Sport Report

Before I get to my random musings on sports, please check out The Stace's blog post today. Despite leaning toward the right and pretending not to give a rat's tush about the environment, I absolutely agree with Stacey and all the other treehuggers out there.

Some sports thoughts:

If you have not yet seen it, check out the video of the hockey fight (the first 53 seconds) from Canada's junior league that took place the other day. Patrick Roy, one of the greatest goaltenders ever to play the game and coach of his son's team, orders his boy (also a goaltender) to beat the hell out of the opposing goalie, who was not at all interested in fighting. I have to admit, I burst out laughing when I first saw it, (keep an eye out for another player taking out the ref around the 28 second mark) but in all seriousness, what the hell was Roy the Elder thinking? Predictably, he's now in a lot of hot water. Then again, when it comes to fighting, Roy Sr. knows a thing or two.

Early thoughts on the Red Sox: their pitching better improve. It's only 2 games, so it's silly to even think about being worried at this point, but Dice-K and Lester continue to battle control problems, leading to very high pitch counts, which in turn leads to short outings and overtaxing the bullpen. Bottom line - their are legitimate health concerns for much of the starting rotation and if the Sox are to have any chance of repeating, their hurlers need to stay healthy.

I was in New Jersey for business the other day and wouldn't you know it, I drove right by Giants Stadium. Of course, a giant Super Bowl champions banner is hanging on the side of the building. I made myself stare at it for as long as I could. Therapeutic really, in that it reminded me that although the Pats were the best team in the league last year, the Giants were by far the better team on the field in Arizona. They earned that banner, fair and square. As far as the offseason roster moves (or lack thereof), I continue to trust Belichick and Pioli. They've certainly earned it. Wouldn't surprise me at all if something big is coming down the Pike.

Celtics - Not an NBA fan, but what's not to like? They could very well win it all this year. Amazing turnaround and great to see Boston reinvigorated as a hoops town.

Bruins - Way back in the day, there was no bigger Bruins fan than me. Today, I haven't watched a full game in probably 3 years. This is what happens when ownership decides that profits at all costs are more important that fielding a competitive team.

Keep an eye on my alma mater, the mighty UMass Minutemen, who have advanced to the NIT semi-finals. Two more wins and we can call ourselves the 66th best team in the country. Presumably, there are no hookers involved this time around.

164 days until kickoff.