We heard that they are doing this to save is arm, because he pitched so many innings last season. It may also be a nice additions to Lester's arsenal of pitches. He only threw about 3-4 changeups a game last year, but with all this work may choose to use that pitch a lot more. If he does look for this strikeout totals to go up this season.

- Saito looked great in his first outing, going 1 innings with 2 Ks, while allowing only 1 hit. The Sox were really impressed with how much movement his pitches have. The only worry with him is going to be his health, but so far so good.

- The Sox hitting has not been good so far in spring training (Ortiz/Drew/Tek have not recorded a hit), but the lone bright spot has been the play of Jeff Bailey, who has been hitting the cover off the ball. He added another RBI in this game, and a lot of people didn't notice that Bailey is the reigning International League Most Valuable Player. Too bad there is really no spot for him on the team.

- Okajima looked good in his 1 inning of work. He threw a scoreless inning, with no hits and 1 K. So far the Sox look like their bullpen is going to be nasty this year.

The Sox are playing Tampa Bay today at 1:05pm on NESN.

Saturday Back With Colts

The three-time Pro Bowl center who was expected to be one of the top centers on the free-agent market suddenly changed plans Thursday, signing a three-year deal that will likely allow the 33-year-old to finish his career with the team that brought him into the league. ESPN

It's bitter sweet for me, because part of me was hoping he was going to come to the Steelers, and the other part is glad he is back with the Colts so I can continue to hate him. Saturday and the Colts are a perfect match and if they let him go, it would have been terrible for a usually stable offensive line. Either way Saturday is going to finish his career in Indy and Manning will continue to have ridiculous protection.

Manny Says No..... Again

Manny Ramirez has rejected yet another offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers announced Thursday night the star outfielder's agent Scott Boras had declined a $25 million, one-year contract with a $20 million player option for 2010. It was the club's fourth offer to Ramirez this offseason. ESPN

If I was the Dodgers, I would be pretty close to saying fuck him. I know that Manny is one hell of a talent but enough is enough. He is trying to squeeze any penny from the Dodgers, and that is just completely disrespectful. I would let this douche walk and go to the Giants. Manny is looking for a 30 million a year contract, and he probably believes it can still happen, but the way the economy is going and teams are trying to save money Manny isn't going to get that type of contract. My hope is that the Dodgers now say fuck you to Manny and move on.

Starbury To Boston

At the 2:15 mark he takes his shirt off and reveals a Celtics shirt.

Breaking News: A-Rod Is A Retard

A-Rod has been through a lot of shit and the season hasn't even started. I kind of felt bad for him, but today I realized he is actually a fucking retard. After coming clean about steroids A-Rod went on to tell the world that he got the steroids from his cousin. Not even 2 weeks later A-Rod is getting picked up from the ballpark FROM THE SAME FUCKING COUSIN. Listen I am all about sticking by your family/friends, but that doesn't mean you need to get picked up from the ballpark by the guy. The media is going crazy over this, and more and more reports keep flooding in about "other times" A-Rod used steroids (outside of what he admitted). Sorry, but you have to be retarded to think that no one would notice (or care).

Alex Rodriguez has been told by the New York Yankees to keep his cousin away from ballparks...really? Did they really need to tell you that?

Hayensworth Gets Paid

Albert Haynesworth hit the free agent jackpot Friday morning by reaching a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins that could end up maxing out at at $115 million based on his performance, according to sources.

The deal, which was reached early Friday morning, includes $41 million in guarantees. During the first 13 months of the contract, Haynesworth will earn approximately $32 million.

Holy shit. I knew Hayensworth was the cream of the crop when it came to free agents this year, but I didn't know he would get this big of a deal. Hayensworth is a hell of a player and he can move a line and is also quick. He is a game changer and the Redskins defense just improved a lot. My only concern would be if Hayensworth is a guy who gets his contract then gets fat and happy. If Hayensworth doesn't lose his fire this signing will be amazing, however if he gets content now that he got paid, it will go down as another Redskins failure signing.

also, DeAngelo Hall accepted a six-year $54 million deal that included $22.5 million in guarantees, giving the 25-year-old cornerback his second big payday in as many years. Hall was guaranteed around $24 million in a seven-year, $70 million contract he signed a year ago with Oakland, but he struggled to adjust to the Raiders' man-to-man defense and was waived after eight games.

This move is a great move if Hall regains form, but as he proved last year he is a contract player. He will play a lot better when he is going into contract year rather than playing hard all the time. This was a big loss for the Patriots who were rumored to be intrigued by Hall.

Fred Taylor Signs With Patriots

Adam Scefter of the NFL Network is reporting that Fred Taylor will sign with the New England Patriots at some point today. New England has had problems at the running back position over the past couple of season, but the with addition of Taylor the Patriots have a much better looking backfield of Faulk, Morris, Taylor, as the three main guys. Not sure how much Taylor has in the tank, but he will get every opportunity to succeed as most team will not be able to stack the line since the Patriots have one of the better passing attacks in the league. New England should be very active during the free agency period, as they need to move Cassel, and revamp an aging defense.

It's Friday

You know what that means. Fuck all the work bullshit you had to deal with all week and get some T and A all day.

Bruins 6, Ducks 0

The Bruins have scored 12 games in 2 games. In their last 4 periods of hockey, they've scored 9 times, and allowed 0 goals. That's domination. Plain and simple.

Tim Thomas recorded his 100th career win, and his career high 4th shutout of the season. He was undoubtedly the #1 Star of the game, stopping 35 shots, and getting an assist on Michael Ryder's power play goal.

Speaking of Michael Ryder, he has 3 goals and 2 assists since coming back from his face injury. Chuck Kobasew also had 2 goals last night. Matt Hunwick had a goal and an assist, and blocked 3 shots. Byron Bitz had his 3rd goal in 2 games, and has become a force on the ice. I'd like to see him get some extra time on the ice. He traffics the slot, and he's strong with the puck.

In the last 2 games, 19 Bruins have recorded points. Only Shane Hnidy has had ice time and hasn't been on the scoresheet. But he was +3 last night, and had a great game.

The Bruins are also fighting as a team. Even Marc Savard dropped the gloves, or at least he tried to. And Shawn Thornton took down 6' 5" 230 pound George Parros AND his mighty mustache.





The Bruins host the Capitals 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon in a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.

-The Commodore

Chick Of The Day

Today's chick is Lucy Pinder. Like always she's naked and touching other women.

For more Lucy Click Here

LEAVING ARIZONA

Tiger Woods was eliminated by Tim Clark earlier this afternoon in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. As a casual golf fan you may think this is a big deal but it really isn't. Woods has won this chamionship multiple times, but he has been ousted early before, even losing to Australian Peter O'Malley in the first match in 2002.

Don't know who Tim Clark is, he is this guy:




For Woods, even though he almost certainly is displeased with outcome, is probably happy that he is finally back playing golf again and can concentrate on winning majors rather than his knee.

Now, for those out there who think Tiger Woods is done because of this loss, I would like to remind you that this type of format anything can happen and even Tiger Woods can go down. If he doesn't have his best day, he doesn't have the next day to make up for it like a usual tournament. Remember, its one loss and your done, just like March Madness.

Although Woods is out, this tournament, especially Saturday, its unique to the tour and you should tune in. The players knock out two rounds in one day, reminiscent of the old days when Bobby Jones was playing and tournaments took only two days with thirty six holes apiece.

Anyway, Woods it out, and I'm not exactly sure what event he plans to play next but look for him to bounce back strong.



-The Diesel

DC AL West Prediction

So, we are through the second division of our MLB Preview...here is what how we see the AL West breaking down....

1. Angels 97-65
2. Rangers 84-78
3. Athletics 82-80
4. Mariners 75-87

From our preview it looks like one of the weaker divisions in baseball will be playing a lot better this year.

Ducks @ Bruins Preview

Boston broke out of their worst slump of the season by destroying the Panthers 6-1. Tonight the Bruins will try to keep the good times rolling as they face one of the best goalies in the NHL (Jean-Sebastien Giguere), though he has not been as good as he usually is this year with a 3.09 GAA and a record of 16-15-5.

Boston got a nice boost from the return of Ryder, who will be one of the more important players down the stretch. His ability to be a grinder and put the puck in the nets is one of Boston's weaknesses. When you add a player like him or Lucic to players like Kessel, and Savard it just makes the whole offense better.

The Bruins should be able to shut this team down, as they have a far superior team all around. The key, as always, will be making sure they take advantage of the massive amount of opportunities they get every game, and getting solid goaltending from Thomas or Fernandez (who has been struggling lately).

Game is at 7pm on NESN.

DC MLB Preview: Los Angeles Angels

Offseason Additions:
Bobby Abreu
Brian Fuentes

Offseason Losses:
Mark Teixeira
Fransisco Rodriguez
Jon Garland


Offense:
1. 3B: Chone Figgins
2. 2B: Howie Kendrick
3. LF: Bobby Abreu
4. RF: Vladimir Guerrero
5. CF: Torii Hunter
6. DH: Juan Rivera
7. 1B: Kendry Morales
8. C: Mike Napoli
9. SS: Erick Aybar

Abreu's bat makes a significant difference in the lineup. Abreu and Vlad back to back is a dangerous combination for the opposing pitcher to deal with and you also have Torii Hunter who can whack a ball into the outfield (or into the stands) when he's hot. I really hope that Figgins can have a good year as leadoff man. He can change the dynamics of a game when he gets on base. If Howie Kendrick can have another awesome year then he will be great in the 2 hole.

Pitching:
John Lackey (R)
Ervin Santana (R)
Jered Weaver (R)
Joe Saunders (L)
Dustin Moseley (R)

The pitching all hinges on Weaver. Saunders had a hell of a year last year and if Weaver can bounce back, they might have the best 1-4 in baseball. Lackey is so underrated and even though I don't particularly care for the man, he can play. He has been the anchor for this rotation for a real long time and if he can repeat this team will have another terrific regular season.

Prospects:
Nick Adenhart, RHP: It seems like every year we talk about this kid doing something and he just doesn't. Adenhart is due for a break out year and if Moseley struggles which I see him doing, expect Adenhart to slide right in their.

Trevor Reckling, LHP: A very promising and underrated lefty who deserves much more attention than he’s received. A project but will be a good prospect in 2010.

Overview:
Once again the Angels will have a terrific regular season then shit the bed when it comes to playing the Red Sox in the playoffs. A guy who I would watch out on offense is Kendry Morales. He is cuban and he will be able to anchor this team, he has a lot of pop in his bat and is a all around terrific ballplayer.

97-65

Octomom Porn!!!

I think we have all heard about the woman who gave birth to 8 kids. Well, vivid video has some plans for her...

"Vivid Entertainment has offered Nadya "Octomom" Suleman $1 million to star in a pornographic video. Now Tarts has learned the disgusting details of what they want Octomom to do. They want Suleman, who gave birth to octuplets in January, to have sex in eight different scenes with eight different men. "The number eight is obviously heavily associated with her so we would like to work with that," Vivid’s CEO Stephen Hirsch told Tarts. "But we would really love just to sit down and talk with her and come up with something she feels comfortable with. We want her to be involved with the whole thing from the plot line to the packaging (FoxNews)."

Nothing like ruining 8 kids lives. The best (or worst) part is that she is considering this, because he is broke. Honestly, she isn't even hot, so I don't get who would be all over this, but I guess you need to cash in on her 15 mins of fame. There probably isn't much tread left on those tires anyways.

Mets Season Over Before It Starts?

ESPN is reporting that the Mets are concerned with Johan Santana's sore elbow. He was scratched today from his start, and it is raising some eyebrows about the health of the Mets' ace. If Johan was to go down the Mets would have to count on Oliver Perez as their ace. Not a good thing, since the rest of their staff is a bunch of question marks.

The Mets are a really weird team. I really like their offense, and I think their bullpen (if healthy) could actually be a strength this year. Yet, we all know you don't go anywhere without a strong starting staff, and if Johan goes down, so will any hope of the Mets taking back the division crown. We'll update you on his status as more information becomes available.

LOST: The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham

Wow, intense episode and so much happened, I’ll do my best to recap everything:

-Widmore came to see Locke in the hospital in Tunisia. He told him that they met when Widmore was 17 years old

-Widmore knows the exit of the island, and that’s how he found Locke

-Widmore was the leader of the island for 3 decades, and protected it until he was exiled by Ben

-Widmore told Locke that he needs to go back to the island with all of his friends. And that he will help in any way possible

-Widmore suggested that a wall was coming. He told Locke that the wrong side is going to win if he doesn’t go back

-Mathew Abigot is the African American man that works for Whitmore and who is taking Locke around to the Oceanic 6.
-We have seen him before on the island and in Hurley’s mental institution posing as an Oceanic Airlines employee
-He gets killed by Ben

-Locke went to see:
-Sayid in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
-Walt in New York
-Hurley in Santa Rosa, Las Angeles
-Kate in Las Angeles
-Helen’s grave site in Santa Monica

-Jack just happened to be Locke’s doctor after the car accident that Ben initially started by killing Matthew Abigot

-Walt has been having dreams about Locke. He hasn’t seen his dad in three years.

-Jack is the only person that Locke needs to convince in order to get them all back on the island

-Hurley tells Locke that Mathew is evil

-Mathew tells Locke that he was the orderly in the hospital who encouraged him to go on the walk about, which got him on the island in the first place

-Locke’s ex-fiancé was killed by a brain aneurysm on 4.8.06.

-Locke tells Jack that his dad is on the island. Wow.

-Once Locke thinks that no one will go back to the island, he writes Jack the note that says, “I wish you believed” and then attempts to kill himself

-Ben interrupts Locke’s suicide and convinces Locke not to kill himself because there was still so much work to be done, but….

-Ben kills Locke after finding out that Jin is still alive on the island, and that Locke knows about Eloise Hawking

-Locke is alive on the island and he finds out that his friends are there too

-Locke realizes that Ben killed him.

Questions:

-Who is the one to trust… Ben or Widmore?

-Why did Ben kill Locke? Does he want him dead forever?

-Who does Locke believe now? Does he hate Ben?

-Was Claire a passenger injured on the plane crash?

-Would Helen of died if it weren’t for Locke?

-Why did Sun and the pilot run off with the canoe?

-Was Locke killing himself out of desperation or a thought of coming back to life on the island?

Why Not?

Why not Fat Girls Talking Like Skinny Girls Talking Like Fat Girls?

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Pedro Martinez Looking For A Contract

Pedro Martinez is getting read for the World Baseball Classic. The tournament probably means more to Pedro then any other player has he is battling to prove that he still has something left in the tank. Pedro pitched a simulated game today, his velocity ranged from 88-92 mph during the 43 pitches that he threw. At some point someone will take a chance on him. I think he should have retired 2 years ago, but whatever. The teams interested in Pedro are The Dodgers, Pirates and Indians, but no formal offer has been made.

More Broken News than Breaking News

According to the New York Times, Stephon Marbury is a Celtic, just not officially. That will come tomorrow morning.

Story

-The Commodore

Skip Bayless Says Troy Aikman Is Gay

"I wish I had sledgehammered [my statements] because it was the truth and everyone who knew what was going on inside the locker room told me the book was a terrific job and that I nailed it.

Because I did. It’s exactly what happened. All I heard from people around the country who didn’t read the book was, “You outed Troy Aikman?” I didn’t. The coach definitely thought he was gay and a lot of his teammates thought he was gay. More than that, they thought he was racist and they thought he was trying to get Barry Switzer."WL

Do I think Aikman was gay? No. Does this make me like Skip Bayless more? Yes. i have been a huge fan of Bayless and his work on first and 10 and I think this is great. Anyone who calls someone gay with nothing to back it up is a fan in my book.

Anaheim and Pittsburgh Make A Trade

"Anaheim has acquired Ryan Whitney from Pittsburgh for Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangardi. No word on whether Whitney will be available for tonight's game (Boston.com)."

A lot of people in Boston won't really care about this trade, but it does make an interesting scenario for the Ducks. With this trade the Ducks have Pronger, Niedermayer, and Whitney, three defensemen making $17 million total. This likely means that either Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer will be dealt before the Wednesday's 3pm trade deadline. There have been rumors that the Bruins are looking for a "puck moving" defensemen. I don't think they will make a move, but this will certainly be on their radar.

Vick Gets Release Date

"A government official says imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement. Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News, Va. But the official says there's no bed space, so Vick could be released to his Hampton, Va., home as soon as May 21 (Sportsline)."

No word on how long he will be confined to his home, but this is the first step toward Vick coming back to the NFL. I still think he has a long road in front of him, as Roger Goodell will most likely suspended for a while, or at least he should since he has been doing it to other NFL players who have been in trouble with the law. Expect the Falcons to eventually cut him, as no one is going to want to trade for the contract he is under now, and there is no way the Falcons will being him back.

Dolphins Sign Gibril Wilson

"Safety Gibril Wilson on Thursday signed a multiyear contract with the Miami Dolphins, who are on the verge of losing three defensive backs to free agency. Wilson, a five-year NFL veteran, was released last week by the Oakland Raiders. He spent four seasons with the New York Giants and started at free safety for their 2007 Super Bowl championship team (Sportsline)."

Great signing for the Dolphins as they need to revamp their defensive backfield. Wilson is a very solid safety that set a career high in tackles last year while with the Raiders. Anything has to be better then playing for the horror show that is the Raiders, so I am sure he is glad to be chilling out in south Florida. This is a Parcells type of guy, and he could make an already solid Dolphins defense even better.

Bob Will Love This One

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rex Grossman might be joining the quarterback rodeo in the Motor City.

Appearing on Sirius NFL Radio, Grossman said that the Detroit Lions are "not as bad as their record... I would love to be there." Grossman also commented that he's open to signing with just about any team, including acting as the backup for the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Jets. ESPN

So not only is Bob's boy going to have to back up Culpepper, but he will be behind Rex Grossman. I don't know which one is worse, but I do know that both are terrible. Stanton must be terrible if the Lions are making him third on the depth charts behind these two bums.

Manny Gets New Deal

According to the source, the offer is for two years and $45 million, but it is structured differently than the Dodgers' previous offer at those numbers. This deal would pay Ramirez $25 million in the first year, with a player-only option for $20 million for the second season. The previous offer had been structured this way: $15 million for 2009, $22.5 million for 2010, a team option for 2011 for $22.5 million or a $7.5 million buyout. The Dodgers had also previously offered salary arbitration, which was rejected, and most recently a straight one-year, $25 million deal. ESPN

This whole Manny situation is annoying the fuck out of me. It has really made me strongly dislike both Manny and Boras so much. I love how Manny isn't getting a long term contract, but I also hate how the Dodgers are starting to bend. Manny is one of the premier players in the MLB, but his doucheness has really destroyed my faith in him. I always liked Manny as a Red Sox player, but he is just a greedy asshole who doesn't care about anyone but himself. As for the Dodgers bending, they have too. Their whole offense gauges on Manny Ramirez and without him they are not the same team, or even close to a playoff team. The Dodgers will be a slightly better team with him, but with that terrible pitching staff look for the Giants to take over the top spot in the highly competitive NL West.

Dom James Season Is Over

Dominic James' career at Marquette is over after the senior guard broke a bone in his foot in Wednesday night's 93-82 loss to No. 2 Connecticut.

James, one of the Big East's top defensive players, has 1,749 career points and was an integral part of one of the country's top perimeter units, alongside fellow seniors Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews. ESPN

You have to feel bad for Dom James because his career as a basketball player is over, and now his team has got a lot weaker with him being out. And with Marquette facing a brutal finishing stretch, traveling to No. 6 Louisville and No. 1 Pittsburgh before ending the regular season at home against Syracuse on March 7, they will be lucky to get a win for the rest of the season. I know think that Marquette will be one and done.

Gabe Pruitt Get DUI

Police say Boston Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of drunken driving.

Officer April Harding says the 22-year-old Pruitt was pulled over in Hollywood shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday and later booked on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence.

The Celtics had lost 93-91 to the Los Angeles Clippers a few hours earlier. Harding says records showed that Pruitt had not yet posted his $5,000 bail. ESPN

not a big deal. Who wouldn't want to drink and drive after losing to the Clippers. i know for one that I would. Anyways, don't read much into this, it's a token DUI.

Listen, Murder Isn't Funny. But....

Kent State University professor Gertrude "Trudy" Steuernagel died last night in an Akron Hospital of injuries she received in a beating in her home last week.

Her 18-year-old autistic son, Sky Walker, is being held in the Portage County Jail under $2 million bond on a charge of attempted murder of his mother and a separate charge of felonious assault on a police officer. The Portage County Sheriff's office said Walker attacked a deputy when police found him in the basement of the Steuernagel home Jan. 29.

Come on America. Give this kid a break. If not for him being autistic, but for his name being Sky Walker. If I grew up with that stupid fucking name I would be pissed as well.