Avery is most important player on Rangers roster

By Kevin Stewart

There is no question the most important player on the New York Rangers roster is Sean Avery.  There is more of an edge, more of an ego, and more of a winning attitude.

If it wasn't for goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, Avery would be a frontrunner for team MVP.  Lundqvist's play in net this season simply can't be overlooked.  He has played on the top of his head this season posting six shutouts, 16 wins (2 behind the league-leading Evgeni Nabokov and Martin Brodeur), with a 2.21 GAA.  If Lundqvist suffered a long-term injury (pray to the hockey gods he doesn't), the Rangers would be doomed.

Even though, Avery isn't the best scorer or passer on the team (2 G, 7 A in 15 games), he brings the intangibles to the table that no one on the roster can.  He's an instigator.  He's a pest.  He's the most annoying player to the opposition.  He draws penalties by getting under the skin of the most competitive players.  He is the kind of player you want on your hockey team.

I didn't get much of a chance to watch Avery play when he was playing out west with the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings, but knew he was a tough guy.  I was pretty exciting when it came to my attention that the Rangers acquired him in a trade.

From the minute he touched the ice at Madison Square Garden, he's been a fan favorite.  He gives the Rangers an unbelievable lift of confidence.  A lift that absolutely helped the Rangers advance to the conference semifinals last season.

If he played for one of the Rangers many rivals in the Atlantic Division, he would probably be the player I hate the most in the NHL.  That's a big reason why he's my favorite player on the team.

I don't have the statistics in front of me, but I do know the Rangers are a much better team when he is in the lineup.  It's clear the team is inspired much more when Avery laces up the skates.

Avery is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.  The Rangers simply have to re-sign him.  It's speculated that Brendan Shanahan and possibly Jaromir Jagr will retire come season's end.  That's a tremendous amount of leadership that is lost.  Losing Avery along with those two would be drastic for the Rangers.

* Avery image hosted at:  http://www.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/200
7/10_15/avery_fight.jpg

Don't get mad at George Mitchell

By Kevin Stewart

After the release of the much-anticipated Mitchell Report, some analysts, investigative reporters, players (not surprisingly), and fans are bothered with it.

Why?

Since the offensive explosion that came about in the late 1990s, fans have become skeptical as to whether or not the players were using performance enhancing drugs, thus hurting the integrity of the game.  Countless hours were spent at the water cooler debating who was a "juice head."  We finally have a list of players who are linked to steroid use.  Yes, debate will continue for names left off the list (still looking for the name of Raul Mondesi), but this is a foundation we can build off of.

Even though it is suspected that no action will be taken against these players, even Mitchell suggested to Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to forego such actions, at least we know a group of players who cheated the game.  It is punishment enough that these players' names will be forever linked with steroid use.

Here's my reaction to some of the players:

     - I was actually glad to see Roger Clemens' name on the list and I'm a Yankees fan.  This is a guy who has been a pompous jerk over the last few years.  He told the Yankees he was going to retire after the 2003 season.  Fine, no problem.  But then he joins his buddy and co-steroid user Andy Pettitte in Houston because he wanted to be closer to home.  Then, he debates a few seasons later if he should pitch for the Boston Red Sox, Yankees, or Astros.  Wait Roger, I thought you wanted to be closer to home?  Then he pulls that publicity stunt earlier in this past season getting on the public address system at Yankee Stadium saying he was back.  Oh my goodness gracious.

     - Back to Pettitte, I was real sad to see his name on the list.  He's been my favorite pitcher for a long time and I was very shocked to see that.

     - Finally there's an explanation for Chuck Knoblauch's rocket arm.  It was the juice that made him overthrow first base by 15 feet and hit television anchor's mothers in the stands.

     - Barry Bonds.  Shocker.

     - Didn't like seeing Brian Roberts' name on the list.  Even though he played in the same division as my Yankees, he is a fun player to watch and root for.

     - We now have an explanation to why John Rocker was so angry.

     - I blame steroids for Kevin Brown punching a wall, thus causing a broken hand which made him miss time in the 2004 season.  Then he tries to pitch Game 7 of the ALCS and was miserable.  Ugh.

     - I thought it was all the extra weight and that 6-to-12 swing that helped Mo Vaughn hit all those home runs.

     - The feel-good story of 2007 has been quickly forgotten thanks to Rick Ankiel making an appearance in the report.

     - And I'm still looking for Mondesi's name.  I will keep you posted.

Everyone has names they suspected would be included in the list but aren't, including myself.  And I'll continue to speculate and debate those players used performance enhancing drugs.  Everyone will.

Also, there are players we all hoped would not be on the list (I commented on a fellow blogger's post that I hoped Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mariano Rivera wouldn't be on the list - phew!) and were left off.

Some people thought this was a dumb investigation and a waste of time.  There are others, like myself, who thought this was an important one.  There is a lot of gray area in this situation, but the bottom line is we have names.  We know there are some players who are linked to steroids.  It's a good start to getting baseball back to a level playing field.

Other players, especially the young ones, will see their fellow ballplayers' names on this list which casts a dark cloud over the game and will think twice about taking these drugs.  There will still be players who do it.  Hell, we have had a system of laws in this country since the foundation but people break them everyday.

We should look at this as a step in the right direction for this beloved game.  I know I do.

* George Mitchell photo hosted at http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/adam_hofstette
r/05/10/uncommon.sense/p1_mitchell_0510.jpgp>

* Chuck Knoblauch photo hosted at http://partners.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home
/20010211mag-ankiel.8.jpg

A message to CFB coaches:  Stay in School!

By Kevin Stewart

It's 11:38 PM ET.  I'm kicked back in my chair watching SportsCenter and the show cuts to live coverage of former Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino (who coached the Falcons to a 3-10 season before bailing out after getting embarrassed by the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football) being introduced as the new head football coach at the University of Arkansas.

Nevermind that I've never seen a press conference take place this late in the evening, but the guy just finished an coaching an NFL game 24 hours ago.  I'm so sick and tired of college football head coaches coming to the NFL, failing miserably, and bailing out so quickly on his team.

Yes, the Falcons were an attractive team when he took over before the whole Michael Vick dogfighting saga unraveled.  They have a talented duo in the backfield with Warrick Dunn and Jerrious Norwood and some good players on defense.  But doesn't he know that not every season will be a success?  Doesn't he know that in order to become a good head coach in the NFL he has to face hard times and adversity?

You know, what if Jimmy Johnson left the Dallas Cowboys after they went a miserable 1-15 in his first season at the helm?  Now, I'm not saying Petrino would have coached the Falcons to a dynasty that Johnson did, but he had a chance for success.

I mean, he didn't even finish his first season in Atlanta!  What a joke.  That's what irritates me more than anything about this whole mess.  I can understand a coach not liking the NFL and missing the college ranks.  I mean, at least Steve Spurrier gave it two years (12-20 with the Washington Redskins in 2002-03).

If I'm a player on the Falcons and I'm watching this, it disgusts me.  Actually, as I'm writing this, Falcons DB DeAngelo Hall is on the phone on SportsCenter and he said he feels a little angered by it.  Who can blame him?  This guy just bailed on a team, granted was having a miserable year with all the distractions and injuries, but he didn't even give it one full season.

Look at current Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron.  His team is 0-13 and on the verge of the first winless season in the NFL since Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first NFL season in 1976 (franchise started 0-26).  He's sticking it out, even though he may be fired after his first season.  The former Indiana University head coach spent the last five seasons as offensive coordinator for the San Diego chargers before taking his first NFL head coaching job.  His team is in shambles, but he's not leaving them after 13 games.

This is up there, for me, with the Nick Saban (another coach who couldn't hack it in the NFL) situation when he was coaching the Dolphins and he kept attacking reporters on the rumors he was going to coach the University of Alabama.  Then, after the season ends, guess who became the coach of the Tide?

After I see former college coaches come to the NFL and pull stunts like this, I want their new program to fail (yes, they're both in the SEC ironically and I'm a Tennessee fan and would want to see that anyway).

If you're going to leave the college ranks of coaching and head to the NFL, make a commitment.  Don't bail on a team after a couple subpar seasons.  The NFL is much tougher than college and you know that before you take the job.  Don't think it's this glamorous position and you can win in the NFL just as easy as college.

When you think about it, Johnson was really the only college football coach to succeed at both levels winning a National Championship with the University of Miami (FL) and two Super Bowls with the Cowboys.

This Petrino stunt is an ugly one.  I can't wait to see Arkansas make their next trip to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs and hear the reception he gets.  He deserves it.

Unless you are 100% committed to help create a winning franchise in the NFL and are willing to face and handle all the adversity it brings (losing seasons, angry fans and media, players that are tough to deal with, etc.), don't come to the league.  Stay in school.  The NFL is the greatest league for the greatest sport in the world.  Take time to think about your decision.

* Bobby Petrino image hosted at http://www.daretogamble.com/uploaded_images/Bobby
-Petrino-764024.jpg

* Jimmy Johnson images hosted at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/1
0-07/1003aikman.jpg

Brilliant Beckett shuts down Halos

By Kevin Stewart

You could not have asked for a better performance to start a postseason than the one Josh Beckett gave the Boston Red Sox Wednesday night.  Beckett threw nine scoreless innings, striking out eight batters, while only allowing four hits in a Game One victory of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels, 4-0.

Beckett picked up his postseason form just where he left off in 2003 when he threw a shutout to clinch the World Series for the Florida Marlins at Yankee Stadium.  He was on top of his game throughout the affair.  After surrendering a leadoff single to Chone Figgins, Beckett set down the next 19 hitters he faced. 

There were countless occasions in which he was ahead of the hitters 0-2, seemingly before the hitter stepped into the box.  He threw his two-seam fastball with tremendous velocity (sometimes clocking at 97 MPH) and pinpoint precision.

His curveball was as sharp as a hairpin turn.  He mixed his pitches brilliantly throughout the night and baffled the Angels' bats.  He would throw the 98 mile-an-hour fastball and then break off the batter with the 77 mile-an-hour yacker.  He absolutely owned the plate Wednesday night and was just plain magnificent.

"That guy was very impressive.  He's been like that all year," said Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, who hit a 2-run home run in the victory.

It was the type of outing that it really wouldn't matter which team Beckett was facing.  His stuff was that good.  Scary good.  If he continues to pitch the way he did Wednesday night at Fenway Park, you can chalk up the win before he toes the rubber.

Perhaps what struck me the most about Beckett's masterpiece was his composure.  He was calm, cool, and collect all night.  He didn't even look like he broke a sweat.  He threw effortlessly and casually chewed his gum.  He knew he was good and that's all he needed.

* Beckett image hosted at http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/72f9b149
-9733-4c29-bc65-c1cb4531106c.jpg (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Give the Jets the W

By Kevin Stewart

His legacy is forever tarnished.  After a tremendous track record of winning three Super Bowls in a four year span, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been labeled a cheater.

As we all know, the Patriots have been accused of video taping New York Jets coaches during the season opener on Sunday.  Belichick has issued a statement in which he apologizes, which to me, is an admission of guilt.

The question now is what punishment will be handed down by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has issued numerous harsh punishments since taking office.

The rumor swirling around Foxborough is Goodell will take away a few draft picks from the Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft.  That's not bad.  Others believe he will suspend Belichick for a few games.  Also not bad.

What Goodell should do is forfeit the game for New England, thus giving the Jets the victory.  Yes, the Patriots are a much better football team than the Jets and probably would have won without spying anyway.  But, the fact is Belichick cheated.  He took away from the integrity of fair competition and that cannot be allowed.

Now multiple questions arise as to how long this has been going on with not only New England, but the rest of the league.  Was this going on when New England won each of their three Super Bowls?  That's a question that will most likely remain unanswered, but most certainly will loom for the rest of time.

Whatever Goodell decides, I'm sure it'll be fair, but stern.  He's suspended Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season for legal issues, as well as Chris Henry and Tank Johnson for half the season.  He just suspended Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson four games for taking HGH and he doesn't even play!

At any rate, Belichick is a cheater and I have lost a lot of respect for him.

* Belichick image property of Getty Images and posted at http://blog.cohnwolfe.com/wolftracking/files/2007
/05/belichick_bill5.jpg

Put the brakes on Moose

By Kevin Stewart

For a third consecutive outing, New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina got pounded by the opposition.  The Detroit Tigers tagged the 38-year old righthander for nine hits and six runs in only three innings Monday night en route to a 16-0 victory (the worst road shutout loss in Yankee history).

He's flat.  He's lifeless.  He's bad.  He's finished.

This terrible outing was actually better than his last outing when he lasted only 1.2 innings, allowing seven hits and runs in a crushing defeat to the Los Angeles Angels, 18-9.

In his last three outings, the Yankees have been outscored 42-14, with Mussina responsible for nearly half of those runs (19), in only 9.2 innings.

It feels whenever Moose toes the rubber, everyone gets the impression the Yankees are doomed for a long night.  I'm almost tempted to watch something else because I don't want to get in a bad mood because of him.

Don't get me wrong, Mussina has had more positives than negatives in his Yankee career.  Who can forget the great performance in Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series when the Yankees were down 2-0 and on the road in Oakland?  Or Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series when he came in relief and was perfect?

But, I believe the time has come for Mussina to think about this being his last season in professional baseball.

* Mussina image hosted at:  http://netsports.baseball.com/images/baseball/mlb
/allsport/nyyankees/mussina_mike3.jpg

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

By Kevin Stewart

With the blink of an eye, the New York Yankees have shurnk the once 14.5 game deficit in the American League East to just four games.  It's starting to look like 1978 all over again.

The Yankees have struck lightning in a bottle since the All-Star break winning 23 of 31 games (not counting the makeup win vs Baltimore that was suspended on June 28).  Yes, they have had a rather easy schedule facing the likes of Kansas City, Toronto, and Tampa Bay, but these are teams they should beat (and bury).  If the Yanks had played .500 ball against these clubs, people would be asking "what's wrong with the Yankees?"

However, as of this past Friday, 17 of the Yankees 20 games were against Cleveland and against Detroit, Los Angeles, and Boston.  The Yanks started out that very tough stretch with a road sweep of the Indians, by outscoring the Tribe 25-6 in three games.

Many people, including myself, counted the Yankees out in late May and early June because the team was just that bad and the future looked grim.  But there is one thing that has brought this team together and created a chemistry that I have not seen on the Yankees bench in years:  youth.

For the past few years, I have watched the cross-town Mets go out and have fun every night they donned the uniform.  Guys like Jose Reyes and David Wright had smiles on their faces and simply had fun every night they played a game, something the Yankees did not do.

However, the bond between Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera has brought new life to the clubhouse.  Without even knowing them, I can tell they are best friends.  They are always warming up together, talking together, laughing together, and succeeding together.

Over his last one hundred-plus at-bats, Cano is hitting well over .400, a phenomenal statistic for any Major-Leaguer.  With a solo home run on Sunday, Cabrera has extended his hit streak to 17 games and is hitting over .300.

This bond has carried over to the rest of the team.  The negative feelings that were clearly obvious last season between Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez appear to be all but decimated.  Recent call-up Shelley Duncan is always lighting up the dugout with a smile (maybe because he seemingly belts a home run every time he steps in the box, a la the 1998 version of Shane Spencer).  The team is having fun.

Speaking of Rodriguez, you cannot say enough about what he has meant to this ballclub in 2007.  He has been simply unbelievable since Opening Day.  He may opt out his contract following this season, but that's for another discussion (one that I'm petrified of)

Then you look at the young pitching that has opened eyes.  Phil Hughes has been very good this season in his four starts.  Yes, he was somewhat shaky his Major League debut and first start off the disabled list, but you cannot blame him for that.  In his other two starts, he has been brilliant.

The most recent call-up, Joba Chamberlain, has been stellar.  He has such poise and confidence on the mound.  It's not everyday you see a 22-year old shake off a veteran catcher like Jorge Posada in his first big league start.  In two relief apperances this season, he has pitched four shutout inning while striking out six.  He should be a staple in the starting rotation for years to come.

And then there are the veterans.  Jeter has been the most consistent Yankee since 1996 and continues to be the face of the franchise.  He seems to have at least one hit every day, and in a clutch situation nonetheless.

Catcher Jorge Posada is having the best offensive year of his career hitting a career-high .338 (he's never hit .300 in his career).

Hideki Matsui has been incredible.  He was voted American League Player of the Month in July and has been on an absolute tear.

Bobby Abreu has upped his batting average from somewhere in the .220's to .282.  He has been spectacular since busting out of his slump.

Jason Giambi has returned to the lineup with an exclamation point by hitting two home runs in the past two games.

A pleasant surprise that has put this stretch together has been the starting rotation.  Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte are putting together very good second-halves of the season thus far (although a successful second-half Pettitte shouldn't be all that of a surprise).  Roger Clemens has been good and bad, but we really couldn't expect that much out of a man who just turned 45.

Regardless of any other team in playoff contention, all the Yankees need to do is play their style of ball and everything will fall into place.  Whether that's winning the division or the wild card, the Yankees will make the playoffs if they play half as good as this until the end of September.

* Cano/Cabrera image hosted by:  http://blogs.nydailynews.com/sports/archives/7gs0
mk1x.gif

* Posada image hosted by: http://www.nyyfans.com/photos/20060217posada-02.j
pg

I am officially fed up with Gary Bettman

By Kevin Stewart

Since the latest NHL lockout, I've been calling for the firing/resignation/get the hell out of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.  But the latest news, reported by the Sports Business Journal, makes me wish I never see his face near a hockey rink again.

The Sports Business Journal is reporting the NHL wants to expand.  I'll say that again, because it bears repeating:  The Sports Business Journal is reporting the NHL wants to expand.

Take a minute to digest that.  Bettman wants to add two franchises to the current 30-team NHL in Las Vegas and Kansas City.

Good idea, Gary.  Put a hockey team in the gambling capital of the world just after the Rick Tocchet scandal which involved some guy named Gretzky.

Bettman is ruining this great game of hockey.  If there is anything the league should not do to try and save itself, it is expansion.  The NHL needs to contract or move teams rather than expand the league.  The last three Stanley Cup Champions reside in California, North Carolina, and Florida.  Three markets in which hockey is dead.

Who am I kidding?  Hockey just isn't dead in those markets.  The whole league is dead and it hurts us hockey fans.

The NHL needs to get rid of teams like the Phoenix Coyotes, Atlanta Thrashers, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Nashville Predators.  Hockey in the south just does not work.

The league should move teams to states like Maine, Wisconsin, or the Dakotas, where the fan base would care about their teams.  It still boggles my mind the North Stars left Minnesota for Texas (no offense to the state of Texas, but it's a football and baseball state).

After a lockout 3 years ago which cancelled a full season of hockey, the league inserted the slogan "Thank You Fans!" to each sheet of ice in the NHL.  Boy, that made me proud to be a hockey fan.

Then Bettman signs a television broadcast deal with the Outdoor Life Network, which changed its name to Versus.  Ugh.  Even though Versus does a good job with their coverage, especially during this season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, but nobody gets the channel!  Fans can't keep up with the game if they can't watch the games in their homes.

The television contract for the NHL was up for bid at the end of this season.  It was a golden opportunity for the NHL to re-unite with ESPN and get back into the homes of America.  But Bettman was pleased with the coverage, for reasons unknown, and signed an extension with Versus.

The only good to come out of that deal is the weekend games that are broadcast on NBC (except during Preakness Stakes pre-race coverage, of course).

The Stanley Cup Final ratings plummeted this season.  Probably because no one cares about teams from Anaheim and Canada, which really hurts the NHL because the Ducks and Senators are two tremendous hockey clubs.  It's the market that kills these teams.

But now Bettman wants to add teams to Nevada and Missouri.  Adding teams to markets who can care less about hockey instead of fixing the problems at hand regarding teams in their current markets.

How about fixing the Chicago Blackhawks?  How about fixing the Boston Bruins?  We need to have the heart and soul of the National Hockey League to rebuilt.  We need an Original Six team to win the Stanley Cup (preferrably the New York Rangers).  Believe it or not, the NHL needs a solid dynasty.  The league needs another Edmonton Oiler, Montreal Canadien, or New York Islander-like run.

Gary Bettman is the worst commissioner in sports today, hands down.  He needs to be replaced as soon as humanly possible.  The league needs a commissioner who wants the NHL to be as big as the NFL, not as big as the WNBA.

* Gary Bettman image courtesy: http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/0e/04/42d54f3
c-0011b-01388-400cb8e1

* Original Six pucks image courtesy: http://www.geocheminc.com/puckoriginalsixset.jpg<
/a>

A move that could change everything on Draft Day

By Kevin Stewart

One of the recent best quarterback-wide receiver tandems could be reunited by Saturday, which could drastically change the upcoming NFL Draft.  With the Trent Green trade talks to the Miami Dolphins getting very serious (Green wants to expedite a trade), the Dolphins may release quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

With the Oakland Raiders in desperate need of a quarterback, you can bet Randy Moss will be courting strongly for his old quarterback he played with in Minnesota (and suddenly, his feelings of playing in Oakland will take a 180-degree turn).  Watching Culpepper and Moss work together was one of the more beautiful sights to see in the NFL in recent memory.

How would this affect the draft?  Well, the Raiders would not need to draft LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first overall selection.  They would, without question, draft Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson.  This gives the Raiders a totally different, and much better looking offense.

Now, Culpepper is not what he used to be as knee injuries have slowed him down.  But, with that potential tremendous one-two receiver threat and some offensive line help, Culpepper could revamp his career with the Raiders.

I really hope this move happens.  Not only will it set up one of the most exciting NFL Drafts in recent history, but it can put the Raiders on the right track to, once again, become a solid franchise in the league.  Love 'em or hate 'em, it is good for the NFL when the one of its most storied franchises succeeds.

* Culpepper image hosted at:  http://teonix.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/11
/daunte-culpepper.jpg

2007 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

By Kevin Stewart

1.  OAKLAND RAIDERS - QB JaMarcus Russell - LSU - The Raiders have the opportunity to take any player available in the draft.  While the best player may in fact be Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, do you really want Andrew Walter passing to him?  Russell has a cannon for an arm and is massive in stature (6'5", 265).  He will be able to withstand the pass rush that opposing defenses will apply and may be able to persuade Randy Moss to change his feelings about Oakland.  Remember the last time Moss had a quarterback with a cannon for an arm (Daunte Culpepper)?  That's the last time Moss was good.

2.  DETROIT LIONS - DE Gaines Adams - Clemson - Talk about a GM that needs to win over the fans (Matt Millen).  The Lions have countless needs and defensive line is a big one.  With the exception of DT Shaun Rogers, this team has zero pass rush.  Adams is the safe bet at the number two selection, should the Lions choose not to trade that pick.  Some mock drafts have the Lions selecting Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn or Wisconsin T Joe Thomas, but the defensive side of the ball is where the Lions need the most help.

3.  CLEVELAND BROWNS - QB Brady Quinn - Notre Dame - The Browns have a very interesting pick at the three spot.  Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson makes every GM salivate at the opportunity of seeing him sport their team colors, as does Calvin Johnson, but Quinn will probably be their best bet.  First of all, Quinn has said he wants to play for Cleveland being he grew up a fan.  Second, the Browns can get a good running back or wide receiver in the 2nd round if they select Quinn.  Running backs like Ohio State's Antonio Pittman and Auburn's Kenny Irons should be available early second round as well as Ohio State wideout Anthony Gonzalez.

4.  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - WR Calvin Johnson - Georgia Tech - This choice is almost as clear as day.  The Bucs could use some youth on the defensive line (Louisville DT Amobi Okoye or Nebraska DE Adam Carriker would be options here), but Michael Clayton has not turned out to be the receiver many have thought he could be (possibly because of the lack of success at quarterback).  Johnson would be the immediate number one and be a nice target for Chris Simms or Jeff Garcia, depending on who earns the starting job.

5.  ARIZONA CARDINALS - OT - Joe Thomas - Wisconsin - This should not need much explanation.  Just like every finesse player in the NHL needs a gritty linemate, every quarterback needs a solid offensive line to protect him.  Thomas will bolster a very weak offensive line and provide some stability to the offense loaded with weapons.

6.  WASHINGTON REDSKINS - S - LaRon Landry - LSU - Landry is a hard-nosed defensive back that knocks the snot out of the opposition.  Landry alongside Sean Taylor will have opposing receivers thinking twice before wanting to go over the middle.  Adding Landry would give the Redskins one of the best, young secondaries in the NFL.

7.  MINNESOTA VIKINGS - RB - Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma - Yes, I am aware the Vikings have Chester Taylor at running back.  But Peterson is the absolute real deal and is a far better talent than Taylor.  Adding Peterson would give them a nice tandem in the backfield.  This is a somewhat similar situation the Indianapolis Colts faced last year when they had Dominic Rhodes and chose Joseph Addai; seemed to work well for them.

8.  ATLANTA FALCONS - DT - Amobi Okoye - Louisville - The only pass rush the Falcons provide is John Abraham.  His draft stock has skyrocketed since the end of the season.  Okoye sacked quarterbacks eight times in his senior year at the age of 19 (that's not a typo).  He will become the youngest player ever selected in the draft once he is chosen.

9.  MIAMI DOLPHINS - OT - Levi Brown - Penn State - Third-year-to-be running back Ronnie Brown has gained just over 1,900 yards rushing in his first two seasons, but he could use more carries.  Levi, a four-year starter at Penn State, is a tremendous run blocker and is massive in stature (6'5", 323).  He will provide running lanes for Ronnie as wide as a Happy Valley (I couldn't resist).

10.  HOUSTON TEXANS - ILB - Patrick Willis - Ole Miss - Since I have the top two offensive linemen taken before the Texans make their draft choice, I think they address the defense.  Last year, they chose LB DeMeco Ryans out of Alabama (2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year).  To some, he was a surprise as Defensive Rookie of the Year.  I'm still trying to figure out how that was a surprise.  Anyway, adding a raw talent such as Willis will give Houston two young and extremely talented football players at the linebacker position.  The Texans need to add edge to their team, Willis will do just that.

11.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - DE - Adam Carriker - Nebraska - On the 49ers current roster posted on ESPN.com, they have three players at defensive end, two of which are at least 30 years of age.  That's where they need the most help with the players available.  It makes sense.

12.  BUFFALO BILLS - CB - Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh - Michigan DT Gaines Adams is an interesting option at this selection, but remember the Bills acquired Darwin Walker from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade this offseason.  The Bills lost their best corner to free agency in Nate Clements.  Right now, the Bills' best corner is Terrence McGee.  They could use Revis, without question.

13.  ST LOUIS RAMS - DT - Alan Branch - Michigan - Surprise, surprise, the Rams need help on defense, in every aspect.  The Rams need a guy who can stop the run as they face the likes of Frank Gore, Shaun Alexander, and Edgerrin James a combined six times per season.  A guy like Branch on the defensive line will help slow that ferocious attack down.

14.  CAROLINA PANTHERS - OLB - Jon Beason - Miami - Carolina was picked by many last season to emerge as the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLI, but missed the playoffs.  Their defense was not as strong as it used to be and they need to rebuild it.  Seemingly every player drafted out of "The U" succeeds in the NFL.  The Panthers could use a new tight end with the retirement of Kris Mangum and could go with another Miami product in Greg Olsen.  But the wise choice is defense and Beason.

15.  PITTSBURGH STEELERS - OLB - Lawrence Timmons - Florida State - The Steelers cut their most popular linebacker since Greg Lloyd this offseason in Joey Porter.  This selection is as easy as pie.  While Timmons, right now, is not the same talent as Porter, he sure can develop into a similar linebacker.

16.  GREEN BAY PACKERS - RB - Marshawn #### - California - Perhaps the easiest mid-first round draft pick in recent history, the Packers should absolutely take #### at 16.  No one is at immediate need of a running back once Adrian Peterson is taken in the top 10.  Green Bay needs a running back and #### will be available.  Don't pencil this one in, write it in ink.

17.  JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - DE - Jarvis Moss - Florida - The Jaguars have the opportinity at the number 17 selection to draft the best pass rusher out of Gainseville since Jevon Kearse.  By adding Moss to a line that already includes Marcus Stroud and Paul ####er would create a tremendous pass rush.  Something they need in order to stop Peyton Manning and the Colts, the developing Vince Young, and applying pressure on the new faces in Houston in Matt Schaub and Ahman Green.

18.  CINCINNATI BENGALS - DE - Jamaal Anderson - Arkansas - It was a toss up between Anderson and Michigan CB Leon Hall.  But after examining the Bengals' roster, it's clear they are in need of a pass rush more than secondary help.  They drafted Johnathan Joseph in the 2006 draft, so they have a young corner who can only get better.  Oh, and here's a statistic for you:  Anderson sacked quarterbacks 13.5 times in 14 games with the 2006 SEC West champions.

19.  TENNESSEE TITANS - WR - Robert Meachem - Tennessee - Meachem will be staying in the same state he played his college ball in, just migrating west a few hours.  Vince Young needs a target.  David Givens has not been the same since he left New England, well, simply because Tom Brady makes his receivers better.  Meachem would be a number one targer in Memphis by October.

20.  NEW YORK GIANTS - OLB - Paul Posluszny - Penn State - If there was ever a player in the first round who screams "New York Giants Football," it's Posluszny.  New York loves linebackers, especially ones with heart.  Posluszny plays every down as if it is his last.  This past offseason, the Giants released both their 2006 opening-day starting linebackers in Carlos Emmons and Lavar Arrington, but have only signed former Chief Kawika Mitchell to fill the void.  Posluszny would become an immediate fan-favorite in the Big Apple.

21.  DENVER BRONCOS - OT - Joe Staley - Central Michigan - This is a very similar situation to that of the Arizona Cardinals:  protect your investment.  Staley will be protecting Jay Cutler for years to come.  There isn't tremendous talent on the defensive side of the ball at this position that would help Denver here, as they already have plenty of talent there.  Staley would be a wise choice.

22.  DALLAS COWBOYS - S - Reggie Nelson - Florida - Dallas needs help in the defensive backfield.  As they already have sufficient depth at corner in Aaron Glenn, Anthony Henry, and Terence Newman, they could use a compliment to Roy Williams at the safety position.  Nelson fits right in.  He made six interceptions in his senior season with the Gators as he helped them win a National Championship.  Six picks at safety is an uncommon statistic.

23.  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - WR - Dwayne Jarrett - USC - I cannot remember the last time the Chiefs had a solid go-to receiver; maybe it was J.J. Birden.  With Trent Green likely going to Miami, Damon Huard is going to need a target other than the aging Tony Gonzalez and Eddie Kennison.  Jarrett is a tremendous possession receiver.  I'm still trying to figure out why this guy's stock is dropping.

24.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - CB - Leon Hall - Michigan - The Patriots just gave CB Asante Samuel the franchise tag and he wants big bucks.  Not only is Hall an outstanding corner, but he is an even better insurance policy once Samuel leaves New England for the big bucks after the 2007 season.  Remember the last CB the Patriots drafted out of Michigan?  Some fellow by the name of Ty Law.  Meet the next generation.

25.  NEW YORK JETS - TE - Greg Olsen - Miami - QB Chad Pennington needs a guy to look for on third down besides Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery.  The last two tight ends to come out of Miami have been stellar as well:  Kellen Winslow Jr. and the guy who plays on the team the Jets rent their stadium from, Jeremy Shockey.

26.  PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - WR - Dwayne Bowe - LSU - As of this moment, Kevin Curtis is the best wideout on the Eagles; that's not saying much.  Donovan McNabb needs a solid receiver he can look for in the open field.  Bowe would be their number-one receiver if he's selected on draft day.

27.  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - CB - Chris Houston - Arkansas - The Saints' number-one corner is Fred Thomas.  I watched plenty Saints football in '06, I remember distinctly seeing Thomas beat on nearly every down.  The Saints need help in the defensive backfield and Houston has no ceiling as far as potential.

28.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from SEATTLE) - S - Brandon Meriweather - Miami - The Pats should use their first round to revamp their secondary.  Should they choose Leon Hall at 24, they should take Meriweather at #28 if available.  Rodney Harrison is aging and missed a good portion of the 2006 season with a shoulder injury.  The Patriots' secondary could be as vital as it once was with two wise first-round selections.  If you like statistics, over 200 tackles in his last two seasons should be one to get you excited.

29.  BALTIMORE RAVENS - C - Ryan Kalil - USC - The Ravens need offensive line help to protect Steve McNair.  They lack depth at center and Kalil can step right in and be a good fit.  He knows what it's like to block for a high-profile quarterback as he snapped to Matt Leinart.

30.  SAN DIEGO CHARGERS - WR - Ted Ginn, Jr. - Ohio State - The Chargers desperately need a wide receiver.  Drafting Ginn would be a solid choice.  Even though he is undersized (5'11", 178), Philip Rivers should be able to deliver the football to him.  Ginn should be the best option at this position available for the Chargers at pick number 30.

31.  CHICAGO BEARS - OG - Ben Grubbs - Auburn - A bad quarterback needs a supporting cast to make him average.  In this case, Rex Grossman needs a guy like Grubbs.  He has the potential to be an All-Pro at his position, but some question whether he has the heart.  If there was ever a coach to give someone this intangible, it's Lovie Smith.

32.  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - DT - Justin Harrell - Tennessee - Harrell would have been a top-ten draft choice had he not torn his bicep early in 2006.  This is a natural choice with the last pick in the first round.  How many rushing yards did the Colts give up last year?  Harrell will help lessen that obscure stat.  Plus, Peyton Manning would always welcome a fellow Volunteer.

* JaMarcus Russell image hosted at: http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/football/ncaa/01/03/qu
inn.russell/t1_russell.jpg

* Calvin Johnson image hosted at: http://images.usatoday.com/sports/_photos/2006/08
/28/johnson.jpg

* Amobi Okoye image hosted at: http://www.seniorbowl.com/2007/graphics/photos/07
.lou.okoye.jpg

* Darrelle Revis image hosted at: http://old.irishsports.com/stories/subscription/2
005/09/04/samard_ijapass.jpeg

* Marshawn #### image hosted at:  http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/football/ncaa/specials
/preview/2006/08/25/cal.postcard/t1_####.jpg<
/a>

*  Paul Posluszny image hosted at: http://images.athlonsports.com/d/716-1/PennSt-Pos
luszny300.jpg

*  Dwayne Jarrett image hosted at:  http://www.draftinsiders.com/system/files/images/
Dwayne_Jarrett.jpg

* Ted Ginn Jr image hosted at:  http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Phot
os/050906/050906_tedginn_vmed_9p.widec.jpg>

American Idle:  Pavano back on DL

By Kevin Stewart

The inevitable has happened for the New York Yankees:  pitcher Carl Pavano has once again landed on the disabled list.

After earning his first win in nearly two years on Monday, Pavano reported he had tightness in his pitching arm.  He missed his next scheduled start (Saturday vs. Oakland) and was thought to be opening the series against Cleveland on Tuesday night.

Instead of Pavano, Yankees' skipper Joe Torre may go with the unknown Chase Wright from Double-A Trenton.  Wright has made two starts for the Thunder this season, his only action at that level.

Also joining Pavano on the DL Sunday is 38-year old starter Mike Mussina.  He injured his hamstring early in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

The Yankees have called Chris Britton up from Triple-A Scranton, who they acquired in the offseason from the Baltimore Orioles for Jaret Wright.

Russ Ohlendorf may see some time in pinstripes as well.  He was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Randy Johnson trade.

The truth is the Yankees starting rotation is seriously hurting as three of their five starters are on the disabled list (Chien-Ming Wang).  Do not be surprised if the Roger Clemens rumors start to seriously heat up, but he may not want to pitch until June once he finds out where his bidders are in the standings.

* Pavano quote provided by AP wire story

* Pavano image hosted at: http://reid.mlblogs.com/scoreboard_26_6/images/t1
_pavano_all.jpg

Let's play two (and then some more)

By Kevin Stewart

It took over 138 minutes of hockey to find a winner in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals between the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks.  Daniel Sedin set up twin-brother Henrik from behind the Dallas net at 18:06 of the fourth overtime , who slipped the puck by Marty Turco, and ended the sixth-longest playoff game in NHL history.  Ironically, Henrik was the one who set up Daniel to open the scoring just over four minutes into the game.

In his playoff debut, Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo looked masterful in the extra frames, saving a mind-boggling 72 saves in all (76 shots by the Stars is a modern NHL record for one game).

The Stars had a chance early into the fourth overtime as a clearly exhausted Luongo toppled over in the crease, when he was seemingly untouched.

Luongo (acquired this previous offseason from Florida for Todd Bertuzzi) was not the one exhibiting fatigue as the play became much slower as the game carried into the night, not ending until almost 3:30 am on the east coast (I am guessing I am one of 10 people who watched the game until its conclusion on the eastern seaboard).

A game like this sets the tone for the remainder of the series.  Dallas may not recover from a crushing defeat like this.  However, luckily for Dallas, they have one player who will never give up and will continue to fight until he's down:  Mike Modano.

Modano, ridiculously stripped of his captaincy this season, has a tremendous amount of heart and skill.  He is a true leader and one that every player in the Stars' locker room can model themselves after.

But a win, in this case for Vancouver, could set the tone for the remainder of the playoffs.  To come out in Game One and win an emotional and exhausting marathon, could set forth a momentum that could carry them all the way to hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup.

All in all, the Stanley Cup Playoffs have just begun.  If this keeps up, we are in for a fantastic two months.

The Japanese import no one is talking about

By Kevin Stewart

He is a six-time Gold Glove winner in the Japanese Pacific League.  He hit 106 home runs in his last three seasons in Japan.  The webbing in his glove is constructed of alligator skin.  It's not Hideki Matsui, nor is it Ichiro Suzuki.  He is 28-year old Akinori Iwamura.

Iwamura, rookie third baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, is quietly taking the American League by storm.  Up until Monday night's opening pitch in Texas, Iwamura was hitting a whopping .529 and scored seven runs in his first five games, while flashing the leather at third base.

His swing is similar to that of Ichiro's and Devil Rays coaches say his work ethic and attitude are very positive.  In watching a few Rays games this year, he seems to always have a smile on his face, which could lead to him being a positive influence in the clubhouse.

In Monday's game against the Rangers, Iwamura capitalized with two runners in scoring position by taking an outside pitch from Brandon McCarthy to left-center field which scored both runners.

He then stole second base and alertly darted to third when the throw from Chris Stewart went into centerfield.

Then in the third, he single-handedly saved two runs from scoring and a possible huge offensive outburst.  With runners on first and second, and no one out, Iwamura charged a bunt from Stewart, fielded it barehandedly, and fired to first for the out (both runners advanced one base).  After the play, Iwamura looked over to the Rays' dugout and just nodded; he's good and he knows it.

The next batter for Texas was the leadoff man, Kenny Lofton.  Lofton sprayed a line drive down the third base line, but Iwamura made a tremendous diving grab, while positioned on the infield grass, to save both runs and a double.  A play only an elite fielding third baseman could make.

Frank Catalanotto was up next for the Rangers.  He sliced a hotshot right at Iwamura, who fielded it flawlessly and fired to first to save the inning.

Just by watching a Devil Rays game for a few innings, you will immediately see just how good Iwamura is.  His potential to succeed in the Major Leagues as vast.

The one problem he may have is that he plays for the Devil Rays and may not get a lot of recognition.  We all know how good Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli are, but just how good would they be if they were on a better team?  Even though Tampa Bay is better than many people think, they still are not that great of a baseball team.  They have a solid core of young talen in their lineup, but are still far from competing in the American League East.

If Tampa Bay surrounds Iwamura with some good bats, there's no telling how good he can be.

* Iwamua image courtesy boston.com and posted at: http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_Ph
oto/2006/11/08/1163025580_8561.jpg

Marty's laughing somewhere

By Kevin Stewart

The San Diego Chargers fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer and replaced him with San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner.  I repeat, Norv Turner.  Somewhere, Marty is laughing his kiester off.

They replaced the great coach in Schottenheimer with a guy who has coached his teams to just three winning seasons in nine tries (58-82-1, with a 1-1 playoff record) with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders (only one of which he had double-digit victories).

With the hiring of Turner, he becomes the coach with the second-worse winning percentage in NFL history (.415); only Norm Van Brocklin had a worse percentage.  The Chargers' players have to be shaking their heads in disbelief.

Of all the candidates available, Chargers GM A.J. Smith chooses him?  What is this guy thinking?  He might as well stayed with Marty and put their differences aside to meet their main objective of winning a Super Bowl, which this team undoubtedly can do.

The whole point of firing someone and replacing them is to upgrade your team.  The Chargers did not do that by any sense.  Norv Turner cannot coach a football team in any sense.

Marty was given a raw deal by Smith and the Chargers, to say the least.  How can anyone be fired after leading their team to a 14-2 record in the regular season?  It was not Marty's fault the Chargers lost to th New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round.

It was Cam Cameron who was calling the plays and chose not to give the ball to Ladainian Tomlinson as much in the fourth quarter.  It was Marlon McCree who intercepted Tom Brady's pass and fumbled the ball back to New England when he tried to make an unnecessary play (McCree said later that he did not regret his bonehead play and that he tries to score whenever he gets the ball).

Overall, Schottenheimer's reputation of not being able to win the big one is not all his fault.  How many defenses would have been able to stop "The Drive" executed by John Elway and the Denver Broncos in the 1986 AFC Championship Game?  Not many.

It was not Marty's fault that Earnest Byner fumbled while attempting to rush for the game-winning touchdown against the Broncos in the '87 AFC Championship Game.

It makes a football fan wonder how a guy can coach his team to the best record in the NFL and get fired and a coach like Tom Coughlin, who has clearly lost his team, goes 2-6 down the stretch, retains his job.

I was outraged when I heard the news that Schottenheimer got the boot and I am not even a Chargers fan or even a team in the AFC.  It should not have even been a topic of conversation!  Marty's players liked to play for him and he liked to coach them.

The fact that Marty was fired is disgusting, but the fact that he was replaced by Norv Turner is a disgrace.

* Marty Schottenheimer image courtesy of scout.com and posted at:  http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/36/369023.jpg<
/a>

* Norv Turner image courtesy of the Washington Post and posted at:  http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/images/I20
022-1999Dec5

Mariano is not going anywhere

By Kevin Stewart

When Mariano Rivera walks away from Major League Baseball, he will have played for one team and one team only.

Rivera is in the final year of a contract with the New York Yankees.  Does anyone really believe the Yankees are going to let the greatest closing pitcher in the history of baseball just walk away because they're not going to pay him?  Come on, be realistic.

We are talking about the bottomless-wallet Yankees.  The same team who overpaid for such players as Jaret Wright (who thankfully was traded this offseason), Carl Pavano, Kyle Farnswoth, and Steve Karsay to name a few.  They have had the highest payroll in the league seemingly forever.  Can anyone give me a good reason why they would let a healthy Rivera slip out of their hands?  No.

Rivera has spoken out this week saying the Yankees would be treated like every other team by him if he hits the open market after the 2007 season.  Read between the lines.

Rivera currently makes just over $10 million per season.  He is grossly underpaid.  Understandably, he wants more money.

Rivera is not the type of athlete who throws anyone under the bus.  His teammates speak highly of him as he does with them.  Rivera wants to remain a Yankee and end his career as one.

The only reason this is even a story is to boost the ratings and sell newspapers.  The Yankees will shell out whatever cash is necessary to keep Rivera in pinstripes.

Rivera has been one of the major factors to their insane amount of success over the last ten-plus years.  He is the all-time leader in postseason saves, all-time leader in saves in the American League, and fourth in the Major Leagues.

If you think he is not as dominant as he once was, you're wrong.  Rivera has had an ERA under two each of the last four seasons.

If he has a good start to the season, expect a contract extension to be signed by the All-Star break.

* Rivera image courtesy cnn.com and posted at :  http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/john_rolfe/05/
16/rivera.hoffman/tx.rivera.jpg