A Case of the Mondays

I was asked this weekend if I was brave enough to lead the Monday blog with UFC 59. After all, there was sports this weekend of the normal variety, with baseball and basketball and hockey. But, there was Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz. So, to that guy (Hank) who didn’t think I was brave enough, here you go.

Ortiz beats Griffin in a decision
I hoped and hoped that Forrest Griffin would have the ability to slay one of the big giants in the game, former champ Tito Ortiz. After all, Forrest had been on our show, and therefore is our favorite UFC Fighter. But, he is also the winner of a reality tv show, and therefore people question the credentials of him compared to a fighter who worked his way up the ranks the traditional way.

Anyway, Round 1 was a domination of the highest order and Ortiz just got Griffin on his back and administered the ground and pound. Heavy elbows rained down on Forrest who tried many solutions to the problem, with none of them working. He remained active, but the damage was being done. At the end of the first round, it looked like a miracle was going to be necessary for Griffin to survive the onslaught. And, it also seemed obvious that he was outclassed, and winners of a tv show are no match for the big boys.

But, as the fight moved to Round 2, Griffin figured out the important strategy of staying on his feet. On his feet, the two fighters were equals and Forrest frustrated Ortiz by using a sprawl well to avoid takedowns. Griffin clearly won round 2 in my mind, by landing far more punches and looking far more active as Ortiz appeared to tire.

Then, it came down to the third and final round. This is where the fight turned back to the veteran, Ortiz, as he did get one key takedown with less than 2 minutes to go. But, this time, Forrest Griffin, who had demonstrated his heart by this point, actually issued quite a bit of punishment from his back. He then got back to his feet in the final seconds, but was unable to mount a flurry that could get more support from the judges. It went to the cards, and two of the three judges did not give Griffin a single round. Ortiz won on a split decision, but Griffin earned all the credit in the world from the public who saw he had a heart like Rocky. Our boy is a little green, but he is indeed a bad man.



Sylvia shocks the pitbull

I thought there was about a 0% chance Tim Silvia could beat that maniac Andrei Arlovski for the heavyweight belt. If you have seen Arlovski destroy most of his opponents, you would most likely feel the same way. But, there was the question of his one loss a few years ago when he got tagged on the chin and dropped like a ton of bricks. And in the first round on Saturday, with Arlovski looking to be dominant again, he was caught once in the chin, and fell on his face looking completely out cold. And he evidently was. Sylvia pounced, and the fight was stopped immediately. In fact, I thought the ref got a bit carried away, but most agreed that the right call was made, and we have a new heavyweight champion. He is the old one, too. Tim Sylvia. Look for a rematch pretty soon.

The lesser fights were so/so, but that Ortiz/Griffin fight was awesome.

There, it took a lot of courage to do what I just did, unless you consider that this is Bob’s blog, and I am Bob.

Sherdog’s review of the PPV …

Rangers win 2 of 3 in Oakland, and pitching is looking pretty good …

The starting pitching? Try not to dwell on Vicente Padilla's three straight gopher balls last Saturday, and you'll notice that Rangers pitchers have logged five solid starts in a row.

Take away the three Padilla pitches, in fact, and Rangers starters have a 2.08 earned run average over those five games, with only four walks and 21 strikeouts.
Kameron Loe performed like the No. 3 starter that the Rangers -- for now -- need him to be. And Millwood was the better pitcher Friday night in his battle against Barry Zito.

Mavericks win, await opponent for playoffs …

Getting healthy, honing a playoff rotation and working on the "system" are the goals this week. Johnson did accomplish one key with his lineup against the Jazz.
For the first time since March 3, Johnson started Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Josh Howard, DeSagana Diop and Griffin. Not only is that lineup the most used this season, it's also 19-2.

No other starting combination has more than eight wins.

"It's been awhile," Terry said. "With us it doesn't matter. Whoever is out there is able to get the job done. It's our system."

The Jazz (40-40) had its five-game winning streak snapped and was eliminated from playoff contention. The eight teams in the West are set, with the final seedings being the only mystery.

Memphis (47-33) or the Clippers (46-34) are the candidates to face the Mavs as the fifth seed. The Grizzlies have the upper hand, but the two teams meet Tuesday in Memphis.

"I'm assuming if both teams stay the course," Johnson said, "whoever wins that game, we'll play."

Meanwhile, The Stars play out their string …awaiting their opponent, too…

The Stars should know their playoff opponent by the stroke of midnight tonight.
Dallas, which will play at Detroit, is locked into the second seed in the Western Conference and is waiting for the seventh seed to be determined. The only two teams that could land in the seventh spot – Colorado or Anaheim – each play tonight, with Colorado at Edmonton (8 p.m.) and Anaheim hosting Calgary (9:30 p.m.).

If Colorado (43-29-9, 95 points) loses to Edmonton in regulation, the Stars will play the Avalanche in the first round, starting Friday at American Airlines Center. But if the Avalanche gains two points for a win or one point for a loss in overtime or a shootout, then Anaheim (42-27-12, 96 points) could fall to the seventh seed by finishing with the same amount of points as Colorado.

The first tiebreaker in the seeding process is number of wins, and Colorado holds that advantage. In any scenario where the teams finish with the same amount of points, the Avalanche wins the tiebreaker.

If Anaheim wins, it clinches the No. 6 seed and would play No. 3 Calgary. If the Ducks lose or gain only one point, then they'll need help to remain ahead of Colorado.

Either choice is an interesting one for the Stars. The Avalanche knocked Dallas out in the first round in 2004. The Mighty Ducks eliminated the Stars in the second round in 2003.

So, it appears that the 1/8 series is Detroit and Edmonton, and the 4/5 series is Nashville vs. San Jose. All that is left is placing the Avalanche or Ducks in Dallas or Anaheim. Good pairings it appears.

Wild need to figure out how to resign Gaborik …

In Minneapolis, Dirk has a supporter for MVP …

That leaves Nowitzki as the choice here. Dallas' roster, when healthy, is fine but not eye-popping, and the Mavericks have not been healthy for much of this season. Nowitzki is on pace for career highs in scoring and all three shooting categories, has found ways to deflate defenders big and small and truly has become a leader in his locker room.

What ever happened to Alonzo Spellman? Arena Football …

I am always asked to explain European Soccer to various people that are interested, but confused. Well, here is something you should print and save. It is a nice summary of how it all works: World Football 101 …

Hansen leaves the Ticket …Now get off my radio station!

I have been asked my thoughts on this quite a bit, so here it is. I like Dale. I consider Dale a friend, and if he thinks moving somewhere else makes sense for him, than good luck. Of course, now we are mandated to beat him, so consider it like Finley heading to San Antonio. Well, that doesn't work, as the Spurs are the Champions. How about Pierre Turgeon to the Avalanche? Hmmm. Kenny Rogers to the Tigers? Forget it.

Anyway, I would describe my feelings as the following (and look for this on the radio today): It is like when your mother leaves your house after an extended stay. You love her and all, and you likely had some great times, too. But, boy, is it ever nice to have that extra space back! Noon to 3!!! Dirty, Noon to 3!!

Hansen is leaving The Ticket, his radio home since 1999, because he says he felt unwanted at the Cowboys' new flagship station. Hansen is a frequent critic of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He preceded Laufenberg as Cowboys radio analyst and was fired, with Jones' blessing, with two games remaining in the 1996 season.
"It was obvious to me they [The Ticket] were pushing me off the postgame show," Hansen said Sunday.

Hansen had been a regular on The Ticket's Cowboys postgame show, which aired after game broadcasts on KLUV-FM (98.7). Hansen also hosted a year-round show Mondays from noon to 1 p.m. on The Ticket and a one-hour show on Fridays during the football season.

Hansen had been negotiating a new contract with The Ticket, but it got bogged down by the recent sale of the station. Hansen met with ESPN Radio management last week and accepted an offer.

See you at NOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Friday - It All Ends

Babe leaves; Rhyner takes credit …

The Cowboys will have a new analyst on their new radio station. Babe Laufenberg, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, told the Cowboys on Thursday he would be leaving the seat that has been his since 1997.

Laufenberg's decision did not surprise the Cowboys. His contract with KLUV-FM expired after last season. The team's move to The Ticket, announced last month, came with a twist. Cowboys broadcasters who had been employees of the radio station now work for the team.

In the comment section of the Dallas Morning News, there is a place where you the reader can suggest who will be Babe’s replacement. Comedy followed:

April 13, 2006 07:18 p.m.
You all are crazy with the Dale Hanson suggestion. Who wants to hear his whinny voice. I turn off The Ticket when he comes on.,, Can't stand him. My Vote is for George Dunham or Bob Sturminator. Them boys can handle it.

Then, check out this response!

April 13, 2006 10:39 p.m.
Darren Woodson or Michael Irvin. Not the Sturminator for Pete's sake - he has a Packers tattoo.

Mavs lose to Golden State, mail it in versus Phoenix:

Simple arithmetic shows the Mavericks still have a chance to finish with the best record in the Western Conference.

The reality is not nearly as hopeful. Avery Johnson revealed where his priorities lie in Thursday night’s 117-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Moments after San Antonio lost to Orlando, the Mavericks took the court at U.S. Airways Center with D.J. Mbenga as the starting center for the first time this season. Adrian Griffin, who has played a total of 11 minutes in the last month, joined him as the veteran tries to work his way back from a strained hamstring.

Clarence Hill on Owens …

Is controversial receiver Terrell Owens getting off on the right foot in Dallas?
Several sources have noted that Owens has not been a regular participant in Cowboys coach Bill Parcells' off-season program.

His initial absences were understood because of a prior commitment, but Owens in the past has preferred to work with his own trainer.

Owens, who signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Cowboys in March, was present at a Thursday workout.

His publicist, Kim Etheredge, said, "He is here when he is required to be here just like every other player on the team" and added that Parcells has expressed no concern about Owens' regimen.

The Cowboys are not concerned about Owens' conditioning. He always has stayed in good shape and his training methods have served him well.

However, Parcells' feelings on the subject are clear. The "voluntary" program requires players to work out four times a week and get in 40 workouts during the off-season.

"To [Parcells], it's about chemistry," a source said. "He wants you here."

Evan Grant on Alfonseca …as Evan has joined the 6 finger craze…

Alfonseca doesn't see polydactylism as a condition, an affliction or a challenge. He was born with six fingers and toes on each extremity, just like his grandfather, Santiago. It's never been an issue. It never will be.

And it's really not that uncommon.

According to various Internet medical sites, polydactyly occurs about once in every 500 births. In many Western societies, doctors usually remove the extra digit, usually smaller than the others and of no real use, after the child turns 1 year old.

Alfonseca, however, was born in LaRomana in the Dominican Republic in 1972. Such surgeries were rare. The extra appendage was never an issue for his grandfather, either.

Alfonseca is adamant that the digits are more a sense of pride than a problem. It even cost him a chance to join the New York Yankees machine as a 16-year old. Upon meeting Alfonseca, Yankees scout Arturo Defreitas offered to have the extra finger removed by a doctor. Alfonseca's response: He ran away.

Instead, Alfonseca was signed by legendary Dominican scout Jesus Alou to the Montreal Expos. Alou promptly nicknamed him "Pulpo," the Octopus.

The extra fingers, both quite small and of little consequence, were of no concern to the Expos. They aren't on the ball when Alfonseca pitches. They don't give him any better ability to grip the ball.

Yesterday on the show, we discussed the Travis Hafner trade of 2002. I wanted to do some more research, and the wise men of Baseball America has some
expert analysis at the scene of the crime on the day of the trade….

By Jim Callis
December 6, 2002

The Indians and Rangers each filled holes in their starting lineups and picked up rotation fodder with a four-player trade on Friday. Cleveland received first baseman Travis Hafner and righthander Aaron Myette, while Texas added catcher Einar Diaz and righty Ryan Drese. Shortly thereafter, Indians general manager Mark Shapiro was arrested for grand theft slugger.

Ovechkin hits some high targets ….

Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin became only the second rookie in NHL history with 50 goals and 100 points when he scored against the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday night.

Ovechkin scored his 50th goal at 13:01 of the first period with a shot from the top of the left circle. Atlanta goalie Mike Dunham appeared to be screened in front by defenseman Garnet Exelby.

Ovechkin picked up his 52nd assist in the second period, setting up a power-play goal for Dainius Zubrus with a perfect cross-ice pass.

Teemu Selanne was the first rookie to reach the double milestone. He set first-year records that still stand with 76 goals and 132 points for the Winnipeg Jets -- now the Phoenix Coyotes -- in 1992-93.

With three games remaining after Thursday, Ovechkin had no chance of breaking either of Selanne's records. But he was just three goals behind Mike Bossy, who had 53 for the New York Islanders in 1977-78 to rank second on the rookie list. Joe Nieuwendyk had 51 goals in his rookie season.

With his 101st and 102nd points, Ovechkin broke a fifth-place tie with Mario Lemeiux on the rookie list and pulled even with four-place Joe Juneau, who scored 102 in 1992-93. The only rookies to score more points were Selanne, Peter Stastny (109 in 1980-81) and Dale Hawerchuk (103 in 1981-82).

The Rookie Record holder, Teemu in his proper Winnipeg gear, below…



Bill Simmons mail bag …

Saturday UFC 59 is happening …With our guy, Forrest Griffin, as the main event…sort of.



Tiger hit hard for “spaz” comment …

The top-ranked golfer, who tied for third place three strokes behind winner Phil Mickelson, was criticized for using the term "spaz" to describe his poor putting in the final round.

"Tiger meant nothing derogatory to any person or persons and apologizes for any offense caused," Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said in a statement issued on the
player's official Web site.

Bidding for a fifth green jacket at Augusta, Woods produced a display of uncharacteristically shaky putting on his way to a closing two-under-par 70.

He took 33 putts in the final round, including three three-putts and a pair of missed eagle putts from inside 10 feet on the back nine. Mickelson took 29 putts in a closing 69.

When asked about his play on the last day at Augusta, Woods replied: "I putted atrociously today. Once I got on the greens, I was a spaz."

In several countries, "spaz" is an offensive term for people affected with spastic paralysis, a form of cerebral palsy.

Britain-based disability organization Scope, formerly The Spastics Society, said of Woods' comments: "Once again, Tiger Woods demonstrates that we are two nations divided by a common language.

"Although in the U.S. the term 'spaz' may not be as offensive as it is here in the UK, many disabled people here will have taken exception to his likening a golf stroke to that of 'a spaz.'

More from the McCarty bankruptcy case as we itemize the debtors …

DMA Holdings, Portage, Mich.: $2-million

Huntington Nat'l. Bank, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: $1.5-million

Bellagio Casino, Las Vegas: $100,000

Palms Casino, Las Vegas: $60,000

MBNA America: $35,322

Law firm of John Schaefer, Birmingham, Mich: $28,000

MotorCity Casino, Detroit: $25,000

Chase Card Services: $24,415

American Express: $18,774

Chase Cardmember Services: $13,538.98

Law firm of Seyburn Kahn, Southfield, Mich.: $8,270

Capital One Services, St. Louis: $4,940

J.D. Candler Roofing, Detroit: $3,177

US Bank, St. Louis: $2,639

Exxon Mobil: $1,089

American Express: $902

DirecTV, Illinois: $537

Oakland County (Mich.)Drain Commission: $282

DTE Energy, Detroit: $264

Consumers Energy, Lansing, Mich.: $68

We were talking race radios yesterday, and I got this email:

Hey Bob Sturm Show,

If you really want to hear some gold, tap into the Terry Labonte # 44 Kelloggs Chevy channel. When things are not good, F bombs are flying like you wouldn’t believe. Last November, Terry informed us that “on a scale of 1 to 10, this car was an f’&#%ing 12”. Upon being asked if they should lower the rear of the car on the next stop, he stated that they should “just lower the gate of the f’&#%ing hauler and drive this piece of s$%# into it and go home. His crew chief merely followed up with “Ok guys, 4 tires and fuel on this next stop.”

Enjoying the week.
John C

Here are some notes on the Rangers from Brian, although I am not sure if he is all over me or what:

First of all tape the brakes on the Rangers. We are only 6 games into it. Granted the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation are iffy. But Millwood will not be this bad. Padilla and Loe have looked great! I guess you are overlooking Kinslers .444 average this year when you say the bottom of the order is an easy 4 outs. I am not some crazy homer who is going to tell you the Rangers are going to win the World Series or even make the playoffs. But tap the brakes buddy. By the way your take on Blalock is nuts.

Hank in the clutch
Career OPS with no one on: .773
Career OPS with runners on: .849
Career OPS with RISP: .834
Career OPS with RISP and 2 out: .861

Brian in Waxahachie

And finally this one:

Help me out with something. I'm listening to e-news and Snake is talking about Matt Lauer signing a new contract for $13 mil a year. How is that guy making that much money? Whenever somebody brings up the issue of athletes making too much money, there is an argument. Big Papi makes $13 mil a year because very few humans in the world can hit like him. Is it morally messed up that a lady who's taught kindergarten for 30 years makes $40,000 and Papi makes that? Probably. But can nobody else do what Matt Lauer does? Sheesh.
Ross

The compound is over. It was fun. And so is ending it.

Thursday, means almost Friday

Losing….life….force.

Mavericks lose, make Avery mad …

The Mavericks' coach said this was one of the most disappointing games he's been associated with since taking over and questioned the internal leadership of the team.

"I'm going to stop saying every time we have games like this that I failed," Johnson said. "Every, single time we have a game like this, I've got to always say I've failed. I've been waiting for 79 games to get some internal leadership. I haven't gotten it yet.

"At the same time, it's my fault. I didn't get them ready to play. It's my fault, ultimately. No, just blame me like we always do."

And he didn't stop there.

"We had no energy, no emotion, no concentration," Johnson said. "Just nothing. We were disinterested in playing basketball tonight.

"We didn't earn our paycheck. We need to give Mark Cuban a rebate, all of us ... We didn't earn it. If he wants to garnish our checks, we shouldn't stop him from doing it."

Cuban's response?

"I'll take it," Cuban said. "He's right. There wasn't a sense of urgency out there."

Koronka gives the Rangers some hope …

"I don’t know when I’m going to be in there," Laird said, "so I’m just trying to do what I can to help the team win when I am in there."

He rated his work behind the plate for Koronka bigger than his offensive performance. Koronka, too, said he hadn’t had to shake off Laird more than maybe once or twice all night.

The Laird-Koronka teaming worked, as Koronka gave up only two earned runs on six hits in six innings. He also picked up his first win as a Ranger. Maybe most impressive, he held Vladimir Guerrero (hits in 39 straight games against Texas) to a single in three at-bats and ended Garret Anderson’s 19-game RBI streak against the Rangers.

"Watching (the highlights) on TV last night, and hearing Guerrero’s streak," Koronka said, "that was kind of one of my goals – to get him out of that. He’s one of the toughest hitters I’ve faced."

With a few weeks before the NFL Draft, Reggie Bush seems on top of the pile …

Bush seems fairly secure to be selected No. 1, because the Texans need a running back and they already have millions invested in quarterback David Carr. Houston signed the former Pro Bowl wide receiver Eric Moulds this month, so the Texans' offense could feature Carr, Bush, Moulds and Andre Johnson, who has caught at least 63 passes in each of his three seasons.

Young is a native of Houston and a fan favorite after leading Texas to the national championship. But Bush helped himself by running the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds at his recent workout and by bench-pressing 24 repetitions of 225 pounds. Bush hopes to be the first running back selected No. 1 since Cincinnati chose Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.

"My next goal is to be the No. 1 draft pick," Bush said after visiting with the Texans last week. "This is something I've been looking forward to my whole life."
Bush, like everyone tracking the draft, will have to wait until April 29 to see how it unfolds. Will Leinart be the first quarterback taken? Will Young go among the top 3, or fall out of the top 5? Will Cutler be chosen ahead of Young, or fall out of the top 10 completely?

Even if Bush is the first pick, the draft could take more twists and turns than one of his open-field runs.

Wow, this guy will be missed: Aaron Taylor leaves ABC …

Darren McCarty files for bankruptcy …wow. He made good money in the NHL, played 11 years, and now that his career is almost over, it is all gone and then some….ouch.

Calgary Flames winger Darren McCarty, a former Red Wing who was one of Detroit's most popular professional athletes in recent years, has filed for bankruptcy.
In documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit, McCarty listed assets of $1.9 million US and debts of $6.2 million.

In addition to at least $185,000 owed to casinos in Detroit and Las Vegas, he listed debts to banks, credit card companies, friends, utilities, law firms and a roofing company.

McCarty, 34, said in court filings that many of his assets are tied up in insurance polices, his NHL pension and $490,000 in business loans that are unlikely to be repaid.

McCarty played 11 seasons for the Red Wings. The defenceman's combativeness, charitable work and sideline as a rock guitarist made him a fan favourite. McCarty also scored the winning goal in the clinching game in 1997 as Detroit won its first Stanley Cup in 42 years.

The Red Wings bought out McCarty's contract in July after a lockout of NHL players cancelled the 2004-2005 season. He currently plays for the Flames and has seven goals and six assists in 65 games this season.

McCarty listed his income as $2.1 million in 2003, $1.5 million in 2004 and $193,959 in 2005. According to court documents, McCarty received $538,729 from the Red Wings when they bought out his contract, but his ex-wife Cheryl received 75 per cent of that - $404,046.

Not to be outdone, Steve Garvey is not doing well, either …

In a two-hour interview with The Times, Garvey acknowledged having chronic financial problems but declined to publicly address specific information contained in this article. Speaking generally, he blamed his debt on a combination of tax liabilities, financial support for most of his nine children and stepchildren and costly legal battles over business and personal affairs.

"Do I expect to pay every debt? Do I want to? Absolutely," said Garvey, now living in Southern California. "The day I'm able to be debt-free is the day I'm going to be the happiest guy around."

Later, in a prepared statement, Garvey added that he was saddened by "the misuse of the L.A. Times by outside sources who clearly are intent on defaming myself and my family. I could positively address each issue but that would only validate this vicious abuse of a private family."

People owed money by Garvey see themselves, not Garvey, as the victims. Attorneys who have sued him, for instance, believe he has more money than he is letting on and allege that he has hidden assets.

Quipped one attorney trying to collect on a $235,000 debt owed by Garvey:

"Once a Dodger, always a dodger."

Well, Lebron sprains ankle, should be ok …

No Way! Racism in soccer? …but Brazil looks like they know how to punish it…

Prosecutors on Wednesday charged a Brazilian soccer player with racism, a crime in Brazil, for insulting an opponent in a match last month.

Prosecutors in the southern Rio Grande do Sul state charged Juventude defender Antonio Carlos after TV images showed him shouting "monkey" during a state league match on March 5.

Antonio Carlos -- who previously played with Italy's AC Roma, Brazil's Palmeiras and Santos and Brazil's national team -- faces from one to three years in prison if found guilty.

Prosecutors said, however, the player can avoid a trial if he agrees to have 10,000 handbills made with the saying, "We are all equal," and "Say no to racism." He would have to help distribute the handbills during sporting events in the city of Caxias do Sul, where Juventude hosts its matches. Caxias is about 750 kilometers (465 miles) south of Sao Paulo.

Racism is a crime in Brazil not subject to bail.

Operation Taco Bell …
Stop asking me for this! Erin Hawksworth’s myspace page …And on behalf of the Ticket, I would like to express my sincere apologies for that train-wreck on the show Wednesday…Corby and Gordo should be ashamed...

Sportsbybrooks myspace page …

come along to Taco Town …

Fear Kimbo! …

I gotta get out of this place….

Day 3 - Bored.

I know I suggested that the Rangers need to move to the bottom of the blog, but I think we both know that when you lose a player and a game in the same night. Things are actually getting worse! …By the way, if you were watching the game at the compound last night, you would have had a chance to get 3 to 1 odds on CoCo allowing the leadoff man to reach. I was trying to get someone to take me up on the deal, but no one would. You know why? Because he always lets the leadoff man on!!!! Overrated, me thinks.

Kinsler’s injury is just the latest mishap in what may soon become known as "The Dellucci Curse.’’ Since the trade of David Dellucci an hour before the roster was set, nothing but woe has befallen the Rangers. They’ve lost seven of their first nine games, the leadoff hitter has been a bust, and the injuries are piling up.

Tuesday’s misfortune didn’t end with the Kinsler injury. The club got a solid start from fill-in Rick Bauer, an important manufactured run and a great catch from fill-in right fielder Adrian Brown. And still it wasn’t enough.

The Rangers allowed four runs in the final three innings. Texas took a 4-3 lead to the bottom of the ninth, but Francisco Cordero hit leadoff hitter Darin Erstad with a full-count pitch and then allowed a single to Casey Kotchman. After Jeff Mathis botched a bunt by popping it up, Adam Kennedy lined a double into the right field corner.

Erstad scored easily, but pinch-runner Maicer Izturis was held up at third. The relay, however, short-hopped Jimenez and skipped off his glove. Izturis was able to race home with the winning run.

But wait, there is more bad news: Rob Tejeda has a 2nd straight poor outing in AAA …

Right-hander Robinson Tejeda, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for David Dellucci this month, gave up five earned runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings for Triple A Oklahoma on Tuesday.

Just 3 games to go, Game 79 is over …

Mike Modano either came back too early and struggled through a tough night, or he came back at just the right time to get ready for the playoffs.

The Stars captain, who missed two games with a sore medial collateral ligament in his left knee, slogged his way through a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at American Airlines Center. He took a holding call 42 seconds into the game, suffered facial cuts on a high stick from Adam Foote and twice broke into open ice only to see his jets misfire. Still, it was a sweet sight for teammates to have the captain back in uniform.

The Stars set a franchise record for wins, moving to 52-22-5, good for 109 points. They still can break the franchise record for points (114, set in 1998-99) with three games remaining. However, they will concentrate on rest and recuperation with their first stretch of three off days since the Olympic break in February.

That Modano will get some rest was a key to playing him this quickly. Now, he can check out his knee the morning after a hard game. And this was a hard game. Modano drew a high stick that needed five stitches on the bridge of his nose. He was pushed around and hit several times, and he looked like he was skating in slush at times – maybe because of the ice conditions.

When running a marathon is too easy …

Michal Kapral is the better runner. Pushing his 20-month-old daughter, Annika, in a stroller, he ran the Toronto marathon in 2 hours 49 minutes. With no baby in tow, his personal best is 2:32.

Zach Warren is the better juggler. Bowling pins, knives, and torches are all child's play to him. He can juggle while riding a unicycle; he can juggle while blindfolded.
On Marathon Monday, the two men will take their positions at the starting line in Hopkinton in what may prove to be one of the most curious showdowns in race history. Warren, a Harvard Divinity School student, is the current world record-holder in the obscure sport of marathon ''joggling," the official term for juggling while running. The man he stole the title from? That would be Kapral.

In the 20-odd-year history of joggling, two jogglers have never run the same marathon -- until now.

Warren, 24, and Kapral, 33, of Toronto, plan on running side by side, each juggling three bean-filled balls, for 20 or even 25 miles of the Boston race. From that point on, it'll be a sprint to the finish. May the best joggler win.

''It was a sort of a joke when I first started doing it," says Kapral, an editor for Westford-based Captivate Network, which operates electronic news boards found in elevators. ''But after doing it for hours and hours and miles and miles, I appreciate it as a truly beautiful sport. There's something poetic about it. When you get into a good groove and you see the balls flying in front of you, it really is poetry. You're a little moving circus."

Team USA gets roster ready for World Cup …

Stuff from the Show:

Quisy’s tattoo that has a small problem …Today’s lesson: Don’t get Chinese tattoos unless you know what it says….Instead, get a Packers Logo

One elaborate tattoo posted shortly after his blog's inception in late 2004 means "power piglet," according to Tang's translation. Another, on a woman's lower back, says "motherly beast blessing." Marquis Daniels, of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, thought he was getting his initials in Chinese but what his arm actually says is "healthy woman roof," Tang said.

A Doctor talks extra digits …

Wikipedia vs Encyclopedia …not sure I buy this…

The Song featured on the show yesterday also has a music video that seems to make people happy Satisfaction ….



BaD Radio Supports Lazer in Mavs song contest …you should, too… Vote Here …

Lazer the Band …

Another funny tattoo gone wrong story …

6 Fingers: Better than 5?

Since the Rangers stink, perhaps we should further investigate the digits of Antonio Alfonseca, the fine relief pitcher for the Rangers who has 6 fingers on each hand, and 6 toes on each foot. Fascinating, no?

Polydactyls have six or more digits on their hands or feet. The extra digits vary from small pieces of soft tissue to apparently complete digits. In Western societies, they are usually surgically removed during early life.

The condition is reported in about 1 child in every 500, although the frequency varies greatly from population to population. It is higher in some groups (an example is the Amish in the United States) due to the founder effect.

Historically and in the contemporary world, polydactylyism has been associated with witchcraft, psychic power, the extraterrestrial, divine connection, and sporting prowess.

Then, this email from a good strong:

His nickname is "El Pulpo" or "The Octopus". He has six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, a condition known as polydactyly; his extra small fingers next to his pinky have no influence on his pitching, as they don't touch the ball. This is a trait he inherited from his father. Several family members have this trait, and they regard it with pride, as a kind of family emblem.

Christopher Griffin

Through my extensive research on this important news story, I was able to find the following 2 pictures of our new pitcher:

Picture #1:



And now, picture #2:



This is the type of thing you can expect from this blog.

Meanwhile, in less important news, Dirk hits a big shot to win an ugly game …

If this game was a preview of the first round of the playoffs, expect a grind-it-out series. The game had less flow than traffic on the 405 freeway, with both teams shooting less than 38 percent from the field. The Mavericks scored a season-low 11 points in the third quarter, totaled only 25 points in the second half and still won.

Elton Brand, the Clippers leading scorer, struggled against the combination of DeSagana Diop and Erick Dampier, going 4-of-15 from the field for 13 points. One of his few open shots was a 15-footer for the lead in the final minute, a shot he missed badly.

Monday marked the third time the teams have played this season. The Mavericks have have won all three, sandwiching two-point wins around a 20-point blowout.

“I don’t think either team walks away thinking they have a major edge,’’ Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. “I think they know if we play really well we can beat them, and we know if they play well that they can beat us.’’

The difference: the Mavericks didn’t play well Monday and still won.

Shocking! Rangers lose ….

On Monday, Los Angeles kept striking two-out hits against Loe in their 5-2 win that started the Rangers' nine-game trip to the West Coast. The Angels had six two-out hits in the first three innings. Four of them drove in runs.

"They battled and fought off some pitches and found holes," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "It's the kind of team they have been the last couple of years."
It was the fourth start Loe has made against the Angels in his 11-start career. The Rangers have lost all four games. Then again, no Rangers pitcher has beaten the Angels in the teams' last seven meetings. The Rangers are 2-12 against Los Angeles in the last 14 games.

As a starter, Loe is 0-3 against Los Angeles and Oakland, which he will face Sunday. His ERA against those clubs: 6.31. Loe is 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA in his seven starts against all other teams.

Loe was unavailable after the game.

Saints move in on Keith Davis …

Cowboys safety Keith Davis signed a two-year offer sheet with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, and Dallas has seven days to match the offer or let him go.

Davis, a restricted free agent, will receive roughly $2.1 million in 2006, about three times the $712,000 the Cowboys had offered him in a one-year deal. The offer sheet includes a $1.2 million roster bonus for 2006.

Because Davis joined the Cowboys as undrafted free agent in 2002, they wouldn't receive any compensation if they let him go to the Saints.

Stars television = struggling …

The Stars remain a tough sell on television. Through April 1, games on Fox Sports Southwest had an average rating of 0.8 – down from 1.4 in 2003-04. Games on KDFI-TV (Channel 27) had a rating of 1.3 – down from 1.9 in 2003-04.

Ramon Alvarez, spokesman for FSN, said that the Stars' 1999 Stanley Cup boosted the club's TV ratings for years – and that the lockout is bound to have a similar impact in reverse. "But a good playoff run will really help our numbers, and it would help for years to come," Alvarez said.

Radio host wars in Chicago …these guys appear to be a bit impressed with themselves…

Jimmy Johnson: Rug, not a Rug …

Genius Link of the Day: Game 6 of the 1986 World Series Reenacted by Video Game …

I got this email that I wanted to make you aware of about Jay who is trying to do something cool for our armed services:

hey Sturm,

this is Jay turner, in austin.

Hey, good news, donateyourxbox.org is taking shape.

the good folks at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil are actually going to handle all the logistics (packaging, mailing, etc.) for me.

All i have to do is get the word out!

Jay Turner

Keep in mind that the number one problem for most of our soldiers is boredom. And the number one enemy of boredom is video games! Jay is trying to get your old video games to them. Good job, Jay.

West Wing changes the outcome of election for death …

But the reversal of fortune for Matt Santos — the Democratic nominee, played by Jimmy Smits, who was the victor — had nothing to do with any shift in opinion among voters.

Instead, Lawrence O'Donnell, an executive producer of the show, said he and his fellow writers had declared Santos the winner only after the death, in mid-December, of John Spencer, who portrayed Santos's running mate, Leo McGarry. At the time of Mr. Spencer's death, the plot for last night's episode had been set: the election was to be won by Alan Alda's Arnold Vinick, a maverick Republican (modeled a bit on Senator John McCain), whom many Democrats (including the Democrats who write the show) could learn to love.

But after Mr. Spencer died, Mr. O'Donnell said in a recent interview, he and his colleagues began to confront a creative dilemma: would viewers be saddened to see Mr. Smits's character lose both his running mate and the election? The writers decided that such an outcome would prove too lopsided, in terms of taxing viewers' emotions, so a script with the new, bittersweet ending — including the election-night death of Mr. Spencer's character — was undertaken by John Wells, executive producer of "The West Wing" and "E.R."

Prank of the Day …Toronto Blue Jays get it done!

Newberg goes big time …

Ouch: dude gets run through the boards …

Predators Goalie Vokoun out for season …Shouldn’t have to worry about Nashville, now…

This email:

NCAA Hockey Champs!!!
Great Game!

Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger Badger..... (love that song!!!)

How many Badgers are in the NHL? Do you know?

P1 Badger Jim

Sure, Jim. Here is the list of Badgers in the NHL presently …

And finally, from Jeff Bowerman, my buddy who works at the Brahmas:

Fort Worth- The Fort Worth Brahmas will be conducting an online auction of their 2005-2006 game worn home white jerseys. The online auction will take place on the Brahmas official team website, www.brahmas.com.

The Brahmas 2005-2006 home white jerseys are trimmed with purple, silver and black stripes on the sleeves. The shoulders of the jerseys are solid black bordered with a silver and purple stripes. On the front of the jersey, the crest is of the Brahmas new purple and silver bullhead logo. The back and sleeve jersey numbers are black with purple trim. The nameplates on the jerseys are in black lettering. All of the jerseys have a Baylor Medical Center patch on the front right chest.

There are 25 game worn jerseys with player nameplates in the auction. The starting bid for all of the jerseys is $100.00.

The online jersey auction will begin on Wednesday, April 5, at 12:00 noon. The auction will end on Wednesday, April 12 at 12:00 noon.

The E-bay style jersey auction is open to the public. To place a bid on a jersey, please go to the “Auction” page (http://brahmas.com/merchandise/auction) on the Brahmas team website. Create an Auction User Account, and then place a bid on the jersey (or jerseys) of your choice.

Who is taller? Dirk or Gary Bettman?

Day 1 in Lockup.

We are at the Ticket compound. Click Here to see the webcam coverage...



Phil wins easily ….I know it is not his fault, but that was pretty boring the last hour or so…

"In '04 when I won, I felt this great feeling of relief," said Mickelson, 35, who ended the tournament at seven-under-par 281 and took home $1.26 million. "This time, it's a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment to come out on top."

With his P.G.A. Championship victory at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., last August, Mickelson became the first player other than Woods to win back-to-back major championships since Nick Price won the British Open and P.G.A. Championship in 1994.

Look who is now winning majors all the time …

Suddenly, Tiger Woods has a rival at the Masters, just as Arnold Palmer had Jack Nicklaus. And suddenly, Phil Mickelson is halfway to the Tiger Slam, Woods' incredible feat of holding all four major trophies simultaneously.

And with it, that 0-for-42 drought that the lefthander suffered through in majors has turned into a 3-for-9 hot streak.

Mavericks get familiar with the Clippers …

Five games remain in the regular season, and the Mavericks face the Clippers twice. If the standings remain the same once the regular season ends, Dallas will meet Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs. Dallas would be the fourth seed and Los Angeles the fifth.

This could be a time the Mavericks send a message to the Clippers.

"You will get a lot of each other," Stackhouse said. "That will happen in the next three or four weeks. We want to put a little doubt in their minds."
Dallas leads the season series, 2-0.

Since everyone is focused on the race for the #1 seed, here is a look at that race for the 5th seed:

5 LA CLIPPERS (44-32)
Remaining: Dallas, Portland, @Seattle, Seattle, @Memphis,@Dallas

6 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (44-33)
Remaining: Minnesota,@Charlotte, @Houston, LA Clippers, @Minnesota

But remember, whether it is Pau Gasol, Sam Cassell, Kobe, or Ron Artest, be careful what you hope for…

Stars play like the game doesn’t mean anything…and it kinda doesn’t, but what a tough way to wrap up a season…



Wisconsin wins hockey title #6 …And there is much rejoicing in the Sturm house…

Wisconsin (30-10-3) completed a historic rise from the ashes to claim its sixth national title -- and first since 1990 -- after holding off Boston College 2-1 at the Bradley Center, in front of a sellout crowd of 17,814.

Only five players remain from that first Eaves-coached team, and each played an
integral part in the title run.

First and foremost was defenseman Tom Gilbert, who scored the title-winning goal on the power play at 9:32 in the third, when he was the final piece of a tic-tac-toe pass that started with senior captain Adam Burish at the left point. The Madison native found Joe Pavelski in the left circle, and he made a no-look pass to Gilbert in the slot.

The assistant captain wasted no time, firing a low wrister that beat BC goalie Cory Schneider to the stick side.

"I think I had two chances earlier [on the power play], and I was thinking to myself, I'm not going to strike out three times," Gilbert said. "Joe Pavelski made a great pass to me, and I just buried my head, and I knew the puck was going to go in."

From there, the Badgers hung on, limiting Boston College (26-13-3) to just four shots in the third period and shutting the Eagles down completely on the power play. BC had four chances with the man-advantage, but couldn't manage even one shot on net. Wisconsin went 1-for-8 on the power play.

The Badgers ended the season by killing off the last 36 power-play chances against them, including a perfect 16-for-16 in the NCAA Tournament.

"I think Wisconsin is the best team we have played this year," BC coach Jerry York said. "Cory Schneider kept us in the game and we had it where we wanted it with [about] 10 minutes left in the game, it was 1-1. They capitalized on their power play and we didn't. That was the difference.

Meanwhile, in Rhein, Drew Henson proves he can play well (at that level)…

For now, his N.F.L. dream is tied to the European league, which is defined by its hopefuls and reclamation projects. Several former N.F.L. Europe quarterbacks, including Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner and Brad Johnson, have gone on to success in the N.F.L.

The Cowboys sent Henson to Europe to get something nobody could have imagined he would still need at this point in his career: experience.

Henson has led the Fire to a 4-0 start in the six-team league, completing 51 of 86 passes for 586 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has also thrown an interception.

Henson says he is certain he would make the same career choices again, including the failed quest for baseball greatness.

"I realize what could have happened if I'd chosen something else," Henson said in a telephone interview from Dusseldorf, Germany, where the Fire is based. "I believe things happen for a reason. When I was 20 years old, I knew I wanted to be a baseball player. When I was 24, I knew I wanted to be a quarterback. You'd be crazy not to say you wanted that.

ESPN suggests the top 10 free agents of this summer:

1. Ben Wallace, Pistons
The midseason trade of Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo to Orlando was made with the express intent of clearing money for Wallace. To make him the highest-paid Piston, Detroit would have to offer him a deal beginning at $12,000,001. If the Pistons come in south of that level, which they will almost certainly try to do, Wallace may regret his decision to proceed without a traditional agent.

2. Al Harrington, Hawks
What kind of starting salary will Atlanta bring to the table when negotiations begin? If Harrington believes the offer is too low, he'll look to leave through a sign-and-trade deal. But how many teams out there are willing to pay Harrington's price? And can they give Atlanta a good player(s) in return in a sign-and-trade? The presence of Marvin Williams and Josh Smith will make Harrington expendable if his price is more than the Hawks will pay, but as of now there are more questions than answers here.

3. Jason Terry, Mavericks
Stop us if you've heard this before: The Mavs have a point guard who might command more money on the open market than owner Mark Cuban is willing to pay, and that point guard could turn to his former team, which is desperate for a playmaker. But in this case, we're talking about Terry and the Hawks, not Steve Nash and the Suns.

4. Nazr Mohammed, Spurs
There were a few people wondering what Nazr was thinking when he turned down an extension worth more than $20 million prior to opening night, but this 7-footer has upped his value over the course of the season by reclaiming his starting spot from
Rasho Nesterovic.

5. Joel Przybilla, Trail Blazers
When a couple of his teammates angered him with their effort level, Portland coach Nate McMillan urged Przybilla to take his complaints public. He did, and he'll probably decide it's a wise move to bail out of this sinking ship while he can.

6. Nene, Nuggets (restricted)
The injured Brazilian forward fired agent Michael Coyne and switched to Dan Fegan, who has a reputation for getting his clients top dollar on the open market. The decision on whether Nene will go or stay will be influenced by whether general manager Kiki Vandeweghe survives in Denver.

7. Mike James, Raptors (opt out)
Newly installed GM Bryan Colangelo has reservations about whether it's worth the long-term risk to keep James, who will be 31 at the start of next season, for the amount of money James will command after what has been by far the best season of his career. Look for a sign-and-trade deal here.

8. Peja Stojakovic, Pacers (opt out)
It's tough to find anybody who believes Stojakovic will truly be on the market this summer, the thinking being that the Pacers were smart enough to get a wink-wink deal in place before they acquired Peja for Ron Artest. Such deals are in violation of NBA rules, but their existence is hard to prove.

9. Vladimir Radmanovic, Clippers
He surrendered his Larry Bird rights when he accepted the deal that sent him from Seattle to Los Angeles, so the most he can get is the midlevel exception (about $5 million). But there will be teams lining up to offer him that money.

10. Drew Gooden, Cavaliers (restricted)
We'll rank him as the third-best power forward on the market behind Harrington and Nene simply because more teams like Nene's upside, whereas there's a general feeling that the Gooden we're seeing now is as good as he'll ever be.

And now, as part of my personal protest that Rangers season may already be almost over, they are moved to the final story on the blog:

Rangers salvage 1 game from the mighty Tigers …

When Laird and Kinsler opened the sixth with singles, Brad Wilkerson came to the plate. In his previous seven at-bats, the leadoff hitter had struck out six times, including all three on Sunday.

But with the score 3-3, he came through with a double to right-center field to score both runners and provide the margin of victory.

"That was huge," Young said.

"That was huge," Phil Nevin said.

"It was a big hit for us," said Wilkerson, who has 14 strikeouts in 32 at-bats this season. "I was fortunate to be in a situation where I could come up big for this team. I'm going to take the positive from it."

That wasn't the case with Rogers, who got the loss, then told the Texas media to get lost after the game.

On this day for the Rangers, however, Rogers' most significant role was to send them on a road trip feeling good about themselves. And he played that part very effectively.

YYYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!

Badger, Badger, Badger, Badger, Badger, Badger, Badger

Dirk, Did you ever know you were my hero?

Sorry, Bruce Bowen. Sorry, Tim Duncan. Sorry, Whiney Spurs fans.

Mavs 92, Spurs 86...There is a new day dawning.

Modano Panic

Before we go too far, I received this email from a friend at the Stars about 90 minutes after the game last night:

Bob:

Obviously Mike Modano's injury was the topic of Thursday night's Stars game at Anaheim. Since it was very late by the time the game was over, you may not have seen Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett's quote on Modano's status. Here it is:

"Mike tweaked an old injury and it looked worse than it was," said Tippett. "He plans on skating tomorrow so he should be fine. When any player goes down, you get scared but he looked fine walking out of here and seemed fine. I spoke to him afterwards and there's not much to evaluate. We won't take any chances with him."

Let’s hope so! I will tell you this though, I am about tired of Jonathan Hedstrom . This Swede is on my radar because he got Zubov hurt 2 weeks ago in Dallas, and now throws that elbow at Modano while he is pulling the slew-foot. I am not sure how dirty that was, but I think he might need to understand who you don’t touch. #9 and #56 are not in play. If they are, he needs to feel the pain train.

OK. Since that is what I know, here is to the 2006 Pacific Division Champions …I think they will win more than this, but without #9 that isn’t going to happen so cross your fingers on his situation…


Let there be no question what tonight’s main event is: Spurs – Mavs, 7pm tonight …

The Spurs can go a long way toward assuring they stay there by winning tonight at the AT&T Center.

A victory would extend the Spurs' lead over Dallas to three games and give them the head-to-head tiebreaker. They then would need to win no more than three of their final six games to claim the division title.

If the Mavericks win tonight, however, they would close within a game and split the season series. Given the Spurs' struggles in back-to-backs and that they have one left, the division title essentially would be up for grabs.

Even though the Southwest runner-up is almost assured of finishing with the conference's second-best record, it would enter the playoffs as the fourth seed under the league's format.

"I'm not going to try to figure out the math," Nazr Mohammed said. "They can still win out. We can still lose. So, you never know what can happen.

"But you do want to win this game, stay above them and keep going from there."
The Spurs, who have little chance to catch Detroit for the league's best record, started to distance themselves from Dallas last week when the Mavericks lost three games in a row for this first time this season. Dallas, however, has put together impressive victories over Denver and Sacramento while the Kings humbled the Spurs on Wednesday night.

Sarcasm Alert. Sarcasm Alert. Sarcasm Alert.

I am really shocked RA Dickey can’t get guys out with his new knuckleball …

This concludes today’s sarcasm alert.

New Cowboys Schedule has plenty of talking points …

The NFL didn't do the Cowboys any favors. Three of their first four games and six of their first nine are on the road, concluding with consecutive trips to Carolina (with Keyshawn Johnson), Washington and Arizona. The Cowboys haven't played three consecutive regular-season road games since 1992. If the Cowboys are to make a playoff run, they must survive a rough beginning.

Baseball Cards – Rest in Peace ….

Baseball card sales have been declining by about 15 percent annually for nearly a decade, and Major League Baseball says its licensing revenue from cards today is about one-third of what it was in 1991. The slide has come during a period when nearly everything about baseball's finances - TV revenues, jersey sales, team values - has exploded.

The baseball card "business has gone from being a $1 billion business in the U.S. 10 years ago to about $120 million now," said Robert Routh, an industry analyst at Jefferies & Co.

In February, the Topps Co. announced layoffs (it also will move its Bazooka gum manufacturing to Mexico), and the company's chief executive officer stated a new imperative to try winning back the customers it allowed to wander away.

"There is no question about it," Topps chief executive officer Arthur Shorin told stock analysts. "We've got to bring kids back."

The long decline can be at least partly blamed on the rise in other forms of entertainment available to children, such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, video games, and computers. But Major League Baseball itself has had a hand in losing its youngest fans, and card companies have methodically watered down their own product.
There was a time when baseball cards mattered. Every spring brought the thrill of tearing open that first, pristine wax wrapper, releasing a plume of sugary gum-powder and a whiff of fresh-cut cardboard, and there they were inside: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, AL RBI Leaders, Andy Etchebarren, Vic Davalillo, Manny Mota.

There were a few hundred cards per year, and when you got the Pete Rose card, you had the Pete Rose card.

Then, like most pure and good things, the world of baseball cards was spoiled.
Collect 'em all today? No flipping chance. Last year, there were 200,000 different baseball cards issued, in nearly 100 different sets, most of them aimed at adult collectors and investors.

"Take a guess how many different Alex Rodriguez cards there were in 2004," said Colin Hagen, vice president of licensing at Major League Baseball. His unfathomable answer: There were 1,900 unique A-Rod cards in 2004.

The statistics get more incredible. Sixty percent of all baseball cards ever issued were released from 1999 to 2005. That's counting the entire history of baseball cards, which date from 1867.

"In the late '80s, people started realizing that the old cards were valuable, and adults became involved in collecting," said Warren Friss, Topps' vice president of sports. Prices of vintage cards for Mickey Mantle and other stars skyrocketed. New cards got pricey, too - some as high as $10 or $100 per pack.

Gagne gone …and Bob and Dan’s fantasy team rejoices as we now have a closer!

Dodger closer Eric Gagne will have surgery on his troublesome right elbow Friday to remove a nerve that he said has been causing him pain, a Dodger official said today. Gagne will be placed on the disabled list, and the Dodgers did not immediately provide a timetable for his return.

Gagne's 2005 season ended abruptly in June when he had elbow surgery. Originally, he was going to have the ulnar collateral ligament replaced in a procedure commonly known as Tommy John surgery, but doctors determined that the drastic measure was not necessary and merely repaired the ligament. Gagne did have Tommy John surgery in 1999.

Shocker: College Hoops final with no ratings …

Florida's win over UCLA in the men's national championship game on CBS drew the second-lowest television rating since the contest began airing in prime time in 1973.
Monday's telecast of Florida's 73-57 victory was watched in 11.2 percent of the 110.2 million U.S. households with televisions, according to Nielsen Media Research Inc.

That's 25 percent lower than the 15 percent of U.S. households that watched North Carolina beat Illinois last year.

The 2004 title game, in which Connecticut defeated Georgia Tech, drew the lowest rating, with 11 percent of households watching. . . .

Ask Sam Smith about Noah …

Florida's Joakim Noah is hot right now. Is he a possible Bulls choice? I think not. He's got no low post offense. He reminds me of Chandler. --Ernest Tamura, Port Orchard, Wash.

Yes, he's getting a flood of attention. That's right, you don't even have to pay the 50 cents and you get writing like that. Noah's arc has curved up to the top of this draft. He's the hot guy now after the tournament and you'd assume with Florida winning he'd come to the NBA, especially with Greg Oden locking up No. 1 for 2007. My guess remains that if the Bulls have the No. 1, they'll take him, though the interesting thing about this draft is there is no true No. 1, or even 2, 3 or 4. Some teams like Adam Morrison No. 1. Others have him seven or eight. Tyrus Thomas, Noah, LaMarcus Aldridge, Morrison, Josh McRoberts and Rudy Gay are some of the names I've heard as possible No. 1s. Yes, Noah doesn't seem to have much offensive skill at this point. And the Bulls have had enough of teaching guys to make a shot, I'm sure. But look at it this way: The last two years their power forwards have been Antonio Davis, Michael Sweetney, Othella Harrington and Malik Allen. Any of the young big kids would be an improvement and Noah could be special with those long arms and shot blocking ability. He also seems to fit the profile of the kind of players the Bulls are seeking - hard-working, smart, team-oriented. It's hard to say whether he could develop a post game and he does need to gain some weight. It helps to have some post presence, but the Bulls seemed to figure it out when Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright and then Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman were their inside players.

Carlos Pena still on the street …I think, so is Ricardo Rodriguez …

Carlos Pena hasn't signed anywhere yet. Teams didn't exactly beat down his door, apparently. Craig Monroe , his closest friend on the Tigers, said he hasn't spoken to him recently.

The Rich get richer …

The Texas Longhorns picked up a commitment Wednesday from John Brantley, considered the best quarterback recruit in Florida and one of the best in the nation.
"It's really solid," Brantley said of his commitment by phone from his home in Ocala, Fla. "I told Coach (Mack) Brown, 'I won't let you down.' "

And now, the part of the blog that means the most to me:



1 more win, and Wisconsin wins National Title # 6 …

An NCAA men's hockey championship, a prize that has eluded UW's proud program since 1990.

One more victory in the Bradley Center, only 90 minutes from the Madison campus and almost certainly in front of another crowd dominated by red-clad UW fans, will end the drought.

"We've got a chance to win the last game of the year and that is what we talked about since the beginning of the year," coach Mike Eaves said after top-seeded UW dispatched Maine, 5-2, in the second national semifinal Thursday night in front of a boisterous crowd of 17,691 fans. "Your goalie needs to be good. Your special teams need to be good and your big players need to play well."

With Carlson serving as the catalyst, the Badgers (29-10-3) followed Eaves' winning formula for most of the night. Now they'll meet Boston College (26-12-3) in the title game at 6 p.m. Saturday.

That’s right. Bill Guerin’s Boston College will battle My Wisconsin Badgers for all of the marbles, Saturday Night. Certainly a bet is in order on today’s show…

On Wisconsin...

What a Wonderful Sports Thursday

Round 1 tee times of significance …

8:50 a.m. 1 Retief Goosen, Todd Hamilton, Mike Weir
9:23 a.m. 1 Robert Allenby, Edoardo Molinari, Tiger Woods
12:30 p.m. 1 Ernie Els, Shingo Katayama, Phil Mickelson

The Masters tv Schedule …

All times Eastern Daylight Savings Time

Thursday, April 6
4:00 - 7:00 USA
8:00 - 11:00 Replay USA
11:30 – 11:45 CBS Highlights

Friday, April 7
4:00 - 7:00 USA
8:00 - 11:00 Replay USA
11:30 - 11:45 CBS Highlights

Saturday, April 8
3:30 – 7:00 CBS

Sunday, April 9
2:30 – 7:00 CBS

Kam looks great, Rangers can’t generate offense …

Offensive failures in the fourth and the eighth turned starter Kameron Loe into a loser, even though he did everything the Rangers could ask for from a starting pitcher. In 6 2/3 innings, he repeatedly made Boston hitters beat the ball into the ground. Only against Trot Nixon did Loe let his sinker float. Nixon turned it into a two-run, seventh-inning homer that changed the game.

Had the Rangers grasped the idea of offensive efficiency a little better, the homer might not have mattered. Alas, it was the same old story. Without a home run, the Rangers are, well, powerless.

They were 8-31 last year when they failed to hit a homer; in three seasons and a series under Buck Showalter, they are just 27-98 when held without a homer.
"We had opportunities, not a lot of them, but we had some," Showalter said. "But we've got to take advantage of the ones we did have."

The more dramatic of the failed opportunities came in the eighth, when Mark Teixeira was thrown out at home trying to score the tying run from second on Kevin Mench's sharp one-out single. Teixeira waited for the ball to get through the infield, and it cost him and third base coach Steve Smith.

Even though left fielder Manny Ramirez didn't charge the ball and threw flat-footed, it was an easy relay to the plate.

"I went for it," Smith said, "and I got burned."

Said Teixeira: "I wasn't going to go at first. I was being held up at first. Then when Manny caught the ball kind of awkwardly, that's when I was sent."

Nascar takes on Dateline who is trying to set a trap on the Nascar fans …

NASCAR said it was "outrageous" that Dateline NBC targeted one of its race tracks last weekend for a possible segment on anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States.
NASCAR said NBC confirmed it was sending Muslim-looking men to a race, along with a camera crew to film fans' reactions. The NBC crew was "apparently on site in Martinsville, Va., walked around and no one bothered them," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Wednesday.

"It is outrageous that a news organization of NBC's stature would stoop to the level of going out to create news instead of reporting news," Poston said.

"Any legitimate journalist in America should be embarrassed by this stunt. The obvious intent by NBC was to evoke reaction, and we are confident our fans won't take the bait," he said.

NASCAR is in the final year of a broadcasting agreement with NBC Sports.

"Dateline is looking into this story," NBC said in a statement. "We were intrigued by the results of a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll and other articles regarding increasing anti-Muslim sentiments in the United States.

The Frozen Four TODAY!
North Dakota takes on Boston College at 2 pm on ESPN2 …
and then, Wisconsin plays Maine at 7pm on ESPN2…Please help the Badgers with your thoughts and prayers….



Badgers count on their goaltender tonight …

As UW (28-10-3) returns to the Frozen Four for the first time since 1992 with a semifinal meeting against Maine (28-11-2) at 7 tonight at the Bradley Center, no college goalie in America can match Elliott's confidence or his recent statistical accomplishments.

Elliott, a junior from Newmarket, Ontario, enters the national semifinal with three consecutive shutouts, a shutout streak of 252 minutes 49 seconds and a 7-1-0 record in UW's last eight games.

During that eight-game span, he has allowed six goals, 0.80 per game, has stopped 212 of 218 shots, posted a save percentage of .972 and saved UW's season. He is one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in the nation. The 2006 winner is to be announced on Friday.

"He has got all his confidence back since before the injury," UW senior defenseman Tom Gilbert said. "I think his confidence is even higher now than it was in the beginning of the season."

That confidence was lost, both for Elliott and UW's team, during practice on Jan. 18 when the Badgers' No. 1 goaltender suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for eight games.

Meanwhile, in other University of Wisconsin news: Meet Brigid -- student, model and, yes, pro football player …

Tonight, besides the Frozen Four, Masters, Rangers, and Stars games, Ultimate Fight Night on Spike TV is on ….

LAS VEGAS, April 5 – It’s always interesting to watch a fighter’s rituals before a weigh in. Some, like welterweight Josh Burkman, walk around apparently without a care in the world while taking video of his fellow fighters; others - like Keith Jardine and Rashad Evans, along with Albuquerque training partner Nate Marquardt (who is not in action tomorrow) – don’t say a word. Really, not a word.

But while the gamut runs from the Gameboy-playing Luke Cummo and the suit-wearing Chael Sonnen to the wisecracking Joe Stevenson, all 18 fighters on Thursday’s Ultimate Fight Night card at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had one thing in common – they all made weight for the show, leaving fight fans with nine intriguing matchups featuring some of the sport’s up and coming stars.

Ultimate Fight Night will be televised live on Spike TV beginning at 8pm ET / PT. It will be followed by the season premiere of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ season three at 10pm ET / PT.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
Stephan Bonnar (206) vs Keith Jardine (205)
Sam Hoger (206) vs Rashad Evans (203)
Josh Neer (171) vs Joe Stevenson (171)
Luigi Fioravanti (185) vs Chris Leben (186)
Jason Von Flue (170) vs Luke Cummo (170)
Jon Fitch (171) vs Josh Burkman (169.5)

eminem and Kim give it up again …

Even though Ray Whaley has done 100% of this, Here is My myspace page …Although Ray speaks for me…

And now, today’s batch of emails, and at the end one of yesterday’s comments from the blog:

Had a minute on my lunch break. Heard you crazy guys talking about the Rangers regular starters' batting averages with RISP. Decided to look it up. They were as follows for last year :

Young .368
Big Tex .366
Blalock .278 (Better than I thought)
Nevin .248 (I assume much lower with Rangers after trade)
Mench .185
Nix .304 (17Hits - 56AB)
Barajas .250
Soriano .235
Dellucci .288
All of that compared to AROd who hit .290 last year with RISP
All in all, it looks like most of the Rangers (with the exception of Mench) hold their own compared to the league average with RISP.

Love ya,
James in Frisco

This one is in response to the many of emails yesterday about Owens and loyalty to the Cowboys:

Bob,
I read the listener email you posted on your Wednesday blog blasting those Cowboy fans who are against the Owens signing because he is such a team-destroying turd. The common thread in all of these email is that winning is the only thing that should matter to “true” fans and that no “true” fan would ever drop his/her allegiance over a player signing that helped the team win.

These people are either amoral or hypocrites. If the Cowboys signed Charles Manson to be the coach or Osama bin Laden to play wideout, would they still be undying fans of the team, even if these two guys would make the team better? If they say “yes,” then they are amoral morons who should not be entrusted with sharp objects. On the other hand, if they say “no,” then they obviously have some line at which their blind fandom ends and some level of self-respect begins. They thus are being hypocritical when they say “true” fans stick with their teams no matter what.

The bottom line is that there are right ways and wrong ways to do things. To many Cowboys fans, getting in bed with the football and team sports devil is the wrong way to win. Jim Reeves had it right: fans like to feel good about themselves and about their team. It is very hard, perhaps impossible, to feel good Terrell Owens.

Dave in Tulsa

And, now this from the comments portion of my blog yesterday. I will attempt to his response to my rant yesterday on the MLS stupidity:

At 1:38 PM, El Jefe said...
…Bob, when you say "the sport overseas," you really mean "the sport in England," right? Geez. We could've gotten your played-out "we should do soccer in the US just like they do it in Jolly Old England" opinion from any of the suckers who pay for the PPV games down at the Londoner or wherever the hell else. All that you lacked was some fresh opinion about how some reserve forward from Scunthorpe United is better than Carlos Ruiz could ever dream of being.

Mr. Jefe, I can assure you that I enjoy many leagues across the world, with the MLS very, very high on my list given that I have been a “sucker” in buying the MLS package the last 3 seasons. I am not sure what has generated your anger, but I am not sure those few of us who do follow soccer faithfully should turn on eachother.

What we don’t love is a completely meaningless regular season, followed by 80% of the league making the playoffs.- Sturm on Wednesday

This from an NHL fan. Be sure to tell us about the good old days of the NHL in the '80s when teams scored a ton of goals... and 16 teams out of 21 made the playoffs. (And for the record, eight teams from a 12-team league is not 80%. I know that they told you that there'd be no math in this job, but c'mon.)

Actually, Jefe, if you were unaware that for a few years (all the way until 2004!) 8 of the 10 teams in the league made the playoffs, then I recommend you pay closer attention. Yes, I realize we have had two expansion teams join the league, but the history is the history. And what the NHL’s poor format has to do with the MLS format is anyone’s guess. Let’s stay on topic here. It is stupid for 8 out of 10 teams to make the playoffs. And it is equally stupid in the sport of soccer to have playoffs determine your league champion. And if you follow the sport, you know I am right.

Two conferences for 12 teams. Six teams per conference. Oh, the humanity. Oh, the insanity.

Poser.

P.S. I agree with the your take on the names, however.

I am not sure why my views make me a poser, but should we have a better handle on the MLS’ history before we accuse me of being the poser?

Like I said, I think the soccer fans should stick together lest we be divided and conquered. But, ease up, sport. Go Burn.