LYNCHY RIGHT NOW

On The Market

2009-07-08T18:26:00.053-04:00

Stunner. Of course the '09 Blue Jays who jumped out with an early lead in the American League East weren't for real. When Toronto dropped 9-straight in late May including being swept by division rivals Baltimore and Boston, the writing was on the wall. It took a month and a half for general manager J.P. Ricciardi to come out and say it: UNNNNCCCCLLLLEE.

For Blue Jays fans, all seventeen of you, what's it like to have 70+ plus games remaining in the regular season and have your upper management announce their folding this one in? For Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, and Aaron Hill, your in this one for a while, watching the best pitcher in baseball head to the U.S. isn't exactly encouraging. However, for the rest of major league baseball get out your prospects and package 'em up because a pitcher like Doc Halladay only comes around once in a Blue Jay moon. The rumours are running wild and I've decided to give J.P. some amateur advice.

Let's get after it . . .

To the Sox, and not those white ones. The Red Sox are known for having one of the best minor league machines in all of baseball. A minor-league system that has produced such talents as Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, and the reigning A.L. MVP Dustin Pedroia. It's no secret that Boston could offer Ricciardi & Co. the top package for Doc's services. G.M. Theo Epstein could float prospects like Clay Buchholz, whose already thrown a major league no-hitter, and closer of the future Daniel Bard whose 100 mph heat entices everyone. Halladay would join a staff that is already loaded with talent from ace Josh Beckett to fellow All-Star Tim Wakefield in the midst of one of his best seasons. Lefty Jon Lester and any combination John Smoltz, Brad Penny, and Daisuke Matsuzaka would round out the toughest staff the postseason has seen in twenty years. The Red Sox could afford to extend Halladay after his 2010 season which would be the final on his current contract. With that said, does Toronto really want to see Halladay multiple times a season? Do their fans want to see Halladay celebrate multiple postseason wins? Bottom Line: The Red Sox would be willing to talk but they've got to feel they have bigger needs and holding onto their prospects has seemed to work out for them in the past. The Jays & Sox flirt, but won't go to bed together.

To the Mets. Yes, paired with Johan Santana and pitching in the National League East, Roy Halladay would storm the Big Apple with force. Yes, the Blue Jays wouldn't lose Halladay in free agency without getting something for him in the process and they wouldn't have to be reminded of what they couldn't afford every season. Finally, the Mets would underpay for an ace for the second straight time. But no, none of that will happen. The New York Mets are a mess on the field and their minor league system doesn't seem to produce much more. When other division rivals who will not be named get into the picture, the Mets are sure to be blown out of the sweepstakes. If Toronto is looking to deal Halladay soon, they've got multiple opportunities and multiple teams that would love his services. Bottom Line: So for Mets fans, sorry but a second place finish in the National League East is about all your good for. Oh, and killing the prime of Johan's career. Good Day.

Fine, To the Yanks. Funny thing happens in New York. You don't pull the trigger when you should have (Kennedy & Hughes for Santana) and when your ready to pull it, Joba and Phil Hughes aren't enough. As in the Red Sox case, a combination of Roy Halladay and C.C. Sabathia would be something to watch. Sabathia could slide into a #2 role, get out of the spotlight and back to pitching great and Roy Halladay could be the ace he's always been. A pitcher who seems to be able to handle everything and handle it with ease. The Jays would have the same problems they'd have sending him to Boston, watching him pitch in pinstripes wouldn't be get any easier. Joba Chamberlain could slide into a closer role in Toronto and they could put him back in the rotation, Phil Hughes would probably become a better pitcher with less on him in Canada but is that all you can get for Roy Halladay, a lock for 15-20 wins a season on a bad club as well. Bottom Line:If the Sox can offer up guys like Buchholz and Bard, as they say in New York, forgettaboutit.

To the Dodgers Do they really need him? You could see the Dodgers giving a call to Toronto, why wouldn't they? With Halladay the Dodgers would be as much of a lock for making the World Series as anyone. Bringing Halladay to Hollywood and paring him with Billingsley would put the Dodgers in the mix with almost every American League team as well. However, the Dodgers are going to coast to the National League West championship and they've seemed to be able to handle teams like New York and Philadelphia, both teams they may see in the postseason. It'd cost the Dodgers most likely a major league talent like 21-year old lefty, Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw makes just $400,000 this season and has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. The Jays acquiring a talent ready to pitch in the majors today would go a long way in easing their fans who would be forced to watch Roy Halladay on another team. Bottom Line: As I said in the beginning, do they really need him? The Dodgers are winning the West and once Manny turns it on, I find it hard to believe any team in the N.L. is playing as well as L.A.

The defending champs, to the Phils. The Phillies would no doubt be giving the Blue Jays top infield prospect Jason Donald and if in a pinch as the Red Sox drive up the price on Halladay, possibly even top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek. Compaired to the likes of Tom Seaver and Bartolo Colon, Kyle Drabek would be enough to make J.P. Ricciardi look like a genious at the end of the day and also save face with the fans. If the Toronto Blue Jays could make the Phillies feel like they have Halladay for an unproven prospect if they want it, then the Phillies may be forced to move their hand. Roy Halladay puts the Phillies above any National League opponent. Halladay strikes out guys and gets them to ground out, two musts in Citizens Bank Ballpark. Halladay is a better pitcher than C.C. Sabathia and we saw what C.C. did in half a season in the N.L. last year. Roy Halladay would give the Phillies the best chance at a repeat and the ultimate pitcher to pitch against possibly the Yanks or Sox, teams they could meet in October. Bottom Line: The Phillies should go get this done, sign him to an extension and keep the Mets and Dodgers at bay. Halladay is a front runner, and so are the Phils.

As a Red Sox fan seeing a pitcher like Roy Halladay pitch in our uniform would be unreal, but even more unreal is that the Blue Jays are willing to part ways because they can't afford him when he becomes a free agent. For all of those fans of teams like Minnesota, Toronto, Colorado, and Cleveland, this is what is wrong in baseball. Roy Halladay keeps the Sox and Yanks on their toes when he's facing them, send him to one of these wealthy franchises and he just adds to story. Bud Selig needs to get off his a** and find a way to allow teams like this to keep their stars. Johan should be a Twin and Roy should be a Blue Jay. Nuff Said. (go get him Boston!)

Chasing It!

2009-07-06T13:35:00.203-04:00

The regular season hasn't even been over for a month. We haven't even buried Michael Jackson, and somehow the NBA continues to dominate the headlines. Big names have been on the move but more importantly, the big teams have made splashes. Where the rich have gotten richer and the 2010 season is shaping up before it starts.

Out in front . .

The San Antonio Spurs I've said it before, I'll say it again: The Spurs aren't done yet. After coming up short each of the last two years due mainly to injuries and a lack of youth, the Spurs were staring the end of a dynasty right in the eyes. Choosing to reload as oppose to blowing things up, enter Richard Jefferson. The Spurs find a way to dump the corpse of Bruce Bowen, washed up Kurt Thomas, and a 34-year old Francisco Oberto for Jefferson who hasn't missed a game in two years and gives the Spurs a solid wing player who can score, something they've seriously lacked. Richard Jefferson knows what its like to play with quality point guards (see Jason Kidd) and now playing with a younger more athletic version in Tony Parker, expect his opportunities to greatly increase. San Antonio is prepared to make another run at their 5th ring since 1999. Impressed yet? A healthy Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, of course Tim Duncan and now Richard Jefferson, be ready the Spurs are making their move.

The Orlando Magic They may be the only ones who think they're good enough to make it back, but at least they're doing everything they can. After being dispatched by the Lakers in The Finals, the Magic promptly struck a deal with New Jersey to send stand out rookie Courtney Lee to the Nets in exchange for 11-year veteran two guard, Vince Carter. Carter may be past his prime but he can still score with the best of them. With Carter arriving in Orlando in what seems to be a homecoming for the newly acquired Magic star who makes his home in Florida, Carter is sure to turn it on to make a run at the NBA Title. Over his career Vince has averaged 23 ppg. and is sure to give the Magic that scoring threat which they lost with the departure of free agent Hedo Turkoglu. As All-Star guard Jameer Nelson makes his comeback in the 2009-2010 season and paired with the most talented big man in basketball, Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic should be able to give the Celtics and Cavaliers a run for their money in the east. Don't be shocked if the Magic get off to a great start.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Doesn't matter who they gave up. Doesn't matter that they choked away what seemed like their best shot at an NBA Title. The only thing that matters now is getting it done. Adding still the largest man in the game, 37-year old Shaquille O'Neal, the Cavs are drawing their mark in the sand. The Cavaliers watched their seven footer shoot one too many three-pointers before realizing, you don't beat Dwight Howard inside by shooting from the arc. Well shooting isn't something Shaq does, infact we're not really sure what it is Shaq still does. However, if your goal is to wear out Dwight like a rented mule, then The Diesel is the guy to do it. Shaq finished last season playing in 75 games scoring nearly 18 points a night and pulling down nearly 9 rebounds a night. If there is anything left in his 330 lb. frame, watching Stan Van Gundy and Kobe Bryant play for a title might just get it out of him. Shaq doesn't get traded to teams unless their in line to make a run at a trophy. The Cavaliers are making it known that they plan to do everything they can to keep LeBron in Cleveland, the final question has to be: Is this enough?

The Champs:

The Los Angeles Lakers We wanted them to be tough. We wanted them to shake that soft exterior. We wanted the Lakers to play with a championship swagger. Ron Artest hard enough for us? Not since the Chicago Bulls added Dennis Rodman for their second set of championships has a more odd couple been formed. Yes, Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant is just as crazy as Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan, if not crazier. Artest is a defense playing, fan fighting, technical foul getting, certifiable whack job. Kobe Bryant is a champion, a four time champion who is the games most dominant closer. I don't think people are realizing that the only player who can slow him down is now on his own bench. Trevor Ariza who? The Los Angeles Lakers are taking their shot back at San Antonio, what better way to neutralize Richard Jefferson than with Ron Artest, the man who knows no boundaries. Are we ready for the Lakers and Ron Artest, Phil has handled The Worm, and you think Ron has no boundaries? Pau, Kobe, Ron, and Lamar? The Lakers may be an odd mix but they've already won one, now they just got that much better.

The Boston Celtics Yes. They are included in The Champs. For all accounts the Celtics were a busted Kevin Garnett knee away from repeating, truly believe that. Furthermore this postseason taught Celtics GM, Danny Ainge, two simple things: (1) You got lucky with P.J. Brown, see Mikki Moore circa 2009. (2) Insurance premium on Kevin Garnett must be addressed. That's why the entire contingent, Danny, Wyc, Kevin, Paul, and Ray were visiting one Rasheed Wallace in Detroit in the middle of the summer. Believe me, there is no other reason to be in Detroit, Michigan, ever. Wallace agrees to come to Boston and that's the move. That is the move that shows the Celtics aren't about to blow things up, they are once again going for broke. Wallace is disrupting, Wallace is obnoxious, and Rasheed Wallace is the toughest guy to guard in the entire league. A near seven-footer who knocks down three-pointers and can play center, power forward, and small forward. The Celtics are putting this guy next to Kevin Garnett. You scared? Better be. Garnett and Wallace would produce one of the most dangerous and championship hungry duos ever created. Two guys near 6-11 ripping down boards and yelling obscenities, eeeek. Whatever Rasheed has left in him is going to come out this season, you don't come to Boston for the weather, you don't come to Boston for the mid-level exception, you come to Boston to win a championship, that's the only reason you do. The man who wore a championship belt rather than a championship ring has landed in The Bean.

My guess is that more than one of these moves have influenced another. More than one of these moves have been done to combat another. Richard Jefferson added to the Spurs, Ron Artest to cover him. The Magic get more athletic adding Vince Carter, the Cavs find someone to bang with Dwight. The Cavs add Shaq, the Celtics add Rasheed to give him fits. The NBA's elite are going for a ring in what promises to be the greatest NBA hot stove in years. If the regular season and 2010 postseason is this exciting, we're in for it. Where Amazing Happens!

The Case For Futbol, Really!

2009-06-30T07:24:00.013-04:00

Yes, I agree that LynchyRightNow.Com is not the normal house for soccer conversation. No, I'm not a fan of the United States pathetic attempt at professional soccer otherwise known as the MLS or a fan of the English Premier League, nor would I follow any of them at any time. I agree that while soccer may be the most popular sport in the world, it's not even top five in this country. We don't follow Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka, we follow the likes of LeBron, Peyton, Albert, Tiger, and Sidney.

However, watching Brazil v. USA on Sunday afternoon got me thinking that maybe I've been missing something. Even though it wasn't the World Cup, Olympics, or any other event that we really should care about, if the Americans had toppled Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup it would have meant something.

Here's why . . .

1. We're better, it's about asserting it. Yea you know what? I might not give a damn if David Beckham signs with the Galaxy or if the Revolution beat D.C. United, but when it comes to laying the stars and stripes on Brazil, Spain, Germany, or Italy, yes I'm all in. The Americans making it to the Confederations Cup finals and doing so by toppling global powerhouse Spain, puts them not only on the map but forces the world to take notice. A victory over Brazil would have pushed that envelope even further, but maybe the U.S. has other plans. Maybe the World Cup and revisiting South Africa in 2010 is exactly where they will announce their assertion. Assertion is more than just the team with the most expensive threads from the country that defines greatness, assertion as the worlds premier soccer playground. For those who doubt that the American soccer team wants this more than anything, they have this for you: Upon their disappointing 3-2 loss to Brazil 27-year old Landon Donovan had this to say "we're at the point where we don't want respect, we want to win." Sounds like they are prepared to not only act the part, but be the part.

2. Lance Armstrong dominated global cycling, Tiger Woods dominates the golf, and Michael Phelps just clearly dominated swimming. Don't we think it's about time that we take yet another title on yet another global stage? Yes, our basketball players are better than anywhere on the world, but we invented that. No hockey isn't as important, this isn't thirty years ago and we're not in the midst of a cold war. This is today in 2009 with a 2010 World Cup approaching us, it's time you see the United States capture that title and run with it. I'll go one step further, if the United States can win the World Cup, it'll be more satisfying than the 04' Red Sox and more of an upset than the Miracle On Ice. In South Africa the Americans don't come in as a classic underdog, they don't come in as a team with no shot looking to get a little respect. The Americans come in as the runner-up in the Confederations Cup who had the mighty Brazilians on the ropes down 2-0 before relinquishing a lead and ultimately losing the contest. They come in as a team with more to prove than just "happy to be there," but happy and willing to do what it takes to win. This is America baby, we don't like a second place finish.

Notice the theme? I'm probably never going to be a soccer fan but when it comes to international play, I'd cheer for just about anything. Beating a bunch of South Americans, Spaniards, and Germans? Yes, I'm all in and can't wait to see it happen. (Just remind me when it is, this is new to me.)

Wake Up!

2009-06-28T12:35:00.061-04:00

A night after baffling Braves hitters and in his 17th major league season, 415 career starts later, and on the cusp of becoming the pitcher with the most starts in Boston Red Sox club history, Tim Wakefield if finally getting his due.

Months prior to his 43rd birthday and Tim Wakefield has notched his major league leading 10th victory. More victories than teammate Josh Beckett, Mets ace Johan Santana, and three more wins than any pitcher in the Bronx. His Red Sox are leading the American League in wins, and yes Tim Wakefield is just as much a reason as anything else that they are. As far as this season goes, Wakefield has been nothing short of dominant. Now this Red Sox knuckleballer is never going to have an earned run average south of 3.00, in fact he has only done so in three seasons of his 17-year career, but Wake has potential to baffle hitters on almost any night. In 2009, Wakefield has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 9 of his 15 starts. To go even further, his Boston Red Sox have only lost 3 games in the same 15 that Wake has taken the mound. Victories against the Mets, Yankees, Tigers, and Rays, all teams Boston could see in the postseason. While Red Sox aces Jon Lester and Josh Beckett got off to somewhat of a slow start before turning it around as of late, and the obvious struggles of Daisuke Matsuzaka, it was Tim Wakefield who has carried the Red Sox rotation through much of the first half and continues to hold his own.

Over his long career Tim Wakefield has seen it all. From the 2003 ALCS in which he allowed that infamous Aaron Boone homerun that ended both the Red Sox season and the career of Grady Little in Boston to the breaking of said curse just 11 months later. Tim Wakefield has been part of a rotation that has included such stars as Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, and currently ace Josh Beckett. Wakefield has been left off playoff rosters, been moved to the bullpen, and never a complaint. Never a contract dispute that I can remember, never a "C" stapled to his jersey, never a steroid rumour (knock on wood), and unfortunately never an All-Star appearance, until this season. Red Sox fans have watched the likes of Garciaparra, Nixon, Vaughn, Ramirez, Pedro, and Boggs all leave in the same time that Tim Wakefield has been stepping over the white lines. Through 382 starts with the Boston Red Sox and 11 seasons of double-digit victories, Tim Wakefield has been a staple of the Boston Red Sox. He's been part of teams that couldn't get out of their own way and he's been part of teams that ran through everything in their way. When American League All-Star manager and current Rays manager, Joe Maddon, fills out his roster and adds Tim Wakefield to that roster it'll be the tribute which Wake has always deserved.

Upon Tim Wakefield's most recent 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves and tying a club record for games started, Tim Wakefield had this to say, "It’s pretty cool to win a 1-0 game. I’ve been on the opposite end of those quite a bit. Kind of nice to be on the right side." Nuff said.

Keep It Real Friday: The Draft

2009-06-26T01:00:00.093-04:00

The NBA Draft, the preeminent draft in the sports universe. A night with at least one guy wearing a ridiculous bow tie, Dicky V via satellite, and a panoramic lens to catch 6'7" hoops stars shaking hands with 5'5" commissioner David Stern for a photo op. Folks, life doesn't' get much better than this.

As a tribute to last night I'm prepared to deliver KEEP IT REAL FRIDAY in NBA draft style, moonwalking on my desk like Michael Jackson (had to do it) let's get after it!

BOOM! The Spurs are not done their run just yet. For everyone who thought that Tim Duncan and the Spurs didn't have gas left in the tank after the Spurs less than memorable departure from the postseason, think again. San Antonio has fully reloaded less than a month after the season ended. First, the Spurs went out and got both athletic and dangerous. 20 point per game scorer, Richard Jefferson, creates a more versatile starting five and covers the Spurs in case of injury to either Ginobli or Parker, depth they were missing from last season. For the first time in his career Jefferson is playing with a legit big man inside, this should free up his game and allow him to make a bigger impact. In the draft, they seriously got what they needed and did it in the second round. Hurricane Jack McClinton gives them a forceful sharp shooter. McClinton has deadly range and gives the Spurs a 3-point threat off the bench. Major similarities with Celtic back up Eddie House, and you saw how Boston made sure they kept him around after their 17th World Championship was captured. DeJuan Blair going in the second round was a shock to many, and it's not shocking that he didn't get past San Antonio at #37, he gives them depth off the bench and can develop into a fine NBA big man. Finally, having had pretty good success with their current French born point guard the Spurs were sure to add yet another French born point guard in Nando De Colo. This Spurs teams can make me shut off my NFL SUNDAY TICKET in November and turn on some hoops. San Antonio doesn't re-build, they just reload, KEEP IT REAL!

I'll say it, god damn I like these Nets. With each move the Nets have made, they get more exciting to watch. This probably doesn't result in wins and a playoff spot, but I like them. With current NBA All-Star guard, Devin Harris exploding onto the scene in 2009 the Nets were looking to give him some young hungry talent to work with. Out with disgruntled Vince Carter, in with postseason rookie standout Courtney Lee. Courtney Lee comes off a season in which he turned into the steal of the 2008 draft and finds himself playing with Devin Harris in the garden state, maybe not an ideal state but he's playing with a true scoring guard. Lee is getting off better shots and has played noticeably well in this past postseason, experience which no one has on that Nets team. Drafting Terrance Williams at #11 is a jackpot if you ask me, the Louisville 2-guard has exceptional talent and is the most personable guy in this draft class. Williams has a versatile game both defensively and offensively, not to mention the amount of energy he'll bring to this Nets team. Comparing yourself to Ron Artest isn't always a good thing, but if Williams plays like Artest does on the court, this is going to get very interesting. With Harris, Williams and Courtney Lee, the Nets remind me of that Hawk squad that almost knocked off the Celtics in 2008. Keep your eye on New Jersey, this team is my sexy pick of 2010! I'll be checking both my NFL SUNDAY TICKET SCHEDULE & the New Jersey Nets schedule! KEEP IT REAL!

Ricky Rubio won't be a Timberwolve for long, bank on it. Let me get this straight, Rubio made it clear he doesn't want any part of Minnesota and they still picked him? Then they followed that up by drafting Jonny Flynn, further pissing off Ricky Rubio. The Timberwolves showed up in New York with two hats and put them on two guys who play the same spot? Are we sure that Kevin McHale still isn't in charge? Has he actually left the building or is he still in the back of that war room wearing a disguise and shouting out draft picks? No seriously. A year after basically dumping O.J. Mayo for Kevin Love the T-Wolves follow it up with this head scratcher. Ricky Rubio doesn't know how good Al Jefferson is and at this rate he will never find out. The Timberwolves are going to lose out that selection when Rubio heads back to Spain when other guys they could have used were on the board a.k.a. Steph Curry. With Jonny Flynn and Steph Curry the Timberwolves would have had their back court for the future and would have looked dangerous, now they are just going to look like fools. Furthermore, Wayne Ellington won't be as effective in the NBA as people think. The Timberwolves will never get to see Ricky Rubio in action and for a team that had four picks in the first round, they did about as bad as anyone could do. Kevin McHale is still lingering and this team is oddly constructed, there is a reason I don't mind paying for NFL SUNDAY TICKET PRICE and would never pay for a t-wolves ticket.KEEP IT REAL!

Finally,

Danny Granger is slamming his head into a wall right now. Looks like Larry Bird has officially gone off the deep end in Indiana, a state where he could once do nothing wrong. The "what the f*&%" moment of draft night 2009 happened at pick #13. With fantastic small forward from Louisville, Earl Clark still on the board and the Indiana Pacers desperately needing a running mate for Danny Granger they passed. Instead of a player like Earl Clark or Sam Young from Pittsburgh, the Pacers select Tyler Hansbrough, who won't be able to be Tyler Hansbrough from Chapel Hill in The League. Hansbrough's game DOES NOT TRANSLATE for the 19,000th time. Oh, and may I remind everyone that he was projected as a mid to late round selection, couldn't they have moved back if they really wanted him? Was he REALLY going to get taken before 20? Doesn't this team already have their max on white guys who can't play in the NBA but were studs in college? Troy Murphy, Josh McRoberts, Mike Dunleavy, and now they pick up Tyler Hansbrough? It's time we put a freeze on hiring retired NBA hall of famers as GM's, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale, great NBA players, terrible GM's, and I haven't even mentioned Isiah Thomas. So Danny Granger have fun with these great hustle guys and wake me when they get you a running mate. LARRY OUT, KEEP IT REAL!

That wraps up another successful NBA draft season, and I'll leave you with a final message from our 2009 NBA draft party:

"It's 3:30 in the morning, still drinking, another NBA draft in the books, fantastic!"

NBA Draft Mode

2009-06-23T23:40:00.129-04:00

Like ridiculous motor vehicles turning into laser shooting robots in Transformers, LynchyRightNow and The Right Now Podcast is ridiculously evolving into NBA draft mode, well continuing in NBA draft mode is more like it.

The fans have been actively writing in questions about the NBA draft and what to expect on Thursday night, so we're going to please them and give them what they need . . . . (a wind bag blogging about his obsession with sports) WILL DO!

You, a diehard Celtics fan and clear fan of point guard Rajon Rondo, what is going on with every rumour surrounding trading this break out player and attempting to snatch a rookie guard like Flynn, Evans, and even Rubio? -Mike, New York

Too smart for their own good. That's it. It isn't Rondo's play or the fact that he is going to cost the Celtics major dollars in another year, it's their stubbornness. Maybe Rondo is tough to coach, and maybe he's even somewhat of a diva in the locker room, it's worth it. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and OF COURSE Kevin Garnett are on the back 9 of their career with few holes left to play. Rondo however, has barely tee'd off. In a year or two Rajon Rondo is going to be the player that lures a knock-down jump shooter to Boston, or brings in one of those big-time free agents next summer, not PP or KG. He's one of the top 3 point guards in the game today, if your not a homer, he's top 5. Premier court vision, long range on defense, and oh yes, he slapped the Bulls down on his own. To play Devil's Advocate if you can't pay Rajon and you feel you can get better than him, you take the chance when you have gas remaining in the tank of Pierce and Garnett. You take the chance if you feel getting big to beat Orlando is the better position to be in. If you could get a premier guard prospect, you go 1 way: 6'7" Playmaker, Tyreke Evans. Evans knows how to battle and came from the book of John Calipari, Derrick Rose is doing alright, right? But he's the only one you make a play for, because he's the only one your selling to the legions of Banner 17 wearing fans, bank on it.

Bigger bust? Huskies, Hasheem Thabeet or Sun Devil, James Harden? - Ricky, Denver

James Harden. You can't teach the size that Thabeet possesses. I'm all set with a player compared to Delonte West and Cuttino Mobley. I don't buy that Harden is the best 2-guard in this draft, Steph Curry and Gerald Henderson would still be available. Before we smash on Hasheem Thabeet and bring up guys like Greg Oden, slow down. Thabeet has only been playing hoops since he was 15, that's 7 years people. Furthermore, who cares if he's soft right now coaching can fix that. If Hasheem Thabeet can average four blocks a game and rip down boards in the pros, then he's doing his job. If your the Cavaliers and just watched Dwight Howard have his way with you, aren't you wondering what can you possibly do to combat that? Hasheem Thabeet blocking shots and occupying space is the answer. Before Lionel Hollins locks in on fellow Sun Devil James Harden, you better think twice about Hasheem Thabeet because with O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay, you've got enough offense. Thabeet is the #2, like it or not.

Can Steph Curry be the King of New York? Or is he just holding the crown while LeBron plays out the string? -Ray, Bronx

This is it. THE KNOCK-DOWN SHOOTER. You know why we love Ray Allen in Boston? You know why we feel comfortable down 6 with 32 seconds remaining? Because a shooter like Ray Allen can end this before you can say WOW! Stephen Curry is the next Ray Allen and in New York, Steph Curry would be on a whole separate level of greatness. Curry plays with Ray Allen like ice in his veins, smooth and confident with every shot. If your a Knick fan you hoping that Minnesota and Golden State ignore what Stephen Curry can be, your hoping that Steph Curry is the piece that lures LeBron to New York, and NO that rumour isn't dead. Curry is the most interesting pick in this draft and has been for some time. In three seasons at Davidson, after being passed over by both North Carolina and Duke (located in the same state) Stephen Curry has increased his scoring and feared no one in doing so. Asked to play the point, no problem. Asked to play the two, no problem. the Knicks would be hitting draft gold if they could attach Steph Curry to Madison Square, but he won't be there. Sorry!

Who are sleeping on Lynchy? There has to be one player in this draft who everyone is sleeping on, right?!? - Billy, Milwaukee

Yes, and even though we've revealed in The Right Now Podcast someone better Carolina point guard, Ty Lawson. There is no reason that Ty Lawson can't make an impact on draft day. Lawson has championship pedigree, start talking about him. plays injured and with a motor that has no quit, face it, another Carolina kid is just as impressive as advertised. Ty Lawson is more accomplished than any point guard in this draft, and that shouldn't go ignored. For everything you want to put on Flynn, Rubio, and Evans, Ty Lawson is more of a sure thing than any of them will be. Lawson is 21, older than each of his fellow point guards previously mentioned, and more of a mature basketball player with a better court IQ. The Carolina point guard is the only one of the four to have won anything, and knows what it takes to get it done. For all the upside of a 6'7" Tyreke Evans and an unpolished look of 19-year old Ricky Rubio, Ty Lawson might just be the far and away best bet, don't be stunned when someone else knows it before you.

Come on, admit it. There is buzz around Tar Heel Tyler Hansbrough. We know you won't come forward but at least give the guy his due. -Anthony, Myrtle Beach

*$&%&#@$!&*(%, happy? That was me yelling obscenities about you and your notion that I would acknowledge Tyler Hansbrough as having "buzz"! I won't do it, I've put my eggs in a similar basket (UConn's Jeff Adrien) and you can't take that away from me. Maybe hustling got you a good name in the college game, but in the NBA all it does is get you smack down. I'm a competitive guy, and if you threw a jersey on me I'd try really hard too, so NO that doesn't make Tyler Hansbrough "special." Look, some guys are just very good in college and that's all they're going to get, wa, wa, wa . . keep crying! Get a good jump shot, post game, and bring the thunder to a couple guys who matter then we'll revisit your NBA success, till then? FORGETTABOUTIT!

Your focused on the draft, we get that. What is the most interesting thing about the 2009 NBA Draft for you as a fan? - Rich, Baltimore

How does Baltimore a.k.a. Charm City not have an NBA team? That puzzles me. You give the Wizards to Washington and the Nets to New Jersey, yet Charm City looks like it's ugly step child, ugh! MOVING ON! Rich, I'm most excited about the possibilities. O.J. Mayo ending up on Memphis. Kevin Durant exploding in OKC. Darko being taken over Carmelo. That's what I'm excited for. Being proven wrong about Glen Davis and being proven right about J.J. Reddick. Finding the guys with the A+ skill set, showing the guys without it. The NBA draft provides one thing no other draft provides, A THURSDAY NIGHT WITH THE FOUNDERS! HaHa. Richy, stay tuned and get excited, when your wife tells you to set the table tell her where your headed. TV Land and the NBA Draft, tell her you've got a duty to full fill. It's the NBA Draft, where out of your mind happens!

Episode 11: The Right Now Podcast

2009-06-18T23:22:00.005-04:00

You've said you appreciate the stream of conscious approach to the Right Now Podcast and we deliver in spades this week. We're talking about DUI manslaughter, Donte Stallworth and Leonard Little, plus we'll discuss Sammy Sosa, steroids in MLB and most importantly heavyweight boxing.

You can download this on iTunes, search Right Now Podcast.

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Comments, questions rightnowpodcast@gmail.com

Thank You!

Our Fav. Five

2009-06-17T13:04:00.113-04:00

The NBA Draft doesn't come with as much fan fare as its' NFL counterpart. For starters, it's held just two weeks after the complete of the previous season. We haven't even had time to breath before an entire crop of new talent is pumped into the NBA. The trades are a bit more often, a bit more complex, and a whole lot more boring. However, it's a draft and like women with big . . .eyes, I'm always interested. In T-Mobile fashion, here are our "Fav. Five" of the 2009 NBA draft. (This won't include consensus #1, Blake Griffin)

Let's get after it!

(5) Jeff Adrien, PF Connecticut This Husky won't be a first round selection, and yes we love him. For all the words we've been forced to eat, our remarks around the potential career of current Celtic, Glen Davis, had to be the toughest. Davis was an undersized big man in the college game, lacked a consistent jump shot, and for all intents and purposes, should have been a non-factor in the NBA. Fortunately for him, he has become a dynamic role player for the aging Celtics and continues to improve his game from night to night. While smaller than the 6-9 Davis, Jeff Adrien brings that thunder ability to the position of power forward. A double-double machine at UConn, Adrien found ways to dominate in the paint while playing in a tough conference. In the NBA, his 240lb. frame will do wonders for him physically. Like Davis, Adrien doesn't have the ability to maneuver himself into a small forwards role and will have to develop a reliable outside shot, similar to what Glen Davis sunk the Magic with. I like Adrien for what he's known for best, his hustle and scrappy play. For someone whose 5'10" and 175 lbs. scrappy doesn't count, but for someone with six more inches and nearly 70 pounds more of muscle, scrappy results in rebounds, loose balls, and added possessions. He has work to do, quickness, that shot we discussed, and the ability to face the basket in the post, but Jeff Adrien is used to playing undersized, he'll do more than you expect. Ideal landing spot: Utah

(4) Sam Young, SF Pittsburgh Some players are just better than experts think, Sam Young is one of those players. The explosive senior year of Sam Young launched him on to the national stage. The 6'6" small forward has a mean outside shot with outstanding defensive ability, your in between guy who will be asked to cover the leagues elite, similiar to that of Magic star rookie, Courtney Lee. Sam Young is currently projected to come off the board in the late selections of round 1, but as far as athletes go it's hard to see him slipping past mid-first round. One of the more dangerous players in this years NCAA tournament, Sam Young can score from a variety of areas on the court. Attacking the basket, behind the arc, and he even has a smooth mid-range shot. Young being 24 years old helps him out more than we think, he's a more mature rookie and should be able to adjust his game to the pro level very quickly. If he's asked to extend himself on the defensive end, he can do that. If he's asked to man up on quality players, he can do that. If left open, Sam Young can develop into a knock-down shooter. For a player who expects to be drafted by a cusp team, Sam Young could play the role that Courtney Lee played just a year after being selected in the later portion of round 1. Ideal landing spot: Dallas

(3) Tyreke Evans, PG Memphis Any player who was allowed to focus on just hoops and not school (act like Memphis required he studied) for the last year, I'm all about. Evans is the hands down most explosive point guard in this draft, put me on record. However, he isn't the best point guard and I'd argue he isn't in the top three. Let's get the bad right out of the way, his jump shot, it needs work and that can get better as his career goes forward. Back to the good. Evans is a take control point guard, he'll score first and pass second, he'll work his way to the free throw line and doesn't mind heading into traffic. His ball handling skills are fantastic and if you haven't seen them, you will soon. Evans is a top 15 draft pick, no bones about it. The issue with Evans is he needs work, his play will have to become more orthodox and he'll need to look to pass if his jump shot isn't where it needs to be. If our high-water mark for point guards his Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams, Tyreke Evans has to develop some things they possess. Fantastic outside shot (CP3), outstanding court vision (Williams), and the ability to drop your jaw every time down the court (Rajon), those are the things Evans game needs to develop into. He's this good and only 20-years old, teams at the top are going to decide if he has what it takes, before he's off the board. Ideal landing spot: New York

(2) Gerald Henderson, SG Duke I love ACC basketball, so there was no way you were going to get out of this without hearing me prop up at least one ACC stud. Without a better shot, Henderson will be a perfect defensive tool for teams looking to add role players who can both defend and score. DraftNet puts Henderson in a Latrell Sprewell mold, I'm not that kind. However, I do think that Henderson plays with that level of intensity that brings his best talents to the forefront, athleticism, quickness, and strength. As far as athletes go, Henderson is among the top in this draft. The thing I love most about his play is his ability to attack the hoop, something not many Duke players have had recently. We shouldn't leave out Henderson's size, he's a generous 6'5" and only 215 lbs., without a jump shot can Henderson get his points in the NBA? We'll find out. Teams missing a slasher type who can score and take charge of a second team or even start need a player like Henderson. All that physical ability needs to be reigned in at times to play in a more team setting, but as high in the draft as we think he's going, the team may not mind him attempting to take over a game. Ideal landing spot: Minnesota

(1) Ricky Rubio, PG DKV Joventut (Spain) We're not stretching with a 19-year old foreign born point guard. Yes, the chips are in the center of the table when drafting such a young player with relatively limited exposure. Like in poker, you can only win what you put in the middle, and this point guard is worth every chip you put in. Ricky Rubio has played against the best the world has to offer, the 2008 summer Olympic games. Ricky Rubio has played with some of the worlds best, namely Pau Gasol. If your looking for proof just look him up on YouTube, if your looking to take my word for it, he'll instantly be a top 5 passer in the league within 3 years, BANK IT. Rubio's non-stop style of play can be seen at both ends of the floor, his head is constantly up and rarely do you see a player with court vision like Rubio has. From his defensive prowess to his decision making skills, I wouldn't be shocked if heavy hitters tried moving up in this draft if Rubio slips. Here's the final call on Rubio, if he is the next Steve Nash, the next throw his team on his back and win two consecutive MVP's, do you take the risk on passing him in a thin draft? Of course not. Ricky Rubio is the most elite point guard in this draft and I'd take him VERY high, without caution. Ideal landing spot: Golden State

I'm no genius (at least I only claim not to be) but these five players could make heavy impacts on their team over the next few seasons and I'd be somewhat surprised if they all missed. NBA Draft, where over hype happens.

Fine, Because I Should

2009-06-16T20:06:00.097-04:00

Now almost three full days since Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles hoisted their 15th NBA title, I'm breaking my silence. With a twist . . . (we're too close to the beast that is the NBA draft for me to leave it entirely out, enjoy.)

Crown him god damn it. 3 NBA Titles as co-star, 1-NBA Most Valuable Player (2008), 11x NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medal, an NBA Finals MVP, and now, 1 shiny NBA Title in the post-Shaq era of his career. Bean Bryant is and has been the greatest thing since Michael Jordan, it's time we take away that title and call him what he is now, in the conversation. In the conversation with Michael, Larry, Magic, Oscar, Bill, and anyone else you want to throw in, that is where Kobe Bryant has landed himself in his 13th NBA season. Yes, Kobe isn't exactly the most liked player that Magic was or the global icon that Michael still is, but on the hardwood? He's just as good. I don't feel as happy for him as I felt for Paul Pierce when he got his, I'm not looking forward to his every game as I was after Dwyane Wade won his, and in his favor, I don't hate him liked I hated the champion Detroit Pistons, but Kobe has a spot all his own. That spot is called Validation. He didn't need it from me, but he needed it for history. Crown him god damn it, it's about time.

Not so fast with Phil, come on. If we're going by championships, sure Phil Jackson is the best coach in NBA history. Don't give me that and Kobe aren't just great players, they are THE great players in basketball history. As far as straight up basketball coaching goes, I'd take any list of collegiate basketball minds, Coach K, Pitino, Wooden, Knight, Dean Smith, it could really go "every great coach has great players" speech, I've heard that. I could argue that Michael on and on. However, in the NBA all we have to measure greatness by, is rings. Michael's six, Russell's eleven, and now Phil's ten, that's how we measure. The truth is the NBA is more about managing talent than drawing up plays, at the end of the day who managed more talent better than Phil Jackson? Michael's demanding play, Scottie's attitude, Rodman's antics, Shaq v. Kobe, and Kobe v. Himself, Phil Jackson managed stars better than any coach in the history of the game, and that is how he should be remembered. From the Jordan Years through the Shaq/Kobe Lakers and now back to the top, Phil Jackson is the NBA's greatest talent manager. The one who invented the victory cigar is the greatest coach, truth be told.

That's what you get, when you don't fix it. I guess I liked it better when we were fixing The NBA Finals. I was pissed when Orlando beat the Celtics and elated when they beat the Cavaliers, now I'm just bored. Call me a Monday morning quarterback, but didn't we all want to see LeBron v. Kobe? Now we know why. Guy who wants to say "well, the Magic could have been up 3-1 heading into game 5 if they'd just hit this shot or that shot" needs to smarten up. They got embarrassed in 2 of their 4 losses in The Finals, when I say embarrassed I mean embarrassed like the Lakers were in game 6 @ Boston last season. When arm-chair coach understands you don't push Jameer Nelson back into the lineup and your own head coach doesn't, we have problems. When you have no plan to cover Kobe after having an entire season to develop a plan, your in trouble. Time to realize and apologize, I should have pushed for Kobe v. LeBron much more, I should have known Orlando wouldn't get past game 5, at the end of the day we just wasted a fantastic season on that NBA Finals, great. With that said, can we get Kobe v. LeBron in 2010? Before Kobe enters the decline and LeBron is living in the Big Apple, can we see Kobe v. LeBron for a title? Please?

The playoffs has impacted the NBA draft, bank on it. The rise of Dwight Howard and subsequent success of Orlando has made an impact on the East, your about to see it. If your the Boston Celtics you understand that the injury to Kevin Garnett really hurt your front court. While Kendrick Perkins played Howard better than anyone in the postseason, it's not enough. Judging by the way Orlando handled LeBron and the Cavs, clearly the Cavaliers must get bigger and more physical. As the Lakers realized their need to get tougher after Boston's shut down defense exploded on them in the '08 Finals, the Cavaliers and those same Celtics understand their need to get bigger inside. For Boston, mega deals could send Ray Allen out of Beantown and bring in a deeper front line for the Celtics who plan on making another deep run in the coming season. If the Cavaliers are truely planning on bringing Shaq to Cleveland, the most likely reason isn't for his scoring but for his ability to take up space and alter shot attempts, something they really lacked against Howard & Orlando. Expect one of these two to make noise prior to draft day, for they know the window is closing shut and their best shot may be past them.

That's how the draft talk you'll get for now. For more talk on the NBA and the NBA Draft check out The Right Now Podcast and you can also find us on Twitter. Now excuse me while I go cry about the Lakers winning another gold ball.

Keep It Real: The Digital Takeover

2009-06-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

Another segment of Keep It Real Friday is coming at you . . . BOOM! We're talking sluggers who use the juice, the Kobe chronicles, David Stern and the NCAA, and of course I couldn't leave out the Yanks 8th straight loss to a team in Boston. You guessed it, time to KEEP IT REAL!

Let's get after it . . .

Raul don't blame the blogger, blame your fellow sluggers. I'm not saying the blogger was correct in questioning the validity of the major leagues leading home run hitter Raul Ibanez, but the question CAN and will be asked. The Phillies power threat has just drilled his 21st homer of the season, a season which is only 57 games in for Raul Ibanez. Throughout his 13-year career Ibanez has passed or matched that feat only five other times and that was while playing in far more games. Yes Raul is now playing in a more hitter friendly ballpark, and yes he is being protected by the bat of Ryan Howard, but aren't we right to question major power surges given the times we live in? Haven't the fans or bloggers at least been granted that right given the events which have unfolded around our favorite sluggers? I'm not asking for Raul to bend over and give us a sample of any and every bodily fluid so we can accurately test for a band substance, I'm just asking him to slow down before he tears into suspicion with this vitriol. Don't blame me for asking that question Raul, blame your fellow power hitters like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, and not limited to but including Manny Ramirez. The failed drug tests, the BALCO Laboratories investigation, multiple New York Times best selling books, this is why we've earned the right to ask questions, and this is what Raul will have to get used to if he plans on attacking the records of those same players. You may not like it but the bottom line is where there is smoke, there has often been fire. KEEP IT REAL!

Let the coronation begin, the Magic were doomed from jump. Kobe Bryant will raise another banner into those L.A. rafters, that you can bank on. However, at LynchyRightNow we're openly admitting we should have called this series alot sooner than post game 4. Not because Kobe or Phil wanted another ring more than the Orlando Magic, but because they are just better than the Magic. At no point in this series was Orlando "in control," between Stan Van Gundy attempting to inject Jameer Nelson into a roster he hadn't participated in since February, to the Magic never getting in a consistent shooting rhythm, the Lakers were just too much. From Pau Gasol and his double-double performance in game 4 to Orlando's Rashard Lewis shooting 2 of 10 from the floor, the Magic are d-o-n-e. The most boring NBA Finals in years will soon be over and these NBA Playoffs will be known as the year Kobe got lucky, lucky Kevin Garnett got injured in March, and lucky the Cleveland LeBrons decided to fold up prior to the Eastern Conference Finals. As for Stan Van Gundy, your Magic have won their last 7 games when point guard Rafer Alston plays 30+ minutes or more, and lost their last 5 when he plays less than 30 minutes. I see it, why can't you? Keep It Real!

Wake up in the morning and ask yourself, could it get worse? The Yankees had already lost two straight in this series and seven on total on the season. All night they had struggled and gone scoreless off of Boston starter Brad Penny. The seventh inning comes around and they are down 0-1 before they rally to score three runs in the top half of the inning off of reliever Manny Delcarmen. Bottom half of the seventh goes well, Yankee ace C.C. Sabathia has only allowed a homerun and barely any other hits the entire game. Then, the Red Sox touch Sabathia for 4 runs in the bottom half of the frame to take a 4-3 lead. Victory looked likely, however through the rain the New York Yankees continue their season long slump against the Red Sox and fall to two games back of the division lead, that's got to hurt. More so, your ace throws a great game and when he falters the bullpen is no where to be found, the bigger problem. By the time Jonathan Papelbon had stormed in from the bullpen en route to his 16th save, this one was over and the Yankees were on the bus back to the Bronx after yet another embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. Maybe it isn't in their heads and this is just a game to them, but at what point does pride take over and the Yanks pull one of these games out? It better happen soon because as the way it looks right now, the World Series goes through Beantown. KEEP IT REAL!

Finally,

As for the coaches? Nothing. So, Tim Floyd willingly steps down as head coach of the men's basketball program at Southern California amidst allegations of NCAA violations surrounding his one-and-done star, O.J. Mayo. Months after John Calipari ditches Memphis for his new digs in Lexington, the Tigers are in it for NCAA rules violations. A loss job in one case, a new job in another, but what about the schools and the players who play for those schools? They may suffer infraction penalties such as wins being vacated and scholarships being lost, but other than a firing or a "stepping down" in Floyd's case, what else can happen? Nothing. NBA commissioner David Stern enforces a one-year rule for high school seniors prior to their eligibility to enter the NBA draft and who suffers? Not him. The college game, recruits know they'll be taking classes for just one semester, at that point what are coaches left to do, bid for the high school player? Exactly. Rather than inspecting the process and putting bans on a program which other players belong to and may be doing it "the right way" why don't we step in and fine these coaches and work something out with the NBA? The collegiate basketball system has become so flawed when it comes to recruits and it is only a matter of time where it changes the game for good. I saw Blue Chips, the system needs to be changed, KEEP IT REAL!

Thanks for reading Keep It Real Friday, for more LynchyRightNow action you can check out The Right Now Podcast and also find us on Twitter, Thanks again and as always! If you don't know, now you know.

Just Better, Flat Out

2009-06-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's time we stop calling this a rivalry right? 7-0 this season, treating the Yanks like whipping boys, it's scary how good the Red Sox have looked in this rivalry. No talking NBA Finals, no talking Stanley Cup Finals, we've locked in on Sox v. Yanks and the best rivalry in sports. (stop it Duke and Carolina fans)

As currently constructed, this version of the Boston Red Sox may be better than we've seen over their current run which has resulted in four trips to the ALCS and two trips to the World Series. Be prepared for it to only get better.

Here's Why:

Tim Wakefield is as dominant as we've seen. While both of Boston's expected aces Josh Beckett and Jon Lester have turned it on as of late, it was Tim Wakefield holding the Red Sox staff together through the first month and a half of this season during their struggles. In 9 of Wake's 12 starts he's managed his way through at least six innings and through seven innings four times. Some wouldn't dare use the word "consistent" to describe Tim Wakefield and the knuckleball, but in 2009 that is exactly what it's been. After notching his 8th win of the season last night (which gives him the second highest win total in the majors), it's hard to argue that Wake isn't going to continue his success. With Beckett and Lester hitting their stride, Tim Wakefield approaching 10 wins before the All-Star break, can you argue that there is a better staff of starting pitchers in the majors? Maybe that is why the Red Sox boast the best record in the American League and have just dropped the Bronx Bombers for the seventh straight time.

Ellsbury is setting the table. One of the major questions surrounding the Sox prior to the start of the season, would Jacoby Ellsbury turn it around after his less than stellar 2008? Would Ellsbury be able to get on base for reigning American League MVP Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis? The answer, yes. You know about Ellsbury stealing home plate on the national stage that is Sunday Night Baseball, but what you might not have realized is that Ellsbury is in the midst of having his best year in his short career. Ellsbury is currently ranked among the American Leagues best in both batting average and hits. Gone is the player who hit just 155 hits in 145 games last season, in his the player whose already approaching 80 hits in just his first 50 games this season. The leadoff hitter in the Sox lineup is more important than ever, with hitters like Youkilis and Pedroia batting behind him, that leadoff guy is bound to get driven in and give the Sox the best chance to win. Ellsbury seems to have brought his hitting up to par with his base running, anyone who knows these Red Sox know that if Ellsbury can not only get on base but also get in scoring position, it's scary how successful the top of their lineup can get. Pssssssttttt, Jacoby has 23 steals, good for second most in the majors.

The pen is scary deep, and they'll only get better. Yes, Jonathan Papelbon hasn't looked as dominant as we remember, 128 saves over four seasons will do that to a closer. Fortunately for the Sox, the rest of the pen that Theo Epstein has constructed couldn't be pitching better. Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Takashi Saito, and Ramon Ramirez are pulling together the best pen in the majors, bar none. Okajima has fanned 29 batters in just 26 innings, including three k's last night when the Yankees had the go ahead at the dish. Manny Delcarmen has allowed just three earned runs in 25 innings pitched, that'd be an earned run average of 1.07, filthy. In Saito's last ten outings he's allowed just one run scored off of him, shutting down hitters to the tune of 19 k's. Despite the two bombs Ramon Ramirez gave up last night, he's been the horse of the stable in 2009. Pitching more innings than any of the horses in the Sox pen, Ramirez has an earned run average south of 2.00 and a WHIP south of 1.00, it's scary that this is the guy they got in exchange for Coco Crisp. With flame throwing minor leaguer Daniel Bard joining the bullpen full time at some point this season, (11 major league innings, 10 k's) the Sox bullpen is bound to get only better.

Ramirez who? Bay's contract year, just want they needed. Outfielder Jason Bay is making it very easy for us to forget about the star slugger who is currently suspended for the use of a banned substance. Jason Bay is leading the major leagues in runs batted in, he's tied for 9th in long balls, and is a top 25 guy in on-base percentage. These are the places we used to see Manny Ramirez, and in his contract year Jason Bay is performing just like the slugger we used to have, oh and he comes to the ball park to play EVERY SINGLE DAY, without drama. With the lack of production from David Ortiz, their power slugging DH, it is Jason Bay who has picked up the pace to carry the Red Sox to a division lead. It's shocking to any Sox fan that without Big Papi being Big Papi and Manny no longer being a Red Sox, the Sox are still in the top 5 in total bases and homers among major league teams. Jason Bay is the outfielder Epstein and the front office have always wanted, as a fan, I vote for this form of a power hitting corner outfielder, less stress same results. (I also like when my corner outfielders are suspended for suspected PED use, that helps)

Kevin Youkilis is the best hitter in the American League, prove me wrong. It continues to amaze me at how under talked about Kevin Youkilis is. Mark Teixeira leads the American League in All-Star voting among first baseman, teammate Dustin Pedroia won the 2008 American League MVP, and Jason Bay is the most talked about Red Sox hitter in 2009. I'm going to say it for once, KEVIN YOUKILIS, is the best hitter in the American League, he's a better defensive first baseman than Mark Teixeira, and he probably got robbed of the 2008 American League MVP, DONE. Youkilis is second in the AL in batting average (.350), the Sox first baseman has the best on-base percentage in the entire major leagues (.472), and he's second in the AL in slugging percentage, all numbers that matter, Youk is there. Maybe Teixeira has zero errors this season and Youk has only one, but give him an entire season in the American League East, then we'll talk. Youkilis 2-run homer last night gave the Sox the cushion they needed to drop the Yanks, never mentioned in game recaps. Kevin Youkilis is one of the most underrated players in this league and we can keep it that way, just don't be shocked when he wins a batting title.

The 2009 Boston Red Sox may not have the best record in the majors, however as they've treated the New York Yankees this season . . . It's hard to argue they aren't embarrassing the pinstripes. Believe That.

Keep It Real Friday: Kobe Chronicles

2009-06-05T09:00:00.070-04:00

After watching 'Bean Bryant in game 1 of the NBA Finals, I'm convinced he's THE BEST PLAYER OF THIS DECADE, 'nuff said. That is how we are starting out this current installment of Keep It Real Friday.

K.I.R.F. (Keep It Real Friday)

Let us be honest when we talk about Kobe Bryant: Can't stand the guy, but he's the best basketball player since Michael Jordan. Last night was the first time in several years that I realized how hungry Kobe really is, how much this really means to him, and how much the title CHAMPION fits Kobe Bryant. You can say what you want about the L.A. Lakers, and most of it is true. They play soft, their bench is overrated, and they seem to have a let down at times, all true. As far as Kobe goes, none of those things apply. Somewhere around the beginning of the second half of game 1, Kobe Bryant came alive, he realized the Magic were beatable and the red glazed over his eyes, ring four is a more than a possibility. As the Lakers routed the Magic in game 1, Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points proving a point to all who were watching, Kobe's great and your about to see how great. If the 30 ppg. in the postseason average wasn't enough, Kobe is proving how hungry he is, the emotion after every trip down the floor, the tearing off the ref's head, Kobe Bryant is making you get it as well as he does, he's bar none the best the NBA has to offer, for now. KEEP IT REAL!

Speaking of unlikeable greatness, the Big Unit just recorded his 300th win. Oh he'll be the last to do it for sometime now, to the point where we can't even figure out whose the most likely candidate to repeat the task. Maybe C.C. but he'll have health issues, Doc Hallday is too old and he's only in his early thirties, so to put it bluntly, the Big Unit is the last of his kind. Randy Johnson has trailblazed through the major leagues over the past 22 seasons. His first wins coming north of the border in Montreal and his latest in the bay of San Francisco, while Randy Johnson has never been the most likable guy his feats are tough to match. Johnson's best stretch of his career came between 1998 through 2002, he was crowned a champion in Arizona and won 100 of his 300 wins during that stretch. Playing shadow to the mystique of Curt Schilling, spending time with the Griffey and A-Rod show in Seattle, and how could we forget his time in the Bronx (34-19), Randy Johnson certaintly has played a full career, that we can attest to. The bottom line is, Johnson is a dieing breed. Between the growth of the bullpens roll in major league baseball and longevity of a players career in decline, it may be tougher than we think for a pitcher to rack up 300 wins, as for Randy, the man won 18 or more games seven times in his career, you find me the guy who will duplicate that. KEEP IT REAL!

Let's close this out with someone we like, Belmont Stakes favorite Mine That Bird. The horse that had no shot at Churchill Downs, the horse that got ditched in Pimlico, and the horse that should win over a dying crowd of horse racing fans like myself, let's get behind Mine That Bird. A sport (call it that if you will) that we only witness for a limited time over the continuing sports year has all the expecations and let downs of any professional sport. We have our favorites, every horse expected to be the next best thing come the triple crown season kicking off in Kentucky. You have the teams we fall in love with, teams like the Nuggets and Magic headed to Pimlico. Then you have the teams who are there in the end, the Lakers or my favorite, Mine That Bird. While Mine That Bird won't have any say about Calvin Borel hoping back on him after ditching him in Maryland, if this horse wins the race I hope everyone points their finger at the beast and not the rider because Bird is the one we should be praising. If Kobe and the Lakers win, I won't look toward Phil Jackson, Kobe is the one that got you there and so is Mine That Bird. KEEP IT REAL!

Diamond Thoughts

2009-06-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

With action on the ice and the hardwood coming to a peak, I've purposely placed baseball talk on the proverbial back burner, that is until now. . .

The return of base stealing couldn't be more exciting. First Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury nabbed home plate then Philadelphia's Jayson Werth played copy cat and grabbed home as well, those were the eye catchers. Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford (33 Steals) taking 6 bags, only the 4th player since 1900 to do so in a single game. Now it is time to pay attention to whose on first and who'll be on second. No longer is Angles manager Mike Scioscia the only guy in the majors willing to push the issue with men on base. Coupled with the decline of the power hitting (due to enhanced PED testing) and traditionally power laden lineups being injected with speed guys (pun totally intended) the major leagues elite slugging teams have become threats on the base path. Texas Rangers are 4th in the majors in stolen bases, leading the AL West. Red Sox and Yankees are 8th and 9th, tied for 1st in the AL East. Philadelphia is 6th, leading the National League East. The Mets and their lineup of sluggers, 3rd in the league in stolen bases. Joe Madden and Mike Scioscia have had the playbook first, but now the entire league has caught on and giving baseball the excitement it needs. Judging by the reaction of the fans, chicks love the long ball, and swiping home.

The Yankees are reasserting themselves. If losing 5-straight to the rival Red Sox was their low water mark, then pulling themselves up and going 16-5 from May 13th till today would be the high water mark thus far. 1st baseman Mark Teixeira has been on a tear since his slow start in April. From May 1st through the end of the month the slugger drilled 13 homeruns and drove in 34, reminding all of baseball why he was one of the hottest commodities of the offseason. Coupled with the turn around of Teixeira's bat, the arrival of Alex Rodriguez and his 7 homers with 21 RBI's in just 25 games, the games most feared offense may be reasserting themselves in Big Apple fashion. It may be hard to argue that a fresh A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia along with veteran Andy Pettitte is no worse than the third best staff in the American League, folks that puts you in the playoffs. The team which once had the look of doom around them sitting behind both Boston and Toronto in their own division now has a record second to none in the American League. Funny how things change like that.

You can have Greinke and Santana, I'm taking Doc. I'm comfortable letting you know that Roy Halladay is the best pitcher in the major leagues, prove me wrong. The major leagues leader in both wins and innings pitched through two months is Roy Halladay. In six starts in the month of May, Halladay was 4-2 with an earned run average south of two. Those games weren't against soft opponents either, statement games against the Yankees, Angels, and White Sox, reminded the American League of who their most feared pitcher is. It's possible Halladay would be front and center if he played stateside, but he's got some ideas on how to make us talk about him. June 2nd, the Jays right hander goes 9 innings in a 6-4 victory over the visiting Angels, walking just one batter and striking out 14. The Denver born Halladay pitches in a division that includes such horses as Beckett and Sabathia, and he's the one batters like Pedroia, Youkilis, Rodriguez, and Teixeira fear most. The Jays won't be around much past this June, but keep your eye on Roy Halladay, the true Cy Young. The same pitcher that had over 200 k's and 20 wins in 2008 is aiming to turn in another dominating performance this season, just cross your fingers and hope you meet the Jays when Doc isn't staring down at you.

Try to map out the A.L. Central, I can't. That Cleveland team was supposed to put up a better fight than they did in 2008, finishing 81-81 just a year after they pushed around the Yankees in the 2007 postseason. Well they haven't and currently are 10 games under .500 and 10 more losses away from a fire sale, if they aren't there already. That Kansas City team that came out looking good lead by the Cy Young candidate, Zack Greinke, the proceeded to lose their last seven games and ho hum they'll finish in the cellar. The Twins win three, lose two, win two, lose three. Then all of a sudden they'll make a playoff push just weeks before the season ends. How about the Twins be the best team in the Central from wire to wire, no really just try it. The White Sox 3-year World Series hangover is getting old, Ozzie's act is getting old, and if you like cheering for a team in the middle, the South Siders are your team. Finally we hit the resurgent Detroit Tigers, aside from their recent tail kicking at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, the Tigers have looked great. Justin Verlander is looking like the guy we saw win 35 games combined in '06 & '07. However, the Tigers don't have the starting pitching like other top dogs in the American League, and furthermore what questions should be asked of a team who gets handled by a fellow division leader on their own field like the Tigers just did? If a team out of this division plans on making some noise, I think we have to wait and see where they'll come from, because I could see the Indians rip off 15-straight wins and surprise, they are back. (Safe bet is on the slow and steady Twins, just a hunch.)

Could the Rangers really pull away? The 3 and 1/2 game lead that the Texas Rangers have built in the American League West may be slightly misleading. Seattle and Oakland have more problems that a math book, the Rangers are 10-3 against them so far this season. However, against division leaders New York, Boston, and Detroit, the Rangers are just 2-10. To put it bluntly, the Rangers don't have the pitching to let them carry this string out, especially in a division that includes the Angels who are just now finally getting healthy. After coming off a three game set against the Yanks, the Rangers head to Boston then get Toronto, the Dodgers, and Astros, we'll see how well they pull this off and if they are still in first. If you want a good read on how they have carried it to this point, behind Michael Young (hitting .338) and Nelson Cruz (16 homers, 41 rbi) the Rangers offense has survived without injured star Josh Hamilton whose played in only 35 games hitting .240. The Rangers don't have one thing the other division leaders have, an ace. While Kevin Milwood and Brandon McCarthy are formidable big league starters, a veteran in Milwood's case, they don't have a Josh Beckett, a Justin Verlander, a C.C. Sabathia, and that'll be the downfall of this club. In short, the Rangers will stick around for a little bit, but don't expect a division title.

. . . If you've noticed the absence of National League discussion, it was intended. Four of five N.L. west teams are .500 or worse, talking Cardinals and Brewers is interesting to no one, and the east is as predicted; Phillies, Mets, Braves, Marlins, and the lowly Nats. Mid-summer classic is just two months away and by then we'll have kissed the cup and hoisted the Larry O'Brien raised, all eyes back on baseball.

Episode 9: The Right Now Podcast

2009-06-04T22:33:00.012-04:00

The Right Now Crew is back with a brand new PODCAST. If you don't pull the new episode directly off the site you can check us out on iTunes, search Right Now Podcast. During episode #9 we've discussed everything from the NBA Finals to baseballs 300 wins club, and of course the rise of the New York Yankees.

As always, you can catch us on TWITTER

Thoughts, comments, and suggestions on the podcast hit us on rightnowpodcast@gmail.com

Stay between the yellow lines . . .

With June, Comes The Finals

2009-06-03T06:02:00.001-04:00

Inside Shaq's Nightmare, The Day Nike Called Hedo, and the obvious Disney World v. Disneyland. The Orlando Magic and L.A. Lakers are about to tip-off in the most unappealing Finals since Spurs v. Knicks circa 1999. As basketball fans, we would have loved Kobe v. LeBron and to tell you the truth I would have settled for a tough bang around Denver v. Orlando series. Unfortunately, more Kobe doing awkward press conferences and more of Ron Jeremy post game interviews, WHERE AMAZING HAPPENS!

All things considered, the fans of LynchyRightNow had some pretty good questions regarding The Finals and all things hoops:

Got a stance on LeBron refusing handshakes and opting for the team bus? The least the guy could have done was hit the press conference for the media, right?
-Dan, Chicago

I debated to hold off on this one till Keep It Real Friday, but in the interest of devoting more time to teams still alive, I'ma get after it right now. A wise man once said "Heavy is the head that holds the crown," if your going to be the "King" then you've got to BE THE KING, good times and in bad. Put the Michael comparisons to bed folks, the coronation won't take place in '09, as for LeBron willing his band of misfits to the title, woahhhhhhhh not so fast. I don't care that LeBron is still very young, nor do I care about shaking hands with the people who just ended your season, but to leave your teammates and coach to fend off the wolves while you sulk on the team bus, come on I think you've waived your rights when you put on the Big Apple Nikes and tell the world to WITNESS. Final thought time, 2003 ALCS Tim Wakefield gives up a series over, curse continuing, walk-off homerun in the house that Ruth built, that's a tough night. Getting knocked out of Eastern Conference Finals in just your 6th season, that's a bump in the road. Get over it LeBron, you have a long way to go to reach His Airness.

This really is Shaq's worst nightmare. His nemesis is back in The Finals for the second time without him. As luck would have it, they're playing against his former coaches team, the same former coach who he berated in a gibberish rant earlier this season. So which one of Shaq's nightmares comes true?
-Jeff, Houston

I'm not giving you the winner just yet. However, for Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers winning a title can't feel good. The Lakers ownership choose Kobe over Shaq, winning a title will prove that they were right. Kobe Bryant is overdue, he may not be able to drop the Celtics, he may not be liked by close to anyone, but all in all Kobe Bryant is a fantastic talent and has proved his skills, a title cements that. For Shaq, anything he says at this point has just become obnoxious if it hasn't already. They'll be no rapping in night clubs if Kobe puts on another ring, just more buzzing in your ear from a player who is clearly over the hill.

Jim Henson called, he wants his LeBron puppet back.
-Barry, Tampa Bay

True, next time include a question. As for the Nike executives who approved launching the Kobe v. LeBron campaign prior to it being locked in, serves you right. Now I know that I've been a huge fan of conspiracies in the past, but as far as 2009 goes, no conspiracy here. Let me paint you a little picture here: Nike is to the NBA as New Era is to the MLB, it's their signature for Christ sake. If this was a fix job, LeBron and Kobe wouldn't be playing each other ONLY on the golf course. If this was a fix job, Hedo Turkoglu wouldn't be playing catalyst in the NBA Finals. If this was a fix, the most commercially viable player in the league wouldn't be watching at home. The King James puppet is back in the closet while Nike is scrambling for a replacement, ouch.

Quick question, do we like Kobe Bryant if he pulls on that elusive post-Shaq championship ring?
-Andy, San Diego

Can't do it, sorry. Listen, this is America and in this country we do guilty till proven innocent, it's the way it is. After Colorado, Kobe will never appeal as much to the masses as he once did. Under Phil Jackson, how does another ring make Kobe the main story? Jackson will be the best modern day coach of all time and Kobe's just that guy with a bad rep. putting another ring on. No amount of Kobe Bryant rings or documentaries are going to make us feel one way toward him or another, if we think he's real then we'll let you know, till then keep trying.

What are you most excited about with these Finals?
-Rick, Massachusetts

The masses that don't normally watch may tune in for a couple minutes here and there, if they get to watch Dwight Howard become the most dominant big man in the league, then this was worth it. If not for the dunk contests during All-Star Weekend, Dwight Howard is just another NBA center. This Finals should make him a national name and no longer force him to play third fiddle on a t-mobile fav 5 commercial. No one can stop Dwight Howard, they can only hope to contain him and the Lakers and their soft big men are going to experience that in the flesh. That's what I can't wait for.

If your Magic guard Rafer Alston, aren't you a little pissed off about all the talk surrounding injured guard Jameer Nelson making a come back in this series?
-Reggie, Queens

Nelson was an all-star when he suffered his season ending injury earlier this season, but Alston is the point guard who has had some very big games in these playoffs. A combined 44 points for Alston in games 3 & 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 21 points and 10 assists in Game 7 of the first round matchup with Philly. Alston will be the starter make no bones about it, he won't be playing in Orlando given that he has proven he can start and make an impact in this league. Jameer Nelson isn't Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, or Deron Williams, so in my mind if he plays or not isn't as big of an impact, especially when he'll have rust on him. We need to give Alston some credit, he's come up huge in these playoffs and I'm not confident that the Magic would be here had he not produced the way he has.

Who on the Magic is expected to play Kobe Stopper?
-Jerry, Indiana

First off, there is no such thing as "Kobe Stopper." The fewest amount of points he scored in a game this postseason, 15 and that night he had 7 boards and 5 assists and oh yes, the Lakers won. However, the lane gets shut down by the defensive player of the year, Dwight Howard. Howard changes shots, forces Bryant to get his points in other places, which he can do by the way. In the last series against Denver, Bryant had as many as 3 games which he shot 50% or better, he's getting into his groove and it can get scary. The Magic won't be in awe, they've got players who can attempt to contain him. Guards Mickael Pietrus and Courtney Lee will be given the task of slowing Kobe down. These players can cover Kobe all over the floor, but it'll take a performance like the one they displayed on James in the last series. Stopping Kobe is an impossibility, and at times so is slowing him down.

Obama picked the Lakers, will you?
-James, New Hampshire

Ugh, Yes I will. As much as I'd like to see the Lakers lose, Kobe Bean Bryant is about to explode his team to a championship. When the chips have been stacked against the Lakers, they've risen to the occasion time after time this season. Beating Boston and Cleveland earlier this season on a road trip, getting the best from Houston, and then laying the wood on Denver over the final two games of the Western Conference Finals gives the Lakers that same look we expected from them earlier this season. With that being said, Lakers in 6. Tell Shaq how that tastes.

New Podcast Out

2009-05-29T07:33:00.008-04:00

After a week long break from The Right Now Podcast the Right Now Crew is back. We're talking all things happening in major league baseball, ManRam playing in the ASG, the exciting times of Zack Greinke, and of course baseball in the Epicenter (Boston). Due to our lack of confidence in Orlando and Denver two weeks ago, we have playoff basketball retractions and much more.

As always, you can follow us on twitter and e-mail comments to nslynch@gmail.com or rightnowpodcast@gmail.com

Wasn't this supposed to be easier?

2009-05-27T09:00:00.156-04:00

The defending champion Celtics and the perennial champion Spurs had already been taken care of. Vitamin Water & Nike decided to jump their NBA championship promos, rather than waiting for the finals to kick off. This is the NBA, the league that got Ewing to New York and Shaq a 4th ring. Kobe v. LeBron was about as sure a thing as the Clippers drafting Blake Griffin this June. We're going to get to see this. Aren't we?

Not so fast . . . .

Four games into the Western Conference Finals, one team looks exhausted, the other looks in control. I should add that control is not a word used to describe a Laker bench which includes Luke Walton and his 6 foul in 13 minutes game 4 performance. The Denver Nuggets are crashing the party and in a very big way. Tied 2-2 in the Nuggets/Lakers best of seven series is not where Kobe thought they'd be, but maybe we should have. Seven of the Nuggets 8 victories heading into the conference finals were by ten points or more. Their previous opponents had only managed two, 2-point victories in ten outings. Oh, and Carmelo Anthony was playing like the Carmelo Anthony we knew at Syrcause, the 29 ppg. Carmelo Anthony. While this series may be tied, it could very easily be over or at the least already pressing Kobe to the brink. 3-points:

(1) The Lakers depth is a myth. The Laker bench scored just 24 points combined in game 4. Nuggets backup guard, J.R. Smith scored 24 points on his own. That same Laker bench pulled down 16 rebounds as Nuggets backup Chris Anderson pulled down 14 on his own. Not Jordan Farmer, Lamar Odom, or Luke Walton bring close to the energy off the bench as Smith and "Birdman" do. This Laker bench that everyone including myself raved about has already packed it in. If either of these benches is game changing, it's the one that includes the guy with the mohawk and the guard who sparked a series.

(2) One team is having fun, the other is just working. Kobe doing work is accurate, judging by his energy level it's wearing him down. While Dahntay Jones and Kenyon Martin are banging around with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Melo and Chauncey are bringing this band of so-called bad boys together. The Lakers are missing free-throws, Kobe is forced to play 35+ minutes every night, and it seems as though the Rockets series took more of a toll on the defending Western Conference champs. The Nuggets each know their role, Kenyon rebounds, Chauncey calls the shots, and Melo closes the show, none of them make it look like "doing work."

(3) It's a bad time for this. This is the wrong time to decide that Derek Fisher is getting old and can't lock down the game winner. This is the wrong time to decide Andrew Bynum and Pau aren't tough enough for the games bangers. Of course, this is the wrong time to find out Vujacic and Walton give you nothing off the bench. Kobe has to be scratching his head at the team around him, he sits for two minutes and they give up the ten point lead he just gave them. Can Kobe will this team to The Finals? Can the old Kobe, the one with red in his eyes, score 52 points at will and give the Lakers two more wins? It's a bad time to realize that only that Kobe can get the Lakers to where they need to be.

A 3-game series with two being in L.A., somehow the Nuggets may be in the driver's seat, we'll find out.

. . How did we get here?

The Cavaliers are down 3-1, no really the Cavaliers are down 3-1. Maybe now we should point out that they are a LeBron miracle three away from being swept right out of the postseason. The NBA's best record throughout the regular season, the MVP playing better than ever, an 8-0 record throughout the postseason, and the best home record in the league, poised to dismantle the Magic en route to The Finals. However, something came over that Magic team after they knocked off the defending champs. The Magic have been reminded that they win when Dwight Howard touches to the rock. Now the untested Cavs are in it to play for their playoff lives. Dwight Howard recorded his 15th double-double of this playoffs and he's become increasingly dominant as the playoffs move forward. 3-points:

(1) The Magic just aren't afraid of anyone, or anything. A Dwight Howard suspension in series 1, the defending champs in series 2, and the leagues top contender for a title in series 3, nothing fears them. They shoot their three-pointers, no matter how ill advised. Their working with a replacement point guard for their all-star Jameer Nelson who was hurt at mid-season. Dwight Howard is now 1 technical foul away from riding the bench for a game. The Orlando Magic and their coach who gets banged on by everyone nationally are a game away from the NBA Finals. Only them, believed they could do what they've been doing and you've got to show respect for that, or at least try to.

(2) Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas have no solution for Dwight Howard. Anderson Varejao hanging on his arms and he's still pouring in buckets and ripping down boards. Just like the Celtics without Garnett, the Cavaliers have no one on their roster who can match up with Howard physically. He's changing the way LeBron attacks the basket because no one he's defending can pull him further outside the lane than where he needs to be or wants to be. As a fan of this game, the potential of seeing Dwight Howard against those big bangers in Denver is growing increasingly interesting as you watch it develop this way. If the Cavaliers want back in this series, someone needs to put a body on Howard or he'll continue the dominance he displayed in overtime of game 4.

(3) Mickael Pietrus is very good. The Magic guard who was averaging just nine points a game in the regular season has really turned it on in the postseason. Pietrus has scored 10+ points in ten of his last twelve games, including four, 16+ point games. In the game which pushed Cleveland to the brink, Pietrus drilled five three-pointers in 40 minutes. Splitting time with rookie Courtney Lee, Pietrus is turning in a fantastic run. He has picked up the scoring to give Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis that extra boost in this series. If Cleveland finds a way to stop Howard, they've then got to deal with leaving wide open 3-point shooters, including Pietrus who has been just deadly.

If the Magic want to close this out before returning to Orlando, you can't let the Cavaliers get off the mat in game 5. A wise man once said "you going to put a gun on me, you better use it." If th Magic don't put away Cleveland while they can, this series could turn quick.

With all that being said, you've got to wonder what we all missed? Was it Stan Van looking more like Ron Jeremy than a championship coach? Did we forget what Carmelo Anthony did in the Olympics and in college? The Nuggets and Magic could meet in the NBA Finals, as basketball fans we should be excited but as casual fans . . .AHHHHHHH!

Keep It Real Friday: 5/22

2009-05-22T01:00:00.004-04:00

Keep It Real Friday, back at it again.

Let's get after it . . .

After all that, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz broke out of his homerun drought on Wednesday night. It took Big Papi 130+ at bats and a subsequent benching to get off the mat, but I'm still concerned. The Red Sox have a 3-hole hitter batting .210, that is a reality. Sox Triple-A lifer, Jeff Bailey, has 2 homers with big club in 80 less at bats, that is a reality. Among every day players on this club, Ortiz is dead last in on-base percentage, that is a reality. The Sox are stacked with young minor league talent, all that can be used as trading chips to add a bat, which is a reality. The Yankees finally have Alex Rodriguez back in their lineup and Mark Teixeira is hitting again, that is a reality. The Yanks are closing fast and Tampa isn't to be snubbed out yet, that to is a reality. It needs to be said and not taken lightly: David Ortiz has about two or three weeks to find his stroke. If he can't, the Red Sox will be forced to play their hand and discuss other options. The Cleveland Indians are quickly falling out of contention if they haven't already (15-26). Their DH/Catcher Victor Martinez is hitting .400, just a suggestion. The Orioles are where they usually are by now, does veteran Aubrey Huff (7 homers, 33 RBI) become available? I love Big Papi, but I loved Nomar, Pedro, and Derek Lowe. If the Red Sox need to part ways or find another option, I'm more than willing at this rate and Red Sox Nation should be to. KEEP IT REAL!

Finally, Thank You Carson Palmer. I redirect you to this story. I like my quarterbacks in charge. In charge of the huddle, in charge of the sideline, and in charge of demanding quality play from the guys around them. Carson Palmer taking shots at Chad Ochocinco is overdue but at least it's getting done. Chad Johnson is a joke, from his off the field antics to his on the field antics. Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, and Plaxico Burress were and are great talents but I've got news for them. The days of the wide out who plays only on offense are on the way out, and fast. Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes not only catches passes but also returns kicks and can run across the middle of the field. DeSean Jackson, the Eagles standout rookie receiver both catches passes and returns kicks. Hell, they wanted more than one of those guys drafting Missouri speedster Jeremy Maclin and guess what he has a highlight reel of kick returns to go off of. The Patriots top target? Wes Welker, of the kick returning, over the middle catching, and game breaking mold. Want more? The Chicago Bears made their defensive back/kick returner Devin Hester a wide out, why? To get more versatility out of him. If Chad, Terrell, and Plax want to have an impact playing the way they play, go to practice, stay out of trouble, and for the last time: SHUT UP! KEEP IT REAL!

Mine That Bird, needs more love. I'm going to show it to him. Let me take a swipe at Calvin Borel, the jockey that rode Mine That Bird to victory in the Kentucky Derby then tossed him to the side for the Preakness. It's called horse racing, not jockey racing. All due respect but outside of die hard horse racing enthusiasts who will remember the name "Calvin Borel," no one. Did you remember that he rode Street Sense to the same victory just two years ago? No. I don't care if Rachel Alexandra is the best horse since Cigar, you don't toss a 50-1 odds horse who rocked Churchill Downs for some cash, easy move guy. Mine That Bird popped off as runner-up at Pimlico, you may have been able to take that race and head to Belmont as a Triple-Crown contender? Choose history over cash next time buddy. Now for Mike Smith, the jockey that road Bird to the Preakness runner-up. Smith is ditching Mine That Bird for another horse and another race! Mike Smith, you are Mr. Irrelevant in my book. I'm don't condone beating females, but I want Mine That Bird to destroy Rachel Alexandra in Belmont, put a stamp on it! KEEP IT REAL!

Kobe Doing Work, riiiiight. The much ballyhooed Spike Lee documentary was the most boring thing in EVER. I mean it, next to watching paint dry and grass grow, Kobe Doing Work is right there. The documentary seemed as if it went on forever, Kobe Bryant doing voice overs on an entire game from last season, yep that sounds about as boring as it was. Two things stood out most: (1) What LeBron seems to do with a wink and a smile, is impossible for Kobe to do. Between his legal issues several years back, the feuding with Phil Jackson and Shaq, people don't buy Kobe as a "good guy." No one attempts to get people to like him more than it seems like Kobe does. If your a great guy you don't need to try and convince people you are, it's overkill. (2) His teammates don't attach themselves to his intensity, at least not like they do with Kevin Garnett. With Garnett, everyone around him gets up for the games they get tough like KG does and they are inspired by him, with Kobe it's just different. Kobe Doing Work may have been meant to show us how great Kobe is, but it was just boring. I want to see KG Doing Work, KEEP IT REAL!

Lastly,

I really feel for the Nuggets and Magic. Sure Orlando stole game 1 from the Cavs and yes the Nuggets showed they can play with L.A., but this is the NBA and EVERYONE wants Kobe v. LeBron, just like they wanted Boston v. L.A. last season. I'm not saying it's fixed but come on, how many more NIKE commercials and Vitamin Water commercials need to be played on television before someone says "I get it, you want Kobe v. LeBron and you won't stop hyping it." If the NBA wants to showcase to the world they'll do it with LeBron and Kobe, so as for Orlando and Denver, sorry. 24 v. 23 is happening, the sooner you get used to it the better you'll be. KEEP IT REAL!

Not So Fast

2009-05-20T09:01:00.048-04:00

The Los Angeles Clippers have won the rights to the top overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, congratulations Clipper faithful (all three of you). As winners of the "Blake Griffin Sweepstakes," the Clips have the option of adding an All-American power forward who earned national player of the year honors this past season. A replacement for Elton Brand whom they lost in free agency last season, adding to a core that includes 2nd year guard Eric Gordon, and would now of course include the premier prospect in this draft class. Blake Griffin is a lock, right?

Not so fast . . .

Since 2000, as many as four of the top overall picks have been busts. LeBron James is the king of basketball, Dwight Howard has transformed into Super Man, Derrick Rose is legit, and Kenyon Martin is no longer with the team that selected him. That still leaves Greg Oden, Andrea Bargnani, Andrew Bogut, and of course Kwame Brown. The Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin is neither as imposing as Dwight Howard or a play making guard like Derrick Rose, so will he be joining the ranks of Bogut and Bargnani?

The rumours of this draft class being less than desirable aren't just rumours. At least 8 of the rumoured top 10 picks have questions and they're major questions. Hasheem Thabeet is a 7-2 shot blocker, so was Greg Oden. Stephen Curry lacks size and hasn't had time to develop into a true point guard. Brandon Jennings has been in Italy for the past year and scouts may not have a true example of the type of player he is. Demar DeRozen, Jordan Hill, and James Harden are all unpolished and won't be impact players for a couple years, can these teams wait? If Blake Griffin is 6-10, I'm 6-5 (and I'm not). Tyreke Evans has a small sample size and isn't as explosive as the current rookie of the year and fellow Memphis Tiger, Derrick Rose.

The Clippers don't exactly have luck at this spot. In 1998 the Clips selected Michael Olowokandi, exactly. Olowokandi was a seven footer who poured in just 12-points a game in his best NBA season and never recorded double digit rebounds per game in his entire career. Things you don't exactly appreciate from your #1 pick. That draft also didn't seem as deep looking back on it. While Blake Griffin tore up the ranks at his size last season, the NBA is a different game, going against other power forwards like fellow #1 pick Kenyon Martin may be difficult for the smaller Sooner. If your the Clippers you'd prefer what Miami got out of Mike Beasley in 2009 than what Mike Olowokandi ever gave you, that might be a better representation of what Griffin can do when it comes to immediate impact.

It isn't all just negativity here. Yes the Clippers did only win 19 games this season, but Al Thorton, Zach Randolph, Baron Davis, and rookie Eric Gordon the Clips have some pieces in place. When they add Blake Griffin they do become better than they were in 2009, and right away too. Griffin puts himself in great position for rebounds, something the Clips need help on. Griffin can bury the outside shot so he gives them that versatile look, and like Gordon and Thorton, he's young enough to give you a core three for at least a few years. The Clippers are in the best position this season, a weak draft class, the player with the least amount of questions. Your right, he is a lock.

Conference Finals for Horses

2009-05-19T09:00:00.001-04:00

In an effort to get people excited about the 2009 Belmont Stakes and also the conference finals matchups without the Celtics, I've added a little twist to our NBA Conference Finals Preview. Take off your hiking shoes and strap on your horse shoes, we're getting after it.

The Orlando Magic a.k.a Eight Belles, 2008 Kentucky Derby runner-up. The fast young filly who finished second but was ultimately put to rest just minutes after her biggest success. That is who the Orlando Magic are, lambs led to the slaughter house, that slaughter house being run by the player they call King. The Orlando Magic romp the defending champs in a decisive game 7 only to meet the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 8-0 thus far in the postseason Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic may have the most physical big man in the league, but their offense doesn't run through him enough for Orlando to have a shot. I've said this before and I'll say it again, with the amount of 3-pointers that Orlando shoots it acts as both their gift and their curse. If your not hitting they become long rebounds, taking that same most dominant big man Dwight Howard directly out of position and in turn transition. KEY: For the Magic to grab a game or two, eight-year veteran Hedo Turkoglu has to have more games like his game seven performance (25 points, 12 assists).

The Denver Nuggets a.k.a. Smarty Jones, '04 Derby and Preakness winner. The headline ran on Sports Illustrated, "The horse from the wrong side of the tracks, looks fit for a triple crown." Find a headline that better fits the Nuggets? Perennial outs become the team everyone wants to win. Like Jones in '04, Denver looks to do something special but not a triple crown just knocking off the defending Western Conference champs and spoiling our hopes of seeing LeBron v. Kobe, right? Led by their prize fighter, veteran ace in the hole Chauncey Billups, Denver might just have what they need to do it. The Lakers are soft, don't argue. The Nuggets have bangers, Kenyon and Nene. The Nuggets have leadership, the previously mentioned. A bench, J.R. Smith averaging 16 off the pine in the playoffs. Oh, and Carmelo Anthony having a postseason of 27 points a night. Seems to me with this type of cast they have what it takes to be what Smarty Jones was, a champ. KEY: Drop the Lakers and stay on them, Chris Anderson and J.R. Smith can dominate the Lakers bench with both energy and scoring, tread lightly L.A.

Extra: I like this upset special more than women like buying shoes.

The Cleveland Cavaliers a.k.a. Big Brown, 2008 Derby and Preakness winner. The most feared horse since Michael. Like Big Brown, LeBron and the Cavaliers passed their pre-test and first two legs of their championship. The regular season champs ran through Detroit and Atlanta like Brown ran through Churchill and Pimlico. When Big Brown was looking like a slam dunk for the Triple Crown, he looked unbeatable and that is exactly how LeBron and the Cavaliers have looked thus far. Eight wins by an average of 15 points per game, LeBron is scoring 32 points a contest, and flat out no one could look better than these guys. Without the mystique of the Celtics and without having to play one game in Title Town, ask yourself if Cleveland will show any type of vulnerability against the likes of Orlando and Dwight Howard. You know that look that Michael got, that look that said "no one is stopping me, no one is holding me down" that is seeing red and that is what LeBron has right now. Excellent guard play from Delonte West and Mo Williams should give LeBron what he needs and the key? KEY: No let down, as long as the Cavaliers crush the Magic spirit in the first two games in Cleveland they'll avoid a similar Big Brown like finish.

The Los Angeles Lakers a.k.a. Rachel Alexandra, 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Preakness winner. She could be the most dominant horse in ages, being the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years, but has she spent herself? The race in Pimlico is her title and the Belmont may be her downfall? Could Kobe and the Lakers actually win the title? More importantly, are the Lakers going to take a stand at some point here? 40-point victories followed up by road losses, an inability to get physical down low, are the Lakers walking into a buzz saw in Denver? As much as we'd like to see Kobe v. LeBron for a Championship, much like we want to see Mine That Bird ('09 Derby) v. Rachel Alexandra ('09 Preakness), will the real horses arrive in the final leg? Is the next race too long for the Lakers? Do they allow Denver to push them to brink? Does the selfish Kobe come back when the Lakers go down 1-0? L.A. has the opportunity to reassert themselves as the most feared in the West, or they could be back at home with Phil and Kobe another year older. KEY: Much like Rachel Alexandra, they have what it takes to win this leg, but will they get there healthy enough with gas still left in the tank? Pau & Lamar have to take charge right now.

You'll get your Belmont Stakes Preview but let me wear these high tops for a little while longer while I pray for Kobe v. LeBron. The Coronation.

Keep It Real Friday

2009-05-15T07:06:00.130-04:00

Back at it for your favorite Friday enjoyment: Keep It Real Friday.

Getting after it . .

Roy 'Doc' Halladay is the flat out best pitcher in the major leagues, and he has been for some time. Since 2002 the Toronto Blue Jay right hander has won 12 games or more six times, including 3 seasons of 19 or more. Forget putting Royals break out star Zack Grienke on the cover of SI, Halladay has already won seven games and is a large reason why the Blue Jays are in first place in the almighty American League East. Feasting on American League batters like no Blue Jay has done since Juan Guzman, Halladay has struck out 95+ batters every year since 2001, including two seasons which he went over 200, yes 200 batters. The 32-year old work horse is racking up wins in a city where the 'W' actually means something given the lack of offense they've had for the past several years, excluding this season. In 2009, the pitcher known to Blue Jay fans as 'Doc,' shows no signs of slowing down. In 8 starts Halladay has an earned run average slightly under 3.00 and has walked just seven batters compared to the 49 he's struck out. So when your talking Beckett, Sabathia, and Lincecum, I'm talking Roy Halladay, KEEP IT REAL!

Steroids, Favre, and Octomom is the answer. What are three things I wouldn't mind living my life without is the question. Here's the thing about steroids and baseball, it's all fraudulent the whole notion. Baseball cares now, after the media blew it up, but ask yourself whose head was in the sand when Brett Boone and Brady Anderson were having 50-homer seasons? Now they want to march around and pound the table, get a grip people they knew what was going on then and did nothing because of the piles of cash coming through the back door. However, now with the media latched on to it, they are going to care? Fraudulent. Brett Favre, I could name twenty quarterbacks I'd rather have under center, maybe even 25. Maybe he is injured, maybe he's just old, but either way I'm all done. Manning, Brady, Roethlisberger, Brees, Rivers, Cassel, Romo, McNabb, E. Manning, Campbell, Hill, Delhomme, Ryan, Flacco, Warner, Palmer, Schaub, Collins, Cutler, Rodgers, Hasselbeck, Orton, and Pennington. Pass on Favre. Octomom is out there, I mean really out there. I have some questions for her: Has Marvel Comics contacted you about a sequel to Spider Man? How awesome will your future Mother's Day be? 8 kids buying you presents? Sweet. Actually, scratch that it's all a little too crazy for me to comprehend. KEEP IT REAL!

. . . . .I'd hop on my soap box and scream about Glen Davis covering Rashard Lewis, but I'm too upset. Thanks for reading.

Thoughts & Prayers

2009-05-14T14:23:00.004-04:00

No column today folks, just wanted all of the readers of LynchyRightNow to say a prayer for Boston College linebacker, Mark Herzlich. As you may know if you've been following our site, Herzlich is our favorite college football player and plays with more energy than any player I've ever seen. Unfortunately he is now facing his biggest battle, nope, not a new Virginia Tech running back, he's fighting cancer. For more information read:

ACC Defensive Player of The Year battling cancer

Good luck Mark, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Can it happen?

2009-05-12T12:53:00.139-04:00

Could 3 of the NHL's Original Six advance to their respective conference finals? Either Crosby or Ovechkin won't be headed to the NHL's version of the final four but who cares? Who cares if the NHL broadcasts their playoff games on an obscure cable network? Above all that, the National Hockey League has the opportunity to put as many as half of their cornerstone franchises on the games biggest stage, front and center.

Ticket Punched:

The Chicago Blackhawks, for the first time in fourteen years will be four steps from the Stanley Cup finals. It took a team with more youth than the cast of Gossip Girl (yep, that's a Gossip Girl reference), beating one of the games elite goalies to punch that proverbial ticket. The Blackhawks are littered with young talent and backed by a fan base second to few. The Chicago faithful filled the United Center, prepared as the Canucks were on the playoff brink, with an excitement and rush that she hadn't seen since the Jordan years. It may have taken the Blackhawks four third period goals to bury the final Canadian representative in the 2009 cup playoffs, but they did it and their stars didn't fail to show up. Led by their 20-year old right wing Patrick Kane, and 21-year old captain Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks stormed Canuck goalie, Roberto Luongo with 3 goals in less than four minutes to open the third period. While the fans look to Kid Crosby and Alex The Great, they better not be sleeping on Patrick Kane, whose game 6 hat trick lifted his team to the conference finals. All the kids aside, if the Blackhawks want to bring the cup back to Chicago, they'll need the 12-year veteran, Nikolai Khabibulin to be on his (A) game. Khabibulin has a GAA against of 2.68 against Detroit, a possible conference finals opponent. The NHL and its fans are in for a treat with Chicago's fans rabid for playoff hockey and the Blackhawk players who are hitting their full stride at the right time.

Don't Slip Now:

The Detroit Red Wings are on the cusp of the conference finals, their title defense still intact. After the Red Wings defeated Anaheim in game 5, it was back to the West Coast to punch their ticket to the round of four. A 10:00 start time on the East Coast and we'll find out if the Wings can join their Original Six mates, Chicago, in the conference finals. Getting after it, the Red Wings went from down 2-1 to up 3-2 in just days and they don't see to be stopping. 10 goals combined in games 4 & 5 including goals from stars Henrik Zetterberg, Marian Hossa, and Johan Franzen. The Red Wings offense has simply turned the once hottest goaltender in the playoffs, Jonas Hiller, into a guy letting up five+ goals a game. However, if the Wings want to advance past a tough veteran Ducks squad and further they'll need to get more out of center Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk finished the regular season with 97 total points, good for fourth in the entire league behind only Malkin, Ovechkin, and Crosby. In the postseason however it has been a different story for the Red Wings star, he's only recorded 4 points and only 1 goal. Our advice to the Red Wings, the best way to defend a title is to not allow the Ducks to push a game 7, especially not against Jonas Hiller.

Come Out Throwing:

Down 3-1, the Boston Bruins dropped 4 goals on Carolina and their Vezina Trophy finalist, Tim Thomas, reverted to his regular season dominance. Make no bones about it, the Bruins aren't out of the forest yet and their biggest challenge comes tonight. Boston got punched in the mouth throughout games 2, 3, and 4, then in game 5 Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker decided to do it literally at the expense of Aaron Ward's face. Here's my advice to the Bruins, put that on the shelf and get him back in the coming season, take care of business in Carolina and bring this series back to the beast that is Bruins Country. If the Bruins want to continue their cup quest it has to be on the pads of Tim Thomas. Thomas played awful in the Bruins three losses allowing 10 goals and was unable to put together consecutive periods of good play. It's no secret that the Bruins are where they are because of their defense and combined goaltending. Their offense will have to come from 21-year old Phil Kessel among others. In games which Kessel lights up the lamp the Bruins are 4-0 this postseason, in games which he fails to do so the B's are just 2-3. If Boston brings this game back north the Hurricanes have more to worry about than just the Bruins faithful roaring in the garden. Expect captain Zdeno Chara and or enforcer Milan Lucic to remind Scott Walker that gloves come off first.

Word to the wise; If the NHL wants to remain on the forefront of professional sports you need be cheering for the Bruins, Wings, and Blackhawks because paired with either Ovechkin or Crosby, we're in for one helluva final four.

Root For These Guys

2009-05-12T01:00:00.001-04:00

For now. In the aftermath of the Manny Ramirez suspension we're left asking ourselves some questions: Who can I cheer for? Which t-shirt jersey do I buy my six-year old? That's what I'm here for folks, to let you know.

ROUND THE DIAMOND:

Brian McCann Catcher Atlanta Braves - Probably our favorite player on this list. I first noticed how good the 25-year old catcher was during the World Baseball Classic. Behind the plate for the Americans, McCann hit .333 and finished the classic fifth on his team in on-base percentage (.444) In McCann's first three full seasons with Atlanta he's already won two National League silver slugger awards. The Georgia native should be penciled in for 18-25 home runs and between 85-100 RBIs a season for the next several years. Expect McCann to grow into a leader as the Braves continue through their youth movement.

Justin Morneau First Baseman Minnesota Twins - Most likely the elder statesman of this group. Playing in Minnesota has kept Morneau's name from being household, but it sure deserves to be. The Canadian born first baseman broke out in 2006. Along with taking home an American League silver slugger, Morneau slammed 30+ homers for the first time in his career and drove in 130 en route to an American League MVP. Off to another fast start, through 32 games Justin Morneau is hitting .322 and leading his team in runs batted in, homers, on-base percentage, and batting average. If your looking for slugging first baseman who can rake, Justin Morneau will be your guy and you've just begun scratching the surface of this hitters ability.

Freddy Sanchez Second Baseman Pittsburgh Pirates - When Sanchez was dealt from the Boston Red Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the summer of 2003, the Red Sox knew what they were giving up and that must have been tough. Sanchez is developing into the best second baseman this side of Dustin Pedroia, flat out. In 2006, the Pirate second baseman hit .344 and played every game but five that season. He's back at it in 2009 hitting .317 through the first month and a half of the season. Freddy Sanchez is giving the Pirates a good stable middle infield playing in 145+ games each of the last three seasons. Leading the Pirates in hits and average this season, both Sanchez and center fielder Nate McLouth give Pirates fans something to cheer for, which they haven't had in some time.

Hanley Ramirez Shortstop Florida Marlins - Not many players have lived up to the hype of their youth as Hanley Ramirez is. Arguably the pound-for-pound best player in the majors, and he's only 25. Ramirez has everything you could want in a ballplayer. Speed, Hanley's grabbed an average of 46 bases a season in each of his first three full. Plate discipline, .348 this season, .310 career including a season in 2007 where he hit .332 in 154 games. Power, the Dominican has increased his homer total every season from 17 in '06, 29 in '07, to 33 in '08. Ramirez has had 12 multi-hit games through 29 contests. Once his fielding improves it'll be hard to argue that there is a better player (other than Pujols), remaining in the major leagues. Hanley Ramirez should be all over your radar if your any type of baseball fan.

Evan Longoria Third Baseman Tampa Bay Rays - We've already talked about Hanley Ramirez and Justin Morneau, if you needed more than that to forget Manny, Barry, and Alex, than Rays third baseman Evan Longoria should fill your need. What Hanley Ramirez is to young and versatile in the National League, Evan Longoria is that in the American League. No one in the majors is hotter than the Rays third baseman. Right now, Longoria is tied for 4th in the American League in batting average (.358), second in the league in home runs (11), and first in the league in RBI (44). Furthermore, against inter-division rival Boston, Longoria is hitting an amazing .375, driven in nearly half of his runs (21), and gone yard five times. Evan Longoria is prepared to be a thorn in the sides of Boston and New York for many years to come.

Ryan Braun Right Fielder Milwaukee Brewers - Cecil's kid and C.C. weren't the only reason the Brewers snuck into the playoffs in 2008. Outfielder Ryan Braun is one of the most exciting players in the National League. An all-star in 2008, Braun knocked in over two hundred runs in his first two seasons. The Brewers have a corner outfielder who can hit 34+ home runs a season and drive in over 100 runs, that a huge piece to their success. Playing in 38 more games in 2008 than he did in 2007, Braun had 28 more hits, 13 more walks, and 13 more doubles, expect him to only get better at the plate. This season Braun has shown no signs of slowing down his rise, 8 homers, 28 RBI, and hitting .345 through 30 games. Like many more on this list, Braun leads his team in all those categories and also in on-base percentage.

Shane Victorino Center Fielder Philadelphia Phillies - If you watched the Phighting Phils bring a championship to the city of Philadelphia last season, then your aware of Shane Victorino. Victorino is a "balls to the wall" outfielder who plays with reckless abandon. His gritty play reminds me of guys like Aaron Rowland and Jim Edmonds. The player known as "The Flyin' Hawaiian" doesn't have some of the monster numbers as some players on this list. He isn't prepared to launch a hall of fame career, and probably will never have his number retired, but he's on this list because of the way he plays the game, tough. Victorino steals bags pretty well, 54 in 2006, 62 in '07, and 69 in '08. The Phillies center fielder doesn't make errors, five in the last 4 seasons. I'm taking the guy who can help my club manufacture runs, save runs by his play in the outfield, and can still get his bat on the ball, 10-15 homers a year.

Nick Markakis Left Fielder Baltimore Orioles - The guy is hitting .350 this season and he plays in the American League East, so he's getting on this list. He's a 25-year old with only three years under his belt and the Orioles have already extended him through 2014. Here's why: As of today, Markakis is among the top ten in the American League in batting average (7th), runs (1st), on-base percentage (5th), RBI (6th), and on-base plus slugging (8th). If you could lock up a guy for under $70 million who is producing at this clip, you would do it. Markakis is very consistent, hitting .303 for his career and averaging 185 hits a season, this is the perfect type of player to cheer for. A more exciting, easy to root for form of J.D. Drew. Baltimore will be hoping for Markakis and center fielder Adam Jones to anchor their lineup and their outfield for years to come.

Adam Lind Designated Hitter Toronto Blue Jays - Yep, I have an American League East bias. The Blue Jay is busting out this season, "on fire" may be underestimating it. Having never played in more than 90 games in his first two professional seasons, Lind has only managed to hit 20 home runs and 86 RBI in those years. Through 33 games this year, he's already hit 6 home runs and drove in 31 runs. I'm excited to see the Blue Jays through the next couple months and see if they can maintain, Adam Lind will take a huge role in doing so against the good American League East pitching. The Blue Jays left handed DH will have to continue his terric first month of the season if they hope to stay atop the division lead.

PITCHERS:

Johnny Cueto Starter Cincinnati Reds - I like to think that I get some things correct when I give you my predictions: In my 2008 MLB PREVIEW I predicted Johnny Cueto was the pitcher to watch in the National League. So I'll say it again for you, watch out for Johnny Cueto, he's god damn filthy. In six starts this season, Cueto has come out blazing hot. A 3-1 start in the win/loss column, a 1.59 era, and getting through nearly seven innings every start. His last two starts have been amazing. 15 innings combined against Pittsburgh and St. Louis, struck out 12 batters, and allowed just nine hits. If your looking for a starter that can develop into the Johan Santana type, look to a flame thrower like Johnny Cueto.

Ramon Ramirez Middle Reliever Boston Red Sox - Ramirez is everything the Red Sox thought they were getting when they dealt their fourth outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for his services. Ramirez has anchored the Red Sox bullpen this season and gives Papelbon that set-up man they were looking for. The 27-year old journeyman has a 0.55 era in 16 appearances for the Red Sox, he's allowed just one run to be scored off him, and struck out eight. While the Yankees have their set-up man starting games, and the Rays have a bullpen which has shown signs of weakness, the Red Sox with pitchers like Ramon Ramirez have been able to jump on those teams in the late innings, he's a big part of that.

Ryan Franklin Closer St. Louis Cardinals - The 36-year old Cardinal closer seems to have his stride in this role. In 14 innings this season, Franklin has recorded nine saves and struck out 13. The reason I put him on this list of young studs is because Franklin isn't young and he exemplifies every reason why the Cardinals never have a horrible season. LaRussa and company can put pitchers and position players in the right spots and it seems as if he has found that role for Ryan Franklin in 2009. Over the last two seasons Franklin has recored a total of 18 starts, this season he's already half way there and were only a month in, I want to see Franklin complete this year strong and the Cardinals go deep into the postseason.

I hope this gives you parents out there some new players to keep an eye on and tell your kids about, hey it's either that or you tell them to play outside till July 3rd when Manny gets back into the Dodger lineup, I'll take a pass on that.

What's Next?

2009-05-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in" - Michael Corleone

I was watching Carl Crawford steal six bags in one game, I saw Jacoby Ellsbury nab home plate, maybe the steroid era was over? Maybe after watching the greatest players of our generation, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Clemens, have their legacies tarnished, personal life shattered, and character questioned, maybe everyone got the message. At least maybe the stars got it, maybe the guys who were destined for Cooperstown got the message, you can be remembered as one of the greats or you can be remembered as one of the cheats, easy decision right? Wrong.

We haven't fully grasped the suspension of Manny Ramirez. So, in true LynchyRightNow fashion, I'm going to help us all out:

This suspension stretches coast to coast, it's the nature of the beast. It isn't just the fans of L.A. who should be irate, the fans of Boston have to have some anger in them. For a city who waited 80+ years to win a World Series, and had the fortune of winning two in four years, we've got to be pissed off that those years could be rightfully tarnished in some way. Ramirez was the 2004 World Series MVP, now it may take 25 guys working together to win the series, but you could argue without Ramirez it wouldn't have turned out the same. I'm not going to convict Manny of using during those years, but others will and the questions will be posed. The true blue Dodger fans must feel duped, they were going to Chavez Ravine long before "Mannywood," and now everything they accomplished in 2008 and going forward will have that dark steroid cloud lingering over head. Manny played an important role in putting Boston baseball back on the map, not since Fernandomania had baseball been as relevant on the left coast, now clouds linger over both of the storied franchises.

Manny isn't the first, won't be the last. The suspension of Manny Ramirez won't be the last we hear from the steroid chronicles, bank on it. 100 more names still lay in the weeds from the same list that one Alex Rodriguez was outed from. Manny however, may be the straw that breaks the camels back. What I'm getting at is, now that we see Ramirez on (*) era, can't we all agree that this era in baseball will forever be linked to one thing, steroids. Maybe we all do, and maybe I'm not being clear: The steroid era is what the RICO laws were to the mob. If anyone your associated with is found guilty of doing anything, even if your not involved, your guilty. Maybe your favorite player is David Ortiz or Greg Maddux, while never found guilty, they excelled in "The Steroid Era," put them in the HOF, but they're still linked to this era no matter what. What can you do? We don't know of everyone who used and we don't know who definitely didn't, so if you played in the era which we'll earmark, then that's how the cookie crumbles. Otherwise expect the list to grow and grow and expect years to pass before some people are let in the hall of fame, whether they should be or not.

Surprise! Alex isn't alone. As much as the A-Rod haters want to pin steroids to the greatest slugger since . . well Barry I guess, many more will join his ranks before all is said and done. You have the right to not cheer for him, you have the right to call him a cheater, but I hope you pay players like the beloved Manny Ramirez the same jeers, he's earned it now if he hadn't already. Let's bang on Manny some more, let's bang on his legacy of not running out ground balls, refusing to play for his teammates, kicking and screaming his way out of a city, shoving aging clubhouse attendants, need more? What?!!? Too much? NOT ENOUGH. Which one of those things is worse than allowing your opponent to drill a 3-0 fastball by telling him it's coming in the midst of a blowout game? ALL OF THEM ARE WORSE. Alex may not be a "great guy," and he may not be a role model for millions, he's probably very self involved, but what separates him from Manny Ramirez? Nothing now. I hope we attack Ramirez in the same vindictive way we've chosen to bang on Alex, equal rights.

What's being Manny? Manny? If what is rumored comes true, it's safe to say Manny is smarter than your average bear, or at least he's duped us all into thinking he's just a hitting savant. Manny may have been doing in private what Victor Conti needed professional doping labs to do. The drugs he used, were on some level fertility drugs used to stabilize testosterone levels after coming off a steroid cycle. Some even say those were the same type of drugs used for Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds during their years working with the BALCO Laboratories. So your telling me this isn't a new phenomenon? Exactly. Manny and probably countless others are flying under the radar with different type of PED's, the drugs are advancing with technology, the skill it takes to evade testers is improving, and if there is a way to cheat and succeed, players will look for it. So no, take off your rose colored lenses and realize, Manny is smarter than you think, he shoulders all of this blame for his actions, and yea I'm a little shocked by that too.

The silver lining. There is a silver lining in this situation, hear me out. As long as current Red Sox outfielder, Jason Bay, never gets found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs, here is a guy we can root for. The first thing out of Red Sox fans mouths was "he isn't Manny though", and they were exactly right. Through 29 games, Jason Bay has played in every last one, at this point Manny would have needed at least two or three days off. Jason Bay has clubbed a team leading 8 homers through the month of April into May. Ramirez has 6, in the National League. Manny has knocked in 20 baserunners, our Canadian outfielder has drove in 29 including 8 multiple RBI nights. In the off-the field distraction department, Ramirez is taking the cake, while Jason Bay got four RBI's last night. So what if we thought trading away a future hall of famer for the star player on the Pirates wasn't smart, turns out the ownership group and front office of our franchise in Boston may have a leg or two up on some other franchises. Let's get on the back of Jason Bay and root for a new breed of ballplayer.

Finally, I want to say I like the way the game is being played. It sucks that we have to have the steroid conversation over and over again, but it might just be part of the times we're living in, part of the fabric of the game we've witnessed. I'm through with Manny being Manny, unfortunately baseball being baseball has just begun