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 Who would have guessed? OJ Mayo has been accused of accepting cash and gifts while attending school. Alright, if you didn't see this coming, raise your hands. C'mon, get em up high in the air. If you didn't see anything dirty surrounding a kid that wanted to go to school at USC because of the "marketing exposure" he could receive while in school, then I have some prime beach front property in Antarctica that I'd like to sell you. Mayo is accused of accepting around $30,000 and gifts from a "friend" by the name of Rodney Guillory. That is some sort of friend! I wish I was good enough at anything to where my friends would want to give me 30K, a flat screen TV, and feed me too! Now, Mayo isn't fully to blame for this. The kid has had people coming at him for as long as his name has been in SLAM magazine. Shoe people, clothing people, boosters, alumni, coaches, anyone that can get a quick taste of his lifestyle...they all want in. They all want a piece of a kid that can play a game. However, Mayo knew the rules. He knew that he couldn't accept any of the "benefits" he was receiving. It all goes back to the NBA making kids go to school for at least one year. If Mayo didn't have to go to school this year, this wouldn't have been an issue. Some say that early entrants ruin the NBA. Who cares about the NBA? Making kids go to school just for show is ruining the college game. AND for those of you that care, it is also ruining schools graduation rates. If a kid goes to a school and either leaves early for the NBA or transfers schools, then that hurts their schools future. But what do I really know? I'm just a fan. [ full story] [ comments (10)]
 I've heard of some players starting off slow. I've heard that some players just need some time. But, how much time is enough time? How slow is too slow? Ryan Howard is the perfect of example of too slow. After 36 games, Howard is hitting an insulting .161 with 50 strikeouts in 123 at-bats. I think it is time for the Phillies to sit him until he gets his mind right. I know the argument. "But, you can't sit Ryan Howard, he's a superstar." Really? A superstar? He puts up the same numbers as Adam Dunn and I don't hear anyone calling him the greatest player in the game today. Sure, Howard hits for a little more average, but in the end, strikeouts and home runs are the norm. Let's take a look at his career numbers: At-Bats: 1584 Hits: 445 Home runs: 135 RBI: 369 Strikeouts: 543 ABs per HR: 11.7 ABs per K: 2.9 Now, if Howard is hitting a home run every 12 at-bats, that is pretty good. A nice solid bat in the middle of the lineup. But, When Howard is striking out once every three at-bats, that number doesn't seem so appetizing. Who would take Howard's place in the meantime? Philly could put Greg Dobbs at first for a while. He had a decent season last year and is hitting .302 so far this year. With Philadelphia tied for the NL East lead, the Phillies can afford to let Howard stay in the lineup. But, if they eliminate Howard's numerous strike outs from the lineup, then maybe Philly could take the lead and build some distance between them and second place.
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As the Summer creeps up on us, the Pacers have some decisions to make with their roster. I think one of the smartest moves the team could make, is to look at some players from the NBDL for bench help. I have made a list of four players the team should look at this summer. 1. Earl Calloway - Guard - Fort Wayne Mad Ants - Calloway has proven his worth in the NBDL. He averaged 19ppg, 5rpg, 6apg, and 2spg for the season. With one triple-double and seven double-doubles, the former Indiana Hoosier can be a solid contributor off the bench for the Pacers. His Assist-to-Turnover ratio (just over 2-to-1) is a little bothersome to me, but he won't be the main option when he is on the floor, so that should come down. He can take the spot of Andre Owens and Flip Murray on the team.  2. Julius Hodge - Guard/Forward - Albuquerque Thunderbirds - After being a lottery pick a few seasons ago, Hodge struggled to get into the NBA flow. He was shot during his rookie season, so that didn't help his development at all, but it seems like he is now ready for the jump back up to the NBA. With season averages of 24ppg, 8rpg, and 6apg, Hodge has a versatile game and can hurt the opposition from many different angles. Hodge could come in with the second unit and be a vital player in the rotation. 3. Carlos Powell - Forward - Dakota Wizards - Powell is another guy that can do more than one thing pretty good. At 6'7, 225, Powell could play either the 2 or 3 on a regular basis and could also play some 4 in a smaller lineup, which is what the Pacers like to go with. Powell averaged 23ppg, 6rpg, and 5apg this season. Again, his turnovers need to come down, but he could add some help off the bench. 4. Ivan Johnson - Forward - Rio Grande Valley Vipers - Johnson has some nice size at 6'8 and 230. He is a pretty athletic prospect that came from Cal. State San Bernardino. He averaged 14ppg, 7rpg, 1apg, 1bpg, and 1spg this season. He can play solid defense and his length will help shut down passing lanes and alter some shots. He would be a nice energy guy off the bench for the Pacers. I'm not saying to sign all four players, but it is a wise decision to take a look at some other options this Summer. Not every player in the NBA should be there. The same can be said for some of the players in the NBDL. Taking a look will never hurt.
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Now that Oakland has won four games in a row, they have jumped back into a first place tie with the Angels. Both teams sit at 22-14 on the season and both have played very consistent baseball. So what is going to separate the two teams? The first thing that will create space is pitching. Looking at both staffs, the Angels appear to have the better staff by name recognition. However, the A's have the best pitching in the American League right now. When a team is struggling on offense, the pitching can get them through. Oakland's offense is nowhere near as potent as the Angels' offense, so they have to rely on their pitching quite a bit more. Later in the season that will help the team out a little more, because they know that they can be patient on offense while their pitching goes out and keeps the other teams from scoring a ton of runs. The second thing that is going to cause a change in the standings is injuries. Both teams have quite a few players on the DL right now. Oakland has Rich Harden (coming back very soon), Keith Foulke, Kiko Calero, Travis Buck, and Eric Chavez. LA has Kelvin Escobar, John Lackey, Dustin Moseley, Maicer Izturis, and Howie Kendrick on the DL for their team. As you can see, both teams have players on the DL that are big time contributors. Oakland is used to having Rich Harden on the DL, but Eric Chavez has not even seen an at-bat this season. He could be the key to the offense once he comes back. The same could be said for the Angels' Howie Kendrick. Whoever comes back stronger for their respective team, is going to go a long way in determining which team will start to make a strong push for the post season. Next up for Oakland is a weekend showdown with the Texas Rangers, this time in Texas. Oakland is currently 10-5 on the road. Texas is 6-8 at home.
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With the lottery order still two weeks away, I have decided to do a pre-lottery Mock Draft. After the order is decided, I will then do a revision and then do a couple more up until the NBA Draft. I am using the order set by winning percentage from this last season. Here is what I have for the lottery picks as of now: 1. Miami Heat: Michael Beasley (FR, PF, Kansas State) - At this point, Miami can really use just about anyone to improve this team. Last year, the debate was between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. This year, it is between Beasley and Derrick Rose. I think that the Heat will go with Beasley. You can't argue with a double-double machine. 2. Seattle Supersonics: Derrick Rose (FR, PG, Memphis) - Seattle really can't lose with the second pick for the second year in a row. They added Kevin Durant with this pick and then Jeff Green with pick five. This year, they get their point guard of the future and suddenly, the future looks really bright for this team. If they really want Beasley, they could package both of their first round picks to Miami and then scoop him up. Wonder what the team name will be if they end up moving to Oklahoma City. 3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Brook Lopez (SO, C, Stanford) - With the T-Wolves adding Rashad McCants, Randy Foye, and Corey Brewer the last few drafts, I don't see them going after O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless here. Lopez is the highest rated big man after Beasley, so he will probably go here with the third pick. Minny could trade down for a few picks as well. 4. Memphis Grizzlies: OJ Mayo (FR, SG, USC) - Memphis has an army of guards with Lowry, Conley, Crittendon, Navarro, and Mike Miller. But, Mayo is the highest rated player and taking a big man with this pick would be a stretch. They have two first round picks, so I see them taking the best available player here and then hoping to address their big man situation with the pick they get from the Lakers. Mike Miller could be dealt for picks or for that big man as well. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon (FR, SG, Indiana) - This team is a team that is in transition. Elton Brand could be gone this summer, Sam Cassell left during the season, Cuttino Mobley is getting older, and Shaun Livingston's health isn't very clear. With Mobley and Quinton Ross being the only shooting guards on the team, I look for the Clippers to take Gordon here for some scoring help. 6. New York Knicks: Jerryd Bayless (FR, PG, Arizona) - New York is trying to get back to winning. I'm not sure Bayless is the guy that is going to lead them, but he is capable of running the point for a team. He is a proven scorer, but can he distribute the ball like a point guard should? Maybe he is the second coming of Stephon Marbury. 7. Milwaukee Bucks: DJ Augustin (SO, PG, Texas) - Milwaukee really confuses me. They have talent at every position. They just can't win. Mo Williams had a lot of injury problems this season, so I could see the Bucks taking Augustin here. He will be a backup at first, but could steal the job away from Williams if he plays well. 8. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Randolph (FR, PF, LSU) - Michael Jordan has made a habit out of drafting players with a lot of buzz around them. Randolph is this year's version of that player. 9. Chicago Bulls: DeAndre Jordan (SO, C, Texas A&M) - The Bulls are great at picking players that don't contribute right away. Here is their opportunity to do it again this year. Jordan is a big project. But, he could pay big dividends by season's end. We will see. 10. New Jersey Nets: Danilo Gallinari (SF, Italy) - The Nets have a nice stable of big men, but they don't have much scoring depth at the 1,2, or 3. Gallinari might be a year away from playing in the NBA, but he can be a nice player for years to come. 11. Indiana Pacers: Russell Westbrook (SO, PG, UCLA) - Indiana could go with either Westbrook or Kevin Love with this pick. I think that the team really wants to establish a team leader with this pick. Westbrook could be that guy. 12. Sacramento Kings: Kevin Love (FR, C, UCLA) - Back-to-back Bruins taken here. Love and Spencer Hawes will be a nice 1-2 combo down low for the Kings. Brad Miller is a nice mentor for the two. 13. Portland Trailblazers: Chase Budinger (SO, SG, Arizona) - The draft is loaded with Pac10 talent thus far. Portland will look to take Budinger here to add depth to their team. What is Portland going to do with all of their players. 14. Golden State Warriors: Darrell Arthur (SO, PF, Kansas) - Arthur fits the Warriors style of play and he adds a great energy off the bench for this team. He is used to playing a team game, so he doesn't need the ball all the time to be successful.
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 Now that Marvin Harrison has been accused of "shooting" someone, I don't have much faith left in athletes these days. Is this another case of a dumb athlete with a gun, or an athlete with a dumb gun? I'd like to think that Marvin Harrison isn't a dumb person, but to be caught up in a situation like this doesn't say much for his ability to pick and choose his acquaintances very wisely.
I just hope that he is innocent...and it's not even about the football right now.
* Credit goes to The Graphics Department for the picture.
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 Yes, it's true. I know from experience. My friend, who I'll just call Rustafari, is selling this product now and has asked me to help out in promoting his business a little. I don't have any problem with that, considering I have an outlet to do it with. Rustafari and I went to high school together and have stayed in contact since, so when he asked for some help, I was happy to oblige. I put in an order and bought the caffeine-free cranberry-grape blast. It is quite nice. I drank all 12 within the first few days. The drinks are not only good, but they have 0 carbs and 0 sugar in them. They also contain most of the essential vitamins that you need on a daily basis. The pricing for the drinks is similar to what you would pay in a store or gas station for any energy drink. So, go take a look for yourself and put an order in. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the taste and you'll want to order more in the future. Here is the link to go check everything out: Enjoy!! [ full story] [ comments (0)]
In a series that had as much importance as an early season series can have, nothing was established. Oakland and Los Angeles came into the series tied for first place in the AL West and they will leave the series in that same tie. Oakland took the first game with an offensive explosion, scoring 14 runs. The next two games, the Angels shut down the A's bats and they took those both. Last night, the fourth and final game of the series, the Oakland bats came back to life. With 20 hits and 15 runs, the A's managed to win the game and earn a split of this first place series. All of the Oakland starters had hits and everyone except for Mark Ellis drove in at least one run. Jack Cust finished the game 4-for-4 with a home run. He also allowed the Angels to tied the game at 4 early in the game as he dropped the easiest of easy fly balls...with two outs. If he would have caught it like he was supposed to, LAofA wouldn't have scored a run that inning. That's how life goes though! The pitching was great throughout the series. Justin Duschcherer was tagged for 6 runs, but only 1 was earned, thanks to Jack Cust (read above). Chad Gaudin, Greg Smith, and Dana Eveland all had solid starts. Eveland pitched very well for 5 innings, but fell apart in the sixth inning. The bullpen has been great all season and they continue to impress me. Let's look at their ERAs: - Andrew Brown - 0.00 (16 innings)
- Santiago Casilla - 0.00 (14.1 innings)
- Huston Street - 4.38 (12.1 innings)
- Alan Embree - 3.75 (12 innings)
- Joey Devine - 0.92 (10 innings)
- Kirk Saarloos - 2.35 (7.2 innings)
- Keith Foulke - 2.57 (7 innings)
The only pitchers that have had some trouble thus far are Lenny Dinardo (10.57 in 7.2 innings), Dallas Braden (5.14 in 7 innings), and Rule-5 pick Fernando Hernandez (18.00 in 3 innings). Braden actually was starting to gain some momentum before giving up a couple runs last night and raising his ERA back up over 5. So, again, I am very pleased how the pitching staff has done their job this season. With an accumulative ERA of 3.21, the A's lead the American League in that category. Oakland will now take on divisional opponent Texas this weekend. The games are going to be played in Oakland, where the A's are only 8-7 on the season. What happened to having the home-field advantage?!
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Apparently Assembly Hall was a media circus yet again today as the police were called to Coach Tom Crean's office during a meeting with Eli Holman. The men's basketball coach was meeting with Eli to discuss Eli's request to transfer. Preliminary reports indicate that Holman was upset and managed to smash a flower pot from Crean's desk. Crean has handled the situation as well as can be expected in his statement to the press.
This is yet another blow to an already depleted Indiana basketball roster. It is looking more and more as though DeAndre Thomas and Kyle Taber will be the frontcourt on the 2008-09 team. Incoming freshman Tom Pritchard may be receiving far more playing time than he could ever have imagined as a true frosh at IU. I anticipate further comment and more in depth analysis of these events from Cobra Brigade when the dust settles.
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 There he is folks. Shawne Williams. The key to the Pacers' success next season.
Williams is playing behind Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy and will be the Pacers' sixth man going into next season. Williams can play the 2, 3, or 4 spots if needed. With his 6'9, 225lb frame, he can use his length and speed to stifle a drive to the basket or he can use his strength and timing to alter a shot on defense. On offense, he can pull bigger defenders out to the perimeter and either shoot from outside or drive around them. He can also post up smaller defenders when a mismatch is present.
The reason that I think Williams is the key to next season, is because he will be coming into his third year in the league and he knows his role. He can score in a hurry and defend very well, so the Pacers will look to him for leadership with the second unit.
Williams could possibly be the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year next season. He just needs to hit the gym a little harder this summer and come back ready to take over in training camp. He has proven he has the skill set to do what is needed to be successful on the court, now he just needs to get his mindset and maturity level up to par.
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