Podcast(s)!

Well, the third riveting season of the AS360.com podcasts is upon us. After taking the summer off, we are back with our weekly go-around of the sports world. Links are below. Episode 1 - November 5th Hear our thoughts on the recently wrapped up World Series, pending MLB free agency, the start of the NHL season, and Steve's dominating Tennessee Titans. Episode 2 - November 12th "As much as I hate the Maple Leafs, I hate their fans more." Listen to me alienate several friends and family members. We also talk about Pierre McGuire, the Brian Burke-GTA love-fest-a-thon, and NFL MVP talk. Until we figure out to post them here, you can find all our podcasts and at http://podcast.aroundsports360.com/

Rays get World Serious, tie World Series

Turns out James Shields is money. He pitched the Rays to victory tonight over the Phils, who really really need Ryan Howard to stop hitting ground balls into the death shift. Before I get into it more, just wanted to point out that the Jayson Werth error (see photo) reminded me of David Justice's drop in Game 6 of the 1992 World Series. That is all. The first two games have been fairly entertaining, in my humble, and often correct opinion. Between plays at the plate, pick-offs, and great pitching, we already have the best World Series since 2003, when the Marlins shocked the world (again) and beat the Yankees (not again, but you know what I mean). Really though think back to the last few Fall Classics: 2004- Red Sox end the curse and dismantle the St. Louis Cardinals. Great story, history for sure, but a snooze of a World Series. Sweep. 2005- SWEEEEEEP. McCoy's Houston Astros (aka, the most boring World Series combatant in recent memory) get taken to school by the upstart Chicago White Sox. Brad Lidge sucked, no Astro could hit and it was some of the most nausiating baseball I've ever watched. 2006-Revenge of the Cards. They took advantage of a Tigers team that showed up in the Fall Classic and played minor league baseball. Detroit made 8 errors in the 5 game loss, most of them on simple throws to first base by pitchers. Bad, bad baseball. David Eckstein's swang song. 2007-Red Sox bring the Colorado Rockies back to earth in a huge way, sweeping them and outscoring them 29-10. HOLY SHIT. So you can see why I'm optimisitc we might have a Series on our hands here. It certainly couldn't be any worse than the previous 4.

Morning Sickness - Oct 23/08

Sean Avery's doucheness unrewarded Martin Brodeur shuts down the NHL's resident scumbag and the rest of the Stars 5-0. I was told about Sean Avery when he was drafted. I knew a chick who went to high school with him in Owen Sound. She said he was the biggest asshole she ever met. He has sure lived up to that reputation. Naturally, Avery didn't talk to reporters after the blowout loss. Think it would have been the same way if the score was reveresed? He'd still be talking. None of this shit would be happening if Scott Stevens were still around. (Newark Star-Ledger...) What an awful way to start the World Series I'm not talking about the Phillies taking Game 1, I'm talking about the dispicable anthem singing of the Backstreet Boys. Holy Christ, they really couldn't find anybody else to perform? Ashley Simpson wasn't available? Come on, World Series organizers. Pats not happy with Tom Brady, his knee, or his doctors So the Pats wanted a doctor in Boston to operate on Brady's knee, but he decided to get it done by a family friend in California. Infection, shitstorm ensues... (ESPN) Sign of the Times

Hamels vs Kazmir: a look back at the '02 Draft

The starting pitchers tonight are Cole Hamels (PHI) and Scott Kazmir (TB). Both guys were drafted in the middle of the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft. Hamels was drafted 15th, and Kazmir at 17th. Why do I care? Because J.P Ricciardi took RUSS FUCKING ADAMS at 14th. Come on! Lets take a look at who else J.P could have taken at 14th... 16. Nick Swisher 19. James Loney 20. Denard Span 22. Jeremy Guthrie 23. Jeff Francoeur 24. Joe Blanton 25. Matt Cain 39. Mark Teahan Wow I love J.P.

Rays and Phillies: REALLY?!

Quick, put your hand up if you thought the Tampa Bay Rays would win 70 games this year. Ya, me neither. But alas, the time has come, hell hath frozen over. The Rays are the American League representatives in the 2008 World Series. The Phillies are coming off a surprising cake-walk of Manny's Dodgers and the debate will now begin. Is it better to be the team who has been waiting and resting, or the one with an engine full of Red Sox killing momentum? I happen to side with the latter. The Rays and Phils lineups are both strong, top to bottom. The advantage the Rays have is on the mound. Beyond Cole Hamels, there are question marks. Brett Myers has been perorming out of his skull so far in the playoffs and against a hot lineup with the likes of Longoria, Upton, et al., I just can't see it continuing. Same thing for his batting too. Somethings gotta give. And how about that spritely Jamie Moyer? In his two starts so far in the postseason, he has been lucky to escape the first inning. Moyer would be better served in this series as a second Phillies pitching coach. All I'm saying is I'd take an Andy Sonnanstine over a Jamie Moyer anyday. The only way I see the Rays losing this series is if their bullpen blows it for them. Having said that, they may have found their fireman for the remainder of the playoffs in super rookie David Price. And his stomach soothing performance couldn't have come at a better time. Rays manager Joe "Don't Call Me John" Maddon is done relying on Dan Wheeler to get 9th inning outs. At least Rays fans should hope so. On the topic of bullpens, I've never been one to hold in my opnions of Brad Lidge. The guy was brutal in the playoffs for the Astros when they went to the World Series in 2005, only to be swept by the ChiSox. Seemed like he was going to be one of those closers who couldn't handle the heat in big situations. So yes, he has yet to blow a save yet this season, but each opportunity seems a little bit more Miguel Batista-esque than the last. The Phillies and the city of Philadelphia are looking for another Mitch Williams. Time will tell if they have found him in Lidge. (God, I hope so. Nothing like a good ol' lynching). So, ultimately to my predicition. Rays in 5. Too much hot, sticky momentum. Sorry, Philadelphia. But not really.