The Case of Robert Swift and the Need for the NBA to do a Better Job of Reaching out and Helping its Youngest Talent

by Robert Rosen


I have no problem with high school basketball players skipping college to play for pay. In fact, I think the idea of players being able to bypass college in order to go directly to the NBA is better than the current NBA rule requiring high school players to spend at least one year in college.

Don’t try to tell me those All-American caliber players who are good enough to play in the NBA right out of high school plan on spending more than one year in college to get their degree. While some of them spend more than one year in college, it’s due to the fact that they didn’t have a good freshman season, not because they want to go to class. The human body only has so long to perform at its highest level, but you can always go back to school to get a degree at any time, so that point is moot as well.

The problem is when these young players get to the professional level, be it the NBA or overseas, there aren’t enough people around them to help them learn how to be adults (i.e. paying bills). There have been countless players over the years who have squandered their millions and ended up broke. Rumeal Robinson, the former University of Michigan (by way of Cambridge Rindge and Latin) player who hit the game-winning free throws in overtime of the 1989 National Championship Game against Seton Hall, spent six years in the NBA. Robinson is now homeless and facing multiple financial related charges. He is even being blamed for his adoptive mother losing the house she’d been living in for 20 or so years. He is just one of many players that have had similar experiences. Even star players like Charles Barkley have admitted throwing away millions of dollars on unnecessary things such as gambling, although a player who’s made as much as Barkley isn’t hurting overall for cash.

Many people, including me, made fun of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ young star Sidney Crosby when they found out he lived with Hall-of-Famer Mario Lemeuix, the teams’ owner. It seemed funny that a professional athlete lived with his boss as if he needed a babysitter. And while I’m not saying that NBA teams need to go to such extremes, the league and individual teams need to do a better job of looking out for its young players, as they are the future of the league. In fairness to the NBA, the league does have a mandatory training session for rookies prior to the season to teach them about a number of things, but does a 2-3 day program really do enough to make a difference?

The Seattle Supersonics took Robert Swift with the 12th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft out of Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California, ahead of players such as Al Jefferson, J.R. Smith, Jameer Nelson and Anderson Verejao. The 7-1 center played sparingly as a rookie, then had his best season as a professional his sophomore year when he averaged 6.4 point and 5.6 rebounds per game. It looked like Swift might continue to improve and possibly become a viable NBA center at some point in the near future; however, the vast amount of turmoil in the Sonics’ organization (no wonder the team’s in Oklahoma City now) left Swift without much support. It didn’t help that the team didn’t even have a strength coach, much less any other coaches, for a few months at one point. The lack of a coaching staff left Swift to work out himself after he had suffered a knee injury, so he couldn’t properly rehab it. He gained 40 pounds of upper body muscle, which in turn caused more stress on his surgically repaired knee, causing him to miss more court time and leading to another surgical procedure.

No NBA teams signed Swift this year, so he signed with the Bakersfield Jam in the D-League. He recently went AWOL from the team, and it’s uncertain about his future. It looks like it’s possible Swift is giving up basketball for good after a short career in which he earned approximately $11 million. But, at just 24, it looks like Robert Swift may be putting an end to his once promising basketball career, which could potentially be thriving if he had been given the assistance young men barely out of their teens should be given when they first enter adulthood by becoming a member of the NBA.

Despite Hard Work, "Screaming Eagles" Not Invited to Bowl Game

By Robert Rosen

The Boston College “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band was told on December 9, that they would not be going to the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco that will be played on December 26, against the University of Southern California.

The BC Athletic Department said that, while financial considerations were a part of this decision, the main reason was the proximity of the Emerald Bowl to Christmas.

Jack Dunn, a spokesman for Boston College, told the Boston Globe, “Given the timing of the bowl, over the Christmas weekend, the decision was made so as not to impose on band members to miss Christmas with their families,” Dunn said.

The explanation that the game is too close to Christmas doesn’t make sense based on BC’s past participation in Bowl Games, especially when you take in to account the fact that teams generally fly out to their Bowl Game’s destination five days or more prior to the game to participate in various functions and activities. BC played in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando on December 28, 2007, meaning the team arrived in Orlando on the 23rd at the latest, which means the team spent Christmas together. In 2006, BC played in Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte on December 30th, meaning the football team probably left the Boston area on Christmas. And while there are many other examples from this decade, my personal favorite is the Jeep Aloha Bowl played in 2000…on Christmas! So to use the fact that the “Screaming Eagles” can’t travel to the Emerald Bowl because of its proximity to Christmas is a bunch of you know what.

The excuse about the financial considerations is completely bogus as well because, according to the Boston College Athletic Website, the Athletic Department received a record $21 million in donations in 2008. This amount is significantly higher than the $3.6 million the Athletic Department received just ten years earlier in 1998. BC will also receive $750,000 for their football team’s participation in the Emerald Bowl. BC gave 272 students athletic scholarships this year totally slightly less than $14 million and, while there are several non-revenue producing sports, the ACC school will receive earnings from the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament (provided they are selected to participate) as well as some hockey events, such as the Beanpot.

The BC Marching Band was founded in 1919 and currently has over 180 members. In most years not every member has traveled to Bowl Games, although the entire band did travel to Orlando in 2007. Supposedly at least 30-40 band members are sent to Bowl Games each year, including each of the last 10 Bowl appearances the Eagles have made. Typically the Dance Team also travels to Bowl Games with the Marching Band to perform with them, something Boston College’s own website doesn’t say otherwise. “All members typically attend one predetermined away football game and any of the post season games (e.g. ACC championship or a bowl game) with the full Marching Band,” it reads on the Dance Team’s page on the athletic website. I believe I just read something about the Marching Band and Dance Team going to ANY postseason game or Bowl Game.

College is supposed to be more than just studying and taking tests; it’s supposed to be about growing as a person and learning about life out in the world to better yourself in order to fully reach your potential by experiencing as much as you can in what is a small period of your lifetime. But I’d say that there are people in the Boston College administration who don’t care about giving the “Screaming Eagles” and the Dance Team the full college experience that they have certainly worked hard to earn. There’s a Pep Rally the morning of the Emerald Bowl and, although the Trojans don’t have to travel as far as the Eagles to get to San Francisco, their band will be out there in full force. Who’s going to represent Boston College?

11-year-olds and the fundamental creepiness of the Little League World Series

By Dan Baer

As is seemingly the case every year in this state, one of the local Little League teams has won the regional championship and is headed for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA this week.

This, of course, means that the local and national media circus is pitching the tent and painting up the clowns, ready to crown Peabody West Little League as the greatest group of 11-year-old's to slap together a baseball team in Massachusetts history.

Worldwide it seems the LLWS has become a symbol of purity and camaraderie among the youngest of baseball players, but I am at the point in my life where I can't take it any more. The LLWS has to be one of the most over-hyped, over done, creepiest sports tournaments around and I don't think it is OK.

Is it great for the kids? Of course. Is it a good experience for both families and youth baseball? Yes. Should it be done away with? Of course not.

On the other hand, you have to ask yourself a few more questions. Is the LLWS actually good baseball? Not even close. Should it be glorified in a prime-time national broadcast on ESPN? Absolutely not. Could a bunch of kids a few weeks away from returning to school make better use of their time- and their parents, who have to take weeks off of work, better use of their money? Yes. Is there something extremely creepy about grown adults with no affiliation to the team getting excited about a group of 11-year-olds playing a poor quality of baseball? That would be a resounding yes.

There is something fundamentally weird to me when I ponder the thought of normal, every day people enjoying watching these little kids play baseball. Unless it is your kid, or a friend of the family, or your under 14, there is absolutely no reason to take any interest in Little League.

First of all, I don't care what anyone says, it is not good baseball. It is not “pure” unless if by pure you mean underdeveloped and sloppy. Every year there is some team from somewhere that has some kid who looks like he is 17 (remember Danny Almonte?) that dominates every game, and most of the games are either decided by a late-game mistake or a 150 foot home run. Sure, its fun for those kids, a great experience. Congratulations. I have no interest in watching your error-filled mess of a baseball game.

Every day, all across the country, kids are learning to play sports in all sorts of youth leagues. Soccer, basketball, baseball, football, go cart racing, hockey. Why does Little League get all of the glory? It isn't played any better than those other kids playing those other sports. Furthermore, I am willing to bet that those New York City rec league youth basketball teams (who probably play at a much higher level than any Little League team) will never have the opportunity- or financial backing- to play in a “worldwide” tournament.

Now, lets get one thing straight. I am not by any means suggesting that the LLWS not be played. What I am asking is that it not be played on national TV, and even more specifically, I am asking that people with little to no affiliation to the team find something better to do with their time.

For an example of the outlandish media coverage, we can examine the very publication that signs my paychecks, who has decided to send four, yes FOUR people to the LLWS this week to cover the Peabody West team that emerged from this region (keep in mind this is the same newspaper that is laying people off because it has no money).

I understand that this is a big story, but does it really warrant blanket coverage? Should there be anything more than a reporter and photographer there? To be honest, in almost any other case, we would have written down the coaches phone number and called him after the game from our desks. But apparently the whole world has gone mad for Little League. Who knew?

To make matters worse, some of the reporters here (they know better than to ask me) have been sent out to Route 1 to interview businesses about why they support the team. Really? That is a head scratcher. Better get a few more investigative reporters on that case.

At the national level, my disgust with ESPN is at an all time high. How can a network that essentially devotes 30-seconds a day to some major sports like hockey, soccer and NASCAR (who it has a contract with, by the way), justify leading off highlight shows and bumping programming for a bunch of kids playing a glorified sand lot baseball game?

That said, perhaps the largest problem I have with the LLWS overall has nothing to do with the media hype or the coverage, or the creepiness of 30-year-old single men getting excited about watching these games. It comes down to something as simple as crying.

Watch the LLWS this week and I promise you that every losing team will have one thing in common- A tear-filled mess of a breakdown as soon as they lose. Kids crying like their families were kidnapped, or their dog was run over by a bus right in front of them.

I'll get over the coverage. I'll get over the creepy dudes. I'll even get over the anger I feel toward my own employer. But kids, there is no crying in baseball.

Tony LaRussa, baseball super genius

By Brett M. Rhyne

"The philosophy of one century is the common sense of the next."

—Henry Ward Beecher

On this day in 1979, the Chicago White Sox named Tony LaRussa manager, and changed baseball forever. LaRussa managed in Chicago eight years, then moved on to Oakland, where he managed for 10 years and won three consecutive AL pennants and a World Series title. He is currently in his 14th year managing the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has won two NL pennants and a World Series title. With 2,519 career wins, LaRussa ranks third all-time, behind only Connie Mack and John McGraw.

What I find most noteworthy about LaRussa is his strategic innovation; specifically, he invented the modern-day bullpen structure. For much of baseball history, teams only had a "bullpen ace:" a go-to bullpen guy who was used in almost all close games, whether a team was ahead or behind. It wasn't until the 1960's that what we today call a "closer" — a reliever who is only brought in when his team has a lead late in the game — began to emerge. These proto-closers would frequently pitch two or even three innings a game. Even then, most other relief pitchers, generally speaking, were guys who weren't good enough to be in the starting rotation.

What LaRussa started to do in the Eighties was designate specific roles to his relief pitchers:

• The closer only pitched the ninth, or infrequently, part of the eighth inning.


• The set-up man pitched the eighth — and sometimes the seventh as well — to provide a bridge from the starter to the closer.


• The left-handed specialist was usually a southpaw who comes in to face one or two particularly dangerous left-handed batters in the opposing lineup.


• There might be a fireballer, usually a righty, to come in and face one or two batters when there were men on base and a strikeout was required.


• And the long reliever was often a veteran at the tail end of his career who could step in and pitch three or four innings should the game's starter get knocked out early.

Since LaRussa began developing this bullpen structure, the quality and value of the pitchers who fill these roles has continued to increase. On very good teams, with a lot of resources, relievers are no longer necessarily the lesser-talented pitchers on a staff; in fact, many players have made careers of filling these bullpen niches. It's a testament to LaRussa's genius that we take for granted this relief corps structure, and that it is now found in just about every bullpen in the majors. Kudos to you, Tony LaRussa!

Blaise Collins

Love this!

Grace Adair

I don't know if his philosophy has necessarily been a good thing, but he's certainly been a successful manager.

I personally hated scoring games when he was managing against Valentine. They both would go psycho with the pitching changes and double switches... by the 8th inning I'd either run out of room on the scorecard, or just throw my hands in the air & give up.

Nathaniel Heidenheimer

For a genius he certainly has caused me to a lot of implants to pull out. \He seems to have a knach for pinchhitting with citizens who have not had a hit since april of 1915 and in the eight with runners on and first and third with one out. He lost last nights game. Thinks too much. Way overrated.

Brett M. Rhyne

Another thought on LaRussa: his gaudy win total is due in no small part to longevity — although one must be a pretty good manager to remain employed for so long — and his career .534 winning percentage only ranks 63rd all-time. What is impressive, though, is that his teams won their division 12 out of 30 times (and the Cardinals are currently in first as well. In recent memory, only Bobby Cox (15 of 29) and Joe Torre (13 of 27) are better, and we all know the resource-rich franchises they managed.

Dan Baer

Good manager, he was very innovative. I think Denis Eckersly can thank him for his Hall of Fame plaque. That said, I hated the "Bash Brothers" and Ricky Henderson, so I am contractually obligated to also hate Tony LaRussa.

Brett M. Rhyne

I agree about Eck, as well as the Cash Brothers (juicers). Hendu was a god, and entertaining to boot; I was disappointed in his uncharacteristically modest HOF speech —he thanked his MOTHER, for god's sake. And Tony's loyalty to McGwire, as well as his enabling of the whole steroid culture in Oakland, is inexcusable —except, as a realist, LaRussa only cared about winning.

Dan Baer

... the same could be said about Bill Belichick. Football's version of Tony LaRussa?

Brett M. Rhyne

In a lot of ways, yes. Certainly the strategic innovation and the desire to do anything to win, sure. Did you read Holley's "Patriot Reign"? Didn't do justice to Belichick's — or the organization's — genius. Certainly not the way Mike Lewis did for Billy Beane in "Moneyball," still the gold standard for works of this genre.

And "Ball Four", of course. Shitfuck!

Susie Sampierre Lmt

Ball Four - omg - Jim Bouton - love the story that pepatone says about putting talcum powder in the blow dryers.....hee hee.

Brett M. Rhyne

I almost said "Aw, shitfuck!" was my favorite curse. I was using it a lot, until the wife told me it was unflattering. So now I can't use it, at least around the house. Aw, shitfuck.

Dan Baer

I never read Holley's book, which is surprising because I am a big Michael Holley fan. Did not like Moneyball tho. Billy Beane came off to me as too pretentious for his own good, and well... the A's haven't won a thing since the LaRussa days.

Brett M. Rhyne

This is true. I think Beane is more high-strung and controlling than he is pretentious, as evidenced by the way he treated manager Art Howe —telling him how to stand in the dugout, "trading" him to the Mets after the season, etc. There's a detached, almost alienated way he treats players and coaches, like they're Strat-o-Matic cards come to life. Around the year Lewis chronicled (2002), the A's had a rotation of Hudson, Zito and Mulder, Isringhausen in the pen, and averaged 98 wins, but still couldn't make it out of the first round of the postseason. So while I do think Beane's general management philosophy is brilliant, even revolutionary, he clearly doesn't get the human element. This is where a good field manager comes in, but Beane doesn't allow his field managers the freedom to do their job.

Brett M. Rhyne

I do think Beane is to general management what LaRussa is to field management —maybe even more game-changing. Witness the Red Sox.

Dan Baer

Well, that was going to be my next point. Theo has done Moneyball better than Beane. Although, he has MANY more resources to work with, and a good field manager in Tito, too. I always liked Art Howe, but he never did anything after his Oakland days, either.

Those A's teams were horrifically disappointing. Aside from the rotation, don't forget they had a juiced up Giambi brothers and Miguel Tejada the year he won the MVP. Not to mention Eric Chavez at third and if I remember correctly, Jermaine Dye was in the outfield there for a few years, too.

Brett M. Rhyne

Not sure about Dye, but the A's did have stellar everyday players, thanks in large part to Beane's brilliant strategy of drafting undervalued players. As usual, the Sox are problematic because of their limitless resources —moneyball on steroids. Although, interestingly, the most Beanesque elements of their approach (drafting, farm system, trades) have been much more fruitful than their Steinbrennerish ones (i.e., free agent signings). Still, it takes a lot of money to sign good draftees, and to run a good farm system.

Dan Baer

Dye was with the A's from 01-04, so he would have been right there with those guys.

Your 100 percent right about the Sox. It is amazing to me that such a well-run franchise can whif on so many guys (Drew, Dice K, anyone who has played shortstop in the last 6 years not named Orlando Cabrerra) but their farm system rivals the early 90's Braves.

I will say that Clay Buchholz has done nothing to impress me, though.

Brett M. Rhyne

Cabrera was good, but he came in the Nomar trade, I believe. Alex Gonzalez was a good free agent shortstop, so of course they had to let him go.

Buchholz has been hyped far beyond his actual talent, something the Sox also have a knack for. They should have traded him last week; the more he pitches, the lower his value. (Maybe this is why they kept him in the minors all year.)

Dan Baer

Agreed. If I had to chose Buchholz or Masterson, I'll take the latter. He will be a solid #3 or #4 guy for the Indians. Glad to see Dan Bard sticking around. I'm not a Papelbon fan (young roger clemens) and the thought of Bard blowing that 100 mph fastball past hitters in a year or two gets me tingly

Brett M. Rhyne

Papelbon's act got tired a couple years ago. His arm seems to be catching up, as well. I also think Cleveland got a terrific young pitcher in Masterson, but the Sox did very well in that trade, too. You have to give quality to get quality. I wonder if Theo offered Buchholz for Martinez straight up and the Indians refused.

Dan Baer

wouldn't surprise me. he kind of has that Bronson Arroyo build, and we all saw what happened to him in Cincy... not much. I was disappointed to hear that Oakland offered Orlando Cabrerra for Buchholz straight up and the Sox turned it down. I guess whatever bad blood was there after 04 is still lingering.

Brett M. Rhyne

I never did get why the Sox didn't try to resign him. Were they just gaga over Renteria? Any insights?

Dan Baer

I have heard through some semi-reliable sources that there were a few off the field incidents, potentially involving some love interests of other players, but that kind of dirty laundry stuff is rarely confirmed. It would make sense tho. If you remember, John Henry kind of went on a crusade to lose guys like that (D-Lowe).

I don't know the real reason, but it can't be related to anything on the field, especially if they still won't take him back. He is exactly what they need at that position and he was available cheap at the deadline.

3 & out: Sox-Yanks, June 9-11

Brett M. Rhyne

"A series doesn't mean anything unless you sweep." —Earl Weaver

So sayeth the legendary curmudgeon of the Orioles dugout; in this case, the meaning is a three-game swing at the top of the AL East: the Yanks came into town one game up, and left two games out. Ahhhh.

The good:

• Sox starting pitching. Josh Beckett continued his streak of dominance, Brad Penny pitched his best game of the year (outduelling C.C. Sabathia yet), and Tim Wakefield was predictably workmanlike. The knuckleballer continues to be the most engaging Sox story of the last 15 years.
• Sox relievers, for the most part. Shut-down performances by Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima and Takashi Saito highlighted this MLB-best bullpen. Jonathan Papelbon saved two games in dramatic fashion, thanks in no small part to some terrific defense behind him.
• Timely offense. While it was the Sox's pitching that won this series, they hit when they had to. Stalwarts Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Mike Lowell delivered; J.D. Drew continued his assault on the OBP title from the two-hole; and David Ortiz flirted with the Medoza Line, showing power to center and the opposite field.
• Timely defense. 1B Youk, 2B Dustin Pedroia, SS Nick Green and part-time CF Rocco Baldelli all made big plays when they had to, saving runs, killing rallies and winning games and the gratitude of their pitchers.
• Mark Teixiera. Truly a great player with the bat and the glove. All he does is anchor the Yankee lineup and defense; the calm eye of the chaotic Yankee hurricane. To a lesser degree, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada; special kudos to the latter for hitting without gloves, old-school style. (The same shout goes out to Wake's former C, Doug Mirabelli.)
• Sabathia. He was dominant for seven innings, even with long half-innings on the bench; it's not his fault Yankees manager Joe Girardi pulled a Grady Little.
  

The bad:

• Sox relivers Ramon Ramirez and Manny Delcarmen, both of whom imploded and needed to be bailed out. They've been stellar to this point, so we'll give them a mulligan. Hell, everyone's entitled to a bad day. Tellingly, despite their foibles, both their ERAs remain under 2.
• Yankees managing. Who else gets the sense that Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland are in over their heads? They make the wrong moves, both on the field and off. How much better would this team be with Phil Hughes in the rotation and Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen? Do it already.
  

The ugly:

• Yankees pitching. With the exception of Sabathia and Hughes' early relief of Chien-Ming Wang, the Bombers' arms were horrendous. Good thing John Smoltz is almost back. Oh wait, that's the Red Sox…
  

Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? and other random thoughts

Brett M. Rhyne

Random thoughts while watching the Mets @ the Red Sox, Friday, May 22:

• Who the hell plays for the Mets, anyway? We recognize Gary Sheffield, and Johan Santana, of course. Maybe that's because they're refugees from the AL. But where's Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltrán, and Carlos Delgado? And how is it these no-names are whipping the Old Towne Team?

• RhyNewSports fan David Borsykowsky — the most self-deprecaing Mets fan we know — is fond of pointing out that when the Mets signed Shef, manager Jerry Manuel lauded his "historic bat." As opposed to what he can do with it now, we suppose.

• Watching Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch makes us think he belongs in the NL, with its better defenses and weaker offenses. Maybe with the pitchers hitting, he'd last a little longer in the games. And if they had to yank him after five, the team might actually benefit, since they'd get to use a pinch-hitter or do a double-switch or pull some other such goofy Senior Loop shenanigans. Plus, Dice-K's not too bad a hitter himself.

• No disrespect to Jerry Remy, and we hope he recovers some his surgery and returns soon, but we're enjoying Eck doing color for the games. He's more, well, colorful, and besides, isn't it fun to say (or write) "Eck"? The Rem Dawg thing is getting a little old. Maybe NESN (or the radio team) could go to a three-man booth.

• Some dopey Met just tried to go first-to-third on a bunt. Did he not realize the Sox have Gold Glovers at first (Youk) and third (Lowell)? What a maroon.

• OK, Papi's now 0-3, with 2 K's and a GIDP. Way to go, slugger.

Manny Juiced?

Manny is going to be suspended 50 games for taking a league banned substance. HGH? no. Steroids? no. The answer is simply not that easy. According to sources close to Manny, he was taking medicine to overcome some personal dysfunction. Not the dysfuntion he brought the Boston Red Sox, but the other dysfuntion. Erectile. Manny has apparently have been having issues, and saw a doctor. He got prescribed to these pills, which happen to have an ingrediant which is banned by the MLB. I have a different theory. Manny, who is known to show up late, leave early ect... wants to take some time off. What better way than to get suspened 50 games by taking a banned subtance. Not just any banned substance either, but one that isnt steroids and can be played off a mistake. He wont be getting paid for those 50 games, but many has already thought this one out. He has bought stock in the company that supplies the pills, and when this all goes public, the maker of the pill will see its stock go up. Manny is giving the company publicity, he makes money, and gets the summer off from baseball. Sounds to me like a conpsiracy, or is it just Manny being Manny?

Steven Orsini

Is Papi Done?

Dylan Payne

David Ortiz has been known as the Boston Red Sox most clutch hitter since he signed with the team in 2003. He put the team on his back in the '04 ALCS when they came back to beat the Yankees and has had numerous game winning and clutch hits since. However his bat has started to slow and he has yet to hit a home run this season and sports a lowly .208 average with only 12 RBI's. He is off to an awful start and unlike last year where he had injuries to blame, there are no excuses. He was said to have come into spring training in shape and ready to go. After watching him in the WBC, though, I feared that this could be the type of season he would have. His bat speed seems to be gone and he can't drive anything. I think that Terry Francona should swap Jason Bay and Ortiz in the batting order since Bay has become the new captain clutch, and it will take pressure off of Papi since he won't be in the 3 hole anymore. Whether or not he ever breaks out of this slump David Ortiz will still be a Boston legend and a huge part of 2 world series championships in 4 years.

Bruins Get Hurricane Warning----by Jason Rexinis

In game one of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals the Bruins cruised to an easy 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Leaving off where they embarassed Carolina during the regular season winning all four games against each other with the Bruins outscoring Caroline 18-6. However, Sunday night in Boston was a different story. I was lucky enough to be at game 2 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals sitting six rows back watching my beloved Bruins frustration first hand. The Hurricanes absolutley shut down the Bruins in the nuetral zone. They were intercepting every pass, making sure no offense was generated. It was frustrating watching the game because I knew excatly how the B's felt. Carolina's game plan was to shut down any offense and play a sound game defensively. They did just that.

Cam Ward stopped all 36 shots that the Bruins threw at him. He didn't have to make many big saves until the third period when the Bruins desperation kicked into high gear. The B's outshot Carolina 16-3 in the third period and still could not get anything past Ward. It looked like the old Cam Ward from the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-2006. The goals Carolina scored were sub par and you really can not blame Thomas for any of them. Carolina added an empty net goal in the final 15 seconds of the game to put the icing on the cake. The Bruins got away from their tenacious forechek and physical play and let Carolina off the hook easy in their defensive zone. Carolina is a good team with smart defensmen and a great goalie, but in order for the Bruins to take this series, they need to get back to simple hockey. They need to play their game forecheck hard and keep the puck out of their defensive zone. Game three is going ot be very intersting in Carolina on Wednesday night.

Bruins look for another win! By Gianna Addario

On Friday night, the Bruins beat the Carolina Hurricanes in the first game of the second round. They did it with poise and intensity. The Bruins came out strong in the first period and entered the second tied 1-1. The first goal for the Bruins was scored by defenseman Aaron Ward. Marc Savard scored twice, and Michael Ryder continues to dazzle in the playoffs with another goal. Tim Thomas made 26 saves between the pipes.

If they can continue to be brilliant like this is the upcoming games, they could possibly win the series in 4 games again. But I don't want to get ahead of myself, it's only game 2. It's really amazing to see the Bruins play like the Bruins of the past.

There was some speculation that because of the 11 day rest, the Bruins might have been rusty. Maybe there was a little bit of rust in the first period, but they got rid of any as the game went on. If things couldn't get any better for the Bruins, Claude Julien was named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for NHL coach of the year.

My Top 3 Boston Sports Bars - Amanda Musial

1. The Greatest Bar

Located on Friend Street, across from TD Banknorth Garden, this bar is one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. First off they have a ton of screens throughout the space showing some of the most well known moments in Boston sports; perfect to go with someone of any age. The bar/restaurant has four floors and each with a different theme. The first floor is a very laidback, dancefloor area meanwhile the fourth floor is very restaurant-like. They have great food while you wait for your game to start, and great bars on each floor. They also have great DJ's on the weekends!

2. GameOn!

GameOn has won the Best of Boston every year since 2005, and for good reason. Located right on Lansdowne Street, it's a great place to get a drink before the game, or watch the game right there. They have over 90(!!) TVs to choose from! They have great events all week long including a ton of ways to win tickets to some of your favorite Boston teams. I love it here!

3. Boston Beer Works

If you love beer, obviously you WILL love Boston beer works. They have great food, my personal favorite is the clam chowder! The best anywhere that I've ever had, seriously! They have two locations; in Boston and Salem and is just a fun relaxed atmosphere. Their menu is made up of Boston-esque names; very thoughtful! They make their own beer and have a variety of house flavors and a lot of seasonal ones too. My favorite beer served all year round is blueberry (with real blueberries included!) and my favorite seasonal beer is watermelon. Check it out!

Whose Magic Will Make it to The Magics?

Sherene Abu-Hijleh

What a game last night! Three overtimes, three of our key players, Perkins, Pierce, and Davis, fouling out within the final minutes of the game, losing by one point. Now the Bulls and Celtics are making their way back to the Garden.

The series could have been over last night in Chicago. Everyone though we had it when Rondo took his jumper. But when Rose blocked it, it was total heartache for the C's. The Bulls charged through the rest of the game and overcame the Celtics in the end.

What about homecourt advantage? Did that play a factor? Some of the calls Tom Heinson named, "Chicago Foul." I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, the referees called a fair game. But, when time was winding down, there were a few calls that could have been avoided. One such call sent Miller to the line. Those 2 points that he made at the fould line could have been avoided.

Now we come to a game 7. Tomorrow night, in Boston, 8 pm sharp. This series has been the most memorable, nailbiting, ridiculous, yet amazing series I have ever seen! I can only imagine what game 7 is going to look like. I'm sure it's going to look just like games 1-6. All I can say to that is, "oh Lord."

One team is going to go home in triumph. The other, total heartache. Both teams have played their heart and souls in every game this series. All players have left their blood, sweat, and tears on that court. This is what I call true basketball.

Every single player has given it their all throughout every minute of the game. There are battle wounds. Pierce with stiches in his nose, Miller with a bloody mouth, and let's not forget the dispute between Rondo and Hinrich.

It all comes down to tomorrow night. Who has the magic to get to the Magics? Is there even any magic left for either team? This series is exhausting to watch. I can only imagine how exhausting it is to play!

We'll just have to wait and see who goes home to prepare for Orlando and who just goes home. Tomorrow night, 8pm, TD Banknorth Garden. I know i'll be watching! You should too!

Bulls Steal Game 6 From Celtics In 3 OT's BY: Jason Gasbarro

After almost having a heart attack from watching the first five games of this dramatic series, you couldn't help but hold your breath through this series altering game six between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls. Just when you thought the Celtics were going to put away the game and the series an all important turnover from Celtic captain Paul Piece led to an easy dunk and a three point play. This was the momentum changer in this already dramatic series. The game was played in Chicago and the Bulls had control of the game for the most part, but did not have an answer for Ray Allen who scored a career playoff high 51 points in the game, including a couple three point shots when it seemed like the Celtics had no hope. Allen, who ended with nine three pointers hit a clutch three over Kirk Hinrich to force a third overtime in the final seconds of overtime number two. The game came down to its final possession having the Celtics down by just one and the ball in Rajon Rondo's hands. Instead of driving to the basket and either kicking it out or drawing a foul, Rondo decided to try a fade away jump shot that was perfectly played by rookie of the year Derrick Rose. Although the Celtics could not finish the series in Chicago, they will have a final chance back in Boston on Saturday. The Celtics also were without Glenn Davis Kendrick Perkins and Paul Pierce for most of the overtime since they all fouled out. You have to give it to the young Bulls players for their overall determination and effort to force a game 7. Get ready for another dramatic game in this already historic series.

Crosby vs. Ovechkin

Dave Pazzaglia

It has been a long time since the NHL has seen two superstar players that were the face of the game such as Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky. This Saturday will mark the start of the second round series of playoffs, in journey to the Stanley Cup, with two of the most prolific athletes that the sport of hockey has long been waiting for. These two superstars are Sidney Crosby or “Sid the Kid” as known by teammates and fans, and Alexander Ovechkin, also known as “Alexander the Great.” The two are the faces of their franchises and the NHL representing their respective teams of the Pittsburg Penguins (Crosby) and the Washington Capitals (Ovechkin).

Since entering the league in 2005 together the two have once again brought excitement to the game and been linked statistically and through their personal rivalry since the beginning. Crosby, a center and captain of the Penguins was the first overall pick in 2005 and hails from Cole Harbour, NS, Canada. Ovechkin, a left winger, was drafted 1^st overall in 2004 and hails from the Moscow, Russia.

Crosby is referred to as a personality like a movie star with Ovechkin having the rock star personality. This rock star personality was shown last week on ESPN show E60 with Ovechkin whipping around his brand new Mercedes SL 65 where he admits driving 180 mph. Aside from this the clubs, drinking, and of course the women is all shown in this biography that direct relates to his style on ice. Ovechkin is 220 pounds of pure power and speed, with an uncanny amount of energy. Ovechkin celebrates goals by speeding around jumping off glass and putting the fire out on his hockey stick. Crosby a smooth skater, gritty player, with keen vision keeps his emotions in check until the two meet on the ice like during their last regular season matchup where both threw shots at each other on and off the ice.

Although it’s not the Stanley Cup, this series will forever be remembered as the first playoff battle of the two faces of their respective franchise on who comes out on top. Sports analyst are referring to the rivalry as similar to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson (especially the 1979 NCAA National Championship between the two) with Crosby having the same characteristics and composure of Bird and Ovechkin being loud, outspoken, and very confident like that of Magic. The sports world and the hockey world now have the rivalry between the Canadian star of Crosby and the Russian star of Ovechkin. Whether or not you like hockey you can only respect what these two are doing and will do for the sport of hockey. The rivalry will be at its highest peak beginning Saturday where the two meet for the first time in playoffs to mark a piece of history and many more to come.