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.

The back end of the week begins

5 thoughts on Wednesday's action....

- It seems that the length of last season is not slowing Tim Lincicum, at least not so far. A 13 strikeout effort against San Diego and Lincicum has given up just eight hits in two starts this season. That Giants pitching staff was supposed to be good this season and from the top, it is proving their worth right now.
- The Red Sox lose again?!?! Yes it is just five games and the chemistry is not there probably but somewhere a panic button or two is going off, the distinct possibility of starting 1-8 or 2-7 is there with the Yankees coming to Fenway this weekend.
- The team that the Red Sox couldn't beat to start the season can't be beat by no one right now in Texas. Sitting at 6-0 after defeating King Felix and the Mariners, the offense continues to show up and any sort of pitching continues and it will be a repeat in the AL West
- Worst teams in no order right now.....Astros, Rays, Diamondbacks. Yes the D'Backs beat the Cubs Wednesday but it's a mess in Arizona.
- Best teams in no order....Reds, Rangers, Phillies. One loss between these teams. Not enough credit is being given to Cincinnati, a lot of experts predicted them to win the division again and even with their injuries, that offense is unstoppable.

Best of the Day Thursday Predictions

Hitter: Neil Walker, Pirates. Walker hit his second homer of the season Wednesday and has been on a tear to start the season. Thinking at least a hit and a RBI against Colorado
Pitcher: Jon Lester, Red Sox. While Lester got lit up in Texas, he will stop the bleeding for Boston, 7IP, 6H, ER, 9K
Game: Atlanta at Milwaukee. Tommy Hanson vs. Shawn Marcum pitching matchup. This game will be low-scoring, probably 2-1 or 3-2.

Back into the dugout now...