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!