Marlins Showtime?

The Miami Marlins are being considered to star in Showtime’s second season of The Franchise.  In its first season, the show followed the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants through their highs and lows as they tried to repeat. 

The Giants brought Brain Wilson and an inordinate amount of Ryan Vogelson, the Buster Posey injury and the Carlos Beltran trade to the table. In season two the new look Marlins could bring a host of new players...and Ozzie Guillen...that could provide some interest for viewers.  Finally, a medium for Guillen to comment without being constantly bleeped!  Can you imagine the storylines?  Jose Reyes vs. Hanley Ramirez. New additions Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle adjusting to the warm Miami weather.    Logan Morrison…just being LoMo!  Where do we sign up?

(source)

Idiots Abound

Just as justice is coming for two Rangers fans who were beat up after the Winter Classic, another moronic sports fan has taken center stage.  Donald Ray Ayro was arrested on Saturday after allegedly shooting at two men who had been cheering on the 49ers.  The incident took place in the parking lot of a Duluth, GA Applebee’s.  Corey Adams told reporters that he and his friend Chris Middleton were approached by Aryo inside the Applebee’s after they cheered a Niners touchdown.  Ayro, a Saints fan, took offense and told Middleton and Adams that he would return.  True to his word, 90 minutes later he returned, this time with a gun.  Middleton was reportedly shot in the chest and taken to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition. 

I feel like there needs to be some sort of sports fan equivalent to MADD.  Maybe FAN – Fans Against Nonsense.  Ok, it’s a working title.   Anyway, Donald, the Jewels are NOT for Sale!

(source)

The Catch

When the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008 they had the catch featuring David Tyree.  Could Hakeem Nicks touchdown catch to end the first half of Sunday’s victory over the Packers be this year’s version?  It certainly will rank high in Giants playoff history. 

David Tyree

Hakeem Nicks
Photo: Reuters

 
While the Giants/Packers game had its exciting moments, it had nothing on the 49ers/Saints game which ended with an intense final four minutes that saw the lead change four times. Vernon Davis' catch with 9 seconds remaining sent the Niners to the NFC Championship game where they'll take on the Giants.

On the AFC side, Tim Tebow was TKoed by the Patriots and the Ravens were able to hold off the Texans to advance to the AFC Championship game next weekend.  Until next year prayer circles.

Aussie Open Draw

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

For those of you working stiffs out there, Monday represents both Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and well a day off.  But for tennis fans, Monday just happens to be the first day of the Australian Open, the first Major of the year.  Rafal Nadal and Roger Federer are on the same side of the draw, so a Nadal/Federer final is out of the question.  But that’s fine; I know you’ve all jumped on the Novak Djokovic band wagon.  Click here to view the draw.

I'll Just Grab that TV

Photo: Foxsoccer.com

No one needs to tell you the economy sucks.  And sure we maybe on the rebound, but judging by Puebla FC’s recent financial difficulties you may want to cancel your trip to St. Barth’s.   On Friday, Mexican government officials seized the team’s Cuauhtemoc Stadium to settle a 14 million peso ($1,028,021) tax debt. Players were allowed to enter the facility to collect their personal belongings but they were not allowed to practice for their Saturday match at Pachuca.

United States’ DeMarcus Beasley, in his second season with Puebla tweeted:

"Wow. The government seized the stadium today! Couldn't even park n the stadium. A lot of problems right now! Nothin can get out the stadium!"

"Never in my life I see something like this! Jus heard the government officials seized our bus too when we letf the stadium! Everything!!!

"Had to take everything from the locker rm that was personal! They were even taking the soccer balls and everythin in the equipment room! Wow."

The Team’s financial problems date back to their former owner Francisco Bernat who had to give up control of the team in August after his temporary imprisonment on fraud charges.

Puebla FC isn’t the only team to be suffering from financial woes.  In 2010 both Portsmouth FC and Crystal Palace FC were unable to keep up with their payroll.  And in MLB both the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have faced financial scrutiny leading both teams to find new owners (minority owner in the case of the Mets) in 2011.

Lord please do not take my twinkies away!

Hostess, maker of your favorite trailer trash dessert, has filed for Chapter 11.  Fear not twinkies lovers, the company has vowed not to go out of business. 

"Throughout the proceeding, we're going to operate business as normal," said Hostess spokesman Erik Halvorson. "They'll keep making Twinkies."

The Irving, TX company is responsible for cranking out such treats as Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, Ring Dings, Snowballs and Twinkies. 

Giant Advice

As most of my friends spent this weekend skiing I instead spent it nestled on a nice bar stool watching three football games that ended in the third quarter.  Sadly I missed Tebow Time driving home but by now we all know how that game ended. 

The most important thing that came out of this weekend was the Giants advancing to the second round of the playoffs where they’ll be taking on the Green Bay Packers.  Instead of analyzing the matchups like the Giants miniature receiving core versus the Packers secondary, I’d like to offer up some advice to the Giants head coach Tom Coughlin.  You see the last time the Giants played in Green Bay during the playoffs it was in 2008 on their run into an improbable Super Bowl Victory.   Back then, Tommy's skin looked akin to this:

Then he went to Green Bay and his skin turned to this:

So Tom, here’s my advice, it’s called liquid skin and it should keep you from looking like you’ve just had a chemical peel, at least until the third quarter. 

UPDATE: The weather for Sunday looks to be partly sunny with a high of 32 degrees, five degrees higher than what is projected for New York City.  But Tommy, don't be fooled, your skin can still resemble that of a burn patient without some proper protection.  Maybe Jason Pierre-Paul can offer up some ideas.

Wrapping up the Winter Classic

Another Fan Attack

In what has become a disturbing trend, two fans were attacked following a sporting event.  Philadelphia police have released video of a group of Philadelphia Flyers fans beating up two New York Ranger fans outside of Geno’s.  The footage was taped on Monday following the Winter Classic.  One of the injured Rangers fans happened to be an off-duty Woodbridge, NJ cop.  You don’t mess with the Popo! 

The Philadelphia police are asking anyone with information of the identity of the attackers to please contact them.  I don’t know what provoked the attack, but seriously, it’s just a game! And next time you get into a fight can you keep it away from a food institution like Geno’s?  Why not outside of a Waffle House?  It seems more appropriate.  Well Flyers attackers, the jewels are NOT for sale!

Links:
Red Light

UPDATE: The Philadelphia police have arrested Dennis Veteri, who is believed to have been the ring leader in the Winter Classic attack.  Veteris is facing charges of aggravated and simple assault.  Well Dennis, the Jewels are NOT for Sale!



Photo: Getty Images

Torts Wallet a Little Lighter

Rangers coach John Tortorella made no secret of his opinion of the refs during the Winter Classic.  Now Torts is back tracking, apologizing for his comments.

"My tongue-in-cheek comments regarding NBC, the league, the refs, as far as what's come about here, people thinking was it fixed, are you trying to get it to overtime or that type of thinking, that was not even in my mind," Tortorella said. "Not for a second, no time, shape or form did I think anything like that goes on with our league or ever will.

"It was wrong with my sarcasm, with my frustration, and I apologize to everyone involved. It was not my intent. I certainly handled it the wrong way, especially to the two refs."

In addition to the apology, TSN has reported that Torts has been fined $30,000. 

Not really taking care of business

Photo: AP

Former Bears and Cowboys WR Sam Hurd has been indicted on federal drug conspiracy and possession charges.  Hurd and codefendant Toby Lujan were also accused of trying to establish a drug dealing network.  I guess the NFL just isn’t paying well enough these days. 

Hurd was arrested outside a Chicago area steakhouse on December 14^th after he agreed to buy a kilogram of cocaine from an undercover agent. At the time he told the undercover agent that he was interested in purchasing five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute throughout the Chicago area. Two days later he was cut by the Bears.  Wow what a crappy few days. 

If convicted the pair could face up to life in prison.  Didn’t anyone learn anything from Travis Henry?  Apparently not!  Well Sam and Toby, the jewels are NOT for sale!

Zambrano off to Miami

Photo: Getty Images

The Cubs have reportedly traded caffeine addict and all around pain in the ass Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins. As part of the deal, the Cubs will pay $15 of his $18 million contract for 2012.  Zambrano has a vesting option of $19 million for 2013.  The Cubs also received Chris Volstad as part of the trade.

The Marlins have been very busy this off season after signing free agents Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buerhle.  They also picked up Manager Ozzie Guillen at the end of the season.

The Marlins sure are making a splash this offseason, but can they compete with the Phillies and the Braves…we’ll have to see.

Timewarner / MSG Battle Hits Twitter

As I mentioned on Monday, MSG and Timewarner are engaged in a bitter battle which has knocked the cable sports network off of many New York City TVs.  Now it appears the battle has hit the twitter universe.  With the Knicks playing tonight, Rangers Michael Del Zotto, Bradon Prust and Marion Gaborik have asked fans to click to keepmsg.com to help MSG get back on TV.  Of course the Rangers are owned by the same conglomerate that owns the MSG network. Funny how these things work out.

Here are some of the tweets:

A Razzie Worthy Performance

Photo: Getty Images

Save your acting for Hollywood was Xinjiang’s response to Patrick Mills faked ankle injury.  The Chinese professional club has dropped the former NBAer due to his Lindsay Lohan impression. The team has undergone some recent changes after axing head coach Bob Donewald on December 20^th and then allowing Kenyon Martin to walk…for the low low price of $3 million.  Both Mills and Martin will be unable to sign with another team until after the Chinese Basketball Association season ends in March.  Donewald remains the head coach of the Chinese National team.

Ivy Thief

Photo: Getty Images

My old blog Popo In My Crib, I was all about blogging about sports related criminal activity.  So it would only make sense that this would continue on.  Today we bring you this story from Chicago.

It appears Michael Vite, a 24-year-old male, decided to mark the New Year by attempting to steal the famed ivy from Wrigley field.  He was able to trespass into Wrigley and get a hold of some ivy but unfortunately he wasn’t sly enough to not get caught on the security camera.  Poison Ivy has been charged with trespassing and I am pretty sure will not be allowed back to Wrigley. Well Mikey, the jewels are NOT for sale!

More Links:

Chicago Tribune

MSNBC

Badgers Bad Luck

It’s been a rough few days for the Wisconsin athletic department.  Following a crushing loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Monday, the Badgers Men’s Basketball team lost to Michigan State after a game tying 3-pointer by Ryan Evans in OT was called off by the officials.  After reviewing the film they decided the ball left Evans’ hands after the buzzer went off.  Luckily for the basketball team, they can redeem themselves on Sunday when they go up against Michigan.  For the football team, it’s going to be a very long offseason.

Starbucks raises its prices

Photo: Reuters

There are very few things in this world that affect me more than price changes at Starbucks especially since at this point it would be easier for me to just start a frappaccino filled IV in my arm.  And sure there may be a caucus going on in Iowa, but I felt this was more pressing news to blog about.

Starbucks announced it has raised its prices to two areas of the country.  Unfortunately this includes the northeast where I reside.  I can remember the days when a Starbucks caramel frappuccino would cost me 3.09.  Now it’s somewhere in the 4s and who knows where it’s going now?  When the new price goes into effect a tall coffee will cost you 10 cents more. 

Your NFL Playoff Picture

You’d have to be under a rock to not know the NFL Playoffs begin this weekend.  Here’s a quick glimpse of what the next two week will look like courtesy of NFL.com.

For a complete schedule of this weekend’s games click here.

Black Monday Continues into Tuesday

Generally the Monday following the end of the sports season is referred to as Black Monday because it’s the day coaches, GMs, Presidents but unfortunately not Jerry Jones gets fired.  This year was no exception.  The Rams and Bucs both fired their head coaches after three seasons while the Colts parted ways with Vice Chairman Bill Polian and his son Chris Polian who served as the GM.  The firings continued on Tuesday when the Bears announced they have let GM Jerry Angelo, offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Shane Day go.   

Sadly Cowboys fans, Jerry Jones will remain President and GM.  It appears the best job security is owning the team.

(Photo: AP)

New Yorkers Are Out of Luck

Just as the NBA lockout ended Knicks fans will continue being screwed as Time Warner has bumped MSG from their cable lineup.  The Rangers, Devils and Islanders are also affected as MSG and their various channels carry their games.  Time Warner and MSG are currently at a standstill over rates. But fear not, Time Warner has assured customers you can catch these teams on other channels. Like NBC to watch today’s Winter Classic?

This isn’t at the level last year when Cablevision bumped FOX during the heart of the MLB playoffs.  I spent a large portion of my time at the gym where they had DirecTV as I felt it was the healthier option to sitting at the bar guzzling beer.  I made a poor decision on that one.  Luckily this does not affect my Rangers viewing since I have Fios but for those of you getting screwed, I feel your pain. 

(Photo: Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

They Played Hockey Outdoors

And the Rangers won!   Thank goodness for Mike Rupp who scored the first two goals for the Rangers and Brad Richards who knocked in the game winner.  King Henrik held off a late penalty shot for the Rangers to claim this year’s Winter Classic.  Puck the Flyers!  

(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Giants Are in the Playoffs

After two touchdowns in the second half, the Cowboys seemed poised for a comeback but the Giants overpowering defense was able to keep Romo in check.  Manning capped off the victory with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks as the Giants picked up the NFC East title.  As the Giants were celebrating their entrance into the playoffs, the Jets had been licking their wounds for hours.  The self-described Super Bowl champions had earlier in the day fallen to the lowly Miami Dolphins to end the season 8-8, squarely outside of the playoff picture.  Seems difficult to win the Super Bowl if you’re not even in the playoffs. 

This sets up a very Blue Sunday Funday next week. I predict seeing a lot of “vintage” Giants jerseys as Bandwagon Jets fans reach back into their closets to find the Giants jerseys they had been storing for the past few years.   Tiki Barber, Ike Hilliard, Plaxico Burress and of course Jeremy Shockey jerseys will all be welcome, just make sure to burn your Jets crap! 

(Photo: Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)