Mets sign Jason Bay

Free agent outfielder Jason Bay has reached an agreement with New York Mets, with a four year, $66 million contract. Bay, who hit .267, with 36 home runs, and 119 RBI with the Boston Red Sox last season was perhaps the most sought free agent outfielder on the market this offseason. Bay boosts the middle of a Mets lineup that wore down with age and injuries last year.

In other free agent news, infielder Mark DeRosa has signed a two year, $12 million deal with the San Francisco. DeRosa, who hit .250 with 23 home runs, and 78 RBI with Cleveland and St. Louis last year, provides needed power for the light-hitting Giants.

NFL Picks: Week 16

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Week 15: 10-6
Season record: 154-70

Merry Christmas 2009!

Merry Christmas to all my readers! Hope you guys got what you wanted and enjoy your day. After you're done celebrating, dig in with a NBA Christmas Day Quintuple header as well as an NFL special tonight.

Heat @ Knicks 12 PM ET on ESPN
Nothing better to kick off a great slate of action than with D-Wade at the Garden.
Celtics @ Magic 2:30 PM ET on ABC
It's an Eastern Conference showdown in Orlando, with Dwight hosting Garnett.
Cavaliers @ Lakers 5 PM ET on ABC
LeBron vs. Kobe in Hollywood. This potential NBA Finals preview also features the best two players in the league. You have NO excuse not to watch this.
Clippers @ Suns 8 PM ET on ESPN
Nash and Amar'e welcome Baron Davis and L.A. for a primetime showdown in the desert.
Nuggets @ Trailblazers 10:30 PM ET on ESPN
It's a Northwest division showdown with 'Melo against Roy.
Chargers @ Titans 7:30 PM ET on NFL Network
This should be a great game in Nashville. Vince Young and the Titans desperately need a win to stay in playoff contention, while Philip Rivers and San Diego can clinch a first round bye with their 10th straight win. In the end, I like the Chargers and Rivers to make more plays down the stretch, as I (as a Texan fan) hope Tennessee gets knocked out tonight.

NFL Picks: Week 15

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Week 14: 11-5
Season record: 144-64

NFL Picks: Week 14

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Week 13: 10-6
Season record: 133-59

Ingram Wins Heisman

In the closest ever vote in the history of the award, Mark Ingram came out on top. The Alabama running back becomes the 75th winner of the award representing the best player in college football, edging out Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by a mere 28 points. Third was Texas QB Colt McCoy, while Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and 2007 winner Florida QB Tim Tebow rounded out the top five. Ingram, this year, for #1 Alabama, who will face McCoy and #2 Texas for the BCS National Championship in Pasadena, California January 7, has gained a school-record 1542 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. "I'm a little overwhelmed right now," he said on the podium. "I'm just so excited to bring Alabama their first Heisman winner."

NFL Picks: Week 13

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Week 12: 14-2
Season record: 123-53

NFL Picks: Week 12

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Week 11: 12-4
Season record: 109-51

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and hope you guys enjoy a great day.

In the world of sports, Allen Iverson has announced his retirement after no team was willing to give him starters' minutes. Also, the New Jersey Nets lost again, and are now 0-15, two losses shy of an NBA record 0-17 by the 1988-89 Miami Heat and 1999 Los Angeles Clippers.

Here are my Thanksgiving NFL picks:

Packers @ Lions 12:30 PM ET on FOX
Great last second win by Matthew Stafford and Detroit last week over Cleveland. Stafford is out for this game, though, and I don't think the Lions can stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

Raiders @ Cowboys 4:15 PM ET on CBS
Well, Raiders did beat the Bengals last week, and Dallas squeaked by the Redskins. But who are we kidding, Cowboys traditionally dominate on these Thanksgiving games, and the Bruce Gradkowski-led Oakland offense won't be able to keep up.

Giants @ Broncos 8:20 PM ET on NFL Network
Well, once again the best matchup of Turkey Day is on NFL Network. Both teams desperately need a win, especially the Broncos, who have lost four straight after a 6-0 start. Both defenses have fallen off drastically after great starts, and in the end, I like the Giants running game with Brandon Jacobs in the lineup.

My Thanksgiving Picks:

NFL Picks: Week 11

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Week 10: 9-6
Season record: 97-47

2009 MLS Playoffs Conference Championships Schedule

Western Conference Championship
Houston Dynamo @ Los Angeles Galaxy
Friday 11 PM ET ESPN2

Eastern Conference Championship
Real Salt Lake @ Chicago Fire
Saturday 8 PM ET FCS

NFL Picks: Week 10

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Week 9: 7-6
Season record: 88-41

NFL Picks: Week Nine

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Week 8: 9-4
Season record: 81-35

Yankees Win World Series

Well, money ($192.5 million to be exact) does buy happiness in this case. The New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 last night to win their 27th championship, their first since 2000. World Series MVP Hideki Matsui had a World Series record 6 RBI in the Game 6 clincher at the new Yankee Stadium. "It feels better than I remember it, man," captain Derek Jeter said. "It's been a long time." For Philadelphia, a quest to repeat as champs falls two games short. "I told them that I loved the way they played. We're fighters and never quit," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "We want to keep what we got as far as attitude and chemistry."

NFL Picks: Week Eight

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Week 7: 11-2
Season record: 72-31

2009 World Series Prediction

And the 2009 World Series Champion will be...

Here's why:
The Phillies once again proved me wrong in the NLCS, dispatching of the Dodgers in five games. They have been sitting around for a week just like last year, so we'll see if it'll be rust or rest for them tonight. The Yankees beat the Angels in six like I predicted with their great lineup and starting pitching. Both teams have great rotation, with a couple of ex-Indian Cy Young winners throwing in Game 1 tonight (Cliff Lee vs. CC Sabathia). The back end of the rotation slightly favors the Yankees with Andy Pettitte and AJ Burnett over Cole Hamels and Pedro Martinez. Both bullpens are good, but Mariano Rivera is the best closer in the game, and although Brad Lidge has been solid in the playoffs, he struggled during the regular season. Both lineups have the ability to put big innings together, with Ryan Howard and Alex Rodriguez as the catalysts. Overall, I would say offenses are even. The key in the series the pitching. If the Phillies can pitch well early in games and jump out to early leads, they can repeat. But in the end, I think the stronger pitching and a $200 million payroll buys the Yankees their 27th championship. Yankees in 7.

2009-10 NBA Preview

Here is my quick five (maybe 10) minute outlook for the 2009-10 NBA season which begins tonight with four games.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs- They're loaded. Think back to last year. No Tony Parker for the first month of the season, no Ginobili for the majority of the season, and Duncan was hurt. And they still finished 4th in the West. This year, they've added Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess and if everyone is healthy, Spurs should win the West.
2. Los Angeles Lakers- Adding Ron Artest to the defending champions only makes the team more explosive.
3. Portland Trailblazers- Roy, Aldridge and the rest of the team is a year older and they added PG Andre Miller.
4. Denver Nuggets- Highflying offense is back with no major losses.
5. Dallas Mavericks- Adding Shawn Marion to the lineup improves team.
6. Utah Jazz- No major losses, road record needs to improve
7. New Orleans Hornets- CP3 has a new alley-oop partner- Emeka Okafor
8. Phoenix Suns- Cut costs by trading Shaq, Channing Frye replaces him. With Amare healthy, Suns will be back to running.
9. Oklahoma City Thunder- Rising, young team with Durant, Green, Westbrook all emerging stars.
10. Houston Rockets- No Yao for the season and lack of perimeter scoring
11. Los Angeles Clippers- Here we go again- Blake Griffin out for 6 weeks with broken kneecap. Talent is there, but injury problems and the fact that they're the Clippers holds them back.
12. Golden State Warriors- Curry fits in nicely but not enough depth inside.
13. Memphis Grizzlies- Iverson and Randolph only slow development of young players.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves- The Rubio/Flynn debacle in the draft was laughable, as should this season be for the T-Wolves.
15. Sacramento Kings- Growing pains for league's worst team in 2008-09 continue.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics- As long as they're healthy, they're loaded. Adding Rasheed Wallace to a healthy Big 3 puts back on top in East.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers- Shaq teams up LeBron to try to bring title to championship-starved Cleveland.
3. Orlando Magic- Wonder how Vince Carter fits in with team. Not the passer Turkoglu is.
4. Atlanta Hawks- Adding Jamal Crawford helps bench scoring
5. Chicago Bulls- Young team led by Rose gets a year older.
6. Miami Heat- Does Beasley finally emerge to help D-Wade?
7. Toronto Raptors- Adding Turkoglu to Bosh gives Toronto one of the top starting forward duos in the East.
8. Philadelphia 76ers- New coach, same players, we'll see if Brand stays healthy.
9. Detroit Pistons- Adding Gordon and Villanueva helps, but still issues up front.
10. Washington Wizards- Can their big 3 (Arenas, Butler, Jamison) finally stay healthy with a core of good role players around them? Apparantly not, Jamison is out 5 weeks already..
11. Indiana Pacers- Granger needs more help on wing. No depth on bench.
12. Charlotte Bobcats- Okafor for Chandler trade didn't make sense. No real offensive star and size issues.
13. New York Knicks- No major additions to a young, raw, not very good team
14. New Jersey Nets- Unless it's going to be Devin Harris pick and roll with Brook Lopez every play, not enough offensive fire power.
15. Milwaukee Bucks- Giving away Jefferson shows the state this team is in- Screw the season and look toward 2010 offseason.

NFL Picks: Week Seven

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Week 6: 7-7
Season record: 61-29

NFL Picks: Week Six

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Week 5: 8-6
Season record: 54-22

2009 LCS Picks

NLCS
This is a rematch of last year's NLCS, won by the Phillies in 5 games. Both lineups are still good, but every playoff series comes down to pitching. The Phillies have the edge in the starters with Cliff Lee, J.A. Happ, and Cole Hamels at the front of the rotation. The Dodgers' starting pitching is still shaky after Clayton Kershaw, but their bullpen has shown an ability to shut down the opposition. I like George Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton at the end a close game over a Brad Lidge who has struggled this year. I think the L.A. bench could also make a difference this year.
Dodgers in 7

ALCS
Both teams swept their respective division series, with the Yankees over the Twins and the Angels over the Red Sox. The Bronx Bombers lineup is great, with Alex Rodriguez shaking off his postseason demons last round. Their pitching has been great as well with CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte in the rotation along with the best closer in the game in Mariano Rivera. The Halos have come this far with great starting pitching from John Lackey, Joe Saunders, and Jared Weaver, as well as timely hitting led by a breakouseason from Kendry Morales. In the end, I like the team with the $200 million payroll because of their stronger bullpen.

Yankees in 6

NFL Picks: Week 5

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Week 4: 12-2
Season record: 46-16

2009 NLDS and ALDS Picks

National League

Rockies-Phillies: in 5

Cardinals-Dodgers: in 4

American League

Red Sox-Angels: in 5

Twins-Yankees: in 4

NFL Picks: Week Four

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Week 3 record: 12-4
Season record: 34-14

NFL Picks: Week Three

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Week 2 record: 9-7
Season record: 22-10

NFL Picks: Week Two

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Week 1 record: 13-3

NFL Picks: Week One

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My 2009 AFC South Preview

1. Indianapolis Colts
2008 Record: 12-4
Projected 2009 Record: 10-6
The Offense
The Colts’ offense should be dominant as usual this season, even without WR Marvin Harrison. Of course, it helps having QB Peyton Manning taking the snaps. Filling in for the departure of Harrison is WR Anthony Gonzalez, who should be a viable replacement. The offensive line got better as the season progressed last year and it returns intact and should be solid. The Colts running game suffered last year with Joseph Addai, but rookie first round pick Donald Brown should help.
The Defense
The 11th ranked defense from last year returns pretty much intact. DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are the best combo in the league, while MLB Gary Brackett, and OLBs Clint Session and Tyjuan Hagler return. The secondary also returns with safeties Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt, and corners Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson, all solid players a year older.
The Key
The running game. The Colts won 12 games despite being 31st in rushing last year. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown must give the offense some balance for the Colts to go further in the playoffs.

2. Houston Texans
2008 Record: 8-8
Projected 2009 Record: 9-7
The Offense
The Texans’ offense finally broke through last season, putting up monster numbers and ranking 3rd in the league in yards. QB Matt Schaub returns as the second best QB in the division, but he needs to stay healthy for the Texans to contend. RB Steve Slaton was a pleasant surprise as a rookie last year, and he, along with backup Chris Brown, who also needs to stay healthy, need to move the chains on the ground for the passing game to reach its full potential. The receiving core is one of the best in the league. WR Andre Johnson is arguably the best receiver in football, while pro-bowl TE Owen Daniels and WR Kevin Walter are great complements. The offensive line returns five starters, although C Chris Myers and RG Mike Brisiel need to show more consistency.
The Defense
Is this the year the Texans defense steps up? Free agent signee DE Antonio Smith who replaces the incompetent Anthony Weaver and rookie first round pick OLB Brian Cushing should certainly help improve a defense that was 22nd last year. DE Mario Williams and MLB DeMeco Ryans are pro-bowl caliber, as the front seven will be the strength of this unit. The secondary has many questions, though as CB Fred Bennett is inexperienced and inconsistent, CB Jacque Reeves is coming back from a broken leg, and CB Dunta Robinson needs a couple weeks to get into game shape after his long training camp holdout.
The Key
The defense. The front seven must get pressure on opposing quarterbacks so the mediocre secondary is not picked apart for this team to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

3. Tennessee Titans
2008 Record: 13-3
Projected 2009 Record: 8-8
The Offense
After Vince Young went down both physically and mentally last year, QB Kerry Collins stepped in and delivered a pro-bowl season, leading the Titans to a 13-3 regular season record. He needs be solid again this year and stay on the field for the Titans to contend. The running game was one of the tops in the league, with “smash (LenDale White) and dash (Chris Johnson)” and will be great again this year. The mediocre receiving core from last year is gone, with free agent WR Nate Washington and rookie first round pick Kenny Britt joining Justin Gage in what should be a much improved passing game. Up front, five starters return, with veteran C Kevin Mawae being in charge.
The Defense
The defense took a big hit in the offseason, losing DT Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins. But with Javon Kearse, Kyle Vanden Bosch outside at end, and a rotation of Jason Jones, Tony Brown, Jovan Haye, and Kevin Vickerson inside, the d-line should be the strength of the defense again. Veteran Keith Bulluck leads the linebacking core, with Stephen Tulloch and David Thorton as the other starters. The secondary returns all its starters, including probowl CB Cortland Finnegan.
The Key
The passing game. The Titans have a very tough schedule and to repeat last year’s results, Kerry Collins (or Vince Young, whoever is at QB) needs to be more consistent in getting the ball to the improved WR core.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
2008 Record: 5-11
Projected 2009 Record: 6-10
The Offense
After that great playoff run in 2007, the ’08 Jaguars never really got going, and it started with the offense. The offensive line was ravaged by injuries last year, and could not keep QB David Garrard upright. Rookie first-round pick LT Eugene Monroe should help, along with a bounce-back year from C Brad Meester. In the skill positions, RB Maurice Jones-Drew will get all the carries now, with Fred Taylor gone, and free agent WR Torry Holt is the centerpiece of a rebuilt receiving core.
The Defense
This defense ranked 17th last year, and needs to improve. DT John Henderson is great, but fellow linemen Derrick Harvey and Atiyyah Ellison must also play well. Linebacker Daryl Smith leads a solid linebacking core that got rid of Mike Peterson, while the secondary of Brian Williams, Rashean Mathis, Reggie Nelson, and Sean Considine must have a bounce back year, as they were 24th in pass defense.
The Key
Health and consistency in the offensive line for David Garrard to have more time to pass and the defense to have more time to rest between series.

Bolt Breaks 200 meter record

Usain Bolt does it again yesterday in Berlin at the world championships. One week after breaking his own 100 meter world record in 9.58, he runs a 19.19 in the 200 meters.

Y.E. Yang Wins PGA Championship

It was 8 A.M. in the morning in South Korea when one of its countrymen made golf history. Y.E. Yang became the first Asian born player to win a professional men's golf major, winning the 91st PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota by three strokes over Tiger Woods. Yang finished at 8-under par for the championship, outplaying Tiger down the stretch with steady, consistent golf highlighted by an eagle chip in at the 14th and a great approach on the final hole. It was the first time Woods had ever lost a major championship when leading after 54 holes. "This might be my last win as a golfer," Yang said through an interpreter. "But it sure is a great day." Yang, who was #118 in the world coming into the tournament, capped off a year of most unlikely major champions, with Angel Cabrera coming back to stun Kenny Perry at the Masters, Lucas Glover coming out of nowhere to win the U.S. Open, and Stewart Cink breaking Tom Watson's heart with a playoff victory at the British Open.

Michael Vick signs with Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed QB Michael Vick to a one year, $1.6 million deal, with an option for a second year at $5.3 million. The 29 year old former star with the Falcons was released from federal prison earlier this year after serving two years for his role in a dogfighting operation. Vick may begin workouts with the Eagles and play the final two preseason games. He will then await full reinstatement into the NFL by commisionner Roger Goddell by week 6. "I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem," Vick said Friday at his introductory press conference.

For the Eagles, I think this was worth a shot. Obviously, their franchise QB is Donovan McNabb, but Vick can certainly add another weapon to the Philadelphia arsenal that already has Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and LeSean McCoy. Sure, there will be protests from PETA and others, but I think this is a low risk, high reward acquisition for a team that has a stable team environment and good coach in Andy Reid that is looking to be a Superbowl contender in 2009.

Cushing Injured

Brian Cushing, the Houston Texans first round pick, has gone down with a knee injury. He will miss this Saturday's preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs and possibly more of the preseason. The 15th pick in the draft was expected to start at strongside linebacker and took an MRI Tuesday night to further explain the seriousness of the injury. This is not good news for a defense that was ranked 22nd last year and has already lost starting CB Jacques Reeves for a month with a broken fibula and still has CB Dunta Robinson holding out due to a contract dispute.

Btw, if you want to join my fantasy football league, just email me at njktmac213@aol.com and I'll drop you an invite. 5 spots remain at the present time.

2009-10 NBA Schedule Released

The 2009-10 NBA Schedule was released today. The season starts on Tuesday, October 27 with a TNT doubleheader. The Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Boston Celtics and will be followed by the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers receiving their championship rings against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Houston Rockets start the season in Portland on October 27, and end the season hosting the Hornets on April 14. See the full schedule at nba.com

2009 MLB Trade Deadline Central

White Sox acquire Peavy
Chicago gets the 2007 NL Cy Young Winner Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres in exchange for left-handed pitchers Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, and right-handers Dexter Carter and Adam Russell.
Marlins acquire Johnson
Florida gets 1B Nick Johnson from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league southpaw Aaron Thompson.
Reds trade for Rolen
Cincinatti gets 3B Scott Rolen from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for 3B Edwin Encarnacion and prospects, pending Rolen's approval since he has a no-trade clause.
Yankees deal for Hairston
New York acquires infielder Jerry Hairston, Jr. from the Cincinatti Reds in exchange for minor league catcher Chase Weems.
Brewers acquire Vargas
Milwaukee reacquires reliever Claudio Vargas from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor league catcher Vinny Rottino.
Braves acquire LaRoche
Atlanta has acquired 1B Adam LaRoche from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 1B Casey Kotchman.
Red Sox trade for Martinez
Boston has reportedly acquired all-star C Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for right-hander Justin Masterson and minor league pitchers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price.
Twins acquire Cabrera
Minnesota upgraded its infield, getting SS Orlando Cabrera from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league SS Tyler Ladendorf.
Tigers trade for Washburn
Detroit strengthens its rotation, acquiring lefty Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for left-handed pitcher Luke French and minor league prospect pitcher Mauricio Robles.
Cubs acquire Grabow, Gorzelanny
Chicago gets southpaw relievers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny form the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitchers Kevin Hart and Jose Ascanio along with A infielder Josh Harrison.
Dodgers acquire Sherrill
Los Angeles gets former all-star closer George Sherill from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for AA third baseman Josh Bell and AA right-hander Steve Johnson.
Giants acquire Sanchez
San Francisco gets all-star infielder Freddy Sanchez from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitching prospect Tim Alderson.
Phillies acquire Lee
Philadelphia gets the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for AAA right handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco, A right handed pitcher Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and shortstop Jason Donald. This is the second straight season the Indians have traded their reigning Cy Young winner (CC Sabathia last year).
Pirates trade two more
Pittsburgh trades SS Jack Wilson and RHP Ian Snell to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for SS Ronny Cedeno, first baseman Jeff Clement, and right-handed pitching prospects Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Three Years

Today, my blog, The Sports Scene, turns three years old. And what a journey it has been. It began as just a way to relieve my boredom during the summer on AOL's RED site, but it has turned into much more. On AOL, I had over 350 posts and 51000 visitors before RED Blogs shut down earlier this year in March. Here on Blogger, I've had a good four months with 28 posts and I thank any new visitors as well as the ones who followed me over here. Continue to visit, comment, and email, and look for another great year in superb sports coverage.

Mark Buehrle Throws Perfect Game

Thursday, Mark Buehrle became the 18th pitcher all-time to throw a perfect game: 27 up, 27 down. It is also his second career no-hitter, and the first perfect game in the majors since Randy Johnson in 2004. Congratulations to him for an amazing accomplishment.

Cink Wins British Open over Watson in playoff

Through 71 3/4 holes, Tom Watson had the 138th British Open championship within his grasp. All he needed to do was hole an 8 foot par putt at #18 to finish off his miraculous weekend. But it just wasn't meant to be. Watson, who at 59 (that's not a typo, fifty-nine!) was trying to become the oldest golfer to win a major, missed the putt, forcing a playoff with fellow American Stewart Cink at -2, who had birdied #18 earlier. In the 4-hole aggregate playoff, Watson looked like he ran out of steam and bogeyed #5, while Cink made par easily. Next at #6, Watson made an amazing par save after his tee shot at the par 3 went well right of the green. But at #17, it all unraveled as Watson's tee shot found the deep rough down the left side and he could not recover. Cink ended winning the playoff by six shots, and wrapping up his first major championship. "I grew up watching Tom Watson play on TV and hoping one day maybe I could follow in his footsteps at the Open Championship. He's turned back the clock and I've just been feeling so many different things. I just feel so happy to be a part of it, let alone win."

My Thoughts on the 2009 MLB All-Star Game

Well, the American League did it again, rallying for a 4-3 victory and earning home field advantage for this fall's World Series at last night's MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis. The game was actually pretty good, and you have to give credit to the AL's Mark Buehrle, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson, Felix Hernandez, Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Nathan, and Mariano Rivera for shutting out the NL bats for the final 7 innings. Hometown Cardinal Albert Pujols had a rough night, going 0 for 3, including an error in the first inning that led to an AL run. Ryan Howard, who grew up in St. Louis, had a chance in the eighth inning to take the lead with a single for the NL, which was trailing 4-3, but had runners at second and third with two out, but struck out on a slider in the dirt. MVP Carl Crawford made a spectacular catch in the 7th inning to rob Brad Hawpe of a go-ahead home run. The very next inning, the AL took the lead for good on a triple by Detroit's Curtis Granderson and a sac-fly from Baltimore's Adam Jones. From the Astros, Miguel Tejada went 0 for 2, turning a double play, but Hunter Pence never got in the game.

The pregame ceremonies were good again, although I think they're getting longer and longer every year. Obama's first pitch wasn't great, but could have been much worse. (It would have helped if FOX had the correct camera angle) The Heroes in Community Call to Action thing was nice, seeing all 5 living presidents talking about some of the everyday heroes in communities across the country.

2009 MLB Homerun Derby Contestants

American League Contestants
Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers

Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays
National League Contestants
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

Adrian Gonzales, San Diego Padres
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

Watch tonight on ESPN at 8 PM ET.

Federer Wins Wimbledon, Passes Sampras

WIMBLEDON- The record is all his. Roger Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon today over American Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 to pass Pete Sampras for the most ever major championships. The 4 hour, 16 minute match featured 77 games and the longest ever fifth set, both the most in Grand Slam final history. "I'm happy I broke the record here because this is always the tournament that meant the most to me," Federer said. "It definitely feels like coming full circle, starting it here and ending it here." Federer's sixth Wimbledon title also allowed him to reclaim his #1 world ranking from Rafael Nadal, who did not participate at the tournament due to injury. Roddick fought hard and played valiently, but even at his best could not beat Federer, who according to Sampras, is the best to ever play. "I have to give it to him," he said. "...He's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more here. So in my book he is [the greatest of all time]."

Happy Independence Day

HAPPY JULY FOURTH everyone. Today, our country is 233 years old. I hope everyone will enjoy the fireworks tonight and stay cool.

In NBA free agency news:
Lakers sign F Ron Artest to three year, $18 million deal...Rockets sign F Trevor Ariza to five year, $30 million deal...Pistons sign F Charlie Villanueva and G Ben Gordon...Originally reported to sign with Portland, F Hedo Turkoglu is now apparantly going to Toronto...Mavericks sign C Marcin Gortat

MLB All-Star Voting

MLB All-Star voting ends on Thursday night. So if you haven't voted 25 times yet, be sure to vote at MLB.com. The players I voted for are below.

In other somewhat current news, the USA soccer team advanced to the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa by beating Spain 2-0 in the semifinal round before falling to Brazil 3-2 in the final. The game was very exciting although the ending was somewhat disappointing. But I like the steps U.S. soccer is taking in advance of next year's World Cup.

2009 NBA Draft

FIRST ROUND

1. LA Clippers: Blake Griffin (PF) Oklahoma
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet (C) Connecticut
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden (SG) Arizona State
4. Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans (SG) Memphis
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio (PG) Spain
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonny Flynn (PG) Syracuse
7. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry (PG) Davidson
8. New York Knicks: Jordan Hill (PF) Arizona
9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan (SG) USC
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings (PG) Italy
11. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Williams (SG) Louisville
12. Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson (SG) Duke
13. Indiana Pacers: Tyler Hansbrough (PF) North Carolina
14. Phoenix Suns: Earl Clark (SF) Louisville
15. Detroit Pistons: Austin Daye (SF) Gonzaga
16. Chicago Bulls: James Johnson (PF) Wake Forest
17. Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday (PG) UCLA
18. Minnesota Timberwolves*: Ty Lawson (PG) North Carolina
19. Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague (PG) Wake Forest
20. Utah Jazz: Eric Maynor (PG) VA Commonwealth
21. New Orleans Hornets: Darren Collison (PG) UCLA
22. Portland Trailblazers: Victor Claver (SF) Spain
23. Sacramento Kings: Omri Casspi (SF) Israel
24. Dallas Mavericks♣: B.J. Mullens (C) Ohio State
25. Oklahoma City Thunder#: Rodrigue Beaubois (PG) France
26. Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson (PF) USC
27. Memphis Grizzlies: DeMarre Carroll (PF) Missouri
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wayne Ellington (SG) North Carolina
29. LA Lakers^: Toney Douglas (SG) Florida State
30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Christian Eyenga (SF) Congo
*traded to Nuggets
♣traded to Thunder
#traded to Mavericks
^traded to Knicks

Also, other NBA transactions today:
Suns trade Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland for Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace.
Nets trade Vince Carter to Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie.

LSU wins College World Series

Jared Mitchell, who was also on LSU's 2007 BCS Championship team, hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and was named CWS Most Outstanding Player, as LSU won its sixth national championship in baseball, 11-4 in Game 3 over Texas last night. "It's an unbelievable feeling to be put in the position where you're remembered forever in Baton Rouge now," said Mitchell. The championship ties LSU with Texas with 6 all-time, 2nd only to USC, which has 12. It was the first title for LSU head coach Paul Mainieri. "I've had wonderful kids everywhere I've been," Mainieri said. "They're all feeling a part of this. I'm so happy for these kids. They've done everything I've asked."

Lucas Glover Wins U.S. Open

With far less drama as last year's U.S. Open, Lucas Glover dropped a three foot putt for par on the 72nd hole to win the 109th U.S. Open by 2 shots, at 4-under par, over David Duval, Ricky Barnes, and Phil Mickelson. Glover, who had never even made a cut before at a U.S. Open and had only won one previous PGA Tour event, played calmly down the stretch and emerged from a extremely wet weekend (Thursday's 1st round was postponed due to rain, and pushed the entire tournament a day back), as the unlikeliest of champions. Barnes, who led after 54 holes, collapsed in the final round, shooting a 5-over 76. Former #1 Duval showed everyone glimpses of his earlier greatness, with three straight birdies on the back 9, but a bogey at 17 doomed him. Mickelson, who was the sentimental favorite from the New York crowd, with his wife to undergo cancer treatment soon, tied for the lead late, but collapsed with bogeys on two of his final four holes to break the record for most U.S. Open runnerups, with 5.

A Hollywood Ending

Vindication for Los Angeles.

One year after being blown out in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals by the Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers came back this year and capped off their 15th championship with a 99-86 Game Five elimination of the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena.

Finals MVP Kobe Bryant had 30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks in the clincher, but unlike last year, also got big contributions from big men Pau Gasol (14 points, 15 rebounds in Game 5) and Lamar Odom (17 points, 10 rebounds) both on the offensive end and defensively against Magic superman Dwight Howard. Notable, too, was the defense and strength of center Andrew Bynum, who missed last year's finals with a knee injury. Who knows where the series would be without Derek Fisher, who shook off a terrible shooting slump throughout the West playoff bracket to hit two big threes (to tie game, to take lead) to give the Lakers a Game 4 win in OT. But the focus should be on Bryant, who displayed tremendous leadership and determination to get his 4th title, and first without Shaq as a sidekick.

"To have the attitude of we're going to become a better defensive team, a better rebounding team and then to actually do it and to see it all happen, it feels like I'm dreaming," Bryant said. "I can't believe this moment is here."

The championship is also head coach Phil Jackson's record-breaking 10th title, as he breaks a tie with Boston's late Red Auerbach who had 9.

"I'll smoke the cigar tonight in memory of Red," Jackson said. "He was a great guy."

Meanwhile, for the Magic, it was a disappointing end to a great season, as they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years, taking down the defending champion Celtics and LeBron James and the heavily favored Cavaliers in the process. They had chances in Games 2 and 4 to win down the stretch, but ultimately caved under pressure. Magic superstar center Dwight Howard never got going in the series, and finished with just 11 points in Game 5.

"It hurts," Howard said. "It hurts a lot. But you can learn a lot from losing. Sometimes you've got to lose to win."

In addition to Howard's struggles, the Magic, which had depended on three-pointers the whole season to get them to the Finals, could not convert them in the series, and shot just 8 of 27 in Game 5.

In the end, Kobe Bryant was not going to be denied his 4th title, and he led the Lakers to a magical ending.

Federer Wins French Open

As the rain began to fall again at Roland Garros in Paris, and with the Swiss national anthem playing in the stadium, tears of joy streamed down Roger Federer's face. The #2 in the world had finally won the French Open for the first time in his career, which was his 14th major, tying Pete Sampras' record. He beat Robin Soderling, who had knocked off his rival #1 Rafael Nadal earlier in the tournament, in straight sets 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 to complete a career grand slam. "It's maybe my greatest victory, or certainly the one that removes the most pressure off my shoulders," Federer said afterward. "I think that now and until the end of my career, I can really play with my mind at peace, and no longer hear that I've never won Roland Garros."

2009 NBA Finals Preview: Magic vs. Lakers

Well, so much for LeBron vs. Kobe. Whatever, I just hope we have a great NBA Finals (we haven't had one in a while). Here are position battles for vs..

Point Guards: Rafer Alston vs. Derek Fisher
Rafer Alston has done an adequate job filling in for Jameer Nelson since he went down injured in February. While Nelson will be activated for the series, Alston is still the starter and must run the offense efficiently as well as knock down open shots. Fisher has struggled mightily this postseason and has yet to find his shooting touch. He is a proven Finals veteran, but if he continues to struggle, Shannon Brown or Jordan Farmar could take minutes from him.
Slight Edge: Magic
Shooting Guards: Courtney Lee vs. Kobe Bryant
The rookie Lee has been solid since joining the starting lineup for Orlando (averaging 8.8 PPG in playoffs), and must continue to play well, shooting the ball and running in transition. Kobe has been Kobe, putting the Lakers on his back down the stretch in games and willing them to victory. He will be a matchup nightmare for Magic, as no Orlando player has the length and quickness to stay with him.
Edge: Lakers
Small Forwards: Hedo Turkoglu vs. Trevor Ariza
Turkoglu has been up and down throughout these playoffs with his shooting, but has continued to make plays for Orlando with his pinpoint passing. He is their clutchest player and will have to be big if the game is close down the stretch. Trevor Ariza fits the mold of a role player, with his energy and slashing ability to the basket, along with some three-point range and solid defense. He must harness this energy and make it positive to help his team.
Edge: Magic
Power Forwards: Rashard Lewis vs. Pau Gasol
This is the most strange matchup since neither player would guard the other in crunchtime due to their different types of skills. Lewis is a great three-point shooter that can be a game changer if he's on. But he is not very strong and if he is guarding any Laker big man, he could be exploited. Gasol is a great low post presence who needs to have a dominant Finals (unlike last year) to take some of the load off of Kobe. He is a good help defender if needed, but is not very quick and could not guard someone like Lewis.
Edge: Lakers
Centers: Dwight Howard vs. Andrew Bynum
Dwight 'Superman' Howard is key for the Magic. The offense of the team runs through his ability to dominate the paint, which opens up three-pointers for his teammates. Defensively, he was the Defensive Player of the Year for his ability to change shots with his wingspan. Bynum, coming back from injury is still not 100% and has struggled mightily at times. He won't be asked to play a lot of minutes, but when he's in there, he must contain Howard and not let him completely take over the game.
Edge: Magic
Sixth Men: Lamar Odom vs. Mickael Pietrus
Odom will be the first one off the bench for L.A. (probably for both teams), but he has been wildly inconsistent so far in these playoffs. He brings another low post scoring option, and can be a beast on the boards. Usually if he plays well, the Lakers win. The veteran Pietrus has been great backing up the rookie Lee, and does a lot of little things well, utilizing his speed and quickness.
Edge: Lakers
Coaches: Stan Van Gundy vs. Phil Jackson
Stan Van Gundy has done a great job with his team, bringing back the Finals for first time since 1995, Shaq's rookie year. While he is often painted as "the bad guy", he has gotten his team ready and motivated for every game. Phil Jackson is going for his record breaking 10th ring as a coach and is a hall of famer. The Lakers have failed to show up for a couple games, though, and it's on him to prepare them and keep them fired up.
Edge: Lakers
The Keys
It comes down to the role players for the Lakers stepping up. Kobe is the best closer in the game, but he can't do it alone (see LeBron and the Cavs for proof). For the Magic, Dwight Howard has to dominate inside and the Magic must knock down their open three-point shots if they get them. Also, they must make smart decisions with the basketball and not shoot themselves in the foot.
My prediction: win series in six games, 4-2

Last round’s record: 0-2
Playoff record: 11-3