Spooky's what was i thinking new years week express

[Spooky]

Monday six-pack

-- Pedro Martinez turned back the clock Sunday night, shutting Mets out for eight innings, throwing whopping 130 pitches. Phils won 1-0.


-- Tampa Rays are in the tank, having now lost 11 games in a row.


-- Ichiro Suzuki is now first major leaguer ever with 200+ hits in each of his first nine major league seasons.


-- Russell Martin had four HRs for the year coming into weekend, but hit one each of last two days, good omen for the Dodger catcher who hit 42 home runs in his first three big league seasons.


-- Colorado lost the last two days in San Diego, behavior unbecoming a playoff team; Giants picked up a game on them today.


--

Quote of the Day
"Obviously, I think we start back with Jake. I think we've got to go back and evaluate what happened to us. Personally, after not seeing the tape, I don't think that's all Jake's fault."


Panthers' coach John Fox, about embattled QB Jake Delhomme

[Spooky]

Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up Opening Day in the NFL


13) Everyone overreacts to Week 1 results; Viking fans are making plans for Super Bowl parties in Miami, Panther-Ram-Lion fans are planning to watch the draft in April. Its one game out of 16, a very long season.

12) Seven of 11 teams that lost the turnover battle lost the game; Colts won despite a -2 turnover ratio, which is very unusual. Saints scored 45 points despite turning the over three times- that doesn't happen much.

11) In his last two games that counted, Jake Delhomme has now thrown nine INTs with only one TD pass. Backup QB MCCown got hurt too, and 3rd-stringer Moore isn't ready, so John Fox has some work to do.

10) Eagles had a defensive TD and a punt return for a TD in 3:55 span in first quarter as Philly just crushed the Panthers, 38-10. McNabb broke a rib scoring the last Eagle TD; he isn't expected to play next week.

9) Denver Broncos won, Jay Cutler threw four INTs and the Bears lost; thats a Rocky Mountain high, for sure.

8) Brandon Stokely's 87-yard reception to win the Broncos-Bengals game was longest game-winning TD from scrimmage in final minute of the fourth quarter in NFL history. It might also have been the luckiest.

7) TO Who? Tony Romo hit three different receivers on TD passes of 42-66-80 yards as Dallas pulled away from the Buccaneers 34-21. Romo averaged 12.3 yards/pass play, highest in the NFL so far this week.

6) Giants beat Washington 23-17, but they scored only six points in the red zone (three trips) and scored only one offensive TD (44-yd drive), so there's plenty of room for improvement in the Swamp. Smith had a huge catch on a 3rd-and-5 with 8:23 left that kept a drive alive.

5) So San Francisco wants to run the ball more, huh? They ran it for 21 yards in Arizona Sunday, on 25 carries. Not exactly what Singletary had in mind, but 49ers did play good defense, forcing six Redbird 3/outs in a 20-16 San Francisco win. Will exceeded skill in this game.

4) Drew Brees is on pace to pass for 5,728 yards and 96 TDs. Don't be too excited about Saint football just yet- Matthew Stafford passed ball 37 times but wasn't sacked. New Orleans needs a better pass rush.

3) Rex Ryan seems to never shut up, but his Jets spoke volumes with their play Sunday, handing Houston a stunningly easy 24-7 loss. Has to be a bitter pill for the Texans, who expect to make playoffs this year.

2) Browns were only losing team Sunday that led at halftime (13-10).

1) I obviously watched football all day watching; at 1:09, someone sent me a text message, very sadly said, "This is going to be a long year." At 1-freakin'-09, five minutes after the early games began. Oh yeah, my Lions.

[Spooky]

SPOOKY'S FAB FIVE FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

Happy Monday everyone.

1. Quick Hits

Brett who? OK, Favre did win in Minnesota yesterday, but so did his rookie replacement with the Jets in impressive fashion, Mark Sanchez.

Roger Federer guns for his 6th straight U.S. Open title today against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina. Federer's between the legs winner to set up match point last night against Novak Djokovic was simply incredible. He called it the greatest shot he ever hit.

Kim Clijsters won the women's title last night.

Tiger Woods won the BWM Championship by a ridiculous 8 shots.

The Mets are officially eliminated from playoff contention when they are beaten in Philly by their former pitcher Pedro Martinez.

Tennis great Jack Kramer dies at the age of 88.

2. The Captain

#2 on your scorecard, #1 in your heart. As I watched Derek Jeter set the Yankees all time hit record Friday night I thought about how remarkable it was. First the names who have worn pinstripes. Ruth, Gehrig, Joe D., the Mick. But even more so how Jeter has lived for 14
years under the biggest media spotlight and has never ever had a blip.

Almost every other big superstar has had some failing, or misstep. Not Derek. OK, George Steinbrenner once tweaked him for staying out late.
But he took that moment and turned it into a credit card commercial.
He has loving parents, a gorgeous girlfriend and all the money in the world. And Lou Gehrig was considered the luckiest man on the face of the earth?

And I am saying this as a true Yankee hater and have never been that overwhelmed by Jeter as a ballplayer.

3. Not so Serene-uh

Serena Williams went off the deep end the other night after being called for a foot fault in her semifinal match with Kim Clijsters. She yelled at the lineswoman "I'm going to shove the ball down your fucking throat." It was her second code violation of the match which cost her
a point. And since it came on match point, the match was over. You can debate all you want whether it was really a foot fault, or if it should have been called at that point in the match. But the truth is Serena was the second best player on the court that night. Maybe that's why she flipped out.

P.S. She was fined $10-thousand, so she only got to take home $340-thousand for making the singles semifinals.
P.P.S. She has yet to apologize to the line judge or the fans.

4. Monday Musings

So as not to leave you hanging. San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman will not be charged for choking his girlfriend.

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The New York Times says Major League Baseball will not punish Alex Rodriguez for using performance enhancing drugs.

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Was it really necessary for Michael Jordan in his Hall of Fame speech to "pile on" against those he had vanquished? What a joke.
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Will this be the dullest September in Major League baseball? Where are the pennant races?

5. Its War!

The South African sports minister says it'll be "World War III" if Caster Semenya is banned from competition.
I don't know about you, but if there is another world wide conflict I'm thinking it might be sparked by oil, nuclear weapons, or rogue nations. Not a "gender challenged" athlete.

Happy Birthday: Peripatetic coach, currently in Charlotte, Larry Brown. 69.

Bonus Birthday: Actress/dancer/singer Joey Heatherton. 65.

Today in Sports: The first recorded hole in one by Tom Morris, Jr. at the British Open. He went on to win the championship at the age of 17. 1868.

Bonus Event: Francis Scott Key writes the Star Spangled Banner. 1814.

[Spooky]

Spooky Express Money Shot Monday Update

The Worst of Week 1

Thank the fucking Lord that the NFL is back in our lives. We forgot about how awesome Drew Brees is and that the Super Bowl loser jinx is alive and well and that the Redskins secondary blows and even that the worst QB ever lives in Charlotte. But we got it all back in spades yesterday. And it was glorious. Eventhough my Lions lost (again), I still can't wipe this smile from my face. It's back.

Football has begun. That pussy shit that is played after football season is over is fine, but the men began this week. This is going to be a bitchin' season...and I thought that even before Bitchcakes McNabb broke his cunt-ribs.

But on the Express, we talk about shitty performances on Monday mornings.

And without even looking, you already know who is #1 this week.

5. Steve Slaton

Ouch. 9 carries for 17 yards against the fucking Jets. I said it before and I will say it again, you people who think that the Texans are good, are fucking stupid. I guess we could throw Matt Schaub into this slot, too, because he is terrible. Seriously, who loses a home game to a rookie QB starting his first game...BY 17 POINTS!!! Terrible. I think we can get Gary Kubiak's resume ready. And I am the asshole who like the Texans yesterday.

4. Shaun Rogers

Jesus, aren't you supposed to be the run-stuffer for the Browns? You were a damn sieve yesterday, lardo. Just in case the Browns coaching staff wasn't aware, Adrian Peterson is really fucking good and it should be your whole damn game plan to stop his ass. He proved it yesterday, but Brett Favre is no good. You want him to throw it early and often. Brady Quinn was no different either. He still sucks and can't throw the ball further than the first down chains.

3. The Bengals karma

What a hardcore kick in the dick loss that was. First of all, that game was horse shit. When you can't score in the first 59 minutes against one of the worst defenses in the league, you probably should lose. But damn...a WHITE guy scoring on an 87 yard tipped ball? That sucks. It was nice to see Ocho put up some solid numbers though. Kiss the baby.

2. Arizona Cardinals

I hate to kick myself in the ass again for betting on them yesterday but I am going to be right on this one. The Cards are going to fail and fail hard this season. They lose a home game to the 49ers and their leading WR was Tim Hightower. Kurt Warner looked like the Todd Boeckman Statue of Doom. I'm telling you, I have a bad feeling about these guys. Singletary rules and their defense is a bitch.

1b. Jay Cutler

Wow, that was just terrible. America's least favorite retard just proved Josh McDaniels right. What in the bloody Hell was even thinking on most of those throws? Does he just assume that he can throw the ball through the defense? Awful. Sorry, Bears fans, he's worse than Erik Kramer.

1a. Jake Delhomme

Jesus Christ...how does this guy still have a job? He has now turned the ball over TWELVE times in the last SIX quarters that he has played. How is that even possible? I would bet my life that I would do better than that. And don't be fooled, don't be foolish...the Eagles were handed that game on a silver Goddamn platter. Let's see how they do next week when Drew Brees launches 4 TD's while Kevin Kolb is dishing out $5 footlong deepthroats in the parking lot. But back to Delhomme, he is definitely the worst QB to ever play in a Super Bowl. Even worse than Donovan McNabb and he threw up all over the field.

You know, the Panthers could potentially be a team picking in the top 5 next year. Their backup QB is one of the McCown shitheads. Damn, John Fox is going to get fired, too. That sucks. At least Dan Snyder will have his pick of the litter this February after he sends Jim Zorn his severance package.

[Spooky]

Spooky musings, observations and the occasional insight as we absorb a bonanza of Week 1 action

Your not so quick recap of Sunday's action

• One thing that never, ever changes from year to year in pro football: Quarterbacks make the NFL go round. Always have, always will. After months of debate and just four quarters of results, here are a few things we already know about the guys who play the league's glamour position after the Week 1 games ...

• Jake Delhomme may be done in Carolina. I mean toast. Finito. It's going to take all the faith John Fox can muster to stand behind his beleaguered starting QB this time, recent contract extension or not. After months of telling everyone that Delhomme's five-turnover meltdown in the Panthers' home playoff loss against Arizona last January was an aberration, not the rule, Delhomme went out on that same field and turned the ball over five more times (four interceptions and a fumble lost) in an uglier-than-it-sounds 38-10 loss to the visiting Eagles.
Fox benched Delhomme in the second half, after his fifth turnover, and you wonder how the Panthers head coach can possibly run him out there again. I know this much: It's a lucky break for Delhomme that Carolina faces two road games (at Atlanta, at Dallas) and a Week 4 bye before returning to Bank of America Stadium in Week 5 against Washington. Maybe some of the stench of the Panthers' opener and Delhomme's latest debacle will have faded by then.

• More than any other quarterback in the league, Drew Brees is instant offense. Six touchdowns to five different Saints receivers, with 358 yards on 26 of 34 passing is a ridiculous opening day for the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. In fact, no quarterback in league history has ever thrown more touchdowns in Week 1.
I didn't think Brees would have a real shot at breaking Dan Marino's 1984 record for single-season passing yardage (5,084) this season -- the mark he barely missed last year -- because I presumed an improved Saints defense this season would translate into less need for New Orleans to fill the skies with footballs.
But that assumption may be proved wrong.

• Brett Favre looks like he may just have gotten the memo. The one that told him the Vikings' blueprint for victory this season had nothing to do with him playing the hero, and instead is all about getting Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin the ball. Favre just needs to make sure he doesn't do anything to screw things up for Minnesota.
While he started rather shakily in a 34-20 win at Cleveland, at the end of the day he was 14 of 21 for an unspectacular 110 yards, without any interceptions or fumbles lost to go with his one scoring pass. Peterson ran wild with 180 yards and three touchdowns, and Harvin in his NFL debut had three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, and 22 yards on a pair of rushes.
That's the idea, Brett. Just dink and dunk your way down the field, and let Peterson do the heavy lifting.

• A fractured rib for Donovan McNabb, and that means the question of whether Michael Vick might interject himself into the Eagles starting equation just surfaced even earlier than expected. Vick, of course, can't play for another game, and McNabb could tough it out and be back next week for the home opener against the Saints. But stay tuned, because McNabb's health and the Vick option could wind up being a season-long storyline.

• We were reminded once again that it really doesn't matter who starts for Cleveland at quarterback. Maybe that's the real reason Eric Mangini wouldn't announce his QB last week. Cleveland did manage to post an offensive touchdown for the first time since Week 11 of last season, but it was just a garbage-time score that came with 28 seconds remaining in the blowout loss to Minnesota.
Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, these Browns once again have no chance on offense.


• It wasn't just talk: The Jets are using the Joe Flacco model of last year in Baltimore as their formula for victory this season with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. New York rushed for 190 tough yards against the Texans, and played stifling defense against an offense (183 yards) that some said would be among the best in the NFL.
Sanchez did his job, making plays when they were there for the making, but not trying to do too much. He finished with a solid 272 yards passing, one pretty 30-yard touchdown pass to Chansi Stuckey, and one pick. The Jets had 13 first downs passing, held the ball for 38:46 of possession time, and Sanchez had three completions of at least 25 yards. That will get it done.

• According to the Jets, Sanchez is just the fourth rookie quarterback since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to win a season opener on the road. The others were Buffalo's Joe Ferguson at New England in 1973, Denver's John Elway at Pittsburgh in 1983, and Carolina's Chris Weinke at Minnesota in 2001. If memory serves, neither Weinke or the Panthers won again that season, finishing 1-15.


• Speaking of Flacco, the training wheels have most definitely been taken off in year two, wouldn't you say? The Baltimore QB threw for 307 yards and three scores in that surprisingly tough 38-24 win over the Chiefs, which accounted for the biggest chunk of the Ravens' 501 yards of total offense. Flacco found seven different receivers with at least two of his passes, and spread his three touchdowns around to three Ravens: Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Mark Clayton.


• That's about what we expected from Lions rookie Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in last April's draft. It's going to be a bit ragged for a while with Stafford, at least until the team Detroit puts around him improves. Stafford wasn't horrible, and the Lions showed a little spunk against the Saints. But he finished just 16 of 37 (there's that accuracy issue again) for 205 yards, with three interceptions, no touchdowns and a measly 27.4 passer rating. Stafford did manage to dent the end zone on a 1-yard run in the third quarter.

• If you love stats, Matt Schaub can be your guy. But when it comes to winning the games you're suppose to win, Schaub is not among the league's elite quarterbacks. And anybody who tells you he is, is misinformed.

• If ever a team deserved a game-changing lucky break, maybe it's the Broncos after the tumultuous offseason and preseason Josh McDaniels and Co. have endured. Still, that was a miracle touchdown for the ages that Denver receiver Brandon Stokley scored on a deflected pass with 11 seconds remaining at Cincinnati.
Is there some league rule that Denver gets one gift win every season? Betcha Ed Hochuli is just glad he didn't have anything to do with this one winding up in the win column for the Broncos.


• Easy pick for my frauds of the week. It's the Texans. A perennial chic pick to finally make the playoffs, Houston laid a total egg at home against the Jets, scoring no points on offense, and producing just 11 first downs and 183 total yards. And what is it about Gary Kubiak's club in September? They're 2-9 in the season's first month in his four seasons, with six consecutive losses.
I've been skeptical all along that Houston is headed for a breakthrough year. I'm more dubious than ever after watching the Texans' efforts in Week 1. They richly deserved those late-game boos that rang out throughout Reliant Stadium.


• Second place in my Week 1 fraud alert probably goes to the Bengals, who suckered a lot of people with that hopeful preseason and all that great television in HBO's Hard Knocks.

• Do you realize that Adrian Peterson gained 140 of his 180 yards rushing on his final nine carries against the Browns, including that game-clinching 64-yard fourth-quarter scamper in which he left a string of Cleveland tacklers in his wake? A.P. knows how to finish.


• Welcome back to the land of the NFL living, Jeremy Shockey. A pair of Week 1 touchdown catches -- his second career two-score game -- is kind of what the Saints had in mind when they identified you as a missing-piece type of acquisition last year.

• With No. 2 Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez going down early Sunday with a knee injury, you have to at least wonder if Indy will pick up the phone and feel out Marvin Harrison about a possible comeback? Don't you?

• So I don't see Dallas missing Terrell Owens all that much just yet. Getting three big-play touchdowns from three different Cowboys receivers -- Miles Austin for 42 yards, Roy Williams for 66 and Patrick Crayton for 80 -- kind of kills that angle for a while. Oh, and did we mention that Tony Romo seemed positively liberated in throwing for a career-high 353 yards, with eight completions of at least 10 yards?

• Steady there, Raheem Morris. It can be kind of fun watching the Bucs rookie head coach jump around on the sideline, handing out flying high-fives to his players in that Tampa heat and humidity. But he might just become the first head coach to ever require an IV at halftime.

• Those were snazzy new uniforms for Jacksonville, but unfortunately that was kind of the same old Jaguars offense. There was a decent dose of Maurice Jones-Drew, and not much else.

• I've liked Lions rookie safety Louis Delmas since draft day, when Detroit made him its second-round pick. He's one of those guys who just seems to always be around the ball, and it didn't take long for that reputation to follow him to the NFL. Delmas scooped up a Saints fumble late in the third quarter and raced 65 yards for his first career touchdown, a score that cut the New Orleans lead to 38-27 and kept Detroit's upset bid alive for a time.


• Maybe I missed it, but there didn't seem to be any big doings by anyone in the ever-more-popular Wildcat Formation on Sunday. I saw Joshua Cribbs get stuffed on third-and-goal in the Wildcat for Cleveland, and DeSean Jackson and DeAngelo Williams both took a turn in the Wildcat without much result in the Eagles-Panthers game.


• Did I hear that right, Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson wore the words "Pay me, Rick'' on his cleats in a protest against Houston general manager Rick Smith not giving him a long-term contract extension?
Maybe Smith should wear "Don't get beat, Dunta" on his footwear, because I believe it was Robinson who got roasted by Jets receiver Chansi Stuckey on his 30-yard second-quarter touchdown catch.

• Brian Westbrook is this year's proof that the NFL's preseason isn't absolutely necessary. The Eagles running back got virtually no work in the past four weeks, but he looked pretty primed and ready at Carolina, gaining a team-high 64 yards rushing on 13 carries, and adding three receptions for eight yards and a touchdown in Philly's rout of the Panthers.

• Kind of a typical Reggie Bush showing in his return to New Orleans lineup after missing the past three preseason games. He carried seven times for just 14 yards, with a long of 10 (so you know there was some of his customary negative yardage in that total). He did have a 4-yard touchdown run called back by a holding penalty. Bush was better as a receiver, with five catches for 55 yards. But he fumbled twice as a punt returner, recovering one himself and turning one over.

• Carolina is clueless on offense at the moment, but the Eagles defense looks like it's in good hands with new coordinator, Sean McDermott, who is replacing the beloved Jim Johnson. Philadelphia held the Panthers to just 169 yards of offense, and Carolina was an anemic 3 of 16 on third downs.
There are big shoes to fill in Philly, but McDermott is off to a promising start.

• It's too early to call it a changing-of-the-guard-type moment in the NFC West, but I do believe that Seattle and San Francisco winning in Week 1, and the defending NFC champion Cardinals going down to defeat at home against the 49ers, is indicative of where things likely are headed this season for all three teams.
The Cardinals seem out of sync, as if they have yet to grasp how big of a target they now wear on their backs. Teams will give them their best shot this season, and I have my doubts that Ken Whisenhunt's team is ready for that on a weekly basis.
San Francisco's 20-16 win at Arizona didn't include the running game component I thought the 49ers were going to feature this year -- Frank Gore had just 30 yards on 22 carries -- but it was still the ugly type of victory that we'll see more of in San Francisco this season. The 49ers had just 203 yards of offense, but they picked off Kurt Warner twice, and limited the Cardinals running game to just 40 yards on 17 attempts.

• Lot of pressure on Raiders head coach Tom Cable Monday night at home against San Diego. The NFL's other 10 new head coaches went 5-5 in their debuts on Sunday, meaning it's all up to Cable and the Raiders if the newbies are to climb above .500 in Week 1.

The winners? They were Denver's McDaniels, the Jets' Rex Ryan, Indy's Jim Caldwell, Seattle's Jim Mora and San Francisco's Mike Singletary. Losing their first games were Kansas City's Todd Haley, Cleveland's Eric Mangini, Detroit's Jim Schwartz, Tampa Bay's Morris, and St. Louis's Steve Spagnuolo.

[Spooky]

Six-pack for Tuesday

-- UCLA QB Prince has a broken jaw, is out 3-4 weeks.

-- Brian Urlacher had pins inserted in his dislocated wrist and is done for the season, culminating an ugly first weekend for the Bears.

-- Not counting Browns, Texans who have never won division titles, the longest drought for a division title belongs to Detroit (1993).

-- Sunday was third year in row Tony Romo passed for 300+ yards on Opening Day. Sunday night against the Giants is a stiffer test.

-- NFL teams that win in Week 1 make playoffs 54% of the time, and teams that lose in Week 1 make playoffs just under 25% of the time.

-- Three men in the TV booth is too many, if Golic and Steve Young are two of them; they rarely shut up. Words were colliding in mid-air. It was awful and almost made me want to put on the radio.

[Spooky]

Tuesday's List of 13: Our first NFL List of 13......

Its too early to do this, after just one game, but its better than writing again on how the Tampa Rays have bagged it for the season, so without further ado, here's our first top 13 list of the '09 season.......

13) Seahawks-- Hasselbeck is healthy, rookie LB Curry looks like the real deal-- think they're far and away best team in NFC West.

12) Packers-- Have to give GM Thompson credit; seems like he's going to come out smelling like a rose in the transition from Favre to Rodgers.

11) Titans-- Not whole lot of teams win at Heinz Field, especially when they were the last team to beat the Steelers.

10) Eagles-- Would be higher on list if McNabb's ribs were healthy.

9) Patriots-- Lot of new faces on offense; they're lucky Bills choked Monday. Interesting game with Jets this week.

8) Vikings-- Peterson is awesome, so eventually teams are going to have to single cover receivers and make Favre try and beat them.

7) Chargers-- Lost C Hardwick last night, getting hurt on a play that had been whistled down for delay of game. Horrible officiating-- how about taking control of the game? Bolts lost two offensive linemen Monday.

6) Saints-- Love watching them play, but do they have a defense?

5) Ravens-- Its not often an NFL team gets 32 first downs in a game, but Ravens did; the TD they gave up on blocked punt and a missed FG are issues for former special teams coach Harbaugh.

4) Cowboys-- Romo must feel same way Eli Manning felt after Jeremy Shockey got hurt two years ago; its a lot easier distributing the ball when one of your better players isn't always bitching about not getting it.

3) Giants-- Very interesting game in JerryDome Sunday night.

2) Falcons-- They are well balanced on offense and tough on defense; is this first time in franchise history they have consecutive winning years?

1) Steelers-- Defending champs are always on top of the list until they at least lose a game. Beating Tennessee is an excellent win.

[Spooky]

Spooky's helpful tips for Tuesday, September 15

Here's to you, Mr. Robinson

Kansas City Royals righthander Robinson Tejada had a nice run as a reliever in August, allowing just one run in 16 1-3 innings. The Royals decided to move him into the rotation and have gotten similar results, with Tejada pitching 11 1-3 scoreless innings over two starts. Since July 31, Tejada has allowed one run and nine hits in 28 innings with 35 strikeouts and just nine walks. The Royals are +152 at Detroit.

Man of steel

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu told Pittsburghlive.com that he will not need surgery for the sprained left MCL he suffered in Thursday's season-opening win over Tennessee. He will be replaced by Tyrone Carter.

Polamalu is out three to six weeks, which means it is possible he may miss just two games - road contests vs. Chicago and Cincinnati, each of whom had just one touchdown in their first game. A home game at San Diego on Oct. 4 is 24 days - or slightly more than three weeks - after the day Polamalu got hurt.
Under the gun

The total has been under in five of the last six starts made by Toronto's Roy Halladay, including twice when the number was 7.5. The total is 8.5 for Halladay's matchup with Joba Chamberlain at Yankee Stadium. ... Righthander Kip Wells of the Cincinnati Reds has pitched to the under in his last five starts, with no more than seven runs scored in any of those games. The total is 8.5 for Wells' home showdown with Houston's Roy Oswalt.

Over the top

Florida Marlins lefthander Sean West has won his last three starts and the total as gone over each time. The Marlins have given 28 runs of support to West, who faces Adam Wainwright and host St. Louis with a total of 8.0, the lowest number in any of West's starts this season.

Operation shutdown

The total for the Colorado-San Francisco game is 7.0, and with good reason. Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez has pitcher to the under in his last nine starts. The under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 outings by Giants starter Barry Zito.

Family matters

North Texas was going to have its hands full Saturday with ranked Alabama even before starting quarterback Riley Dodge went down with a separated shoulder suffered in a loss to Ohio. The son of coach Todd Dodge, Riley Dodge threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.

Junior Nathan Tune came on and was 9-of-15 for 69 yards, throwing more passes than he had in his entire career. The Mean Green are +32 at Alabama and could be without Dodge for the Sun Belt Conference season opener vs. Middle Tennessee on Sept. 26.

Notable Quotable

"Talk about a guy that's a great leader. ... He plays an entire half of football with a dislocated wrist. I don't think there's many people who can do something like that."

-- Chicago Bears backup middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, who replaced Brian Urlacher in the second half of Sunday's 21-15 loss at Green Bay. Urlacher is out for the season.

[Spooky]

SPOOKY'S FAB FIVE FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

Happy Tuesday everyone.

1. Quick Hits

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina pulls the stunning upset. He knocks off 5 time U.S. Open champ Roger Federer in 5 sets.

Ho Hum, the Patriots trailed Buffalo by 11 points last night in the final minutes but Tom Brady rallies New England to a 25-24 win.

In a possible playoff preview, the Yankees beat the Angels 5-3.

2. Long Live the King

Was that a blip on the radar last night or the changing of the guard?

After a lackluster start, Juan Martin del Potro bounced back and dominated the great Roger Federer. In 1981, John McEnroe did it to Bjorn Borg, and Borg walked out of tennis. I'm not convinced its the end of the line for Federer, but just like boxing, tennis players can age in a hurry. There are always younger Turks like del Potro coming along to claim the throne.

3. I'm Sorry

A simple phrase that Serena Williams just can't say. She didn't say it in her news conference or in her first press release. It finally said she was sorry yesterday on her website. But after she won the doubles yesterday, she couldn't utter that simple phrase when Patrick
McEnroe gave her the chance. Leads me to believe somebody else writes the stuff on her website.

4. Tuesday Morning Quarterbacking

Now that the first weekend of NFL football is finally over, a couple of thoughts. With all the hoo hah over quarterback Jay Cutler leaving Denver, and showing up in Chicago. Denver won, the Bears lost.

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New season, same old same old. The Lions, Raiders and Bengals are all winless. Detroit, who else, yielded the most points of any team.

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And you knew it was bound to happen. Michael Vick shows up in Philly, and Donovan McNabb cracks a rib. Even though they signed Jeff Garcia yesterday, Vick could be running the Eagles (after his 2 week suspension) faster than you can ask "who let the dogs out?"

5.

Quote of the Day
"I wanted to shut everybody up who doesn't think we're a good football team. We had our opportunity. We wanted to win, we needed a win, we had a win. We let it go and it's tough."



Buffalo safety Donte Whitner, after Monday night's tough loss.

Happy Birthday: Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry (Mr. Spitball). 71.

Bonus Birthday: Mr. Conspiracy, director Oliver Stone. 63.

Today in Sports: Muhammad Ali beats Leon Spinks in 15 rounds to reclaim the heavyweight title for the third time. 1978.

Bonus Event: Pie charts! USA Today is born. 1982.

[Dirty]

always good stuff

[Spooky]

Hopefully someone is paying attention to the Express.

Lets throw out a horse play for Hump Day.

And hope the information is correct that I received.

BELMONT RACETRACK

1ST RACE

#7 R BETTY GRAYBULL



Good Luck.

[Spooky]

Not around for much of the day so lets get this started.

Wednesday six-pack

Here are my top six QBs of all-time-- make your own list before you get all mad and e-mail me........

6) Dan Marino-- Huge passing numbers, but no championships.


5) Steve Young-- Was better than Montana, just came along after him.


4) Peyton Manning-- Father Archie was righty version of Young, but Peyton and Eli are both slow; blame there must go to mom Olivia.


3) Tom Brady-- Tremendous leader; Belichick better come thru with a big payday for him before he retires- his record is poor without #12.


2) Roger Staubach-- If he wanted to, think he could have been elected President, thats how well-respected he is. Great in 2:00 drill.

1) John Elway-- Funny thing, he never played in a bowl game; his last college game was the Stanford band play, which cost him a bowl shot. Broncos have one won playoff game since he retired.

[Spooky]

Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) Raiders really beat up on the Chargers physically Monday nite, but couldn't finish the deal; Russell's lack of accuracy on mid-range passes (he was 12-30/208, with a big TD and two INTs) hurts them. When he went out briefly with injury, Raiders let backup Gradkowski throw on first two plays- he looked steadier than Russell.

12) Falcons had a 25-yard edge in field position against Miami; five of their ten drives started in Dolphin territory. Easier to play that way.

11) Biggest NFL upset in Week 1 was Denver winning as 5-point dog in Cincinnati; 49ers closed at +4.5 in Arizona. As for the colleges, biggest upset winner was Houston (+16.5) at Oklahoma State, with Chippewas of Central Michigan (+15) next. Florida State was -34 vs Jacksonville State and trailed in last minute, before scoring twice for dicey 19-9 win.

10) Think the Crimson Tide is practicing kick coverage this week? Not only did Virginia Tech run one back for a score in opener vs Alabama, but FIU did last week, too. Going to be starters covering kicks soon.

9) USC QB Matt Barkley's dad was All-American water polo player in his college days, also at USC. Young Barkley was very poised Saturday.

8) When was last time Tennessee Vols were a 29-point underdog?

7) Memo to guys who announce football on TV-- ALL COACHES HATE TURNOVERS, EVERY ONE OF THEM!!! Every week, you hear a guy say, "Coach A just hates turnovers." No freakin' kidding.... when you find a coach who doesn't, then you'll have some news.

6) Panthers/Saints were only NFL teams to score TD on their first drive of the season; five teams turned ball over on their first drive, including the Rams, who fumbled the opening kickoff in Seattle. Seven teams tried field goals on their first drive; only four of seven made the kick.

5) Seven teams scored TDs on their first drive of second half; six teams turned ball over, with one field goal made.

4) Magglio Ordonez hit his incentive (1,080 PA over two years) will be paid $18M next season. Good thing the Tigers are headed to playoffs, they can rake in some of that money they'll be paying him next month.

3) Roy Halladay is now 16-4, 2.84 in 35 career starts against Bronx after he beat the Bombers 10-4 in a brawl-marred tilt. Jorge Posada got into it with Toronto reliever Carlson after a series of brushbacks both ways.

2) Major league baseball made a much bigger deal than usual of the 2010 schedule being released, as they try to push '10 season tickets. How do people who sell season ticket plans in Pittsburgh or Kansas City do it?

1) When are the Patriots going to pay Tom Brady what he's worth? No way any Patriot player would begrudge him one penny, he's that great. Without Brady, Belichick is a defensive coordinator or a college coach.

[Spooky]

NFL Week 2 analysis

Raiders (0-1) @ Chiefs (0-1)-- Road team won last five series games, with the Chiefs winning eight of last ten- Silver/Black won last two visits here, 20-17 and 23-8. Average total in last six series meetings is 30.3. Oakland has to travel off tough Monday loss, when they played their hearts out but lost 24-20 to Chargers; they had 148 rushing yards, beat San Diego up physically, but could not stop Bolts on last two drives. Ravens had 32 first downs against Chiefs in 38-24 Week 1 win; first two KC TDs came on blocked punt and 6-yard drive. Since 2002, Oakland is 3-12-1 vs spread as underdog of three or less points.

Texans (0-1) @ Titans (0-1)-- Tennessee won seven of last eight series games, winning last four played here by 3-6-8-19 points; average total in the last three games here is 47. Titans have three extra days to prep for this after Thursday opener. Houston's only TD in ugly loss to Jets was scored by defense; they were outgained 462-183, had only 38 yards on 13 rushes-- Jets ran ball for 190 yards on 42 carries. Titans held Pittsburgh to 36 rushing yards, forced three turnovers, but Steelers had 11-yard edge in field position. Tennessee is 9-14 as a home favorite since '04. Houston is 25-29 as road dog in franchise history.

Patriots (1-0) @ Jets (1-0)-- Pats travelling off close call in Monday opener; they've won eight of last 10 in series, winning last eight series games played here (last five wins by 16-10-7-24-9 points). Jets are just 5-10-1 vs spread at home last two years. 3-5 as home dog last three years, 2-6 as home dog vs its division rivals since 2003, but coach/QB combo of newcomers Ryan/Sanchez has invigorated franchise- they ran ball for 190 yds last week, converted 10-18 on third down. Pats threw the ball 53 times, ran it 23 times Monday- they're 16-8-1 vs spread as single digit favorite the last three years.

Bengals (0-1) @ Packers (1-0)-- Cincinnati had brutal Week 1 loss, giving up an 87-yard TD pass on tipped ball in last minute, longest game-winning TD in last minute of 4th quarter in NFL history; Bengals threw two picks, ran ball for just 86 yards- their only TD came with 0:38 left. Green Bay got winning TD with 1:24 left to beat rival Bears- they were outgained by 66 yards, but picked Cutler off four times (+4 TO ratio). Packers are 11-7-1 vs spread as a single digit home favorite last three years. Bengals are 17-12 as road underdog since 2003, 6-4 as non-divisional road dog the last three seasons.

Vikings (1-0) @ Lions (0-1)-- Since 2001, Vikings are 0-6 vs spread when they are double digit favorite. Lions had covered 10 of 11 as double digit dog before getting drilled in Superdome last week, as Brees tossed six TD passes. Vikes are 19-3 in last 22 series games, taking four of last five played here, but three of those four wins were by five points or less. Only twice in last ten series games have Vikings beaten the Lions by more than 10 points. Minnesota ran ball for 225 yards last week, as Peterson/Turner combo wore Cleveland down, but at some point, Favre will have to do more than 14-22/85 yards thru air.

Saints (1-0) @ Eagles (1-0)-- McNabb has cracked rib, Vick isn't eligible yet, so could have Kolb getting start for Philly team that had seven takeaways and five sacks in 38-10 win at Carolina last week. Saints ran ball for 157 yards, passed for 358 vs Detroit last week, scoring 45 points despite turning ball over three times, so Eagles' new DC McDermott has his first real test after taking over for the late Jim Johnson. Philly is 4-12 as favorite of three or less points since '05, but they covered eight of last ten as a non-divisional home favorite. Saints are 5-8-2 vs spread as dog of three or less points since 2005.

Panthers (0-1) @ Falcons (1-0)-- Visitor is 6-4 in last ten series games, with Panthers winning three of last four visits here, but Carolina was awful in 38-10 home loss last week, giving up an 85-yard punt return, turning ball over seven times- they had 70-yard TD drive first time they had ball, only scored three more points. Atlanta held Miami to 259 total yards, took ball away four times in 19-7 win- they had 25-yard edge in field position, starting five of their ten drives in Delphin territory. Panthers are 8-11-1 as single digit dog the last three years; Atlanta is now 7-1-1 vs spread in last nine games as single digit favorite.


Rams (0-1) @ Redskins (0-1)-- Highlight of Rams' dismal 2-14 season LY was 19-17 upset of Redskins here in Week 6 (+13), when Skins outgained Rams 368-200, held them to 8 first downs but still lost on last second FG. St Louis got blanked 28-0 in Seattle last week, committing 10 penalties, two when the game was 0-0 and they had ball on Seattle 11-yard line. Washington looks to have shored up run defense (Giants ran ball for 31-103 last week) but gave up sack/fumble for TD and were down 17-0 before scoring first TD on a fake FG. Rams are 5-11 as road dog last 2+ years, but 4-2 when getting double digits.

Cardinals (0-1) @ Jaguars (0-1)-- Both teams lost division games last week, so much urgency on both sides here. Jaguars lost home opener three of last four years, but they're 14-8-1 as non-divisional home favorite since 2003. Arizona is 23-38-3 as road dog this decade-- they outgained 49ers by 96 yards in 20-16 loss last week, holding SF to 21 yards on ground, but Warner looked immobile as Cards averaged just 5.5 per pass attempt and converted just 4 of 14 on 3rd down. Jaguars are 13-1 in last 14 home games vs NFC teams, but they passed for just 114 yards and were outgained 365-228 at Indy. Arizona in a sandwich between last week's opener and Monday night home game vs Colts next week.

Seahawks (1-0) @ 49ers (1-0)-- Seattle won seven of last ten games vs 49ers, winning four of last five visits here, with wins by 15-2-20-21 points. Hawks are 12-19-1 vs spread on road since '05, 5-10-1 in last 16 games when spread was 3 or less points. Seattle is missing two starters on OL, but they're 8-2 vs spread in last 10 games as division favorite- they had 167 rushing yards, 279 thru air in easy win last week. Niners are 5-14-2 as dog of three or less points since '02; they went 3/out on eight of 13 drives last week, but held Redbirds to 40 yards rushing. Since '04, Niners are 4-6 vs spread as divisional home dog.

Bucs (0-1) @ Bills (0-1)-- Buffalo had 11-point lead with 4:00 left Monday, snatched defeat from jaws of victory by fumbling kickoff in bitter loss to Pats, their 12th straight loss to NE. Now they come home to face young Buc team that gave up TD passes of 43-66-80 yards to TO-less Dallas (average of 12.3 yards/pass attempt, highest in NFL). Bucs did run ball for 174 yards, which is good sign; they're 7-11-1 vs spread as road dog since 2006, 6-15-1 as road dog in non-divisional games (since '02). Bills are 18-12 vs spread as single digit fave since '04, 7-4 as non-divisional home favorite since 2005.

Browns (0-1) @ Broncos (1-0)-- Couple of ex-Belichick assistants meet here; Denver had miracle win in Cincinnati last week, holding Bengals scoreless for 59:00 before Cincy took short-lived lead with 0:38 left. Browns were riddled for 225 rushing yards by Vikings in 34-20 home loss; they're 9-6-1 as road dog in non-divisional games since '05, are 10-5 in last 15 games as single digit dog. Denver was 3-17-1 vs spread as home favorite in Shanahan's last three years; they're 8-24 vs spread as non-divisional home fave since '02. Quinn converted 3-12 on third down last week; Browns had two turnovers, allowed five sacks.

Ravens (1-0) @ Chargers (1-0)-- San Diego showed guts in last 2:00 Monday night, driving 89 yards to score winning TD and escape Oakland with a 24-20 win. Baltimore had 32 first downs in win against Chiefs last week, after KC had grabbed 14-10 lead due to blocked punt and a turnover. Ravens were 10-17 on 3rd down, ran ball for 198 yards, passed for 303 as they outgained Chiefs 501-188. Baltimore is 15-22 as single digit dog since 2003. Since 2003, Bolts are 23-12-1 vs spread as home favorite; they're 13-8 as non-divisional home fave since '04. Chargers lost two offensive line starters to injury Monday nite.

Steelers (1-0) @ Bears (0-1)-- Stat of the Week: Since 2002, Pittsburgh is 3-16 vs spread as favorite of three or less points; average total in their last four road openers is 25. Steelers are 2-7 as non-divisional road favorite since '06-- they have three extra days to prepare here, coming off Thursday's win. Cutler threw four picks in 21-15 loss at Lambeau; Bears are 5-3 as home dog since '05, 15-6 vs spread in game following last 21 losses. Chicago outgained the Pack by 126 yards, held Rodgers to 4.7 yds/pass attempt, but turnovers killed them-- they lost field position by 12 yards and went 3/out six times on their 13 drives.

Giants (1-0) @ Cowboys (1-0)-- First real game in JerryDome; home field has not been big in this rivalry (home team just 6-5 last five years). Both sides had impressive wins last week; Manning averaged 8.3 yds/pass in 23-17 win over Redskins (was 17-7 at half, only Skin TD on fake FG), but Big Blue was weak in red zone (six points, three trips), struggled running in short yardage plays. Dallas showed explosiveness (TD passes of 42-80-66 yards) in 34-21 win at Tampa; their 12.3 yds/pass attempt led NFL last week. Giants are 7-3-1 as an underdog of three or less points since '06; Dallas is 6-0 as favorite of 3 points or less the last two seasons. Cowboys gave up 174 rushing yards in Tampa.

Colts (1-0) @ Dolphins (0-1)-- Miami is just 3-12 vs spread at home the last two years; they had four turnovers last week in 19-7 loss at Atlanta-- defense held Falcons to 68 rushing yards, but lost field position by 25 yards. Fish are 8-12-2 vs spread as underdog of three or less points since '05. Colts are 7-4-1 vs spread as favorite of three or less points since '03; they're 14-7-1 as a road favorite in non-divisional games since '01. Indy outgained Jax 365-228 in 14-12 win last week, holding Garrard to 3.9 yds/pass attempt; they converted 8-14 on 3rd down, but turned ball over twice on nine drives. Indy won 16 of its last 20 prtimetime games.

[Spooky]

SPOOKY'S FAB FIVE FOR HUMP DAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Happy Wednesday everyone.

1. Quick Hits

The Yankees and Blue Jays brawl at Yankee Stadium. It's not real bright to risk injury when you harbor championship aspirations.

The Red Sox and Yankees will open and close the 2010 season at Fenway. Why don't they just play each other every day?

Might we actually have a pennant race? The Giants close to within 2 1/2 games of Colorado in the Wild Card race.
Michael Vick is activated by the Philadelphia Eagles. He can practice this week with the team, but isn't eligible to play until week three.

2. Contraction

Have we reached the long overdue moment of contraction is pro sports?
According to the SportsBusiness Journal the New Jersey Nets lost $25-million in the first half of fiscal 2009. Pat Riley has given all the non-players on the Miami Heat pay cuts. The Islanders are awash in red ink. Some NFL teams aren't selling out. Baseball and football ticket prices and personal seat licenses are turning off fans by the thousands. The Yankees announced yesterday that they are reducing the price of their most expensive seats next season. They used to say owning a TV station was a "license to print money." For some teams, owning a sports franchise is a license to burn it. How much longer can this go on?

3. All the News

Now we're talking. A New York Times editorial yesterday dealt with the hoary issue of "sports cliches." They did so in the context of Serena Williams' comments following her on court explosion. Such beauties as "It was what it was." "I'm moving on." "I was in the moment." I've never liked sports cliches and I've strived to avoid
them. But for athletes who have something to hide, or don't wish to communicate, cliches are the perfect crutch. By the way, I'm taking the Fab Five one day at a time.

4. Mr. Detroit

Legendary Tigers announcer Ernie Harwell will address the fans at tonight's game. He will thank them for their support. Ernie has cancer.

5. Coupling

The Yankees are all about tradition and they've taken Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn to the extreme. A-Rod, Derek Jeter, and Nick Swisher all have girlfriends who are actresses. According to the New York Post, Swisher was seen hanging with Joanna Garcia of "Gossip Girls." They
were with Jerry Ferrara (Turtle from Entourage) and actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Not only is Turtle unemployed in Entourage, he gets to wear his baseball cap backwards all day, and drive the car. And now he has Jamie-Lynn as his girlfriend on and off the screen. My hero.

Happy Birthday: 2-time Yankee world champ Tim "Rock"Raines. 50.

Bonus Birthday: Columbo. Actor Peter Falk (Syracuse alum). 82.

Today in Sports: Mayhem at Ebbets Field. When the Dodgers lose to the Reds 4-3, a fan jumps onto the field and starts pummeling the umpire.
Leo Durocher is suspended for "inciting a riot." 1940.

Bonus Event: There goes the neighborhood. The Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower. 1620.


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[Dirty]

Good stuff... finally Feeling better.. been laid up sick and bad internet service

[Spooky]

Your internet was sick with ya.

Vilkia will and should be contacting you. She said she never received the message and email.

Just found out today.

Feel better.

[Spooky]

Its quarter after one and im a little drunk and I need you now.

I feel like this is a monologue.

Here is your winner for the day.

Gave you a horse today that paid $89.00 to win and nobody played it.



MLB

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS -116

[Dirty]

Maybe she will.... Hell you got a copy of the email pal

[Spooky]

Spooky's helpful tips for Thursday, September 17

Flu bug bites Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes are the latest college football team to get bitten by the flu bug.

The Hurricanes are reporting that three players – most notably safety Jojo Nicolas – are suffering from illness heading into Thursday's conference clash with Georgia Tech. There is speculation that the outbreak could be spreading through the Miami locker room.

Nicolas, the only starter of the three players listed, joins cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (concussion) on the sidelines while defensive end Eric Moncur (groin) and receiver Aldarius Johnson (groin) are listed as probable and questionable for this week's ACC showdown.

Miami is a 5.5-point home favorite for Thursday's game.

Reds pitcher looking a little green

In more flu news, Cincinnati Reds starter Johnny Cueto could miss Thursday's scheduled start against the Florida Marlins due to illness. Cueto, who is 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA in his last three starts (all team wins), was allowed to skip a team photo and left the ballpark Wednesday.

"We'll back Cueto up if he's not feeling better," manager Dusty Baker told mlblogs.com. "We sent him home. I doubt that he'll be better tomorrow. He might be but he'll probably feel weak."

Left-hander Matt Maloney is likely to start in Cueto's spot. He's also not 100 percent after leaving his most recent start with a blister on his finger. Maloney is 0-4 with a 5.65 ERA in five starts this season.

No way Jorge

Following Wednesday's rumble in the Bronx, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada has been suspended three games and fined after throwing an elbow at Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jesse Carlson (who was suspended three games) that sparked a bench-clearing brawl in the eighth inning.

With Posada in the clubhouse, New York will split time behind home plate between Jose Molina and Francisco Cervelli. The veteran catcher was hitting .308 with 13 RBIs and four home runs this month. While his bat will be missed, Posada hasn't been the choice of the Yankees' pitching staff following communication issues earlier this season.

Busch feeling bushed

Despite his four wins, Kyle Busch failed to make the 12-driver cut for the Sprint Cup Chase for the Championship following a fifth-placed finish at last Saturday's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond. Busch, who finished 13th in the standings before the cut, will take the track at New Hampshire this weekend priced at +900 but won't have much motivation for the remaining 10 races of 2009.

There is value, however, with Kyle's brother Kurt, who is at +2000 to win his second Cup title. With the younger Busch helping out his sibling, the No. 2 Dodge could have an edge over the other drivers in the Chase.

Don't count out Donovan

While the Philadelphia Eagles scramble to replace Donovan McNabb, head coach Andy Reid isn't ruling his star quarterback out for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

Reid told reporters that McNabb was “actually making some progress” during the team's practice Wednesday. McNabb did not participate in drills alongside backup Kevin Kolb and recently-signed veteran pivot Jeff Garcia.

"Don's been in this situation before," Reid told reporters. "So I would probably say if he can go, he can go. If he were [cleared] to play and felt okay, I think he could do that, go out there and play with very little practice and perform."

The Eagles opened as 3-point home favorites at the Las Vegas Hilton Sunday night. That has since been bet down to -1, where it stands at most books.

King of the Cassel

Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland but was running better on his injured left knee at practice Wednesday.

Cassel did not participate in all of Kansas City's drills but according to head coach Todd Haley, Cassel “moved around a little better than he did at the end of the week”.

The team's big offseason acquisition missed last week's opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Backup Brodie Croyle performed well, passing for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-24 loss as 14-point underdogs.

"I haven't talked to the doctors. But to my eye, he was improved some from last week," Haley told reporters of Cassel's improvements.

Kansas City is a 3-point home favorite against the Raiders after the line moved from its opening stand of 4.5.

Big unit is back

Veteran pitcher Randy Johnson was activated by the San Francisco Giants Wednesday after missing the last two months with a torn rotator cuff. Johnson won't jump back into the Giants' stellar rotation but will be used out of the bullpen.

The lanky lefty is 8-6 with a 4.81 ERA in 17 starts this season. He bolsters San Francisco's bullpen, which ranks second in the majors with a collective ERA of 3.61 and 37 saves. The Giants are currently hosting the Colorado Rockies, who they trail by 2.5 games in the National League Wild Card race.

Leap of faith

“If they’re to accept one individual out of all the NFL teams to embrace if he got in the stands, I think I should be that one,” Ochocinco said. “I’m no harm. It’s all fun. It’s all entertainment.”

- Chad Ochocinco, Bengals WR, talking about his plans to do the Lambeau Leap if he scores against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday.