sports sports sports sports

[davy]

Yeah, JoJo's just embarrassing.

Ok, I stand corrected on the Soriano stuff. I guess I was swayed by the hype. When they brought him in they'd always flash his name in flames all over the stadium. Hard to deny that.

Plus, he had that little goatee. And he never smiled.

But Gonzalez, man, I just loved that dude's wind-up. He was like watching a damn snake.

[Ignatius]

I was so confused earlier when josh expressed a preference for some of the most notorious homers in baseball over the Mets' announcers, who seem only to take an interest in their team as far as they're hilariously futile or weird. But I forgot josh was a Braves fan. How'd that happen?

Also in honor of Nick I sat through the Hammers' ugly loss at Anfield. It was on TV.

[kyle]

Alex Ovechkin song written by Stills frontman Tim Fletcher

Go Caps!

Also... It would be a magical week if Tottenham can take down Man U. tomorrow. Holy crap.

[Ignatius]

That song must be intended as a curse - The Stills are from Montreal. Best of all, it worked.

[Ignatius]

I know that I'm the only Texan (?) remaining around here, but this Mavs-Spurs series is shaping up to be another classic. Though it doesn't look like Dirk is slowing down ever, it's great to see a bunch of guys in their 30s going at it this hard in the first round. Especially nice to see young dudes like JJ Barea and George Hill battle off on the side, extending the rivalry to the next generation of players.

I've also liked Joakim Noah so far. Whether or not the Bulls have any shot to win their series, my previously low opinion of that goofball has been completely turned around this past week. Anyone else watching? I guess Thermo's probably pulling for his ill-fated Bobcats.

[kyle]

That song must be intended as a curse - The Stills are from Montreal. Best of all, it worked.

Humbug

[Ignatius]

Another excellent SA-Dallas game. Jason Kidd's futility against a backup Spur guard 15 years his junior carries special significance.

[Captain]

7-seed or no, I could see the Spurs going deep this postseason.  I like their chances against either a Suns or Portland matchup.

(though I must admit, I haven't paid all that much attention to the West this season)

[davy]

So, Eric Berry was drafted 5th overall. Not bad! Particularly for a safety.

I was just reading this article about him and came across this tidbit:

When Berry was flagged his freshman season for pass interference, he vowed then that he wouldn’t make a habit of it. In more than two seasons before he left Knoxville, he was never penalized again.

[davy]

What the hell, Braves? Jesus.

They're trying to lose 6 in a row.

[davy]

I mean, holy shit, there's only five players on the team batting better than .200 for the season right now! Only 3 who are batting .250, and only ONE who's batting better than .260.

wtf!

[Ignatius]

Better make a play for a real first baseman quick or call it a season.

[El_Josharino]

There are rumors that we might make a play for Adrian Gonzalez. That is, if the Padres do as they're supposed to and stop winning...

[Ignatius]

I read that too, but I don't see them giving up their best hitter in April or May for prospects. They didn't trade Peavy until July last year, right? And their season was long over by then.

[davy]

Only 3 who are batting .250, and only ONE who's batting better than .260.

wtf!

This actually should've read: "Only 3 who are batting .235 or better..."

[Ignatius]

It is only April, though... You have to figure your lineup will warm up some and it's not like the wildcard is slipping out of reach already. You're only three games back in the division, even.

[davy]

6 losses in a row can inspire dark thoughts.

[Ignatius]

And you've got three games left against the best lineup in the NL...But then you play Houston!

[davy]

9 losses in a row. Could it happen? Ugh. I can't watch.

[Ignatius]

Man they're using the Mavericks' own announcers for the broadcast of the Spurs' game, taking place in Dallas. For a critical playoff game, that's kind of obnoxious. Unless this becomes a Spurs blowout early on (it won't), this is going to be a tense and possibly infuriating experience. Good thing for booze.

[davy]

9 losses in a row. Could it happen? Ugh. I can't watch.

7 in a row.

[dumbfish]

Now that I'm back in the US, I'm gorging on NBA hoops.
For all his drama, Noah can play.
The Spurs are smart and decent and brave, but Timmy just isn't what he used to be.
My Lakers are lookin' shaky in the first round, but so did the 2008 Celtics. A Lakers- Suns series would be fun.
As for the East, so much depends upon an elbow, eh?

[Ignatius]

The thing about the Spurs and Timmy in particular is that so few teams rely so heavily on a strong frontcourt consistently that we can still win games when his trickery isn't enough. I mean, the Lakers should excel there but it's not like the Thunder are getting wins by pounding it inside. Duncan's not gonna be efficient every game but that team is a threat whenever Hill and/or RJ find their stride.

The Lakers may not have much to worry about but any other second round matchup will be brutal.

In the East, I can't convince myself that this round matters except to show who might be tougher next season... Then again the Bulls have been a tough beat plenty of times this decade and still have nothing to show for it.

But if the Lakers beat the Thunder and go on to play the Jazz and the Suns, I don't think they'll have any problem getting to the Finals.

[Captain]

I missed the final Cav's-Bulls game, so I have no gauge for just how much LeBron's elbow is bothering him.  But my fanboy gush refuses to let me believe he's anything but indestructible.  I'm looking forward to a Boston-Cleveland postseason series.

Orlando still looks like a juggernaut to me, though.  That team can shoot.

Out West, I can't decide who I want to root for between the Spurs and the Mav's... I'd prefer not to see either exit first round.  I'd secretly like to root for Denver, too... but I just don't see it happening.  Sorry, Birdman.

[Ignatius]

You should root for the Spurs to come out of the west because you've already beaten them without LeBron James, since he's probably done.