Pat Morgan's Stone Cold, Lead Pipe, Giant Lock NBA Picks

Tonight marks the beginning of the new NBA season. The Spurs will raise their fourth championship banner vs. the Oden-less Trail Blazers (scheduling people stabbing themselves). Then at 10:30, the still Kobe lead Lakers will host the Rockies, and the Warriors will host the Jazz in a Western Conference Semifinal rematch. I doubt I will get into the NBA til after the Super Bowl, but I love giving predictions (using my lunch break to do it). Here you go!

Eastern Conference
Atlantic- Boston (2)
Central- Chicago (1)
Southeast- Miami (5)
Playoff Teams- Detroit (3), Cleveland (4), New Jersey (6), Milwaukee (7), New York (8)
Lottery- Toronto (9), Washington (10), Orlando (11), Atlanta (12), Charlotte (13), Indiana (14), Philadelphia (15)

Western Conference
Northwest-Denver (4)
Pacific-Phoenix (1)
Southwest-Dallas (2)
Playoff Teams-San Antonio (3), Golden State (5), Houston (6), Utah (7), New Orleans (8)
Lottery-LA Lakers (9), Memphis (10), LA Clippers (11) Seattle (12), Sacramento (13), Portland (14), Minnesota (15)

Biggest Sleeper: Milwaukee Bucks; They have a three headed monster inside with Andrew Bogut, Yi Jianlian, and Charlie Villanueva, to go with Michael Redd on the outside. After the top 5 or 6 teams in the East, the 7 and 8 spots are up for grabs. You can make a case for anyone in the East to get those spots, so why not Milwaukee with some size, which is rare in the conference.

Biggest Bust: Los Angeles Lakers; With all the Kobe distraction, I wonder if this team will win 30 games this year. Kobe will still win a bunch by himself, but when does the divorce finally become final?

Eastern Quarterfinals
(1) Chicago 4, (8) Washington 2
(4) Cleveland 4, (5) Miami 3
(3) Detroit 4, (6) New Jersey 0
(2) Boston 4, (7) Milwaukee 2

Western Quarterfinals
(1) Phoenix 4, (8) New Orleans 0
(5) Golden State 4, (4) Denver 3
(3) San Antonio 4, (6) Houston 2
(2) Dallas 4, (7) Utah 1

Eastern Semifinals
(1) Chicago 4, (4) Cleveland 2
(3) Detroit 4, (2) Boston 3

Western Semifinals
(1) Phoenix 4, (5) Golden State 1
(2) Dallas 4, (3) San Antonio 3

Eastern Finals
(3) Detroit 4, (1) Chicago 2
(2) Dallas 4, (1) Phoenix 2

NBA Finals
(W2) Dallas 4, (E3) Detroit 1

San Antonio is the most popular pick, and with good reason being the NBA champions and keeper of the best player in basketball in Tim Duncan. However, they have never won back-to-back titles in their run of four championships. The Dallas Mavericks have been stewing over the stunning upset to Golden State for months, and I think they will be highly motivated to win that elusive championship. They seem too good to me to not have won a title yet, so I think this will be their year. Look for them to back off from winning 67+ games again, and prepare everything for the postseason.

I think Chicago will win the best record in the East, but the Detroit Pistons play best in the playoffs when they are forgotten about. The last two years they have been the best team in the eastern regular season by far. They have the deepest, most experienced team in the league. Plus, Flip Saunders is on the ropes. They need to make the finals this year, as it could be their last stand as Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston are getting better by the day.

MVP: Kevin Garnett, Boston

Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant, Seattle

Coach of the Year: Larry Krystkowiak, Milwaukee

Sixth Man of the Year: Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix

Most Improved Player: Shaquille O'Neal, Miami

Defensive Player of the Year: Tim Duncan, San Antonio

Pat Morgan

Torre Could Become Next Dodgers Skipper; Little's Job in Jeopardy

Former Yankee manager Joe Torre could be heading west. The Dodgers are unhappy with Grady Little and if the organization decides to fire him, Torre is expected to be their number one pick to be the next manager. There are even reports that Don Mattingly could get an interview. Just hours after the Yankees offered Joe Girardi their new managerial position, it appears as if Torre might get another shot at being in charge of a ball club.

If your the Dodgers, you make this move immediatley. Don't mess around. Little has never really been that great of a manager anyway. Offer Torre the same amount of money he has been making his whole career with the Yankees (7 million dollars) and bring in the hall of fame manager. If he wants to keep managing, then go for it. He's earned it and it will provide a big boost to your team, not only on the field, but as an organization as a whole.

All of this Yankee news the past 24 hours might make people forget that the Red Sox did win the World Series last night and that they are now the team to beat in the AL East. This looks like it will be true for several years to come. I thought this past posteason would finally be the one that didn't involve the Yankees. Maybe the run of 12 postseasons in a row will finally end next season with Girardi at the healm. If that happens and Torre's Dodgers make the playoffs, I can't imagine what Yankee fans will do. There might be riots on the streets of New York come October 2008.

Shawn Marosek

Clemens gets nod against Redskins; Pennington's future in doubt

The long-anticipated quarterback change is official. New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini made the announcement Monday that Chad Pennington has been benched in favor of Kellen Clemens, the second year man out of Oregon. Pennington had another poor performance Sunday, passing for only 106 yards and leading his team to a measley 3 points. Clemens relieved Pennington late in the 4th quarter and threw two intereceptions, but by then it was too late to stage any kind of comeback. Now begs the question, what is the future look like for Pennington?

When Pennington burst onto the scene in 2002, I was about as excited as any Jets fan could be. He was so impressive, despite his lack of arm strength. He used finesse and was about as accurate as you could get. A quarterback doesn't have to throw hard to be successful, but you have to be accurate. He was, and he led the Jets to the playoffs in his first full season behind center. But injuries have plagued his career since, and he's never been the same and his accuracy has gradually decreased. Whether it was a wrist injury against the Giants in a preseason game or the lingering rotator cuff injury, Pennington has had to deal with a lot of adversity. I will be the first to admit to screaming at the television that "he sucks and that he's terrible and that Clemens needs to get in the game now."

I hope Pennington does well beyond the Jets, that is if another team will give him a chance. There are teams out there that need a quarterback, but will they present him with an opportunity? Will he move on and become a halfway decent quarterback in another uniform or is his career over after this season? I can't see him as a backup for the Jets next season, so it would be best if he moves and tries to re-invent his career.

If a couple years down the road, Pennington is successful and winning games for another team, your damn right I'm going to be pissed, but I'll also be rooting for him at the same time. He's taken a lot of abuse, and that includes from yours truly. It's time to say goodbye to Chad and say hello to a new man behind center. Maybe he can instill some heart into this embarrasing and lackluster team. Chad had plenty of it and they didn't respond to him. Let's see if Clemens can do any better.

Shawn Marosek

Looks Like Another Joe in the Bronx

Joe Girardi was offered the New York Yankees managerial job Monday morning and he is expected to accept the position. Girardi, who played for the Yankees from 1996-1999, takes over for future hall of famer Joe Torre, who managed the ballclub to 12 postseasons in a row. Girardi was named the NL Manager of the Year in 2006, when he led the rookie infested Florida Marlins to a 78-84 record. Replacing Torre will be no easy task, but Girardi does have managerial experience, unlike Don Mattingly.

I would have to disagree with the Yankees logic here though. Mattingly has already spent a few seasons with these players as a hitting coach and a bench coach. The players might respond better to Mattingly based on this fact. Girardi was teammates with some of the present Yankees, including Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. This makes me wonder whether Girardi will be able to manage this team as well as he did when he was in Florida.

With A-rod opting out and Posada and Rivera still unsigned, next year might not be much fun in the Bronx or for Girardi. I think it might be a lose-lose situation for the new skpper. On one hand, it would be best for the team to have Posada and Rivera come back. On the other hand, if they do return to the Yankees, I can't see these two veterans listening more intently to Girardi than Mattingly or Torre. Mattingly is one of the most popular living Yankees and it would be better for the organization as a whole to have him as the next manager, but the Steinbrenner boys had a different idea.

We will see how it turns out for the Bronx Bombers, who had to sit at home Sunday night and watch the Red Sox capture their second championship in four years.

Shawn Marosek

Arod Opts Out; Is He Done in New York?

Incase you were in a cave last night, Alex Rodriguez made his long awaited opt out decision, and thus upstaged Boston's second World Series in four years. To nobody's surprise, Arod has decided to opt out, and try and get every cent he can on the open market. With Scott Boras as his agent, look for him to demand 10-years, $300+ million, and perhaps a share of team ownership after he retires. Way to go Arod! You couldn't wait 24 to 48 hours to announce your plan. You had to do it during the World Series. Could you be anymore of a narcissist?

The New York Yankees have stated that they will not pursue Arod should he opt out. Now that he has, it will be interesting to see if the Yankees stay to their word and let him leave the Bronx. I think they will stay out of things until the final days before a contract is signed. You know that Boras will take the offer Arod likes best with whatever team, and pass it through the Yankees' brass for them to have the final chance to re-sign Arod. Who will they get to replace his 54 homeruns, 156 RBI, and 143 runs scored? They will not let the $21 million they would have gotten from Texas to be the determining factor on whether or not they keep Arod. Unless they have a trade in place to get Miguel Cabrera, Aramis Ramirez, or someone else, I cannot imagine they would not reconsider.

If not New York, where? There will only be a few teams that can take on a massive contact Arod will require. The Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim, next to Disney World, around the corner from a Mobil in California) would be the top candidate in my opinion. They have money they have been trying to spend on big free agent to back Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup for quite sometime. Arod would give them the bat they need to fix that big offensive hole on their team. Since their 2002 championship, which was a different type team, the Angels have not hit a lick in their three postseason appearances since.

The Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants would be the 2nd and 3rd candidates. The Cubs are desperate for a title, and especially more so that the Red Sox and White Sox have broken long droughts recently. Don't be surprised if the Cubs make a big offer, and trade Aramis Ramirez (Yankees?) if they take on an Arod contract. The Giants will be free of a large Barry Bonds contract for the first time in 15 years, and could be suitors for Arod. I think they would love to have a new center piece for the franchise. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets could be far out candidates since they are the two other teams in MLB with the cash to make things happen.

Finally, what about the Boston Red Sox? A lot of people feel they will make a push for the player they failed to obtain four years ago. If they want to pursue him, they definitely could afford a massive contract. If I were them, I would not go after Rodriguez. They have two championships since the trade to get Arod fell through, and the Yankees have none. They should re-sign Mike Lowell at three, four years if that is what he wants, and use the extra cash to go and get a #2 starter to replace Curt Schilling. I think it would be a mistake for the Red Sox to sign Arod.

When it is all set and done though, I still think Alex Rodriguez will re-sign with the Yankees. They say they won't, and maybe they will be true to their word. Remember it is Hank and Hal Steinbrenner running the show now, and perhaps they will watch every penny a lot more closely than Big Stein did. However, Arod is very valuable to the YES Network, and the future of the Yankees. They will be fine selling tickets the next two seasons (The last at old Yankees Stadium, and the first at new Yankees Stadium), but after that? With Arod, the team has drawn four million every year he has been on the team. And obviously, you cannot ignore the all-time numbers he put up last season. I would be shocked if they let him go.

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 4 Recap; Boston Claims 2nd Title in 4 Years

Boston 4, Colorado 3 (BOS wins 4-0)

Hero: Mike Lowell
Goat: Troy Tulowitzki
Turning Point: Ortiz's 1st inning RBI single to give Sox lead they'd never relinquish















Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox for winning their second World Series in four years. They basically duplicated the script that enabled them to win the title in 2004. They once again swept the World Series following historic ALCS comebacks. Jon Lester was terrific tonight going 5.2 scoreless innings. What a story he is! The bullpen gave up a couple of homers, but buckled down when they really needed to in getting clutch outs. Jonathan Papelbon closed the door with his third save of the World Series, and he easily could have won the series MVP. Jacoby Ellsbury could have won it too hitting .438 in the series, but Mike Lowell took home the honors. Lowell hit .400 in the series with a homerun and a double tonight. He was really the unsung hero for the Red Sox offense all year long. While Big Papi battled knee problems and Manny having a down year, Lowell quietly led the Sox in RBI. He is now a free agent, and we'll see what happens.

Despite being swept in the World Series, the Colorado Rockies had one of the more remarkable finishes to a season you will ever see. They won 14 of their final 15 to make the playoffs, including the best game of October in the play-in game vs. San Diego. The Rockies then went 7-0 in the NL Playoffs to reach the World Series for the first time in their history. Their magic just ran out having to play the steamrolling Red Sox. The Rockies' bats were severly disappointing, and their pitching allowed Boston to take advantage of just about every opportunity. But when the dust settles, they will truely look back with smiles at a remarkable year.

The Red Sox now have two rings in four years. The question asked a lot tonight was which of the two teams was better. Well, I would have to say this one by a tad. The biggest reason is the Sox having a shutdown starting pitcher in Josh Beckett this time around. That was something they did not have in 2004. They also now have a dominant closer in Papelbon. Keith Foulke had a magical postseason, but isn't nearly the pitcher (and celebrator) Papelbon is. The offense was better that year, but not enough to cover the pitching differences. Let the party begin in Beantown!

3 1/2 months til pitchers and catchers!

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 3 Recap; The Rookies Go Bananas

Boston 10, Colorado 5 (BOS leads 3-0)

Heroes: Jacoby Ellsbury & Dustin Pedroia
Goat: Josh Fogg
Turning Point: Ellsbury's RBI double in the top of the 8th that Hawpe almost caught after Colorado narrowed the lead to one

















The rookies, Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia sparked the Boston offense as the Red Sox now own a commanding 3-0 series lead. Ellsbury was 4 for 5, with three doubles and two RBI. Pedroia was 3 for 5, with a double and two RBI as well. They set the table for a huge six run top of the 3rd, which put the Rockies in a deep enough hole. Matsuzaka was very good through five, and would be pulled after allowing two runners on in the sixth. The bullpen was off tonight, allowing the Rockies to score five, and get within a run at 6-5. That is when Ellsbury and Pedroia would strike again. Both doubled in the top of the 8th to turn the momentum back in Boston's favor. Manny DelCarmen and Jon Papelbon were able to shut the door giving the Sox the 10-5 victory. With one more victory the Red Sox will win their second World Championship in four years, and a victory in Game 4 would give them eight straight World Series wins. Josh Fogg was awful and definitely the goat of the game, but Colorado had opportunities to score early in the game to give them a jump on the six run deficit earlier. We'll see what pride this team comes out and plays with tomorrow.

Pat Morgan

Trip to London Beginning of International Movement?

With the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins all set to square off in London tomorrow, it could mark the beginning of this becoming a regular, maybe weekly, thing for the NFL. Reports are that NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodall is seriously considering having all of the NFL's 32 teams play one of their regular season games outside of the United States.

The plan would call for the regular season schedule to expand to 18 games, which would mean the elimination two preseason games. One of the two extra games would be played outside of the USA. The plan has really been brewing for a few years now since San Francisco and Arizona played the first regular season game outside the country in Mexico City in 2005. The owner of the Buffalo Bills, Ralph Wilson, announced this week he would like to play one of the Bills' future home games in Toronto. Though, the story that got the most reaction this week was when Goodall said he might want to play a future Super Bowl in London. Clearly this is where the NFL is headed, but do we need to go crazy and play a multitude of games outside the USA every year?

I like the idea of having two extra regular season games, and I love that this plan would mean the elimination of two games from an unnecessarily long preseason. However, I wonder how this international experiment is going to work. With 32 teams, that would mean 16 games outside the country. Would it be one international game in 16 of the would be 19 weeks? If that is the case, I hope they cut off the games after week 16, and allow teams to prepare for the playoffs in the states. It would not be fair to have a team go play in Paris, Tokyo, or in Antarctica somewhere in Week 19 with a playoff spot on the line.

It is also a concern of mine of where around the globe these games will be held. Is it fair for one team to have to take an 18-hour flight to play in Tokyo, while another just has to cross the border to play in Canada or Mexico. I know I would be having fits if my New York Jets had to play in Bombay, India, while the Bills play in Toronto.

If I were making this decision, I would call for one international game a month. Sixteen games seem a tad rash to me especially when our brand of football is only popular in the US. Remember the rest of the world has their own soccer. However, if I was to go with the 16 international games, I would make sure they were all scheduled early in the season, and that those playing international games get bye weeks after that game. I can see flubbed schedules now. One week in Moscow, the next in Tampa. Goodluck!

As for the Super Bowl in another country, I think that would be totally ridiculous. I hate the fact it's already more of an entertainment event than a sporting event already, but to move a championship game across the Atlantic Ocean is stupid. It belongs here in America, and should be played in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and a bunch of other northern cities that never get a Super Bowl before it goes to another country.

Pat Morgan

The NBA is Back

The Boston Celtics now have Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to help out Paul Pierce, who has had to do it on his own for the past several seasons. With these key additions, it might give the Celtics the title of "Favorites" to represent the Eastern Conference come Finals time.

Cleveland and Detroit will be near the top of the standings again and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Lebron James carried the Cavs on his back last year and he will more than likely have to do it again if they want to reach the promised land. Flip Saunders is on the hot seat this season and I would have to say if the Pistons don't reach the finals, he will be booted out of the Motor City.

As for the Western Conference, even though I hate to say it, the San Antonio Spurs are the obvious favorites and for good reason. They have won four titles in the last nine seasons and Tim Duncan is a force to be reckoned with (except at the free throw line). Many of the other teams in the west play that run and gun style of offense, but lack the essential ingredient: DEFENSE. Defense wins Championships! It's true in every major sport and it's no different here. The Spurs have what it takes to win it again, and it would be a safe bet to say they will. Tim Duncan is getting into some small company when it comes to championships. Everyone knows he's hungry for a fifth.

Shawn Marosek

Will Testaverde Ever Retire?

I think Vinny Testaverde will play forever. He keeps signing contracts, hoping to finally capture that elusive ring. His best shot was last season while he was a member of the Patriots, but he couldn't do much sitting on the bench as New England blew an eighteen point lead to the Indianapolis Colts.

Testaverde won the Heisman Trophy the same year I was born (1986). He was supposed to be this awesome quarterback. He's had a few decent seasons, including 1996 with the Ravens, in which he threw for over 4,000 yards. The seasons he played with the Jets are what I remember the most when I hear Testaverde's name. He played well, especially in 1998, when he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game.

When he led the Jets to a touchdown on their first drive of the 1999 campaign against the Patriots, I thought this team was well on their way. Not too many times in my life can I say that I've been optimistic about the Jets, but this was a rare occurance. Then the artificial turf at Giants Stadium ended Testaverde's season, as he tore his Achilles' tendon and crushed my dreams of a championship.

Testaverde's most memorable attempt at returning from the injury was his short stint with the Dallas Cowboys. It proved unsuccessful as Testaverde and the Cowboys failed to make the postseason and finished the season 6-10. Playing under Bill Parcells once again, Testaverde certainly showed his age.

Despite his age, Testaverde keeps on keepin' on and I admire him for that. With Jake Delhomme and David Carr sidelined because of injury, Testaverde gets another chance to shine as he will look to lead the Panthers against the unbeaten Indianapois Colts this weekend. He will have the home fans behind him, but it's going to be a tough test for Testaverde. If the Panthers pull of an amazing upset, it would be the story of the weekend. I really hope it happens, but I just don't think it will. My prediction: Colts 33 Panthers 14.

I don't watch a lot of college football, but I did catch highlights of the Boston College game against Virginia Tech. In my opinion, Matt Ryan reminds me of Testaverde in the way his body is built and the way he drops back to pass. I'm sure people out there think I'm nuts, but that's for you to decide. I'm out.

Shawn Marosek

Yankees Wait On Replacing The Irreplacable

After reports that the New York Yankees front office would make a decision as to who will manage the team in 2008 today, it turns out everyone will have to wait.

The organization has put off finalizing the managerial spot until the conclusion of the World Series, which could be over by Sunday night based on Boston's two convincing victories over the Rockies.

As of now, three people are in the running for manager: Yankees bench coach Don Mattingly, 2006 N.L. Manager of the Year and former Yankee catcher Joe Girardi, and Yankee first base coach and 2003 A.L. Manager of the Year Tony Pena. It's not bad having two former Mangers of the Year as candidates, but the fact of the matter is that the Yankees shouldn't even be making this decision.

By making an offer they knew he'd refuse, the Yankees essentially cut loose one of the greatest Yankees managers of all time in Joe Torre. His success runs parallel to managerial greats like Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy, and for the Yankees to give him the boot may very well have triggered the end of their current success.

No other manager in the Steinbrenner era has kept the team in such a consistent state, keeping problems in the clubhouse and out of the papers. There's no doubt this ability was a big factor in the Yankees' 12 consecutive postseason appearances under Torre, and I believe whoever is running the show now took that for granted when they made their 'offer' to him.

The decision could also significantly affect the composition of the team next year, as catcher Jorge Posada and closer Mariano Rivera, both free agents, were extremely close to Torre. With Torre gone, it is entirely possible for both Posada and Rivera to part ways with the organization they've called home for their entire careers. Left-handed pitcher Andy Pettitte, who already left the team once for Houston, has a player option for 2008, and could very well leave for a second time with Joe no longer at the helm.

If everything goes wrong, the Yankees' may end up looking for more than just a manager this offseason. The fact of the matter is that Torre held this team together for 12 seasons, and while many players came and went, the Yankees could always count on their home-grown boys: Posada, Rivera and Derek Jeter. On Opening Day 2008, Jeter might be the only one remaining.

Some might say the Yankees Dynasty was at the beginning of the end when Luis Gonzalez hit a broken-bat single over Jeter's head to win the 2001 World Series. It took six years, but I think it's safe to say it's foundation has been eradicated.

Steve Duby

UNC Ranked #1 in Preseason Coaches Poll

With just eight points separating the top three teams in the first coaches poll of the 2007-08 men's college basketball season, the North Carolina Tar Heels came in #1. UNC returns all of their young stars from last year with the exception of Brandon Wright. Junior center, Tyler Hansbrough, is among the top preseason candidates to take home the Neismith and Wooden Awards. Roy Williams has a heck of a roster again, and they will probably be my pick to win it all.

The UCLA Bruins came in #2 in the poll, and actually finished with more first place votes than the Heels. Darren Collison and company will try and win Los Angeles a National Championship after two disappointing losses to Florida the last two Final Fours. Of the big three teams, they suffered the biggest loss. Replacing a leader in Arron Afflalo will be very difficult to do. UNC's Wright was probably the best talent lost, but Afflalo led UCLA.

The Memphis Tigers finished #3, with eight first place votes. With the exception of Jeremy Hunt, the CUSA champions return their entire roster from last year. Unless you are Joe Lunardi, it is too early to predict what the NCAA Tournament will look like, but with a cake Conference USA schedule, Memphis is set up perfectly to be the #1 overall seed come March. All of their tough non-conference games are at home, so that helps too.

Kansas and Georgetown round out the top five, with some returning stars from their deep tournament runs from last year. My biggest surprises are #8 Michigan State and #9 Indiana. The Spartans do have a great recruiting class to go with senior star, Drew Neitzel. Having them at #8 means the coaches think they will be a #2 seed, which might be a bit high right now. Indiana also has a great recruiting class, and Kelvin Sampson is going to do great things with the Hoosiers over the years. However, being #9 (the top #3 seed) seems high to me as well. The team that I think will rise into the top 10 is the #18 USC Trojans. With O.J. Mayo aboard for the year they should make a run. They are a thin team though, having lost three of their top four scorers from last year's Sweet 16 team. In any event, its great to debate the rankings knowing they mean absolutely nothing. No BCS in this college sport!

Pat Morgan

Action for Clemens a Possibility

Don't be suprised to see Kellen Clemens make an appearance in this weekend's game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the decision of Eric Mangini to once again start Chad Pennington, I would think there will be a quick hook if he starts to falter. In his only start this season, Clemens had a rough first three quarters against the Baltimore Ravens and then showed his talents off in the fourth quarter. It wasn't his fault that Justin McCareins couldn't catch one single ball. Clemens could have been the hero. If the Jets would have won that game, I still think Pennington would have been named the starter the following week. However, Mangini might have decided to give Clemens a shot at being the full-time starter a little sooner instead of dragging this nightmare out any longer.

Shawn Marosek

Edwards Named Bills Starter

Photo Courtesy of ABC News

October 26, 2007

BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo Bills named Trent Edwards as their starting quarterback on Wednesday. Head coach Dick Jauron confirmed the rookie quarterback from Stanford will be the starter for the Buffalo Bills, not just the starter for the week. Jauron was encouraged by the continuing improved play from Edwards, despite the lack of point production. Edwards has thrown for one touchdown and four interceptions this season, compiling a 2-1 record as a the Bills' starter.

The week 8 start marks the fourth straight for Edwards. Edwards will face the Jets for the second time in his short career, winning 17-14 in his first career start as he threw for 234 yards, a TD and a pick.

Former starter J.P. Losman was replaced by Edwards when New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork hit Losman's knee, an incident deemed with intentions to injure as Wilfork was fined $12,500 by the league. Losman suffered a knee sprain and has been sidelined since the hit. The Bills are 0-2 with Losman under center this season.

Article imported by Keith Monette

World Series Game 2 Recap; Okajima Awesome in Relief

Boston 2, Colorado 1 (BOS leads 2-0)

Hero: Hideki Okajima
Goats: Rockies' Offense
Turning Point: Top 6th/2out-Okajima strikes out Brad Hawpe with runners on 2nd and 3rd



Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Papelbon were spectacular in relief, going 3 2/3 innings, striking out six, and only allowing one hit. Again this postseason, Curt Schilling did not have his best stuff, but battled hard going 5.1, one-run, innings. The Rockies' offense spoiled a good outing from Ubaldo Jimenez and just as spectacular relief pitching. The key inning in this game was the top of the 6th when Schilling allowed two baserunners with just one out. Okajima relieved Schilling, and got Garrett Atkins to ground out and then blowing away Brad Hawpe. The Rockies would only get one Matt Holliday single the rest of the game, and he was promptly picked off. Boston's big hit was from Mike Lowell, as he put the Sox ahead for good with a 2-out, RBI double in the 5th. The Rockies will now have to win all three games at home to have a chance to win this series, and that includes beating Josh Beckett in Game 5. Even if they allow the Red Sox to win one at Coors, that would mean the Rockies would have to win both Games 6 & 7 at Fenway. The Rockies won 21 of 22, but if they can win 4 of 5 against Boston that might just be more unlikely. This series is over.

Pat Morgan

Eagles Comeback in Blacksburg

The #2 Boston College Eagles scored 14 points in the final 2:11 to stun the Virginia Tech Hokies, and thus remain perfect on the season. The game seemed over when Matt Ryan threw his second interception of the game, in BC territory, with six minutes remaining. The Eagles' defense kept the Hokies from increasing their lead, and gave the offense the ball back. They got the ball back at their own 8 with 4:11 remaining, and that is when Ryan took over the game. He threw for 173 of his 285 yards over final two drives. The key was the onside kick recovery between the two touchdowns that gave BC a chance to win. Matt Ryan's Heisman chances are now very much alive with an incredible final couple minutes. The BC defense was the hero of the game though, as they held the Hokies to 265 total yards in the game. They also gave the offense a chance by holding VA Tech off the scoreboard after Ryan's late-4th quarter INT.

The Eagles will remain #2 in the BCS, or perhaps jump to #1 if Penn State can upset Ohio State this weekend. Unless all hell breaks loose, Boston College will have to win out if they want to be in the National Championship Game. A loss would almost certainly put them behind LSU and Oklahoma, and perhaps USC. The question is can this team remain perfect? They now have their toughest game out of the way, but running the table the next five weeks will be tough.

11/3 Florida State
11/10 at Maryland
11/17 at Clemson
11/24 Miami
12/1 ACC Championship

FSU and Miami are not what they used to be, but those will still be tough conference games. Personally, I think their unbeaten run will end in either Maryland or Clemson. The road looks to difficult to me, and even if they get to the ACC Championship unbeaten, they will probably have to play VA Tech again. That is five conference games in front of them. However, I did not think they would win tonight, so I hope I am wrong and their magical run continues. It would be fun to see this team play for the National Championship.

It must be fun to be a Boston sports fan right now.

Pat Morgan

World Series Game 1 Recap; The Gagné Save!

Boston 13, Colorado 1 (BOS leads 1-0)

Hero: Josh Beckett
Goats: Jeff Francis & Franklin Morales
Turning Point: Dustin Pedroia's leadoff homerun

















Boston was terrific in all facets of the game. Every Red Sox starter except for Jacoby Ellsbury got a hit in the game tonight. They had eight doubles, which is a World Series record. This game was pretty much over when Dustin Pedroia led off the game with a homerun after Josh Beckett struckout the side in the top half of the first. Beckett ended up getting massive run support, but was fantastic the first four innings when the game was still close. Beckett continues his dominance by improving to 4-0 this postseason by going seven innings with nine strikeouts. Jeff Francis and Franklin Morales were just terrible. Even Ryan Speier walked in three runners after the game was blown wide open. It will be interesting to see how the Rockies respond to the their first loss since September 28th. If it is any solace for the Rockies, the last team to lose Game 1 by double digits went on to win the series (1996 Yankees). I want to propose a new statistic to MLB. How about the Eric Gagné save? The pitcher would earn credit for that if they successfully close out a six-run lead or more.

Pat Morgan

Conspiracy Theory for Red Sox Nation?

Does anyone find it strange that on the day of Game 7 between the Indians and the Red Sox, a report comes out saying that Paul Byrd purchased HGH from 2002-2005? Isn't it also strange that George Mitchell, who is ahead of the steroid investigation, is also a director for the Red Sox? Could it be possible that this was done on purpose to benefit the Red Sox? I would have to say this had some kind of an effect on the Indians, but who knows if we will ever find that out. All I can say is that Mitchell claimed he found out about Byrd the same time the public knew. Doesn't that seem odd coming from someone who is supposedly in charge? They claim they have big names to release once the season is over. It will be interesting to find out who has been cheating us and this great game of baseball for the past several years.

Shawn Marosek

Chad Will Start vs. Buffalo

Eric Mangini announced today that Chad Pennington will remain the starter for the 1-6 New York Jets. Chad was said to have been on a short leash going into last week's game against the Bengals. Despite another fourth quarter meltdown, Chad's performance was viewed as good enough to warrant him another start.

I love Chad more than anyone, but I think it is time to start Kellen Clemens. Pennington played decent last week, but in the three weeks previous he has been terrible. Even against Cincinnati, he threw a dying quail late in the game that was picked off for six and sealed the Bengals comeback. They are not going to make the playoffs this season, so I feel it is time to find out what kind of quarterback Clemens is. If he is good, then it gives him valuable experience going into next season and beyond. If the Jets wait too long, they may have to devote some of the 2008 season to his development. Of course if Clemens is bad, the Jets can find out that too, and make draft accordingly in 2008.

Again, no one more than me loves the heart and determination Chad gives each and everytime out. He works harder than anyone and I really hope his career in the NFL lasts beyond next week. Even if it isn't for the Jets, I will root for him to succeed wherever he goes. However, for the immediate future of the New York Jets franchise, it is time to see what Clemens is and if he can spark this football team the rest of the way. In 2002, Pennington relieved Vinny Testaverde and sparked the 1-4 Jets, which would then end up 9-7 and AFC East Champions. That won't happen this year, but a spark to take the team to 6-10, 7-9 would be greatly beneficial for the future of this team.

Pat Morgan

World Series Breakdown/Prediction

103rd World Series
Colorado Rockies vs. Boston Red Sox








Starting Pitching: Red Sox; Jeff Francis has beat Cole Hamels and Brandon Webb in his two Game 1 starts so far this postseason, but if he manages to beat Josh Beckett, this department becomes much more even. Beckett is being compared to Sandy Koufax due to his postseason dominance. The Sox have Curt Schilling in Game 2 who is a postseason great as well. He isn't the same pitcher, but he will still battle and give you all he has. I wonder how Ubaldo Jimenez and Josh Fogg will respond to a much better offense in Boston compared to Arizona. The Rockies do have Aaron Cook back, and could have an advantage in Games 3&4 with DiceK and Lester on the mound. However, Beckett gives the Red Sox a huge advantage in this department.

Relief Pitching: EVEN; I almost picked the Rockies here due to their depth, but the Red Sox have the great closer in Jonathan Papelbon. No other reliever in this series can be considered lockdown. Manny Corpas has been great, but he is capable of blowing a save or two. However, beyond Hideki Okajima, the Red Sox are very thin in the pen. The Rockies can throw out Hawkins, Herges, Affeldt, Fuentes, and Corpas. A perfect line of pitchers to have considering most of the Rockies' starters won't make it past five, six innings.

Offense: Rockies; No one can deny the Red Sox have the two best bats in the series. Manny and Big Papi can dominate these games themselves, but I like the depth of the Rockies' offense much, much better. Matt Holliday is a close third to Papi and Manny, and is right in the middle of Rockies' 2-7 in Matsui, Holliday, Helton, Atkins, Hawpe, and Tulowitzki. That greatly trumps what Boston has. Torrealba in the 8 spot has also made great contributions, such as the huge 3-run homer in Game 3 of the NLCS. The Red Sox will also lose either Ortiz, Lowell, or Youkilis in Games 3-5 at Coors Field. How will they respond to that? Ellsbury does add a bat at the end of the lineup to improve the great Coco, Lugo combination in the lineup. Pedroia is obviously out of his slump as well. You could pick either team here and get away with it, but I love the Rockies' depth.

Bench: Neither; The best bench player on either team is Bobby Kielty. Enough said? The Red Sox will have the advantage at Coors though with Papi, Lowell, or Youkilis riding the pine.

Defense: Rockies; The Rockies' defense has sparkled all postseason long. They would not have gone 7-0 without the great glove play. Those games with Arizona were really much closer than the 4-0 sweep indicated. Troy Tulowitzki is a vacuum cleaner at short. Boston plays good defense too, but Big Papi at first in Games 3-5, with that bad knee, could really hurt them.

Manager: Red Sox; Terry Francona has really become a great manager for Boston. His approach to these games are unheralded. I don't think the Sox would have made their magicial 0-3 comeback in 2004 or the 1-3 comeback they just made without him as manager. I like Hurdle, but Francona is becoming one of the best managers in baseball. He also handles the Boston media with ease. He has come a long way since managing Michael Jordan and the Birmingham Barons.

Pick: Red Sox in 6; Josh Beckett is a huge advantage in this series. If the Rockies can beat him once, this could be a seven game series with the Rockies possibly pulling the upset. However, if they go 0-2 vs. Beckett, I can't see them taking 4 of the other 5 games to win the series. This is the best series, on paper, in my opinion since the 2001 Yankees/Diamondbacks series. I have to go with the AL though, as it has been the best league by far all season long.

Pat Morgan

New Blog Launch

Tomorrow will be the Launch of the New & Improved SportsGerbil Sports Blog! What a great day to launch on the same day as Game 1 of the World Series.

Why SportsGerbil? It was a nickname given to me in 5th grade by an old youth group leader. He compared me talking sports to a gerbil running on one of those wheels. Neither stop once they get started. Anyone want to make a logo? Haha

I hope you the enjoy it, and if you would like to write for the blog send me your resume, and if I like you I will send you a drug test form. Seriously, if you want to write contact me with a call, E-mail, smoke signal, etc. Enjoy!

Pat Morgan

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