Sports thread 2009

[BJC 4]

You can talk about WWE/TNA,UFC,the NFL Draft(that if people actually care about it)NBA playoff and the NHL playoff....it's too bad the Rangers wont be in it.Better luck next season.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

You can talk about WWE/TNA,UFC,the NFL Draft(that if people actually care about it)NBA playoff and the NHL playoff....it's too bad the Rangers wont be in it.Better luck next season.

 

I will say this. It be a huge suprise if the Clevaland Lebraons lol aka Cavs dont meet the California Kobes aka LA Lakers in the NBA Title series. The Celtics was lucky to win their first round series vs the Bulls. I dont know if they can beat orlando assuming they beat Philly.

 

 

Arguably two of the best hoops players on the planet right now meeting head head. Since Jordan retired in 1999(I dont count his 2001-02 'comeback')NBA ratings especially in the playoffs has really gone down.

I admit that this past season (2008/09)is the best NBA talent wise i seen leaguewide since the late 1990's. I also hear so far that the NBA TV ratings through the first round of this year post season is the highest since 2000.

 

And the Rangers I say this. if they beat Washington, they could have made the East Finals. The Pens with Mr crosby with injuries are not as good as last year Finalist team. And I still think The Bruins an excellent young team on the rise is maybe a year or two from winning the Cup.

 

Regarding the Devils, this is not a suprise they lost in the first round. In their team history since making playoffs reguarly since 1988, if they win their first round series they usually go far in the playoffs either to the Confernce Final or the Cup Championship round. What a surprise is NJ losing a gme 7 at home late in the game with a 1-goal lead. With the NY area teams gone, I probably only watch the Stanley Cup Finals from this point and I am done with the NHL for now.

[MattTrain 3,120]

I'm happy the got Mark Sanchez, the quarterback. He's really good, and I think he can give the Jets a boost.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

I'm happy the got Mark Sanchez, the quarterback. He's really good, and I think he can give the Jets a boost.

 

We shall see. Just like Pitchers in MLB Quaterbacks are hit and miss. For every Peyton and Sean Manning picked, they busts also from Ryan Leaf(Chargers) and many others. Way too early to say if this is a great move.

 

 

If Sanchez does great within 2-3 years Jets could win a super bowl. If Sanchez flops, the Gang Green team is screwed as much as 5-6 years.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

Wow. A great NBA Playoff game. This Bulls-Celtics series is maybe the best post season series in NBA this decade. Ranks Up there with the Mavs-Spurs matchups and the 2000 NBA Finals Pacers-Lakers. I caught the end of regulation to end of game.

I saw the end of the 3 overtime thriller that chicago won. Bulls have chance of a huge upset of the defending NBA champs.

[trainfan22 2,234]

Did anybody watch TNA last night on 3/30/09? Because I feel Asleep on it so did Kurt Angle take over Mick Foley's office?

 

I saw the highlights of that Bulls-celtics game last night which was awsome, wish that I stayed up to watch it.

[Guest Charles]

1. Boston beats Chicago 109-99 to beat them in 7. Once again the Celtics have to play 7 thrilling games to beat a lower-seeded opponent.

2. Penguins-Capitals should be very exciting: Crosby vs. Ovechkin.

3. Hawks-Heat, Game 7, from Atlanta, tomorrow. Should be fun to watch.

[trainfan22 2,234]

The Celtics/Bulls series was an classic NBA playoff series IMO.

 

I found out this morning that spike TV replays TNA impact on saturday mornings. Kurt Angle did not take over Mick Foley's office, foley was doing manable claw on angle and the lights went out and after a few seconds sting hit KA with a chair and the show ended. So I guess sting is no longer in the main event mafia after beytraying Kurt angle.

 

 

Btw everyone whats your NBA finals predictions? Mines is Lakers vs CAVS with the CAVS taking it in six games.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

The Celtics/Bulls series was an classic NBA playoff series IMO.

 

I found out this morning that spike TV replays TNA impact on saturday mornings. Kurt Angle did not take over Mick Foley's office, foley was doing manable claw on angle and the lights went out and after a few seconds sting hit KA with a chair and the show ended. So I guess sting is no longer in the main event mafia after beytraying Kurt angle.

 

 

Btw everyone whats your NBA finals predictions? Mines is Lakers vs CAVS with the CAVS taking it in six games.

 

buddy i think 98% of NBA fans in America is picking a Cavs-Lakers showdown.:cool:

 

Back to tonights game 7 Bulls-C's game. (5/2/09)

I caught the end of game on ESPN after going to Albany to dinner.

I dont understand why ESPN/Disney did not put this game on 'free tv' aka ABC? A Harry Porter movie was on but they could have put it tommorow night (5/3/09 instead)

 

Instead tommorow afternoon we get boring Hawks-Heat game 7.

No wonder NBA has got lower ratings. I can live(not happy about it)with majority of post season on cable ie ESPN and TNT/TBS but man the C's-Bulls game would have gotten a real high rating especially after the buzz of the classic game 6. Ditto for Bud Selig the MLB baseball boss putting most Baseball post season on cable.

 

Any reactions?

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

2nd Round Predictions:

 

Cleveland def. Atlanta in 6: Atlanta has been known to force big teams to big distances (evident last year with Boston and this year with Miami. Still Lebraon like Kobe is on a mission. This should be a quick series. Cavs in 5 games.

 

Orlando def Boston in 6- Magic in 6 games.

 

LA def. Houston in 6- I think Yao wants to prove the Rockets can be a title contender next season. This will be LA's toughest series before the NBA finals imo. Lakers in 6 games.

 

Denver over Dallas in 7.- Of this year's 2nd round NBA series on paper, this is the most evenly matched and hardest to predict. I am not a fan of Dallas so i pick the Nuggests to advance to Western Finals for 1st time in team history. Nuggests in 7 games.

[BJC 4]

The Celtics/Bulls series was an classic NBA playoff series IMO.

 

I found out this morning that spike TV replays TNA impact on saturday mornings. Kurt Angle did not take over Mick Foley's office, foley was doing manable claw on angle and the lights went out and after a few seconds sting hit KA with a chair and the show ended. So I guess sting is no longer in the main event mafia after beytraying Kurt angle.

 

 

Btw everyone whats your NBA finals predictions? Mines is Lakers vs CAVS with the CAVS taking it in six games.

 

Since you like TNA,how it is?

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

This ESPN sportscenter update is brought to you by Nike. As expected the Associated Press this afternoon (5/4/09)reports that the NBA regular season MVP for 2008/09 will be the Cavs Lebaron James. Kobe Byrant will finish in second place.

[trainfan22 2,234]

Since you like TNA,how it is?

TNA is alright, however they have way too many ex WWE superstars that take the spotlight away from the homegrown TNA superstars. But other than that I have no problems with TNA, their matches are entertaining to me.

This ESPN sportscenter update is brought to you by Nike. As expected the Associated Press this afternoon (5/4/09)reports that the NBA regular season MVP for 2008/09 will be the Cavs Lebaron James. Kobe Byrant will finish in second place.

LOL, I like how you put "bought to you by nike" in your post. I'm glad King James won the MVP I hope he gets a ring this year. However in a way I do want to see the Lakers win the title so Kobe can prove to everyone that he can win a title without Shaq.

[BJC 4]

While I was watching ECW tonight,they had this fast fact about more people watch last week ECW than the Stanley cup finals....WTF.you know this fact is not true,because ECW rating is waaaaaay down

[trainfan22 2,234]

While I was watching ECW tonight,they had this fast fact about more people watch last week ECW than the Stanley cup finals....WTF.you know this fact is not true,because ECW rating is waaaaaay down

 

After the NHL went on strike a few years ago its popularity went way down. So it is possble that ECW got higher ratings than the Stanley cup finals.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

After the NHL went on strike a few years ago its popularity went way down. So it is possble that ECW got higher ratings than the Stanley cup finals.

 

Actually last years (2009)Detroit-Pittsburgh featuring budding superstar Sidney Crosby was the highest Championship Final since Dallas-Buffalo in 1999and most obvious after the strike wiped out the 2004-05 season.

 

Off topic. As of 930pm in NBA 2nd round series, Lebraon and the Cavs are butt kicking Atlanta early in the 3rd period leading by 20-something points.

[BJC 4]

After the NHL went on strike a few years ago its popularity went way down. So it is possble that ECW got higher ratings than the Stanley cup finals.

 

But,ECW suck....I will understnd if they talk about RAW,but ECW?This the first time in 4 months I watch ECW.

 

BTW,what's the deal with Bret Favre coming out of retirement again?A another Mark Martin in the making.lol..if you going to retire,it mean stay RETIRE

[BJC 4]

WWE might add a another show during the week...if they do it going to be on WED.

[trainfan22 2,234]

I heard that the Jets are in talks with Pacman Jones! This could be real interesting.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

WWE might add a another show during the week...if they do it going to be on WED.

 

Mynetwork which is owned by Fox-TV(Ch.9 in NYC area)only 'hit' is the WWE. So it would not be be a surprise that they want to add another night of WWE shows.

[Guest Charles]

Cleveland's looking unstoppable in the playoffs. They're 8-0, with the Cavs just finishing the 4-game sweep of the Hawks. They play the Celtics-Magic winner.

 

Lebron vs. Dwight or Lebron vs. Paul/Ray Allen? I'd pick Cavs over Magic in 6 games.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

This ESPN Sportscenter update is brought to you by Geico Insurance. The Insurance company that has a great commerical lol.

I

n the NBA, the first 2nd round series is over. The Cleveland Cavs are in the Eastern Conference Finals. They sweep the Hawks and await the Boston-Orlando winner. In NBA History, no team has gone undefeated in playoffs but the 1983 Champion Philadelphia 76ers did lose only 1 game.

 

 

In the NHL playoff update brought to you by TUMS lol, the Captials down 3 games to 2 beat Mr. Crosby and the Pens in overtime in game #6 at Pittsburgh. (FYI could be the final game at the "igloo' aka Mellon Bank Arena as Pens move to new home next season)

Game #7 is at Verzion Center in DC.

 

Meanwhile as of 1115pm east coast time in game #6 of their Western Division semifinal series the Blackhawks and Canucks are tied at 4-4 late in 3rd period.

 

Off topic. Gary Bettman is a fool. How does Versus aka Comcast have the national tv cable package in US? For an NHL Quaterfinal playoff game Versus is using the announcers/production of the Chicago Blackhawks tv broadcast.

Bettman should be 'fired' and NHL games need to be back on ESPN.:mad::tdown:

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

For the third time in less than 10 years the stadium in Miami home to the NFL Doplhins and MLB Marlins *plan to leave after the 2011 season)has been renamed. Singer Jimmy Buffeett brought the naming rights. Here story.

 

Dolphins' home renamed Land Shark Stadium in naming rights deal with singer Jimmy Buffett

Associated Press

 

 

MIAMI May 11, 2009 -- Jimmy Buffett stood on a stage at the Miami Dolphins' newly renamed stadium and looked out upon his audience, which was a colorful sea of tropical shirts and team jerseys.

 

Buffett fans -- known as Parrotheads -- and Dolphins fans were there to hear a few tunes as the singer and the NFL team began a partnership designed to attract more people to games.

 

"This is very interesting," Buffett told the crowd of about 500. "We gave half the tickets to Parrothead clubs and half the tickets to Dolfans, and you can't tell the difference."

 

Buffett and an eight-piece band played three tunes at the private concert, including a new Dolphins song he wrote to the melody of his hit "Fins." Buffett and team owner Stephen Ross then unveiled a logo for Land Shark Stadium, the new name of the Dolphins' home. The University of Miami football team and Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins also play there.

 

Buffett's Margaritaville enterprise includes LandShark Lager, brewed by Anheuser-Busch. Ross said the agreement to change the name from Dolphin Stadium is for this season only and expires before the stadium plays host to the next Super Bowl in February 2010.

 

"We're going to be associated with Jimmy Buffett forever," Ross said. "That's what the important thing is."

 

Ross has invited Buffett to become a minority owner and said he doesn't know whether that will happen. Regardless, the singer will play a role in rebranding the franchise. A Margaritaville area will be created at the stadium, with a goal of bringing Buffett's "unique culture" to games, Ross said.

 

"He's going to be featured at tailgates and things like that," Ross said. "We're going to incorporate him into being part of the Miami Dolphins.

 

"Football today, with HDTV, you can sit at home. You've got to create an experience and a reason to come here and have a good time. It's a blend of entertainment and winning football. We're going to fill up those stands."

 

Buffett declined interview requests but released a statement about his role with the team.

 

"What a cool thing to be doing, and especially at home in South Florida," he said. "I am honored and look forward to working (not that hard) with the Dolphin organization. I just want to thank Steve for having the idea to think a little out of the box and including us in his vision of more fun for the fans. All I can add is, let the Fin begin!"

 

Ross, a New York real estate billionaire, completed his purchase of the Dolphins in January. Seeking ways to improve the fan experience, he approached Buffett, who is closely identified with the Florida Keys and has been a Dolphins fans since at least 1984, their most recent Super Bowl season.

 

Buffett watched games from the sideline back then and once invited several players on stage at a concert.

 

For the christening of Land Shark Stadium, the audience included Dolphins coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland. Also on hand were at least half a dozen former players, former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning and former U.S. Tennis Association CEO Arlen Kantarian, an adviser to Ross.

 

Buffett took the stage in shorts and a polo shirt and opened with "Margaritaville," changing a line in the first verse to "all of you Dolfans covered with oil."

 

"As somebody who drove to the Keys in a '46 Packard about 38 years ago, this is pretty cool," Buffett said with a lopsided grin.

 

His finale was the new team song, which he called "Fins for Dolfans."

 

"We got fins to the left, fins to the right," he sang. "It's the only game in town."

 

Ross said the Dolphins will keep their fight song, which dates from the team's days in the American Football League. But he clearly preferred the new tune.

 

"Believe me," Ross said, "you'll hear that more than once or twice when you're at a Dolphin game."

 

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

 

Reactions? This is so cheesy imo for a name of a stadium. Why not call it IMO Don Shula Stadium after the NFL Hall of Fame Coach.:confused:

[BJC 4]

Off topic. Gary Bettman is a fool. How does Versus aka Comcast have the national tv cable package in US? For an NHL Quaterfinal playoff game Versus is using the announcers/production of the Chicago Blackhawks tv broadcast.

Bettman should be 'fired' and NHL games need to be back on ESPN.

 

because NHL was a step child of ESPN....same reason why the Indy car series went to Versus.They figure they will get more expose and air time since thoses are the only major event on there(I don't know if they have the tour de france)....I think VS was trying to get Baseball on their CH too.The the only downfall of VS is hardly anybody don't get it unless they pay more money or tell they tell their Cable Company to get it.

[Shortline Bus 1,121]

because NHL was a step child of ESPN....same reason why the Indy car series went to Versus.They figure they will get more expose and air time since thoses are the only major event on there(I don't know if they have the tour de france)....I think VS was trying to get Baseball on their CH too.The the only downfall of VS is hardly anybody don't get it unless they pay more money or tell they tell their Cable Company to get it.

 

If the NHL was a step child(it was even before the NBA returned to ESPN in 2003)on ESPN exposure is huge. If Bettman wanted to make the switch at least go to a cable channel on 'basic' with broad national exposure. They could have been USA Network, TBS or TNT just to name a few.

 

 

Even games on ESPN2 gets more exposure than Versus(Comcast) along with exposure on sportscenter which is worth millions.

 

FYI. The Pens and Syndney Crosby come back from 0 games to 2 defecit and beat Washington tonight in game 7 to advance to the Stanley Cup 'final 4.'