Hey, Michigan women’s basketball coach  Kevin Borseth, what did you think about your 69-67 loss?

 

Did you say it was because of Offensive Rebounds? I couldn't hear you.

Tonight’s episode was about Desmond and it was awesome! The episode starts with Sayid, Desmond and Frank in the helicopter. Frank is flying directly into a thunderstorm and Sayid questions why he is continuing to travel into the storm. Frank continues on the coordinates that Daniel instructed him even though the turbulence becomes worse and worse. Desmond begins having flashes and he is suddenly in a military bed being awakened by a drill sergeant. Desmond was slow to get up and when asked why he took so long Desmond reported that he was having a dream. He said he dreamed that he was in a helicopter flying into a storm. Desmond then wakes up and returns to the helicopter. He is freaked out and tries to take off his seatbelt. Sayid tries to calm him but Desmond exclaims that he does not know Sayid or Frank. The storm clears and Frank lands the helicopter on the freighter. After they land two men come over to Frank and ask who he has brought with him. Frank explains that Sayid and Desmond are survivors of flight 815. Desmond is then brought to see the doctor on board.

As Desmond is taken to the sick bay he has another flash. He is again in the military and doing crunches. Desmond tells a friend about his dreams and decides to call Penny. As he is walking to a phone booth someone walks out and bumps into Desmond causing him to drop his change. As Desmond is going to pick up his change he flashes back to the freighter. The two men and Desmond arrive at the sick bay. They then leave Desmond and lock the door behind them. Desmond freaks and pounds on the door demanding to be let out. He then hears a voice that asks him if “it is happening to him too”.

While this is happening Daniel (back at the beach, on island) explains that the perception of time on the island may be different than that off the island. Daniel further explains that this could be why they have not heard back from the freighter about the helicopter arriving. Charlotte is not happy about Daniel sharing this information with the losties. Back on the freighter Sayid manages to convince the people on the ship to let him use the phone to call the island. Sayid brings the phone to the sick bay and calls Jack and the others. Daniel hears that Desmond is sick and asks if he was exposed to any electromagnetic force lately. He then tells Desmond to visit him during his flashes in Oxford, England (in 1996). Daniel tells Desmond how he will be able to convince him in the past that Desmond will meet him in the future.

We then return to the sick bay where Desmond begins having yet another flash. This time he is in Oxford, England. We see a younger looking Daniel speaking with some colleagues. Desmond approaches him and passes on Daniel’s future message. Daniel is shocked but finally believes that Desmond has traveled to and from the future. Desmond then flashes back to the freighter. Sayid and Desmond leave the sick bay (because someone left the door open for them) and go in search of the radio room. When they arrive everything in the room has been destroyed.

Desmond then has another flash and he is sent to Penny’s front door. Penny tells Desmond that she wants a clean break and for their relationship to be over. Desmond pleads for her phone number because he will need it to call her in 8 years. Penny gives him her phone number so long as he agrees to leave. Desmond flashes back again to the island and tells Sayid Penny’s phone number. Somehow Sayid fixed the radio room and Desmond is able to call Penny. Penny is so excited to hear from Desmond and says she has been looking for him for three years. She tells Desmond that she knows about the island and the boat and confirms speaking with Charlie before his death. Penny tells Desmond that she will continue to look for him.

Before the episode ends we see Daniel at the beach. He is looking through his notebook and flips to a page that says “if anything goes wrong Desmond will be my constant”.

Questions and Comments:

- Has Desmond been flashing to and from the future ever since he turned the key at the end of season two?

- Since everyone on the island were exposed to the electromagnetic charge after Desmond turned the key are they all at risk of suffering the same fate as Minkowski (they guy who died on the freighter)? Is this why only six people survive and make it off the island? Maybe not everyone had a constant before arriving on the island.

- Who opened the door to the sick room? Was it Ben’s person on the freighter?

- Did Minkowski not have a constant? Is that why he died?

- Is Desmond safe since he had a constant, Penny?

In a fantastic interview with WEEI'S Dennis and Callahan, Pap talks about a wide range of topics.

In what I think is a great addition, the Celtics added veteran big man P.J. Brown. He was not one of the players I mentioned the other day because he was retired.

Brown, a 6'11", 239 pound forward, will be entering his 15th year in the NBA. Brown played for the Chicago Bulls during the 2006-07 season and averaged 6.1 points to go along with 4.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game. The Louisiana Tech product has career averages of 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game. Brown has appeared in 81 career playoff games and has posted an average of 8.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in over 2,500 career postseason minutes played.

He's got great playoff experience ad will help on the boards and defense once he's in hoop shape. Now we just have a few days to add a backup Point Guard. Come on Sam!

Jason Varitek presented Bush with a Red Sox jersey that read "Bush" on the back with the number "07".  Most everyone was there accept for Manny of course. Leading Bush to say this:

"Sorry ... Manny Ramirez isn't here, it's because his grandmother died again," Bush joked.

Here is the first video

The second video is interviews with Tek, Oki & Lowell.

This is a pretty cool video for Sox fans, It shows most of the team getting sized for their new World Series rings that they will get at the home opener in April. The best part is when the Captain actually convinces the guy from Jostens to believe he wants it sized for his toe.

As I'm sure you can understand, I'm still not mentally capable of spending too much time on the Patriots.  It takes me back to a bad place if I do.  So here are a few quick updates.

• Rosevelt Colvin is expected to be released by the Patriots.  He has the second biggest salary cap number ($7.6 million) on the team after Tom Brady for the upcoming season and the Pats were not going to bring him back at that number with his injury history.  It's possible that he returns to New England with a restructured deal but his health may be a bigger concern than originally thought.
• With the loss of Colvin, the Patriots are still old and thin at the LB position.  That didn't stop the team from releasing LB Oscar Lua who was a 7th round draft pick last year.  Lua spent the season on IR after getting injured before the season even began.
• Kevin Faulk was popped at a Lil' Wayne concert last Friday night with 4 blunts (yup...the marijuana kind) in his pocket as he went through a routine security search on his way to a suite at the venue.  Of course this is another case of poor decision making by a professional athlete.  Either leave the blunts at home or have someone from your entourage carry them!  Hey, at least he wasn't rolling like Willie Andrews.  I don't expect this to be a big issue as far as the Patriots are concerned. 
• Randy Moss was not hit with the Franchise tag last week which means he will become a free agent on Friday.  The original thought was that he must have already worked out a new deal with the Patriots but that has not been confirmed as of yet.  This decision is obviously up to Randy Moss.  Does he want the big money that some team will undoubtedly throw at him or will he stay in New England where he finally found peace and put up record breaking numbers this past season.  If money is not the only factor in his decision, then I expect he will be back with the Pats for some years to come.  The Pats won't pay top dollar but they will not insult him either.
• Eugene Wilson was also released by the Patriots this week.  What the hell happened to that guy by the way?  Do you remember when he was laying wide receivers out during his rookie season?  I was excited about him at the time.  Now he's released and it means about as much as Oscar Lua getting released.  Anyway, he's got rings so thank you for your service Eugene! 

That's all for now.  When will this feeling go away?

Here's our man Jonathon Papelbon trying to do A PSA. There is never a dull moment with Paps. Video via Cape Cod Times.

Here's a funny Bud Light commercial that the FCC wouldn't let air during the Super Bowl.

 

Today was the annual Sox Photo Day. Red Sox players went through over a dozen stations set up in the clubhouse, the team dining room, as well as outside, where they had their photographs taken for various uses. Here are some from the Globe.

 

ESPN has just reported that The Boston Red Sox have signed 2005 Cy Young award winner Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract.

This is a easy, no risk signing as he would provide rotation insurance for the Sox with Schilling out.

Colon has always suffered through weight an injury issues throughout his career. In 2007 for the Los Angeles Angels, he was 6-8 record and a 6.34 ERA -- the worst of his career.

In his 11-year career, Colon is 146-95 with a 4.10 ERA. He is a two-time 20-game winner.

 

Everyone in Red Sox Nation has been waiting for this. After leading the Red Sox to their second World Series title during his four-year tenure, Terry Francona was rewarded with a three-year extension Sunday through 2011 worth around 11 million dollars. The Red Sox also have two club options for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Theo Epstein had this to say:

"Terry Francona has done an outstanding job in managing the Red Sox over the last four seasons. This is demonstrated not only in the three playoff appearances and two World Series victories but also in the way in which he handles the demands of managing in Boston on a day-to-day basis, both on and off the field. It also represents a strong and sincere commitment by our ownership," general manager Theo Epstein said in a statement.

Here's ESPN's take

 

Here's a statement from Tito:

“I want to thank the Red Sox ownership and management for their tremendous support. From the resources provided by the ownership group and the front office to a great collection of players and the passion and loyalty of the fans, there is no doubt that Boston is the best place to manage in the major leagues. I look forward to being in a Red Sox uniform for many years to come.”

When Kevin Garnett was asked about the reputation they've earned as a team, he said:

"We've built that," Garnett said. "It wasn't something that [the media] gave us. It wasn't that we went to the store and bought it. It wasn't like we went online and got it. It's something that we obtained. It's something that we went out and achieved. That's something that each and every last one of these players in here, along with the staff, members of the Celtics, we all as one went out and got that."

Last year when Dustin Pedroia struggled very early in his rookie year batting close to 200 for the first month. FSN's Gary Tanguay felt the need to bring that up in an interview later in the season. Let's just say Dustin didn't forget about it. The other day on Comcast Spots tonight, He had a little surprise for Gary.

Here's Part one of the interview:

Here's Part two of the interview:

Videos courtesy of FSN

With the Celtics now losing three straight on their West coast road trip, Panic mode in Celtics Nation is at a season high. Personally I think everyone needs a big CALM DOWN. I do think however that the Celts must add a veteran or two over the next few weeks. Here are the likely candidates.

Sam Cassell

 

Brent Barry-He to me is the most intriguing. A real team player, 13-year veteran combo-guard, two-time NBA champion who's The 6-foot-7. A great outside shooter and passer, although he's not a " true" point guard.

 

Flip Murray

 

Jamal Magloire

 

Chris Anderson is the other really intriguing possibility. Known as "Birdman" (which is always a bonus in Boston)  for his high-flying dunks, shot-blocking skills and rare athleticism. Andersen was a favorite among Hornets fans before he was banished from the NBA for a minimum of 2 years in 2006 for violating the league's drug policy. You can read his story HERE. I think he'd be a big upgrade from Perk. (Sorry Perk, you're brick hands and slow motion wind up have finally sent me over the edge.) Since he was just reinstated, he doesn't have an NBA page, so here are some highlights.

This episode was great! Probably one of my favorite so far this season. Now we don’t have to worry about the writers strike ending this season too early. The only negative thing I heard recently was that Lost would return to 10pm after all the other shows return. That’s a bummer, I like the 9pm slot.

On Island

Kate and the rest of the Locke's lostie team seem to be getting comfortable in their new homes (the barracks). Kate, Claire and Aaron are living in one home; Hurley and Sawyer are living in another home and Locke is living in Ben’s house. Locke has Ben locked up in the basement and has Miles in the boat house.

We find out that Kate remained at the barracks to find out more information about the people on the freighter. Kate asks Locke where he is holding Miles but Locke refuses to tell her. She finally tricks Hurley into telling her where he is. Kate goes to Miles demands he tell her what he knows about her. He agrees so long as Kate can get him some alone time with Ben. Kate eventually breaks Miles out of the boat house and brings him to where Locke is holding Ben. Miles tells Ben that he will tell the freighter that Ben is already dead so long as Ben gives him 3.2 million dollars. He gives Ben a week to come up with the money. As this exchange is going on Sawyer and Locke return to the house. Locke banishes Kate from the barracks and tells her to return to the beach. Kate spends a night with Sawyer and the next day leaves to return to the beach.

At the beach Jack demands that Charlotte make contact with the freighter. He asks if there is another phone number. Charlotte admits there is an emergency phone number that they really aren’t supposed to call. Juliette tells Charlotte that it is an emergency and Charlotte calls the freighter. She tells Regina that the losties want to talk to their friends on the freighter. Regina seems confused and says that the helicopter never returned to the freighter. Regina thought the helicopter was still on the island.

Off Island

Kate is seen on trial for the charges she accrued before Oceanic 815 crashed. She pleads not guilty and finds out that her mother is the star witness for the prosecution. After Kate’s first hearing she is held due to a being a flight risk. At the next hearing Jack testifies as a character witness for Kate. He testifies that he met Kate on island and that there were eight survivors of flight 815. Jack further stated that Kate helped save all eight of these people. Kate stands up during Jack’s testimony and tells him not to answer any more questions. The prosecutor only asks Jack one question, if he is in love with the defendant. Jack responds “not anymore”. Later Kate’s mother goes in to see her. She tells Kate that she wants to see her grandson and does not want to testify against Kate. Kate’s mother is visibly ill and tells Kate that she has had six months to live for the past four years. Kate refuses to allow her mother to see her son. Eventually Kate’s attorney and the DA meet to discuss the fact that Kate’s mother is no longer willing to testify. The DA offers a deal of 10 years in state probation. Kate quickly agrees to this and she is soon a free woman.

When Kate is leaving the courthouse Jack is outside at his car. Jack tells Kate that he does in fact love her and didn’t mean what he said on the stand. Kate invites Jack to follow her back to her home. Jack refuses but agrees to meet for coffee instead. Kate says no that she will not go to coffee with him until he is willing to see her son. Kate leaves and soon after arrives home. A nanny greats her and tells Kate that her child is upstairs sleeping. Kate enters the child’s room, goes over to his bed and hugs him. He is a blond child approximately two years of age. He says “hi mommy” and Kate responds with “Hi Aaron”.

Questions

- Where is the helicopter?

- Why does Miles think Ben can get so much money?

- What card/memory game was Daniel playing with Charlotte? What was the significance of this game?

- What happened to Claire? Did she die on island? Did she sacrifice her ability to leave the island so that her son could leave? So it looks like Aaron is about 2 years old or so. At the time of this flash foward exactly how long has it been since Kate was rescued?

- Why are the Oceanic six saying that only 8 people survived the crash? Why couldn’t they tell the true story of what happened?

- Why didn’t Kate want her mom to see her son? Do you think Kate’s mom would have realized that Aaron is not really Kate’s child and blown their cover?

- Why won’t Jack go to Kate’s house and see Aaron?

- So now we know five of the Oceanic 6. Who is left?

At least once a game the Celtics Rajon Rondo uses his cradle move where he fakes a behind the back pass and it usually works. This one the other night vs. the Nuggets, he makes Anthony Carter look foolish.

For those of you that listen to sports radio WEEI, might have heard The Big Show laugh it up for probably most of the whole four hours of the show last week over Dennis and Callahan's John Dennis's old rap video from when he was on WHDH. I have finally found the video after many reader requests.
 WEEI - The Big Show - MC Dino Dennis

Sports are a huge part of my life. It effects just about everything I do. It effects what I watch, what I read, what web sites I visit. It effects who my friends are, what I talk about, what radio station I listen to. It effects how I feel, my moods, what I teach my children, just about everything. It affects my work; it gives me something to relate to with my clients from other parts of the country. And this has been the case since I was little. When I was little, it determined what I did with my allowance (as I spent more money than I care to remember on baseball cards that aren’t worth the paper they are printed on today). It effected how my father and I connected (it still does for that matter). It effected who I wanted to be when I grew up. It effected how I decorated my room. It effected what I did in and out of school, as if I wasn’t watching sports, I was certainly was playing some sport somewhere. Whether it was an organized game or a pickup game in the neighborhood, I always seemed to be doing something sports related. It affected me so much then and so much now for one reason, I fell in love with sports. I love the competion. I love watching sports. I love learning all I can about sports. I love the behind the scenes stuff in terms of what it takes to build a team and what it takes to be successful. I love reading all about the NFL and NBA draft, what potential trades are being discussed, who is playing well and who isn’t, what players are free agents, playing fantasy football. I love debating who is better the Sox or the Yanks. I love going to Fenway or the Garden.

Unfortunetly, sports seem to be changing. I am actually wondering what happened to the big part of my life that I love so much. I worry about sports. Today all you hear about are the off the field issues. I hate steroids, congressional hearings, Spygate, Barry Bonds, Pac Man Jones, Roger Clemens and the all of the negativity that surrounds sports. Just a few years ago, the first thing I did when I woke up was to turn on ESPN and find out what happened in last nights games, what trades were made, what injuries occurred. Who did what on the field. I would grab the Boston Herald and immediately flip to the back page, the sports page. Like most sports nuts my favorite and most watched show was SportsCenter. I couldn’t go a day with out watching SportsCenter at least twice. Nowadays, I can’t seem to be able to watch 10 minutes of it anymore. They don’t seem to show any game highlights anymore and that is what I am looking. I turned on SportsCenter last week and it took 15 minutes before they talked about anything that actually happened on the field. Sports today seem to more Law and Order than actual sports. Then when they do talk about actual sports, they commentators can’t seem to do it with out yelling. I don’t need anyone yelling at me. The innocence of sports that made me fall in love with it when I was younger seems to be disappearing.

That is why I hope will all my might that the thing I fell in love with so many years ago returns to way I remember it. I hope this not only my sake but for the sake of my children. I want sports for them to give them as much happiness as it did me and if things continue the way they are I don’t see that happening.

 

Today ESPN’s Eric Neel wrote his preseason MLB power rankings. It might be, no it is the worst rankings and resons I've ever seen. His #1 team is  The Philadelphia Phillies

2. New York Mets

3. Chicago White Sox

4. Detroit Tigers

5. Minnesota Twins
???? This is the team that just traded the best pitcher in baseball.

6. New York Yankees

Next up, Your Bos……oh wait

To read the rest, check out my latest post on Wickedgoodsports