Blog Outsourcing 5/31

Happy Memorial Day to all those who are celebrating the holiday!

Luckily, since my office is celebrating the holiday, I get the night off. A day free from stress and consternation. A day free from annoyances and disturbances.

I decided to do this a little earlier than usual time, given recent matters. Like the fact that I have a night life to attend to (finally) and I would like to leave the house and attend a #tweetup.

It has been a while since I have gotten the chance to go out and enjoy the night. Schedule has not been that cooperative and if something opens up, I feel exhausted.

People should take advantage of whatever breaks they have to see what is out there. After all, you live only once and instead of living in regret on missed opportunities, one should take advantage of it.

One thing I always wanted has been to go visit the provinces and partake of local tourism. Never really gone out (unless with family). The only time I managed to go out, it was to the former British Crown Colony a few years. I hope I can get the chance to seize this little possibility and grab it and fully abuse it.

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy your BBQ!

Memorial Link love.

In the realm of tradition, Dario got milk. Meanwhile, thank goodness for car safety.

However, Penske denies Ganassi a Memorial Day double.

On the other side of the world, sometimes, the quest for personal gain can cost you the team goal.

Remember the time when the NBA buckled under player pressure with the ball? Will we see the same result in South Africa?

Stateside soccer warmup done. Off to South Africa they go under the leadership of Landon Donovan. Meanwhile, England beckons.

Coming soon to a Youtube near you. I liked this one back in the day (now being given a 2010 makeover).

Ping! 54 and counting.

After a Perfect Game the other day, a solid 14K gold performance was noted yesterday.

Speaking of Perfect Games, Doc Halladay was given a gift from the Marlins. And a day after the game, same score. Naturally, Dallas Braden has something to say.

Apprarently, Kendry's Bill Gramatica moment scarred Mike Scioscia. It spooked the Rangers, too. Well, so far so good for immediate impact. Does Carlos Delgado, Jermaine Dye or even Mike Lowell ring a bell?

Slump over, Albert?

Hedo, you could have been in Portland, you know. This one is definitely on you.

Quo vadis, STAT?

Here's a little tip: You want him, charm the other 3.

Kobe and Kill Bill. Analogy fits.

Here a profile on Mutant Russian Mark Cuban.

Let Shannon Brown wear green!

Another reason why I like the Rays.

Game 2 tonight. With ratings from Game 1 good.

RIP Scooter.

Finally a simple parting shot: Time for a Call to Arms.

Blog Outsourcing 5/24

Welcome to a new Monday edition of Sparty and Friends!

I had a great experience just going offline for the past weekend. I spent it here. No internet, no Twitter (although I can send tweets, I cannot respond to any replies or read tweets from people I follow). Haven't even read up on the posts. (Will check when I go online at the office later.)

Thinking about how much I had fun there reminds me of how things were back when I was not a Twitter addict. It showed how much Twitter has gotten a hold of me. I have evolved into an online citizen. I guess people are right in saying that sometimes, we really need to go out and cut ties temporarily with the online realm in order to maintain sanity.

Now in other news:

Step one in the effort to keep Lebron James. The COY curse continues.

The First Baller giving his 2 cents. Unfortunately, David Stern cannot fine him. I wonder if he will fine him instead.

Doug Collins in Philly. What now? One trademark of him is that he makes an instant impact on his first year of coaching.

Celtics are in the Mortal Kombat portion of their series. I wonder how will they do it. This could be a guide.

At least the Suns show a pulse. This also gives it a eerily familiar scenario back in 2008. Steve Nash = Manu Ginobili.

What happened in Bump Day.

A simple video to end the post. Goodbye Jose Lima.

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Finals Preview

Finally, out of the rubble, two teams left standing in the West. Let's break them down.



Los Angeles Lakers

How they got here: Survived a scare from the Thunder before sweeping the Jazz off the floor.

2nd Round Assessment: Kobe and Pau were A-List against the Jazz, with Derek Fisher hooked up to what Ray Allen was taking so far. The Tru Warier even played well in Game 3.

Key players: All eyes are on Andrew Bynum's knee (again). The three guard triumvirate of Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown need to be adequate and/or at least be at the level of the Phoenix guards not named Steve.



Phoenix Suns

How they got here: Withstood the M*A*S*H Unit based in Portland, then finally ended what could be the great Spurs run in NBA history.

2nd Round Assessment: I am pretty much dumbfounded as to how they did it. They pretty much made sure Pop's boys played old. They abused George Hill (who ended up being a bad matchup for the Spurs) and realized that Richard Jefferson is not who he used to be. They also took advantage of Tim Duncan's newfound deficiencies (due to Father Time catching up to him).

Key players: Tempo will be important, and if the Suns were to win the West, they need to control it. How the likes of Barbosa and Dragic push up the pace will be essential. Also, if Sideshow Mel is ready to play for this series, that would free up Amar'e to do what he does best, which is posterizing people with reckless abandon. He, along with Channing Frye, will provide the foil to the Laker bigs.

Prediction: The Suns win in 6. The reason why I chose the Suns is that there is so much good things going on with Phoenix. I believe that this is the year that they will be able to extinguish all their ills from their entire NBA History. So far, they have been able to finally overcome the Spurs. Then, they will then overcome the Lakers, whose Showtime era overshadowed a good period of Phoenix basketball. And then, let's revive the memories of that memorable Finals match with Boston, extracting revenge for the likes of Gar Heard, Paul Westphal, Alvan Adams and all those who played in the 1976 Finals (which is why I picked Boston to advance against Orlando, to ensure a complete karmic reversal).

Blog Outsourcing - 5/17

Welcome to the Monday edition of TMA. The weekend was great, as I finally had the chance to have a nightlife. I missed doing that due to all the stress I have been through. Afterwards, sleep was mandatory. In my line of work, sleep is a major commodity. Hopefully, I would be able to get more of these stuff. I know you guys want the same thing, as well. Nothing much to contribute on my end. Next week, I would share an interesting experience that will definitely shock you (I think).

Time to do the links:

Who knew Sheed had it in him again?

Flyers on fire. Sharks drowned.

Who knew that Nash and Bryant can duet?

We are the kings of pool. Again.

Kyle Busch gets it done again.

This is the most glamorous race of the racing calendar.

Tony Romo has his priorities straight.

Phillies sweeping Brew Crew.

This is an aberration, right?

Another Vasquez skipping? Here's a complicated explanation.

Nationals elevate someone from the minors not named Steven Strasburg.

Reds in 1st place. Really.

No more Pat the Bat. The Mariners or Mets surely need the bat potential at this point.

Cubs in panic mode now?

Your "mandatory" Lebron to the Knicks update.

FC Barcelona = La Liga champs.

The Special One taking offense to One-Eye.

Parting shot: Here's to you, Lebron.

TWTWTNBA: Eastern Conference Finals Preview

Finally, out of the the rubble, two teams left standing in the East. Let's break them down.



Boston Celtics

How they got here: Beat Mv3 and the Wades (feat. Michael Beasley as Tito). Beat Lebron's elbow, heart and soul (possibly exiling him somewhere, like in New York).

2nd round assessment: KG eviscerated Jamison. Sheed came up huge in 2 games (Game 2 & 6), which has been enough with all the heavy lifting Rajon has been doing.

Key players: Will Tony Allen do a James Posey circa 2008? Will Kendrick Perkins be adequate against Superman? He was against Cleveland against the Man of Steel. Will the Ticket Stub win them another game? Paul Pierce was subpar in this series. Hope he emerges for John's sake.



The Orlando Magic.

How they got here: Toyed with the Hawks after breezing by playoff debutantes Charlotte. That's 8 straight wins and a 27-3 record in the last 30 games they have played.

2nd round assessment: Need I say more when Joe Johnson says this in Atlanta?

Key players: The last time they met in the playoffs, all I remember was the much ado about nothing push. Jameer missed out the last time they played. Will Vince be adequate enough? Can they really win with shooting threes like they (Pietrus, Barnes, Lewis, and yes, Redick) do?

Prediction: The Celtics win in 6. You will understand why when I post the Western Conference Finals Preview by Monday (Since Game 1 of the WCF will be on Monday (Tuesday in the islands)).

Lebron and Legacy

Lebron, it is all about you. It is all about your legacy and your future. Game 5 was unacceptable given your stature and who you are and what people expect from you. They expect effort and competitive drive. Even if things are not going your way, you go out there and you show that you gave it your all, just like the great ones did.

We are witnesses today, Lebron. We will witness what you got tonight. Because this will set the tone for what is to come.

I wonder if you guys on your side of the coin are aware of what is going on out here in my neck of the woods. I was just happy to exert my right to suffrage earlier this morning.

We have had our pitfalls in the Motherland, but always the concept of an election has grabbed our attention. It is our way of directly expressing our voice and demand what we want. There is a saying in these parts... "There are only winners, and those who were cheated out of it."

Now onto to the trivial stuff.

He's perfect. But of course, nothing is complete with another A-rod mention. It just won't die, eh?

Meanwhile, the Yankees slipped and the Sawx avert a sweep.

Steve's Eye > LeBron's Elbow.

Tiger ejects from Sawgrass. Out with a neck.

You know he is going to be the fall guy. Instant results show good signs.

Ricky Rubio gets a ring, and so does Fran Vasquez.

Canucks survive, thus buying time for the Sharks.

Looks like someone can relate to Adrian Beltre.

There is a flying statue in Chi-town, now there is one in Beantown.

Ovi keeping himself busy.

To part, here is a continuation of the Tears for Fears Madness, this time, from the concert here in my 'hood.

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Semis assessment

All Four teams have been identified, so let's see how they will roll:

1. Los Angeles vs 5. Utah (as of this writing, Series favors Los Angeles 2-0)

1st round assessment: Lakers held off a feisty Oklahoma City that is really a year ahead on their time table. Jazz took advantage of an already headless team in Denver that lost a key big man for a game.

Key people to watch: No Memo and (so far) no Kirilenko are ailing the Jazz, so the efforts of their unheralded draft finds (Wesley Matthews, CJ Miles and Paul Millsap) will the measuring stick. They have competed, in spite of Kyrylo Fesenko. On the other hand, Andrew Bynum needs to show those double-double nights like what he just pulled in Game 2 to quell those Chris Bosh rumors.

Prediction: Lakers in 6. Memo's absence is really telling for Utah. Again, Phil is 45-0 when winning Game 1. With their Game 2 loss, that is 16 straight now for the Jazz at Staples. But like OKC, this team is a feisty bunch that plays hard and shows effort. The anti-Sheed team, so to speak.

3. Phoenix vs. 7. San Antonio (as of this writing, Series favors Phoenix 2-0)

1st round assessment: Phoenix took advantage of Brandon Roy's injury, ousting them in 6. Dallas, on the other hand, just did what Dallas always does. Spurs now 11-1 in the 1st round.

Key people to watch: Can George Hill provide the same oomph like the first round. Also, the nose strap that holding on Manu's nose needs to do its job. Channing Frye played well in Game 2. He needs to do that to free up the lanes for the likes of Sparty's J-Rich and old man Grant Hill. Oh and we need to share some love to the JMZ. (Jared Dudley)

Prediction: Spurs in 7. Amidst all the things, I trust in the Pop way of things when it comes to the Spurs vs Suns. All I know, something happens when it is Los Spurs vs Los Suns.

Farewell to Ernie Harwell

Baseball lost another legend with the passing of Ernie Harwell. In memoriam, here is one of his literary works.

The game for all America

Baseball is President Eisenhower tossing out the first ball of the season; and a pudgy schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm. If s the big league pitcher who sin in night clubs. And the Hollywood . singer who pitches to the Giants in spring training.

A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from his dugout -- that's baseball. So is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running out one of his 714 home runs with mincing steps.

It's America, this baseball. A re-issued newsreel of boyhood dreams. Dreams lost somewhere between boy and man. It's the Bronx cheer and the Baltimore farewell. The left-field screen in Boston, the right-field dump at Nashville's Sulphur Dell, the open stands in San Francisco, the dusty, wind-swept diamond at Albuquerque. And a rock home plate and a chicken wire backstop -- anywhere.

There's a man in Mobile who remembers a triple he saw Honus Wagner hit in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That's baseball. So is the scout reporting that a 16-year-old sandlot pitcher in Cheyenne is the new "Walter Johnson."

It's a wizened little man shouting insults from the safety of his bleacher seat. And a big, smiling first baseman playfully tousling the hair of a youngster outside the players' gate.

Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered -- or booed. And then becomes a statistic.

In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. Here the only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. Color is something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.

Baseball is Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, asking his Brooklyn hosts to explain Dodger signals. It's player Moe Berg speaking seven languages and working crossword puzzles in Sanskrit. It's a scramble in the box seats for a foul -- and a $125 suit ruined. A man barking into a hot microphone about a cool beer, that's baseball. So is the sportswriter telling a .383 hitter how to stride, and a 20-victory pitcher trying to write his impressions of the World Series.

Baseball is a ballet without music. Drama without words. A carnival without kewpie dolls.

A housewife in California couldn't tell you the color of her husband's eyes, but she knows that Yogi Berra is hitting .337, has brown eyes and used to love to eat bananas with mustard. That's baseball. So is the bright sanctity of Cooperstown's Hall of Fame. And the former big leaguer, who is playing out the string in a Class B loop.

Baseball is continuity. Pitch to pitch. Inning to inning. Game to game. Series to series. Season to season.

It's rain, rain, rain splattering on a puddled tarpaulin as thousands sit in damp disappointment. And the click of typewriters and telegraph keys in the press box -- like so many awakened crickets. Baseball is a cocky batboy. The old-timer whose batting average increases every time he tells it. A lady celebrating a home team rally by mauling her husband with a rolled-up scorecard.

Baseball is the cool, clear eyes of Rogers Hornsby, the flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an overaged pixie named Rabbit Maranville, and Jackie Robinson testifying before a Congressional hearing.

Baseball? It's just a game -- as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, business -- and sometimes even religion.

Baseball is Tradition in flannel knickerbockers. And Chagrin in being picked off base. It is Dignity in the blue serge of an umpire running the game by rule of thumb. It is Humor, holding its sides when an errant puppy eludes two groundskeepers and the fastest outfielder. And Pathos, dragging itself off the field after being knocked from the box.

Nicknames are baseball. Names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.

Baseball is a sweaty, steaming dressing room where hopes and feelings are as naked as the men themselves. It's a dugout with spike-scarred flooring. And shadows across an empty ballpark. It's the endless list of names in box scores, abbreviated almost beyond recognition.

The holdout is baseball, too. He wants 55 grand or he won't turn a muscle. But, it's also the youngster who hitch-hikes from South Dakota to Florida just for a tryout.

Arguments, Casey at the Bat, old cigarette cards, photographs, Take Me Out to the Ball Game -- all of them are baseball.

Baseball is a rookie -- his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat -- trying to begin fulfillment of a dream. It's a veteran, too -- a tired old man of 35, hoping his aching muscles can drag him through another sweltering August and September.

For nine innings, baseball is the story of David and Goliath, of Samson, Cinderella, Paul Bunyan, Homer's Iliad and the Count of Monte Cristo.

Willie Mays making a brilliant World Series catch. And then going home to Harlem to play stick-ball in the street with his teen-age pals -- that's baseball.

And so is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying, "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."

Baseball is cigar smoke, hot-roasted peanuts, The Sporting News, winter trades, "Down in Front," and the "Seventh-Inning Stretch." Sm arms, broken bats, a no-hitter, and the strains of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Baseball is a highly paid Brooklyn catcher telling the nation's business leaders: "You have to be a man to be a big leaguer, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you, too."

This is a game for America, this baseball!

(Taken from here).

TWTWTNBA: Eastern Conference Semis assessment

All Four teams have been identified, so let's see how they will roll:

1. Cleveland vs 4. Boston (as of this writing, Series is even at 1 apiece)

1st round assessment: For the Cavs, @mogotti2 was a creditable #2 to the MVP, with his only dud performance being in the closeout game (Game 5) against the Bulls (now headless with Paxson exercising his authority). Cavs-Bulls was memorable for Joakim Noah. For the Celtics, I thought Nate was going to be a factor, but he is only visible on Twitter. I was terribly disappointed in Miami's play.

Key people to watch: For the Cavs, Jamison's play against Garnett will be a major factor. Doc Rivers has said that Sheed needs to play better and he did on Game 2. Then again, that's probably the first pulse we felt from Sheed since whenever.

Prediction: Cavs in 6. I did say that in the previous round, the Celtics will be barbecued by the Cavs. But Akron's elbow is a major cause of concern.

2. Orlando vs 3. Atlanta (as of this writing, Series is 1-0 favoring Orlando)

1st round assessment: I thought the Magic would have a much more difficult time against the Bobcats, but they swept past them, but not without much whining from Dwight and Stan Van regarding the physical play. The Hawks, I thought, would have an easier time against the Bucks, but the Deer proved to be feisty, and extended the series to the limit. No doubt these guys helped.

Key people to watch: After the hardships re: NBA officiating, let's see what Dwight does this round. On the other side, let's see how Al Horford matches skill with D-12.

Prediction: Magic in 5. This is a bad matchup for Atlanta. You saw for yourselves in Game 1.

Blog Outsourcing 5/3

 

Welcome to the First Monday of May in the year 2010. Today is World Press Freedom Day, so as part of the online media, one might say that it is our day as well. A day where we all recognize of freedom to express our views, thoughts and opinions without the threat of reproach (with cause, i presume) from the higher-ups. Especially here in the islands, where people get killed just for exposing negative stuff about certain powerful elements.

Anyhow, I presume almost everyone here grew up in the New Wave era, where Brit pop and synthesizers ruled the airwaves. The other night, a certain band named Tears for Fears arrived in our shores, bringing with them their music and memories. As what Curt Smith said, they have been around the world, but they wondered for themselves why it took them this long to arrive in Manila.

Yes, I watched a Tears for Fears concert. I watched them perform. I watched them charm us all. I watched my fellow concert goers sing along to them. It was such a treat.

I paid over $56 dollars for a ticket worth slightly under $21 just to watch them, as it was sold out. I never thought I would pay that much for a concert. I wonder what would I do if a band like Coldplay or U2 ever comes to our shores. We already had Paramore and Timbaland (with a little Jojo and Justin Timberlake sprinkled in, which we did not know already broke up with Jessica Biel when he flew in).

Anyhow, time to link you up with the good stuff.

He fulfilled his end of the bargain. You know, if that ever happens, Sparty and I will have a debate.

These kids could take over for Tiger.

Just as you think Pittsburgh's problems have gone away...

Zach Greinke still cannot get a break.

Johan Santana had a bad day. Red Sox got swept by the O's. Yes. the O's.

This video is dedicated for Eric Byrnes:


One stat matters if you are a Laker fan: Phil Jackson is 45-0 when Game 1 goes his way.

Time to say goodbye to the Deer.

Get well soon, George.

Will Casey get a second chance?

RIP Pocamps.

Lebron is MVP.

And to part here is an old track:

Who R U Picking?

It is one of the most awaited matches in boxing history.

On one side, is the undefeated so-called Pound-for-Pound legend that is

Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather and on the other side, another legend in his own right, Sugar Shane Mosley.

It will on May 1 in Las Vegas, but in Manila, it would be May 2, lunch time.

Boxing fans have been looking forward for this match in a long time, now just coming into fruition. Of course people remember the great Kanye West-like example of Mosley during the Mayweather vs Marquez post-fight scene.That somewhat set the table for this meeting. Of course, luck played its way through it; with the fallout of the Pacquiao - Mayweather mega fight freeing up Floyd and the Haiti earthquake KO'ng Andre Berto, thus freeing up Shane.

And so, this is the moment. Let's get this on.

Blog Outsourcing 4/26

Welcome to the final TMA for April 2010. It was Earth Day last Thursday, and there have been lots and lots of weird environmental occurences. With earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and the ridiculous heat, it is as if Mother Earth is giving us a wassup?! (Or Maybe it is just Al Gore, who will be here in the islands in June). So here are some ways of accelerating the healing process (Info taken from here).

12. Ride your bike. Cycledan would approve of this.

27. Teach kids about the environment. Dads all over the world would appreciate it.

24. Landscape with native plants. Those with gardens would know how to do this.

19. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper. Some malls here have instituted the BYOB Wednesdays!

9. Recycle your newspapers. Hopefully not recycle old news.

Now, time to make your move. But before that, kindly check the links.

I am terribly annoyed at some people who would rather retire than deal with being undrafted. That guy need to see these people.

Who is Mr. Irrelevant?

Spurs are just one win away from ousting the Mavs. Does Mark Cuban have bad juju?

The 2003 draft studs sure looked the part. Lebron with a trip-doub. Wade scored 46. Melo's Nuggets lost, but he went 39-11.

How to improve the NFL Draft.

I wonder how many teams would benefit from Alan Faneca.

The end of the Jamarcus era. Mercifully.

Maybe he will rediscover the Patron with Pete, who is remaking the Seahawks to look like SoCal.

There may be still hope for this guy.

Aren't the Mets getting too much tWWL exposure?

Who thought the Red Wings get tested to the limit? Meanwhile, the best chance for Canadian hope is still alive.

Should Savard do the Brandon Roy?

Finally, Kevin Harvick wins one again.

Chelsea staves off Manchester United, with two games each to go. One pt. separates the two.

To part off, here is some sensual music.

An Iron Man 2 Screening for a good cause

 (Photo taken from Iron Man website)

You are probably wondering what the heck is Iron Man doing on this particular blog.  Well, the Ateneo Alumni Tennis Club (for the benefit of the Ateneo Tennis Development Program). will be having a special screening of Iron Man 2 at the Powerplant Cinema 1 on 2PM Sunday, May 2 (after you watch Mayweather vs Mosley)

Tickets will be @ 500 pesos with raflle prizes awaiting lucky patrons. If you want to reserve tickets, one can contact Ms. Ida Solis at 426-6001 local 4081 or text 0920-9120946 or email her at isolis@ateneo.edu

Iron Man will be shown in the Philippines on April 30 while it will be shown in the US on May 7 (Thanks to Az for the date info).

The Ateneo LA Clippers Fantasy Baseball Roster

A couple of weeks ago, there was an open invitation for me to participate in a Fantasy Baseball League. This is the end result of my 1st ever auction draft. It's a 5x5 12-team standard ESPN Head-to-Head league.

ATENEO LA CLIPPERS
2	Jason Heyward, Atl OF	$17
11	Miguel Cabrera, Det 1B	$41
13	David Wright, NYM 3B	$37
17	Stephen Strasburg, Was SP	$6
27	Felix Hernandez, Sea SP	$39
34	Zack Greinke, KC SP	$39
52	Hideki Matsui, LAA DH	$6
58	Matt Wieters, Bal C	$18
61	Brandon Phillips, Cin 2B	$22
67	Andrew McCutchen, Pit OF	$14
146	Franklin Gutierrez, Sea OF	$4
160	Leo Nunez, Fla RP	$2
177	Julio Borbon, Tex OF	$4
185	Everth Cabrera, SD SS	$2
194	Brendan Ryan, StL SS	$1
217	Tim Wakefield, Bos SP	$1
226	Chris Perez, Cle RP	$1
235	Garrett Jones, Pit 1B	$1
243	Matt Lindstrom, Hou RP	$1
251	Skip Schumaker, StL 2B	$1
259	Jake Fox, Oak 3B	$1
266	Scott Feldman, Tex SP	$1
270	Neftali Feliz, Tex RP	$1

Looking at my roster, I took a huge gamble in securing the rights to both Jason Heyward & Stephen Strasburg (especially with the Nationals pitcher presumed to have a pitch limit of 100 innings in the majors). I took two top tier pitchers in King Felix and the recent AL Cy Young winner. Saves are a concern with issues involving Lindstrom and Nunez, plus Perez keeping me afloat.

Blog Outsourcing - 4/19

First of all, I had the pleasure of attending my first Auto Show yesterday, I am amazed with all the vehicles that were there. But there was this one that caught my eye.



Pardon as it is not much, you can say it is partially mailed-in.

And so, it's linking time.

The Durantulas get a reality check. Durant may have had difficulty against RonRon, but he is not fazed.

Magic survive a crash comeback. This matchup features two people from the classic series Avery Johnson wants to forget. Oh, Captain Jack's just fine.

Is this Hasselhoff-lover the best Euro ever?

It took two days, but the road team finally won a game. Because it was Miller Time.

We all knew KG's punk ass attitude will finally catch up to him. Now he pays the price. Q-Rich just pays. And Wade is thinking Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Here's the memo on Memo: You're done.

Fanhouse has everything covered in this post.

He can play, but the question is actually where will he end up?

Jonathan Dwyer must be emulating Ricky.

Jason Heyward's legend continues. As the 7th person in the batting order.

Congrats Vin Scully! Manny sent you a gift.

Running always helps clear your head. Ask Ubaldo.

Have the Sharks perfected the art of choking?

And enjoy the week ahead.

Western Conference Playoffs Preview

Welcome to the NBA playoffs. After a slight hiatus, the TWTWTNBA returns to give snippets of what to see in the playoffs.

Western Conference Playoffs

1 - Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs 8 - Oklahoma City (50-32)

Oklahoma City, welcome to the postseason, and your reward is meeting with the defending champions. And already, we are seeing mind games from the Zen Master and Kevin Durant. Both teams sort of limping in into the postseason, with key crunchtime losses on the Thunder's end, while the Lakers just cruised by, with Kobe missing time to rest his injuries.

Key players to watch for: Kobe vs Durant scorefest beckons, but which Russell Westbrook will show up? And someone from the Lakers' bench needs to produce (Farmar, Brown, Vujacic, Walton and Powell) while Andrew Bynum is out and Lamar is starting in Andrew's place. After all, the OKC bench (Maynor, Harden, Ibaka, Collison) will cream them.

Prediction: Lakers in 6, but the Thunder is here to stay. Durant averages 35 pts in this series. Let's see if KD35 has the same competitive overdrive as Lebron and Kobe has.

2 - Dallas (55-27) vs 7 - San Antonio (50-32)

The Spurs have long since been on cruise control, deciding that they favor this I-35 rivalry. The Mavs, with 

their bunch of 30-somethings, could be the biggest hurdle for the Lakers as the West champs.

Key players to look out for: Dejuan Blair for the Spurs is the next coming of Malik Rose. Hopefully, Richard Jefferson is not the glorified version of Michael Finley in this incarnation of the Spurs. As for Dallas, the contributions of Brendan Haywood and Erick Dampier, as well as how Caron Butler as the Josh Howard replacement will be the major influence as to how the Mavs get it done.

Prediction: Mavs in 7. This series looks solid, but could possibly bore you to death.

3 - Phoenix (54-28) vs 6 - Portland (50-32)

Portland is limping in, with Brandon Roy as Exhibit A as to why Lebron is being DNP-CD'd. Of course, we all know about the Oden / Pryzbilla injuries. The SSOL P.D. (Post D'Antoni) looks in form, save for the injury to Sideshow Mel.

Key players to watch for: If Roy does not play, Martell Webster and Rudy Fernandez need to step up the way Travis Outlaw did last year. Given their thin frontline depth, Marcus Camby needs to keep himself in the game. The Suns' Hustle and Flow unit (Jared Dudley, Goran Dragic, Leandrinho Barbosa and Channing Frye) have been the difference between the SSOL and the SSOL P.D.

Prediction: Suns in 5. Brandon Roy will not play this postseason. Much credit though for Portland, because everyone (including their head coach) was hurt all year.

4 - Denver (53-29) vs 5 - Utah (53-29)

Denver lucked out of the draw by stealing away homecourt from the Jazz, because as people know, it is ridiculously difficult to win in the arena formerly known as the Delta Center. Blame it on the Mormons.

Key Players to watch for: Kenyon Martin and Nene needs to play 30+ minutes apiece if they have any chance to progress. Wesley Matthews has been a surprise since March, averaging double figures and playing major minutes. Paul Millsap grabbed 24 rebounds recently, and he really makes Boozer dispensable.

Prediction: Jazz in 7. Remains to be seen if the Nuggets can beat the Jazz in Salt Lake City, because the Jazz can beat the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview

Welcome to the NBA playoffs. After a slight hiatus, the TWTWTNBA returns to give snippets of what to see in the playoffs.

Eastern Conference Playoffs:

1 - Cleveland (61-21) vs 8 - Chicago (41-41)

Most people expect the Cavs to steamroll the Bulls. Then again, we said the same thing about the Celtics last year against these Bulls and look at how many games in that series were ESPN Classic-rewatchable.

Key player to watch out for: Lebron, obviously, but Mo Williams needs to be the #2 that he is. Plus, we need to cue the Godfather music. For the Bulls, Derrick Rose needs to be at the range of his 2009 playoff performance. And Flip Murray has to approximate a good Ben Gordon day.

Prediction: Cavs in 5.

2 - Orlando (59-23) vs 7 - Charlotte (44-38)

Larry Brown completes the rebuilding cycle, with the Bobcats securing their first winning season and with that, their first playoff berth. Remains to be seen if he will return to the scene, although he has indicated he will. Let's see if the Magic can make their return trip with all their upgrading.

Key players to look out for: Crash and Captain Jack will carry the load, but how Raymond Felton and DJ Augustine play is paramount. Oh, and they have no chance if Tyson Chandler is out. As for the Magic, it's all about Matt Barnes, because he will be guarding both Crash and Captain Jack.

Prediction: Magic in 5

3 - Atlanta (53-29) vs 6 - Milwaukee (46-36)

This would have been fun, if Andrew Bogut did not suffer this. And who knew that the Hawks would escape the 4-hole. Do you #FearTheDeer?

Key players to look out for: Jamal Crawford will be winning the 6th Man of the Year. John Salmons looks like he will get rewarded. Oh and will Brandon Jennings shoot well? He shot just under 28% against the Hawks, his worst among all the teams.

Prediction: Hawks in 4.

4 - Boston (50-32) vs 5 - Miami (47-35)

Let's see if the PGA Tour can one-up the One-Man-Band. All the rumblings about the Celtics being in their last legs may be true. For Pat Riley's sake, they need a really good push in order for the MV3 to stay in South Beach.

Key players to look out for: Nate Robinson was acquired to provide a little oomph on their bench. He has averaged only 6.5 pts, 1.5 rebs and 2 assts since the All-Star break. We all know about Sheed. As for the Heat, someone has to help out Wade. It would naturally be Michael Beasley, but his numbers have tailed off since the All-Star Break.

Prediction: Boston in 7. Miami is like the marinade for the Celtics, who would then be barbecued by the Cavs in the next round.

Blog Outsourcing 4/12

Wassup! Another day, another week in the sporting realm of Sparty and Friends.

It has been sizzling hot over the past few days here in the islands. The heat, plus the additional work I have been assigned here in the office, has somewhat sapped me of my mind lately. Don't worry. There will be a NBA post being cooked up. Just waiting for the regular season to end. I might throw in another one for good measure. Just hoping that my mind would be able to cooperate.

Just as your college basketball season has ended, mine has just begun. The local collegiate preseason just began last Saturday, thus beginning the preparations for the quest towards a third straight title. We lose four players (three to graduation, which we are definitely proud of, one having to redshirt due to injury.) But knowing how prestigious my alma mater is, there are always good recruits down the pipeline, those that can withstand the rigors of being a true student-athlete. Yes, we will miss the low post offense of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the defensive acumen of Nonoy Baclao, and the outside sniping of Jai Reyes, but we still have key cogs waiting to take over the mantle of leadership, like Eric Salamat and our own version of the Truth, Ryan Buenafe. And of course, this guy who has a knack of beating Tigers. Plus, we get training from Kobe.

Speaking of Tigers, here are the links:

The winner of the 2010 Masters also took time off from golf to deal with issues. As for you know who, well... some guy already predicted his 2010 schedule.

Anthony Kim was *this close* to winning it. And of course, no discussion of Anthony Kim is complete without showing you...

This year's Hard Knocks is going to be must-see TV. IMHO, this is a warning shot to someone by the Rooneys (Character above all). And yes, I am going to see / hear a lot of 60-minute puns for Mike Wallace. Too much of it, I predict.

Speaking of the Jets, still no word on Jason Taylor joining them. Looks like both the Redskins and the Jets are trying to secure either a DeLorean or the Hot Tub Time Machine with their acquisitions.

This matters because we really do not know who faces who right now.

Goodbye, Texas Stadium. Do you have any memories?

If this sale does not push through, it is Robert Mugabe's fault.

Casey saved the Brewers from the Pujols.

Can we give it to Doc already? But Lincecum won't give it up that easily.

So far, so good for the hidden assets in the minors, both in Altoona and in Louisville.

The AL Central race can be described as simply feisty. Feisty all season long. Speaking of which, will J-Rod describe the feeling of Target Field?

More fodder for concern for Red Sox Nation. As if Papi's hitting issues were not enough... Speaking of Papi, why would he speak out for him? Guilt by association? Maybe not.

We don't want another case of the Korey Stringer.

Happy to see this guy box again. I would not mind Manny facing him over Floyd. However, this is one of the many reasons why the heavyweight division is a joke. Meanwhile in MMA, lots of talk regarding Anderson Silva.

Father and son are together again.

Bulls looking good to be the first sacrificial lambs to the Lebrons. Speaking of Bron, he needed a day off.

Blazers needed the win, but suffered a crucial loss. Up next, a dogfight with the Durants, who botched it against the Currys.

If he gets the 20-5-5, #Reke4Roy, right?

Remember Derrick Coleman?

Futbol alert. Lionel Messi is awesome. So is Barcelona.

Video: Why is Lionel Messi awesome.

Sports Snippets

It has been a while since I last posted my sports snippets. Work admittedly sucks the life out of you and I have been out of whack lately. In other words, somebody needs to getcha head in the game. So let's begin.

NCAA College Basketball: And so ends the US Collegiate basketball scene. Congrats to the postseason tourney winners in Duke (NCAA), Dayton (NIT), Virginia Commonwealth (CBI) and Missouri State (CIT). Gotta show much love for Butler with how they performed all year. The NCAA title game is an instant classic. Imagine if Gordon Hayward made that shot. Just imagine. Stevens got an extension that will let him stay until the 2020-21 season (or some prestigious traditional established program i.e. Indiana / Duke / UCLA / Kentucky hires him). On the distaff side, a streak was broken. UConn's streak of blowing people out ended. Yes, finally, someone was *this* close to winning against this unstoppable force. Unfortunately, Stanford still lost, and the unbeaten run of this batch of Huskies continues. All of a sudden, that 88-game streak of UCLA under John Wooden a.k.a the Wizard of Westwood, is in jeopardy.

Tiger: Tiger Woods is currently playing his first tournament. Not bad to make your debut to be the first major of the year (The Masters). As of this writing (end of the 3rd rd), he's tied for 3rd with KJ Choi, 4 strokes from current leader Lee Westwood. Just a stroke back from Lee is good ol' Lefty. Hopefully, things do work out for him. And look, Tom Watson (yes, that Tom Watson) is in the top leaderboard.

Baseball begins and NBA regular season ends. Soccer machine Lionel Messi is on fire. Local college basketball just started the preseason and the local pro scene is alive as well.