Blurbs

I mentioned in my Welcome column that I would be posting random thoughts and rants regarding breaking sports news. Well, here we go. Look for the post title "Blurbs" on a semi-regular basis for these incoherent ramblings. Also, feel free to leave a comment or email me at antploza1908@yahoo.com if you have more to say than the comment section will allow. And, we're off....

• The Cleveland Cavaliers tied its series with the Detroit Pistons at 2-2 last night with a 91-87 win at home. How many of you are actually watching the NBA? I don’t think it’s just me when I say it has become almost unwatchable the last few years. NBA analysts will say people aren’t interested this year because the teams involved don’t play exciting basketball. But, I say if the best 22 year old on the planet (LeBron James), the greatest power forward of all time (Tim Duncan), and a point guard that is quickly becoming one of the best young guards in the league (Deron Williams) doesn’t spark interest in this year’s playoffs, nothing will.
• One more quick NBA point. I don’t understand why college basketball fans aren’t tuning into the NBA more this year. College bball fans have always been quick to point out that college games are more exciting because the fans are more into it. They’ll also say college players show more passion and the fundamentals are great to watch. But all of those points describe this year’s NBA playoffs. The fans in the Utah-Golden State series alone could give any college game a run for its money. And we’re headed for a Pistons-Spurs Final that nobody will watch. But aren’t these two teams basically high-level college teams? Fundamentals? Check. Team defense? Check. Passion and intensity? Check. So why don’t more people watch the NBA? Do they resent the high-dollar athlete? If this is true, why do the NFL and MLB thrive? I would like to hear your thoughts on this….leave a comment or shoot me an email and tell me why you think more people don’t watch pro basketball.
• Roger Clemens will likely start on Monday against the White Sox for a Yankees team that is now 14.5 games out of first. Is it just me or does this have bad idea written all over it? I haven’t seen such bad judgment from a 40something since Sharon Stone decided to let it breathe in Basic Instinct 2.
• *BREAKING NEWS* The relationship between Kobe Bryant and Lakers’ brass has reached a climax. Today on ESPN radio, Bryant said his relationship with the Lakers is irreparable and he would like to be traded. Ok, maybe now I see why people hate the NBA. Kobe might just be the most selfish basketball player of our generation. Moving on…..
• Major League Baseball has announced its draft will now be televised. A quick show of hands here…how many of you can name 3 of the top 30 projected picks? Does anyone know what pick the Cardinals have? Does anyone care? Yeah, me neither. All I can say is if I start watching this, it had better make it longer than 6 Degrees or Reunion.
• http://www.tvhell.net/tvhellnews.html Let me get this straight…we’re losing The Sopranos and The Wire in the same year and now we’re stuck with a Grey's Anatomy spinoff? Which will last longer, the Grey’s spinoff or Joey (the Friends spinoff)? Just as long as Sportscenter airs 10 times daily….I’m good.
• https://auction01.charitybuzz.com/secure/viewItemDetail.do?auction_item_id=8834 Deadspin.com reports this beauty. So you’re telling me the estimated value of a coaching session with Knicks coach Isiah Thomas is $10,000? For those of you that don’t follow basketball, let me put this in perspective for you. It would be like taking acting lessons from Keanu Reeves. Or like having Leonard Little as your AA sponsor. Or like taking media training from Barry Bonds. Or like having Paris Hilton as your daughter’s mentor. Or like having Michael Jackson baby sit your kids. Or like having Michael Vick as your dog-sitter. Or like having Snoop Dogg as your Dare instructor. Or like me giving poker lessons. Or like Tyler Perry preaching moderation. Or like….you get the idea.
• http://deadspin.com/sports/cultural-oddsmaker/who-will-win-the-2007-scripps-national-spelling-bee-261487.php What are the odds that these kids get beat up in school? I’ll take the Indian kid for $20.

The People's Champ