Let's Play One: Twins-White Sox In One Game Playoff Tonight

The White Sox and Twins are playing for all the marbles.

Tonight is a one game playoff between the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins.

Tonight's Pitching matchup will be awesome. Nick Blackburn starts for the Twins; John Danks gets the call for the White Sox.

The Winner of this one game playoff will go play the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Divisional Series.

Watch the game on TBS!

Raiders Fire Lane Kiffin

The Oakland Raiders fired Lane Kiffin on Tuesday just four games into his second season, bringing finality to a situation that had been simmering for eight months.

Al Davis has hired and fired yet another coach. The Raiders have not had a solid team since the Bill Callahan days.

Who will become the new Raiders coach?

Ramirez Slams White Sox Into Playoff With Twins

October will start early for two American League teams. The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins will play a one-game playoff for the A-L Central title after Chicago beat Detroit 8-2.

Alexi Ramirez's Grand Slam broke the game wide open, turning the game from a 2-2 tie to a 6-2 White Sox lead.

Tonight is the one game playoff! Watch it on TBS or listen to it on ESPN Radio!

Winless Rams Fire Coach Scott Linehan

Hopefully Marc Bulger gets his job back as starting quarterback, and hopefully the Rams find their winning to attempt to save their season.

White Sox Must Win Today To Force One Game Playoff

Paul Konerko and the Chicago White Sox have to beat the Detroit Tigers today to keep their postseason hopes alive.

If the Sox beat Detroit, the Twins and White Sox will play a one game playoff on Tuesday to decide the AL Central Champion.

Phillies Win NL East

The Philladelphia Phillies have won the National League East for the second straight season.

Brad Lidge was perfect in his save opportunities in 2008.


Ryan Howard should win the National League MVP Vote.

I Can't wait to see how Philly plays in the postseason.

Tampa Bay Rays Win AL East

The Tampa Bay Rays have waited a long time for this moment.

They had to wait until 12:51 this morning to celebrate, but it was well worth the wait.

The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 19-8 last night, meaning the Tampa Bay Rays have won the AL East for the first time in their ten year history.


Tampa Bay, which had never won more than 70 games in a season, became the first team other than Boston and New York to win the division since Baltimore did it in 1997.

Their motto was “9=8”—which essentially translates to nine players playing hard for nine innings every day equals one of eight postseason berths.

What an incredible season the Rays have had. They have home field advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs (The Los Angeles Angels have home field advantage throughout the playoffs) and their fans will be selling out Tropicana Field to show their support for the Rays.

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Rays on an incredible season.

Mets Hoping Johan Santana Will Revive Their Playoff Hopes

The New York Mets lost a heartbreaking game last night to the Florida Marlins 6-1 last night. That added to a Brewers victory over the Cubs last night means Milwaukee took a one game lead in the National League Wild Card.

Hoping that he can lead the Mets to victory today, Mets Manager Jerry Manuel will start Johan Santana on three days rest despite throwing a season high 125 pitches against the Cubs on Tuesday.

If the Mets do not win this game, they will not win the series, meaning they again will not make the playoffs for a second straight year.

My Account Of The Rangers-Angels Game

On Friday, September 19th, I went to Rangers Ballpark In Arlington to watch the Texas Rangers play their division rival Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The first thing that struck me was how close Rangers Ballpark In Arlington was to the new Cowboys Stadium. They are right next to each other! That's no joke!

I went into the ballpark and found out my seats were in Center Field, with both bullpens on my right and left.

Onto the actual game, Torri Hunter hit a three run homerun to make it 3-0 Angels. Two doubles and a homerun later, Mike Napoli crushed a ball out to the left field seats to make the score 7-0 Angels in the third. In the bottom of the third, Texas had a wild and crazy inning, as they scored nine runs. Chris Davis put the exclamation point on the inning as he hit a two run homerun to make the score 9-7 Rangers. After Chris Davis hit that homerun, everyone, including myself, went crazy! And why not? We just saw the Texas Rangers score nine runs in one inning!

In the fourth, The Angels came back to tie the game. In the fifth, they took the lead thanks to a five run inning, making it 13-9 Angels. The Rangers had a three run inning, making the score 13-12.
After two Angel Runs already scored in the eighth inning, Mike Napoli hit a two run triple into right center field, making the score 15-12 Angels.

In the bottom of the ninth, all of us was hoping Texas would be able to tie it up or win the game in the bottom of the ninth. With nobody out, Nelson Cruz hit a solo homerun to deep centerfield, making the score 15-13 Angels. Kevin Gregg would survive, ending the game with a strikeout to end that wild slugfest.

After that game was over, I went over to the groundscrew who was cleaning up the Angels bullpen mound and I asked them for a ball. I begged and pleaded for a ball, and the grounds crew man went and retrieved for me an official Major League Baseball! He flipped it into my glove. I told him thanks and began walking around the ballpark.

I saw the stage where Rangers Live is filmed before and after every Texas Rangers game, and after the game was over, Mark McLemore, a former Ranger and current Rangers Analyst, signed my ball that I had just begged and pleaded to get from the grounds crew!

That ball has smudges on it like somebody in the Angels bullpen used it and then disregarded it. It worked out for me.

The Los Anegles Angels looked impressive in that game. All of us that was there that day were amazed by the offense both clubs scored. The Angels never gave up, they just kept hitting the ball. That's why Los Angeles has a great shot at not only 100 wins, but a shot at the World Series as well. The Angels have been the most consistent team in the American League all season long.

Mike Napoli was a single shy of the cycle! Unreal! They say a single is the easiest one to get, but it somehow eluded Mike Napoli.

There was 40 hits in that game for both teams! That is the definition of a slugfest!

Funny Friday #7: Peyton Manning SNL United Way Skit

Here is the Peyton Manning SNL skit in it's entirety! It's Hillarious!

Los Angeles Dodgers Win NL West

When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West in 2004, they did it thanks to a walk off grand slam by Steve Finley.

When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West in 2008, they did it thanks to a knock out punch by the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals beat the Diamondbacks 12-3 today, eliminating the Arizona Diamondbacks from the playoff picture, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers the NL West title.

Congratulations to the Dodgers. Manny Ramirez has made the Dodgers dangerous. I can't wait to see how they play in October.

Matt Millen Out As Lions President And CEO

Lions Fans, you can put away your "Fire Matt Millen!" Shirts.

Two days after Bill Ford, the son of owner William Ford, said he would fire Millen if he was the owner, Millen was out.

Perhaps Ford Jr. should get more of a say in how the Lions should be run.

After Detroit Started 0-3, Millen's record dropped to 31-84 overall, giving the Lions one of the worst losing streaks in NFL history.

Matt Millen getting fired was seven years too late.

BBTN: Yankees Eliminated From Postseason

The Boston Red Sox won at least a wild card berth last night. The Red Sox win officially eliminated the New York Yankees from postseason contention. The Yankees streak of 13 consecutive Octobers is over.

Baseball tonight analyzes this and projects the Yankees Next Season.

BBTN Minute: White Sox Vs. Twins Preview

Starting tonight, The White Sox and Twins meet up in a huge matchup that will decide the AL Central. Baseball Tonight has a preview.

Cubs Clinch NL Central 2008

Here is a great video made of the Cubs clinching the NL Central. The video was produced by Da Stuff Productions.
The Song is called "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor.

The Cubs beat the Mets 9-5 last night. The difference in the game was Cubs Starter Jason Marquis' Grand Slam.
With the win, The Cubs secured home-field advantage for the postseason.

At Yankee Stadium's Final Game, Yankee Fans Reflect

I was watching the final game to ever be played at Yankee Stadium. All night, ESPN was analyzing the quote by Babe Ruth after he hit his first homerun at Yankee Stadium.
"God only knows who will hit the last one."
It turned out to be Jose Molina who hit the last homerun at Yankee Stadium.

It was so fitting that Mariano Rivera went 1-2-3 in the ninth for the final save at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 7-3.

All of the Yankee Legends came out: Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Don Larsen, Tino Martinez, Reggie Jackson, and many more came out to see the last game at Yankee Stadium.

The players did a victory lap around Yankee Stadium, and Derek Jeter called on the fans to "transplant the history of this Yankee Stadium to the New Yankee Stadium."

I remember when the Cardinals were getting ready to move into the new Busch Stadium. I am the type of guy that loves the historic ballparks. Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium.

I was sad to see Busch Stadium go, but the new Busch Stadiumn is beautiful.

I am sad to see Yankee and Shea Stadium go. Hopefully, their new ballparks live up to the hype.

THE CUBS HAVE CLINCHED THE NL CENTRAL AGAIN!

The Cubs include the fans in the celebration as they spray champagne toward the seats behind the dugout after clinching the National League Central Division title for the second consecutive season. (Tribune Photo by Jim Prisching / September 20, 2008)
On Saturday, The Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central.

This is the first time the Chicago Cubs will head to the World Series for the second year in a row since 1908.

Hopefully The Cubs are about to do something else they have not done in 100 years.

The House Tax Payers Built

What's the point of this complaining? I's not like the Yankees are going to start to use taxpayer money to build it, or delay moving into the new Yankee Stadium.

I'm Going To Arlington!

I am heading to the Texas Rangers Baseball Game tonight against the division winning Los Angeles Angels.

The pitching matchup will be fantastic. Matt Harrison pitching for the Rangers against Jon Garland, who is pitching for the Angels.

Here's The scoop From Rangers.com:

TEX: LHP Matt Harrison (8-3, 5.06 ERA)
Harrison's shutout in his last start was the first by a Rangers rookie in five years. It took Harrison seven Major League starts to strike out more batters than he walked in a game, but since Aug. 16, he has 27 strikeouts and nine walks. Harrison earned his first career victory against the Angels in his debut, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk in seven innings.

LAA: RHP Jon Garland (14-8, 4.47 ERA)
Garland worked around another poor first inning to throw a quality start Saturday against the Mariners, yielding just two first-inning runs on six hits in six frames. Garland has given up nine first-inning runs on 14 hits in his last four starts, but he has not allowed a run in any other inning of his last two outings. Garland retired nine straight batters at one point on Saturday, and he did not give up a hit after the first until Ichiro Suzuki tripled in the fifth.

I will be sitting in the bleacher seats with a glove trying to catch one of these:

I will also try to get some autographs as well.

Every three years, I get the chance to head to a Baseball game. It's been three years since I've been to the Ballpark In Arligton.

Here's a summary of the Baseball games I have been to:
August 14, 2002: Cubs Vs Astros: Wrigley Field: Chicago
Astros Beat Cubs 4-3

August 31, 2002 Rangers Vs White Sox: Rangers Ballpark: Arlington
Rangers Beat White Sox 9-2. I ran the bases when the game was over.

I won't Be Blogging this weekend, but I will let all of you know how it went!

Stupid Josh Howard Disrespecting The National Anthem (NSFW!)

This was at a Flag Football game in July. In a video posted on YouTube, the swingman is shown at Allen Iverson's charity flag football game in July. When the national anthem is being sung, various participants are shown mugging for the camera. When the camera gets to Howard, he says: " 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is going on. I don't celebrate this [expletive]. I'm black."

Obviously, comments like these are the last thing the NBA needs. Comments like these just reiterate the thug image the NBA has tried to combat since the Dennis Rodman days.


The response to the comments by Mark Cuban was, at best, a comical one.

"Josh really is a good guy with a great heart," Cuban said. "He just doesn't do a good job of showing that side of himself publicly. We will work on that."

Obviously, Josh Howard isn't the brightest NBA Star on the planet. He has said many things that should not be said in public. He once said on a national radio station that he smoked marajuana in the offseason, and now these comments about him not respecting the national anthem because of his skin color. Do you think LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, or Dwight Howard would have said something like that?

Can You Say Target Field?

The Minnesota Twins and Target announced an agreement on an exclusive 25-year partnership that includes naming rights to the Twins' new stadium, scheduled to open for the 2010 season just across from Target Center, home to the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.

The retailer and the Twins also will collaborate on the design of Target Plaza, which includes a pedestrian bridge and public gathering space connecting the $517 million, 40,000-seat Target Field to downtown Minneapolis. The walkway will run right next to Target Center, and they're all just a few blocks away from Target's corporate headquarters in downtown Minneapolis.

I'm sure the people that will be the happiest that the Twins are leaving the Metrodome are the other teams in the AL Central, as the Metrodome's roof and surface led to a type of play that you wouldn't get on an outdoor grass field.

NFL Week 2: Pats Win, and More

The Dallas Cowboys won a hard fought game against their division rival Philladelphia Eagles Monday Night 41-37.

Brewers Fire Ned Yost

In a very curious move, The Milwaukee Brewers have fired Ned Yost as manager.

What's curious is not that Ned was fired, it was the timing of the move.

The Brewers are tied in the NL Wild Card race! They should not lose hope despite the fact the Phillies swept them in a day-night doubleheader.

I remember what I wrote in my blog over a month ago in the Post "The Brewers Are Fighting Themselves:"

"The Brewers have "Willie Randolph Version 2.0" a soft spoken guy in Ned Yost who can't control his team.

Just like Willie, Ned may be fired, especially if Milwaukee misses the postseason again this year. "

I stand by my words about Nost being "Willie Randolph Version 2.0" I was not suprised by the news that Yost was fired, I had seen this coming, but the timing of the move was shocking.

We'll see if interim Manager and former Third-base coach Dale Sveum can right the ship.

CARLOS ZAMBRANO HAS JUST THROWN A NO HITTER!!!!

Carlos Zambrano has just no hit the Houston Astros!

This was the first No Hitter thrown by the Cubs since Milt Pappas in 1972.

The count was down to 3-2 on Darin Erstad before Zambrano got the history making strikeout.

The game was played at Miller Park In Milwaukee.

I was watching that game and you would never have known that Zambrano had not pitched for nearly two weeks. He was dominant and he never gave up, even when the count went to 3-0.

This is a performance will be talked about for a long time to come.

Way To Go Big Z!

Francisco Rodriguez Sets Major League Record

Last Night, Francisco Rodriguez "K-Rod" broke Bobby Thigpen's 18 year old record for Single Season Saves.

K-Rod got his record breaking 58th save against the Seattle Mariners.

The fact that Franisco Rodriguez has broken the record with three weeks left in Baseball season leads me to believe that this record will never be broken. K-Rod could have 65 saves by the end of the season.

Cubs-Astros games shifted to Milwaukee

The Cubs and Astros will Play Ball in Milwaukee.

Two games between the Chicago Cubs and Astros that were postponed this weekend in Houston due to Hurricane Ike will now be played in Milwaukee.

The Cubs and Astros will play at 7:05 p.m. CDT on Sunday and 1:05 p.m. on Monday at Miller Park, with Houston being the home team. If the third game of the series is needed, it will be Sept. 29 in Houston.

No Word on if Bernie Brewer will be in attendance for the Cubs-Astros Milwaukee series.

With Miller Park being 90 miles away from Chicago, Miller Park has earned the nickname "North Wrigley." Whenever the Brewers and Cubs play in Milwaukee, thousands of Cubs fans make the trip with them.

It will be no different this time.

Week Two NFL Preview

In your Week Two NFL Preview, Matt Cassel, the new Patriots Quarterback, takes on Brett Favre, the old Savvy NFL Veteran.

Sorry folks. I didn't have time to put up my week One NFL Preview, so I just put up my picks instead. I finished 8-7 in Week One. I'll try to do better this week.

SCHEDULE NOTE: THE RAVENS-TEXANS GAME WILL NOT BE PLAYED THIS WEEK DUE TO HURRICANE IKE. IT HAS BEEN MOVED TO WEEK TEN DUE TO THE DAMAGE TO RELIANT STADIUM.

EARLY GAMES 1:00 PM EST

Bears At Panthers
Both of these teams are coming off upset victories. Matt Forte ran all over the Indianapolis Colts defense and spoiled the debut of the new Lucas Oil Stadium.

Both defenses will limit the effectiveness of the opposing offenses. Whoever capitalizes on turnovers most will win this game.
BEARS OVER PANTHERS

Titans At Bengals
With an injured Vince Young, the Titans will turn to the veteran gunsliger Kerry Collins. If the Titans can stop the passing attack of Carson Palmer, they will win this game. That's a huge if, however.
BENGALS OVER TITANS

Packers At Lions
Aaron Rodgers Monday Night Football debut was a success. He did his first of many Lambeau leaps in the Monday Night win against the Vikings. The Detroit Lions lost their first game of the season against Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.

Both Rudi Johnson and Ryan Grant could have big days against the opposing defense. If this game comes down to the passing game, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson could have a couple of big yardage days.
LIONS OVER PACKERS

Bills at Jaguars
The Bills had a huge Week one. Roscoe Parrish had a huge return for a touchdown that broke the game open against the Seahawks, which the Bills won. The Jaguars lost 17-10 to the Titans.

The Bills looked good in week one. I think Marshawn Lynch and Maurice Jones-Drew will have two huge games.

JAGUARS OVER BILLS

Raiders At Chiefs
Both of these teams lost their Week One Games. The Chiefs lost to the Patriots 17-10. The Raiders lost to the Raiders 42-14.

Darren McFadden and Larry Johnson could tear up the opposing defense and the field.
CHIEFS OVER RAIDERS

Colts At Vikings
How funny. I picked these two teams to meet in the Super Bowl, and they are meeting each other in the second week of the season. If the Colts defense had trouble against Matt Forte, how much more trouble will they have against Adrian Peterson? Peyton Manning looked incredibly rusty in his loss to the Bears. Colts fans hope that Peyton will get his rhythm back this week.
VIKINGS OVER COLTS

Giants At Rams
The Giants looked solid in their week one debut. You would never have known the Rams were even on the field the way the Eagles blew them out in week one. The Rams have problems that will take more than a week to fix. The Giants will blitz early and often. Will the Rams be ready?
GIANTS OVER RAMS

Saints At Redskins
The Saints will be without Deep Threat Marques Colston. Drew Brees and Jason Campbell could engage in a Quarterback Duel. The team that makes the least mistakes will win.
REDSKINS OVER SAINTS

4:05 PM EST GAMES

49ers At Seahawks
Both of these teams lost in Week One. The 49ers were beaten by the Cardinals, while Seattle lost to the Bills. Alex Smith's season is over. Expect Frank Gore to be even more of a factor in this game. How will Jullius Jones fare? If this game comes down to the passing game, Seattle should win.
SEAHAWKS OVER 49ERS

Falcons At Buccaneers
Last Week, Matt Ryan had the greatest debut any Quarterback could ever have. Matt Ryan threw a 64 yard touchdown pass in the first pass he ever threw. The Buccaneers lost to the New Orleans Saints. Jeff Garcia may not play in this game.
FALCONS OVER BUCCANEERS

4: 15 PM EST GAMES

Dolphins At Cardinals
Last Week, Chad Pennington faced his old team and was outdueled by Brett Favre. Will he get outdueled by another Ginslinger, Kurt Warner? Warner made smart decsions in the Cardinals win over the 49ers. I'll go with Arizona. Their passing game could give them the edge in this game.
CARDINALS OVER DOLPHINS

Chargers At Broncos
The Broncos beat down the Raiders in their Week One win. The Chargers lost the game on the final play, as Jake Delhomme threw the game winning touchdown pass. Shawne Merriman will not play this season after all. LaDanian Tomlinson didn't have a big game against the Panthers, and I don't expect him to have one against Denver either. This game has two great young Quarterbacks in Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers going head to head. If this game comes down to the running game and special teams, San Diego will win. If this game comes down to the passing game, Denver should win.
CHARGERS OVER BRONCOS

Jets At Patriots (The Game Of The Week)
This game should be fun to watch. You have Brett Favre, the experienced veteran taking on Matt Cassell, who will the Patriots Quarterback for the rest of the season now that Tom Brady is out for the season. Cassel was criticized for his play in Preseason. Patriots fans better hope he steps it up in the regular season, or New England could be in trouble.

I remember what I wrote in my blog after Brett Favre joined The Jets:

"The Patriots won't go 16-0 again this season. "Broadway Brett" will make sure of it."

I said that a month ago, and I stand by that now. The Jets will beat the Patriots.
JETS OVER PATRIOTS

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
BROWNS AT STEELERS
The Steelers impressed in their Week One debut. The Browns did not. Willie Parker rushed for three touchdowns against the Texans, while Jamal Lewis was shut down by the Cowboy defense. The Browns defense will have to stop Willie Parker if they want to win this game. Ben Rothelisberger could be poised for a big day through the air.
STELLERS OVER BROWNS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
EAGLES AT COWBOYS
Donovan McNabb destroyed the Rams in Week One. Tony Romo survived against The Browns. Marion Barber bruised his ribs in Week One, so expect to see more of Felix Jones this season. He looked really good in his NFL debut. His first NFL Carry was a rushing touchdown. The Cowboys defense will have to blitz McNabb and force him to move around in the pocket. The Cwoboyswill also have to contain Reggie Brown, who looks great after one week.

The fact that the NFC East has two potential playoff contenders and the Super Bowl Champions is proof that the NFC East is the toughest divison in the NFL.
COWBOYS OVER EAGLES

Enjoy The Games Everyone!

NASCAR Driver Flips Head Over Heels

Ha! Edwards deserves some extra points for the AFLAC joke!

Hendrick Motorsports '08 Success Hard to Match

Report: Vince Young Mentioned Suicide

NFL Fans, I will have your Week Two NFL Preview up sometime tonight.

Francisco Rodriguez Record Tying Save

From The AP:

"ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—With the Los Angeles Angels cruising along with a 7-0 lead after seven innings, Francisco Rodriguez was kicking back in the bullpen, figuring he wouldn’t get his chance to tie a record.

Then Seattle scored three runs in the eighth, put runners on first and second with no outs in the ninth, and Rodriguez got the call. Greeted by rousing cheers as he took the mound, he got the final three outs Thursday night’s 7-4 win for his record-tying 57th save of the season."

Click on the video below to see K-Rod tie Bobby Thigpen's Single Season Saves Record! Hurry before MLB Advanced Media files a copyright claim to remove the video!

Vince Young: 'I Just Needed My Space'

It's good to see that Vince Young has strightened out the media, who was overblowing his mother's comments.

I hope that Vince Young comes back in about a month, and I hope he leads Tennesee back to the playoffs.

Today In History...

Seven Years Later In New York...


Seven Years Later At The Pentagon...


May we never forget this day. I certainly won't. Please say a prayer for the victim's families, as many of them are still grieving.

God Bless America.

Armstrong Coming Out of Retirement for Tour

Lance Armstrong wants to ride his bicycle for cancer research. I say: If he wants to ruin his legacy, nobody's going to stop him. Hopefully he is able to place well despite his two year layoff.

Ex-UFC Champ Found Dead in SoCal Desert

This is a sad time for all UFC fans. May Evan Tanner rest in peace.

Gary Sheffield Hits 250,000th Homerun

Gary Sheffield hit two Homeruns last night for the Detroit Tigers. Sheffield hit the 249,999th home run and the 250,000th home run in Major League Baseball history.

Both were hit off of Oakland A’s pitcher Gio Gonzalez.

Sheffield needs four Homeruns to reach 500. The Detroit Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics 14-8.

Can You Believe It Has Been Ten Years Since This Happened?

On September 8, 1998, in the middle of a pennant race, Mark McGwire hit his (then) record breaking 62nd Homerun off of Steve Trachsel of the Chicago Cubs.

I was only a young kid back then, but even I remember the chase between Sosa and McGwire was all America was talking about. Heck, they were even talking about it on Nickelodeon, to give you an idea of how much of America was paying attention. All the talk was centered on: Which one of them would break the record first? I remember at times McGwire was way ahead, and then there was a time when Sosa would tie the game or even take the lead for a few hours until McGwire took it right back. It was a great time for America, as Fox actually showed this game on a weekday, not on a Saturday like they do now. For one night, Baseball was the topic of Converstaion.

Look at it now. In 2001, Barry Bonds obliterated the Home Run Record, as he hit 73 homeruns. Barry continued his incredible pace, passing Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, and finally, Hank Aaron in July 2007. Where did you find these games on TV? If you didn't live in the Bay Area, ESPN's Baseball Tonight was the only way to keep pace. Then ESPN showed every Giants game after Barry Bonds hit Carrer homerun number 753, culminating in Bonds tying the record on ESPN before breaking the record on ESPN 2. Again, for one night, Baseball was what America was talking about, but it was not All America was talking about like in 1998. True, steroids ruined the game. They have ruined many people's trust in the Homerun, as people want to check the slugger's arms now to see if the homeruns are legit. Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa were all caught in the steroids cloud. It was guilt by Association for them.

In 2005, after Rafael Palmeiro vehemently denied using steroids in front of congress, Major League Baseball then announced that Palmeiro had tested positive for Steroids, continuing to destroy the game. Palmeiro hasn't found a job since.

Steroids have killed the game. It may never again get the same type of mentioning it got back in that Sensational Summer of 1998 because all of us were so blind to what was going on behind the scenes.

Patriots Fans: 'Saying a Lot of Prayers'

Tom Brady will miss the rest of the season, and that sucks for the Patriots and the NFL.

I think The Patriots will weather the storm with Matt Cassell. I say they finish 10-6.

To The Colts fan that's happy about this: Imagine Peyton Manning going down for the season on a clean hit like what happened to Brady. Do You feel your Heart in your throat? That's how the Patriots fans feel.

I read an interesting article online that the Dallas Cowboys are the new favorites to win the Super Bowl. Note To The Betters: Wait for Dallas to win a playoff game before you say they will win the Super Bowl.

NFL Week 1: Brady Hurt, Favre's NY Debut

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady injures his left knee; Brett Favre makes a successful debut with the Jets; Carolina upsets San Diego on the game's last play; Vince Young is hurt in the Titans win; Matt Ryan throws for a TD on his first NFL pass.

For My Thoughts on the Tom Brady knee injury, see below.

Report: Tom Brady Has Torn ACL, Out For Season

Tom Brady has his leg buckled by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, bottom, during the first quarter.
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

According to Radio Station WEEI, Tom Brady has a torn ACL. According to Yahoo Sports, Tom Brady will miss the rest of the season.

Brady was hurt as he stepped up in the pocket to make a throw to wide reciever Randy Moss. Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, who was on the ground, lunged forward and struck Brady’s leg, which buckled as he released the ball.

Brady was helped off the field and was later led down a staircase by team officials, probably to undergo tests.

Matt Cassel came in and relieved Tom Brady, and looked pretty good in relief.

What is it about the Cassel brothers coming in to relieve someone today? While Matt relieved Tom Brady in the game, Jack Cassel, Matt's Older brother, relieved Houston Astros Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez after he left the game with a right oblique strain. Jack helped lead the Astros to a 7-5 win over the Colorado Rockies.


What are the chances of two backup brothers lifting their teams on the same afternoon?

“I can guarantee you that’s never happened in the history of sports before on the same day,” Houston’s Darin Erstad said. “Great job by Jack, and Matt as well. Great day for the Cassel family.”


Obviously, this is a HUGE INJURY FOR THE PATRIOTS AND THE NFL!!! The Face Of the NFL Is on the Shelf for the season, but do not fret Patriots fans. Matt Cassel will be a formidable backup.

Taking a look at the NFL Schedule next week, Who Do The New England Patriots Play Next Week? The New York Jets. And I Remember when I wrote on my blog about a month ago "The New England Patriots will not go 16-0 again this season. Brett Favre will make sure of it." Next week, We'll see if Favre turns out to be the killer of the Patriots undefeated Streak.

My Week One Picks

Jacksonville at Tennessee TENNESEE

Tampa Bay at New Orleans NEW ORLEANS
Detroit at Atlanta DETROIT
Seattle at Buffalo SEATTLE

NY Jets at Miami JETS

Kansas City at New England NEW ENGLAND

St. Louis at Philadelphia ST LOUIS

Houston at Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH

Cincinnati at Baltimore CINCINNATI

Carolina at San Diego SAN DIEGO

Arizona at San Francisco ARIZONA

Dallas at Cleveland DALLAS
Chicago at Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS

Minnesota at Green Bay MINNESOTA

Denver at Oakland DENVER

Enjoy The Games!

Olajuwon, Ewing Enter Hall of Fame Together

NFL Week 1

The Associated Press' Dave Lubeski previews some of the most anticipated games from the opening week of the NFL's regular season.

Eli Manning rushed for a touchdown and the Giants opened their Super Bowl defense with a 16-7 win Thursday over the Redskins.

The NFL Is Back! The Road To Super Bowl XLIII is under way!

MLB Uses Instant Replay for First Time

Note To THE AP: His name is Joe Maddon, not Joe Madden!

So Alex Rodriguez becomes the first player to ever have their homerun reviewed by instant replay. The Yankees won a key game against their AL East rivals, as they have to fight Boston if they want any hope to make the playoffs.

NFL Player Shot, Has Life-threatening Injuries

Jacksonville Jaguars player Richard Collier was shot early Tuesday and suffered life-threatening injuries.

Let's all pray that he recovers.

NFL Preview: AFC North

Can the newly christened "Chad Ocho Cinco" lead the Bengals to the AFC North title?

The AFC North was pretty much a disappointment last season. Baltimore was a dud last season. That led to the firing of Brian Billick as head coach. While Cleveland was the surprise team of 2007, led by Derek Anderson. The Bengals revolved around Chad Johnson and the Steelers revolved around the team concept. As a result of Pittsburgh's team play, they made the playoffs for the first time since they won Super Bowl XL.

Here's my first NFL Preview:

BENGALS
The Bengals released the injured Rudi Johnson. Chris Perry may be the one that takes Rudi's place. Carson Palmer may have another Pro Bowl Season. How much money Will Chad Ocho Cinco lose due to "Excessive Celebration?" Will the Bengals defense improve?

We know the Bengals explosive offense will return. Will their defense show up this year? Can the Bengals avoid any talk of the slammer this season? If so, expect The Bengals to make a return to the playoffs.

STEELERS
We finally saw the return of Ben Rothlisberger. Big Ben threw for 3,154 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Steelers had a solid running game with Willie Parker, and Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes were the Steelers most reliable recievers. The Steelers just drafted another reliable reciever in Limas Sweed. Pittsburgh's defense was anchored again by Troy Polamalu. James Farrior anchored Pittsburgh's linebacking Corps.

If Big Ben has another breakout season like they did last season, Pittsburgh should win the AFC North again.


RAVENS
The Baltimore Ravens have many questionmarks entering this season. They have lost the veteran leadership of Steve McNair, and now the Ravens will depend on Rookie Quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens still have Willis McGahee, and he should have another shot at a 1,000 yard rushing season. The Ravens Linebacking Corps is still anchored by Ray Lewis, who is still one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

The Ravens have a lot of questions. Too many to win the division.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Browns were the surprise team of last season. Led by Derek Anderson. Their return game was sparked by Josh Cribbs. Jamal Lewis had a solid first season in Cleveland. Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards should shine this season.

It will be tough for Cleveland to repeat their success from last season, starting the very first week of the season.

Did Major League Baseball Cost C.C Sabathia A No-Hitter?

Ned Yost sure thinks so.

C.C Sabathia hit up on a lethal combination of pitches yesterday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sabathia threw a one-hitter against the Pirates, but the Brewers think it should be a No Hitter. They want the score to be changed from a hit by Andy La Roche to an error on C.C Sabathia.

What do I think about that play? Think back to ten years ago, when Kerry Wood was pitching for the Astros. Wood struck out 20 batters, and was an hit away from that being a no-hitter. As Houston was Leading off the top of the third, Ricky Gutierrez hit a ground ball that deflected off of Kevin Orie’s glove and was questionably ruled a hit. Many Cubs fans thought (and still think) that should have been an error.

Regarding this play, La Roche was already very close to first base. If I was an umpire viewing that at normal speed, I also would have called it a hit.

C.C Sabathia may have been robbed of a no hitter last night by Major League Baseball, but I will be surprised if Major League Baseball changes the call and gives C.C a No Hitter.

How about Sabathia? He's 9-0 in the National League after coming over from Cleveland! Sabathia is the reason Milwaukee is the leader in the National League Wild Card race.