No episode today.

Well the title pretty much explains it all. Sorry folks.

Pre-MNF Thoughts: Week 7

Just some tidbits from Week 7 of the NFL.

The Brady Bunch Strikes Again

Pretty much all Tom Brady did was break his own record for touchdown passes in a single game in this expected Patriot rout against the Dolphins. Brady had 6 touchdown passes, but as always, the humble Tom Brady gave the credit to his receivers for making those plays, including Randy Moss, who had 122 yards and 2 TD grabs, including a spectacular grab 35 yard TD grab that had Moss stunned he caught. If the Colts win tonight against the Jaguars, we will be seeing a showcase of two undefeated teams in two weeks.
(Photo by Hans Deryk) ©2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


8 Field Goals!?!?!

Tennessee Titan kicker Rob Bironas broke the all-time NFL record for field goals made in a single game, making 8 field goals out of 8 tries. Bironas kicked field goals 52 yards, 25 yards, 21 yards, 30 yards, 28 yards, 43 yards, 29 yards, and the game-winning 29 yarder as time expired. This game looked to be over in the 3rd quarter, with the Titans having a 32-7 lead over the Texans. But Sage Rosenfels came to play and led the Texans to score 29 4th quarter points, but it wasn't enough to beat the Vince Young-less Titans.
(Photo by Jamie Squire) © 1999-2007 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sunday Night Done Right

With the recent slump Monday Night Football has given us, Al and John have restored our interest in Sunday Night Football, and last night was definitely no exception. The Steelers came into town looking for another win to stay atop the AFC North, and the Denver Broncos were looking to avoid a 3rd-straight loss. Denver had a comfortable lead in the 4th quarter up by 14, but Ben Roethelisberger threw 2 touchdowns to his two tight ends, Matt Spaeth and Heath Miller to tie it at 28-all with just over a minute left. But, you have to remember one thing, or one person rather, and that'd be Jason Elam. As time expired, Elam kicked a 49 yard field goal to give the Broncos a 31-28 victory. As far as anyone should be concerned, the Broncos MVP is definitely Elam, winning all three games for the Broncos this season. Jason Elam is one special individual that the Broncos need to keep around.
(Photo by Doug Pensinger) © 1999-2007 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dolphins Down

First Trent Green, then Renaldo Hill, and now Ronnie Brown are all down for the Dolphins this season. Brown looked to have the best season of his young career is out due to a ACL problem, as well as starting safety Renaldo Hill. Trent Green wanted to come back and play, but without clearance from the doctors, we'll be seeing Cleo Lemon take the field again. The season for the Dolphins is pretty much over already, however. I expect Goose Egg and 16 for the Dolphins this year.

Monday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Woo...now this is a Monday Night match-up worth watching. The Colts look to go undefeated against the 4-1 Jaguars who are looking impressive every time I see them. Should be an interesting game considering last year, the Jaguars ran all over the Colts. This year may be a different story with Maurice Jones-Drew being a game-time decision. This will be an exciting game, nonetheless.

Patrick's Prediction: Indianapolis beats Jacksonville

Remember to catch Tuesday Sports Report tomorrow, when we deliver more news from Week 7, discuss the latest BCS Rankings, and give you a snippet of information from around the National Basketball Association.

World Series Set

After a thrilling game 7 of the ALCS, the Colorado Rockies finally have an opponent in this year's Fall Classic. The Boston Red Sox put on a offensive show in the 8th inning scoring 6 runs to give the Boston Red Sox a 11-2 win over the Cleveland Indians. Before I talk about the Series, congrats to the Indians for putting up one helluva show for us with both the Yanks and the Sox.

Good thing the first 2 games are out in Boston because Coors Field is a mess right now with all that snow. The Red Sox are an overwhelming favorite to win this thing again and I think the Sox will pull it off. They have the better talent overall in offense and pitching and obviously, they have the most experience. I expect the Boston Red Sox to pick up their 2nd World Series championship in 88 years.

Bronx Bombshell!

With reports coming out stating that Joe Torre would be out in New York, the Yankees offered Torre the highest contract in the MLB, worth $5 million for one year, but Torre turned it down! After all those reports, he's the one leaving willingly.

Good for Torre. He was one of the best managers in MLB history, definitely going to the Hall of Fame, and I felt he was disrespected by the Yankees organization. After winning 4 World Series titles as his reign in New York, I completely think Cashman and Steinbrenner treated the situation terribly. We here at TSR definitely wish the best to Joe Torre.

But now, who's next for the Yankees? I personally think the Yankees should go after their own broadcaster and 2006 NL Manager of the Year, Joe Girardi. I can't believe this guy was let go in Florida, but one team's loss could be another team's treasure. The Yankees would be silly if they didn't go after Joe, but hey, who knows? They let one Joe slip past them, what's to say they don't do the same with this Joe?
(Photo by Nick Laham) © 1999-2007 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

Fans Are Amazing, TSR's Myspace, and Poll is up!!!

Before I get to the nitty gritty of this blog and show tell you about our poll and Myspace, I wanted to show this amazing video of Korean soccer fans putting on a show. Enjoy!



Tuesday Sports Report now has a Myspace!!! Since the thing seems to get people hooked, we'd thought we try it out. Click here to visit TSR's Myspace and "Add" us!

There is a new feature and it's called the Poll of the Week. This week's poll as suggested by Harper is basically picking between types of citrus sodas. Make sure you vote for the one you like best (coughs; Vault; coughs).

Tuesday Sports Report: Episode 4, 10/16/07

The 4th installment of TSR discusses the major upsets of LSU and Cal over the weekend; about the Rockies first trip to the World Series. Also, we discuss that "Super Bowl" of the regular season, which was the Patriots and the Cowboys, and discuss Kobe's future as a Laker. Ron Burgundy and Mike Gundy makes special guest appearances on this fun fast-paced episode.

Duration: 1 hour, 6 minutes, 13 seconds

Click here to listen to the Tuesday Sports Report or Right Click, "Save Target As" to download and take this podcast on the go. Enjoy!!!

For past episodes click on the links in the right hand column. Enjoy!

YouTube Video of the Week: 10/16/07

A new weekly installment here on TSR is the YouTube Video of the Week (listen to our podcast and you'll understand). Here is the video brought to you by biakabutukafan who did an outstanding job with this Coors Light spoof.

Mike Gundy Coors Light Commercial


Also, here is the original Mike Gundy tirade. If you'd like to more on it, click here.

Oklahoma State Football Coach Mike Gundy Upset

Pre-MNF Thoughts: Week 6

Just some tidbits from Week 6 of the NFL.

Rookie of the Year has Already Been Won

We have 11 weeks to go in the NFL, but I don't care. After seeing Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday's 34-31 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, I've already declared Vikings running back Adrian Peterson as Offensive Rookie of the Year. If you haven't heard by now, Peterson carried the ball 20 times, but rushed for 224 yards! That's an average of 11.2 yards a carry! He also found the end-zone three times in that game.

There isn't any rookie in the NFL this year that can match up to what Peterson has already done. Peterson is averaging 121.4 yards a game this season and has a combined total of 5 touchdowns (4 rush, 1 receive). Being the 7th pick overall, you probably can already say that this Sooner was the steal of the draft. And on a side note to everyone in the NFL, just stop kicking to Devin Hester already! Just thought I'd get that out.
(Photo by Jonathon Daniel) © 1999-2007 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

And Then There Were Two...

In everyone's mind before Sunday started, the Patriots and the Cowboys definitely was the game to watch. Even here in Utah on CBS played that game when normally we would've definitely received the AFC West showdown between the Raiders and the Chargers. Both New England and Dallas came into the game with perfect 5-0 records, and as we stated on last week's TSR, someone had to lose. That someone was the Dallas Cowboys who got pummeled by the Patriots 48-27.

Tom Brady had an amazing game, throwing for 388 yards and 5, you heard me, 5 touchdowns. Randy Moss had another touchdown, but wasn't Brady's primary target proving why the Pats are so good that you have to double cover Moss, but will pay with another receiver, whether it be Wes Welker, who was the recipient of two TDs and had over 100 yards, or Donte Stallworth, who had his best game as a Patriot, racking up 136 yards and a score. All this without their starting running back Laurence Maroney and tight end Ben Watson, who was injured in the first half. T.O., I forgot to "get my popcorn ready." but I apparently didn't need it.

This leaves only two undefeated teams left in the NFL; the Patriots and the Colts, who had a bye this week. Could we be seeing another battle of perfection in Week 9? I think so. Get your hot wings ready!

TSR Curse Manifests Itself Again!

The Oakland Raiders went from first to worst yesterday after losing to divisional foes, the San Diego Chargers 28-14. The Raiders did play a good game, but could not stop LaDainian Tomlinson, who looked like, well, himself in 2006. LT had 198 yards and four TDs of the rushing variety (Sorry fantasy owners of Antonio Gates, no passing TDs for LT). After reporting the Raiders were in first place, what happened? A loss, making them last place tied (Denver has the same record, but holds the tie-breaker). Well Raiders fans, it was fun while it lasted.

Old Man Vinny A Winner

43 year-old Vinny Testaverde was named the starter for the Panthers game yesterday against the Cardinals and picked up an impressive win 25-10. Testaverde completed over 60% of his passes and had 1 touchdown pass to Steve Smith. It'll be interesting to see if Testaverde is named starter again next week if David Carr is healthy.
(Photo by Stephen Dunn) © 1999-2007 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

Monday Night Football: New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons

Well, let's see. I could always do my laundry I guess. Let's see, just checking my TV schedule for today. Oh look, new episode of "Heroes". Okay good, what else? "Dancing With The Stars" is on. We get to see Mark Cuban again, I think; don't really follow the show. Oh, there's a Halle Berry marathon on AMC, might catch that. There's pre-season basketball on today. The Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. That's pretty interesting. Umm... anyone up for a game of Madden '08 on the Wii? I'll just stop right there because you can probably already tell what I'm doing. This game is B-O-R-I-N-G!!! Umm... I guess one headline will be if Bryon Leftwich gets the start but that's it.

Patrick's Prediction: New York Giants beats Atlanta

That's it for this week's pre-MNF thoughts. Remember to catch tomorrow's episode of Tuesday Sports Report, when we talk about the latest BCS rankings and why this year might be the most confusing as ever. Also will be discussing LSU and Cal and why another Florida school might take the national championship. We'll be giving you our synopsis on Week 6 and preview Week 7. Talk about the ALCS and NLCS and some on Randy Couture's departure from UFC and lots more!

TSR participating in Blog Action Day

We here at the Tuesday Sports Report primarily blog about what's going on in the sports world, but today is a special day in Blog Land. Today is Blog Action Day. For those who don't know what Blog Action Day is, click here to learn more.

Anyways, since we live in Utah, a big topic of discussion is population growth. Population growth, while normally seeming like a good thing, has a major effect on Utah's human inhabitants and wildlife. You can click here to learn more about the major effects of population, but wanted to get the point across that though population is a good thing, we mustn't get rid of what makes Utah so special. Just our two cents on the topic and if anyone else who reads this has a blog, make sure to get involved in Blog Action Day!

1 & 2 Fall

There is a complete mess in college football! Number 2 ranked Cal fell today, 31-28, against Oregon State and the number 1 team in the land, LSU, lost in triple overtime to Kentucky, 43-37. I thought we had enough upsets the previous two weeks and now we get these two shockers! With the official BCS polls coming out tomorrow, we should see some pretty interesting teams at the top. But man oh man, with 1 and 2 falling, we've got a pretty exciting Tuesday Sports Report for you lined up this week!

Couture No More

The reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion of the World, 44 year-old Randy Couture announced his retirement today. A former 5-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and already a UFC Hall-of-Famer, Couture sited that there was nothing left to do in the MMA world but to fight one person, and that was Fedor Emelianenko, who just recently signed with a M-1 fighting league in Russia. Once that no longer became a possibility, Randy said no more to the Octagon.

This is completely shocking news to me! I was a huge fan of UFC when it aired on Spike, and pretty disappointed to see a legend that was respected all over the MMA world walk away. But he does make a point. There were no other challenges for him in UFC and why not retire at the end of your game. I mean, we're not gonna see "Rampage" Jackson or Chuck Liddell bump up a weight class, and a guy could get old waiting for Brock Lesnar to come aboard, so this is probably the best move he can make. I hope Couture doesn't completely walk away from UFC though as he was great in the announcing booth with Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan, but it sounds like he is. Anyways, best of luck, Randy, in your future endeavors, and here's to the next UFC Champ!

Week 6 Most Boring Match-up Got A Little Bit More Exciting

The Miami Dolphins will take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday in a match-up that was pretty much insignificant. However, a rivalry between two players is making NFL viewers keep a close eye on this game. Browns tight end Kellen Winslow and Miami linebacker Joey Porter have been exchanging words the last few days in a dispute that has been going on since Porter was in Pittsburgh. Last year, these two jawed at each other, even causing Porter to receive a $10,000 fine by the NFL. This week, they're at it again! Porter has been dishing out the more of the personal comments, while Winslow has been "saying the right things" and brushing off Porter's comments, stating that we should look at the records and this is all about "team." Cleveland is 2-3, while the Dolphins are 0-5.

Miami is going into Sunday's game without any of us knowing their starting quarterback. Lots of storylines to this game; so let's see if it could live up to the media's hype.

Personally, I think this will be an all-hype match-up. I expect these two to stay away from each other. If they don't, the refs will keep them away from each other.

TSR Now Has an RSS Feed!!!

Now you can get Tuesday Sports Report from anywhere you desire by subscribing to our RSS Feed. Click here or on the RSS picture on the left or for you Firefox, Internet Explorer 7 users, click on the icon on your address bar, to subscribe via Firefox, My Yahoo!, Google, or any of your other favorites!

If He Doesn't Stay, I Go!

Yankees RP Mariano Rivera is a free agent this season as has told multiple outlets that if Joe Torre is going, so am I. Rivera has been an integral part to the Yankees over the last few years and would be a major blow to New York if they lost him. Hopefully "The Boss" will realize that Torre is still one of the best in the Bigs and keep him. Sure, he hasn't gotten to the World Series since 2003, but they have gotten to the post-season every year. They need to go out and improve their ball club with, younger talent, rather than paying millions of dollars to the likes of Roger Clemens. Give Torre some young talent to work with, Steinbrenner, and I assure you the Yankees will be flying high again.

Tuesday Sports Report: Episode 3, 10/09/07

The 3rd episode of Tuesday Sports Report talks about the shocking upsets in the world of college football, the AL and NLCS, the NFL, and The Office. Jim Rome and "Whitey" from Eight Crazy Nights makes guest appearances.

Duration: 1 hour, 8 minutes, 33 seconds

Click here to listen to the Tuesday Sports Report or Right Click, "Save Target As" to download and take this podcast on the go. Enjoy!!!

10/09/07 Episode coming soon!

Our site that we upload our podcast to is currently bugging out because it won't load. Fear not, the site should be up soon, and as soon as it is, you will enjoy it. But from now and in between time, we'll see you soon with a new episode.

Championship Series' Are Set

We've got the AL and NL Championship Series match-ups already with 3 sweeps and a 4-gamer. Complete dominance by the teams that won. The closest series was the Indian-Yankee series, but the Yankees were completely out-matched against C.C Sabathia and the Cleveland Indians.

NLCS:
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Not a match-up most expected. Should be a evenly matched-up series. No predictions this time. They apparently don't work. Series starts on Thursday.

ALCS:
Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox
I like this match-up. Great pitching staffs on both ends of the field. Great offenses and a very evenly matched-up series. This is going to be a very fun one to watch. Series starts on Friday.

Pre-MNF Thoughts: Week 5

Just some tidbits from Week 5 of the NFL.

Just another record for Brett
Favre has another milestone this year to add to the list of records he has broken. Last night, Favre threw 2 picks to tie George Blanda all-time record for interceptions in a career with 277. Chicago won that game 27-20 after a 4th quarter comeback led by Chris Tillman's 2 forced fumbles in the first half and Brian Griese's 2 touchdown passes to his tight ends, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen. More on that on the Tuesday Sports Report.

Oakland leads the AFC West???
The AFC West is becoming a closer division than everyone thought. The Raiders have won two straight, equaling everyone in the division when Kansas City fell to Jacksonville; and the San Diego Chargers routed the Denver Broncos 41-3. Oakland has a .500 record and the rest of the AFC West has a .400 record. I don't know if this will hold up, but it's a satisfying thing for Raiders fans to say that we're in first place.
(Photo by J. Pat Carter) © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Trent Green is okay?
After being carted off yesterday in Miami's 22-19 loss against the Texans, Trent Green is okay and returned to Miami with his team. Coach Cameron said that he'll likely not play in next week's game vs. the Browns. I truly think it's time for Green to step down as quarterback and let Cleo Lemon or John Beck take the reins as the signal-caller. As for Travis Johnson, the player that Trent Green blocked causing the concussion and afterwards Johnson stood over Green and got a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for. Johnson had a few choice words to say, accusing Green of intentionally blocking at his knees:

"The bottom line is, it was a malicious hit. It was uncalled for, he's like the scarecrow. He wants to get courage while I wasn't looking, and hit me in my knee instead of trying to hit me in my head. God don't like ugly, you know what I mean? My knee ain't never hurt like it hurt today. If you want to hit me, hit me in my head, hit me in my chest, don't hit me in my knee. I'm trying to eat just like everybody else. So, to hit me like that, that showed me what type of man he was." said Johnson.

Wow, this reminds me a quote from Billy Madison that I'm going to direct towards Travis (The quote is slightly modified). "Mr. Johnson, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this blog is now dumber for having to read it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

New England and Indianapolis still shines
Impressive wins yesterday by the top two teams in the NFL. New England gave Cleveland their 3rd loss of the season beating them at Gillette 34-17. Indianapolis maintained a perfect record as well, defeating Tampa Bay 33-14. I cannot wait for the Week 9 showdown between these two teams. Both teams have the possibility going undefeated until that game; Indianapolis having a relativity winnable schedule, as well as New England; with their toughest game being next week vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Three MVP candidates between the two teams. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and wide-out Randy Moss and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Jake Delhomme is staying home
Panther's quarterback Jake Delhomme is going to undergo season-ending elbow surgery. This isn't good news for the Panthers. Luckily, their backup at least has some starter experience. David Carr was very impressive in yesterday's win vs. the Saints. We'll see in future games how he can manage the Panthers, whether he'll be great, or whether he'll be great or whether he'll be David Carr, the Houston Texans version. I think it'll be the latter.
(Photo by Chuck Burton) © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Monday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys vs Buffalo Bills.
This is the first Monday Night game in Buffalo in over a decade. Will that be enough to give the Bills the W? Maybe if it was a different team, but the Cowboys are too good and I predict a beat-down tonight. But who knows? After all the upsets on the college gridiron side, could this upset disease spread over to the pro ranks?

Patrick's Prediction: Dallas beats Buffalo

That's it for this week's pre-MNF thoughts. Remember to catch tomorrow's episode of Tuesday Sports Report, when we talk about the world of college football, more on the NFL, and the Road to the World Series.

Angels get blanked by Sox

You knew darn well after Manny Ramirez' Game 2 heroics and Mike Scioscia's stupid managing that the Sox would get the sweep. It wasn't even a question, and that's what happened today as the Red Sox get the sweep in Anaheim 9-1.

Curt Schilling completely dominated the Angels from the mound today pitching seven innings giving up zero runs. David Ortiz' 2-run blast in the 4th inning turned the tide of the game and the Sox rolled from there until the 8th inning where they had seven runs and it was over.

So here's the setup for the Championship Series:

NLCS:
Rockies vs. Diamondbacks

ALCS:
Indians/Yankees vs. Red Sox

The Yankees-Indians game is on as we speak in the Top of the 1st with 2 Outs. Roger Clemens is on the mound for the Yankees tonight....as I typed this the Indians just scored. It's 1-0 Indians with 2 Outs still.

*****

Also, I just want to tell Patrick nice work on his playoff predictions. (Sarcasm) :-D

The Mets must feel good right now

Last night while I was watching the biggest upset in College Football history unfold there was the NLDS going on. The Rockies swept the Phillies after their 2-1 victory in Game 3 at Coors Field.

The Rockies are yet another team in MLB Playoffs history that has no business being in the playoffs but they are on a roll right now and they are in the pathetic National League so they are a beneficiary of the fact this league is weak. Honestly tell me with a straight face that the Rockies are on the best teams in baseball. I just don't see it. Again, they are just hot at the right time. Diamondbacks and Rockies for the NLCS? Snooze fest. I would contemplate watching World Series of Poker over this series. Just a terrible match-up and no one out East is going to stay up till 1 a.m. to watch these games unfold. I was really hoping for Phillies and Cubs but that turned out well.

I will watch the ALCS whoever is in that series because all four of those teams are fun to watch. Going into the season I could have named five players between the Diamondbacks and the Rockies. Personally I think it's a bigger accmoplishment to win a Division than to win the World Series. Maintaining success over a 162-game span is more impressive to me than some team getting hot down the stretch and playoffs. That's my rant now back to more football and baseball.

Stanford's upset is bigger than Appalachian State

First off I am stunned like everyone else across the nation; that USC lost to the Cardinal. The same Stanford Cardinal team that got blitzed by my #5 team Arizona State, 41-0 on the Farm (Palo Alto) just one week ago. I guess you can say it's the Tuesday Sports Report curse now? I have been so high on this USC team since the beginning of the season and their performance last night was less than inspiring. For about 55 minutes of that game USC never showed up.

Give Stanford credit though they capitalized on USC's lack of effort in that game. The Trojans completely sleep walked through this game until late when it mattered and the game was on the line. But until the Trojans acted as though they would just beat Stanford because their USC. What is the deal with these teams not showing up or thinking they are just going to dominate on these inferior opponents? Let's face it, College Football has a lot of pairity and there is no dominant team anymore. Any team could lose on any given Saturday. But I really feel this upset is bigger than Appalachian State's at the Big House. Appalachian State was at least a proven winner in the ranks of the formerly known D-1AA. The Mountaineers of App. State would beat a lot of Sun Belt and maybe some MAC, and WAC schools. The Mountaineers had an impressive skill position players and were talented. Hell, I think Appalachian State would give Stanford a game. But Stanford beating USC is just stupifying. The Cardinal who won one game last season and their lone win this year came against San Jose State go into the Coliseum and beat USC who had a 36-game home winning streak going. Unbelieveable. The Cardinal had their back-up Quarterback starting the game to boot. Congrats to Jim Harbaugh and his staff though for not bowing down to USC and doing the impossible. An amazing win to say the least. Do I think Stanford will do anything the rest of the season? No. I don't. They might get one more win this season, if that. Enjoy it now Cardinal fans because you will soon be thinking of your Cardinal hoops team over in Maples.

As for USC, the Trojans have lost the swagger now. It's gone! Teams now know they are beatable and the USC offense is sputtering. Now I'm not one to usually place blame on individual college athletes but John David Booty is overrated. If your Pete Carroll and Steve Sarkisian you start looking to use Mark Sanchez. This loss was bound to happen sooner or later with how their offense has been sputtering this season. Booty just doesn't have the confidence in the pocket to be a great QB and if you can't succeed with the talent he has around him at Southern Cal, you have a problem. Also, Joe McKnight? Where is he? I didn't see him getting used at all in that game against Stanford. This USC offense needs some new life and Carroll needs to go with some new pieces to get this offense back on track or else this team will be known as a huge underacheiving group.

As for the rest of the College Football scene listen to our podcast on Tuesday where we give our Top 5 and analyze the weekend that was on the College Gridiron.

First Team In The Books

The Arizona Diamondbacks (No, I didn't type this wrong.) are the first team to advance to a Championship Series in the 2007 MLB Post-Season after sweeping the Chicago Cubs 3-0. This is shocking to me considering I had the Cubs making it to the World Series this year. The D'Backs played with lots of passion and just out-played the Cubs. A well-earned victory for the Diamondbacks and the curse continues for the boys of Wrigley.

MLB Playoffs - Patrick's Predictions

The MLB playoffs are underway! There are definitely some surprising teams in this year's playoffs, but there are some good match-ups. So here are my predictions for the series' as well as predictions for the ALCS and NLCS and the World Series.

National League Divisional Series:
Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks
The pitching staff of the D'Backs is definitely better than the Cubs, but the Cubs are better at almost every other aspect. Arizona does have home field advantage, but I don't think it's going to be enough. Cubs in 4.

[UPDATE] -- Game 1: Chicago 1, Arizona 3
Arizona leads series 1-0
Game 2: Chicago 4, Arizona 8
Arizona leads series 2-0
Game 3: Arizona 5, Chicago 1
Arizona sweeps series 3-0; Advances to NLCS

Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies
Rockies definitely a surprise here, beating out the Padres on the very last game of the season to get this spot. The Phillies also a surprise, and they got here to one of the worst collapses in MLB, even sports, history. This is a very even matchup, however. Both have solid offense and defense, but the Phillies have slightly better pitching. I'm giving the nod to Philly in 5.

[UPDATE] -- Game 1: Colorado 4, Philadelphia 2
Colorado leads series 1-0
Game 2: Colorado 10, Philadelphia 5
Colorado leads series 2-0
Game 3: Philadelphia 1, Colorado 2
Colorado Sweeps series 3-0; Advances to NLCS to meet Diamondbacks.

American League Divisional Series:
Los Angeles Angels vs Boston Red Sox
Boston has the best pitching of any team in the playoffs, and one of the best offenses. The Angels don't have a good of an offense as the Sox, but their pitching staff is almost up there. The one thing that the Angels do have over the Sox is heart and desire to win, but I don't think it'll be enough. Red Sox in 5.

[UPDATE] -- Game 1: Los Angeles 0, Boston 4
Boston leads series 1-0
Game 2: Los Angeles 3, Boston 6
Boston leads series 2-0
Game 3: Boston 9, Los Angeles 1
Boston sweeps series 3-0; Advances to ALCS.

New York Yankees vs Cleveland Indians
The Yankees have the best offense in the playoffs, but Cleveland has CC Sabathia. I think the series will all come down on how a certain player in pinstripes perform. Whether he can produce like the regular season, or whether he chokes as he always does in the playoffs. I think the Yankees and A-Rod will be able to pull this out in 4.

[UPDATE] -- Game 1: New York 3, Cleveland 12
Cleveland leads series 1-0
Game 2: New York 1, Cleveland 2 F/11
Cleveland leads series 2-0
Game 3: Cleveland 4, New York 8
Cleveland leads series 2-1
Game 4: Cleveland 6, New York 4
Cleveland wins series 3-1; Advances to ALCS to face the Red Sox.

_______________________________________________

So, it looks like I have the Cubs vs Phillies and the Yankees vs Red Sox. Oh joy!

National League Championship Series
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies
This is as close as it gets to being even matchups. Both have good offense that are fairly equal and good pitching. And, they both want it badly. I'm giving it to the Chicago Cubs to win it in 6.

American League Championship Series
New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox
Well, if it isn't what's known as the Yanks vs Sox. Boston has the pitching, New York has the offense, but Red Sox also has the offense. Too close to call, but I think that it's going to be the intangibles that will make the Yankees prevail in 7.

World Series
Chicago Cubs vs. New York Yankees
So the first trip to the World Series for the Cubs since 1945. The first trip to the World Series for the Yankees since 2003. The Yankees have the experience and the curse is still lurking over the Cubs' Franchise. I think Bartman shows up at Yankees stadium and puts bad fortune again on the Cubs. Yankees win the World Series in 5.
[Update] -- Well, my predictions couldn't have been any worse. Well, actually it could since I got the Sox right, but it turned out to be a wild AL and NL Divisional Series.

Fantasy NBA Rankings - - Centers

Here are my Center rankings for a little game called Fantasy NBA.

1. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
It is finally time for the Ming Dynasty to reign in the NBA. No question is the number one center fantasy-wise. Reunited with "The Franchise" and they still have T-Mac, look for Yao to get the garbage and get you points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and is a big man that can hit his free throws and 18-foot jumpers.

2. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
The main recipient of Steve Nash's great passes, Stoudemire will clog up the paint and get those boards, dunks, and will get to the line a lot.

3. Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets
He's worth the guaranteed 10 games due to injury risk. A threat in every statistical category in your fantasy leagues, but he's going to get hurt eventually.

4. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
The most charismatic big man since the other Center in Florida that did not make this top 10 list, Shaquille O'Neal. Dwight Howard (left) is an instant double-double and can very well get you at least 2 blocks a game.

5. Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats
If he can stay healthy, he could lead this team in points, rebounds, and blocks, and to the playoffs. Seriously, he just needs to stay healthy.

6. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland Cavaliers
Getting up there in age, but still can play. Their second option behind number 23 can shoot from outside, get points inside, and do everything a good big man can do.

7. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets have a gem in Chandler. He is one of the best shot blockers in the league and can get double figure boards every game.

8. Brad Miller, Sacramento Kings
Not a good defensive player, but one of the best offensive Centers in the league. Once again, it is reliant that he stays healthy.

9. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls
The best shot blocker in the NBA. Also can steal, and getcha boards. Not the most reliable on points, but will get you those other stats.

10. Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia 76ers
An offensive-minded center on a weak offensive team. Very good at scoring, can hit the glass, and the occasional blocked shots.

Fantasy NBA Rankings - - Small Forwards

Here are my Fantasy NBA Rankings for Small Forwards.

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
No brainer. King James is probably the best fantasy player out there. Can do everything. The only thing that will make fantasy owners cringe is his free throw percentage.

2. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns
A Sun for now, at least, and probably for the rest of the season. Reports revealing that Marion won't be going anywhere. If Marion plays, however, he's always a fantasy stud.

3. Rashard Lewis, Orlando Magic
Becomes their number one option for offense and a great three point shooter. I really like the Magic and Lewis will need to have a great season. Well, not really, it is after all, the Eastern Conference.

4. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
Barring any suspensions, Carmelo has a chance to be the scoring champion again. I think the FIBA Americas increased his confidence even more as he was amazing. But iffy with A.I. there, but let's see what kind of stats he will produce. I still expect good numbers.

5. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
He is more determined than ever to get out of the first round of the playoffs. McGrady and crew are going to have great statistical numbers, with T-Mac getting the majority of them.

6. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
One of the more underrated players in the NBA; Wallace will be joined with new off-season acquisition, Jason Richardson. Could hurt his stats, but is still one of the best rebounders at his position.

7. Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings
Artest was pretty much begging to stay in Sacramento and got his wish. He's one of the best players on that team, if not the best. Always going to give you steals, boards, and points.

8. Caron Butler, Washington Wizards
A perennial All-Star last year and deservingly so, Caron Butler is healthy, loading up on those McDonald's straws, and expecting to have a great season again this year.

9. Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards
Would've been an All-Star last year if he stayed healthy, but couldn't. I don't expect him to to be injured again. Jamison is a great 3 point shooter.

10. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons
Once again, another player I was impressed with in the FIBA Americas, Prince is a defensive machine, steals and blocks a given, can occasionally score, and can get boards for ya.

NBA Live 08 Review for Nintendo Wii

Notably absent from the Wii last year, NBA Live 07 was a complete bust around all systems. This year, EA Canada promised major improvements to the series and delivered NBA Live 08, and this time, bringing it to the Wii console. I've got a chance to mess around with the Wii version for a couple of hours now and it is overall decent and a good feel for the Wii. All 30 teams, plus All-Star teams, and FIBA is also incorporated, which is a welcomed edition. Some contents of the actually gameplay improved, but some were terrible. All of the offensive maneuvers are great, except the crossovers and spin moves. You have to wave the Nunchuck but it just does random moves, which is a real disappointment as some of you veteran Livers know, because spinning is a necessity. Defensive is pretty simple. Nothing to "wow" about, but also nothing to complain about. No turbo??? Turbo on the Wii version has been removed! So sad.

There are some great exclusives for the Wii. As always, Party Mode with your Mii characters have been added to the game; a staple in the EA Wii franchises, as well as EA Family Play, a version that has just the most basic, simple controls. You don't even need to use the nunchuck. Also a added edition to the Nintendo systems is online play. I've played one game online today, (and admittedly I received a UCLA vs Utah-like beatdown.) and there wasn't any noticeable lag. The Dynasty Mode is what you would expect from the Live series. Graphics are so-so and music is still the rap and hip-hop some of those Youngins like.

Overall, I think EA needs to continue to improve on this game. There are still some flaws in the game, but not too bad for a first effort on Wii.

Grade: C+

Tuesday Sports Report: Episode 2, 10/02/07

Week 2 of TSR talks about Week 4 of the NFL and previews key games for Week 5. Reviews the upsets in College Football and ponders why USC is not numbero uno. Also discusses MLB Playoffs, Patrick's nicknames, and video games.

Duration: 40 minutes, 59 seconds

Click here to listen to the Tuesday Sports Report or Right Click, "Save Target As" to download and take this podcast on the go. Enjoy!!!