My4Albany

Remember...a few years ago...when MLB actually did something right and began the season with the Northeast teams playing either on the road in warm-weather cities or against dome teams? I guess it simply made too much sense for that knucklehead Bud Selig and his cronies in the comish office to continue that policy.

And so, instead, we get what we got yesterday: the Yankees having to cancel their season-opener...their FINAL season opener in the history of Yankee Stadium...because of rain. Now, sure, it can rain anytime and there's no guarentee that if the Yankees home-opener was scheduled, say for April 14th, that it would be a clear, dry, beautiful Spring day. But I like my odds.

But by scheduling a March 31st home-opener the Yankees are now forced to lift the curtain on the season tonight...losing all the pomp and fanfare of a matinee opener...AND deal with the chilly conditions.

Meantime...the Mets kicked-off their season in Miami...and Johan Santana was as advertised. Look for Santana to be spectacular for the first half of the season...until the NL hitters start to get a book on him. Maybe I'm just a little scared because he killed me over the second half of last season on my fantasy team. But the fate of the '08 Mets doesn't rest on the shoulders of Santana. It's the rest of that staff - Maine, Pelfrey and Pedro - who will determine if the Mets are a playoff team come October.

Don't you love it when teams, coaches, players Deny, Deny Deny media reports about a pending move...and then a few days later that move takes place. Earlier this week when Donnie Walsh left the Indiana Pacers the team and Walsh's people said reports that he was about to be hired to take over the Knicks were absolutely untrue.

Well...here it is Thursday...and Walsh is the Knicks new Team President. It would be better if teams and PR agents used the dreaded "no comment" in these circumstances instead of blanket denials....which only serve to set themselves up to look foolish.

As for the hiring...it's a nice move by the Knicks...and Walsh played hardball...knowing how desperate the team is to bring in someone who can straighten things out and return some level of credibility and honor to the franchise. It's long been believed that you can't turn an NBA team around overight. But then take a look at what the Celtics did last off-season...and how it's played out on the court this year. Boston...with a only a few shrewd moves...has gone from pathetic to the class of the Eastern Conference and a legit contender for an NBA title.

We'll see what Walsh has up his sleeve. Remember...while this guy did a nice job making and keeping the Pacers contenders during his time in Indiana...you can count the number of championships his teams won on.....NO FINGERS! 

As for Knicks coach Isiah Thomas...it's time to start collecting the cardboard boxes...as he'll be replaced quickly at the end of the season. My advice to Isiah: just don't ask any female MSG emplyoees to help you pack.

One of the bad things (maybe the ONLY bad thing) about the NCAA Basketball Tournament is the six day wait between the Regional Finals and the Final 4 doubleheader. But the wait is almost over. However, if you can't wait any longer...her's how tomorrow's National Semi-final games are going to go:

UCLA - Memphis

This one's all about tempo. If Memphis can do their thing ("Princeton on Steroids" as coach John Calipari calls it) the Tigers will be playing for a championship on Monday night. If the Bruins can control the pace...keep the game in the 60's...it's UCLA that will be moving-on.

I love Calipari. You know why? Because when he was at UMass he used to watch my TV sportscasts. How can you not respect a guy for having such good taste.

However...I don't like his team in this spot. I picked UCLA from the start to win the whole thing so I've got to stay with the Bruins. Plus...I think the poor Memphis FT shooting will finally bite them in the butt on Saturday. And you can't ignore the experience factor: this is UCLA's 3rd straight Final 4 appearance...and the first time they've got a legit big man.

Final Score: UCLA 68 Memphis 64

Kansas - North Carolina

I can't believe Kansas is still playing. If not for that huge Davidson choke last Sunday, the Jayhawks would be home watching the Final Four. But their run stops Saturday night. Carolina is the much better team in this one: starters, bench, coaching. This game shouldn't even be close (at least in National Semi-final terms).

Final Score: UNC 84 Kansas 71

By the way...the early season MLB Lock-of the Year has already hit: Both Pedro Martinez and Mike Hampton on the DL after their first starts. In fact...Hampton injured himself even before he took the mound - warming-up in the bullpen. That was a lock parlay. Hope you were on it.

However...If you missed out on that gimmie...there's still some $$$ to be made: The "Kerry Wood - Mark Prior" DL parlay is still very much alive.

Well, maybe not everybody. And hopefully not you. But I'm done. I had UCLA winning it all in two pools and North Carolina in the other. So Saturday officially ended my college basketball season.

I was very surprised that UCLA didn't come-up with a better scheme to slow down Memphis. But maybe no one can do that right now. The Tigers are playing tremendous basketball. But more on that in a moment.

As for Kansas, if you read Friday's predictions you know that I loved UNC. In fact I still can't belive that Kansas made it through the regional bracket. So imagine my surprise when they built a 28 point first-half lead. WHAT? And yet I knew they'd make it interesting and they did. But that was just too deep a hole for Carolina to climb out of.

However, consider this: If, somehow, Kansas is able to win tonight this will be National Champion that survived a final shot 3-pointer to a 10-seed, and then squandered all but 4 of a 28-point lead...in their previous two games.

All signs point to Memphis tonight, so I'll take the Tigers and lay the 2-points.

Menatime the biggest winner of the day...no matter what happens tonight...is Dick Vitale. Dickie V and 6 others have been named to the '08 class of the Basketball Hall of Fame. I've been saying for years that Vitale absolutely deserved this honor so I'm very happy that the voters finally saw the light. 

'Dick Vitale has done more for the popularity of college basketball than practically anyone in the history of the game. These HOF's are not exclusively designed for players and coaches. They are designed to honor those who have achieved greatness within their sport and Vitale has certainly done that. (This is also why John Madden belongs in the Pro Football HOF). 

In fact, I'd argue that Vitale is more worthy of induction than some of his fellow members in the Class of '08...in particular Patrick Ewing...who remains, in my mind, the most overrated player in NBA history.

Schenectady native Pat Riley joins Ewing, Vitale and four others in this year's class.

I've always wondering why people take such offense to the word "choke." Traditionally, sportscasters were not supposed to use that word. Too harsh. Too offensive.

Well, I've never had a problem using "choke"...but only when it applies. And last night, folks, we saw one of the classic Choke-jobs in the history of sports.

Memphis...up 9-points with a little over 2-minutes to go in the NCAA Championship game, ends-up losing...in overtime. And it's not just the fact that Memphis lost...it's how they lost that puts this in the Bill Buckner, Jackie Smith, Chris Webber catagory of all-time sports chokes.

Missed free throws, something that has been a problem all season for Memphis, but that they dismissed as "no problem", finally did them in. It's easy to make shots from the stripe when you're up 15 with 2-minutes to go. But pressure tends to bring-out the truth in an individual - whether that be in spoprts or in life. Some people can rise above...while others succumb. The Memphis players gagged.

But they weren't alone. Tigers coach John Calipari also "bit the apple"...failing to have his players committ a foul on Kansas's final possession in regulation, which would have prevented the Jayhawks Mario Chalmers from being to get-off his game-tying 3-pointer.

This is basis coaching. Late-Game Strategy 101. And yet Calipari didn't call for the foul. He choked, plain and simple.

Then there's the stupid fouls, turn-overs and bad shots late in that game by Memphis, when they seemingly had a National Championship in their hands, it all adds-up to a collapse for the ages.

Hard not to feel bad for the Memphis kids, but there are some valuable lessons to be learned from this game...especially for the youngsters who may have been watching (if they were able to stay awake): No game is ever over...so if you're winning...keep your focus and keep playing hard. And if you're losing...keep plugging away...because amazing things can happen if you fight to the finish.

And the greatest lesson: even some of the most talented athletes and one of the best coaches in the game can flat-out choke under pressure.

So, move-over Buckner, Webber, Greg Norman, Jean Van De Velde and Scott Norwood...you've got some new members joining you in the Gag Hall of Fame.  In fact, an entire team.

Nice job, Legislators.

Only in New York could a group of people come up with a way to spend $121 billion of our money, and let leave out of the budget funding for one of the most important items.

The decision to leave $36 million for the construction of an outdoor sports/entertainment stadium for UAlbany out of the new state budget is ridiculous. Sure, these are challenging financial times. But you can't tell me that there isn't $536 million still in this budget that's going for meaningless projects, wasted on pork-barrel projects and pay-backs.

Following the construction of the Knick Arena I emerged as the lone voice in the wildreness...pushing for the area to finally get into the game, regionally and nationally, by building a quality, outdoor stadium that could house, not only our major high school and college events, but regional and state tournament and cultural events.

Finally, a few years back, UAlbany decided to take the lead and make this vision a reality for the Capital Region. But the school needs some financial help from the state. But that help isn't coming. At least not this year.

Instead, UAlbany is getting $89 million for a new campus center. Hey, I went to UAlbany. That campus center is just fine. How about kicking some of that $$$ to funding the construction of the stadium, a facility that ALL of the Capital Region would benefit from.

It's embarrassing that this area has to play it's biggest outdoor games each year on high school field. And we have to stand by and watch as Kingston, Plattsburgh and Binghamton host regional and state tournaments. Every major and mid-major metropolitian area in the country has a quality outdoor sports facility. Most have two or three.

Not us. Maybe the folks at UAlbany should have promised Joe Bruno that they'd put his name on the stadium. Hey, it worked for HVCC.  They could have made the same promise to then-Governor Spitzer during the budget process. But then every night at the stadium would have had to have been "Ladies Night." 

Masters Pick:  Here's a toughie: I'll go with...I dunno...Tiger Woods. But how about an exacta: Woods/A.Scott.

Trifecta? You gotta wait till the Kentucky Derby

I love this. The three other members of the U.S. Olympic relay team that included now disgraced cheater Marion Jones are upset that the International Olympic Committee has decided to take their gold and bronze medals away. Let's see - one of your teammates cheated...and that's why you won...and yet you want to keep your trophies? Are you kidding me?

Someone needs to explain to these women the definition of the word "team." How in the world can they think that they still deserve their medals when they were won illegally?

The athletes plan to fight the IOC ruling. They've all hired lawyers. There's a shocker. Let's hope they all spend a lot of moeny that they don't have and then lose the case.

Rivalry Renewed 

The Yankees and Red Sox begin their annual grudge match tonight. Right now they're playing to see who can get over the .500 mark. It's still much too early for Yankees fans to being panicing, but I'm already hearing it around the Capital Region. Trust me - the bats will come alive...and the young pitching will emerge. All you have to do is remember how they buried themselves last season...and then rebounded...and that should calm your nerves.

It's finally "Yankees Week" here at My4. Yes, the MLB season began two weeks ago, but our first Yankees game, and our first "Yankees Tonight" pre-game telecast is Friday night. Pre-game 6:30. And I promise a very special guest to help us get our season underway.

As for the Masters, you've got to give the kid a lot of credit. If you didn't see him falling apart following that double-bogey on 16 then you don't know the history of this tournament. Especailly with T. Woods in his rearview mirror. But Trevor Immelman should nerves of steel...and plenty of guts for a young guy (at least in golf terms).

So much for a Tiger Slam. And...interesting enough...Woods remains without a win in a major in which he trailed after 3-rounds. The flip-side of that, of course, is that he wins all the ones in which he LEADS after 3-rounds...and there have plnety of them. But about the only ammo that detractors have to use against Tiger is that he has clearly established that he is NOT "The Comeback Kid". I'm sure he's not losing sleep over that one flaw in his game, but you've got to believe that until he does rally on the final day and win a major it's got to bother him at some level.

Even the great ones still need something to shoot for. 

Is it just me...or did Carmelo Anthony look a little "out of it" during that taped apology for his DUI arrrest? I'm guessing he was acting (as all sports figures and celebrities try when they are forced in front of the camera to apologize) and that was his "sincere look." But to me he looked drunk. Which, considering the circumstances, isn't much of a stretch.

Will the league punish Melo? That league? The NBA? You've got to be kidding. It's a bit cliche...but Anthony is simply lucky that he didn't kill himself or others.

The MAAC's decision to put-off the obvious: making Albany the permanent home of the MAAC basketball tournament - is as ridiculous as conference officials spreading the tournament around in the first place. Buffalo? Trenton? Bridgeport? Please. I've been banging this drum for so long my hand hurts.

And now...with a chance to "right a wrong" and do the right thing...Commissioner Rich Ensor can't pull the trigger. Instead the MAAC is hiring a consultant to tell them what to do.

They should have hired me. I could have saved them a lot of money...and given them the answer they need...today.

Who says you can't go home again. For NBA fans (especially those of the Lakers and Celtics) this season has proven that, yes, you can go home, or at least back to "The Glory Days." For this first time in 20 years both the Celts and Lakers and the #1 seeds of their respective conferences heading into the playoffs.

Now, get ready for the hype. All the vintage video of those great Boston and LA teams of the 80's...disolving into shots of this year's teams. Don't be fooled. The Celtics and Lakers teams of the past would wipe the floor with the 2008 versions. And I'm not usually one of those guys who thinks that everything old was better than everything current (but we all know one of those guys). But in this case it's true. Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Scott, Bird, DJ, McHale, Parish. Please. There's no arguement here.

That doesn't mean that these teams aren't talented and fun to watch. And you know the league is praying for a Celtics-Lakers finals. But I just don't see it playing out that way. For some reason I see L.A. getting knocked-off somewhere along the way. Maybe not in the first round to the Mavs or Nuggets (though this is the NBA...where 8's do beat 1's). But I don't see Kobe being able to carry that team into the championship round.

However, that won't stop David Stern from lighting every candle he can find to try to make it happen.  

So Chad Johnson wants to play for a winner...and so he wants to be traded. On one hand, I can't blame Johnson for wanting to get away from the Cincinnati Bengals. This is the most embarrassing organization in the NFL. A deadly combination of criminals and boobs. I'm shocked every year that Marvin Lewis is allowed to keep his job.

So Chad has the right idea wanting to get away from Cinci. But, like most pro athletes, he's going about it the wrong way. At least, if he cares at all about acting like a mature adult. But here's the thing: most pro athletes...no matter their age...AREN'T mature adults. And so Johnson is spending this off-season...not working-out with his teammates...but hitting every media outlet he can to whine about his situation and spread his trade demands.

Great. Here's the problem: Chad Johnson is no longer one of the elite WR's in the NFL. Is there a market for him on the trade front? Sure. But not at the price he, and the Bengals, are thinking. And Ocho's history of on-field antics certainly eliminate several teams from contention right off the top.

As much as they need a veteran WR...and have the amunition to make a deal...I don't see my Philadelphia Eagles making a move to add Johnson. The Cowboys are talking a good game...but can you imagine TO and Ocho on the same team?

Johnson isn't Randy Moss...though I'm sure he thinks he is...believing that he'll be able to join a new team...break receiving records...and lead them to the Super Bowl. What's more likely is that he'll get traded to a mid-level team with little upside (Redskins?)...and languish in mediocrity for the remainder of his career. 

So while getting out of Cinci sounds like a good idea...Chad may just want to start showing-up to the off-season work-outs...just in case.

The Knicks have finally fired Isiah Thomas. But here's what I don't get: why in the world does James Dolan keep Thomas on the payroll and in the organization? What could Isiah have on this guy?

Most coaches, when they are dismissed, get shown the door. See ya. Sure they get their contracts paid-off...and continue to make millions for doing nothing...but there's normally a clean-break. Especially when that coach has done the type of abysmal done that Thomas has done in New York. 

But not Isiah. He gets to stay with the Knicks, holding some as yet defined position and title, and continue to be a black mark on this organization. Loyalty is one thing. Stupidity is something else entirely. Clearly Dolan and new head of basketball operations Donnie Walsh feel it's more important to keep Isiah around than to change the image of this one proud franchise.

Someday we may find out just what Thomas has on Dolan to "inspire" such loyalty. I'm betting that photographs are involved.

START SPREADING THE NEWS 

Hope you enjoy our debut edition of "Dunkin' Donuts Yankees Tonight" - 6:30 tonight, just prior to the Yankees-Orioles. 

Where do I begin? With two of the events that most of you probably DIDN'T see and don't much care about. How about that Danica Patrick! Whether you are a fan...or are disgusted by the amount of attention she got simply because she's a woman in a man's sport...or simply couldn't care less, you do have to feel good about Danica finally getting a victory. Sure, she had to go all the  way to Japan to get it, but this is no fluke. She has been competitive in the vast majority of her races and deserved to finally taste victory. And this is exactly what I would write about a MALE driver who had struggled to get that elusive first win and then finally got it. Of course, if this were a male driver it's unlikely that I'd be writing about him, because nobody would know his name or care about the story.

In a weekend of great games and events, the other you probably missed was the Joe Calzaghe - Bernard Hopkins fight on Saturday night. Yes, Hopkins didn't show much style (but he never really does). Yes, Calzaghe was busier and more aggressive. But I gotta tell you, Hopkins should have gotten the decision. Or...at the very least...a draw. He scored the only knock-down...made Calzaghe fight his fight...and was never really hurt in any of the 12-rounds. Add the fact that Hopkins is 43 YEARS OLD! 43!!! And he schooled a guy who is undefeated and at the prime of his career. Bernard - you made us proud.

Plenty of spectacular performances in the NBA and NHL playoffs. This year's Western Conference quarterfinals may go down as the best first-round of playoff match-up's in the history of the league. Spurs-Suns? In the first round? Even if your one of those "I can't watch the NBA" basketball snobs do yourself a favor and take-in some of these games. This playoff season will change your mind about the NBA.

Here's how these series will go:  East: Celtics in 4 / Pistons in 6 / Magic in 5 / Cavs in 6 

                                                            West: Lakers in 5 / Hornets in 7 / Spurs in 7 / Jazz in 6

(Stay with me...you'll get the title eventually)

So Hank is following in Daddy's footsteps, meddling where he doesn't belong. It's a Steinbrenner family tradition. And some will say.."Hey, this family is writing the checks, so it's members have the right to tell the GM and the manager what to do."

Of course, in most other businesses that would make sense. But not in sports. But that isn't going to stop Hank from making a fool of himslef by trying to emulate the old man. Not that the idea of making Joba Chamberlain a starter is that far-out. A pretty good arguement can be made, especially with the struggles the Yankees are having getting 7-solid innings from their starters. 

But this would be the wrong move. Chamberlain is the Yanks closer of the future...and that future is one Marinao Rivera hamstring away from being tomorrow. This kid has all the tools to be a great closer, physically and mentally. No need to push the panic button in April and maybe, just maybe, screw him up by stretching him out as a starter.

Meantime, to say that Isiah Thomas is getting the last laugh would be the understatement of the year. Isiah has been told by the Knicks that, even though he's staying with the team, he can have no contact with any team member and will have no one report to him. 

He's found the perfect job: No responsibilities. No expectations. And, oh yea, he'll be making $18-million dollars. 

Look for Thomas and the Knicks to work a buy-out that will free-up Thomas to leave the organization. But maybe not. Maybe he serves-out the remainder of his contract...and collects all $18-mil. If that turns-out to be the case...all Isiah detractors (and I include myself in that group) may have to reevaluate our stance that the guy didn't have a clue about what he was doing. 

For those of you shocked, surprised, dismayed by the Seattle Seahawks decision to release former MVP Shaun Alexander you really shouldn't be. This is just another example of the short shelf-life of NFL runningbacks. Pro Football is a young man's game...especially at the runningback position. If you've ever had the opportunity to stand on the sidelines of an NFL game (or even close to the action at a Training Camp) you see and hear the punishment that players take, RB's in particular.

Five of six years as a top-flight NFL back is almost unheard of. And you can't blame teams for giving-up on RB at the first sign of age, chronic injury or simply wear and tear. Alexander shows signs of all three.

Will he get signed by another team? Of course. But for a lot less money thah Seattle would have had to pay him. Will he ever be a Pro Bowl back again? Not a chance. 

Not that we needed one, but isn't it amazing how Jerry Jones continues to make moves to make us despise the Cowboys even more than we already did (if that's possible).

T.O....Tank Johnson...now "Pacman" Jones. Hey, Jerry. Chris Henry's available and if stays out of jail he'll be elidgible to play again soon. What the Cowboys are doing here is disgusting. And where's the league on this? How, on one hand, can Commissioner Goodell claim that the league is cracking-down on "bad guys" while, on the other hand, the NFL's showcase franchise is being allowed to stockpile these same guys? (apologies to T.O., who doesn't have the rap-sheet of Johnson and "Pacman." He's just a knucklehead.)

And here's the funny thing: Jerry Jones thinks that adding "Pacman" will get his team over the top and back to the Super Bowl. Why else would he do it? Instead, this move has disaster written all over it. Prediction: If "Pacman" begins this season with the Cowboys...he doesn't make it through the first 8 games without getting into trouble.

Meantime...we're less than 48-hours from the draft...and the first round should be wild. Not just involving the college guys being taken...but the many trades that could take place involving big-name veterans. I think the Giants will move Jeremy Shockey to the Saints. Shockey...who I've contended since he came into the league is the most over-rated player in the NFL... wants to play for old pal Sean Payton. The Giants blossommed last season after Shockey's injury (and that was no coincidence). Make the move

The Bengals also need to ship Chad Johnson somewhere. Lito Sheppard should be an ex-Eagle by Saturday night. And not it appears that Jason Taylor will be laving the Dolphins, even thought Bill Parcells said back in March, "The only way that Jason Taylor isn't playing for the Dolphins next season is if he retires."  I'm thinking there's ANOTHER way.

Yea, I know the MLB season is in full swing and the NHL and NBA playoffs have been very entertaining thus far. But we all know what this weekend is all about: The NFL Draft.

While some (the unholy) see the draft as an over-hyped, over-blown, non-event. For those of us in the know, Draft Day is one of THE BEST days on the sports calendar and the best sporting event at which there isn't an actually competition taking place.

Because, if you really think about it...this is the ULTIMATE competition: not only are the teams trying to determine their futures with a few roles of the dice...but they're also trying to out-smart the other guys. It's a beautiful cat-and-mouse game, with some Russian Roulette thrown in for good measure.

The suspense has been taken-out of the first pick by the Dolphins already signing Mich OT Jake Long. Here's some predictions for Draft Day 2008 - and beyond:

Best Player to come out of this draft: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

Best QB to come out of this draft: Brian Brohm - Louisville. I like Matt Ryan, but I love Brohm.

Biggest potential early pick bust: Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU. Can you say "Injury plagued career?"

Jets should take McFadden if he's there. Giants should take the best DB still on the board. The Patriots should take Vernon Gholston - DE - Ohio State if he's still around @ 9. And the Bills should continue packing for Toronto.

Don't forget: The Draft starts at 3:00 this year, which will allow you to get all those pesky chores done around the house so you can sit around the house the rest of the day and night.

Talk about a letdown. This year's NFL was supposed to be different. Not only were teams going to roll the dice and select the college players they hope will be their stars of the future but there was supposed to be more. This was going to be "Draft Plus." There were at least a half dozen NFL veterans who had a chance to change teams, should have changed teams. Instead - nothing.

Don't get me wrong, I love the NFL Draft for what it is. Always have, always will (though I didn't like the picks being sped-up. Not enough time for analysis). But where were the trades?

By this morning the following players should be members of new teams: Jeremy Shockey, Lito Sheppard, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, Jason Taylor. But no. You know it was a bad day for blockerbuster trades when the biggest name involved in a deal is Lorenzo Booker (who should help the Eagles, by the way).

As for the real purpose of the draft - adding college players - I like what the Ginats did positionally. And I'm not all riled-up over the selection of Mario Manningham. Sure the kid screwed-up a few times when he was at Michigan. But it's "Big Boy Time" now, and he'll get his chance to prove that he's matured. If not, they cut him. But if he can stay out of trouble he can be a major help to that receiving corp.

The Jets didn't  have Darren McFadden fall in their lap. If you read Friday's column you know what I think about Vernon Gholston. Sometimes you'd rather be lucky than good.

The Patriots were smart to load-up on defense, since the average age of the their starters on that side of the ball last season was 57.

And the Bills? Does it matter? Their good picks will either get hurt, or leave in a few years when they're elidgible for free-agency. And their bad picks will be forced to play (see: James Hardy).

Funniest pick in ther first round: The Ravens taking Joe Flacco and continuing this franchise's tradition of bad quarterbacks. Sure they won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, but that doesn't mean you have to try and do that EVERY season.

Random thoughts about the post-seasons were are in the midst of:

- The best story no one is paying attention to (or cares about) thsi playoff season is the play of the Philadelphia Flyers. This is a 6th-seed that, after knocking-off the #3-seed in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals, taking a Game-7 on the road, is up 2-1 of the top-seeded Montreal Canadians. In fact, Philly should be-up "3-0" if not for a few questionable whistles that helped Montreal steal a Game-1 in which they were outplayed. The Flyers have momentium and a hot goaltender. When was the last time a 6-seed played for a championship? Could happen. Great story.

- The Celtics are hurting their chances to win an NBA title by not putting-away the Atlanta Hawks quickly. Sure, the Big 3 (Pierce, Allen and Garnett) have held-up nicely through this long season. But every extra game they have to play now will hurt them in May and June (if they get that far). The key to surviving the endless NBA post-season is dispatching opponents as soon as possible. Or, as my old pal Moses Malone liked to say "Four, Four, Four". The competition for the Celtics will get tougher in coming rounds. You have to wonder how much they'll have left in the tank.

- Finally...the "American Idol" playoffs continue tonight. While I'm still preparing for the "David vs. David" finale, after what happened last week it wouldn't surprise me if David Cook's days are numbered. He's the most talented of this year's contestants and deserves to win it all. But, as usual, the competition has turned into a popularity contest, and I don't think the older rocker has the passionate fan base of the rest of the Final 5. Remember what happened to Daughtrey 2 seasons ago? It could happen again with Cook. If not this week than next. But, as with Daughtrey, Cook will get the last laugh, as he is the ONLY remaining contestant with a marketable sound and the potential for immediate pop music stardom.

What do Yankees pitcher  Mike Mussina and American Idol's David Archuleta have in common? They both look like, at any second, they're going to burst out crying. And the way things are going, the waterworks may not be too far away for both of them.

No shocker that the Pistons responded last night by pounding the Sixers in Game-5 at home. The ley to whether or not Detroit is a serious contender in the East is how they play in Game-6 in Philly. If they're serious, they win the game by double-digits. But if the lose this game, forcing a Game-7, even if they win that game and the series (which they would be highly favord to do), they're no threat to Boston or Cleveland. 

No team can get away with turning it on and off during the post-season. That pattern always comes back to kill you. And it will kill the Pistons, and cost Flip Saunders his job, if they ho-hum their way through Game 6 tomorrow night.