Roy Halladay Throws Perfect Game

Last night in Miami, Roy Halladay, center in the picture above, became the 20th pitcher all-time to throw a perfect game, as the Phillies defeated the Marlins 1-0. (Watch the final out here) The 33-year old ace retired all 27 hitters he faced, becoming the second pitcher to throw a perfect game this year, following Dallas Braden on Mother's Day earlier this month. What an amazing accomplishment for him and congratulations on a job well done.

2010 U.S World Cup Roster

Forwards
• Jozy Altidore, Villareal (Spain)
• Edson Buddle, Los Angeles Galaxy
• Robbie Findley, Real Salt Lake
• Herculez Gomez, Pachuca (Mexico)

Midfielders
• DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers (Scotland)
• Michael Bradley, Moenchengladbach (Germany)
• Ricardo Clark, Frankfurt (Germany)
• Clint Dempsey, Fulham (England)
• Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
• Maurice Edu, Rangers (Scotland)
• Benny Feilhaber, Aarhus (Denmark)
• Stuart Holden, Bolton (England)
• Jose Torres, Pachuca (Mexico)

Defenders
• Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France) (captain)
• Jonathan Bornstein, Chivas USA
• Steve Cherundolo, Hannover (Germany)
• Jay DeMerit, Watford (England)
• Clarence Goodson, IK Start (Norway)
• Oguchi Onyewu, AC Milan (Italy)
• Jonathan Spector, West Ham (England)

Goaltenders
• Brad Guzan, Aston Villa (England)
• Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton (England)
• Tim Howard, Everton (England)

A notable cut from the team was Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching. Ching, who was on the 2006 World Cup team but never got in a game, had worked very hard and contributed to USA Soccer's success over the last four years. It's sad to see him not get a chance from coach Bob Bradley to fulfill a lifelong dream of his.

2010 NBA Playoffs: My Conference Finals Preview

Western Conference
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Both teams swept their respective series, and looked impressive in doing so. The Suns finally got rid of their demons with the Spurs, taking advantage of exceptional play from Steve Nash and using the pick and roll to perfection. Meanwhile, the Lakers' length and interior defense was too much for a banged-up Utah Jazz team. Both teams can put up a lot of points, and pace will be key in the series. The Suns thrive on transition baskets and if they can get out on the fast break, the older Lakers may have problems trying to keep up. Phoenix can also take advantage of an struggling L.A. bench, as Goran Dragic and Jared Dudley have outperformed Laker reserves Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown this postseason. However, in the end, the Lakers' superior height and defense should be able to stop the Suns' high power attack. Not to mention that a certain guy named Kobe is starting to heat up.
Lakers in 6
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
Orlando swept the helpless Hawks in round two, while Boston impressively took out LeBron's Cavaliers in 6 games. This series is a rematch of last year's 7-game Eastern Conference Semifinal, although the Celtics didn't have Kevin Garnett, and the Magic didn't have Jameer Nelson. Both teams are great defensive teams, and are very well coached. The point guard matchup should be sensational to watch, with Rajon Rondo and Nelson playing at the top of their games. Boston needs to focus on stopping Dwight Howard in the paint and needs Kendrick Perkins to play well. Another interesting matchup is Rashard Lewis against Kevin Garnett. While KG has the edge banging in the paint and on rebounds, Lewis' quickness and shooting range makes this a mismatch on both sides. In the end, it comes down to whether Boston can contain the pick-and-roll basketball of the Magic. While they were exceptional in stopping the Cavs, Orlando's offense is much more complex and harder to stop for the veterans of the Celtics.
Magic in 7

My Playoff Record: 8-4

2010 NBA Playoffs- Conference Semifinal Predictions

Western Conference
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Jazz rode the outstanding play of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer to oust the Nuggets in round one, despite playing without Andrei Kirilenko or Mehmet Okur. The Lakers, meanwhile, struggled past the Thunder in six games, with their length and too much for Oklahoma City. If Okur and Kirilenko were available, the Jazz might have a chance, but Williams, Boozer, and Paul Millsap won't be enough to stop Kobe and the superior depth of the Lakers.
Lakers in 6
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
San Antonio upset Dallas in round one, while Phoenix was too much for undermanned Portland, setting up what should be another great series between these two rivals. The Spurs yet to lose a series to the Suns in three chances (2005, 2007, 2008) and I don't think they will this year. Although Duncan has lost a step, Manu Ginobili has turned back the clock and is playing at the top of his game. Add young George Hill and the Spurs' great defense, which will be able to contain the Suns' fastbreak attack and Nash and Stoudemire's season will end early again.
Spurs in 6
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Both teams dominated their round one series, winning in 5 games, although most were grind it out type wins. This series should be no different, as the more physical team will likely come out on top. In the end, LeBron, Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams and the depth of the Cavs will be too much for the older Celtics.
Cavs in 7
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic blew by the offensive-inept Bobcats in four games, with PG Jameer Nelson playing sensational. Meanwhile, the Hawks won another grind-it-out 7-game first round series against the Bucks. Stopping Dwight Howard is the key for the Atlanta in this series, and with the way they defended against Milwaukee at times, it might be a big series for the Orlando center who struggled against Charlotte in round one. The red-hot guard play of Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter, also gives the Magic the slightest of edges over Joe Johnson and Josh Smith's team.
Magic in 7

My First Round Record: 6-2