Tigers @ Red Sox Preview

The Sox are getting healthier and are playing better, but are still 5 1/2 games back of the Rays for the Wild Card (7 games back of the Yankees). The good news is that any time the Sox have made a strong playoff run it was a run in August that got everything rolling. Tonight Jon Lester faces Armando Galarraga.

The Tigers, who have lost 22 of their last 30 at Fenway Park, have dropped 10 straight on the road. Galarraga made a name for his almost perfect game earlier in the year, but other then that has been far from an "ace" with a 3-3 record and a 4.43 ERA.

Jon Lester, on the other hand might be the best lefty in all of baseball. Still, this isn't a given as Lester has lost his last 2 starts, and is 0-1 with a 5.84 ERA in two career starts versus the Tigers. I don't read into any of that very much, and I think Lester is going to throw a gem tonight. The Tigers are injured and quickly falling in the standings.

Boston wins 5-2
Player of the game: Lester

Game starts at 7:10pm on NESN.

Celtics Quest For A Big Man

The Celtics are still looking for another big man to add to their roster. As of right now there are two names that the Celtics are interested in...Shaq, and Kwame Brown. Problem is the Celtics only can offer the veteran minimum, and both these players are not very happy about playing for those wages.

I can see Shaq not being happy about that, but the market for Brown is really small. So out of the two I think Kwame is more likely unless they Celtics can do some kind of sign and trade for Shaq.

Yet, maybe the Celtics can still pull of Shaq signing for the minimum. At this point they might as well do everything they can to get him. That to me would mean flying Pierce, Allen, KG, and Doc down to meet with Shaq. As of right now there is no other team offering Shaq anymore (though I'm sure someone will), and the Celtics are definitely his best chance at making another run at a title.

Why Not?

Why not watch a dog dance to techno?

I mean that is cool and all, but is there something wrong with that dog, or is it just the happiest dog of all time?

Not good enough? Ok, why not watch this awesome Ugandan action flick?

Breaking News: Edwin Jackson Traded To White Sox (UPDATE)

Edwin Jackson has been traded to the the Chicago White Sox. So far there is no word on exactly what the Diamondbacks are getting in return, but most rumors suggest it will be a minor league pitcher.

This is a great move by the White Sox. In my eyes this will give Chicago the division. What is going to be interesting is that theri have been rumors that the White Sox might now turn around and traded Jackson to the Nationals for Adam Dunn.

If they do keep Jackson he should help this rotation deal with the loss of Peavy. Him along with the strong 2nd half push from Danks and Floyd the White Sox are in very good shape. I also like that they brought in a guy who had a good amount of success vs. the AL Central.


***UPDATE***

The Diamondbacks got Daniel Hudson and pitching prospect David Holmberg. I have to say that this makes me like this deal a little less. I am kind of a believer in Hudson.

What I'll Be Eating This Weekend

Lechon Kawali

Filipino Roast Pork with fat and skin… deep fried. Served with sweet liver sauce.


Yea, I'm getting back to the roots. Next week the Friday ass shake is coming back.

If anyone eats anything ridiculous, take a picture and send it our email. Duelingcouches@gmail.com

Blake Wheeler Gets $2.2M In Arbitration (UPDATED)

The wait for Bruins right winger Blake Wheeler is finally over. A source has confirmed to WEEI.com that Wheeler received a $2.2 million award in arbitration Thursday night.

This is actually good news for the Bruins. Most people thought he would get at least $2.5M, so this at least saves them a bit of money. The Bruins now have 48 hours to sign Wheeler, or walk away from him and get another in return. There is no way they will do that.

Still, the Bruins are going to have some trouble. With this signing the Bruins will be just under $2M over the cap. The good news is that they have injury exemption, which they can use of Marco Stum's $3.5M he is due this season. So, the Bruins will not need to make a trade/cut until the end of November when Sturm is supposed to come back.

If the Bruins do sign Wheeler it could mean their offseason is over (unless they look to shed some cap space). That means guys like Bill Guerin will not be walking through that door.

***UPDATE***

The Bruins have signed Wheeler to the $2.2M 1 year deal.

Why Not?

Why not watch the greatest Frisbee catch ever?

Celtics Sign Von Wafer

The Celtics have signed Von Wafter to a 1 year contract at the veteran minimum.

Wafer started last season in Greece, but he was waived by Olympiakos and he came back to the US and played in briefly in Dallas.

His best season came in 2008-09 when he averaged nearly 10 points in 19 minute of play per game. He shot about 45% that season... just under 40% from 3.

I really hope this doesn't mean that the door is shut on Delonte or Rudy Fernandez, but I don't mind this move. Wafer is a former Seminole so that's already a plus in my eyes and won't be a bad guard back up, but he just isn't the name I'm looking for.

This will be a wait and see guy, because I talked myself into Marquis Daniels last year too.

MLB Trade News

After months of rumors and speculation, the Marlins finally traded Jorge Cantu. They sent him to the Rangers for AA righties Evan Reed and Omar Poveda in a deal that became official this evening. The Marlins will pay $600K of the $2.2MM remaining on Cantu's salary. MLB Trade Rumors

I like this move for the Rangers whom are desperately seeking offense especially now that Ian Kinsler just hit the DL. Jorge Cantu is still reasonably young at 28 and is a solid offensive contributor (10 HR, .259 BA, 54 RBI) and can play almost every infield position. He has a lot more bats to protect him in Texas and should be a decent player. Plus my boy Scott finally gets a crack at his boy in our prestigious AL only fantasy baseball league.

Twins stabilized their bullpen by acquiring Matt Capps and $500K from the Nationals for left-hander Joe Testa and highly touted catching prospect Wilson Ramos.

Capps is a very unknown reliever due to him playing in Pittsburgh and Washington, however, he's extremely effective and is a hell of a player (3-3, 25 SV (4th), 2.80 ERA, 37 SO). John Raucsh just wasn't doing the job and is more fit for a set up man, so this should really help the twins in their final playoff push. I think they gave up a little much for a reliever. Ramos is a hell f a prospect, but obviously blocked due to Mauer. But you can't blame the Twins for going for it.

The Padres and Orioles agreed to a deal that will send Miguel Tejada and cash to San Diego for minor league pitcher Wynn Pelzer. MLBtraderumors

The Padres are silently putting together a good year, and needed another bat in thier line up so getting a cheap rent a bat in Tejada isn't a bad pick up or long term investment. So far this year Tejada is hitting .260s, but going from hitting in the Orioles line up to hitting in front of Adrian Gonzalez should be beneficial.

Wynn Pelzer is seventh among all Padres prospects before the season. The 24-year-old is a power pitcher whose fastball sits in the mid-90s. As a starter, he has a 4.20 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 5.3 BB/9 in AA this year, but BA said he could become a closer in time.

Broncos Ink Tim Tebow To 5 Year Deal

The Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow agreed to a 5 year deal with the Broncos for $11.25 million contract with $8.7 million guaranteed.

That's a pretty reasonable deal figuring Tebow was a first round quarterback selection. Tebow was the one rookie that couldn't afford to hold out or miss any time of training camp due to him being a "project quarterback". Josh McDaniels made his bed with this kid and will sink or swim with him as a head NFL coach. To be honest, my Tebow hatred has gone down a lot since he left the Gaytors. Part of me wants him to be decent so Josh McDaniels gets some credit, because he's my dirty little secret of NFL coaches.

Mike Shanahan Hazing Albert Haynesworth?

The Haynesworth situation in Washington took another ugly turn, as Haynesworth has failed his conditioning test. Yet, many reports are coming out that the "test" was complete unfair.

One report says that Mike Shanahan made Haynesworth run 3 100 yard dashes, which is 1 more then anyone else on the team had to do. There is another report that says that during his conditioning test Haynesworth had to take a piss and Shanahan made him start all over from the beginning, and then he failed. Either way, it doesn't sound like it was the fairest test.

Did Haynesworth deserve this? Absolutely, and part of me thinks it is awesome that Shanahan did this, but on the other hand how does this help him? Now Haynesworth is going to miss practices until he can pass, which means he will be behind everyone else learning this new defensive system.

Listen, I hate Haynesworth, but if you are going to go this far why not just cut/trade him? Plus, why the fuck does Haynesworth ever have to run 300 yards? Honestly, his job it to take up blockers and space (especially in a 3-4). I just think that Shanahan is just making a bad situation even worse (yet, I guess I have to respect it).

This could get ugly for Shanahan, because some people are starting to call this hazing, so I wouldn't be surprised if the NFLPA is all over this.

Chick Of The Day

Today's chick is Shawna Corrina, she's hot.

For more click here

Sheets Career Over?

Basically the worst situation for the A's and Sheets has happened. Ben Sheets has a torn flexor tendon that will require surgery to fix. Sheets missed all of 2009 with the exact same injury and surgery, so the road back will be rough, and it wasn't like he was very good this year (4.53 ERA).

I feel bad for him, because even if he makes it back he will never be that pitcher he was with the Brewers. The good news for the A's is that they only gave him a 1 year deal, so they are off the hook after this year. Sheets on the other hand is fucked, and I really would probably retire if I was him.

Why Not?

Why not watch Morgan Freeman sing in a casket full of bubbles? Wait.....what?

Eddie House Joins The Nazi Party, I Mean The Miami Heat

"Former Celtics guard Eddie House has reached an agreement to join the revamped Heat lineup, House's agent Mark Bartelstein told Yahoo! Sports. House was traded from the C's to the Knicks for Nate Robinson last season. Bartelstein said this week that he had talked to the Celtics about the possibility of the 10-year veteran returning to Boston, but the sharpshooter will take his talents to Miami instead, agreeing to a two-year deal worth a reported $2.8 million (WEEI)."

I am a little pissed about this just because I do like Eddie House, even though I didn't really want him back on the Celtics. Now I have to hate him. I hate everyone involved with the Miami Heat.

As for the Celtics, I don't think affects them very much. I agree with DP that their best option is probably Delonte West once he is cut from the Timberwolves. He is a good shooter, can play some defense, and oh yea he porked LeFag's mom. All of that adds up so someone we need on the Celtics.

Oswalt About To Join Phillies? (UPDATED)

We have been hearing these rumors for the past couple of week, but today reports say that it is a done deal. The only thing holding up the deal is that Roy Oswalt needs to sign off on it (rumor is the Atros will get J.A. Happ and two prospects). This could be a big hold up, as Oswalt wants the Phillies to pick up his $12MM option for 2012. The Phillies have been very hesitant to do this, so it will be interesting to see who (if any) caves.

The Phillies are currently 3 1/2 games behind Atlanta for 1st place in the NL East, and 2 1/2 games behind San Fran for the Wild Card. If they were able to get Oswalt I would put them as the favorite to win the NL East. The Phillies are known for the 2nd half runs, and a guy like Oswalt could really start them on a nice run.

If Oswalt doesn't agree to the trade rumors suggest that they will turn their attention to Carmona.


***UPDATE***

Oswalt plans to OK the deal, but it's not official yet, reports Stark. He adds that the Astros will be sending $11MM. Rosenthal tweets that Oswalt's 2012 option will not be exercised; he'll be compensated some other way. ESPN's Amy K. Nelson tweets that Oswalt will get $1MM added by the Phillies to the buyout of his '12 option. She adds that the details are being worked out now regarding Oswalt retaining his no-trade clause.

Stephen Strasburg Goes On The DL

DP talked yesterday about Stephen Strasburg's injury, but it is going to be a little more then a day-to-day type of injury. The Washington Nationals have placed him on the DL because of inflammation in his pitching shoulder (retroactive to July 22). By sending Strasburg to the DL, they are able to activate left-hander Scott Olsen.

Am I worried about this? No, not really. I actually think this might be the best thing for him. He has never pitched 100 innings before and most likely if he the Nationals pitched him straight through the rest of the year he would've gone over it (54 1/3 already).

There is still a part of me that is a little worried. We see so many young guys who throw really hard die out before they are even major leagues. I worry that this 100 MPH arm might not be able to holdup. I really hope that isn't true, because it has been a blast watching him, and I want to see what he can do in a full healthy season.

Anyways, Nationals tickets are probably going to be going for about a buck, so if you're in the area should be easy pickings.

LeFag's Night In Vegas

There is a lot of noise being made because LeFag had some big party in Vegas. There were girls wearing basically nothing, booze, ect. I really don't care. He's 25, single, and a millionare...so good for him. If you really want to read all about it CLICK HERE.

There are 2 parts of this story that interest me. The first is that ESPN was the first to report this story, but then within an hour took it down. Maybe they didn't have the right quotes, but to me this is just another sign that LeFag owns ESPN. Why does he get all this special treatment? Like the time he was dunked on and the video was taken away from everyone. Like I said I don't think he did anything wrong here, but the fact that he is able to control the media like this really bothers me.

The 2nd is just hilarious....

"Want to know exactly how ridiculous the entire spectacle is? Glen Davis thinks LeBron was acting a fool. That's right. The guy nicknamed "Big Baby" who was compared to Shrek thinks James is over-the-top:

Toward the end of the night, Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis walks past James' party and looks at the scene up and down several times like a painting in a museum, soaking in the images of the go-go dancers, the "King" sign and the costumed man delivering bottles of champagne.

Davis shakes his head and walks on.

James dances on the couch and sings along with the music blaring from speakers all around him (CBS)."

Hahaha, good for you Big Baby stay away from that butt pirate.

Team USA Makes Roster Cuts

USA Basketball trimmed its roster of candidates for the world championships Wednesday to 15, a guard-heavy group that features Brook Lopez and Tyson Chandler as its only centers. Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, O.J. Mayo and Gerald Wallace were cut.

Kevin Durant leads three Oklahoma City players on the list that included the Clippers’ Eric Gordon, who was thought to be on the bubble, plus talented point guards such as Chauncey Billups, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo [stats] and Russell Westbrook.

The remainder of the finalists are: Lamar Odom, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala, Rudy Gay, Danny Granger and Kevin Love.

Kind of an odd team. They have no big men, but have a ton of really good guards. I have to say I'm a little surprised that guys like Curry, Iguodala are still on the roster, and Mayo and Evans were cut.

The good news is Rondo is still on the roster. In my eyes he should be starting, but there are a lot of good PGs on this team. It'll be interesting to see how this team pans out. At least LeFag isn't on the team.

Sox Need To Bring Back Style

There isn't much to write about today, but DP and I were having a conversation last night that I found somewhat interesting. I was going on a rant about how more MLB players should suit up like college players (eye black, high socks, stirrups, ect). DP and I then started to think if there is a Red Sox player currently that wears his uniform like that. We couldn't come up with any (if you do let me know).

Anyways, I just think I'd be cool if some of the players did it. Not Papi, or Youk but players like Ellsbury, Pedroia I think would fit the mold. I really don't know where I'm going with this, but I just think it's a style that should be brought back more. It just doesn't seem like you see guys wear their uniform like that much anymore.

Why Not?

Why not watch things be destroyed very slowly?

Well We Can Scratch Josh Howard Off The Celtics Wish List

Josh Howard just agreed to a 1 year deal with the Wizards for 4 million dollars, so as the off season keeps going the Celtics lists of players is getting smaller and smaller.

My friend caddied for Doc Rivers yesterday and he said that we are getting Shaq, so i'll just assume that will happen, so all we need now is a shooter. It looks like it will come down to Delonte, Rudy Fernandez and Eddie House. Obviously I would take Delonte and Rudy over Eddie House. I also heard it would take a future 1st round pick for Rudy, so maybe Delonte will be the best option here.

So if it's all said and done, if we get Delonte and Shaq, I'll be content.

Jeremiah Masoli Headed To Ole Miss

Booted QB Jeremiah Masoli has transfered to Ole Miss and will be able to play as early as this season. Masoli will be a walk on, however, if he's a good student he will get tuition at a reduced coast.

That second sentence pisses me off, but this is a good move for Masoli and Ole Miss. Now that Javon Snead isn't around, Jeremiah Masoli should be a great replacement. He had a hell of a run in Oregon in which he led them to be top 10 ranked and bowled over the Pac 10.

Ole Miss really never has anything to look forward to except for the occasional really good player (Duece McCallister, Eli Manning, Patrick Willis, Snead, etc) So he fits the mold as being one of those players. The SEC should get him as much attention as the Pac 10 and he may be able to even scoot onto a NFL roster next year if he performs well and doesn't steal laptops and sell drugs.

Why Not?

Why not watch Chris Kaman recklessly spend 10 gs on fireworks?

Red Sox 7, Angels 3

The Red Sox improved to 7-0 against the Angels on the season, and still have 3 games remaining against that charitable team. Someone tell Mike Scioscia to hit-and-run, or try a squeeze play or something.

Beckett had to work his way through this one, but improved as the game progressed. That's a really good sign. This is similar to how Buchholz performed the other day. He finished with 3 earned runs in 7 innings. It's nothing short of remarkable how the Sox have done so well considering this only their 2nd win from Beckett, and only his 4th Quality Start.

The offense eventually broke through against the Angels' array of relievers (Scot Shields had to start as Pinerio was scratched). Scutaro had the big game, going 3 for 4 with the big Grand Slam in the 8th. He was 7/14 in the series with 4 runs and 4 RBI.

Eric Patterson was a homerun shy of the cycle.

The Sox were still only 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position, and left 13 men. Scutaro's Grand Slam made up for this inadequacy, but it still wasn't a great day for the Sox' bats against a series of middle-relievers.

But pitching is how this team will either win or lose. And Beckett's back to form. Maybe. We'll see 2 starts from now how consistent he is. Buchholz is back. Lackey's apparently turned a corner.

I'm not going to get too giddy. The Angels are mediocre at best. And remember the weekend? When the Sox split 4 with the godawful M's?

The Sox have an off-day then host the Tigers. Lester opposes Armando Galarraga Friday night.

-The Commodore

Red Sox @ Angels Preview

The Red Sox are getting healthier and have won their last 2 games, but Boston has been terrible during day games this year. Today is a big game for the Sox, as Beckett takes the hill to face Joel Pineiro.

I went on a rant about how Pineiro is not good, but then he didn't even start because Haren took his place. Well he gets his shot tonight, and I still say he sucks. I just can't believe Pineiro is anything that should be able to shut down the Sox, even when they are missing Drew, Pedroia, and Ellsbury.

The big question is which Beckett will show up today (and for the rest of the season). Will we see the same Beckett from the beginning of the year that was horrible and looked like his career was going in a tailspin, OR will we see the pitcher that was on track for a Cy Young last year before the last month of the season? The answer to that question could have a lot to do with whether or not the Sox make the playoffs.

I still believe in Beckett, and I think he still wants to be the "Ace". If that is the case then he has to really step up, because this Red Sox rotation has been filthy lately. I think Beckett gets it done today, and the Sox win their 3rd in a row.

Boston wins 5-3
Player of the Game: Ortiz

Game starts at 3:35pm on NESN.

Why Not?

Why not watch this douche get what he deserves?

As If We Needed Another Reason To Drink

Research, published in the journal Rheumatology, found that arthritis sufferers who drink alcohol regularly are less susceptible to severe symptoms of the debilitating disease. The study also found that teetotalers were four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than people who drank alcohol on more than ten days a month.

Dr Maxwell said: “X-rays showed there was less damage to joints, blood tests showed lower levels of inflammation, and there was less joint pain, swelling and disability (news.com.au).

Well there you have it, keep knocking back those beers, because in the long run it'll only help you. Seriously though, doesn't it make sense? You drink, and suddenly your arthritis goes away. I will actually go one step further.

Got a bad back? Drink.
Headache? Drink.
DP makes bold claims about JaMarcus Russell making the Pro Bowl? Drink.
JD Drew says the word hamstring? Drink.

2010 NFL Team By Team Previews

Dueling Couches will be starting their annual team by team previews for the upcoming NFL season Monday August 2nd. We will also be starting our 2nd annual top 25 players under 25 rankings sometime in August.

Bruins Looking To Sign Bill Guerin

Reports released this week say that the Bruins are trying to sign Bill Guerin. I originally didn't report this story, because I didn't understand how they could do it. Yet, after reading some other rumors it might make sense.

Now that the Kings have most likely lost out of Ilya Kovalchuk rumor is they are going out and looking for another forward. That forward could be Marc Savard. We all know the Bruins have been shopping him, and it would make sense if this is the place. The Bruins need to clear space with Wheeler in arbitration (most likely will get 2.5 million), and they still need to sign Tyler Seguin. If the Bruins were able to move Savard it could make it possible for them to sign both these guys, and Bill Guerin, who could be a nice fit for the Bruins on the wing.

Bunch Of Red Sox Injury Updates

Ton of injury news coming out today from the Red Sox camp.

- Pedroia has been told by doctors to slow down his comeback a bit. He tired running yesterday and his foot is still sore. The Sox (and doctors) don't want him doing anything that causes him pain. If he was to reinjure his foot it would most likely knock him out for the year, and could cause long term problems. Still, Pedroia still thinks he can come back soon, just probably not by Aug 6th like originally planned.

- Mike Lowell hit three homers and drove in five in a rehab game for Triple-A Pawtucket. This was Lowell's 4th game in the minors. Lowell played third base yesterday and could be activated by the Red Sox as soon as this weekend, when the Sox return home. The 3 HRs will hopefully help his trade value, and the fact he was playing the field can't hurt.

- JD Drew will have an MRI on his hamstring at some point today. The Sox hope they can have him back by Friday, but I'm not holding my breathe. Drew says his hamstring has been bothering him for the past 3-4 weeks. The only good news is that if he does go on the DL we might be able to see Sox prospect Ryan Kalish (who is having a hell of a year) brought up to the majors.

- Holy shit, there has been an Ellsbury sighting... Ellsbury went 1-for-2 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in his second rehab game. The plan is to have him make 2-3 more rehab starts at the lower levels before bringing him up to AAA.

Why Not?

Why not make a Daft Punk helmet in 17 months?


If you need a refresher it comes from one of the best music videos of all time.

Finger In Butt Leads To Chaos

DALLAS - A Dallas woman touched her friend's buttocks, sparking an assault and attempted stabbing, police said. More

I really don't know where to begin with this story. I guess sticking your finger in someones butt crack is frowned upon, but does it merit a potential stabbing/assault, No?

We all remember the credit car phase and sure it made me want to punch whoever was doing it to me, but you just had to accept it as being really gay and violating and move on with your day.

Here's another great quote from the article:
"According to a police report, 22-year-old Laquita Mattox rubbed a finger along the victim's butt crack, prompting her to clench her buttocks. The victim claimed the clenching caused the bed she was sitting on to break, angering Mattox."

So this girls ass had enough power to break a bed by clenching her cheeks? That should be a superpower.

Celtics News

The Celtics are still a contender for the NBA championship and team president Danny Ainge's plan is to add a veteran or two that can help the team.

The Boston Globe lists Delonte West, a former Celtic, Shaquille O'Neal and Roger Mason as possibilities.

West is expected to be waived by Minnesota in the next few days and O'Neal wants to play for a contender and has only a few options at this time.

The Celtics are also looking at bringing back Eddie House and Michael Finley. ESPN

I would be so happy if the Celtics brought in Shaq and Delonte. I would be perfectly happy if that is how our offseason wrapped up. Delonte (although crazy) is a good player and a good shooter, when we got rid of him for Ray Allen, I felt really bad because he loved it here in Boston, and if we can give him another opportunity that would be great. He would be a great 2 for our second unit, he's a fiesty defender, a good shot and a reliable free throw shooter.

And Shaq will be a great option too. Once Perk gets healthy and if we get him our bigs will be, Perk, Baby, Jermaine O'Neal and Shaq. Not bad on paper, huh? If this pans out and we do get those 2 guys, we would have had the second best offseason to the Heat.

Stephen Strasburg Sits Out

Rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg was diagnosed with inflammation in his pitching shoulder after being scratched from his scheduled start for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night because he had problems warming up his prized and powerful right arm. ESPN

Owners of Strasburg in fantasy, DO NOT PANIC this is just a very precautionary drill. If Strasburg said his little toe was sore they would keep him out a start. He is so talented that the Nationals don't want to take any chances with this guy at all, and neither would I. He's a phenom and is going to be the face of baseball going into the "Pitching Era" and will be o.k. This kid has lived up to the hype and will continue to progress for a up and coming Nationals team.

In nine starts for Washington, Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA, 75 strikeouts and 15 walks in 54 1/3 innings. WOW.

T.O. Is A Bengal

The Bengals and Terrell Owens agreed to a one year, 2 million dollar deal.

I really like this deal for the Bengals because I still believe Owens in a playmaker and see not a huge difference between him and Randy Moss for the exception of a couple of dropped balls. The Bengals now have the best tandem of WR for the AFC North (sorry Ravens). Now that Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are on the same team, the Bengals will be very entertaining, and will have a ton of fines especially when it comes to touchdown celebrations.

But another thing I want to point out, is why wouldn't the Patriots take a flier on this guy. Bmack and I were talking last night and he would have been a very good risk for them to take instead of Tory Holt. The Patriots lack of moves this offseason should be very concerning to their fans. They haven't got better on offense, nor defense, via free agency and that could certainly could mean trouble for them especially when they go against AFC East favorite Jets.

Red Sox 4, Angels 2

An inspired start by John Lackey, and some late inning offense gave the Sox' their 6th straight win over the Angels. Lackey went 7.1 innings, allowing 2 runs off 7 hits, finally securing that elusive 10th win. He's been stellar in his last 3 starts, all against AL West opponents. He has a 1.61 ERA over that stretch.

It probably should have been a 7 inning, 1 earned run start by Lackey. Francona tried him in the 8th inning, and it didn't work. I understand the desire to keep Bard fresh, but Lackey's pitch-count was up there, the game was very tight, and the Sox can't afford to lose games at this stage because they're afraid of losing games in September.

The Sox got their production from some relatively unlikely sources. Scutaro was 3 for 5 with a double and 2 runs. Lowrie was 2 for 5 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI. His big hit in the 7th turned the game to the Sox' favor.

The Sox look for the sweep this afternoon at 3:35 as Beckett faces Joel Pineiro.

-The Commodore

Chick Of The Day

Today's chicks are a bunch of hot girls fishing.

For more Tits and Bass Click Here

Red Sox @ Angels Preview

John Lackey returns home tonight to face the Angels new "ace" Jered Weaver. Lackey is 9-5 with a 4.36 ERA with the Red Sox, but has been much better of late pitching 15 innings over his last 2 starts and only letting up 2 runs, which is impressive when one of those teams are the Texas Rangers.

Weaver has stepped up big time for the Angels going 9-6 with a 3.22 ERA. Yet, the Sox might have luck on their side, as Weaver has not been as sharp of late giving up at least 3 runs in 3 out of his 4 starts.

I expect the Sox to win tonight. With Buchholz pitching a gem last night, and the Sox getting V-Mart back I expect this team to make a run. The bullpen is obviously still the big question, so Lackey is going to need to pitch at least 7 innings tonight. I think he does, and the Sox win.

Boston wins 7-4
Player of the Game: Ortiz

Game starts at 10:05pm on NESN.

Adam Dunn More Likely To Be Dealt

The Nationals have said from the beginning that if they can resign Adam Dunn that would be their preference, but as the trading deadline looms closer, and still no extension odds are Dunn will be traded soon. The White Sox and Rangers are known to have interest in Dunn, who is a free agent after the season.

There are rumors going around right now that the Nationals could be in talks with two other clubs about a three-team trade that would send Dunn to the White Sox and Edwin Jackson to Washington.

Of all the team the White Sox seem the most likely. Texas is in flux with new management, and they really can't be spending much more money now that they have Cliff Lee until the team is sold. Plus, Dunn just seems to fit the White Sox mold, it would be like having Thome back in his prime.

So yea, my bet is Chicago.

Terrence Cody Flunks Physical

In the least shocking news of the day...

Baltimore Ravens second-round draft pick Terrence Cody has failed his conditioning test and was not permitted to participate in the team's first training camp practice. The 360-pound defensive tackle out of Alabama signed a three-year contract Monday and arrived at McDaniel College eager to launch his NFL career. But after flunking his physical, he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, "When he passes the conditioning test, he'll practice (CBS)."

This dude is huge, and I don't care he failed this. he will eventually pass, and he will be taking up a lot of space in the middle of that field. The Ravens have to be excited at the thought of Ray Lewis having more room to move around with this guy taking up attention in the middle of the field.

Still, it's been a tough couple of weeks for the Ravens. Their other draft pick (Kindle) is out with a fractured skull after falling down a flight of stairs at his home, and will most likely miss most (if not all) of training camp, which is never good as a rookie. I still expect the Ravens to be a very dangerous team this year and they are my favorite to win the AFC North.

Why Not?

Why not watch a whale land on a sailboat?

Welker Put on PUP List

"the Patriots placed wide receiver Wes Welker on the active/physically unable to perform list in a procedural move before the opening of training camp. Welker, recovering from surgery to repair his ACL and MCL he tore in the final game of the 2009 regular season, is eligible to be removed from the list at any time. The advantage to the team is that it frees up a roster spot (WEEI)."

A lot of people are making a big deal out of this, but it means nothing. It is just a safety net for the Patriots in case Welker isn't ready for the start of the season. What we need to watch for is if he is on this list week 1, because if he is then he is out for the first 6 weeks of the regular season. A player on the preseason PUP can be taken off at any time, and most reports still suggest that Welker will be ready to go week 1.

Kiffin's Douchebaggery Knows No End

Kiffin is once again in trouble, this time it is for luring assistant coach Kennedy Pola away from the Titans without giving any kind of notice. The Titans are now suing Kiffin and USC. How much more is this guy going to get away with, and how pissed is USC right now?

Kiffin just has no respect for anyone, and it is going to catch up to him. Even though he was just hired he has to be on a short lease. It is amazing that he would do this to an USC alum (Fisher), and once again screw with the state of Tennessee. I mean hasn't he done enough to that poor state?

Whatever, fuck Kiffin. He's just an asshole, and USC is going to suck for a long time. Kiffin will be fired in the next 1-2 years, and he will have a hard time finding another job, because everyone is aware that he is nothing but problems wherever he goes.

Why Not?

Oh those crazy iceland people.

Not A Shocker Here: Louisiana is America's Laziest State

A new ranking by Businessweek.com based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Louisiana claims the top spot as the country's laziest state. To be clear, by "lazy" we do not mean lacking work ethic or engagement. Rather, it is a measure of leisure time spent doing sedentary activities compared with activities that require more physical effort, such as exercising and even working. Mississippi and Arkansas came in second and third, and while states in the south and southeast are represented heavily in the list, such East Coast states as Delaware and New York placed in the top 20. More

That's why I miss it so much. Everything is slower down there and is more fattening. I mean I did work two jobs while being there, but I don't count because I'm from the north. But if not for the Saints winning the Superbowl there probably wouldn't be one positive thing to say about the state other than their food and friendliness. The place gets hit by oil spills, hurricanes, tons of crime and ridiculous heat, so can you really blame them for not wanting to do much? I can't wait to tell my grandkids one day of a magical place called New Orleans.

Celtics To Bring back House

The Celtics have talked about bringing back Eddie House for the veteran minimum this year.

I don't know if I'm the biggest fan of this. We already have Nate and bringing back Eddie could disrupt Nate from being a legitimate 6th man candidate. Eddie is also an undersized guard that is a spot up shooter. he can't really dribble, he can't really defend, he's only good for a streaky shooter. I don't really understand this move, but hey, we need bodies I guess.

Chris Paul "wants" to Stay In NO

After Chris Paul met with the Owner and President of the Hornets he had this to say:
"The meeting went well. It was great to get an opportunity to sit down with coach Williams, [team] president [Hugh] Weber and our new general manager, Dell Demps," Paul's statement said. "I expressed my desire to win and I like what they said about the direction that they want to take the team. I have been a Hornet my entire career and I hope to represent the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana for many years to come."

That's the biggest crock of BS I have ever heard in my life. This is exactly how the meeting went:

Chris Paul walks in

Chris: I want out

Hugh Weber: You're not going anywhere we aren't trading you, and this is what you're going to put on twitter so everyone in New Orleans doesn't hate you.

Chris: I want to be traded, seriously! Here are the teams I...

Hugh Weber: You're not going anywhere we aren't trading you, and this is what you're going to put on twitter so everyone in New Orleans doesn't hate you.

Hugh Weber: Why are you still in my office? Bye.

Chris Paul walks out with his head down

There are still rumors out there that CP3 still wants to be traded, but why the hell would New Orleans do that? Chris is just going to have to deal with it. This situation could get real ugly fast.

Red Sox 6, Angels 3

I hate the term "must-win," especially if it's used for a baseball team in July. However, last night was as close to a must-win scenarios as you can get this time of year. The Rays won, the Yankees won, and the Sox were fresh off a 2-2 split in Seattle.

The Sox won't be acquiring any big name players at the deadline, but they did add All-Star catcher Victor Martinez last night. And he immediately contributed, hitting an RBI single in the 2nd.

But the two big stories were Clay Buchholz and the collective performance by the Sox' 3-4-5 hitters. Buchholz navigated his way around danger - including a 0 out, bases loaded situation in the 2nd - and went 7 solid innings. During that bases loaded jam, his body language got all flustered, by he bore down and did his job. He's come a long way in the confidence department. He couldn't do that last year. His outing was almost spoiled by a wretched Scott Atchison appearance.

I think the Sox should invest in either one good middle-reliever, or two decent middle-relievers at the deadline. Okajima, Delcarmen, Atchison, and Ramirez are all dreadful. They've leaned on Bard all season, and I hate seeing them forced to use Papelbon to get more than 3 outs.

Back to the positives from last night, the 3-4-5 hitters (Youkilis-Ortiz-Beltre) were stupendous, combining to go 7 for 12, scoring 5 runs, knocking in 3. Ortiz hit a pair of homers, Beltre a triple.

The Sox will strive to make it 6-0 against the Angels tonight, as Lackey faces 9-2 Jared Weaver.

-The Commodore

Chick Of The Day

Jennifer Lopez. I still crank it to her.




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Red Sox @ Angels Preview

Big series for both these teams, as they are both on the brink of being out of the playoff race. Tonight the Sox have Buchholz going against Joel Pineiro. Am I think only one that doesn't respect Joel Pineiro at all? Honestly, I think he sucks I don't get how he is even 10-7 with a 4.18 ERA. Maybe I'm wrong, but I refuse to take him seriously.

Buchholz on the other hand is a stud. He had a roug first start back, but I think that was rust more then anything else. The Angels aren't a great hitting team, so I expect Buchholz to have a strong start tonight. Saying that, he hasn't had great success against the Angels in his career (2-2 with a 6.35 ERA in four career starts).

Hopefully V-Mart will start tonight, as his comeback along with the other guys who have come back this week, will breathe some life into this team that has really seemed to have hit a wall over the past couple of weeks. The Sox need to start winning now, and I think they get it done tonight.

Boston wins 10-3
Player of the Game: Buchholz

Game starts at 10:05PM on NESN.

Sharni Vinson In Maxim

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V-Mart Should Be Back Today

Victor Martinez appears ready to be activated from the 15-day disabled list for Monday's Red Sox game against the Angels in Anaheim. Here is what Francona had to say...

"I actually think he's probably going to be ready," Francona said. "If he comes in and says, 'I'm hurting,' we're not going to do it. All things point to him being ready to go."

During the last week the Sox have got Buchholz, Beckett, Hermida, and V-Mart back, so if there was ever a time this team should make a run it is now and when they get Pedroia and Ellsbury back. The question is do they have enough to overcome thier hole in the standings. Currently the Rays are 5 games up on the Sox for the Wild Card, and the Yankees have an 8 game lead for the AL East. Sure it is possible, but the fact the Sox bullpen is so bad worries me. These starters are going to need to pitch 7 games every night if they are going to have a shot at making the playoffs. The thing is this rotation is so good that they have the talent to pull it off.

I'm really interested to see how V-Mart plays the rest of the season. He is a free agent at the end of the year, and he hasn't really had a great year. Hopefully this will fire him up and he will finish out the year strong.

Dez Bryant Tells Williams To Fuck Off

Sportscenter is making a big deal out of this story. Honestly, I think it is a non-issue...

Receiver Dez Bryant has done everything right on the field during the first two days of Dallas Cowboys training camp, but he refuses to participate in an NFL rite of passage. According to the rookie first-round pick, Roy Williams and the other veteran receivers can carry their own shoulder pads after practice. Williams gave his pads to Bryant after Sunday's morning practice, but Bryant declined to carry them. Williams threatened to go to "step two" when talking to reporters.

"I'm not doing it," Bryant said. "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads (ESPN)."

Usually I would jump all over this guy saying that he needs to carry his pads and be a normal rookie, but I hate Roy Williams so much that I really find this whole thing funny. Williams should be carry everyones pads for making so much god damn money and not earning a penny of that. He has to be one of the most overrated players in recent memory, and yet he still gets to cash checks from the Cowboys. I wish Bryant just came out and said that. Something like "Naw man fuck him, he sucks, and has made enough money he can carry his own pads".

Don't get me wrong, Bryant will pay for this in some way, and he will get hazed, but it would be a much stronger statement if it was coming from anyone else other then Roy Williams.