Super-Knicks 2010

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 25, 2010

Graphic by Colin Doyle. Cartoon Image Courtesy of DC Comics.

Jay Lethal's Tribute To Ric Flair.

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 25, 2010

"Black Machismo" Jay Lethal does a near perfect impersonation of the Nature Boy. I saw this online a couple weeks back and totally dug it. Lethal works the mic great and probably has a pretty big future because of it. However, nobody talks the talk like Naitch!

NO TEETH DUNCAN KEITH!

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 25, 2010

Photo Courtesy of SBNation.com

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL's Original Six, who are about to compete for their first Stanley Cup since 1949! The Blackhawks swept the San Jose Sharks en route to Lord Stanley's Finals behind the gutsy performance of veteran defenseman Duncan Keith.

Keith lost seven teeth (that's right, seven 'effing teeth!) when he was smashed in the mouth with the puck from the stick of Shark Patrick Marleau. According to Keith, "They numbed it after it happened; they just stuck a bunch of needles in there and froze it all up." After receiving the shots Keith returned to the game and....wait for it....assisted on a goal! This is why you've gotta love the fastest game on earth. In no other pro sport would a player return after losing the ability to chew food for the rest of his natural life to pick up an assist.

Now that Duncan Keith has gone the way of Mick Foley('s mouth), the Dummy Brothers officially back the Chi-Town Blackhawks in their quest for Lord Stanley's Cup!

Is Spears Changing His Tune?

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 21, 2010

Remember this?

YANKEE'S UNIVERSE

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 20, 2010

Image Courtesy of NASA TV

Garrett Reisman, a decorated NASA astronaut and crew member of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, who comes straight out of Morristown, NJ (Go Minutemen!), has brought his love of the Yankees to the stars. Reisman, whose wife Simone has been quoted saying, "he's never happier than when he is at Yankee Stadium," has brought a Yankee championship banner and dirt from the (Mo's) pitcher's mound into space. Top that one, Larry "Big-Mouth" Lucchino!

The Final Four Go To War.

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 15, 2010

Image by Colin Doyle

And then there was four. Beantown's Rondo. O'Town's Superman. Hollywood's Black Mamba. Phoenix's um, ...Steve Nash? Well Nashty doesn't need a damn nickname (I think I just gave him one). He's got two MVP's and ticket to Springfield any time he chooses to hang 'em up. (Though at the rate he's going don't expect that to be any time soon.) What's more, all four of these stars are surrounded by excellent supporting casts and quality head coaches. So how to pick a winner? Hmmm...

First let's look at the Regular Season records of our four finalists:

Orlando Magic: 59-23

Boston Celtics: 50-32

L.A. Lakers: 57-25

Phoenix Suns: 54-28

Nothing really stands out here. Only perhaps Boston which had a brutal second half of the season after an epic 23-5 start (The C's then finished up barely .500 @ 27-27). But barring that second half swoon, all these teams have relative parity with respect towards their records. So let's look elsewhere. How about their records against each other?

Lakers vs. Suns regular season series 4 games: Lakers win 3-1 outscoring the Suns by 45 total points in the three wins for an average margin of victory of 15 points. Uh-oh, Nashty! Advantage Lakeshow.

Now to the Boston Rondo's.

Orlando won the season series 3 games to 1. In fact, the O-Town Magic have been so dominant down the stretch (winning 28 out of 30 games!!!) it is difficult imagining anyone beating them right now. But I still put my bills on the Celts. They are battle tested, have one helluva coach, and an emerging superstar named Rajon Rondo.

It's Celts v. Lakeshow.

Bright Lights, Big City

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 14, 2010

Illustration by Adam Walko

Bernie "I played every game high" Carbo, wanted to have his old buddy Keith Hernandez's arms broken after The Keith outed him to the Feds as the man who first introduced T.K. to the white lady (Cocaine). This shocking confession was made by Carbo during an interview with ESPN's Outside The Lines which airs this Sunday.

Apparently the going rate for smashing up an All Star 1st basemen in the mid 80's was only about $2,000. "I knew some people, and I had $2,000, and I asked them to break his arms," said Carbo on Outside The Lines. So far The Keith has not responded in the press.

Here's the NY Post Article: '85 Plot to Sic Thugs on Keith.

Man, oh man...the Eighties were a wild era for the American pastime. Some of the iconic players of that decade ...Doc, Vida, Rock Raines, Willie, Straw, Carbo, etcetera all battled drug issues. Keith testified most bluntly when he said, "I consider cocaine the devil on this earth," before a grand jury. Even a die-hard Yankee fan such as myself can say thank God Keith cleaned up in 1983 and went on to become a NY Icon. Baseball in the Big Apple would have suffered greatly without the man and his mustache.

HOLY CAV-OLY!! 120-88 Game 5 Shocker!

Posted by Colin Doyle May 12, 2010

THANKS BOSTON!

Not since Ol' Harry Frazee had Babe Ruth traded to the Yankees to bankroll his Broadway flop No, No, Nanette, has Boston done so much to destroy its own sporting future.

With the right teammates (Mr. Bosh) looking over his shoulder and a fan base as threatening as they are passionate, Lebron will hopefully see the (big) light(s) of Broadway come summer.

Plus, our Hot Dogs (Reggie Jackson included) are the best....think about that LBJ.

Check out this great feature from NY Magazine.

Go Rondo? Go Boston? (HELL YEAH!!!)

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 11, 2010

Rondo Hat Courtesy of Zazzle.

Pigs are flying! NY Knicks' die-hard devotee Spike Lee is rooting hard for the hated Celtics to take out the Cleveland Cavs in the Eastern Semis and I can't say I blame him. In fact, I spent half the day looking for anything green and white to wrap around myself in feverish preparation for hollering hard for my (swallows pride) Celts. You see the logic goes like this....if (Triple) Double R (Rajon Rondo) and his three amigos bounce LBJ and his Schwack Attack from the second round the odds for King James waltzing into MSG's court this fall as a Knickerbocker go up exponentially. You've got to think that Lebron will be more open to bolting his "hometown" team if, after having the NBA's best record for the second consecutive season, The Cavaliers can't even squirm out of the 2nd round.

As if that wasn't enough potential good news for long suffering 'Bockers groupies, Scores NY, the famous Big Apple adult nightclub, has offered Lebron a lifetime of free lap dances if he inks with the Dolan Empire.

But I digress. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The Cavs and Celts are tied up 2-2 in the series, so in essence this becomes a best of three, and it ain't over until Big Baby sings. All us Knicks' losers er, fans can do now is wear our Celtic green and shout hard for our (gulp) Beantown heroes.

And while we're (temporarily) rooting green, how 'bout a big shout out to Rajon Rondo and his sick play this postseason. Particularly his 29 point, 18 rebound, 13 assist, triple double last Sunday.

Keith Sleeps

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 11, 2010

Mets color man (and legend) Keith Hernandez took a bit of a snooze during an extra innings game the other day. Being that this was a Mets game who can really fault the man

.Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

White Cuts Two Fighters Loose...SAME REASON

Posted by Colin Doyle May 10, 2010

Photo Courtesy: Throwthembows.com

In Dana White's continuing struggle to legitimize UFC/MMA there have certainly been some ups and downs. The formula is simple enough. Don't back your boss into a corner and make him have to explain why MMA is a sport to the skeptical media/public at large. He has already had a tough enough time shedding the image of the bad old days from his company. In White's world if you represent the UFC simply conduct yourself like an athlete who respects his opponent, the sport, and the fans. If you can manage that, then the only thing standing in your way will be the limits of your ability as a fighter.

The Kosheck Vs. Daley fight is a prime example of putting the boss on the defensive. Well after the bell had sounded, Daley threw a nasty sucker punch at Kosheck. This childishly buffoon-like action undermines much of what White has worked so hard to build over the years. The octagon is not a cage where two brawlers attempt to kill each other for the entertainment of a blood thirsty crowd of violent hooligans (Even though many times it can be...). When Daley threw that punch, he threw it right at Dana White and the sport of MMA. White's decision not work with Daley again, while unfortunate for the Welterweight Division, is absolutely the right one. Daley's actions @ UFC 113 robbed the fans of the championship fight they wanted to see and the career he (Daley) could have had with the organization.

A major thorn in White's long crusade for legitimacy in the court of public opinion had been street fighting "sensation" Kimbo Slice. White sought to make an example out of Kimbo, and did so with purpose. The UFC Big knew that if he could get Kimbo to fight in the UFC he could illustrate to the varied sports critics what it means to be a real MMA athlete. Kimbo is just a bar brawler, and by comparison, his many limitations help reveal all the other facets of quality MMA fighting. (i.e. stamina and strategy, heart, etc.), which the sports media gladly ignores . White had this entire chess move planed out before Slice ever signed with his company. In fact, White's repeated call outs of Kimbo were designed to bring the fighter in so that his failure would reinforce the UFC as the number one MMA promotion and it's fighters as the most elite in the sport.

Thus, Dana White makes the omelet that is Ultimate Fighting. Which, as it turns out, tastes much better without these two (Daley & Slice) ingredients.

In The Land of The Blind, The One-Eyed Man is King...

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 10,2010

"In regione caecorum rex est luscus." - Desiderius Erasmus

Last night in San Antonio, Steve Nash exorcised the demons of the Suns' past when he lead Phoenix to a shocking sweep of the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals. After getting bounced by Duncan & Crew four times in the previous seven seasons, the Suns have finally slain their greatest rival. Nash's line (20 points, 9 dishes, 4 boards, 1 swipe) is all the more amazing considering he played near half the game with six stitches in his bloody swollen shut right eye. (thanks Timmy!!!!)

Up next for the Sunshine boys is the Lake Show, and damned if I'm not pumped for that one! At the beginning of the '09-10 season Stoudemire, Nash et al. were deemed to be an aging, declining mess. Phoenix GM Steve Kerr was roundly criticized for extending 35 year old PG Steve Nash's contract for another two years thus keeping him in town till he (Nash) would be 38. Now Kerr looks like a genius as Phoenix looks to reach their first NBA finals since 1993. As a Knicks' fan whose only connection to the playoffs is when his great great grandfather dusts off his grainy super 8 reels, I now feel I've got a (rented) dog in this fight. I rooting Sunshine over the Hollywood Yellowshirts.

Saucy Jack is going to go horse for this showdown!

Your Move, A-Rod...

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 9, 2010

Photo Courtesy of Burleson/AP, Sullivan/Getty (NY Daily News)

Baseball's most one-sided feud just got a hell of a lot more interesting today as Oakland Ace Dallas Braden tossed a perfect game against the powerhouse Rays. Braden, whom A-Rod claimed lacked credibility, is now oozing with it. A perfect game is one of baseball's rarest and greatest feats and having now tossed one, Dallas Braden joins the sport's most elite club.

The Box Score of Braden's Perfect game courtesy of ESPN.

In fact, a perfect game has only been achieved 17 times in the modern era. That's right, in 110 years and untold tens of thousands of games perfection has been attained a mere 17 times!!! Now, Mr. Perfect himself Alex Rodriguez is going to have to deal with some real perfection straight out of the 209.

A-Rod, to his credit, took the high road when asked about Braden's perfect game. Rodriguez said, " I've learned in my career, it is much better to be recognized for all the great things you

do on the field. Good for him, he threw a perfect game. And better yet, he beat the Rays." I think HBO should do a 24/7 about the upcoming Yanks/A's July 5-7th series. It sure as hell has gotten a lot more intriguing. Your move, A-Rod.....

Its a Bird! It's a Plane! IT'S FRANCISCO CERVELLI!!!

Posted by Colin Doyle May 8, 2010

In sharp contrast to the type of players who show up to the park over-hyped, carrying huge pay stubs, and bad attitudes, the Yanks have really discovered something special with this Cervelli guy. Posada's unfortunate injury has allowed Cervelli the oppurtunity to show everyone just how good a ballplayer he really is. If Frankie isn't stealing bases, or driving in runs, he's calling damn near perfect games behind the plate.

SALUTE!!!

If You Can't Beat 'Em...Hit 'Em?

Posted by Colin Doyle May 8, 2010

Photo Courtesy: Arby's

The Yanks took Beckett's embarrassing performance last night (5.1 IP, 9H, 3BB, 9ER) in stride, and when the dust had cleared they were up 9 runs against the big red beaver. However, the bomber lineup will be icing a series of bruises this afternoon from Beckett's divaball. What's a divaball? Its a combination of a fastball and throwing said fastballl directly at anything in a Yankees uniform.

Photo Courtesy: The Daily News

Meanwhile, "Big Philly Style" Hughes is right where Beckett wishes he still was as a pitcher, upping his season record to 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA. I know Girardi said Hughes was going to have to prove he belonged in the starting rotation, but this is ridiculous.

The 11th Hole?

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 7, 2010

Tiger Woods, formerly a golfer of some repute, has been largely relegated to cheap tabloid fodder by the media. His (Tiger's) lovely wife Elin has fled to Sweden (try saying that five times fast) and then he even failed to make the cut at Quail Hollow (Ouch).  Now, Joslyn James, one of the infamous 121 (perhaps the most infamous of them all), announced earlier this week that she was releasing a "film" based on Tiger's sexts. So, in addition to his 14 Major Championships, Tiger can add screenwriter to his considerable and ever growing resume.

Here's the article at Huffington Post.

I'm Talking to YOU Stranger.

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 6, 2010

Image Courtesy of Sean & Colin Doyle

The wild west showdown between venerable super powers the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns continues Friday at the AT&T center. Phoenix gun-slinger Steve Nash has his posse, the Suns, up two games to none in the series. But standing square in the way of another Suns trip to the Western Conference Finals is a gritty Argie by the name of Manu. This hardcourt tough head has been known to shut down his enemy with pure guile and viperous intensity (and ruinous flatulence).

But don't get cocky Argie 'cause Doc Nash is a deadly serious S.O.B. as well...

True.

Posted by Colin Doyle, Cinco de Mayo

Photo courtesy Sports Illustrated

True.

False.

Posted by Sean Doyle, Cinco de Mayo

Photo Courtesy of the LA Times Magazine

False.

Multiple Choice...

Posted by Colin Doyle May 4, 2010

CC Sabathia...

A) Joins NY Giants

B) Joins US Army

C) Knows how to fly a helicopter

D) Murders people with a helicopter

E) All of the above

ANSWER: F) uck this is a weird commercial.

AMERICAN LEAGUE OPS LEADERS 2010

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 4, 2010

Photo Courtesy of SI.com

1. Paul Konerko 1.171

2. Robinson Cano 1.149 (NYY)

3. Justin Morneau 1.138

4. Ty Wigginton 1.098

5. Vernon Wells 1.054

6. Evan Longoria 1.028

7. Miguel Cabrera 1.024

8. Austin Jackson .954

9. Nick Swisher .935 (NYY)

10. Alex Gonzalez .935

A couple endnotes here... Yes, that's Danica Patrick. No, she doesn't rank amongst the AL's OPS leaders. However, because OPS lacks an established visual graphic, from here on out I will be using Danica for said purposes. Also, note the presence of two N.Y. Yankees in the top ten. What's most interesting is that their names are not Tex, A-Rod, or Jeter. The two most offensively productive Yankees (so far) in 2010 have been Robbie Cano, and Nick Swisher.

See Swish's acting chops below:

Just One Last Wrinkle...

Posted by Colin Doyle May 3, 2010

Photo courtesy of The Daily News

(Knocking on wood) The Yanks have come a long way from the doldrums of the mid 00's and I think this could be a dynasty caliber club. With one exception, however. They have got to get the inconsistency of their bullpen ironed out.

With the exception of Vasquez, we have seen the impact that a consistent starting rotation has had on the bombers. Reliable pitching is KEY, especially come playoff time. Mariano shouldn't be expected to carry the weight of the entire relief core on his shoulders. The Yankees need more then one stud in their bullpen.

If Girardi can't get this last wrinkle worked out, our division clincher could look a lot (God forbid) like our season opener.

How Good Is He?

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 3, 2010

Photo Courtesy of The NY Daily News

As predicted, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano was named the American League Player of the Month for April. His line for the a-month was just ridiculous: .400 BA, 8 HR, 18 RBI, 1.235 OPS. As if those numbers don't knock you cold, Cano's defense has been consistently superb. Is superb even a strong enough word to describe what Robbie does at second base? Probably not. Sublime better depicts Cano's glove work. Right now, #24 is playing in a league of his own and richly deserves this latest honor. Right now there is nobody better in the game than Robinson Cano. Nobody.

STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 1, 2010

The greatest Pro Wrestler of all time, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, has teamed up the North Carolina Lottery to produce a $100,000 WOOOO!!! ticket. Naitch is still stylin and profilin' in this somewhat spotty TV spot. The indefatigable icon who lives harder than ten Mickey Mantles (And I love The Mick) dances up an obtuse octogenarian much to the chagrin of Steve Urkel's grandson. Check it out below!!!!!!

THE FUTURE IS HIM.

Posted by Sean Doyle, May 1st, 2010

Photo Courtesy of SLAM Online.

Last night, the World Champion Lakers knocked off the young, upstart O.K.C. Thunder in game 6 of the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs. Had it not been for the expert hands of All-Star big man Pau Gasol, who rebounded and laid up a Kobe miss with .5 seconds on the clock, then we'd be talking about a decisive game seven. Think about that for a second. When the sun rose on the 09-10 NBA season few, if any (none), had the the Thunder in the playoffs. Hell, most had Oklahoma ticketed for another sad trip to the Secaucus draft lottery. But the young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden nearly broke the the Lake-show in half and with a stunning combination of athleticism, sheer will, and stone cold moxy. The Oklahoma crowd whose persistent roar nearly deafened JVG, proved once and for all that OKC is a big sports town. Now to Durant. No star in the Association not named Lebron has a brighter future than he. On that note, I'm going drop something a little shocking here....I fully believe the Thunder will be in the NBA Finals next year. So yes, the future is him.