What Does Opening Day Mean

By: Chuck Hilston

                  Opening Day.  It has long been considered one of the great traditions that separate baseball from other American sports.  This actually seems somewhat irrational, since every season has to have a beginning.  However, this one day has a unique feeling of optimism and joy that is missing from other sports.   But what specifically makes it so special?  There are some universal themes, like the love of the game and the feeling it creates, but the reaction to it differs across the country. 

                  As I head west along I-90, past the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I am already reminded on what is likely a cool and potentially rainy afternoon, how special baseball season is on the shores of Lake Erie. Nearby schools and workplaces are substantially emptied by undoubtedly one of the highest “common cold epidemics” in recent memory.  Signs on billboards, buses, and buildings remind me that “It’s Tribe Time Now!”  But why?   While the Indians have achieved some success in recent years, they are still 64 years removed from their last World Series championship, and though there is optimism as we look at some of our younger players, the smart money is on the Tigers repeating as division champs.  I think part of it is the cultural fabric the Indians have created within the city.  You don’t even have to be a hardcore baseball fan to know what opening day means here:  summer is coming!   Regardless of how the Indians’ fortunes might shape out this season, year after year, Clevelanders pack the ballpark, not only out of loyalty, but also because the scene is so beautiful at ProgressiveField.   The unbelievable weather along Lake Erie during the summer is another factor that brings the fans out.   Regardless of how the season goes, this is a special place to enjoy America’s national pastime.

                  FenwayPark is another place that inspires awe at the incredible purity and panoramic views of their stadium.  The difference is that they’ve had a winning product in recent years.   Regardless of their late-season misfortune last year (which I don’t really feel that excessive consumption of beer and chicken had a lot to do with), Red Sox nation still has plenty to be optimistic about.  With their roster still virtually intact from last season, there is good reason to be happy as the new season approaches. The likelihood is incredibly strong that it will be a fun summer in Boston, and everything about their game day experience has the potential to be enjoyed deep into October.

                  South Florida has come to be renowned for its degree of baseball apathy, with attendance often so sparse that it is not difficult to overhear everyone else’s conversations.  For a while, speculation was that they might be moving elsewhere, however, the Marlins are currently taking a huge risk and hoping that there is a payoff.  Having signed Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle to gigantic contracts, they are putting their money on a contending team and beautiful new stadium which they expect will result in a fan boom.  Marlin fans really have a reason to be excited and it could be the first day in their quest for an established baseball team in their city.

                  On the opposite end of the spectrum, Oakland fans could be cherishing one of their last opening days ever.  With declining attendance and product on the field playing in a “football first” stadium, speculation is strong that they could soon be relocating across the bay in San Jose.  While not an enormous move, it would still make going to games for longtime fans in this city much more difficult. However, with the promotions, prices and fan-friendly experience they are trying to create, any intelligent fan in the Bay Area should be making frequent trips to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum where they can enjoy the perfect weather and experience while it lasts.

                  The bottom line is, regardless of what situation your team is in, opening day is one of the greatest days of the year.  Everyone has some reason to be excited, if, for nothing else because baseball is back, and you have to remember one more thing: the worst baseball teams usually win 40 percent of their games, and the best win 60, so each time you go out to the ballpark, you get a chance to see at least one win.  It’s a time of hope and optimism since every team starts out even.  No matter who your team is, you can honestly say “Hey, maybe this is OUR year!” 

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Pick of the Day - April 14th

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Overall: 5-6-1

Week: 2-2-1

Month: 5-6-1

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (AWAY) OVER PHOENIX COYOTES (HOME)

If Vrbata doesn't play, the Coyotes have no ability to score goals. They are a low scoring team to begin with and Vrbata was their lead scorer with 35 goals this season. Next best was Ray Whitney with 24 goals. Even if he manages to play, it is hard to believe he will be close to 100%. Chicago will bounce back from a tough OT defeat in Game 1. Take Chicago.

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Tampa Bay Rays Pitching Preview

By: Lauren Burg

As 34,000 have taken to Tropicana Field in celebration of Rays opening day, and the raising of yet another banner, I feel that it's my duty to give you a preview of the Rays' starting pitching rotation, widely thought to be one of the best in the majors. 

James Shields

Coming off his best season in the majors, right-handed pitcher Shields gets a well-deserved start on Opening Day. In 2011, Shields led the Rays with a 16-12 record and a 2.82 earned run average (ERA). He also threw a major league best 11 complete games with four shutouts while striking out 225 batters faced. His ERA, strikeouts, complete games and shutouts were all career bests for him. More than that, however, he saved his bullpen early in the season so the Rays could have a chance to make their miraculous run at the postseason.

David Price

Coming off a rougher season than expected, left-handed pitcher Price is hoping to find his form from 2010 in 2012. In 2011, Price struggled to a 12-13 record with a 3.49 ERA. In 2010, however, Price had a 19-6 record and 2.72 ERA with two complete games. That was good enough for a second place finish, behind Seattle's Felix Hernandez, in the 2010 AL Cy Young voting. 

Jeremy Hellickson

Coming off a relatively good, AL Rookie of the Year winning, first season in the majors, the right-handed pitching Hellickson hopes that 2012 is even better. In 2011, Hellickson finished with a winning 13-10 record, had a 2.95 ERA along with two complete games of his own. In four appearances as a call-up from AAA Durham, the Rays minor-league affiliate, in 2010, Hellickson had a perfect 4-0 record but a relatively high ERA of 3.47. 

Jeff Niemann

Injuries would be a good word to describe Niemann's 2011 season. Coming into 2012, and winning the battle for the final starting spot over fellow pitcher Wade Davis in Spring Training, Niemann now hopes to stay healthy and help these Rays battle for another shot at the postseason and possibly even an AL East division title. Niemann, in 2011, had an 11-7 record, a rather high 4.06 ERA with one complete game.

Matt Moore

In what will be his first full season in the majors, the left-hander Moore is hoping for a season similar, if not better, than what Hellickson had last season. He has a great chance to do just that. In his lone 2011 regular season start Moore was 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA. He also made three appearances from the Rays bullpen with one save. Better than that, however, was his only postseason start, game one of the American League division series in Texas against the Texas Rangers. Moore, in that start, allowed only one run as the Rays beat the Rangers, the Rays only win of that series. 

With this rotation, a bullpen with more experience and, hopefully, the clutch hitting they hope to have acquired these 2012 Rays hope to make a run at another World Series and, possibly, the organization's first World Series title. At least that's the hope of Rays fans, players and everyone within the organization.

*All pitching statistics can be found by clicking on the pitchers name at http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=tb#playerType=ALL&sectionType=sp&statType=pitching&page_type=SortablePlayer&season=2012&season_type=ANY&sportCode=%27mlb%27&league_code=%27MLB%27&split=&team_id=139&active_sw=&game_type=%27S%27&position=%271%27&sortOrder=%27asc%27&sortColumn=era&results=&page=1&perPage=50&timeframe=&extended=0&last_x_days=&ts=1333746351690&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+pitching. *

**You can contact me, Lauren Burg, on Twitter @TBLightning491.**

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Who will be the Red Sox closer by the end of the season?

Justin Millar

I still think Daniel Bard is set to return to the bullpen. In his first start the other day, Bard allowed 5 runs over 5 innings. He did strike out 6, but I think this is what Bard will be as a starter. He will strike out plenty but also allow alot of runs. I think he will be back in the bullpen after a few more starts, where he should excel and overtake Alfredo Aceves for the closer spot. Roy Oswalt to Boston?

Mini Buddah- Fantasy Guru

Ugh, living in Boston and watching the bullpen in shambles hurts. Not as much as hearing Pap say that Philly fans are better than us, but still hurts. Speaking of, I can't wait for his "Philly faithful" to boo his sorry ass when he gets rocked. OK rant over...I think you will see Aceves settle down in the role and create a little cushion, but not nearly enough to hold off Andrew Bailey come July. If there is a setback with Bailey's recovery, don't be surprised to see Bobby V (if he's there long enough to live it out) look at Franklin Morales in the role. He's the dark horse that nobody is talking about, and if the current situation continues to stumble, don't be surprised if Morales steps up.

Austin Mayland

Andrew Bailey.  He is out for 3-4 months but he was brought there to be the closer and as of now I don’t see Aceves or Melancon being dominant enough to keep him out of that role when he comes back.  There has been talk of Padilla and Bard also being thrown into the mix but I just don’t see it.  The only chance of it being someone other than Bailey is either them trading for someone like K-Rod or Broxton and I only see them doing this if Bailey has some complications from the surgery.

Zac Cordova

I have a simple two part answer. If he is healthy, it will be Andrew Bailey because he is the most talented closer on the roster, if he is not healthy, Michael Bowden is in Pawtucket currently and is pitching well. If the Motley Crew of Meloncon and Aceves cannot hold down the fort, I can see the Red Sox panicing and calling up Bowden to fill a bullpen role, and eventually slide into the closers role.

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Which of the 3 Big Extensions (Santana, Kinsler, Phillips) Do You Like the Best?

Justin Millar

The Carlos Santana extension was a great signing by the Indians. They lock up a potential top 2 catcher for the next 5 years. In just 201 big league games, Santana has put up a career 6.4 WAR. That offensive production from the catchers position is hard to find. The 26 year old is also headed into the prime of his career and the next 5 years will likely be his peak seasons. Santana signed for just $21 million. He only needs to be worth 4 wins for the Indians to break even. They will likely break even this season.

Mini Buddah- Fantasy Guru

Ian Kinsler, although Texas payed a pretty penny, it keeps him with the team through his prime years. Unlike the Santana contract, this was Kinsler's "once-a-career contract" and the numbers he has put up warrant the paycheck. As long as he can stay healthy, he can put up plenty of 30/30 seasons in the next 5 (or 6) years. Still only 29, he's less of a long-term risk than Phillips. 

Austin Mayland

I like Brandon Phillips the best. Ian Kinsler and Phillips are both about the same player, roughly same average, amount of hrs, and amount of steals; Phillips has the edge in fielding though.  While producing roughly the same numbers as Kinsler, the Reds got him at a cheaper price for a longer term.  What isn’t there to like about that? 

 

Zac Cordova

Brandon Phillips. While it seems like he has been around forever, he is only 30 years old. Since he joined the Reds in 2006, he has played in at least 140 games, with season averages of .279, 21 HRs, and 81 RBIs. With Phillips extension, the Reds were rewarding him for his consistently excellent play at 2b, a very hard hole to fill. Kinsler, while the most talented of the three, is too much of an injury risk for my liking, and as we have seen with Mauer, above average catchers are one injury away from being below average first basemen. I will take Phillips consistency over the upside of the other two.

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Who Had the Best Opening Day Performance?

Justin Millar

Ill go with Jered Weaver. In 8 inning Weaver struck out 10 while allowing no runs and just 4 hits. Weaver faced a stacked Royals lineup and proceeded to strike out Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, and Billy Butler a combined 7 times.


Mini Buddah- Fantasy Guru

Chad Billingsley. I never thought I'd say that, but his dominance was on display for all (on the west coast) to see. 4 base runners allowed, 2 of them in the 2nd inning. Pair that with 11 K's and the old "ace of the future" appeared in the bright lights of Hollywood. If he can continue to keep his control in tact, he can build off that start and string together an ace-like season. 


Austin Mayland


I’d have to go with Justin Masterson.  He allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits over 8 innings while striking out 10 against a decently hitting Blue Jays lineup.  The only thing that could have made this start better was Chris Perez not blowing the save.  


Zac Cordova


Carlos Pena. Before the season, if you wanted to pick out a chink in the Rays armor, it would have to be offense. Behind Evan Longoria, the Rays just don’t have a consistant run producer. For one reason or another, Pena never got comfortable in Chicago. After taking a reasonable one year deal to return home, Pena finds himself back in the heart of the Rays lineup. His grand slam in the season opener wasn’t the best overall performance, but the hope and assurance that he was back to being the Carlos Pena from a few years back gives the Rays the confidence that they can win the division, and that is a very scary team to give confidence to.

Agree or Disagree? Our Writers would love to hear your feedback as this is a Baseball Round Table! Thanks for reading!

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Pick of the Day - April 13th

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Overall: 5-6

Week: 2-2

Month: 5-6

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-3) (AWAY) OVER PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (HOME)

LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 28.2 points against the Mavericks the past 2 seasons. Unfortunately, he announced Thursday that he is out for the year. Without Aldridge, the Mavs have the edge. Less than a week ago the Blazers beat Dallas 99-97 in OT with Aldridge putting up 25 points and 12 rebounds. I do not believe Portland has the players to make up for what they lose with Aldridge. Take Dallas.

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Pay-triotism: The American Way

Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen and compensation for Olympic basketball players

@BreakTheHuddle

"You talk about the patriotism that guys should want to play for, but you [need to] find a way to entice the guys. It's not the easiest thing in the world if you play deep in the playoffs and then you get two, three weeks off… It's fun, but your body does need a break." – Ray Allen

"The biggest thing is now you get no rest, so you go to the end of the season, [Team USA] training camp is two weeks later. You're giving up a lot to do it. It's something you want to do. But it's taxing on your body. You're not playing for the dollar. But it would be nice if you would get compensated." – DwayneWade

The comment made above by Ray Allen got a small amount of publicity. It was only when these sentiments were echoed by Dwayne Wade (of the lightning rod team known as the Miami Heat) that they morphed into a big news story. Wade and Allen’s words were very unpopular with fans – one poll on ESPN’s SportsNation had over 31,000 responses (as of Wednesday at midnight) and 84% of those people felt that NBA players should not be paid for playing in the Olympics. Comments on news stories covering this topic questioned his patriotism and his heart. 

I’m fully aware of how unpopular the following argument is going to be, but I have to make it anyway: the condemnation of Wade and Allen is misguided and disingenuous. What is more American than asking for fair compensation for services rendered? For professional athletes, their bodies are their businesses. They have every right to protect their assets, or to at least be paid in order to put them at risk.

Do NBA players like Dwayne Wade and Ray Allen need more money? Of course not. But their previous wealth should have nothing to do with the question at hand. USA Basketball needs these stars much more than the players need the Olympics. As far as the players are concerned, their primary duty is to themselves, in order to maximize their earning potential during the fleeting window of opportunity when their athleticism grants them the chance to make money. Their second duty is to the NBA teams which employ them; those are the ones taking financial risks by guaranteeing the players large contracts.

The idea that these athletes ought to have a sense of overarching, all-encompassing patriotism is as antiquated as it is naïve. The “American Way” in business is to engage in rational, free-market exchange of goods and services. By playing in the Olympics and promoting the game internationally, American NBA players have spurned interest (and garnered bountiful new markets) in countries where it never existed before (China, Russia, Israel, Turkey, Greece, the former Yugoslavia, etc).

What would be so terrible about giving something back to the players who actually perform the work in generating all that revenue? There is a time and a place for self-sacrifice and service to one’s country, but it’s hard to fault players for looking at the Games from a business angle because that’s precisely what the Olympics is – business.

After the 1988 Games, the International Olympic Committee opened the door to professionals being eligible to participate. Since that time, professional sports have undergone a sonic boom in terms of popularity, exposure and revenue. If the Olympics were really about the selfless sacrifice of each country’s youth, participating at the highest levels of their chosen sports, then the Olympics would have never allowed itself to be ‘corrupted’ by professionals. But the people running the Olympics were businessmen, too, and realized the obvious – we’ll draw a lot more of an audience if the athletes are already famous.

This day was bound to come. It was unavoidable the moment Olympic amateurism died. Even so, Wade stated that he doesn’t play in the Olympics “for the dollar” but still admitted it would be nice to be compensated. Besides voicing his opinion, what is his other option? If he were offered a spot on the team and refused to play, people would be raking him over the coals anyway.

So before you get worked up about millionaires asking for more money to play for their country, stop and consider that there’s much more to it than that. And remember that the American cure for all ills, the free market, occasionally has unintended (and uncomfortable) side effects. But I’m not sure anyone would have it any other way.

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You Should Play For Your Country, Not For The Money

By: Chad Smith

Representing your country in the Olympics is an honor and a privilege. The whole point of the Olympics is to celebrate the amateur athlete. Amateur athletes enjoy the pure competition of sport, they do not do it to make money. No athlete gets paid for representing their country in one of the greatest sporting events on earth. However if you’re a self entitled NBA athlete then you believe you deserve some compensation for having the privilege to play for your country. Dwyane Wade said he thinks NBA athletes deserve to be compensated for their participation in the Olympics. Ray Allen said the same thing and I think both of them are delusional. Only NBA athletes would say something this arrogant and self entitled. These guys see the Olympics as a job and an annoyance. I understand it’s in the middle of your offseason when you get a break from having to run up and down a court but you still get a break. People with careers don’t get 4 months off to rest. You get a couple weeks after the season is over to rest and a couple weeks after the Olympics to rest before the season starts. The Olympics aren’t costing these players any money by representing their country, in fact they might be gaining money by showing how elite they truly are and opening themselves up to new sponsorships. 

Hockey superstar Alexander Ovechkin said after the 2010 Winter Olympics that if the NHL did not take a break in 2014 he would take two weeks off from the NHL to play for Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Other NHL players reiterated similar thoughts. These guys would sacrifice pay checks to wear their nation’s colors over their shoulders. NHLers get it. They get that playing for and representing your country on a worldwide stage is the highest honor an athlete can receive. They see it as fun and a chance to show why they are one of the greatest athletes in the world. And these guys do it in the middle of their regular season, not in their offseason. Once they complete the Olympics it is right back to work for them in the middle of a grueling 82 game schedule.

I’ve never heard a soccer player, baseball player (when it was part of the Olympics), or any other Olympian complain about not getting compenstated. Wade’s comment shows me that he thinks America should be honored to have him wear our colors. When in fact he should feel honored America wants him to wear the red, white, and blue. Add this to the list of comments showing just how disconnected these guys are from real life. They live in a fantasy land where they think everything revolves around them. Guys come back to earth and realize that you do not compete in the Olympics for yourself but for your country.


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Go Drink Your “Hatorade”: Lebron James Edition

By Julia Chongarlides

“I am taking my talents to South Beach,” said the infamous LBJ. And, that is exactly what he did. Two years later, there is still hype along with masses of hatred towards Lebron James. And, this is all, because he left his home state for a better opportunity in Miami. Lebron’s final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended in a loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. But being apart of the “Big Three” in Miami landed him in the NBA Finals. There is nothing wrong with taking a better opportunity if it approaches itself.

Lebron now has experienced, talented players surrounding him, which improves his play. LBJ is averaging an increase of .8% rebounds for Heat. Dwayne Wade and Udonis Haslem, Lebron’s current teammates, won the NBA Championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat.  And this season LBJ is playing with 9 players that have at least five years experience in the NBA.

Wade and LBJ have an unspoken continuity that is breath taking when seen live. During last week’s game at Boston, Wade stole the ball and automatically chucked the ball across court to Lebron, who dunked for an easy two points. It’s as if they have ESP. This bond happens very seldom in sports.

LBJ has NOT broken any laws, acquired any DUIs, beaten his wife, or caught up in any sexual accusations. So, why is everything he does under a microscope of negativity? Just last month, he offered to take pictures with servicemen when the team’s plane stopped in Oklahoma to re-fuel. He, actually, was the ringleader of the whole operation.

Lebron James is now 27 years old and still learning how to talk to the media. Remember, he never went to college and got that growing experience that most players develop. College provides experience speaking in front of the media while giving players a taste of fame before entering the big league.

That being said, LBJ has done nothing wrong or against the law so stop YOUR HATING, life will go on. 

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Why Lebron James Deserves the Hatred

By: Chad Smith

His nickname is the King. Yet the King has never won a championship and cannot close in the 4^th quarter of a big game.Lebron James is not a King. Plain and simple Kings win and there is a reason why the “best” player in the NBA doesn’t have a ring… He’s not a true winner a.k.a King. Besides his lack of on the court killer instinct he is the biggest douchbag off the court. Here are some of the reasons why Baby Bron Bron sucks at life and deserves all the hatred thrown his way:

Dunk Contest for a Million Dollars? – LeBron James said he would consider participating in the NBA Dunk Contest for a million dollars. Good thing he isn’t one of the highest paid guys in the NBA. He did take that that giant pay cut to play in Miami though. In all seriousness he should be in the dunk contest for the fans. Him saying he wants a million dollars to participate shows he doesn’t care about basketball, the NBA, and more importantly the fans.

Needs steak already cut (Link) – How big of a baby do you need to be to go into a steak house and ask for your steak to be well done and cut up for you when it’s served. I understand the well done part however this is almost as upsetting because I feel no self respecting man should ever get a steak well done. But ordering your steak to be pre cut for you? Come on he’s supposed to be 27 years old and is too good to use a fork and knife like another person in the restaurant? Guess when everything has been handed to you on a silver platter you expect things like this. If I owned a restaurant and a grown man asked for his steak to be cut I would have a hard time not going to laugh in his face.

Everybody blames me mentality – “I’m an easy target; if someone wants to get a point across -- just throw LeBron's name in there, You could be watching cartoons with your kids and you don't like it, you say, 'Blame it on LeBron.' If you go to the grocery store and they don't have the milk that you like, you just say, 'It's LeBron's fault.' " – He’s supposed to be a leader on his team and in the NBA yet thinks he is blamed for milk not being in a grocery store and bad cartoons. Star athletes get blamed all the time. Instead of keeping his head up and ignoring like the great ones do, Baby Bron Bron decides to cry about it in an interview.

Getting rid of tape with 16 year old dunking on him – Everyone saw the video of the 16 year old kid dunking on LeBron. He complained to Nike and had them destroy the tape.  It still got out. I think this just shows how insecure he is and needs everyone to think he is perfect.

Making fun of a Dirk for playing sick – As a fellow athlete, how do you make fun of a guy who just balled his ass off while sick? LeBron knows how difficult it is to play at the professional level healthy and instead of being inspired by the way Dirk played he mocked him. Thankfully the ball never lies and Dirk won the championship because he truly deserved it.

Atlanta Club – He signed a contract with one night club to make an appearance. At the last minute went to a different night club because the offered more money. I have no problem with him making money but if you’re going to sign a contract then you should honor it.

Sponsers for his birthday  – I’m so popular I’m going to get people to sponsor my birthday party… Again how big of a douchbag do you need to be to even thinking of the idea to get sponsors for your party? Your friends with millionaires and you’re one yourself. LeBron is too arrogant and cheap to spend a couple bucks so he and his friends can have a good time. This just shows low character.

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Pick of the Day - April 12th

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Overall: 5-5

Week: 2-1

Month: 5-5

ST. LOUIS BLUES (HOME) (-150) OVER SAN JOSE SHARKS (AWAY)

I try to pick only upsets when I give money line plays, but this is one of those games that is just too good to pass up, especially after the Celtics failed to cover by a half of a point last night. If you bet $75 you will still win $50. The Blues will go with Halak in goal tonight. St. Louis outscored the Sharks 11 to 3 during their four meetings in the regular season, winning all four. Until San Jose shows me that they can play with the Blues, I will take St. Louis each game. Go with the Blues to win.

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Does Reggie Miller deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?

By: Carlos Edwards (@scashhomey)

ReggieMiller once scored 8 points in 11 seconds in an NBA playoff game. That was truly one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen happen on a basketball court. That moment may have been the highlight of Miller’s basketball career, until he found out that he will be immortalized later this year in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is the highest honor that any basketball player could ever imagine receiving. Being an avid NBA fan, I watched a lot of Reggie Miller over the course of his 18 year career. I always admired his toughness, intensity, tireless work ethic, and his legendary jumpshot. As a member of the Hall of Fame, he will join an exclusive club which currently counts such basketball greats as Michael Jordan, MagicJohnson, and Bill Russell as members. While I am happy for Miller, I do have one question. Is he really a Hall of Famer? 

Reggie Miller is without question one of the best shooters in NBA history. Over the course of his career, he made 2,560 three point baskets. This is second only to Ray Allen’s 2,709 (and still counting). He also has career averages of 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. These numbers were amassed while being the number one scoring option on a consistent playoff team for the vast majority of his career. We must also remember that he was a shooting guard, which meant that not only did have to carry the scoring load for his team, but he often had to defend the opponent’s best perimeter player. These are all factors that I am sure the voters thought about when choosing him for induction.

For better or worse Reggie Miller was an extremely popular and polarizing player during his days in the NBA. Fans either loved him or hated him. There wasn’t really anything between those two extremes when it came to Miller. Although he wasn’t universally liked, he was definitely universally respected. In the minds of most basketball fans, his selection to the Hall of Fame is a well deserved honor. I however, disagree with the voters’ decision. Reggie Miller was a very good basketball player who great at one thing and had some great moments. However, he is not an all-time great.

I live in Atlanta, where the most overpaid player in the NBA currently plays. In the mind of most NBA fans (me included), Joe Johnson is a good, but not great player. He is the type of player that will never be the best player on a championship team. In my opinion, there is no chance that he will ever be considered for Hall of Fame induction. Granted, he may one day be considered the best player in Atlanta Hawks history, but that really isn’t saying much. Keeping in mind how I feel about Johnson, I decided to compare his career to that of Reggie Miller. As I stated earlier, Miller has career averages of 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. By comparison Johnson has averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The difference in their scoring average is only .4 points per game, while Johnson has been better at distributing to teammates and crashing the boards. Obviously Johnson is the better all-around player. Reggie Miller was also honored as an all-star 5 times in his 18 year career. Johnson, on the other hand has already made six all-star teams in first 11 NBA seasons. Both players have won the same amount of championships and MVP awards as I have, so they are both even there. Many feel as though Miller is on the long list of great players that would have won a championship had it not been for that guy who wore number 23 in Chicago. I am not sure that I buy that. At no point during the time that Jordan was with the Bulls were the Pacers clearly the second best team in the league with only the Bulls standing in their way.

Reggie Miller is without a doubt one of the best shooters in NBA history. He was also a very good player during his career. Miller had some big moments and definitely earned his reputation as a clutch performer. According to the voters, he is an all time great, deserving of a bust in the Hall of Fame. Fortunately for Miller I’m not a voter. While I was a big fan of his and I have great admiration for his accomplishments on the court, in reality he is no better than Joe Johnson. The numbers don’t lie.

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Was Mark Cuban the reason Lamar Odom Left?

By: Julia Chongarlides

It’s official, Lamar Odom and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to split-up. This has been a gloomy cloud overhead since Lamar was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers. What a nice Easter gift that was for fans all over the country. Wasn’t it?  Well, I mean for Mavericks fans it was a blessing. Odom averaged a career low 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds with the Mavs. That is just pathetic! Since his NBA debut in 1999 he has NEVER averaged below double-digits. 

Dallas has listed Lamar as inactive for the rest of the season instead of releasing him, so they can have an opportunity to trade him in the draft. Now, that’s how they got him, which really boggles me. Why can’t he MAN-UP and play the rest of the season? He is now saying that the decision has set him up to “clear his mind and start getting ready for next season.” Next season? Really Lamar? Maybe the Kardashians have made him soft? He got traded from his beloved Lakers and felt betrayed, like he got thrown to the curb. But guess what? This is the “Sports Life” and players get traded everyday. He should have been focusing on improving his game as well as those around him for a successful team instead of sulking like a little baby.

ESPN has reported Lamar saying, "The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team.” What a politically correct statement, wouldn’t ya say? I give the Mavs PR department credit for not allowing any ripples in the pond, yet.

After Dallas’ 94-89 defeat to the Memphis Grizzles, reporters were told not to ask questions about Lamar. But one reporter asked Dirk Nowitzki and he responded,” I’m done talking about that.” I think everyone in Dallas was just done with Lamar’s lack of. I guess it’s ‘on to the next one’!

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Why MLB shouldn't have opened in Japan

By: Dana Hammond

Opening day in Major League Baseball has long been a great tradition for any real baseball fan.  Your favorite team or teams take the field to start off the season and at that very moment the possibilities for the season are endless.  The players run out on the field in front of their hometown crowd and know that its going to be a great season (even if it ends up being another losing season).  Not this year, this year things were a little different for fans in Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners, this year America’s pastime opened the season in JAPAN.

Yes, I said opened, as in it already happened (and in Japan!).  Did you get to see the game? I know I didn’t and I try to watch a good baseball game anytime I can, especially if it’s the first game of the season.  It was only televised live in the markets that were involved in the game (Oakland and Seattle) and by live I mean at 3:09am Pacific time (6:09am Eastern Time).  Even if I was a super fan of either of those teams I would not have been able to watch a baseball game at 3:09am on a weeknight.  Some people still do have to get up very early for work.

Did you even know when the game was? I didn’t know that either because MLB did not publicize it very well.  It seems they were more focused on promoting the games taking place in the USA on April 4th.  It makes me question if they wanted the American fan to even know that technically the season opener was played a full week before those games that they were advertising.

It also feels like Major League Baseball slapped the fans of these two teams in the face.  They basically told the local fans that they don’t care about giving them the one game that really still means anything to them.  All they care about is the revenue generated by the commercialism that is allowed in Japan, they don't seem to care about the lifetime loyal fans of these two teams that missed out on these games.  The fans that spend their hard earned money on memorabilia and tickets to several games a year.  What about season ticket holders?  They missed out on those games played in Japan and did their package price decrease? Probably not.

Lets not forget the players involved in this overseas trip.  Is it a great experience for them? Absolutely, but what happens when they come home and jump into their regular season schedule?  Could jet lag effect them over the first few games? Statistically it seems like it will.  During the first 10 games of the season back in the United States, the last several teams that have played in Japan have posted a combined sub 500 record.  Is that the way any professional athlete wants to start their season? I'm not a pro athlete so I guess I can't say for sure but I would think the answer to that question is NO.

Overall I feel like opening the season in Japan is bad for the game, especially the fans and players of the teams involved.  If MLB is dead set on playing live baseball in front of the Japanese fan base then why not do it the last few games before the All-Star break?  This way the players involved would have a few days to recover from their trip (except any players that were participating in the All-Star festivities) and the fans wouldn't lose out on the Opening Day experience that only rolls around once a year.

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Why Opening MLB Season In Japan Was A Good Thing

By: Justin Millar

Last week, the 2012 MLB regular season kicked off when the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners played a two game series at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. Fans were forced to wake up as early as 3 or 4 in the morning to catch a glimpse of opening day. Although the games counted, it was more of an exhibition. This may be a a bigger deal if the Yankees and Red Sox opened in Japan, but it's the Athletics and Mariners. Two teams who likely wont even scratch .500 in 2012, and the last time one of them made the playoffs was in 2006. My point is the games were meaningful to the respective clubs, but they have no real significance on the outcome of the season.

This series also provided great exposure for the MLB. Teams have played in Japan before, but bringing Ichiro back home creates something truly meaningful to Japanese baseball fans. Japan is a valuable market, and more MLB exposure could convice more youngsters to follow down a path towards baseball. There is already a significant amount of japanese baseball players, but even more would be benificial. If a wider demand occurs, then maybe Japan can become similar to the amateur markets in latin america. 

The two teams themselves also get added exposure, and any financial gain for A's is important. Who knows, maybe some Japanese tourists will fly out to Oakland this summer to catch an A's game.

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Pick of the Day - April 11th

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Overall: 5-4

Week: 2-0

Month: 5-4

BOSTON CELTICS (HOME) (-2.5) OVER ATLANTA HAWKS (AWAY)

Both of these teams are hot. The Celtics have won 18 of 25 while the Hawks come in winning 10 of 14. The difference is Boston has won three of four against the Hawks, including a 79-76 victory in Atlanta on March 19 in the only meeting this season. Atalanta is an average 15-15 on the road this season while the Celtics are 20-9 at home. I believe the line should be somewhere around -7. Instead it sits at -2.5. Take the Celtics.

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Why the Penguins Will Beat The Flyers

BY: Jeremy Wiebe

The battle of Pennsylvania is one of the nastiest rivalries in the NHL. There is no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers detest each other with a passion. This series will be a bloodbath but I have three reasons why the Penguins will defeat the Flyers in the first round. 

1. Marc-Andre Fleury is a better goalie than Ilya Bryzgalov. Let's face facts here. Goaltending is everything in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Series are won and lost just by a hot goalie or a shaky netminder giving up one bad goal. Fleury won a Cup with the Pens in 2009, and is much more reliable than the flaky Bryzgalov. Who knows, during an overtime, Bryzgalov might be thinking about tigers and strange universes than stopping the puck. Fleury gets the edge here.

2. The return of Sidney Crosby. Yes we all know what Sidney Crosby can do and what he brings. The number one thing he brings however is, open ice for Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers will have no idea who to put their checking line against. Crosby or Malkin. It is pick your poison. The Flyers won't like the taste of either.

3. The absence of Chris Pronger. This series would have been ideal for Pronger. A nasty physical series in which the gigantic defenceman could stare down smaller skilled players. However, thanks to a concussion, Pronger's season is over and his career is in jeopardy. The Flyers don't have a replacement for him which makes their blueline depleted. That spells trouble for Philadelphia.

In conclusion: The Flyers are a good team and will play the Penguins tough. But they don't have the depth to match up with Pittsburgh. I'm taking the Penguins in 6.

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If You Were Coach of the Florida Panthers Who Would You Start in Net?

By: Dale Leavitt


I was 19 at the time when the Florida Panthers were introduced, since then we have never been able to capture a division title, till now. Congrats to the players, staff and organization on accomplishing this feat (High Five).

In the likes of a season us Florida Panthers fans have ever seen before. I do find myself with a dilemma though! I have watched Jose Theodore (age 35) tear it up all year. At the end of the year, I found myself thinking that Jose looked tired and fatigued. He was letting shots slip past him that normally would not be an issue. During this time Scott Clemmenson received a few starts in which he won all that were thrown his way. 

I am putting myself in coach Kevin Dineen's shoes, who will I start in the goal tending position for the playoffs? Will I go with the guy that has been solid all year for us or will I start the hotter glove (Clemmer)? I recommended to Dineen that he start Clemmer for the Washington Capitals game on 4/5, but, I don't think he was listening. He decided to start Theo and the consequences were horrendous. 

Washington scored the first 3 goals and then Dineen decided to pull Theo, I thought to myself it was about time, 3 minutes later Theo was brought back in, I was dumbfounded but it looked like he pulled him just to give him a break. I realized at that point Dineen was undoubtedly going to stick with Theo through thick and thin. Now there will be a 8 day break from the last time Theo played and the first playoff game. A decision like this is why I am on the outside looking in.

Being a fan of the Cats, I wish that the coaches and staff would just take a step back and look at what  we see. Sometimes we are wrong and sometimes we are right, but atleast take a step back and try to see what we see. I have heard rumors that Dineen will not be announcing the starting goaltender for the first playoff game, that alone proves that he is unsure on who he will go with.

Being a fan and watching from the outside, I would have to go with Clemmer. I am interested in hearing about what other fans think, so please leave a comment.


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2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Western Conference and Stanley Cup Predictions

BY: NEIL BRASLOW

Western Conference Quarterfinals

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Los Angeles Kings

Not exactly an easy match up for the Presidents’ Trophy winners. Jonathan Quick is probably the most underrated goalie in the league. The problem for the Kings is that they can’t score goals. The Kings play the Canucks tough though. They are familiar with the Canucks after the grueling 2010 series that the Canucks won in 6 games. The Canucks will get enough shots past Quick though and the Luongo/Schneider duo in goal for Vancouver will shut down Los Angeles. Canucks advance.

Prediction: Canucks in 5

(2) St. Louis Blues vs. (7) San Jose Sharks

The Sharks could not have asked for a worse match up. St. Louis beat San Jose all 4 times during the season by an average of 2 goals per game. Many expect the Sharks to make some noise in the playoffs, but this is simply not a cohesive team. The Sharks have been on the verge of being blown up all season, and this will be the nail in the coffin. The Sharks are loaded every season with enormous talent but can't put it together. The biggest problem for the Blues is that they are untested. The challenge for them will be that first time they have to overcome a little adversity in the playoffs. How they respond will determine how far they advance. Lucky for them it won’t occur during this series. Blues sweep.

Prediction: Blues in 4

(3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks

If Jonathan Quick is the most underrated goalie, Dave Tippett is the most underrated coach. Year after year he gets the most out of a Coyotes team that is on the cusp of leaving town. Phoenix simply isn’t as deep as the Blackhawks though. The Coyotes are not an explosive team and lack the firepower to advance over Chicago. The only hope they have is if Mike Smith plays out of his mind and steals the series for them. Kane, Sharp, and Hossa help the Blackhawks move on.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 6

(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

No team has more riding on playoff run than the Predators. The futures of Weber and Suter in Nashville likely rest on how far the Preds advance. Pekka Rinne is the only goalie in the NHL to have started more than 70 games this season. The lack of rest will catch up to him sooner or later. The Red Wings have too much experience. Nashville has never experienced the pressure they will face during this series. It will be interesting to see how they respond and if Rinne has enough gas left in the tank. This series will go the distance and the veteran experience in Detroit carries them over the finish line in what could be an epic series.

Prediction: Red Wings in 7

Western Conference Semifinals

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks

Here we go again. Other than Flyers-Penguins, this currently may be the best rivalry in hockey. The Blackhawks nearly ended the season of Daniel Sedin a few days ago. It appears that Daniel will be healthy and ready to play, and if these two teams match up, the Canucks will be looking for revenge. Vancouver finally got over the hump last season when they knocked out Chicago. With that monkey off their back, don’t expect the old Chicago demons to haunt the Canucks again. They are simply the more talented team. Last season after Vancouver took a 3-0 lead they allowed Chicago to claw back into the series and tie it 3-3, eventually needing OT in Game 7 to advance. Don't expect the Canucks to let that happen again if they get up on Chicago this year. Whenever these two teams match up it is guaranteed to be a battle but the Canucks will knock out Chicago again this season.

Prediction: Canucks in 7

(2) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

After cruising past the Sharks, the Blues will have to play Detroit. Detroit has the skill, goaltending, and coach who have all been there and done it before. When crunch time rolls around, young guys become nervous. While the Blues are the deeper team, their lack of experience will catch up to them against the most experienced team in the league. The Red Wings took the season series 4-2 and the playoff series will have the same result.

Prediction: Red Wings in 6

Western Conference Finals

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

The only team that the Canucks have not had to face in the playoffs the previous few years is the Red Wings. By the time the Conference Finals start, the Red Wings will be drained. Detroit is a team that is carried by their extraordinary top six forwards. Without a deep roster, bodies will start to get tired. The Canucks can roll four physical lines any night and that is where they have the edge over Detroit. After battling Nashville and St. Louis, the Wings won’t be the same team. The Canucks advance to the Finals for the second straight year.

Prediction: Canucks in 6

Stanley Cup Finals

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Every team that wins the Cup has to overcome some adversity before reaching the top of the mountain. The Penguins lost to the Red Wings in the Finals before winning the Cup the next year. The Blackhawks lost to the Red Wings in the Conference Finals the year before winning the Cup. The Bruins blew a 3-0 series lead to the Flyers the year before winning the Cup. Vancouver is tougher this season. They know what it takes to close out a series. Last season, Vancouver was on a magical ride. This season, they are hardened and tougher. After blowing a 3-2 Cup lead last season and watching their city get destroyed by their own fans, the Canucks have certainly endured adversity. The Penguins are going to be a tough team to beat but the Cup is going to Vancouver this year. Canucks win their first ever Stanley Cup in a Finals that will go down as one of the greatest ever. The season started on October 6 with Penguins at Canucks. It will end the same way.

Prediction: Canucks in 7

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