Thursday night ramblings

A busy Thursday in the world of sports, here's a look...

- I start tonight with the stupidity of Bears WR Sam Hurd. Hurd was arrested and remains in jail tonight after he allegedly attempted to buy over half a million dollars in cocaine and marijuana from a supplier in North Texas. Words can't even start to explain how dumb you would have to be to do that, if Hurd did. Any pro athlete who would pull something like that needs an one-way ticket out of the league.
- I move on now to the world of IndyCar where the accident that killed Dan Wheldon to end last season was a "perfect storm". Wheldon hit his head on a pole that held the fencing up around the track. A very sad story and a great example of why race car driving is always a dangerous thing to do.
- A concussion has once again ended a season early for a NHL player as Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will sit out the rest of the season with post-concussion symptoms. Hockey is a violent sport in its nature and big-time hits are a part of the game but when a lot of your major names are sitting on the bench, it hurts the game. I've talked about Sidney Crosby in the past, don't know what to fix but something has to.
- A commentary on Los Angeles pro basketball and things that may be happening. Rumors are swirling now that Kobe Bryant is upset over recent events with the Lakers and may want out. The Clippers have got a lot better with Chris Paul but are still not a dominant team with just two stars. Will the battles at the Staples Center be better? Yes but I don't think Kobe has anything to worry about.
- With the recent warmer weather in the country, thoughts head toward baseball and that spring training is only 2 months away. It appears one team is trying real hard to get their fans back on board. The Cubs put in a claim on Yu Darvish and reports state they are about to go hard after Prince Fielder. If both happen, I don't see any reason why the North Siders don't win the NL Central.
- Last a reminder that college bowl season starts this Saturday with three games. I will have predictions the day of each game for you if you want to use them for your bowl pool in your office or wherever you are playing at.

That's it for tonight, more in the morning.....

Wednesday night deep thoughts

A lot is going on, so let's get started....

- The Chris Paul ordeal is finally over as the NBA has agreed to allow the trade of the Hornets star point guard to the Clippers for three players and a very key draft pick, which will be discussed in a moment. The Clippers will also get two second-round picks. I'm just glad this is finally over and the focus can actually be on the game on the court starting Christmas Day.
- Now to that draft pick, New Orleans is getting Minnesota's 1st round pick in 2012. Why is this important? From all indications, the Timberwolves won't make the playoffs and could be one of the worst teams in the league meaning the Hornets could end up with two of the top picks in the 2012 draft. May be able to rebuild very quickly.
- While Paul is being traded, Dwight Howard won't be....for now. The Magic has decided to wait to see if the market heats up more for Howard and maybe wait until closer to the trade deadline. Orlando is the kind of team that could have used Paul or maybe another superstar to pair with Howard. No state tax in Florida should be a big selling point.
- On a much more serious note, Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will undergo surgery for a kidney condition and will be away from the team for 7-10 days. Phillips has completely turned around Houston's defense, going from the worst last season to near the top this season. Wishes go out to Phillips for a speedy recovery.
- Also in the NFL, the league has renewed the TV deals with CBS, Fox and NBC through the 2022 season. A few changes are coming to your TV with this deal. First, the deal allows the NFL Network to expand their Thursday Night Football package. Sure seems like Thursday games are going to be all season long starting next season to me. The Thanksgiving night game will now be shown on NBC so all three Turkey Day games will be on free TV and flexible scheduling continues with a change. You may see AFC games on Fox and NFC games on CBS along with networks can not simulcast games online. Interesting developments to make the NFL viewer even more happy.
- In MLB news, the Red Sox traded Jed Lowrie to the Astros for closer Mark Melancon. Boston was in need of a closer after Jonathan Papelbon left to go to Philadelphia. I'm not sure Melancon will be the closer though next season. Ryan Madson, who was the Phillies' closer for most of last season, is still available. Melancon would be better-suited in a set-up role anyway. Boston isn't done with signings yet, trust me.

That's all for now......back in the morning.

Midweek Ramblings....

Wednesday has arrived, here is what's up....

- The Chris Paul saga lingers on as now the Lakers are still involved in potentially getting the New Orleans star. It seems like the league doesn't want to make any move on this or wants the world back in return kind of like the Herschel Walker trade from many years past where the Vikings basically gave away everything for Walker to the Cowboys. The Cowboys used all the draft picks to build a dynasty in the '90s. Who knows how this one will end.
- In another trade that drags on, ESPN reports this morning that the Nets and Magic are in serious discussions on a trade for Dwight Howard. The Portland Trail Blazers would also be involved and could receive multiple first-round picks if this happens. I thought the new CBA was to prevent all these big-time players from basically saying I've had enough here, I want a big-market team. I guess not.
- Other NBA news brings that the Nuggets have resigned Nene for 5 yrs/$67 million. Denver is still trying to get over Carmelo Anthony leaving during last season and couldn't lose Nene as well. However, this is another smaller market team so in the end, they probably won't have a chance at a NBA title.
- Moving to baseball, the Twins have signed OF Josh Willingham to a multi-year deal according to sources. Solid move for the Twinkies to put into a lineup with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau when both are healthy. Keeps Minnesota competitive in the AL Central.
- Time to discuss the thing that is Tim Tebow. Yes, he has led the Broncos to a 7-1 record as a starter but has been horrible in the first three quarters of almost every game this season. There are people who would suggest he's a better running back than quarterback. That is true for now and maybe a full offseason can help him work on his throws. The media coverage is overblown with Tebow, the world doesn't revolve around him but for now, he's the story and takes a lot of pressure off the undefeated run of the Packers.
- Last item this morning involves former Braves closer John Rocker, who has admitted to taking steroids while on the team. Is it ironic that he is also selling a book right now so all these new things are coming out. We all know those drugs were all over baseball right after the strike and beyond as the game tried to rebuild itself. In Rocker's case, the way he was acting.....everyone had to have known.

That's all for now, back tonight with more....

Monday Night Thoughts

Let's take a look at the happening of this Monday....

- It was a bad day to be a NFL coach as Miami's Tony Sparano and Kansas City's Todd Haley were shown the door. There are so many high-profile coaches sitting on the sidelines right now, both teams need to make some calls. However, Haley didn't deserve his fate since basically all of the good Chiefs players got hurt and ended up on injured reserve. He will turn up next I see as the new Bears offensive coordinator in 2012.
- This business with Chris Paul continues to drag on as a trade to the Clippers were knocked down today but reports tonight are saying that there is a new push to get a trade done with the Staples Center's other team. Get it done and over with already! In the meantime, the Clippers claimed Chauncey Billups off waivers. I guess that's the backup plan.
- Now, a classic example of pay attention to what your spouse is saying. Albert Pujols' wife Diedre went on St. Louis radio today to explain how Pujols would have stayed with the Cardinals for less money but the Cards only offered a five-year deal to begin negotiations. I don't know how much I believe of this but if it is true, that is definitely a key development. A 5-year deal in my opinion would be enough but Pujols I figure wanted one long deal to end his career and that is what he got with the Angels.
- Elsewhere in the NL Central, the Brewers have signed former Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez. This figures to fill the void offensively with Prince Fielder likely out of town and could be headed to Chicago. I think a lot of Cubs fans would trade a Fielder-for-Ramirez deal. In Milwaukee though, Ramirez will probably need to carry the load for the first 2 months with Ryan Braun on suspension more than likely. This is not one of the best qualities of Ramirez though, will be interesting to see what happens.
- With Ramirez now in the fold, the Brewers traded Casey McGehee to the Pirates. If McGehee can get back his 2010 form, Pittsburgh may get to the .500 mark in 2012. The talent level on that team with Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker is way up there and better than a lot of young groups. McGehee will probably play first base for the Pirates and spell Alvarez at third.

That's tonight's opinions, things are always breaking so more in the morning......

Monday is here again

Late last night, it was all football. Now we go into the other sports reports....

- The Chris Paul trade game continues as now he may be heading to the Clippers for a package of players. This has dragged out long enough, either make the trade or he stays in New Orleans. I thought the NBA wanted good publicity now that they actually have a season.
- One thing I didn't touch on much Saturday was the fight between Cincinnati and Xavier at the end of the game. A very ugly scene between the crosstown rivals. There is no place for fights like that as emotions were growing hotter and hotter as the game progressed. Time to grow up boys and remember you aren't playing at your neighborhood playground.
- In other NBA news, the Lakers did make a trade but it was Lamar Odom being dealt to Dallas. Odom was very upset over being included in the proposed Chris Paul trade that he wanted out of LA. So Odom gets to go to the defending champions. Not a bad place to land.
- Talk about a fan base that is excited. About 4,000 fans showed up outside Angel Stadium for the formal introductions of Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. They are very serious about winning and capturing more of the Los Angeles market. Those two moves for now at least achieve that goal.
- Now one of the busiest men in hockey recently, Patrick Sharp. Sharp scored an overtime goal Thursday for the Blackhawks to defeat the Islanders, then found out his wife was in labor, flew home to Chicago in time to see baby Madelyn be born. Then Sunday adds another overtime goal in a win over San Jose. Try to get some sleep now, big guy or maybe Hawks fans would like you to continue your whirlwind.
- Surprised even myself with a 15-5 record on weekend predictions including 12-2 on NFL games. If the Bengals could have just held on and the Cowboys wouldn't have choked again. Tonight, a game that only fantasy players care about in Seattle as the Seahawks face the Rams. I'll take Seattle for the win 24-7.

That's all for now, today's trivia question comes up at midday and more sports thoughts are forthcoming tonight....

Friday night thoughts

Last look for the week at things before weekend games begin...

- That Chris Paul deal to the Lakers appears to be regaining some legs. The three teams involved in the trade (Lakers, Hornets and Rockets) are talking again about how to do this deal. Let's just hope it actually happens for everyone's sanity.
- Speaking of NBA, the meeting Dwight Howard and the New Jersey Nets had has been deemed illegal. The NBA should do something positive and slap the Nets with some penalty. Competitive balance is the key right? Well that means Howard can't go to New Jersey.
- The Oakland A's are cleaning house again with their trade of Trevor Cahill to Arizona Friday. This means the Diamondbacks a serious threat in the National League putting Cahill with Ian Kennedy. I guess the Marlins weren't the only team making big time moves.
- Now on a completely different scale and something of a positive nature for Penn State....well maybe not on this night but the four-time defending women's volleyball champions were defeated by UCLA. Reason I bring this up is just the fact they won 4 YEARS IN A ROW! Not the easiest thing to do when players graduate.
- Last thing, if you have time on Saturday....sit down and watch at least some of the Army-Navy game. One of the best games every year with the service academies. Just take 30 minutes out and take a look.

Saturday selections coming in the morning.....

Friday morning report

We begin the weekend with these thoughts....

- On the heels of the Chris Paul trade being nixed by the league, Dwight Howard is now angling to get traded to the Nets and this trade appears to be actually going down. We are heading down a road of superteams where only 6-8 teams have a chance at a title and no one else can survive. Not good for balance but good for ratings.
- Also in the NBA, it appears Brandon Roy is going to have to retire because of his knees. That's a real shame for a player that had a very bright future ahead of him and could have had a Hall of Fame career. Good luck to him.
- We move on to college football where Kansas has hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. Weis has a few good years in South Bend but was an epic failure in terms of Irish coaches. The move is sound but we will see if it is actually successful.
- A very smart move by IndyCar, deciding to bypass going to Las Vegas after the death of Dan Wheldon last year. Those cars move way too fast for that kind of track and it was a bad idea in the first place. There are reports they won't return there again and that would be for the best.
- NFL Week 14 started last night with a clunker of a win by the Steelers over the Browns. That's Pittsburgh's game though with their defense and getting that 10th win continued their chase toward the AFC North title and the top seed in the conference.

Enjoy your Friday, more tonight....

It's Late Night in Blogland

Sitting at the desk late tonight, let's go...

- Just after I posted the morning report, reports begin flying that Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson have signed with the Angels. A war has developed now between the Angels and Rangers for the AL West crown, this should be interesting. Pujols gets over $250 million while Wilson gets $77 million, would be nice to make that kind of money.
- Also on Thursday, the Cubs traded Tyler Colvin to Colorado for Ian Stewart. North Siders needed a 3rd baseman with Aramis Ramirez now gone. This is a big risk for a Cub team that wants defense and there is no doubt Stewart won't match Ramirez's production offensively.
- Very interesting news in the NBA as the New Orleans Hornets were going to trade star point guard Chris Paul to the Lakers but one problem, the NBA owns the Hornets right now and killed the trade. David Stern wants competitive balance but I'm not sure if he should be sticking his nose in this.

That's it for tonight, more in the morning

Tuesday morning thought pattern

First day of the week is through, let's look at what's going on....

- I have to open this with the happy announcement of Ron Santo making the Hall of Fame. It took long enough and it's quite sad that he isn't alive to see it. A great day yesterday was for Santo's family and Cubs fans everywhere
- The NHL must want attention as it was approved a new four-conference realignment. I'm quite pleased by the fact that leagues are grouping teams by geography area and that the schedule will be more balanced but must said, some radical move to group 7 or 8 teams into a conference like the old MLB setup.
- Finally a coach is speaking up on the injustice of the BCS. Give Boise State coach Chris Petersen a lot of credit for coming out and blasting this current system. No one likes it, it must be changed. How hard would it be to have a 8-team playoff? Not at all.
- I would love to find out where the Miami Marlins found a money machine at. After signing Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins offered a 10-year contract to Albert Pujols on Monday. They seem to be in on every free agent, where is it coming from?
- The Chargers finally found their way last night with a win over the Jaguars. Finally, a good game from Philip Rivers. Those have been few and far between this year but makes the AFC West all competitive still with four weeks to go.
- It was reported late last night that the Lakers are exploring trading for both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. The way the NBA is headed, we may as well just have 8 super teams and forget everyone else. This is no way competitive balance can succeed with superstars on just a few teams.

There's your morning report, more late tonight....