Lugie's List 11/23 - Gobble Gobble

A moment of silence for my survivor season, which after lasting 10 weeks (beating my previous record of 2 weeks) is disappointing. How the Bengals can lose to Oakland after beating Pittsburg last week is beyond me…which leads me to…

1. By my count there are only 5 good NFL teams (Pittsburg and the Bengals fall out this week…even losing on the road is unacceptable when it's KC and Oakland):

2. San Diego – Norv Turner is still the coach. I refuse to even consider them contenders until a coaching change is made. Having said that…they’ve won 5 straight and have a shot at a first round bye.

3. Minnesota – They are cruising to a first round bye and look solid on both sides of the ball. Having said that…they haven’t beaten anyone on the contender list and Brett Favre is their QB – ticking time bomb come playoff time.

4. New Orleans – After a few close calls in recent weeks, the dominant Saints returned against Tampa, and at 10-0 stand a fairly good shot to finish undefeated in the regular season. Having said that…they have a showdown with the Patriots next Monday night which will be their toughest game of the year and hopefully Colts-Pats 2.0 for the viewing public.

5. Patriots – Belichick stuck it to the Jets yet again Sunday (does Rex Ryan have to give back his Coach of the Year trophy he received after week 3?). Having said that…Bill Belichick is a preening shmo who steals the souls of 5 children before every game to inspire his evil coaching.

6. Colts – The Colts looked shaky again Sunday barely holding on to remain undefeated. Having said that...they have Peyton FREAKIN' MANNING.

So I shamelessly stole a joke from Curb to fill my column. Having said that...you read it anyways. (ok moving on...)

7. Was the Bears-Eagles game as awful /boring to watch on TV as it was to Gamecast on my phone in the car ride home? Andy Reid again attempted to lose the game for the Eagles by running on 3rd and 4 where a first down nets them a W. There isn't a coach in the league that is worse at calling plays on the downs that matter most.

8. I've started reading the SportsGuy's new book on basketball/NBA, and 30 pages in, I will admit, I'm loving it. Which brings me to my stance on the SportsGuy I've held for years: nobody writes better about the NBA than him. It was honestly his incessant Boston love that became too much for a Boston-hater like myself. Heck, I didn't even hate the Celtics up until the 50th straight article about why Big Papi was the most feared hitter of the last 50 years or why Tom Brady is the best QB of all-time. Maybe those columns don't exist exactly, but you get the point.

9. Things I'm thankful for (and for purposes of comedy I'm not going to mention the obvious ones, so family...friends...take a hike): sugar-free Red Bull, Sarges, #27, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air re-runs, legalized gambling, illegal gambling, Maury Povich and Baked Lays (I'd be 50 pounds heavier without Baked Lays...no question in my mind).

10. Sunday Night TV Ratings: Dexter A+; Curb A; Mocha Joe A+; Californication B+

Gamblers Anonymous: Top 5 Casinos and Week 11 in the NFL

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally ready to release my top 5 casinos. Unlike 6-10, these 5 really have no glaring flaws. All 5 are located in Vegas, their décor is top notch and the accommodations are the best in the world. There is really no glaring weakness from any of these so rather than nit-pick over which has nicer throw pillows on the bed, here are some stories to accompany my top 5 casinos:

Bellagio (Strengths: reputation, poker room, any restaurant) – ‘I’ll go to War with a 5’
In my gambling heyday I was able to show Kobe-like coolness at a casino table. No matter the size of the bet, I wouldn’t freak out. This trademark calmness was on display one Bellagio evening at a Casino War table. Forget blackjack – how about just one card, you and the dealer, high card. In a calculated (idiotic) move I threw down $400 on one hand. With a crowd of friends watching, I pulled what seemed like a death sentence card: the 5 of spades. That’s when I casually turned to the crowd, shrugged my shoulders and infamously said, “I’ll go to war with a 5!” Sure enough the dealer pulled a 2 and the crowd went wild.

Mandalay Bay (Strengths: Theme, place to eat at 5am) – Cheaters Kind of Prosper
I’ve only seen someone cheat in a casino once, and trust me when I say it wasn’t some type of Ocean's 11 magic. I was sitting with two buddies at a blackjack table when a strange looking guy sat in 3rd base next to me (the last seat at the table).

Friend 1: Uh, did you guys see that?
Both of us: No - what are you talking about?
Friend 1 (a few hands later in a quiet voice): Did you guys not see that? He just dropped another chip on his hand when the dealer wasn’t looking.

Sure enough, I watched the guy pull a 20 in his first two cards and while the dealer was attending to the first player's hand, he flicked a $25 chip in the air onto his other $25 chip and chuckled to himself. Not exactly the kids from MIT taking Vegas for millions. We watched him successfully complete this anti-stealth move 5 more times with each time Friend 1 who going “HE JUST DID IT AGAIN” under his breath as all three of us were starting to lose it with laughter. Finally, the dealer caught him and called over the pit boss, who told the strange guy he would spend the night in jail if he did it again. What the hell happened to Vegas? I was really hoping someone would take a sledge hammer to his knee. I know Shelly Kaplow wouldn’t have tolerated that kind of crap in his casino (no…nothing?…The Cooler is the reference we were looking for here).

Caesars Palace (Strengths: Sports book, Pool, Palace Shops, food court) – The Suicide Bet
A suicide bet is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when you get so fed up with black jack that you go all in with the remainder of your chips. A standard suicide bet is roughly 5-10x (or more) higher than your average bet. It is made on sheer frustration and nuttiness. One night at Caesars Palace, my friend Ari had had enough. He was holding roughly $200 in chips and put it down on a hand of black jack. Winner. Put it all on again. Winner. Double the fun again. Winner. Double it up! Winner (at this point he began to pocket some of the money each time). He went on to win an amazing 11 hands in row, turning his $200 into roughly $3,000 in under 15 minutes (and the 12th hand he lost he had $1,500 on the table). I do not recommend this type of gambling to my readers. Not good for the heart.

Venetian (Strengths: Poker room, Grand Canal shops, Tao) – ‘Pay to Play’
This is not my story, but always thought it was funny. Two friends checking in at the front desk:
“Ok guys you are going to go through this row of slots here to get to the elevator bank for the Ivory Tower. The bar by the craps tables plays live music 9-2, the box office is back down to your right if you are interested in show tickets, and the bar over here behind the row of tables is also open late, but, you have to pay to play at that bar if you know what I mean.”

Which brings me to my biggest beef with the city of Las Vegas. In my 15 visits, I have never been propositioned for sex by a prostitute. I’ve been visible drunk and had wads of cash virtually spewing out of my wallet, and yet it has never even laughable come up with someone. To back track for just one second - I don’t want there to be any confusion here. I’m not looking to pay a prostitute in Vegas and if I ever run for political office, this paragraph alone can be taken out of context and sink my chances. I'm just saying, it would just be nice to be noticed one-time by a hooker. Am I not pretty enough? Do you know what this has done for my self-esteem? (hoping this far into the column girlfriend has stopped reading this…if not, heyyyyyyyyyy)

Wynn/Encore (Strengths: Wynn Deli, Pool, Sports Book) – Darth Vader
I think Bill Simmons has written about his refusal to play black jack against the auto-shuffler ad nauseam (25 columns to be exact, right behind his #1 topic the 1986 Celtics at 547 columns). I decided to tackle the beast with KJ and Ari. As we sat there getting slaughtered by Darth, we made vomit noises on bad beats, physically banged our head on the table and hummed the Darth Vader theme over and over again. Oh, did I mention this was all before 1 p.m. in the middle of the week? The nice woman dealer working the day shift who was roughly the age of all our mothers was shaking her head in disgust. “What is wrong with you guys..what would all of your mothers think?” I am pretty sure she relocated her family out of Vegas after this classic display of degenerate behavior.

P.S. If it was socially acceptable to write several paragraphs - scratch that - an entire column about the Matzo Bowl Soup at the Wynn Deli I would. Just know that.

Let’s get to this week’s NFL picks:
Peyton FREAKIN’ Manning: Colts -1.5 at Ravens – The last time Peyton played in Baltimore it was 35-0 by the middle of the third quarter and some dude named Sorgi was trotting on the field. This Ravens team is not that bad, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how the Colts are not -3 or more. And when have you ever known me not to bet the Colts.

Jay Cutler is the anti-Peyton: Eagles -3 at Chicago - He stinks. Plain and simple - he is not any good Happy! This is a miserable Sunday night game - watch the Curb finale twice instead and check the score after.

MNF: Titans +4.5 at Texans – I don’t do analysis on two teams and a game I don’t care about. Listen to a Simmons podcast for that.
-Steve Lugerner

Lugie's List: 11/16 - Belichick's Blunder

There was a lot of talk this week about Brady and Manning being the top two quarterbacks of all-time, in "some order," according to a Boston sports writer. Uh, not some order: Peyton Manning #1 and everyone else starts at #2 (and I’m not convinced Brady is #2). No QB today is anywhere close to Peyton’s level. He is literally the smartest man ever to step on the football field. Which leads us into the game of the year in the NFL...

1. I know you have three rings Bill, BUT HOW DO YOU NOT PUNT? HOW DO YOU NOT PUNT? If you don't trust your defense to stop a team needing to go the length of the field to win, why even line up on Sunday? How can Bill Belichick look his defense in the eye after this game and say 'I have faith in you guys'? A friend brought up the argument that maybe he just trusts his offense that much. That still isn't a good reason to go for it in this situation. If you fail on 4th and 2 on your own 30 WITH THE LEAD, then you essentially guaranteed a Colts win (see Colts win 35-34). This is one of the worst coaching decisions I've ever seen. Additionally, the Pats carelessly burned timeouts and were unable to challenge the spot of the ball on the 4th down play, although I doubt there was enough evidence to overturn the spot. O/U of replays of ‘BELICHICK’S BLUNDER’ on the 6pm SportsCenter set at 7.5.

2. It goes without saying, but it has to be one of the greatest regular season games of all time. Best two teams in the NFL, best rivalry in the NFL, best two QBs, two amazing offenses and a riveting last 4 minutes of play. I'm still sweating bullets thinking about it. Oh and because I always try to remain objective…BOSTON SUCKS!

3. I know some BingBong loyalists complain Jerry Silverberg doesn’t post enough. Who knew how much work was required to manage a fake Mike Francesa twitter account. However, please re-read Silverberg's Jets article after they started 3-0 - couldn't have been more right. Ah, to be a Jets fan. One minute you are swimming on top the division - new coach, new QB, great defense - the next minute you've lost 5 of 6 and Rex Ryan is desperately trying to line up endorsements for NutriSystem. Is there another team in the NFL that consistently sucker punches their fan base every season by week 9? Really is an impressive feat.

4. The ‘MJD fantasy kneel heard ‘round the world’ during the last minute of the Jacksonville-Jets game was an incredible video game play that most head coaches or players would never think to do. Even though the Vegas line was unaffected by MJD taking a seat at the one yard line instead of scoring a TD, I can only imagine the fantasy emails circulated regarding .1-6 point loses by MJD owners. Ouch.

5. After watching Colts-Pats, the Saints struggling against the Rams, the Cowboys and Packers fornicating the football for a half and the Chargers beating the Eagles - is there any doubt the AFC is winning the Super Bowl? I’m not convinced the Saints would stand a chance against an experienced team like the Colts or Pats.

6. For as good as replay usually is in the NFL, we had two incidents Sunday where a play couldn't be reviewed. A) The Pats spot on 4th and 2 mentioned earlier because of no timeouts and the play coming before the two minutes warning, and B) the Packers being awarded a fumble recovery when it was clear a Cowboys player recovered the ball first and was touched down. Can someone explain to me why you can't challenge that play? That made no sense and while I doubt the Cowboys were coming back in that game, it was a pretty big gimme for the Packers.

7. What did the gambling community learn this week? By Week 9 the NFL is way too good at setting the lines. Everyone has been loading up on favorites week after week and it was only a matter of time before odds makers caught up.

8. And on a more personal level, someone learned this week never ever parlay EVERY BET with the same game (i.e. Alabama-Broncos, Wisconsin-Broncos, New York Liberty-Broncos, etc.). ESPECIALLY, don’t do this when the team you are loading up on is playing against your favorite team. This is the ultimate f-u to the gambling gods and could not be worse for your gambling karma. And yes, I'm referring to the Redskins shocking win against an overrated Broncos team. The Skins scored over 17 points for the first time since the Eisenhower administration and we had a 100-yard rusher with I believe Kenan Thompson filling in at left tackle. Hooray, we will be just good enough to pick outside of the top 5 on draft day yet again.

9. Full disclosure: I have never been a huge Curb fan. I’ve watched episodes in past seasons that were so annoying and unfunny I really disliked the show. This is the first full season I’ve really watched regularly, and by my count only one of those episodes fit this mold (Larry getting his doctor’s home number was painful). Getting to last night’s episode – it’s probably the best Curb episode I’ve ever watched. A must watch for any Seinfeld fan (even if you don’t watch Curb) and I’m sure the finale next week will bring more of the same. Absolutely hysterical.

10. Sunday Night TV Ratings: Bill Belichick: F-, Peyton Manning: A+, Dexter B, Curb A++, Californication A+ (another amazing episode…all shot in Hank’s apartment…brilliant).

-Steve Lugerner

Quick Picks: Week 10

There are three -- count 'em -- three good games this week.  What a season it's been.  Let's get to it...

Bengals @ Steelers

-The Steelers are gooood.  That's really all there is to it.  The Steelers D should be able to suppress CedBen.  Chris Henry is out for the year and Andre Caldwell isn't enough of a threat to steer coverage away from Ocho.  Although I think the Bengals defense should be able to keep them in the game, it's like Jon Gruden said on Monday Night Football:  the way the Steelers close out games is masterful.  Look for Mendenhall to grind down an exhausted defense in the 4th quarter.  Steelers roll on 23-17.

Eagles @ Chargers

-This is a tough one to gauge.  If the Eagles want to win this one, they're going to have to do something Andy Reid seems to have no interest in doing anymore -- running the football.  San Diego has one of the best pass defense's in the league, but are allowing 130 yards a game on the ground.  Brian Westbrook seems to be doing alright and should play on Sunday.  My advice to Coach Reid is to give the Chargers a healthy dose of Westbrook and McCoy early in the game so McNabb can sell the play-action later on to bomb it deep to DeSean and/or Maclin.  Another key to this game is going to be 3rd downs.  The Eagles have been amongst the worst in the league at converting on 3rd down this year and it's certainly hurt them.  The Chargers, on the other hand, are amongst the worst in the league at preventing 3rd down conversions.  Philip Rivers should look to LDT and Sproles for quick screens early on to make the Eagles hesitate on their blitzing schemes.  If they can do that, Rivers should have a field day with his weapons.  The Eagles secondary only has one starter taller than 5'10", (Sean Jones at 6'1"), and should have trouble matching up against 6'5" Vincent Jackson, 6'4" Antonio Gates, and 6'5" Malcolm Floyd.  Should be a good one.  I'm gonna give the Bolts the edge though.  Chargers win 28-24.

Patriots @ Colts

-I know the Ravens and Browns are the Monday Night game, but something tells me this is the actual "Game of the Week."  It's almost foolish to try to predict this one.  I'm throwing all the stats out the window because when these two teams play each other, none of that stuff matters.  Peyton gets rid of the ball so fast; the younger defenders on the Pats will have no idea where he's going with it and the veteran players will be too slow to get to it.  44 is the combined age of the Colts starting rookie cornerbacks and you know Randy Moss has gotta be licking his lips thinking about that.  The Colts can talk about the great job Melvin Bullitt's done filling in, but he's no Bob Sanders.  There's a very real chance that Brady can and will pick apart that secondary.  The best shot the Colts have is to keep constant pressure on the Tinman with Mathis and Freeney.  I'd certainly love to be wrong about this one because it kills me to say this.  The Pats win the aerial assault 38-31.

Here's two more quick freebies for you...

Cowboys @ Packers

-The Packers just aren't very good at football.  I can't wait to see what The Matador (Daryn Colledge) has in store for this week.  I say he only "Ole's!" himself into allowing Demarcus Ware to get four sacks.  The Packers defense could definitely stop Tony Romo, but that would involve a pass rush -- something else they don't have.  Woodson will shut down Roy Williams while Al Harrass gives up 350 yards to Kilometers Austin.  If you see me on Sunday, punch me in the face because I'd prefer that to watching this game.  (Note: If you actually see me on Sunday, please don't punch me in the face -- that's the meal-ticket.)  Cowboys win 45-(-6) -- don't worry, we'll find a way.

Bears @ 49ers

-I'm feeling a little clairvoyant today.  I keep getting these images in my head about this game.  I see Frank Gore having a big day -- maybe 104 rushing yards and a touchdown.  I see Matt Forte somehow running the ball worse than he usually does.  I think he'll have 20 carries for only 41 yards with no touchdowns.  Lastly, I see Jay Cutler...  Wow, do I see Jay Cutler.  I see four...no...FIVE interceptions!  The last one coming at a crucial point in the game, perhaps the last play of the game in the endzone??  I don't know.  These visions just seem so real and clear to me.  Call me Nostradamus, but I think the Niners win this one 10-6.


Boy, it always starts out short and just keeps getting longer -- (that's what she said, I know).  No Sleepers or Worries this week because the games are just that terrible.  I mean, what would you like me to say?  Yes, Chris Johnson is a good start against the Bills.  I think you'll be alright starting Brees against the Rams, but you might want to reconsider Jamal Lewis against the Ravens.  Enjoy Weak 10...

-Dave

PS - About that Forte picture, you'd be amazed what the internet can come up with when you search pictures for "Matt Forte Sucks."  Although I do realize it's inaccurate.  Surely he's still averaging 3.4 ypc, but the line about the one touchdown must have come before his big two-touchdown game against the Browns.

Noah Gold, Ladies and Gentlemen...

No idea if that's a great question because I don't watch enough nor know enough about college football.  I'm no BingBong historian, but I think this will go down as the shortest response to a Burner question in the site's illustrious history.

Don't vote for me this week.  That sucked. 

-Noah

Conspiracy indeed

Oh I think there's definitely some truth to this theory.  There's all sorts of evidence validating it too.  Some of the calls UF and Bama have gotten this year have been downright awful.  The freshest one in my mind is of course the interception that wasn't called in last week's LSU-Bama game.  To me it looked like the LSU player had his feet in bounds, (yes, I said "feet" even though I know college football only requires one foot to be in bounds...that's how bad of a call it was).  You can say the LSU player hadn't secured the ball when he had that first foot down if you'd like, but that's irrelevant in the grander scheme of this theory. 

There is also, of course, last week when Urban Meyer was fined $30,000 for making a relatively harmless comment about the officials possibly missing a late hit call on Tim Tebow against UGA -- a comment made on the Wednesday after the game took place, four days later.  You can argue that it is the job of the SEC to make sure coaches don't criticize the judgment of the officials, but it's just a little peculiar that in that same UF-UGA game Brandon Spikes was caught trying to gouge out the eye of UGA runningback Washaun Ealey and the SEC only suspended Spikes for half of his next game.  It just seems that with those two incidents the SEC really went out of their way to ensure no other coaches critique their referees while ensuring at the same time that UF doesn't go an entire game without their best defensive player.

The real shame of it is that I love the SEC.  I think it's a great football conference because of it's ultra-competitive nature and consistently strong programs, but if this is the lengths it's willing to go to to ensure a spot in the National Championship game then it really is a shame.  Although one could also argue that they are victims of a broken system, (the BCS in general), and that it's not entirely the SEC's fault.  One could also go a step further and say that the SEC conspiracy is merely hiding under the umbrella of a much larger BCS conspiracy.  You can't honestly tell me the BCS is licking their lips at the possibility of a Cincinnati-TCU championship game.

-Dave

Burner of the Week

"BingBong, what do you guys think about these talks of an SEC conspiracy that have been going around? About how the SEC is having the refs call games in favor of Alabama and Florida so they'll both be undefeated when they face each other in the SEC Championship game and pretty much guarantee a spot for one of them in the BCS Championship game." Les M., Baton Rouge


Great question, Les. There certainly seems to be a lot of evidence working in favor of that theory. What do you think BingBong; is the SEC plotting for a Bama/UF showdown at the Georgia Dome?

-bingbongsports

Today's Burner has been Postponed due to Lack of Hustle...

...deal with it.

I hope everyone got the Heavyweights reference. If you didn't, then seriously, what have you been doing with your life? Anyway, this week's Burner has been pushed back until tomorrow when all our contributors can participate. The good news is you all have one more day to get in your emails for this week's topic. Remember to send them on in to bingbongsports@gmail.com.

-bingbong management

Lugie's List 11/10: UH UH PLAYOFFS?!

A few teams in the NFL crapped the bed Sunday and really hurt their chance at making the playoffs. Still a ton of football to be played but…

1. See my point last week about the Packers and Giants beating up on bad teams to start the year. Let's start with the Packers who blew an 11 point 4th quarter lead to the 0-7 Josh Freeman led Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (re-reading last sentence… really?... REALLY?!) Anyone still in a survivor leagues or placing a 3-team teasers Sunday collectively vomited after Freeman threw the go-ahead touchdown pass. To boot, the Alanis Morrissette moment of the week has to be the Bucs wearing the jerseys worn during their NFL-record 26 game losing streak from 1976-1977. The life equivalent would be me putting on my old corduroy pants and over-sized orange Abercrombie sweater and going back to high school to date the prom queen (18 years of age for the purposes of this hypothetical).

2. On a related note, Dave Silverstein, BingBongSports writer, producer and head of the pornography division has neither been seen nor heard from after the Aaron Rodgers pick 6 that ended the game Sunday. If you know where he is please call 1-800-FAVRE.

3. The next team on the chopping block – The New York Football Giants losing their fourth straight game. As well as their defense played the for the first 58 minutes, the Giants couldn't get a stop when it mattered. Rivers picked them apart over the middle during that last minute drive, sending the Giants into a free fall going into the bye week. With games still left against the Falcons, Broncos, Cowboys, Eagles and Vikings, things do not look good in Giant-land.

4. Oh Mr. Matt Leinart. It seems like it was just yesterday when you were getting boy band ass at USC, being drafted as the franchise QB of the Arizona Cardinals and sharing a hot tub on draft night with Cameron Diaz, Lindsey Lohan, Kobe Bryant and the Dali Lama (who you kicking out of your hot tub? And I'm not suprised how easy it was to find a picture of Leinart in a hot tub). After watching his 0-1, 1 INT line Sunday subsequently causing the Cardinals to bring back Kurt Warner who threw for a measly 5 TDs, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far Leinart has fallen from being the man.

5. Impressive win for Alabama Sunday over LSU. I know they were at home, but they came back in that game against a tough LSU defense, and by the end I was finally convinced they are worthy of top team status with Florida.

6. Congrats to reader Jimmy Shilladango from Jacksonville, Florida for winning the “How long ‘til Gilbert Arenas creates a controversy by disagreeing with a proven veteran coach yet again” Office Pool. November 8th if you are scoring at home.

7. Betting Trend: The Washington Redskins and New York Knicks are a lock to lose every first half line (Reason: Vegas can’t set the first half line bigger than half the game line). Then at halftime, both teams are a lock to cover the second halftime line (Reason: the betting community has so little faith in these two teams to not just lay down and die after being down big at the half that the line is never set correctly). My motto has always been - if your team is going to suck for an entire season, why not profit?

8. I hate to say it but if I have to hear Jay-Z perform Empire State of Mind one more time at a Yankee event, I’m going to lose my mind. A modern day anthem for New York City has been so overplayed in the last 2 weeks that it is entering Soldier Boy territory of annoyingness. Shawn Corey Carter, hate to break to you buddy but you did not make the Yankee hat famous and you do not actually play for the New York Yankees. Why are you riding on a float down Broadway?

9a. Congrats to Noah Gold (so sexy) on being able to legally chase ambulances for a living! MBN to have a career as I try to make it as a blogger. And I hate to burst your nerd-bubble, but the ‘loser of the week’ award goes to me. A) Halo is cooler than going to any club/lounge in the Meat Packing District and B) Did you watch Sister Act during two different showings on TNT Saturday night? Didn’t think so.

9b. And you thought I’d go the entire column without linking the article title - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM

10. Sunday Night TV Ratings: Dexter: A-; Californication: B+; Curb B+; Bored to Death C-, Season: D+ (ok, it grew on me a little the last two weeks – enough to get me to watch the beginning of Season 2)

-Steve Lugerner

A Weeklong Glass Case of Emotion

Been getting (fake) emails up the yin yang from disgruntled BingBong enthusiasts wondering where my intelligent, sarcastic, handsome articles have been over the past week or so. Well, I am here to tell you I am back, and to give you a taste of what my life has been like the past week.

Let me preface this by saying that, by this point in the year, rumors among the recent law school graduates (read: nerds) were that the bar results for New York and New Jersey would be coming any day.

Monday 11/2

I break my own cardinal rule and hate myself for it. Brad (who was celebrating his 27th birthday) and Tino were planning on going out to a bar in Madison to watch Game 5 of Yankees-Phillies. Those that know me know my thoughts on going out for big sporting events: I don't heart it. My home-road splits would make Bill James have a stroke.

But, it was my buddy's birthday and the Yankees did have a 3-1 lead. This difference legitimately played a role in my choice to go out that night. Had it been 2-2 or had the Yankees been facing elimination, there's a 99% chance I would've gone straight home.

As it turns out, AJ Burnett pooped himself on three days rest (a move which I did not agree with but can't fault Girardi for going for it). And Tino, Brad, and I decided to go back to the apartment in the 5th inning. And the Yankees outscored the Phillies after we made that move. Coincidence? Please.

No bar results yet.

Wednesday 11/4

If my life was a golf tournament, this was "moving day." The day at work was tense. That day, on the New York Bar website, a note was posted that New York bar results would be released the next morning. Simply reading this message made my heart pound. Not only that, the New Jersey Bar website stated that its results would be released Monday 11/9 at 4pm. So there it is. Oh and one other thing. There was a Game 6 of the World Series going on in the Bronx.

Once again, I break my own rule and meet up with Brad, Tino, and Jeff at the Famished Frog in Morristown. The place is packed with Yankee fans. The Bud Lights are going down like water. Hideki Matsui, a player I've probably castigated more than any other this season, became unconscious and carried the Yankees. While all this was going on, as much as I was enjoying the march toward #27, my mind was racing. My summer of hell was going to culminate in a mere 10 hours. I didn't make mention of this during the game because it was neither the time nor the place. But, needless to say, I was able to watch a lot of the post-game because I was unable to sleep.

Thursday 11/5

Log into my computer. Click on Internet Explorer. No results. Refresh. No results. Refresh. No results. This would go on for many minutes until I finally was notified of the link to check the results. I was alone in my office. My hands were shaking like Brad Lidge with a three run lead. I slowly typed in my ID number and other relevant contact information. The screen goes completely blank. A message appears. My eyes are darting all over the place looking for any sign of hope. After quickly scanning the page, I read more slowly. And it's GOOOOOOOOOD!

I felt like Tiger sinking a 40 foot eagle chip-in without Steve Williams. I simply put my arms in the air and silently yelled to myself like Jerry and George did when they were offered to do a pilot for NBC. To channel my inner Mike Francesa: this was huu-yuuuge.

Friday 11/6

With a busy weekend on tap, I stay in with a roommate who shall remain nameless (to protect his identity) and played Halo for the first time in about 6 months. For 3 hours. Unrelated note: I'm single.

Saturday 11/7

Met up with a couple friends from RU to celebrate the passage of the New York bar. Eventually, we'd meet up at McCarthy's in Hoboken to celebrate Tino's birthday. Dollar drafts all night is alright by me. The night would culminate by taking a car service home, with a large pepperoni pie in tow. College.

Sunday 11/8

Tino and I head to Giants Stadium to take in the Giants-Chargers game on an unseasonably warm November day that turned into night. We end up sitting in front of an adorable mother who, when the Giants had a 1st and 25 following a penalty, exclaimed, "What is 1 and 25??? Is that even possible???"

Well the game itself was great for the first 59+ minutes. Then Phil Rivers decided he was mad the Giants traded him on draft day in 2004 I guess. Giants head into the bye week sizzling hot riding a 4 game losing streak. Awesome. Oh, and New Jersey results are coming in less than 24 hours.

Monday 11/9

Rumors were flying that the results would come before the 4pm promise to avoid having the site crash from all the traffic at one time. That's all I needed to log onto the site. Check for results. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. Nothing.

So, I go on with my day, watching the clock like I was a 5th grader in a late afternoon social studies class. I wish I could've had Alex Mack or Hiro Nakamura to fast forward time to get me to 4pm. Just a brutal wait.

3:57. 3:58. 3:59:01. 3:59:32. 3:59:59. 4:00:01. Refresh. It's up. And...IT'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! It's a sweeeeeeeeeep! This time, I pop out of my chair and pace back and forth, giving double Chris DiMarco fist pumps. I'm pleased my home state for which I have so much pride didn't let me down.

The summer of hell (a.k.a. studying all day, never getting on the golf course) all of a sudden became worth it. My era of studying for exams came and went. I can be a real person again. I'm not sure whether that is actually something to celebrate or not.

Anyway, there's my week. A 27th championship for the New York Yankees. A Friday night staying in playing video games. An actual social night out on Saturday. A beautiful night at Giants Stadium sullied by a last minute 1 point loss. And two big clicks of the "Refresh" icon.

It feels good to be back. Trust me...the battle between GG and The OC will be waged soon.

Gamblers Anonymous: #27 and Week 9 in the NFL

During the 7th inning Wednesday night as the Yankees were bringing in Damaso Marte to face Chase Utley with 2 runners on, I began to reflect on the last 9 years of the Yankees. Well first, I was freaking out about bringing Marte into the game. He was actually a member of my American League only fantasy team until he gave up 6 earned runs opening day, which I was also in attendance for. And despite the fact he pitched well during the playoffs, I really haven't shaken that stink bomb from him all season.

But after that panic attack, I started thinking about the heartbreak vs. Arizona in '01...the early round loses to the Angels and Tigers...the HR by Boone in '03, but losing to the Marlins...and finally, the crushing, catastrophic collapse in '04 to the Red Sox. As most of my Red Sox friends would tell you, I literally lost my mind that night. I had a few chardonnays, what of it?

I kept saying to myself Wednesday night as Marte warmed up – this was it. We get through Utley and we are home free with Mariano for the last two innings. Up until this point in the game, even with a 7-3 lead and before that, 7-1 lead, I really wasn't enjoying myself. I simply couldn't relax the entire game. Finally living in New York allowed me to attend 7 of the 8 home games. While it has been an amazing to witness this playoff run in person for all these memorable games, being at the ball park for so many high energy, high anxiety games simply had me burnt out, over-tired and stressed. I was ready for it to end.

When Marte got Utley down on strikes swinging - I finally began to soak it all up - a Yankee team for the first time in years that legitimately liked each other and most important, wanted to win. You can say what you want about the Yankees being bad for baseball - the payroll, the free agent spending, etc. - but to a Yankees fans none of that stuff matters - only championships.

And now that I've finished the self-indulgent tear jerker portion of the article - I've been on a bender for 2 straight days. I smell like a mixture of Irish car bombs and tequila and I'm in a part of the Bronx I've never seen before. I believe I torched a vehicle on River Ave this morning, but that might have just been a dream. Hard to tell at this point.

Luckily, they have internet and running water here in the Bronx (who knew!) and I was able to take 10 minutes to brush my teeth and post my NFL bets this weekend for my loyal readers. Oh and anyone sitting around waiting for these picks to place bets, I just hope you don't own any major credit cards. Top 5 casinos next week when I sober up:

You won’t care about this game unless you bet it! – KC +7 over Jacksonville – the logic for this bet is in the title.

What do you know about Ray Finkel? – Dolphins +11 over Patriots – way too many points to give a Dolphins team that has proven they are good.

Phillies Suck! - Eagles -3 over Cowboys – consolation prize for Jimmy Rollins whose ego is too big to admit that the better team won.

MNF - Broncos +3 over Steelers - Denver at home on Monday night…got to take the points.

-Steve Lugerner

Quick Picks: Week 9

So I suppose our readers want me to talk about the massive sports game that still has everyone out there reeling.  I'm talking, of course, about Bowling Green's last-minute win against Buffalo on Tuesday night.  14 points in the 4th quarter including the game-winning touchdown pass with 38 seconds left -- what a game!

Okay, so now that that's out of the way, let's get onto Week 9:

Cardinals @ Bears = CARDINALS

-This is actually a tough game to predict.  By the numbers, these teams are eerily similar.  Both teams have a 4-3 record.  Chicago's defense is allowing 310 yards a game, Arizona's is allowing 329.  Chicago's allowing 21.4 points a game, Arizona is allowing 20.4 points a game.  Even on offense; Cardinals are gaining 328 yards a game, the Bears are gaining 320.  Arizona is scoring 22.4 points a game, Chicago's scoring 22.7 points a game.  Warner's thrown for 11 TDs and 11 INTs; Cutler's thrown for 11 TDs and 11 INTs.  Forte is pathetically averaging 3.5 yards per carry, while Tim Hightower is averaging an even more pathetic 3.3 yards per carry.  The Cardinals are 3-0 on the road, but the Bears are 3-0 at home.  I mean, it's ridiculous how similar these teams are.  I'm tempted to call this one a tie, but I'm thinking I gotta go with the Cardinals.  They're coming off a huge upset loss and, after five interceptions, I'm sure Kurt Warner wants to dispel any notions that he's lost a step.  Should be a shootout.  I'm gonna say the birds edge it out 31-28.

Ravens @ Bengals = BENGALS

-My second week going against the Ravens on top of an already collective 0-3 on my Raven predictions this year, but by this point of the season I have to go with the team coming off the bye week.  The Ravens looked impressive last week against the Broncos as they themselves were the team coming off a bye, but I just don't see them pulling this one out.  I won't be shocked if they win, but I'll be impressed.  Maybe my fantasy hopes for Ocho and Benson to have a big day are getting the best of me, but I think the Bengals sweep the season series and win 28-17.

Dolphins @ Patriots = PATRIOTS

-The Dolphins got lucky last week in the shape of Ted Ginn Jr. and Jason Taylor.  That kind of lightning won't strike again for a long long time.  Much like the Bengals above, the Pats are coming off a bye and are a perfect 4-0 at Foxb...err...Gillette Stadium.  While I certainly don't buy the current line for the game with the Pats at -11, I don't see the Dolphins winning it either.  Patriots prevail 27-13.

Chargers @ Giants = GIANTS

-From Kansas City to Oakland and now from Oakland to New York, the Chargers are certainly racking up the frequent flier miles in the past few weeks.  Frankly I didn't even realize the Chargers played the last two weeks until I saw their games were against the Chiefs and the Raiders.  It's a good thing they won both those 'gimme games' because now they're heading into the Meadowlands to face a pissed off team that has some serious explaining to do for their fans.  The Giants better win and better look good while doing it or else their dreams of the playoffs, let alone the division title, may be in serious jeopardy.  Giants (have to) win 24-20.

Cowboys @ Eagles = EAGLES

-Good news Philly fans, you guys are going to win something this week!  I'm not buying the resurgence of the Cowboys.  Outside of their win against the Falcons, their other four wins have come against the Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, and Seahawks.  The Eagles defense is amongst the league's leaders in sacks and interceptions.  Their constant blitzing will force Tony Romo's game to be filled with more mistakes than an orphanage in a town without condoms.  Eagles fly 31-14.

Steelers @ Broncos = STEELERS

-Make it three in a row for the well-rested teams this week.  I know the Broncos are going to want to show that last week was a fluke, but the Steelers are simply a better team and now a healthier team thanks to the bye.  The forecast for the game is low-40s with a chance of rain.  Big Ben plays his best in cold-weather slop games.  I think the Steelers D reigns supreme as they win this one 21-7.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week:  Michael Crabtree, WR SF.  282 yards; that's how many passing yards the Titans are allowing every game and puts them last in the league in pass defense.  I know analysts are projecting Crabtree to have a decent day and this might not look like a true sleeper, but I think Crab is absolutely going to go off.  Terrible pass defense + first home game in front of the 49ers faithful = HUGE DAY.  I'm going to go as high as penciling him in for 6-115-1.

Fantasy Worry of the Week:  Michael Turner, RB ATL.  The point of this section is to point out a player who's supposed to have a huge day and could have some trouble.  Burner's being listed as the 2nd best RB in fantasy this week by ESPN and is projected to have 115 yards and a TD by Yahoo!  I think differently.  I think he's a between-the-tackles power runner and, unfortunately for Mike, the Redskins have a well-rested Albert Haynesworth waiting for him between those tackles.  I think the touchdown might be possible for Turner, but the yardage won't be there.  Mark him down for an 18-66-1 performance -- (still a decent day by most standards, but not stud-worthy).

Enjoy.  Enjoy.  Enjoy.  God I love football.

-Dave

Burn, Baby, Burn 2.0

As a matter of fact, I did read it in 'Sports Marketing for Dummies'.  David Stern loaned it to me.  For some reason he had already marked up the whole section about how, if you can get the referees to go along with it, a league will never have bad ratings for the finals as long as they make sure one big-market team is playing -- hmm, weird?  Anyway, back to the matter at hand, HOW can you say the Saints undefeated season is going to be stopped by the Falcons?  The only things the Falcons have shown consistently this season is how inconsistent they are.  Hold the Dolphins to 7 points, then lose to the Pats, beat the Bears, then get blown out by the Cowboys, and then the Saints beat them two nights ago.

I hate to say it, but the team that's going to play spoiler for the Saints is going to be the Pats.  I know they're playing in the Superdome, but Tom Brady on Monday Night Football?  The Saints d-line can wrap themselves in bubblewrap and will get called for 'roughing the passer' every time one of them accidentally breathes in Brady's direction.  It's not going to be fair, but it's going to be how the undefeated streak ends.

As for the Colts, I'll never say that team has "no shot" as long as Peyton Manning is taking the snaps.  While I don't think they'll go undefeated either, I think they'll last longer than the Saints.  Although I'm gonna mix it up a little and not predict it to be to a big team like the Pats or Broncos.  Instead I'm looking at a team who's season has already gone to crap and are switching to the college football mindset of playing spoiler.  Which team do I speak of...?  The Tennessee Titans.  That's right.  Week 13 in Indianapolis no less.  Jeff Fisher is taking a lot of heat over that episode when he wore a Peyton Manning jersey.  He knows how to beat the Colts and that game really might be the only chance he has at saving his job (especially if the Colts are undefeated).  I'm going out on a big limb here and it most likely is going to backfire on me, but what the hell, it's the Burner.

-Dave

Bern Baby Bern! (Thank you John Sterling)

To start, the regular season doesn't matter for measuring a team if they don't win a championship. How we look at a team historically is measured by what you do in the playoffs. As great as the 2007 Pats were - they are not the greatest team ever, or really anything close.

Of course Dave, two 18-0 teams in the Super Bowl would be good for the NFL. Did you read that in Sports Marketing for Dummies? Question is will either of these teams actually do it?

I say no chance for the Colts. They are the San Antonio Spurs of the NFL. They will likely go on cruise control soon and even with Bob Sanders back, their defense is SUSPECT. Also, last week showed that when the Colts offense sputters and settles for FGs, they end up leaving even a marginal team like the 49ers in a game because their defense isn't going to shut anyone out.

The Saints actually have a very good shot to finish the regular season undefeated. Their remaining schedule is the EASIEST in the NFL. Other than Atlanta on the road, the rest of their schedule is very favorable. I really don't see this team losing at home all year, even with the Patriots and Cowboys coming to town. Plus, the Saints have shown they are better than both those teams with a revamped defense from Gregg Williams (I hate you Dan Snyder). Despite this schedule, even the Patriots (who I think are better than this Saints team) needed a little bit of luck/magic (Ravens timeout call on 4th down, Giants leading in Week 17) to pull out a 16-0 season.

Prediction: I think they could do it, but it is simply too hard in the NFL. They will lose to the Falcons Dec. 13. and go 15-1.

-Steve Lugerner

Burn, Baby, Burn

So I guess I'll get this Burner started...  First of all, it obviously means something if a team can go 16-0.  It's a highly impressive feat, but I think you may be onto something with that 'all or nothing' mentality.  Surely most of the sports world looks back on 2007 and remembers 18-1 more vividly than 16-0, even though it was an achievement no team had ever accomplished before.  However, this is a tricky year in the NFL.  There are more bad teams this year than many of us can count and from the look of the schedules, the Colts and Saints have already or will play most of them.  I think because of this rather large disparity between teams this year, it will take a perfect 19-0 to really impress the fanfare out there.  By all accounts, it looks like the Cardinals may very well be a division champion this year with a record of 8-8 or 9-7.  If the Saints go 16-0 and then lose to the Cardinals in the playoffs that's just going to show people that their undefeated regular-season record was more a product of them playing bad teams than them being a great team.

Personally, I think it's a little too early to get too excited about either team going undefeated.  They both have nine games left to play.  I feel like every year some team starts out hot and this is all sports writers seem to be able to talk about.  I still remember when the "unstoppable" 13-0 1998 Broncos rolled into the Meadowlands to take on the lowly 5-8 Giants and ended up losing 20-16.  Like I've said before, I'm a firm believer that on any given Sunday any NFL team can beat another team, so there's a long way to go.  Although I think it'd be great if BOTH the Saints and Colts went 16-0, ran the table in the playoffs, and met up in the Super Bowl.  Wouldn't that be great for football?  Two 18-0 teams, lead by the two best quarterbacks in the league, battle for the Super Bowl and NFL supremacy?  Anybody else think that?  Anybody?  Hmm?  Okay, no cream...

-Dave

Burner of the Week

"Hey BingBong, Week 9 is coming up and the NFL's still got two undefeated teams. Do you think either the Colts and/or Saints have what it takes to run the table and go a perfect 16-0? And if so, after the 2007 season, does going undefeated during the regular season mean anything unless you win the Super Bowl?" -Bill, Boston

Thanks for your question, Bill. I'm curious myself to hear what the boys have to say about this. BingBong, what do you say; two 7-0 teams worth getting excited over?

Lugie's List 11/2 - Yay-Rod??

"Yay-Rod" - That's the best you could do Daily News?

1. Look, I'm not going to take credit for predicting a Brad Lidge blow up - that's like predicting the mall will be crowded the day after Thanksgiving and being unable to find a parking spot for an hour. But after last night the Yankees are one game away from their 27th championship thanks to Lidge crapping the bed yet again. What an AB by Johnny Damon in the 9th - keeping the inning alive and stealing second and third - forcing Lidge to throw A-Rod three straight fastballs because he was scared of a wild pitch. You can say what you want about some of the Yankee performances this post season...but almost every player on the roster has had a moment contributing to where the Yankees are right now.

2. I know it has been beaten to death on this blog - and Mr. Dave Silverstein will say "he's the best player in baseball it is expected." But, the # of clutch hits piling up for A-Rod this postseason are enough to last a career. Best player or not, it is amazing how quickly he is turning his clutch reputation around.

3. Everyone is going to be talking about Charlie Manuel starting Joe Blanton over Cliff Lee on 3 days rest in Game 4. To Blanton's credit, the game was not lost by him and he did keep the Phillies in the game. However, as a friend pointed out to me Saturday, can the Phillies really win this series without starting Lee 3 times? Even if Lee wins Game 5 you are looking at Pedro for Game 6 and Hamels for Game 7 on the road. That’s just a tough hole to put yourself in down 3-1 without another 'sure thing' in your rotation.

4. I hear Brett Favre played a football game Sunday? I'll save the gushing for the MNF crew tonight and the game breakdown for Dave. Here is what we learned (if this wasn't obvious already) from the Vikings and Eagles victories over the Giants and Packers. Beating the Chiefs, Raiders, Redskins, Rams, Browns and Lions is the equivalent to an NFL squad beating up on a pop-warner team. Historically horrendous football teams . It’s as far from a measuring stick game as humanely possible and I'm no longer reading anything into it (i.e. I no longer think the Giants are the best team in football - not close).

5. Thom Brennaman's gushing speech near the end of Vikings-Packers about how he hopes everyone can "move on" after Favre's return to Lambeau was painfully forced and inappropriate. I think it was the exact word for word speech at the end of the Remember the Titans. When will the media learn that outside (...does Green Bay even care for all this press about Favre at this point?), nobody cares about this story! If I have to watch Brett Favre cry in another interview/press conference I'm going to gouge my eyes out. The good news: the never ending Favre coverage and my hatred for the 6pm SportsCenter has spawned this idea for a column: Annoying 6pm SportCenter stories of the last decade. Pedro Gomez and Shelly Smith take cover. Stay tuned.

6. What the hell happened to the Jets and Giants? Cue the clip of Noah and Jared lighting each other on fire...which leads me to...

7. Amazingly, this might be the best week ever to be a Redskins fan on this blog. BY VIRTUE OF A BYE, MY TEAM DIDN'T HAVE THE WORST WEEK!!!! Best Skins moment since Super Bowl XXVI (as a Skins fan, I will take whatever I can get).

8. Let me preface this by saying I'm not greedy - while part of me wants the Yankees to win at home (currently holding tickets), due to outrageous ticket prices and StubHub fees stipulating they get half of my living assets when I die, I'll be very happy to not spend the money and take a W tonight.

9. My 'unofficial favorite day of the year', day light savings, ruined by Halloween. Because I was so inebriated Saturday night, I didn't even notice the clocks had turned back. Throw in the fact when I remembered it was day light savings, I immediately though it was an hour earlier (until someone told me it wasn't - stupid phone and cable companies). Therefore, it actually felt like moving the clock ahead an hour in the spring (my 'unofficial least favorite day of the year'). Tough life I live.

10. Sunday Night TV Ratings: Every sports announcer all weekend: F--, Dexter: A-, Curb: B+, Californication: B+, Bored to Death: C- (going to finish out the season next week).

-Steve Lugerner

Quick Picks: Week 8

Well, I wanted to write about the six best games of the week, but frankly, there are only four games I consider worth watching.  So here goes...

Dolphins @ Jets = DOLPHINS 
-I know the Jets are going to want to come out and play a tough game for the home crowd, but after last week's collapse to the Saints I see the Dolphins as a team completely unwilling to let their record fall to 2-5.  Week 5 was a great game to watch, but now the Jets are without Leon Washington and Kris Jenkins and Sparano has had plenty of time to catch up on game film of Braylon.  I know everyone in New York is pumped up over Shonn "Gang" Greene, but let's not get carried away just yet.  Wildcat prevails 24-14.

Giants @ Eagles = EAGLES 
-For the record, I didn't feel good about writing that pick.  How much Philthadelphia can one endure in a week?  I'm just worried about the Giants is all.  Two weeks ago New Orleans exposed their defense.  Last week Arizona exposed their offense.  I want to say the Giants should roll without Westbrook in there, but the Eagles don't run the ball anyway and asking C.C. Brown to not let DeSean Jackson get past him is like asking Garfield not to eat lasagna...(haha, that crazy cat, when will he learn??).  Eagles take this one 33-31.

Broncos @ Ravens = BRONCOS 
-I've been scorned twice putting my neck out for the Ravens this season and I'm not gonna do it again.  Neckbeard Orton is playing mistake-free football (unlike a certain 10 INT-throwing former Bronco QB) and their defense is firing on all cylinders.  The Ravens D just isn't as dominant as it once was, but unfortunately it's not their fault.  They still play the aggressive defense I love, but the NFL apparently thinks all QBs are wearing skirts during the game and it's hurting the Ravens more than any other team.  While I once thought the Broncos were the most overrated 4-0 team in the league, I gladly stick my foot in my mouth and say now that they're playing complete football.  Broncos win an ugly one 20-17.

Vikings @ Packers = PACKERS

-OMG!  This is the big one.  If I thought Week 4 was a rough one for me, then this one's got me feeling as vulnerable as a bride left at the altar.  I'm sticking to my guns though.  This isn't just me saying it for the sake of being a fan.  The moment the first game ended I told myself, "We're going to beat them at Lambeau."  I mean think about it, did we really lose that game the first time around?  I know we did, obviously -- I know how scores work.  Rodgers had close to 400 passing yards with Antoine Winfield in the game and we held AP to 55 yards on the ground.  Sure Favre looked great, but he didn't beat us.  We had 7 penalties and gave up 8 sacks.  Now we're playing at home and have most of our o-line healthy, you think we'll have all those false start penalties at Lambeau?  No way.  My only concern is Brett picking apart Al Harris again, but now Bigby's back and hopefully he can provide some help to that side of the field.  I'm gonna go high-scoring here: Packers take it 34-28.


Things to Watch For:

-I know there are some awful teams in the league this year and I'm not much of a betting man (mainly due to lack of funds), but a lot of these spreads aren't sitting right with me.  Nearly half the games this week have double-digit lines.  This is still the NFL and I'm a firm believer in the old "any given sunday..." adage.

-Matt Forte's going up against the 31st best run defense in the league, allowing 172 rushing yards per game, so I guess it's time to clear some room in Canton again once Forte goes 18-133-2 against them.

-After being called for 'roughing the passer' on yet another big play, Ray Lewis will actually rip Ed Hochuli's arms off and beat him to death with them in the middle of the field.
 

-Vince Young will be traded for JaMarcus Russell mid-game and then traded back -- no one will notice.

-On the 3rd play of the game, Matt Hasselbeck will injure one of the three bones in his body he has yet to injure and post another 0.2 pt. fantasy day for his owners.

My 'Matt Berry-esque' Fantasy Sleeper of the Week: Reggie Wayne, WR Colts.  I know people have been jumping ship on him with Anthony Gonzalez due back in two weeks, but he's still available in 0.3% of all fantasy leagues, so go out there and grab him.

My Actual Fantasy Sleeper of the Week: Jeremy Maclin, WR Eagles.  Even if the Giants do find a way to slow down DeSean Jackson, they can't stop both of them.  I'm not saying this is a good move for a PPR league, but Maclin could be good for some long bombs and maybe a touch.  Maybe a 3-78-1 line.  Definitely worth a look as a WR3.
 

My Fantasy Worry of the Week: Andre Johnson, WR Hou.  Don't get me wrong.  I have AJ on one of my teams and I really hope I'm wrong here, but I just think if Houston puts up a lot of points early on, with a healing lung and that cold air in Buffalo, Kubiak might ask Andre to grab some bench and get some rest.

Cherish Week 8...once it's gone, so is half the season.

-Dave

Gamblers Anonymous: World Series Game 2 and Week 8 in the NFL

Before getting to the NFL, what a masterful performance by AJ Burnett last night who out pitched Pedro Martinez on turn back the clock night. Pedro’s face leaving the field had me literally bursting into laughter - it went from utter disappointment to chuckling at the Yankee cheers in a matter of seconds. Great World Series drama.

And how many bad calls are we going to have to see this postseason? The Howard "catch" and double-off, and Utley "out" at first on another called double-play BOTH could have altered the score of this game. JUST PUT IN A REPLAY SYSTEM ALREADY. I just hope they don't screw up a call that decides the series for the sake of the sport.

This was my first Yankee game during the postseason watching with full sound (either been at the game or in a loud bar)...I must say I forgot how incompetent the duo of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver are....ESPECIALLY McCarver. How have we gone 15 years now without changing the announcers for the World Series? I can name 546 guys off the top of my head better than McCarver and it seems like Joe Buck plays down to McCarver's level. McCarver actually had me questioning why I didn't pay $500+ for a ticket last night just so I didn't have to hear him.

Help Wanted: For Halloween I am planning to go as Mariano Rivera...I will pay someone $20 for the night to carry a boom box/speaker set with them and every time I enter a room blast Enter Sandman. Serious inquiries only (don’t make me post on Craig’s List and get murdered people).
Awkward/hilarious text of the week goes to my dad...who after the Yankees victory last night sent me: "I'm your daddy." And you people wonder where I get it from.

Top 5 casinos put off until next week due to my tight schedule...book signing in the village at noon and then heading on a chopper to Philly to cover Game 3. Tough life. Here are my NFL bets:

Don't Stop till You Get Enough: Colts -13 over 49ers - The 49ers are not terrible, but with Alex Smith starting his first game in [insert stat here, BingBong hasn't sprung for a Tony Reali of our own yet], I'm going with the Colts. Three guarantees in life: Death-Taxes-Lugie Betting the Colts.

Fool me once…shame on me…fool me…fool me twice…ya not gonna fool me again!: Dolphins +3 over Jets – I realized if I just started betting the Dolphins, then I wouldn’t feel bad when I lose most bets betting against them. So you see people, behind this logic…this bet is A LOCK!

Bingo Night Football! - Saints -10 over Falcons – The Saints finally had a bad half last week and still put up 40+ when it was all said and done. The Falcons looked exposed on the road vs. the Cowboys and I expect more of the same from Drew Brees.

Actual Vegas Line: Bye week -20 over Redskins – I’m figuring during the bye week we get a few more stories about signs being confiscated before entering the stadium shades of Stalin Russia, and then maybe some video of Snyder stealing a kids Halloween candy and smashing it under a bulldozer he bought just for shits and giggles. Bye week in a rout!

-Steve Lugerner

Thank you Mr. Donaghy! Love, Noah

Just today, I was conjuring up ideas about how to craft an article on how the NHL is better than the NBA. And while I don't have said article ready to go yet, these revelations from Tim Donaghy's not-going-to-be-published-in-the-near-future tell-all book just handed me the keys.

Making bets on who would call the first foul? Targeting a bad boy to try and call the first technical? Yikes. While that is horrifying, you have to admit...it sounds kind of fun, no?

Anyway, what Steve left out is the disgusting actions taken by the NBA itself. The league was essentially giving referees marching orders on who should prevail in a playoff game? Sure, the refs listened, but the NBA was essentially complicit in it all anyway!

The NBA is seemingly obsessed with the promotion of its stars -- the Kobes, LeBrons, and Garnetts of the world.

While the NHL struggles for legitimacy by NOT shoving its stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin down our throats, the league, in the least, retains its integrity and credibility. And don't get me wrong, the NHL does a million things wrong with its sport. I have given up on doing things to my Gary Bettman voodoo doll because it clearly is not working. For now, THANK YOU Tim Donaghy. Thank you for going a long way to helping me prove my point.

NOTE: For a fun look back at the abominable Lakers-Kings series from 2002, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4t5RMFt5u8. Pay special attention to the forearm to the face Kobe lays on Mike Bibby in Game 6 (it's shown about 50 times from different angles). Not even Tim McClelland would've missed that one.

Our first NBA post is not a positive one...

Expect an NBA preview from Silverberg and I soon...but excerpts from Tim Donaghy's book, Blowing the Whistle, are out:

http://deadspin.com/5392067/excerpts-from-the-book-the-nba-doesnt-want-you-to-read

The betting on technical fouls and first foul of the game stuff is just...WOW. I was just saying to someone even if half of this stuff is true (shades of Jose Canseco's book about steroids for MLB)...the NBA is in a shit storm of trouble. I think pretty much every hardcore fan has questioned the outcome of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Kings-Lakers and here is additional evidence to back it up. And while I always loved Bavetta, if this stuff is true he has to resign ASAP. Absolutely calls into question the last 20 years in the NBA. I am curious to how some of these NBA refs respond to these excerpts.

Expected David Stern comment : "We don't see how this changes anything. He is a convicted felon. Our referees are the best in professional sports."

Granted, let's reserve judgment to see how much of these stories are confirmed. Regardless, Stern has been shoving this under the rug ever since the story broke as if nothing is wrong here. The parallels between baseball and steroids are overwhelming because of his callous disregard for how this could be impacting outcomes of games. If he overlooks taking any action now, NBA fans should be outraged. If I were him, I'd be doing some inventory and cleaning house with my refs ASAP.

I am a Mets fan and rooting for the Phillies

Thats right, after not much deliberation at all, I will be rooting for the Phillies in the World Series. This was one of the easiest decisions I ever have had to make. I have heard some Mets fans, Dave included, telling me how I should be rooting for the Yankees this week because they are "the team from NY" and not our "biggest rival". And thats hogwash. No chance will that ever happen, sorry.

The team I hate the most has been, and always will be, the Yankees. I hate the Yankees when they win the World Series just as much as I hate them when they win 70 games (if). The Phillies, meanwhile, are just my rival of the moment. I hate Victorino, Rollins, and Hamels with the rest of the Mets fans, but 5 years ago, and hopefully 5 from now, I won't give a hoot about the Phillies. For Mets fans, they are the Braves of the late 90s, Dodgers of the late 80s and Cardinals of the early 80s. A rival that will die when either of the two teams get bad. The Yankees will be my rival forever

OK, now that we are done with that, the question is Who Will Win the World Series? I hate to say it but I have to go with the Yankees. When looking at the 2 teams, they are pretty much equal everywhere except for the bullpens. The Phillies have who exactly? Chan Ho Park? Brad Lidge? The Yankees have Joba Chamberlain, and most importantly, Mariano Rivera. The lineups are relatively equal, though I give the Yankees a slight edge. Both benches suck. Both rotations are strong with each team having an ace, an aging great, and an enigmatic young starter. And both defenses are solid but unspectacular at some positions.

So when it all boils down to it, the Yankees will come back in a couple games because the Phillies pen is lackluster and they will, unfortunately, win in 6. I hope to be proven wrong though. And here is a quote I will never again write on bingbongsports (cause I never post in the first place): Lets Go Phillies!!!

Lugerner: More Series Predictions

Let's get even bolder. Coming back to the World Series...here are my predictions:

• Game 1 - CC pitches 7 2/3 - Howard faces Coke for the last out in the 7th. Matsui two run shot in the 2nd...Yankees add another in the 6th - Mariano for the 9th - Yankees win 3-2.
• Game 2 - My only game I miss of the Yankees post season run. Burnett gives up 5 after 4 - Joba gives up 2 more in one inning of relief. Kate Hudson interferes with A-Rod going for foul ball...they break up on site...she is removed the stadium. Pedro dominates. Catastrophe in the Bronx. The city of New York riots. Phillies win 7-0.
• Game 3 - Pettitte pitches a gem 3-hitter. A-Rod and Jeter homer. Yankees win 5-0.
  Game 4 - Phillies even the series after Girardi throws out Gaudin for Game 4 and promptly gets beat into oblivion. Phillies win 14-5.
• Game 5 - CC pitches huge again going 8 on full rest. Yankees win 6-1.
• Game 6 - Burnett redeems himself after his Game 2 blowup...going 6 giving up 2 runs...but leaving in a tie ball game. Jorge Posada hits the go ahead double in the bottom of the 8th with Gardner running for Matsui (shades of Joe Girardi's game winning RBI in 1996 Game 6). Enter Sandman for the 9th - 3rd out is a pop out in foul territory off the bat of Chase Utley to A-Rod. Game over. Yankees win in 6.

MVP - CC for 2 wins in the series, despite A-Rod batting .600 (and subsequently crying in his locker when he doesn't win the MVP while everyone else celebrates).
-Steve Lugerner

Why a Mets fan CAN root for the Phillies

Just so everyone knows, I am NOT saying that I'm rooting for the Phillies.  However, my friend Steven raised a question so I feel I should answer him.  The reason we can root for the Phillies is because they are a nuance, that's all.  Believe me, I hate so much about their players personally that it's probably not healthy.  Jimmy Rollins with that huge gap between his teeth, Chase Utley's greasy hair, Victorino and his little league helmet, Colbert Hamels and his overall Cole Hamels-ness.  There's plenty to pick from, trust me.  Their team is named after a female horse and even if it's not and they're supposed to be named after the people of their city, then it has the originality of calling a team the New York New Yorkers or the San Diego San Diegoans?  San Diegoites?  San Diegons?  And there's also the fact that their uniforms look like they should be selling cotton candy at a carnival instead of playing baseball -- (thank you, Bill Bur, for that one).

However, the real reason to hate them is because their fans are obnoxious and their players are moronic to be quite honest.  I mean Cole Hamels gets on the radio and calls the Mets "choke artists", meanwhile in the last four seasons the guy has a 2-5 record with an ERA over 4.80 against them.  Jimmy Rollins gives a speech after winning the World Series talking about "Oh yeah, that Johan Santana is a reallll gooood player, but it takes a whole team to win a championship!" (I'm paraphrasing, but it was something stupid like that), and yet Johan Santana finished 2nd in Cy Young voting that year while Jimmy Rollins batted a combined .186 with 1 HR and 1 RBI in the NLCS and the World Series last year, so yeah, I guess when your lead-off hitter plays like that you do need a "whole team" to win.  Their fans walk around talking about how great they are.  They love bringing up how we choked last year as if they had anything to do with it, even though the Mets beat the Phillies 11-8 in the overall series during the season.

Overall, they're merely a blight.  I hate their players, I hate their fans, but I'm not losing any sleep over their actual team.  The Yankees on the other-hand truly do represent all that's wrong with the game.  I don't have time to get into all of it.  We know all the reasons, we've said all the reasons.  Frankly, I don't have time to argue with Yankee fans about it, I'm just answering Steve's question.  The Mets and Yankees are rivals.  I'm not saying it's as big as the Yankees and Sox, but it's still a rivalry.  It's more a rivalry of what the teams represent than an actual playing rivalry because they're in different leagues.  The Yankee fans like to talk about the Mets as if they're some annoying little brother they don't give an afterthought to because they've won 27 World Championships, but let the record show that since the Mets have been in existence that count is only 6 titles to 2 titles.

So when you say the Yankee fans would cheer for the Mets if they played the Red Sox, I guess my point is that it's not the same thing because you don't have a hatred for the Mets on a grander scale.  The Mets haven't ruined baseball, they've just ruined the lives of their fans.  Allow me to put it another way.  I loathe the Patriots.  Everyone who knows me knows that.  Their QB is overrated and plays like The Tinman because he has no heart.  I firmly believe their coach is pure evil and that if he were to be killed the Sun would shine brighter -- that's just science.  And they are cheaters.  That's undeniable.  They cheated the game of football to win and were punished for it.  That's not hearsay.  They actually did.  So I hate what they represent, but I'm not a Jets fan so I don't get to doubly-hate them because they aren't an actual rival of mine.  The Yankees are though.

Sorry, this article just keeps growing.  So in closing...  The Phillies are a blight and I hate watching the players on their team succeed, but I don't particularly care about their team.  After all, they were the first professional franchise to 10,000 losses, right?  The Yankees are an organization that I find despicable.  Although the irony is that this year, I actually probably like their players more than I usually have in the past.  I respect Jeter even if I think he's a tool.  I envy Mariano.  I like Swisher, Melky, and Hughes.  And I have nothing against CC or Teixeira.  They just play for a team that has ruined America's pastime for the majority of America.

And that, Steven, is why a Mets fan could root for the Phillies.

Dave

*Vote for me if you'd like a copy of Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas, aka Zack and Kelly's wedding, sent to you on VHS!*