<rss version="2.0">
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		<title>AOL RED Blogs: The Sports Scene</title>
		<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/</link>
		<description>AOL RED Blogs</description>
		<language>en</language>
		<webMaster>dev@corp.vpi.net</webMaster>
		<copyright>(c) 2008</copyright>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:38:47 PDT</pubDate>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:38:47 PDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Harrington Wins British Open]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/harrington_wins_british_open/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:38:47 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;No Tiger. No problem. While 53 year old Greg Norman gave fans a show during the first three rounds, in the end, defending champion Padraig Harrington seized control and won his second consecutive title by four shots over runner-up Ian Poulter today at Royal Birkdale. Harrington shot a -1 (69) today, while 54-hole leader Norman shot a +7 (77), as golfers battled 30+ mph winds for the second straight day.Anyway, congratulations to both golfers on a great show.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[All-Star Game for the Ages]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/allstar_game_for_the_ages/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:44:32 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[What a game last night at the Bronx. A&nbsp;15-inning, 4-hour 50 minute game ends with a walk-off sacrifice fly by the Rangers&#39; Michael Young, scoring the winning run in the person of Justin Morneau, giving the AL a&nbsp;4-3 win and a 12 year unbeaten streak.&nbsp;Other things worth noting from the game.MLB needs to change this home field advantage in the World Series nonsense attached to the game. What if someone had gotten hurt (esp. Brandon Webb and Scott Kazmir, who&nbsp;both pitched on Sunday) pitching&nbsp;&nbsp;more innings than they should have just to win an exhibition?Can the NL get a catcher that can throw out base runners? Six steals by the AL is ridiculous.A night to forget for Dan Uggla, who commited three errors, struck out three times, and grounded into an inning ending double play. At one point, on three consecutive pitches, he grounded into a double play, and commited two errors in a row. Four errors commited by the NL, all by Marlins.The great defense from both sides. For the NL, Nate McLouth throwing out Dioner Navarro at the plate, with Russell Martin applying the tag in the 11th inning; Miguel Tejada&#39;s lunging throw to end the 11th inning; Ryan Ludwick&#39;s diving catch.&nbsp;For the AL, Ichiro throws&nbsp;out Albert Pujols trying to stretch a single into a double.Aaron Cook escapes a bases loaded, no out jam in the 11th, first time in all-star history a pitcher has done that.Bud Selig&#39;s expression in the extra innings on TV was priceless. Did I mention that something has to be changed about the homefield advantage thing?Michael Young is a pretty good clutch all-star&nbsp;game&nbsp;hitter. Game winning 2-run triple in Pittsburgh in 2006; Game-winning sac-fly last night after a potential walk-off RBI Single was erased because the runner was thrown out at the plate.The NL was 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position, the AL was 3 for 22.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Gone for Two Weeks]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/gone_for_two_weeks/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:26:33 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[I&#39;m leaving for two weeks starting tomorrow and will not have internet access until I get back on July 15, the day of the MLB All-Star game. Btw, if you haven&#39;t voted 25 times yet, VOTE! You have until Wednesday. The players I voted for are below.Anyway, because I won&#39;t have internet access, I won&#39;t be able to post here. However, I encourage you to visit my awesome affiliates (under the favorites tab) for all your sports talk and news while I&#39;m gone.&nbsp;So, I&#39;ll be back on July 15. Until then, I hope you check out my affiliates and have a good summer.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA Draft]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_draft/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:45:36 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[FIRST ROUND1.Chicago BullsDerrick Rose (PG) Memphis 2.Miami HeatMichael Beasley (PF) Kansas State 3.Minnesota Timberwolves!O.J. Mayo (SG) USC 4.Seattle SupersonicsRussell Westbrook (PG) UCLA 5.Memphis Grizzlies@Kevin Love (PF) UCLA6.New York KnicksDanilo Gallinari (SF) Italy7.LA ClippersEric Gordon (SG) Indiana 8.Milwaukee BucksJoe Alexander (SF) West Virginia 9.Charlotte BobcatsD.J. Augustin (PG) Texas 10.New Jersey NetsBrook Lopez (C) Stanford 11.Indiana Pacers$Jerryd Bayless (PG) Arizona 12.Sacramento KingsJason Thompson (PF) Rider13.Portland Trailblazers%Brandon Rush (SG) Kansas14.Golden State WarriorsAnthony Randolph (PF) LSU15.Phoenix SunsRobin Lopez (C) Stanford 16.Philadelphia 76ersMarreese Speights (C) Florida 17.Toronto Raptors%Roy Hibbert (C) Georgetown 18.Washington WizardsJaVale McGee (C) Nevada 19.Cleveland CavaliersJ. J. Hickson (PF) NC State 20.Charlotte BobcatsAlexis Ajinca (PF) France21.New Jersey NetsRyan Anderson (PF) California22.Orlando MagicCourtney Lee (SG) Western Kentucky23.Utah JazzKosta Koufos (C) Ohio State24.Seattle SupersonicsSerge Ibaka (PF) Congo25.Houston Rockets$Nicolas Batum (SF) France26.San Antonio SpursGeorge Hill (PG) Indiana Purdue27.New Orleans Hornets!Darrell Arthur (PF) Kansas 28.Memphis Grizzlies#Donte Greene (SF) Syracuse 29.Detroit Pistons^D.J. White (PF) Indiana 30.Boston CelticsJ. R. Giddens (SG) New Mexico!Traded to Memphis@Traded to Minnesota#Traded to Houston$Traded to Portland%Traded to Indiana^Traded to Seattle]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Fresno State wins College World Series]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/fresno_state_wins_college_world_series/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:19:22 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&quot;Underdog does not mean anything. &quot;The Fresno State Bulldogs certainly proved CWS most outstanding player Tommy Mendonca&#39;s words&nbsp;on the field. Steve Detwiler drove in all six runs for Fresno State last night, as they captured their first ever CWS in Game 3, 6-1 over Georgia. The Bulldogs finished 47-31, the most losses ever by a champion. They certainly deserved it, though. They had to&nbsp;beat&nbsp;#3&nbsp;Arizona State, #6 Rice, and&nbsp;#2 North Carolina twice. &quot;These guys beat the best,&quot; Fresno State coach Mike Batesole said, &quot;and I guess that&#39;s what you have to do to win a national championship.&quot;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Raise Another to the Rafters]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/raise_another_to_the_rafters/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:38:26 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The amazing has happened again in Beantown.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Boston Celtics won their 17th championship, and first in 22 years Tuesday, with a 131-92 Game Six thrashing of the Los Angeles Lakers at the TD Banknorth Garden, completing a magical season that ended with a title. It also put the seal on the biggest turnaround in NBA history, as the Celtics went from winning 24 games last season to being on top of the basketball world this year.&nbsp; In the clincher, the big three were great again. Kevin Garnett scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Ray Allen put in an NBA Finals record-tying seven three-pointers, and Finals MVP Paul Pierce added 17 as the Celtics set an NBA record with a 39 point win in&nbsp;the&nbsp;championship clincher, the highest ever.&nbsp; &quot;This is the reason we came here,&quot; Garnett said. &quot;This is the reason we got together&hellip; This is it right now.&quot;&nbsp; The championship is the first for the most of the players on the team, including head coach Doc Rivers.&nbsp; &quot;My first thought was what would my dad say,&quot; Rivers said, &quot;and honestly I started laughing because I thought he would probably say, if you knew my dad, &#39;It&#39;s about time. What have you been waiting for?&#39;&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, for the Lakers, it was a bitter end to a great season, as the outcome was never in doubt by halftime. The Celtics put the game away in the second quarter, outscoring the Lakers 34-19. Regular season MVP Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, but shot just 7-22 from the field against the best defense in the NBA.&nbsp;&nbsp; &quot;They were definitely the best defense I&#39;ve seen the entire playoffs,&quot; Bryant said. &quot;I&#39;ve seen some pretty stiff ones and this was right up there with them.&nbsp;&nbsp; It also didn&rsquo;t help that both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom had dreadful series, with the Celtics frontline role players of Kendrick Perkins, P.J. Brown, and Leon Powe playing shutdown defense while also providing a spark at the offensive end.&nbsp; Ultimately, these current Celtics continued the tradition of greatness that was passed on to them by past legends like Bill Russell, John Havlicek, and Larry Bird, and, in the end, they wrote some of their own history as well.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Tiger Wins U.S. Open after 91 holes]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/tiger_wins_us_open_after_91_holes/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:02:09 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;He does it again. On a gimpy knee, Tiger rallied from one shot down going to the 18th hole to force a sudden death playoff with Rocco Mediate. In the sudden death playoff, Woods&nbsp;tapped in a par putt and watched as Mediate&#39;s putt just missed, before celebrating his 14th career major. The 45 year old Mediate fell victim to the best player in the world even after coming back from a three-shot deficit after 10 holes to take a one shot lead going into the final hole of their 18-hole playoff. Tiger, in pain throughout the week, played through it to hit several memorable eagles putts, as well as&nbsp;birdies on 18 in consecutive days to extend the championship. &quot;This is probably the greatest tournament I&#39;ve ever had,&quot; Woods said.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Junior Hits #600]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/junior_hits_600/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:40:05 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Before about 13000 fans at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, last night, in the first inning, Ken Griffey, Jr. became sixth player in MLB history to reach 600 homeruns. He took Mark Hendrickson deep on a 3-1 curveball and hit it 413 feet into the right field seats. Congrats to Griffey and who knows how many he might have hit if it weren&#39;t for injuries.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_finals_preview_lakers_vs_celtics/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 4 Jun 2008 14:19:50 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A classic matchup that the NBA, ABC, and the rest of the world wanted:&nbsp;&nbsp; vs. . And once again, you came here for the preview, as I break down all the position battles.&nbsp;Point Guards: Derek Fisher vs. Rajon Rondo&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derek Fisher, like Chauncey Billups in the Eastern Conference Finals, is a veteran that should control the game when things may get out of hand, and is a proven clutch player if the Lakers need him. Rondo, meanwhile, struggled through the Eastern Conference bracket, and was outplayed by his opposition (Mike Bibby, Delonte West, Chauncey Billups). He needs to establish himself offensively in this series, or the Lakers will just ignore him and load up on the big three.&nbsp;&nbsp;Edge: Lakers Shooting Guards: Kobe Bryant vs. Ray AllenThe NBA MVP has played like one through the Western Conference bracket, averaging 31.9 PPG, and single-handedly carrying the Lakers in many games when they were down. Ray Allen has struggled to himself, and has frankly looked washed up these playoffs for the Celtics. He needs to step it up and rediscover his shot for Boston to have a chance in this series. Edge: Lakers Small Forwards: Vladimir Radmanovic vs. Paul Pierce Radmanovic is a great three point shooter and should be key when the Celtics double team Kobe Bryant. He needs to knock down open three pointers and play smart basketball for the Lakers. Paul Pierce established himself as the leader of this team during their Eastern Conference run. He was the guy the put his team on his shoulders and carried them down the stretch in many games when KG and Ray Allen weren&rsquo;t hitting their shots. He needs to have that same closer mentality for the Celtics, and not depend on others to score if he&rsquo;s got the hot hand Edge: Celtics Power Forwards: Lamar Odom vs. Kevin Garnett Lamar Odom has had probably the best season of his career, taking a number three role to Kobe and Gasol. He plays tough and strong, but can also score if needed to down the stretch. He needs to do the little things (grab rebounds, help on defense) for the Lakers to equalize the big men on the Celtics. Kevin Garnett has been the X-factor for Boston this year, bringing toughness as well as a defensive-minded attitude about how to win. At times, he can feel reluctant to post up and settles for jump shots. He can&rsquo;t do this against the Lakers. He needs to attack Pau Gasol and look to score whenever he has the ball. Because when he does that, usually good things happen. Edge: Celtics Centers: Pau Gasol vs. Kendrick Perkins &nbsp;Gasol was the best move made during the many blockbuster trade deadline moves and has fit in nicely as Kobe&rsquo;s new center. He can score in the post consistently and also is a good defender. Kendrick Perkins had a nice break-out season, joining the starting lineup with the big-3. He provides rebounding, strength, and defense. The Celtics won&rsquo;t ask more of him, as his offense is inconsistent. Edge: Lakers Sixth Men: Luke Walton vs. James Posey Walton is a prototype bench player. He brings many skills to the table. A decent three-point shooter, a good defender, and a great rebounder, he can help the Lakers in many ways that don&rsquo;t always show up on the box score. Posey brings finals leadership to the Celtics and has been a key player off the bench in the Eastern Conference playoffs. He can shoot the three, and will also play a big role in guarding Kobe Bryant. Edge: Celtics Coaches: Phil Jackson vs. Doc Rivers Phil Jackson is going for his record breaking 10th ring as a coach and is a hall of famer. Doc Rivers has had a great run coaching the big three, and led them to a league best 66-16 during the regular season.Edge: Lakers My prediction: win series in seven games, 4-3 Finals MVP: Kobe BryantLast round&rsquo;s record: 1-1 Playoff record: 8-6]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Manny Hits #500]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/manny_hits_500/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 1 Jun 2008 09:24:20 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Despite all his antics, Manny Ramirez is one of the greatest hitters of all time. Last night, on the first pitch of the 7th inning, he took Chad Bradford deep at Candem Yards in Baltimore to become the 24th player with 500 HRs&nbsp;in his career. I just want to say congrats to&nbsp;Manny on a great feat and a hall-of-fame career.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Celtics Finish Off Pistons, Win East]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/celtics_finish_off_pistons_win_east/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 15:03:17 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Finally a NBA Finals appearance for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Pierce scored 27 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and had two steals as the Boston Celtics eliminated the Detroit Pistons Friday 89-81. It is the first Finals appearance for Boston since 1987.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA Playoffs: My Conference Finals Preview]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_playoffs_my_conference_finals_preview/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2008 14:07:18 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceSan Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles LakersThe experienced Spurs were too match for the young Hornets, but I think MVP Kobe Bryant&#39;s Lakers will gain the upperhand in this entertaining series. The defending champs will definitely not go home without a fight.Lakers in 7Eastern ConferenceDetroit Pistons vs. Boston CelticsThe big 3 of the Celtics stumbled through another vastly inferior team, by losing every road game, but still winning the series over the Cavs. The Pistons definitely will not curl up and die on the road, as shown in their Game 2 win Thursday night. While Boston tries to figure out how to win a road playoff game, Detroit will push past them into the NBA Finals again.Pistons in 6&nbsp;My&nbsp;Playoff Record: 7-5]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 11:17:07 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Do you think Roger Clemens used steroids or HGH?Yes - 85.0% (17 Votes)No - 15.0% (3 Votes)Total Votes: 20]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA Playoffs- Conference Semifinal Predictions]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_playoffs_conference_semifinal_predictions/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 4 May 2008 19:10:08 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceUtah Jazz&nbsp;vs. Los Angeles LakersThe Jazz had little trouble disposing of the Alston-less, Yao-less Rockets in the first round, winning in 6 games. But the Lakers are coming off a sweep of the Nuggets, and the Jazz will have trouble stopping the Kobe-Odom-Gasol trio as well as scoring enough points to win this series. Deron Williams can&#39;t do it alone.Lakers in 7&nbsp;San Antonio Spurs&nbsp;vs. New Orleans Hornets The Spurs turned it on against the Suns, winning the series easily in 5 games. The Hornets did the same to the Mavericks, setting up this exciting series. In the end, I don&#39;t see anyone on the Spurs slowing down Chris Paul.Hornets in 7Eastern ConferenceOrlando Magic&nbsp;vs. Detroit PistonsThe Magic dumped the Raptors in 5, while the Pistons played around with the 76ers for a while before winning in 6. I don&#39;t see Detroit playing around against the Magic. The experience of Detroit will have them prepared to slow down Dwight Howard and the Magic.Pistons in 7Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston CelticsThe Cavs proved me wrong in round one, beating the Arenas-less Wizards in 6. Meanwhile, the Celtics got a huge wake-up call by taking the Hawks to 7 games before eliminating them. I think the Atlanta series woke Boston up, and they should play better and eliminate LeBron&#39;s defending Eastern Conference Champs.Celtics in 7&nbsp;My First Round Record: 4-4]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NFL Draft]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nfl_draft/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:50:19 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[1 Miami Dolphins | Jake Long (OT) Michigan 2 St. Louis Rams |&nbsp;Chris Long (DE) Virginia 3 Atlanta Falcons |&nbsp;Matt Ryan (QB) BC 4 Oakland Raiders |&nbsp;Darren McFadden (RB) Arkansas 5 Kansas City Chiefs |&nbsp;Glenn Dorsey (DT) LSU 6 NY Jets |&nbsp;Vernon Gholston (DE) Ohio St 7 New Orleans&nbsp;Saints |&nbsp;Sedrick Ellis (DT) USC 8 Jacksonville Jaguars |&nbsp;Derrick Harvey (DE) Florida 9 Cincinnati Bengals |&nbsp;Keith Rivers (OLB) USC 10 New England Patriots | Jerod Mayo (OLB) Tennessee 11Buffalo BillsLeodis McKelvin (CB) Troy St12Denver BroncosRyan Clady (OT) Boise St 13Carolina PanthersJonathan Stewart (RB) Oregon 14Chicago Bears Chris Williams (OT) Vanderbilt 15Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;Branden Albert (OG) Virginia &nbsp; 16Arizona CardinalsDominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB) Tenn St 17Detroit&nbsp;LionsGosder Cherilus (OT) BC 18Baltimore&nbsp;Ravens Joe Flacco (QB) Delaware19Carolina&nbsp;PanthersJeff Otah (OT) Pittsburgh20Tampa Bay BuccaneersAqib Talib (CB) Kansas 21Atlanta&nbsp;FalconsSam Baker (OT) USC22Dallas CowboysFelix Jones (RB) Arkansas 23Pittsburgh SteelersRashard Mendenhall (RB) Illinois 24Tennessee TitansChris Johnson (RB) E Carolina25Dallas Cowboys&nbsp;Mike Jenkins (CB) S Florida 26Houston&nbsp;TexansDuane Brown (OT) Va Tech27San Diego ChargersAntoine Cason (CB) Arizona28Seattle&nbsp;SeahawksLawrence Jackson (DE) USC29San Francisco 49ersKentwan Balmer (DT) UNC 30NY Jets&nbsp;Dustin Keller (TE) Purdue31NY GiantsKenny Phillips (S) Miami]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA Playoffs- First Round Predictions]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_playoffs_first_round_predictions/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:41:59 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceLakers in 6 over Nuggets : Better talentRockets in 7 over Jazz: Brain says Jazz, but heart says hometown team will prevail.Suns in 7 over Spurs: They didn&#39;t forget last year&#39;s cheap shot by Robert Horry, and dominated the defending champs last week on national TV.Mavericks in 7 over Hornets: More experienceEastern ConferenceCeltics in 4 over Hawks: 66 wins owns 37Wizards in 7 over Cavs: Not enough talent on LeBron&#39;s teamMagic in 6 over Raptors: Not enough strength to conatin Howard on the RaptorsPistons in 5 over 76ers: Nice run by Philly, but Detroit&#39;s experience handles the Sixers.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NL Central Preview]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nl_central_preview/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:47:15 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[ 1. Milwaukee Brewers 2007 Record: 83-79 Projected 2008 Record: 85-77The LineupThe Brewers&rsquo; lineup could be the best in the division this year. SS J.J. Hardy is coming off a breakout season (.277, 26 HR, 80 RBI in 2007) and is a great top of the lineup hitter. 2007 NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun has moved to left field, and he and MVP Candidate Prince Fielder are the best 3-4 hitters under 25 in the game. With the signing of CF Mike Cameron (.242, 21 HR, 78 RBI in 2007), Bill Hall moves back to the infield at 3B and is looking for a bounce back year. Jason Kendall brings stability at the catcher position, and slightly more offense than Johnny Estrada.The Pitching:Ben Sheets and prospect Yovani Gallardo will anchor this pitching staff. Both must stay healthy, however, for the Brewers to make the postseason. Behind them, veterans Dave Bush, Jeff Suppan, and Chris Capuano are decent pitchers and should be fine. In the bullpen, the Brewers sign Eric Gagne from free agency. We&rsquo;ll see if Gagne has gotten over the Mitchell Report and if he can regain his dominant form he had last season in Texas before being traded to Boston.The KeyThe key once again this year is the bullpen. The Brewers struggled keeping leads during the stretch last season so Guillermo Mota, Solomon Torres, Derrick Turnbow, and Gagne must protect games this year for the Brewers to win the division.2. Chicago Cubs2007 Record: 85-77 Projected 2008 Record: 84-78The LineupBrian Roberts or not, this lineup is solid. With the returning pieces of LF Alfonso Soriano, SS Ryan Theriot (.266, 3 HR, 45 RBI in 2007), 1B Derek Lee, 3B Aramis Ramirez, and 2B Mark DeRosa and the addition of Japanese sensation RF Kosuke Fukudome, balls will be flying out of Wrigley at a rapid pace this year. As great the 1 through 6 guys are, the bottom of the lineup is unproven as CF Felix Pie and C Geovany Soto are out to prove that they belong in the majors.The PitchingThis pitching improved last season and should be okay. Ace Carlos Zambrano and all the baggage that comes with him needs to lead this staff, with southpaws Ted Lilly and Rich Hill (11-8, 3.92 ERA in 2007), and veterans Jason Marquis, and Jon Lieber behind him. Young, ecstatic Carlos Marmol (5-1, 1.43 ERA, 1 SV) should be a solid closer if he can seize the job. The KeyAs with any team with potential postseason hopes, the key is the pitching. If Marquis, Lieber, and Marmol can produce for the Cubbies, I think they can make the playoffs.3. Cincinnati Reds2007 Record: 72-90 Projected 2008 Record: 80-82The LineupThe Reds didn&rsquo;t add much in the off season as far as the lineup concerns. 2B Brandon Phillips (.288, 30 HR, 94 RBI in 2007) and Scott Hatteberg (.310, 10 HR, 47 RBI in 2007) are coming off their best seasons and makeup the right side of the infield. Corner outfielders Ken Griffey, Jr. and Adam Dunn bring power as well as veteran leadership to a young team. David Ross will bring a veteran presence to catcher, but will struggle in this potent lineup.The Pitching:Ace Aaron Harang is one of the most underrated players in all of baseball and leads Dusty Bakers&rsquo; rotation. Veterans Bronson Arroyo, Josh Fogg, and Jeremy Affeldt are solid, while 21 year old phenom Homer Bailey looks to prove he belongs in the major leagues. In the pen, Francisco Cordero (0-4, 2.98 ERA, 44 SV in 2007) allows David Weathers to move back to being a setup man.The KeyThis Reds&rsquo; team may be the most improved in MLB this season. However, the veterans on this team must produce to inspire the young guys like Bailey and 3B Edwin Encarnacion to do so as well. Cincy can make a wildcard push this season, something that hasn&rsquo;t happened in a long time.4. Houston Astros2007 Record: 73-89 Projected 2008 Record: 75-87The LineupThis is the Astros&rsquo; best lineup since 2004, and there is no question about it. New General Manager Ed Wade has added many new faces to the lineup this season, including CF Michael Bourn who should bring needed speed to the top of the lineup. New SS Miguel Tejada (.296, 18 HR, 81 RBI in 2007) looks to put the Mitchell Report behind him and take advantage of the hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park. Young catcher J.R. Towles is an upgrade over Brad Ausmus as he showed promise last September. Then, of course, is the heart of the lineup, with 1B Lance Berkman looking for a bounce back year, LF Carlos Lee, RF Hunter Pence (.322, 17 HR, 69 RBI in 2007), and 3B Ty Wigginton. Overall, expect a lot of runs scored this year in Houston. The PitchingSigh. That&rsquo;s all I can say about my hometown team&rsquo;s pitching. Behind ace Roy Oswalt, the Astros have a bunch of number four and five starters. Brandon Backe hopes to have an injury-free year, while Woody Williams is coming off his worst season. Lefty Wandy Rodriguez (9-13, 4.58 ERA in 2007) was a decent pitcher at times last year, but is very inconsistent . Jose Valvarde is an upgrade over Brad Lidge at closer, but needs to prove that last season was not a fluke.The KeyThis lineup will score a ton of runs this year. But the pitching looks awful and unless the Astros hope to win every game 8-7 this year, Houston is looking at another disappointing season.5. St. Louis Cardinals2007 Record: 78-84 Projected 2008 Record: 71-91The LineupThe Cards got rid of franchise players Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds, breaking up most of the World Series team of 2006. 1B Albert Pujols, LF Chris Duncan, and 3B Troy Glaus must carry the offense as the rest of the lineup looks weak. The outfield of Duncan, Rick Ankiel, and Skip Schumaker may be the weakest in the divison. SS Cesar Izturis is out to prove that he has anything left, while C Yadier Molina (.275, 6 HR, 40 RBI in 2007) may turn out to be the fourth best hitter in this puny lineup.The PitchingWith ace Chris Carpenter out until the all-star break and Mark Mulder still battling injury problems, this pitching staff may have a long year. Adam Wainwright and Braden Looper made successful transitions from the bullpen to being starters last season, but are not top of the rotation type pitchers. Veteran Joel Pineiro is coming off a decent season, but Kyle Lohse, Anthony Reyes, and Matt Clement are not impressive pitchers coming off bad years. Jason Isringhausen is good closer, but how many opportunities will he get?The KeyThis team is clearly rebuilding and have a lot of players that look washed up. If any of these &ldquo;washed up&rdquo; players shows something in 2008, it&rsquo;s a plus for the Redbirds.6. Pittsburgh Pirates2007 Record: 68-94 Projected 2008 Record: 67-95The LineupThis lineup didn&rsquo;t change much over winter, with the same average players. LF Jason Bay is coming off a bad year, while 2B Freddy Sanchez (.304, 11 HR, 81 RBI in 2007) and 1B Adam LaRoche are coming off great seasons. All three must produce consistently for the Pirates. 3B Jose Bautista, SS Jack Wilson, and RF Xavier Nady are average to bad, while CF Nyjer Morgan and C Ronny Paulino are unproven major league hitters.The PitchingThe pitching shows promise, if anything. Their best starter is righty Ian Snell (9-12, 3.76 ERA in 2007) who hopes to improve. Behind him are lefties Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm, and Zach Duke, all who have shown glimpses of their potential, but have been inconsistent. At the end of the rotation is washed up righty Matt Morris, who they acquired in a stupid trade at the deadline last year. Closing for the Bucs this year is young, hard throwing Matt Capps, who replaces an inadequate Solomon Torres. The Key The key is for all the unproven young players to produce this season. Otherwise, the Pirates will have their 16th straight losing season.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[March Mania]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/march_mania.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:39:28 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Find out about the historic day in Tampa, Florida on my March Madness Central blog: http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/marchmadness/.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[TSS Fantasy Baseball 2008]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/tss_fantasy_baseball_2008/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:06:36 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[If you love my blog, you must want to play fantasy baseball with other fellow viewers. It&#39;s simple. Just click on this link: http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/the_sports_scene, click to join, and&nbsp;when it comes up, type in the password: REDBlogs.Spots are still available, and the tentative draft date is set for March 20, 2008 at 4:45 PM CT. If this time is inconvenient with anyone, just send me an email and I will try to adjust the time.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Undefeated No More]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/undefeated_no_more/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:58:34 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[How about that game last night? #2 Tennessee of the SEC taking down #1 undefeated Memphis 66-62. Full recap on my March Madness Central blog: http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/marchmadness/1_goes_down/]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2008 NBA All-Star Weekend]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2008_nba_allstar_weekend.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:58:52 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Hey, just dropping in for a post. Here are my thoughts on what has happened since my last post.Giants win the Superbowl, and my prediction was somewhat right. I was rooting for the Giants, btw. The Suns are idiots for trading a perennial all-star player for a 35-year old fat guy. Brian McNamee and Roger Clemens are both liars. But Clemens didn&#39;t come out of Wednesday&#39;s hearing too well...On to the allstar stuff.The T-Mobile Rookie Challenge is tonight where Brandon Roy and the Sophomores look for a sixth straight win over Kevin Durant and the Rookies. Full rosters&nbsp;are on http://aol.nba.com/allstar2008/rookie_challenge/Allstar Saturday Night has many events, with the two best being the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and the Foot Locker&nbsp;Three-Point Shootout.The Dunk Contest participants are Gerald Green (defending champion), Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay, and Jamario Moon. The three-point shootout participants are Jason Kapono (defending champion), Daniel Gibson, Rip Hamilton, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Peja Stojakovic.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Superbowl XLII Preview: Giants vs. Patriots]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/superbowl_xlii_preview_giants_vs_patriots/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 2 Feb 2008 21:13:08 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Yes, I know you were anxiously awaiting this preview the whole week. When you didn&rsquo;t get it, you started to get worried. Kind of like the media when they spotted&nbsp;Tom Brady wearing a boot. &hellip; I don&rsquo;t really know where I&rsquo;m going with this, so let&rsquo;s get to the breakdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;QBs: Eli Manning vs. Tom BradyEli Manning has played turnover free football throughout the three road playoff games and I expect a solid performance from him. However, Tom Brady is in a class of his own, going for his fourth ring, and has this team on his back (or rather arm).Edge: PatriotsRBs: Brandon Jacobs-Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Laurence Maroney-Kevin FaulkThe Giant running backs&nbsp;are the true definition of Yin and Yang. Jacobs, a tough 265 pound bruiser, is a great runner between the tackles. I expect him to spike another football into the wall at University of Phoenix Stadium Sunday night. Meanwhile, Bradshaw has run well in the playoff games as a speedster. Ultimately, the Patriots need to stop this combo and force Eli Manning to beat them. On the other side of the field, Lawrence Maroney has quieted all the critics who say the Pats can&rsquo;t run the ball. He had 122 yards rushing and a touchdown in each of the two AFC Playoff games. The Patriots CAN run the ball. They just choose not to. Faulk should be great in this game on dump-offs and screens to offset this aggressive Giants front seven.Slight Edge: GiantsWRs: Burress-Toomer vs. Moss-Stallworth-WelkerPlaxico Burress made a Pro-Bowl corner look silly in the NFC Championship (Al Harris). He&rsquo;ll have to again in the Superbowl (Asante Samuel)&nbsp;to give the Giants a chance. Amani Toomer has been great in the playoffs as well, but he is prone to drops at critical times in games. Meanwhile, Randy Moss broke records with Tom Brady all year. Stallworth is a great speed receiver, and Wes Welker (added off waivers by me in Week 3&nbsp;:) ) was a great find for the #1 Passing Offense in the NFL this year. Edge: PatriotsDefense:Giants:I already mentioned the Giants&rsquo; aggressive front seven which consists of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, maybe the best DE duo in football this season. However, the Giants secondary is very shaky and hurt, and will be exploited by New England&rsquo;s passing attack. The key is applying pressure on Brady, or this defense is in for a long night. Patriots:With the Patriots offense putting up 50 points per game throughout the year, this Patriots&rsquo; defense has not needed to play very hard for very long. When games got tighter in the playoffs, however, they answered the bell, picking off David Garrard on a key possession in the Divisional Round and holding the Chargers to four field goals in the AFC Championship.Edge: PatriotsKickers: Lawrence Tynes vs. Stephen Gostkowski Giants:Tynes got bailed out by the Giants defense in the NFC Championship, kicking a game-winning 47 yard field goal in overtime. His two misses in the fourth quarter nearly cost his team the conference championship. If there is a close game, Tynes must answer the bell, because the Patriots will not give him any second chances. Patriots:Gostkowski rarely hit the field as a field-goal kicker this year, with the Patriots offense being so efficient. He has the leg, though, with a career long of 52 yards, and, like all other New England post-season kickers is clutch.Edge: PatriotsCoach:Coughlin has done a great job turning around this Giants team amidst all the criticism early in the year in New York. However, Belichick, even with the Spygate fiasco, is one of the all-time greats. He&rsquo;ll have his team as ready as they can be when they hit the field Sunday.Edge: PatriotsBottom Line:I think the Giants can keep the game close behind their running game and aggressive defense. Ultimately, however, Tom Brady will have his way with the Giants&rsquo; secondary and will lead his team to a fourth championship and a perfect 19-0 season.My prediction:24&nbsp; 21&nbsp;Last week&#39;s record: 1-1Season record: 173-93]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Conference Championships]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_conference_championships/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:54:03 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Playoffs - Conference Championships Sunday, 20 January San Diegoat  New England03:00pm NY Giantsat  Green Bay06:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 2-2Season record: 172-92]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Divisional Playoffs]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_divisional_playoffs_/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:26:19 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Divisional Playoffs Saturday, 12 January Seattleat  Green Bay04:30pm Jacksonvilleat  New England08:00pmSunday, 13 January San Diegoat  Indianapolis12:00pm NY Giantsat  Dallas04:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 3-1Season record: 170-90]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 8 Jan 2008 17:26:50 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Who should win NFL MVP?Tom Brady - 40.0% (2 Votes)Brett Favre - 40.0% (2 Votes) Tony Romo - 20.0% (1 Votes) Adrian Peterson- 0.0% (0 Votes)Total Votes: 5]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Wild Card Weekend]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_wild_card_weekend/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 5 Jan 2008 11:12:07 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Wild Card Weekend Saturday, 05 January Washingtonat  Seattle04:30pm Jacksonvilleat  Pittsburgh08:00pmSunday, 06 January NY Giantsat  Tampa Bay01:00pm Tennesseeat  San Diego04:30pmLast week&#39;s record (Week 16): 11-5Season record: 167-89]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[BCS Picks]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/bcs_picks/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 2 Jan 2008 16:58:07 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Here are the rest of my BCS and other bowl&nbsp;picks.BCS ChampionshipJan 7#2 LSUvs#1 Ohio St.&nbsp;&nbsp;GMACJan 6Bowling GreenvsTulsa&nbsp;&nbsp;InternationalJan 5RutgersvsBall St.&nbsp;&nbsp;OrangeJan 3#8 Kansasvs#5 Virginia Tech&nbsp;&nbsp;FiestaJan 2#11 West Virginiavs# 3 Oklahoma&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[HAPPY NEW YEAR!]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/happy_new_year.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 1 Jan 2008 10:46:53 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Happy New Year to all my readers! Here are my Jan. 1 bowl picks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sugar&nbsp;&nbsp;Jan 1&nbsp;#10 Hawaiivs#6 Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;Rose BowlJan 1#13 Illinoisvs#6 USC&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Capital OneJan 1Michigan vs#9 Florida &nbsp;&nbsp;Gator Jan 1 Texas Tech vs #21 Virginia CottonJan 1#7 Missouri vs#25 Arkansas &nbsp;&nbsp;OutbackJan 1#16&nbsp;Tennessee vs#18 Wisconsin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Merry Christmas!]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/merry_christmas.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:14:22 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Merry Christmas to all my readers! Hope you guys got what you wanted and enjoy your day (Watch NBA Christmas Day game, Suns-Lakers, 4 PM CT, ABC)&nbsp;Here is the second part of my college bowl picks.Chick-fil-ADec 31#15 Clemsonvs#22 Auburn&nbsp;&nbsp;InsightDec 31IndianavsOklahoma St.&nbsp;&nbsp;Music CityDec 31KentuckyvsFlorida St.&nbsp;&nbsp;HumanitarianDec 31Georgia TechvsFresno St.&nbsp;&nbsp;SunDec 31#23 South FloridavsOregon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Armed ForcesDec 31CaliforniavsAir Force&nbsp;&nbsp;IndependenceDec 30AlabamavsColorado&nbsp;&nbsp;AlamoDec 29Penn St.vsTexas A&amp;M&nbsp;&nbsp;LibertyDec 29UCFvsMississippi St.&nbsp;&nbsp;MeinekeDec 29ConnecticutvsWake Forest&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EmeraldDec 28MarylandvsOregon St.&nbsp;&nbsp;TexasDec 28TCUvsHouston&nbsp;&nbsp;Champs SportsDec 28#14 Boston Coll.vsMichigan St.&nbsp;&nbsp;HolidayDec 27#12 Arizona St.vs#17 Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;Motor CityDec 26PurduevsCent. Michigan]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 16]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_16.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:33:30 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 16Thursday, 20 December&nbsp;Pittsburgh41 24 St. Louis08:15pmSaturday, 22 December&nbsp;Dallas20 13 Carolina08:15pmSunday, 23 December Houstonat  Indianapolis01:00pm NY Giantsat  Buffalo01:00pm Green Bayat  Chicago01:00pm Clevelandat  Cincinnati01:00pm Kansas Cityat  Detroit01:00pm Philadelphiaat  New Orleans01:00pm Miamiat  New England01:00pm Washingtonat  Minnesota01:00pm Oaklandat  Jacksonville01:00pm Atlantaat  Arizona04:05pm Baltimoreat  Seattle04:15pm NY Jetsat  Tennessee04:15pm Tampa Bayat  San Francisco08:15pmMonday, 24 December Denverat  San Diego08:00pmLast week&#39;s record: 9-7Season record: 146-78]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Early Bowl Picks]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/early_bowl_picks/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:59:55 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[HawaiiDec 23#24 Boise St.vsEast Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;Las VegasDec 22#19 BYUvsUCLANew MexicoDec 22NevadavsNew Mexico&nbsp;&nbsp;Papa John&#39;s.comDec 22Southern Missvs#20 Cincinnati&nbsp;&nbsp;New OrleansDec 21Florida AtlanticvsMemphis&nbsp;&nbsp;PoinsettiaDec 20UtahvsNavy&nbsp;Unless you root for one of these teams, these bowls are a snooze. I&#39;ll post the second part of my three part bowl picks (as requested) on Christmas.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 15]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_15.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:34:47 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 15Thursday, 13 December&nbsp;Denver13 31 Houston08:15pmSaturday, 15 December&nbsp;Cincinnati13 20 San Francisco08:15pmSunday, 16 December Tennesseeat  Kansas City01:00pm Buffaloat  Cleveland01:00pm Arizonaat  New Orleans01:00pm NY Jetsat  New England01:00pm Baltimoreat  Miami01:00pm Green Bayat  St. Louis01:00pm Seattleat  Carolina01:00pm Atlantaat  Tampa Bay01:00pm Jacksonvilleat  Pittsburgh01:00pm Indianapolisat  Oakland04:05pm Detroitat  San Diego04:15pm Philadelphiaat  Dallas04:15pm Washingtonat  NY Giants08:15pmMonday, 17 December Chicagoat  Minnesota08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 15-1Season record: 137-71]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 14]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_14/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 9 Dec 2007 09:16:49 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 14Thursday, 06 December&nbsp;Chicago16 24 Washington08:15pmSunday, 09 December San Diegoat  Tennessee01:00pm Dallasat  Detroit01:00pm Oaklandat  Green Bay01:00pm Miamiat  Buffalo01:00pm Tampa Bayat  Houston01:00pm St. Louisat  Cincinnati01:00pm Pittsburghat  New England01:00pm NY Giantsat  Philadelphia01:00pm Carolinaat  Jacksonville01:00pm Minnesotaat  San Francisco04:05pm Arizonaat  Seattle04:05pm Clevelandat  NY Jets04:15pm Kansas Cityat  Denver04:15pm Indianapolisat  Baltimore08:15pmMonday, 10 December New Orleansat  Atlanta08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 11-5Season record: 122-70]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 13]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_13.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 2 Dec 2007 08:55:34 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 13Thursday, 29 November&nbsp;Green Bay27 37 Dallas08:15pmSunday, 02 December Tampa Bayat  New Orleans01:00pm Seattleat  Philadelphia01:00pm Atlantaat  St. Louis01:00pm NY Jetsat  Miami01:00pm Detroitat  Minnesota01:00pm San Franciscoat  Carolina01:00pm Buffaloat  Washington01:00pm Jacksonvilleat  Indianapolis01:00pm Houstonat  Tennessee01:00pm San Diegoat  Kansas City01:00pm Clevelandat  Arizona04:05pm Denverat  Oakland04:05pm NY Giantsat  Chicago04:15pm Cincinnatiat  Pittsburgh08:15pmMonday, 03 December New Englandat  Baltimore08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 10-6Season record: 111-65]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 1 Dec 2007 18:20:57 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[What sport do you follow during October-November?College Football Conference Play - 21.4% (9 Votes)NFL Regular Season - 31.0% (13 Votes)MLB Playoffs- 11.9% (5 Votes)NBA Season Openers - 35.7% (15 Votes)Total Votes: 42]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 12]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_12.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:37:11 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 12Thursday, 22 November&nbsp;Green Bay37 26 Detroit12:30pm&nbsp;NY Jets3 34 Dallas04:15pm&nbsp;Indianapolis31 13 Atlanta08:15pmSunday, 25 November Oaklandat  Kansas City01:00pm Denverat  Chicago01:00pm Tennesseeat  Cincinnati01:00pm Houstonat  Cleveland01:00pm Washingtonat  Tampa Bay01:00pm New Orleansat  Carolina01:00pm Buffaloat  Jacksonville01:00pm Minnesotaat  NY Giants01:00pm Seattleat  St. Louis01:00pm San Franciscoat  Arizona04:05pm Baltimoreat  San Diego04:15pm Philadelphiaat  New England08:15pmMonday, 26 November Miamiat  Pittsburgh08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 11-5Season record: 101-59]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2007]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/happy_thanksgiving_2007/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:38:15 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and hope you guys enjoy a great day.&nbsp;In the sports world, Torii Hunter signed a 5 year, $90 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.&nbsp;As far as the NFL Thanksgiving&nbsp;triple header goes, here are my picks.&nbsp;Packers @ Lions 12:30 PM ET on FOXBrett Favre should have no problem leading his team to 10-1 on the road.&nbsp;Jets @ Cowboys 4:15 PM ET on CBSThe Jets got lucky last week when they beat the Steelers. The &#39;Boys should roll over them in Dallas.&nbsp;Colts @ Falcons 8:15 PM ET on NFL NetworkThis is the game Peyton Manning gets back on track. The Falcons&#39; QB situation is a joke, and Manning should dominate their secondary.&nbsp;My Thanksgiving picks: ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONS!]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/back_to_back_champions/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:34:44 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Same teams on the field. Same deficit for the defending champions. Same composure.&nbsp;Joseph Ngwenya tied the match at 1 in the 61st minute, and MLS Cup MVP Dwayne De Rosario headed in the game winner 13 minutes later as the Houston Dynamo repeated as MLS Cup Champions, with a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution.&nbsp;While the Dynamo celebrate back to back championships, the Revolution have to wonder if they have become the Boston Red Sox of soccer. They are now 0 for 4 in MLS Cups and are wondering of the curse has been passed on to them.&nbsp;The game started out well for the Revolution, though. With news that Brian Ching, last year&#39;s MVP for the Dynamo, out with a calf injury, New England controlled the first half, scoring&nbsp;when Taylor Twellman&nbsp;found the back of the net&nbsp;in the 20th minute of the match.&nbsp;Things changed in the second half as New England came out looking to pitch a shutout the rest of the way. That plan backfired when Houston switched to a 3-5-2 formation to create more scoring chances. After the Ngwenya and De Rosario goals, the Revolution had a couple more shots, but goalkeeper Pat Onstad blocked all of them, including a spectactular save, on a corner kick, while falling onto his back.&nbsp;The game was played in front of 39859 people at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.&nbsp;HOUSTON DYNAMO 2,&nbsp;NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 11]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_11/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:24:44 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 11Sunday, 18 November Arizonaat  Cincinnati01:00pm New Englandat  Buffalo01:00pm New Orleansat  Houston01:00pm Tampa Bayat  Atlanta01:00pm Washingtonat  Dallas01:00pm Carolinaat  Green Bay01:00pm Kansas Cityat  Indianapolis01:00pm Oaklandat  Minnesota01:00pm Pittsburghat  NY Jets01:00pm Miamiat  Philadelphia01:00pm San Diegoat  Jacksonville01:00pm Clevelandat  Baltimore01:00pm NY Giantsat  Detroit04:15pm St. Louisat  San Francisco04:15pm Chicagoat  Seattle08:15pmMonday, 19 November Tennesseeat  Denver08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 7-7Season record: 90-54]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 10]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:33:26 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 10Sunday, 11 November Minnesotaat  Green Bay01:00pm Jacksonvilleat  Tennessee01:00pm Denverat  Kansas City01:00pm Buffaloat  Miami01:00pm St. Louisat  New Orleans01:00pm Atlantaat  Carolina01:00pm Philadelphiaat  Washington01:00pm Clevelandat  Pittsburgh01:00pm Cincinnatiat  Baltimore04:05pm Chicagoat  Oakland04:15pm Detroitat  Arizona04:15pm Dallasat  NY Giants04:15pm Indianapolisat  San Diego08:15pmMonday, 12 November San Franciscoat  Seattle08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 11-3Season record: 83-47]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 9]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_9/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 4 Nov 2007 08:00:03 PST</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 9Sunday, 04 November Washingtonat  NY Jets01:00pm Jacksonvilleat  New Orleans01:00pm San Diegoat  Minnesota01:00pm Green Bayat  Kansas City01:00pm Carolinaat  Tennessee01:00pm Cincinnatiat  Buffalo01:00pm San Franciscoat  Atlanta01:00pm Denverat  Detroit01:00pm Arizonaat  Tampa Bay01:00pm Seattleat  Cleveland04:05pm New Englandat  Indianapolis04:15pm Houstonat  Oakland04:15pm Dallasat  Philadelphia08:15pmMonday, 05 November Baltimoreat  Pittsburgh08:30pmLast week: 8-5Season record: 72-44]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Red Sox Win World Series]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/red_sox_win_world_series/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:49:12 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp; The American League proves its superiority again. In a complete lopsided series, the Red Sox swept out the Colorado Rockies last night 4-3&nbsp;to win its seond title in four years.&nbsp; And man, you must be lucky to live in Boston right now. Red Sox=World Series Champs, Patriots= 8-0, Celtics=looking to dominate East, Boston College= #2 BCS, undefeated...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 8]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_8.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Oct 2007 09:55:54 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 8Sunday, 28 October Oaklandat  Tennessee01:00pm Detroitat  Chicago01:00pm Pittsburghat  Cincinnati01:00pm Philadelphiaat  Minnesota01:00pm NY Giantsat  Miami01:00pm Clevelandat  St. Louis01:00pm Indianapolisat  Carolina01:00pm Buffaloat  NY Jets04:05pm Jacksonvilleat  Tampa Bay04:05pm Houstonat  San Diego04:05pm Washingtonat  New England04:15pm New Orleansat  San Francisco04:15pmMonday, 29 October Green Bayat  Denver08:30pmLast week: 8-6Season record: 64-39]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[My 2007 World Series Prediction]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/my_2007_world_series_prediction/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:00:55 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Drum roll please.....&nbsp;And the 2007 World Series Champion will be...Here&#39;s why:They win the pitching battle, starting with Beckett over Francis and continuing to Lester over Fogg. Bullpen also is with the Red Sox, with Papelbon over Corpas.Lineups are pretty even, but the Rockies have sat around for eight days, while the Red Sox are fresh, after dismantling the Indians&#39; pitching in Games 5, 6, and 7. All that momentum from winning 21 of their last 22 for the Rockies is gone after this 8 day break. I like the Rockies to win a couple at Coors Field, and maybe steal one in Boston, but when it&#39;s all said and done, it&#39;s Red Sox in 7.Last round: 2-2Playoffs: 4-2]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 7]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_7.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:34:30 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 7Sunday, 21 October New Englandat  Miami01:00pm Atlantaat  New Orleans01:00pm San Franciscoat  NY Giants01:00pm Arizonaat  Washington01:00pm Tampa Bayat  Detroit01:00pm Minnesotaat  Dallas01:00pm Baltimoreat  Buffalo01:00pm Tennesseeat  Houston01:00pm Kansas Cityat  Oakland04:05pm NY Jetsat  Cincinnati04:05pm Chicagoat  Philadelphia04:15pm St. Louisat  Seattle04:15pm Pittsburghat  Denver08:15pmMonday, 22 October Indianapolisat  Jacksonville08:30pmLast week&#39;s record: 7-6Season record: 56-33]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 6]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_6/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:26:53 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 6Sunday, 14 October Philadelphiaat  NY Jets01:00pm Houstonat  Jacksonville01:00pm St. Louisat  Baltimore01:00pm Tennesseeat  Tampa Bay01:00pm Cincinnatiat  Kansas City01:00pm Washingtonat  Green Bay01:00pm Miamiat  Cleveland01:00pm Minnesotaat  Chicago01:00pm Carolinaat  Arizona04:05pm New Englandat  Dallas04:15pm Oaklandat  San Diego04:15pm New Orleansat  Seattle08:15pmMonday, 15 October NY Giantsat  Atlanta08:30pm&nbsp;Last week&#39;s record: 11-3Season record: 49-27]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[My LCS Picks]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/my_lcs_picks/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:05:26 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[NLCSThe Cardinals were not better than the Mets last season. They were just the hotter team at the time. I see no difference with this year&#39;s Rockies. The D&#39;Backs are better, but the Rockies are hotter.Rockies in 6&nbsp;ALCSThe Red Sox looked impressive, finishing off the Angels in three games. Indians just don&#39;t have enough starting pitching to win this series.Red Sox in 6&nbsp;Last round: 2-2]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:31:21 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Who will represent the National League in the World Series?Rockies - 53.8% (7 Votes)Phillies - 7.7% (1 Votes)Cubs - 0.0% (0 Votes)Diamondbacks - 38.5% (5 Votes)Total Votes: 13]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 5]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_5/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 6 Oct 2007 19:21:48 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 5Sunday, 07 October&nbsp;Detroitat &nbsp;Washington01:00pm&nbsp;Seattleat &nbsp;Pittsburgh01:00pm&nbsp;Clevelandat &nbsp;New England01:00pm&nbsp;Arizonaat &nbsp;St. Louis01:00pm&nbsp;Carolinaat &nbsp;New Orleans01:00pm&nbsp;NY Jetsat &nbsp;NY Giants01:00pm&nbsp;Jacksonvilleat &nbsp;Kansas City01:00pm&nbsp;Atlantaat &nbsp;Tennessee01:00pm&nbsp;Miamiat &nbsp;Houston01:00pm&nbsp;Tampa Bayat &nbsp;Indianapolis04:05pm&nbsp;Baltimoreat &nbsp;San Francisco04:15pm&nbsp;San Diegoat &nbsp;Denver04:15pm&nbsp;Chicagoat &nbsp;Green Bay08:15pmMonday, 08 October&nbsp;Dallasat &nbsp;Buffalo08:30pm&nbsp;Last week&#39;s record: 6-8Season record: 38-24]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[My NLDS and ALDS Picks]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/my_nlds_and_alds_picks/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 4 Oct 2007 15:32:18 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[National LeagueRockies-Phillies: Rockies in 5 Cubs-Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks in 5 &nbsp;American LeagueAngels-Red Sox: Angels in 5 Yankees-Indians:&nbsp;Yankees in 5 ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 3 Oct 2007 14:41:04 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Who will win the AFC Championship this season?Patriots - 42.3% (11 Votes)Chargers - 11.5% (3 Votes)Colts - 19.2% (5 Votes)Other - 26.9% (7 Votes)Total Votes: 26]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 4]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_4/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:58:45 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 4Sunday, 30 September Green Bayat  Minnesota01:00pm Oaklandat  Miami01:00pm NY Jetsat  Buffalo01:00pm Houstonat  Atlanta01:00pm Chicagoat  Detroit01:00pm Baltimoreat  Cleveland01:00pm St. Louisat  Dallas01:00pm Seattleat  San Francisco04:05pm Tampa Bayat  Carolina04:05pm Kansas Cityat  San Diego04:15pm Pittsburghat  Arizona04:15pm Denverat  Indianapolis04:15pm Philadelphiaat  NY Giants08:15pmMonday, 01 October New Englandat  Cincinnati08:30pm&nbsp;Last week&#39;s record: 10-6Season record: 32-16]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Grossman Benched]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/grossman_benched/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:36:11 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[This should have happened at the end of last year. Think if Grossman was in New York. Ouch. Anyway, we&#39;ll see if Brian Griese can lead this team far in the NFC playoffs. They have the defense to do it. They just need a QB that makes less mistakes and they&#39;ll be there.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 3]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_3/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:32:00 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 3Sunday, 23 September Minnesotaat  Kansas City01:00pm San Diegoat  Green Bay01:00pm Indianapolisat  Houston01:00pm San Franciscoat  Pittsburgh01:00pm St. Louisat  Tampa Bay01:00pm Arizonaat  Baltimore01:00pm Buffaloat  New England01:00pm Miamiat  NY Jets01:00pm Detroitat  Philadelphia01:00pm Cincinnatiat  Seattle04:05pm Jacksonvilleat  Denver04:05pm Clevelandat  Oakland04:05pm NY Giantsat  Washington04:15pm Carolinaat  Atlanta04:15pm Dallasat  Chicago08:15pmMonday, 24 September Tennesseeat  New Orleans08:30pm&nbsp;Last week&#39;s record: 9-7Season record: 22-10]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NFL Preview: Week 2]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nfl_preview_week_2/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:42:53 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Week 2Sunday, 16 September Indianapolisat &nbsp;Tennessee01:00pm Cincinnatiat &nbsp;Cleveland01:00pm&nbsp;San Franciscoat  St. Louis01:00pm&nbsp;Green Bayat  NY Giants01:00pm New Orleansat &nbsp;Tampa Bay01:00pm&nbsp;Atlantaat  Jacksonville01:00pm&nbsp;Houstonat  Carolina01:00pm&nbsp;Buffaloat  Pittsburgh01:00pm Seattleat &nbsp;Arizona04:05pm Dallasat &nbsp;Miami04:05pm&nbsp;Minnesotaat  Detroit04:05pm&nbsp;NY Jetsat  Baltimore04:15pm&nbsp;Oaklandat  Denver04:15pm&nbsp;Kansas Cityat  Chicago04:15pm&nbsp;San Diegoat  New England08:15pmMonday, 17 September&nbsp;Washingtonat  Philadelphia08:30pm]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: brady quinn]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/re_brady_quinn_/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 3 Sep 2007 17:51:17 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Preseason is preseason. Heck, the Texans looked great last preseason before turning in a stink bomb of a season. Same with the Colts. They were 0-4 last preseason before winning the SuperBowl. Quinn should be a starter for Browns by the end of the season. It really is too early to tell, but eventually, he should surpass Charlie Frye in talent (if that sort of answers your question). And J.P. Losman is supposed to have a great year this year, and your first round pick (Marshawn Lynch) should be a good replacement to McGahee so have hope, and check back in during the season!Thanks, NickIn a message dated 9/2/2007 4:07:07 PM Central Daylight Time, Reeses4ever33 writes:hey. its me again!.. Just wondering if u think Brady Quinn will be a great quaterback based on his performances in preseason. I know it is too early to tell but just wanted some opinions. I was really mad when i heard that the Buffalo Bills passed him up in the draft.. ehh were stuck with Losman... and even more mad when i heard he was doing well in preseason. Just email me back with your thoughts on the amazing BRADY QUINN! ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 2 Sep 2007 16:08:33 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[How will the Celtics fare next year, now with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joining Paul Pierce in Boston?NBA Champions- 16.7% (4 Votes)Win the East - 12.5% (3 Votes)Advance in the playoffs - 41.7% (10 Votes)Make playoffs- 29.2% (7 Votes)Total Votes: 24]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[My 2007 AFC South Preview]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/my_2007_afc_south_preview/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:45:20 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[ &nbsp;1. Indianapolis Colts2006 Record: 12-4Projected 2007 Record: 11-5The Offense The Colts&rsquo; offense took a hit this off-season, losing WR Brandon Stokely to free agency and Pro-Bowl LT Tarik Glenn to retirement. However, they still have Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning leading the attack so they will be more than fine. RB Joseph Addai will look to follow up his strong rookie season, now being the number one running back. First round pick Anthony Gonzalez should also fit in nicely as the number three wide out, replacing Stokely. And of course WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are still one of the best one-two punches in football.The DefenseLosing both your starting corners (Nick Harper and Jason David) in the same off-season should be a concern. However, with safety Bob Sanders healthy, the secondary should be okay. The line-backing core lost starters Gilbert Gardner and Cato June so inexperienced Rob Morris and Freddy Keiaho will need to step it up. In the trenches, losing DT Anthony McFarland for the season due to injury should hurt as well, but DE Dwight Freeney will still make teams think about the Colts&rsquo; pass rush.The KeyThe Colts&rsquo; ability to defend the run. In the regular season last year, they were one of the worst teams in the NFL in rushing defense. However, in the playoffs, the turned it up a notch and stuffed Larry Johnson, Jamal Lewis, Corey Dillon, and Thomas Jones, en route to a Super Bowl victory.&nbsp;2. Jacksonville Jaguars2006 Record: 8-8 Projected 2007 Record: 8-8The OffenseQB Byron Leftwich will try once again to shake off injuries and prove that he is a solid starting quarterback again this year for Jacksonville. In the running game, RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew should be solid and may lead the division in yards on the ground. In the receiving core, former first round picks Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Ernest Wilford must step it up this year for the Jags to have any shot at a consistent passing attack.The DefenseFirst round draft pick Reggie Nelson should be solid for the Jags at safety, as they cut fan favorite Donovan Darius in the off-season. The rest of the secondary also looks strong, as Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams are great corners. MLB Mike Peterson will look to have a great bounce back year as he was on injured reserve last year. The d-line also has talent, as DE Bobby McCray had a breakout year in 2006, leading the team in sacks with 9.5. The Jags also have DTs Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, who are the best DT duo in the division.The KeyQuarterback play. Leftwich must step it up or he (and maybe Head Coach Jack Del Rio) may be gone after this year. The Jags have the defense and running game to make the playoffs, but they need a quarterback as well.3. Tennessee Titans2006 Record: 8-8 Projected 2007 Record: 7-9The OffensePutting the Madden Cover Jinx aside, QB Vince Young should look to have another Pro-Bowl like season this year. However, with Travis Henry gone, rookie HB Chris Henry and LenDale White will need to step it up a notch to give Tennessee another element to their offense. The wide receivers are also weak this year, as the Titans lost Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade in the off-season. Veteran receivers Justin Gage and Eric Moulds will be nothing more than mentors to youngsters Brandon Jones, Courtney Roby, and Roydell Williams who will get the majority of snaps at WR. TEs Ben Troupe and Ben Hartstock are solid blockers and also can be good receivers if needed.The DefenseLast season, the Titans were dead last in total defense, giving up 369.7 yards/game. However, this year they have eight returning starters. First round draft pick Michael Griffin and free agents Nick Harper and Kelly Herndon should help the secondary a lot, since CB Pacman Jones is gone for the season after a suspension for his off-field issues. OLB Keith Bulluck leads the linebackers who should be average. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch needs a strong year as well to help this d-line. The KeyThe running game. Henry and White must prove that they are elite rushers to help VY&rsquo;s team improve this year. There&rsquo;s also the fact that Vince is on the cover of Madden NFL 08, but that&rsquo;s another story&hellip;4. Houston Texans2006 Record: 6-10 Projected 2007 Record: 6-10The OffenseThis offense had nowhere to go but up after last season. With David Carr now gone, the new #8 (QB Matt Shaub) will bring a solid passing attack, as well as leadership that wasn&rsquo;t with the last QB. Sacks+fumbles should also be down this year, as Shaub should get rid of the football quicker. The offensive line is also better, with RT Eric Winston looking to have a breakout year. Running backs Ahman Green and Ron Dayne are solid and should bring a consistent rushing attack for the Texans. Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson will look for help in a #2, as rookie sensation Jacoby Jones looks to be the starter.The DefenseFour first round draft picks in four years still hasn&rsquo;t solved this team&rsquo;s D-Line. DE Mario Williams is still trying to live up to his #1 overall draft status last year, while first round draft pick DT Amobi Okoye, who is only 20, needs to adjust to the speed of the NFL. The linebackers are solid with reigning defensive rookie of the year DeMeco Ryans in the middle. The secondary looks weak, though. With starting safety Glenn Earl gone for the year, C.C. Brown and Jason Simmons must step it up. The KeyI&rsquo;ll go with the defensive line. They must put pressure on opposing quarterbacks to help the mediocre secondary. If they don&rsquo;t, Houston will be looking at a sixth straight losing season&hellip;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Housekeeping]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/housekeeping/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:34:13 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[There&#39;s one more week before school starts here in Texas and there&#39;s a few things I would like to say before then.&nbsp;1. Thanks for everyone who joined my fantasy football league, even on short notice. The draft was great and I think we&#39;ll have a great league.2. School is going to start soon and as I enter high school, expect a decrease in posts. I hope to drop in once a week (at least) with insight on various sports topics.3. I&#39;m working on an AFC South preview as well as a tribute to Craig Biggio. Stay tuned for those posts.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Zambrano Gets Extension From Cubs]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/zambrano_gets_extension_from_cubs/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:03:16 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The top free agent pitcher this coming offseason is off the market.&nbsp;The Cubs signed ace Carlos Zambrano to a&nbsp;five-year, $91.5 million contract extension today, with a&nbsp;vesting option for a sixth season. &nbsp;Zambrano, who is 14-9 this year with a 3.86 ERA, skipped testing the free agent market and probably more money&nbsp;to stay with the only team he&#39;s ever played for.&nbsp;&quot;Not everything is about money, you know,&quot; Zambrano said. &quot;I know if I got to free agency there were a lot of things that would come to me and offer me. I feel comfortable here. I feel good here and my family feels good here.&quot;&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[TSS FANTASY FOOTBALL 2007]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/tss_fantasy_football_2007/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:56:17 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[If you love my blog, you must want to play fantasy football with other fellow viewers. It&#39;s simple. Just click on this link: http://freemeeting.0.football.sportsline.com/splash/invite/3811/245885/34f09f1b84fdd9c257ee27ddb9e550fband when it comes up type in the password: REDBlogsSpots are still available, but the draft is August 17, 2007, 8:30&nbsp;PM&nbsp;ET so sign up now!]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Bonds Hits #756*, Now HR King]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/bonds_hits_756_now_hr_king/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 8 Aug 2007 11:37:09 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[-ESPN&quot;Bonds stands alone,&quot; said Giants TV play-by-play announcer Dwaine&nbsp;Kuiper as Barry Bonds rounded the bases after breaking Hank Aaron&#39;s alltime HR record of 755. How ironic is that statement? Think about it for a second. What does that statement actually mean? We could argue all we want about whether Bonds used performing enhancing drugs or not, but the MLB HR record will always be tainted now that Bonds is the king. Bud Selig and Hank Aaron weren&#39;t even at the game. That should tell you something. What really sickens me are when people say basically say that they feel sorry for Barry because&nbsp;of all the bad media coverage.&nbsp;Hank Aaron played the game the right way, something nobody outside of San Fran can say about Barry. And true, though it hasn&#39;t been proven, how do you explain his production jumping up when he was 36, an age when players start to diminish? Bonds&#39; BA jumped up from .262 to .306 at the age of 36, and then broke the HR record at the age of 37. Anyway, I&#39;m just glad it&#39;s over so I don&#39;t have to see Nat-Giant games on national TV anymore...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Bonds Hits #755*, Ties Aaron]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/bonds_hits_755_ties_aaron/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 5 Aug 2007 09:24:49 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[-ESPN&nbsp;With a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd at Petco Park in San Diego, Barry Bonds rounded the bases for the 755th time, tying Hammerin&#39; Hank Aaron at last. His opposite field shot came off Padres&#39; Clay Hensley at 9:29 PM CT on a 2-1 fastball. MLB&nbsp; commissioner&nbsp; Bud Selig was at the game and said this after the game (a 3-2 Padres win). &quot;Congratulations to Barry Bonds as he ties Major League Baseball&#39;s home run record. No matter what anybody thinks of the controversy surrounding this event, Mr. Bonds&#39; achievement is noteworthy and remarkable. &quot; Bonds will attempt the break Aaron&#39;s record at home, sitting out today&#39;s game. The Giants open a four game series against the Nationals Monday. My take on this: Bonds was a great player even before he broke the regular season HR record in 2001. There are many, many reasons to boo Barry Bonds and I&#39;m sure that his name will always have an asterisk next to it, no matter what the commissioner says.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[A-Rod Hits #500]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/arod_hits_500/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 4 Aug 2007 16:08:21 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[-ESPN&nbsp;How fitting was that it was against the KC Royals. A-Rod had to watch for a second, to see if his first inning shot was fair or not. As soon as it hooked around the left field foul pole, the wait was over.&nbsp;Nine games since he hit #499, he became the 22nd member of the 500 HR club, as well as the youngest. Rodriguez, 32, hit his 500th off Royals pitcher Kyle Davies. His first big league HR was also off a Royal, Tom Gordon on June 12, 1995. He is well ahead of Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron&#39;s HR paces at 32 and, barring injury will probably be our future homerun king.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 MLB Trade Deadline Central]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2007_mlb_trade_deadline_central/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:17:15 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Dodgers Acquire Proctor&nbsp;Dodgers give up third baseman Wilson Betemit to the Yankees in exchange for relief pitcher Scott Proctor. Good trade for both sides.&nbsp;Cards Acquire PineiroCards give up a minor leaguer TBA and cash considerations to the Red Sox for RHP Joel Pineiro, strengthening their weak pitching. &nbsp;Red Sox Closing In on GagneESPN reports the Red Sox have closed in on a deal that would send former NL Cy Young Eric Gagne to the Red Sox, setup man to Jonathan Papelbon. Gagne is 2-0 this season with a 2.16 ERA and 16 saves for the Texas Rangers. &nbsp;Padres Acquire MackowiakPadres give up a minor leaguer&nbsp;TBA to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for 1B/OF Rob Mackowiak.&nbsp;Pirates Acquire Matt MorrisPirates get veteran RHP Morris from the Giants in exchange for rookie outfielder Rajai Davis and a player to be named. Good trade for Giants, who were trying to get younger. Questionable for Pirates, as they get older while rebuilding.&nbsp;Phillies Acquire MateoPhillies get right handed reliever Julio Mateo from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for AA infielder&nbsp;Jesus Merchan.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:22:58 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[What should MLB do when Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron&#39;s all-time HR record?Celebrate it across MLB - 33.3% (7 Votes)Celebrate it only in stadium where it occurs - 19.0% (4 Votes)Celebrate it only in San Francisco - 4.8% (1 Votes)Don&#39;t celebrate; he&#39;s a cheater - 42.9% (9 Votes)Total Votes: 21]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Francis Reunites with Rockets]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/francis_reunites_with_rockets/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:17:58 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&quot;Steve Francis is going home.&nbsp;After three years of struggles in Orlando and New York, the former All-Star guard will return to the place of his greatest glory, the Houston Rockets. &nbsp;Francis was in Houston on Thursday to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million with the Rockets. The club will announce the signing at a newsconference on Friday.&quot;We now have five point guards on the roster: Francis, Mike James, Rafer Alston, John Lucas, and draft pick Aaron Brooks. Lucas and Alston will need to be traded away for&nbsp;a&nbsp;backup&nbsp;power forward (therefore letting you drop Chuck Hayes) or a backup center (pending if Mutombo comes back).]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cubs Aquire Kendall]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/cubs_aquire_kendall/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:31:10 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Oakland A&#39;s yesterday announced that they have traded catcher Jason Kendall and cash considerations to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for catcher Rob Bowen and minor league left-handed pitcher Jerry Blevins. Good move for Cubs. They get a veteran presence at catcher, as well as some offense. I expect them to make a run at the Brewers soon...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Brewers Place Sheets on DL]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/brewers_place_sheets_on_dl/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:09:36 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&quot;Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheetswas placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a distal sprain of the right middle finger.&quot;When I couldn&#39;t put pressure on the ball [Saturday night], that&#39;s when I stepped off the rubber,&quot; Sheets said after the game.A MRI on Sheets revealed a sprain to the top joint on the finger. X-rays showed no fracture.Sheets is 10-4 with a 3.39 ERA for the Brewers, who lead the NL Central by 3&frac12; games over the Cubs.&quot;This might give the Cubs the edge to overtake the Brewers in the NL Central race. We&#39;ll see...Update: 7/18/07MILWAUKEE --&nbsp;Milwaukee Brewers&nbsp;pitcher Ben Sheets&nbsp;will miss four to six weeks after an ultrasound Monday revealed a partial tear of the tissue surrounding the tendon in his right middle finger.The division is for the taking, Cubs. Let&#39;s see if you can pull it off...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[My Thoughts on the 2007 MLB All-Star Game]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/my_thoughts_on_the_2007_mlb_allstar_game/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:38:29 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[American League 5, National League 4&nbsp;Great allstar game. The best one in years... There were some weird bounces at A T &amp; T Park. Congrats to the American League for their 10th straight win.  Also to MVP Ichiro. I also thought the pregame ceremony for Willie Mays was pretty cool...However, I&#39;m still steamed why Tony La Russa wouldn&#39;t pinch-hit for Rowand with Pujols in the bottom of the 9th, with the bases loaded, 2 out, tying run at third base.  Rowand is good player, but not in the class of Pujols. Pujols was steamed too...From ESPNQUOTE SAN FRANCISCO -- Albert Pujols was angry about being left on the All-Star bench and the St. Louis slugger took aim at the National League manager -- who just happened to be Tony La Russa of his own Cardinals.&quot;It&#39;s the All-Star Game. He can do what he wants,&quot; Pujols said Tuesday night. &quot;He does whatever he wants. If I wasn&#39;t expecting to play, I wouldn&#39;t have come up here.&quot;Pujols, the NL MVP in 2005 and key to the Cardinals&#39; win in the World Series last year, said La Russa didn&#39;t talk to him the entire game.Pujols could only watch when Aaron Rowand flied out with the bases loaded to end the American League&#39;s 5-4 win.&quot;If he wants to get upset, he can get upset,&quot; La Russa said. &quot;Whatever he wants to do, he can do. It&#39;s America. That wasn&#39;t the most important thing tonight.&quot;With the 32-man rosters, it&#39;s not uncommon for few players to be left out. The AL used 27 players, while the NL used 28.Pujols and Texas shortstop Michael Young -- last year&#39;s All-Star Game MVP -- were the only position players who didn&#39;t get into the game. Ever since the 2002 event ended in an extra-innings tie, managers have tended to hold a hitter back just in case.La Russa said he indeed was saving his star player in case the game went long.&quot;Once we lost [Miguel] Cabrera and [Freddy] Sanchez, he was the guy we were going to use to protect ourselves in case we kept playing because of Albert&#39;s versatility,&quot; La Russa said. &quot;I think we had the right guy at bat.&quot;La Russa told reporters that he explained how he was going to use Pujols to his star slugger before the game.&quot;Albert was the guy who was going to do whatever we needed,&quot; La Russa said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. &quot;If Albert doesn&#39;t understand that, I&#39;m surprised and disappointed. It isn&#39;t that tough a thing. I explained his role to him before the game.&quot;Let me ask you this. If we go to extra innings, who&#39;s going to be our player to move around and play? Can Dmitri [Young] move around and play? Or is Albert going to do that? Who&#39;s the most versatile guy not playing? It&#39;s Albert. It isn&#39;t even that tough. He&#39;ll figure it out sooner or later.&quot;Dmitri Young pinch-hit in the ninth inning, leaving Pujols as La Russa&#39;s lone bat left on the bench.A six-time All-Star, Pujols finished about 770,000 votes behind starting first baseman Prince Fielder. He played left field regularly in 2002 and &#39;03 and also saw time at third base in 2001 and &#39;02.Pujols said he was getting his body loose the whole night.&quot;I was ready to go since the game started,&quot; Pujols said.Pujols is mired in a career-worst home run slump -- 22 games and a career-worst 74 at-bats. He is tied with Chris Duncan for the team lead with 16 homers and his last homer was off Kansas City&#39;s Jimmy Gobble on June 14.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 MLB Homerun Derby Contestants]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2007_mlb_homerun_derby_contestants/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 9 Jul 2007 13:31:58 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[American League ContestantsVlad Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimMagglio Ordonez, Detroit TigersJustin Morneau, Minnesota TwinsAlex Rios, Toronto Blue JaysNational League ContestantsPrince Fielder, Milwaukee BrewersRyan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (defending champion)Albert Pujols, St. Louis CardinalsMatt Holliday, Colorado Rockies]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 9 Jul 2007 13:05:43 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[What would you like to see me cover the most in the summer?NFL Offseason- 28.8% (19 Votes)MLB Regular Season - 37.9% (25 Votes)MLS Regular Season - 13.6% (9 Votes)NBA Offseason - 19.7% (13 Votes)Total Votes: 66]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Federer Wins Wimbledon]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/federer_wins_wimbledon/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 8 Jul 2007 10:42:03 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Roger Federer held off Rafael Nadal in five sets&nbsp;Sunday, giving him five straight Wimbledon titles. Congrats to him, but also to Nadal for a great championship match...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: Football.....]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/re_football_/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 6 Jul 2007 14:14:04 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[In a message dated 7/5/2007 4:51:46 PM Central Daylight Time, Reeses4ever33 writes:hey Nick,&nbsp; Just wondering fi you keep up with Football... If you do then can you tell me if you think the Buffalo Bills made a good decision when trading so many of their good players. Like Willis Mcgahee for example. Well i would really like you to email me back.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking forward for your great imput.-Thanks again&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PS- also what do you think is the biggest problem with the Buffalo Bills? Why cant they get to the playoffs or even have a decent season?---I&#39;m tired of seeing my favorite team loose so much!&nbsp;&nbsp; Well the Bills are obviously trying to &quot;build&quot; a new team. This doesn&#39;t mean that they are totally starting over, but trading Takeo Spikes, Kelly Holcomb, and Willis McGahee (all veterans) for draft picks should tell you something. Drafting RB Marshawn Lynch is the first step to a fresh start. Anthony Thomas is a solid backup as well. And the biggest problem for the Bills? The offense. They were 30th in yards/game last year in the NFL. And hey don&#39;t feel bad about being a Bills fan. They won 7 games last year, which is decent....Thanks for the email,Nick ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/happy_independence_day.4/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 4 Jul 2007 14:42:33 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[HAPPY JULY FOURTH everyone. Today, our great country is 231 years old. I hope everyone will enjoy the fireworks tonight (while it continues to rain here) :(&nbsp;Let&#39;s catch up on some news:Yesterday, top free agent Rashard Lewis agreed to a deal to join the Orlando Magic, making Darko Milicic a free agent...Barry Bonds hit #751 of his career yesterday at Great American Ballpark...MLB All-Star Final Voting continues until Thursday. (Vote for Escobar and Oswalt).&nbsp;Finally, MLB&#39;s All-Star break is coming up, and with it comes midseason awards. These are my picks:&nbsp;NL MVP: Prince Fielder, Milwaukee BrewersStats: .274 AVG, 27 HR, 66 RBI, .600 SLGNL Cy Young: Jake Peavy, San Diego PadresStats: 9-2, 2.09 ERA, 119 KNL ROY: Hunter Pence, Houston AstrosStats: .343 AVG, 10 HR, 39 RBI, .586 SLGAL MVP: Magglio Ordonez, Detroit TigersStats: .369 AVG, 13 HR, 68 RBI, .614 SLGAL Cy Young: Dan Haren, Oakland AthleticsStats: 10-2, 2.20 ERA, 98 KAL ROY: Reggie Willits, Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimStats: .330 AVG, 24 RBI, 18 SB]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[BIGGIO GETS 3000TH HIT]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/biggio_gets_3000th_hit/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:38:37 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Congrats to BIDGE! THURSDAY NIGHT WAS A HISTORIC NIGHT IN HOUSTON, TX. He totaled 5 hits in the 11 inning game against the Colorado Rockies, needing just three to total 3000. It was probably the best non-winning&nbsp;moment in Houston sports history in my lifetime.It happened in the 7th inning, off the Rockies&#39; Aaron Cook before a sellout crowd 42,537. And it was fitting that he got thrown out trying to stretch it into a double, too, showing how he hustles on every ball hit. &quot;Brad Ausmus jumped out of the dugout and raced toward Biggio, and soon, the rest of the team joined in, mobbing Biggio with pats and hugs and high fives. The best moment arrived minutes later when Biggio spotted Jeff Bagwell in the dugout and coaxed his longtime teammate and friend onto the field. Biggio pulled a visibly reluctant Bagwell onto the right side of the infield grass, right near where the two played side by side for 15 years from 1991-2005. &quot;I couldn&#39;t have scripted it any better,&quot; a choked up Biggio said. &quot;As a baseball player, the way the fans treated me. ... I&#39;ve said for a long time, I love these guys, I love this city, I worked hard here and they appreciated that.&quot;&quot;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 NBA Draft]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2007_nba_draft.3/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:06:51 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Sports Scene is your home of the 2007 NBA Draft. Just like the NFL Draft, I will be live covering the picks. If there is any question you would like to ask during the draft, feel free to IM me and&nbsp;I&#39;ll&nbsp;answer your question. I may also do a LIVE TSS NBA DRAFT CHAT if there is enough people. It all starts at 6 PM CT right here.&nbsp;FIRST ROUND1. C Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers2. F Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics3. F Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks4. G Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies5. F Jeff Green, Boston Celtics (traded to Seattle Supersonics for Ray Allen)6.&nbsp;F Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks7. G Cory Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves8. F Brandan Wright, Charlotte Bobcats (traded to Golden State Warriors for Jason Richardson)9. F Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls10. C Spencer Hawes, Sacramento Kings11. G Acie Law, Atlanta Hawks12. F Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers13. F Julian Wright, New Orleans Hornets14. F Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers15. G&nbsp;Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons16. G&nbsp;Nick Young, Washington Wizards17. C Sean Williams, New Jersey Nets18. G&nbsp;Marco Belinelli, Golden State Warriors19. G Javaris Crittenton, Los Angeles Lakers20. F Jason Smith, Miami Heat (traded to Philadelphia 76ers for Daequan Cook)21. G Daequan Cook, Philadelphia 76ers&nbsp;(traded to Miami Heat for Jason Smith)22. F Jared Dudley, Charlotte Bobcats23. F Wilson Chandler, New York Knicks24. G Rudy Fernandez, Phoenix Suns (traded to Portland Trailblazers)25. G Morris Almond, Utah Jazz26. G Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets- ??27. G Arron Afflalo, Detroit Pistons28. F Tiago Splitter , San Antonio Spurs29. F Alando Tucker, Phoenix Suns30. G Petteri Koponen, Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Portland Trailblazers)&nbsp;MY GRADES:Best draft: Portland TrailblazersWorst draft: Houston Rockets]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[R.I.P. Astros 2007]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rip_astros_2007/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:11:16 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Houston has a problem. A big problem.The 2007 Houston Astros, whose season realistically came to an end today with a three game sweep at the hands of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. In fact, only one team is worse than the Astros right now, the Reds.What&#39;s been the problem? Two words: THE BULLPEN.While Lidge has been pretty solid, the rest of the bullpen has been a joke. Dan Wheeler, Chad Qualls, Trever Miller, Brian Moehler, and Rick White have all been horrible in the last couple weeks.Offensively, $100 million dollar Carlos Lee has been pretty good. So has Rookie sensation Hunter Pence. Veteran utility infielders Mike Lamb and Mark Loretta have also been solid. But Lance Berkman, Chris Burke, Morgan Ensberg, and Jason Lane have all had disappointing seasons.Starting pitching has been solid as well. While Oswalt&rsquo;s season has been so-so, Jennings (when healthy), Sampson, Wandy, and Woody have all been solid.It&rsquo;s just been that kind of year. When we hit, we don&rsquo;t pitch. When we pitch, we don&rsquo;t hit. When we hit and pitch at the same time, our bullpen blows it. (Sigh)The rebuilding needs to begin now. Lamb, Loretta, Lane, and Ensberg would probably get you prospects. After Biggio gets 3000 hits, Burke needs to be at 2B everyday. If McLane refuses to accept &ldquo;rebuilding&rdquo;, we might be looking at a $150 million payroll. High payrolls are good, aren&rsquo;t they, Yankees?]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[6/24 Mailbag]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/624_mailbag/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 10:14:57 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[In a message dated 6/22/2007 9:07:46 PM Central Daylight Time, LakerLakerFan13 writes:heyy ur blog is great..i really wanna kno ur opinion on where Kobe Bryant might be goin (if he goes at all) but ya e-mail me back..thx..First of all, I have to say this. KOBE BRYANT IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA. However, to be honest, I think he&#39;s acting like a baby, changing his mind 18 times on whether he wants to be traded or not. I don&#39;t blame him if he doesn&#39;t want to be part of a rebuilding in LA. But, the video of him bashing his teammates and management puts the pressure on the Lakers. The Bulls are probably the most likely candidate, but how much is Chicago willing to give up? Idk, stay tuned. In answer to your question, however, I wouldn&#39;t be surprised if he&#39;s still a Laker in Sept. Thanks for the question,Nick &nbsp;&nbsp;In a message dated 6/23/2007 4:03:27 PM Central Daylight Time, TYSJ525 writes:&nbsp;Hey. Whats up Nick. Do you think Pac Man is going to be convicted of those charges? Do you think he should be given another chance at playing in the 07 - 08 season? Oh yeah. Do you think Kobe is going to be traded to the Bulls and is KG going to the Suns?Pacman, Pacman, Pacman. Well, if he&#39;s guilty, his career is over. If proven not guilty, he might be back in 2008, but unlikely in 2007. I already referred to Kobe above, but I&#39;ll say it again. The Bulls are a likely possibility, but I think it&#39;s unlikely he&#39;ll be traded. Same thing with KG. The only thing the T&#39;Wolves wanted from the Suns was Amare Stoudamire, who the Suns refuse to move. Boston is another possibility, but Garnett has been quoted not wanting to play with the Celtics.Thanks for visiting my blog,Nick&nbsp;&nbsp;In a message dated 6/23/2007 5:23:10 PM Central Daylight Time, MMasterWill writes:Hey,this is Will From Va, I wanted to know ifyou do &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a trick in skateboarding and your heel touches the ground does it count?To be honest, I have no clue. Try googling it or something. If I had to guess, I would say yes though.Thanks for visiting my blog,Nick]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: Rule of Soccer]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/re_rule_of_soccer/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:27:36 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[In a message dated 6/22/2007 11:11:44 AM Central Daylight Time, Alyesquivel writes:hey i read your blog and i was wondering in a soccer game if a team mate passes the ball to the golie can the golie get it with his hands&nbsp;No, a goalkeeper can not use his hands if his teammate intentionally kicks the ball back to him. Thanks for the email!Nick]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Sosa Hits # 600]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/sosa_hits__600/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:34:32 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Sammy Sosa hit his 600th HR of his career last night, against the Cubs in Arlington. He joins Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays.&nbsp;Congrats to him but, in my mind, there will always be a cloud over his head.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Barrett Traded to Padres]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/barrett_traded_to_padres/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:12:15 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[QUOTE Controversial Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine&#39;s Buster Olney.In return the Cubs will receive Padres backup catcher Rob Bowen and minor league outfielder Kyler Burke, who was San Diego&#39;s first-round compensation pick in last year&#39;s first-year player draft, Olney reports. The Padres will get cash considerations from the Cubs. Barrett has made headlines this season for arguing with Cubs pitchers in the dugout on two occasions this month and struggling on defense at times this season.Last week, Lou Piniella said Barrett&#39;s playing time would be reduced in the coming weeks, though the Cubs manager said it had nothing to do with Barrett clashing with his teammates.Barrett was involved in a dugout confrontation, shoving match and then a clubhouse brawl with starter Carlos Zambrano during a game earlier this month, then had what was characterized as a heated discussion with starter Rich Hill in the fourth inning of a June 12 loss to Seattle. Barrett also was involved in a much-replayed fight with A.J. Pierzynski in a May 2006 interleague game. Barrett landed a punch to the right jaw of Pierzynski after the White Sox catcher ran him over at home plate in what both teams said was a clean play. Barrett later received a 10-game suspension while Pierzynski was fined. Incidentally, the trade partners -- who do not meet again in the regular season -- were involved in a benches-clearing brawl Saturday.Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and Padres right-hander Chris Young were both suspended five games apiece and fined Monday for trading punches. Lee was hit in the forearm by a pitch from Young that appeared to be headed toward Lee&#39;s head. Lee walked to first, had words with the pitcher, then threw a punch. Young swung back and the benches emptied.Barrett is hitting .256 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs for the Cubs. San Diego&#39;s regular catcher, Josh Bard, is hitting .253 with two homers and 19 RBIs. Bowen has appeared in 30 games and is hitting .268 (22-for-82) with two home runs and 11 RBIs. In a recent start June 17 against the Cubs, he went 2-for-4 with a home run.Burke, 18 and a 6-foot-3, 205-pound left-hander, was the 35th overall pick in the draft out of Ooltewah (Tenn.) High School. He hit .459 (51-for-111) with 20 home runs and 58 RBI in 45 games for the Owls including the high school playoffs. He was the first high school player in Tennessee to hit 20 homers since Jeremy Reed in 1998.&quot;Barrett is a good pickup for the Padres, as he brings offense. For the Cubs, they just needed to get rid of the troublemaker...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cabrera Wins U.S. Open]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/cabrera_wins_us_open/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:06:00 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;&quot;The man they call &quot;The Duck&quot; defeated Tiger in what became an unlikely two-man fight for the U.S. Open. Angel Cabrera, smoking cigarettes down the stretch Sunday, finished 5-over and watched from Oakmont&#39;s clubhouse as Woods fell one stroke short.&quot;Congrats to him and Argentina. He played well today, while Tiger struggled with his putter.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[A Dynasty Is Born]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/a_dynasty_is_born/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:11:10 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;You call it boring. You say they play dirty. They&rsquo;ll take it. .The San Antonio Spurs won their fourth championship in nine years Thursday, with a 83-82 Game Four win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Area, completing a four game sweep in the 2007 NBA Finals. Their franchise joins the Celtics, Lakers, and Bulls as the only teams with four championships.&nbsp;Tony Parker outran the Cavs again for 24 points, winning the Finals MVP award. He averaged 24.5 points on 57 percent shooting throughout the series, becoming the first European born player to win the MVP award.&nbsp;&quot;This is like a dream,&quot; he said. &quot;I don&#39;t want to wake up.&quot;&nbsp;Tim Duncan struggled from the field throughout the series, but still brought his intangibles, recording a team-high 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in the clincher.&nbsp;While for the majority of the team, this was championship number three or four, veterans Michael Finley and Jacque Vaughn both received their first. Forward Robert Horry also won his seventh ring, the only non-Celtic to ever accomplish that feat.&nbsp;&quot;As a kid, you dream about winning one championship,&quot; he said. &quot;Getting seven is unreal.&quot;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the best season in Cavs history came to a screeching halt, with four straight losses in the NBA Finals. &nbsp;LeBron James could never quite figure out the Spurs&rsquo; defense and didn&rsquo;t get much help from his teammates either. He finished with 24 points and 10 assists in Game 4, but also had six turnovers. Cleveland also shot just 38.1 %, and lacked another scorer to compliment James.&nbsp;In the end, the Cavs became the fourth team to get swept in their first ever NBA Finals, the most recent being the New Jersey Nets in 2002.Article also found on FYISportsFans.com @ http://www.fyisportsfans.com/spurschamps.htm]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Nadal Wins French Open]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nadal_wins_french_open/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jun 2007 10:13:25 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp;&nbsp;Rafael Nadal left a lasting impression on the clay at Roland Garros. Using his typical master strokes, the Spaniard dismantled top-seeded Roger Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 for his third straight French Open title. Nadal leads 8-4 in his personal battle with the Swiss star.Sooner or later, Federer will beat Nadal. But for now, Nadal is still the King of the Clay.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Ducks Win Stanley Cup]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/ducks_win_stanley_cup/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 7 Jun 2007 09:56:53 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[6, 2ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Anaheim Ducks were born on the silver screen and came of age by capturing the shiniest of silver cups.They dropped the mighty from their name, but not their game and skated off with the first Stanley Cup championship in California history.The 14-year-old Ducks captured the NHL title with a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night, ending the series in five games in front of the home folks again.For those of you that care...http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270606025 ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 NBA Finals Preview: Cavs vs. Spurs]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2007_nba_finals_preview_cavs_vs_spurs.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 4 Jun 2007 08:46:49 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Much like my Superbowl XLI preview, I will break down the and by position.&nbsp;Point Guards: Larry Hughes vs. Tony ParkerHughes has never been this far in the playoffs before, and expect Parker, who is in his third NBA Finals, outplay Hughes easily.Edge: SpursShooting Guards: Sasha Pavlovic vs. Michael FinleyBoth players are in their first ever NBA Finals, but Finley is a 12-year veteran and should have no problem with Pavlovic&rsquo;s aggressive defense.Edge: SpursSmall Forwards: LeBron James vs. Bruce BowenBowen will make sure LeBron doesn&rsquo;t go for 48 again and force him to get his teammates involved with his physical defense. In the end, however, LeBron will still find a way to make plays.Edge: CavaliersPower Forwards: Drew Gooden vs. Tim DuncanGooden will try to stop him, but to no avail. The three time finals MVP will dominate anything Cleveland throws at him.Edge: SpursCenters: Zydrunas Ilgauskas vs. Fabricio Oberto Expect the bigger, more experienced Ilgauskas to dominate smaller, younger Oberto offensively. Ilgauskas must control the boards, though, as Oberto was key in the Jazz&rsquo;s demise in Games 4 and 5.Edge: CavaliersSixth Men: Daniel Gibson vs. Manu GinobiliGibson established himself for the first time all year during the Pistons series. When LeBron was doubled, Gibson was open and knocked down five threes. The same was true for Ginobili all year as he provided a spark off the bench every game, averaging 16.5 PPG in just 27.5 minutes during the regular season, finishing second in the &ldquo;Sixth Man of the Year&rdquo; balloting. And there is no way he will let a rookie outplay him.Edge: SpursCoaches: Mike Brown vs. Gregg PopovichAnother special story, as Popovich was Brown&rsquo;s mentor when Brown was an assistant in San Antonio. They both preach defense to their team, and Brown asked Popovich for advice many times during his first two years in Cleveland. Experience counts, though, and the edge is with Popovich.Edge: SpursMy prediction: win series in six games, 4-2Finals MVP: Tim DuncanLast round&rsquo;s record: 1-1 Playoff record: 10-4]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 4 Jun 2007 08:36:07 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year?QB JaMarcus Russell, Raiders - 27.5% (11 Votes)WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions - 30.0% (12 Votes)RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings - 15.0% (6 Votes)Other - 27.5% (11 Votes)Total Votes: 40&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cavs Eliminate Pistons, Advance to NBA Finals]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/cavs_eliminate_pistons_advance_to_nba_finals/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 3 Jun 2007 07:46:35 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[As his teammates danced and carried on while wearing baseball caps and T-shirts proclaiming &quot;Champions,&quot; LeBron James walked around in a daze with a smile etched across his face. &nbsp;&quot;This is like a dream,&quot; he said, shaking his head. &quot;This is probably the best feeling that I&#39;ve ever had in my life.&quot; &nbsp;An entire city felt the same. &nbsp;For the first time in a long time, championship-starved Cleveland has something to feel good about. &nbsp;The Cavaliers, once the punch line to jokes and Michael Jordan&#39;s favorite foil, are Eastern Conference champions -- and on their way to the NBA Finals. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lugging an entire region&#39;s hopes with him on every trip to the basket, James had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and unflappable rookie Daniel Gibson added 31 points -- 19 in the fourth quarter -- to give the Cavaliers a 98-82 victory in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons.&nbsp;Congrats to the Cleveland Cavaliers for becoming Eastern Conference Champions! I will have an NBA Finals preview in the next couple days.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cubs' Zambrano, Barrett Brawl]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/cubs_zambrano_barrett_brawl/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 2 Jun 2007 07:14:44 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The most damaging strike ace Carlos Zambrano threw Friday was in the dugout, against his Cubs&#39; batterymate, Michael Barrett. After allowing five Atlanta runs in the top of the fifth, the two allowed a spat to turn into an all-out altercation that left Barrett with a bloody lip, manager Lou Piniella with a mess to clean up, and the Cubs with an embarrassing 8-5 loss to the Braves at Wrigley.&nbsp;How embarassing. I know Zambrano wanted a win on his birthday, but to go after a teammate like that is unexcusable. This shows what the Cubs (22-30)&nbsp;are again&nbsp;this year, pathetic...]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Donovan Leaves Florida to Coach Magic]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/donovan_leaves_florida_to_coach_magic/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2007 18:12:26 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Rich history wasn&#39;t enough to lure Billy Donovan away from Florida. In the end, it was just riches. Donovan will have plenty of them after agreeing to a five-year deal paying $5.5 million annually to coach the Orlando Magic, an official in the NBA told The Associated Press on Thursday. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract was agreed to but not signed. Donovan has been the subject of speculation since the Gators&#39; second straight NCAA championship in April. He turned down an offer to coach Kentucky, whose storied program launched his career as an assistant in 1990, and was more recently linked to the Memphis Grizzlies&#39; vacant coaching job. He seemed to squash those rumors after turning down the Kentucky position, proclaiming, &quot;I love the University of Florida.&quot; But Orlando, about 115 miles south of Gainesville, proved too strong to resist. The Magic job pays more than twice Donovan&#39;s $1.7 million annual deal with the Gators. It happens time and time again, leaving the two time national champion to rebuild the Magic. Not about the money, is it?]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Astros Alert!]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/astros_alert.3/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 May 2007 12:48:02 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s Memorial Day, and the Houston Astros (21-29) are once again at crossroads in a season, losers of eight straight games. They are seven games out of the first place in the NL Central and have a big decision to make in the next couple of days. Should they wave the white towel on the season and call up prospects such as pitcher Troy Patton and start rebuilding for the future? Or should they, like past years, try to make a move and make a comeback? Loyal Astros fans may see this season similar to 2005, when we started out 15-30, and the Houston Chronicle tombstone on the season. The result of that season was positive, wasn&rsquo;t it? (A trip to the World Series). Wake up, loyalist. This is not the same team. We don&rsquo;t have Roger or Andy this time. This team has no pitching at times, no hitting at others, and sometimes don&rsquo;t have either. Sure, we are getting Jason Jennings back on Tuesday night, but does anyone expect him to save the season? If they do wave the white towel, it will be the end of a title run for 40 veteran second basemen Craig Biggio, who is not expected to return next year after achieving his 3000 hits. It will also be a year older for Houston native Woody Williams and utility infielder Mark Loretta. People would also question Carlos Lee&rsquo;s $100 million dollar contract if we didn&rsquo;t at least try to make the playoffs. However, ups would be more major league experience for players like Chris Sampson, Matt Albers, Hunter Pence, and Fernando Nieve. Trying to salvage the season would make more sense to many. Our payroll is nearing $100 million and we have never given up on a season since Tim Purpura took over as GM in 2005. Our offense is capable of producing runs, as they did in April. Hunter Pence, called up from AAA on April 28, is providing a lift, but he and Lee cannot carry this team any longer. If Berkman, Scott, and Ensberg don&rsquo;t break out of slumps, I expect a move to get a bat. The pitching is what it is. Wandy Rodriguez and Chris Sampson both had surprisingly good Aprils, but the league is catching up to them, and though Jennings will help, he is no Roger Clemens. Woody Williams (1-7, 5.65 ERA) has also been a consistently bad number 3 starter, so starting pitching could also be a need in a trade. While the Astros farm system is pretty much dried up, Morgan Ensberg, Chris Burke, Jason Lane, and even ex-closer Brad Lidge, would draw interest to many teams. We&rsquo;ll see which option Phil Garner&rsquo;s team takes. One thing is for certain, though. If we still have the same players in the everyday lineup in the coming weeks, Houston does have a problem.&nbsp;Link to article can also be found on FYISportsFans.com- http://www.fyisportsfans.com/problemwiththeastros.htm&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Dario Franchitti Wins Indy 500]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/dario_franchitti_wins_indy_500/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 27 May 2007 16:44:44 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&nbsp; QUOTE &quot;After one long rain delay and a race-ending storm, Dario Franchitti won the 91st Indy 500 after 165 of 200 laps were complete. Franchitti is the first Scotsman to win it since Jim Clark in 1965.&quot;Congrats to him but the weather ruined the race.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Lewis Opts out of Contract, Now a Free Agent]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/lewis_opts_out_of_contract_now_a_free_agent/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2007 06:56:42 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Add one more to the number of elite free agents this summer. &nbsp;Seattle forward Rashard Lewis has decided to opt out of the final years of his contract with the Sonics and become an&nbsp;unrestricted&nbsp;free agent on July 1. Lewis, who has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with Seattle, opted out of the seven-year, $60M deal he signed before the 2003-2004 season. That means Lewis is walking away from $21M in guaranteed money over the next two years. &nbsp;He joins Chauncey Billups, Gerald Wallace, and perhaps Vince Carter (if he opts out of his contract) in a free agent pool full of talent.&nbsp;The 28 year old Lewis is coming off a career-best season in which he averaged 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds a game with the 31-51 Sonics.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[RUMOR: Helton, Fuentes to Yankees?]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rumor_helton_fuentes_to_yankees/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2007 10:57:31 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&quot;The Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in the Rockies&#39; Todd Helton and Brian Fuentes, though no deal is imminent.&quot;&nbsp;--Quoted from ESPN.com&nbsp;Not going to happen. Rockies won&#39;t trade their best player for anything the Yankees could offer.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Rockets Fire Van Gundy]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rockets_fire_van_gundy.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2007 13:19:38 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[the Rockets are morons.Lemme repeat: They are morons. Les Alexander is a moron. Daryl Morey is a moron.I&#39;ve already expressed what a felt about this on my blog but again I will restate. It doesn&#39;t matter who the painter is if the paint stinks. And Van Gundy the painter had bad bench paint this year (Juwan Howard, Luther Head nonexistent in the playoffs; Bonzi Wells fiasco). Alexander can point fingers all he wants, but the Rockets are in this position (without a playoff series win in 10 yrs) because they haven&#39;t enough good, quality players, not because of the coach.Also, on top of it, I don&#39;t know why they spun the whole thing out of context, saying Van Gundy didn&#39;t want to coach anymore, when, in fact, the whole time, Van Gundy wanted to return... I hope Alexander knows what he&#39;s doing, trying to build a Phoenix-like team, with Yao Ming.  ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs: My Conference Finals Preview]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nba_playoffs_my_conference_finals_preview/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2007 18:14:48 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceUtah Jazz vs. San Antonio SpursJust like the Nets-Raptors series in the first round, experience will be key in this series. The Jazz have made a nice run, but the Spurs have been here too often to avoid a finals bid.Spurs in 5Eastern ConferenceCleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit PistonsPistons got a scare against the Bulls, but still looked impressive enough to beat the Cavs. LeBron will be the MVP of this series, but other players will struggle to score against the Piston D.Pistons in 6&nbsp;My&nbsp;Playoff Record: 9-3]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Word of Advice to the Rockets: Don't Fire Van Gundy]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/word_of_advice_to_the_rockets_dont_fire_van_gundy/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2007 06:39:38 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[How many teams would fire their coach after&nbsp;3 out of&nbsp;4 playoff years? Not many. How many teams would fire their coach after a 52 win season? Not many.How many teams would fire their coach after winning 52 games despite injuries to their two best players? Not many.&nbsp;Tracy McGrady even said it, &quot;He&#39;s the best coach I&#39;ve ever played for.&quot;&nbsp;So, Rockets fans, why do you want him gone?&nbsp;Yes, we share the pain of not winning a playoff series in 11 years, but why blame it all on Van Gundy? The most recent series lost was not his fault. If Luther Head and Juwan Howard, who both couldn&#39;t hit the ocean from the beach, actually came to play every game,&nbsp;the outcome&nbsp;could&#39;ve been better.&nbsp;Also, we still don&#39;t have a decent point guard since Steve Francis&nbsp;was traded.&nbsp;So, I ask&nbsp;of you on this blog, to support&nbsp;Jeff Van Gundy. Add a comment to show your support. Think of this as a little petition.&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[RUMOR: Shaq to Mavs?]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rumor_shaq_to_mavs/</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 8 May 2007 15:57:30 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[QUOTE &quot;No one really wants to talk about it, but the Miami Heat&#39;s main issue is the decline of center Shaquille O&#39;Neal with three years left on his contract at $20 million per season. Despite O&#39;Neal&#39;s presence and reputation, he&#39;ll turn 36 next season. Frankly, it&#39;s difficult to see many teams that would even take a chance on him.And then there are the Dallas Mavericks, which is where Shaq wanted to go when he was breaking up with the Los Angeles Lakers.Mavs owner Mark Cuban said they are not panicking, but time will tell. Miami needs a major overhaul. Would Dallas take a last shot with Shaq? Maybe for Erick Dampier, Devin Harris and a sign-and-trade with Jerry Stackhouse? &quot;I see a hard time this trade&nbsp;happening, seeing the players Dallas is giving up.]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Rocket Ditches Astros]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rocket_ditches_astros/</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 7 May 2007 11:44:43 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Dear Mr. Clemens,Thanks for three great years. And then ditching us for the Yankees. Do you even care about winning a World Series? The Yankees have 26 championships. How many do we have Roger? We have zero. We could have expanded our payroll to over $100 million for the second straight year to get you Roger. But, there weren&#39;t any discussions. You just went on your own during the 7th inning of a pathetic Yankees-Mariners game and announced your commitment. Oh well, loyalty can&#39;t compete with greed, and although we desperately need you, we don&#39;t really want you anymore.Signed,Drayton McLaneAstros Owner ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs- My Conference Semifinals Predictions]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nba_playoffs_my_conference_semifinals_predictions/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 6 May 2007 09:54:58 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceGolden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz&nbsp;&nbsp;Warriors are talk of the league right now after upsetting the Dallas Mavericks in 6 games. However, I think the Jazz should slow the the Warriors running attack, and move on to the Western Conference FinalsJazz in 7&nbsp;San Antonio Spurs&nbsp;vs. Phoenix Suns This Suns team is not the same one that lost to the Spurs in 5 games last year. Expect Barboso and Nash to push the tempo, not letting the Spurs half court defense to set up. The style of play is key in the series, and I think this is the Suns&#39; year.Suns in 6Eastern ConferenceChicago Bulls&nbsp;vs. Detroit PistonsBig Ben&#39;s &quot;Baby Bulls&quot;&nbsp;against his former team. Bulls lost chance to be in East Finals by falling to 5 seed, and their magical run ends here.Pistons in 6New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland CavaliersThe Nets are veterans, with Jason Kidd averaging a triple double in six games against the Raptors. However, too much LeBron will lead his team to the East Finals for the first time.Cavs in 7&nbsp;My First Round Record: 6-2]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Rockets Season Ends]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/rockets_season_ends/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 6 May 2007 09:44:48 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Well, it&rsquo;s over. The Rockets&rsquo; great season comes to the end after the 103-99 loss&nbsp;last night&nbsp;to Utah. Best of luck to them against the Warriors. More heartbreak for us Rockets fans as well as T-Mac, who is now 0-6 in playoff series. All I can say is Yao needs to work on rebounding and we need a point guard for next year as well. I guess I&rsquo;ll have to root for Suns again in the rest of the playoffs&hellip; ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Warriors Shock Mavs]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/warriors_shock_mavs/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 5 May 2007 10:21:20 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[&quot;OAKLAND, Calif., May 3 (AP)-- Baron Davis knew his tender hamstring would limit him, so Stephen Jackson took a huge load off Golden State&#39;s do-everything star. Davis and Jackson shot the ragtag Warriors right into the second round, capping perhaps the NBA&#39;s biggest playoff upset with yet one more memorable performance on their home floor. Davis willed his team on one good leg, shaking off a strained hamstring to score 20 points, Jackson made a franchise playoff-record seven 3-pointers, and Golden State became the first No. 8 seed to capture a best-of-seven playoff series with a 111-86 victory over the NBA-best Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 on Thursday night. &quot;&nbsp;Quoted from NBA.com ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Defending Champs Out; Bulls-Pistons to Faceoff in 2nd Round]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/defending_champs_out_bullspistons_to_faceoff_in_2nd_round/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2007 18:52:24 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[That&#39;s Bull. The defending champs swept? Yes, sir, these Bulls are for real. &nbsp;Luol Deng led Chicago with 22 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Bulls beat the Miami Heat for the fourth straight time 92-79. They will face the Detroit Pistons in the second round. The Pistons finished a sweep&nbsp;of the Orlando Magic Saturday.&nbsp;Caption: Ben Gordon]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Cards' Hancock Dead]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/cards_hancock_dead/</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:07:38 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[QUOTE &quot;ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals were informed this morning by the St. Louis Police Department of the tragic death of pitcher Josh Hancock, 29, who was killed in an auto accident on westbound Highway 64/40 within the city limits. Cardinals&#39; Manager Tony La Russa informed Josh&#39;s father of this tragic event. Major League Baseball representatives have also been notified and tonight&#39;s 7:05 p.m. game with the Chicago Cubs has been postponed. The Cardinals and the St. Louis Police Department will make a brief statement to the news media at 3 p.m. CDT in the Busch Stadium interview room. Hancock, who is single, has been a member of the St. Louis Cardinals since February of 2006 and helped the team to its 10th World Series title last Fall. The Cardinals ask that all fans join the team in offering their prayers and condolences to Josh Hancock&#39;s family on this very sad day for the Cardinals and Major League Baseball. &quot;This is very sad and I send my condolences to the Cards as well as Hancock&#39;s family. ]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[Poll Results]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/poll_results.10/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2007 10:16:57 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Most likely first round upset...Jazz over Rockets - 12.5% (1 Votes)Heat over Bulls - 25.0% (2 Votes)Nets over Raptors - 50.0% (4 Votes)Warriors over Mavericks - 12.5% (1 Votes)Total Votes: 8]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[2007 NFL Draft]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/2007_nfl_draft/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2007 09:38:15 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[First Round&nbsp;1. QB JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders2. WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions3. OT Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns4. DE Gaines Adams, Tampa Bay Bucaneers5. OT Levi Brown, Arizona Cardinals6. S Laron Landry, Washington Redskins7. RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings8. DE Jamaal Anderson, Atlanta Falcons9. WR Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins10. DT Amobi Okoye, Houston Texans11. ILB&nbsp;Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers12. RB Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills13. DE Adam Carriker, St. Louis Rams14. CB Darrelle Revis, NY Jets15. OLB Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers16. DT Justin Harrell, Green Bay Packers17. DE Jarvis Moss, Denver Broncos18. CB Leon Hall, Cincinatti Bengals19. S Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans20. CB Aaron Ross, NY Giants21. S Reggie Nelson, Jacksonville Jaguars22. QB Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns23. WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs24. S Brandon Meriweather, New England Patriots25. OLB Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers26. DE Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys27. WR Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints28. OT Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers29. OG Ben Grubbs, Baltimore Ravens30. WR Craig Davis, San Diego Chargers31. TE Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears32. WR Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NBA Awards]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nba_awards.2/</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:57:42 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Sixth Man of the YearLeandro Barboso, Suns&nbsp;Coach of the YearSam Mitchell, Raptors&nbsp;Most ImprovedMonta Ellis, Warriors &nbsp;Defensive Player of the YearMarcus Camby, Nuggets&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[6000 Visitors]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/6000_visitors/</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:11:05 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[This may just be another AOL glitch, but according to the visitor count, my blog now has 6000 visitors. I thank everyone again, and keep coming back!]]></description>
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			<title><![CDATA[NBA Playoffs- My 1st Round Predictions]]></title>
			<link>http://red.blogs.aol.com/njktmac213/the_sports_scene/nba_playoffs_my_1st_round_predictions/</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:30:31 PDT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Western ConferenceGolden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks&quot;Ooh, GSW went 3-0 vs. Dallas in the regular season. The Mavs will&nbsp;fall in an amazing upset.&quot; Think about what you just read. Then, laugh. Dallas will adjust to Golden State&#39;s high flying offense and take the series in 5.Mavs in 5&nbsp;Houston Rockets vs. Utah JazzThis will be a grind-out series. Both teams are really good rebounding teams, and have great defensive minded coaches. Expect the more physical team to win:Rockets in 7.Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio SpursSorry, still can&#39;t believe in A-I and &#39;Melo long enough for them to win four games against Duncan&#39;s Spurs.Spurs in 6Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix SunsYou might be surprised hearing this from a Kobe-hater, but I think he&#39;ll give the Suns fits, just like last year. However, in the end, you can&#39;t win with a one-man team.Suns in 6Eastern ConferenceOrlando Magic vs. Detroit PistonsHas a 40-42 team ever beaten a #1? Didn&#39;t think so.Pistons in 5Chicago Bulls vs. Miami HeatMuch like the 4-5 matchup in the West (Rockets-Jazz), expect a long, har