NBA Free Agency Has Begun!

The most talented class of free agents in the history of the NBA is now free to negotiate contracts with potential suitors. Only a handful of teams have the available cap space to sign a free agent to a maximum deal. Some have the money for 2. And, depending on whether or not they can pull off a trade, one team has enough money for 3. These are the teams with huge amounts of cash burning huge holes in their huge pockets:

1. Miami Heat ($44 million)
2. New York Knicks (34$)
3. New Jersey Nets (33$)
4. Chicago Bulls (29$)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (17$)

Now on to the players. We all know the crown jewel of the class is LeBron James, but where will he sign? What about Dwayne Wade? Chris Bosh? Well we have all the answers. Possibly. The following is the generally regarded top 10 free agents and our predictions where they will end up.

1. LeBron James - Chicago Bulls
2. Dwayne Wade - Miami Heat
3. Chris Bosh - Chicago Bulls
4. Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks
5. Amare Stoudemire - New York Knicks
6. Joe Johnson - New York Knicks
7. Carlos Boozer - Miami Heat
8. Rudy Gay - Los Angeles Clippers
9. Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics
10. Ray Allen - Chicago Bulls

No Lead Is Ever Safe Against Roger Federer

Darth Federer was down 2 sets to 0 to 60th ranked Alejandro Falla before deciding that adding a 7th Wimbledon title to his resume was important to him. Federer won the 3rd, 4th, and 5th sets to avoid the most embarrassing defeat in his career, and to continue being a thorn in Andy Roddick's side.

NBA Logo Changes

In the first bit of NBA news we've reported since the post on the Lakers defeated the Celtics in Game 7 of the Finals (What? We didn't even mention it? Hmmm.), the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic have updated their logos.

That's right. A fashion post. We're attempting to diversify our demographics.

So without further ado! *drumroll* I give to you the new edgier, more sophisticated, and downright BA logos:

Saints and Redskins Reach Agreement on Trade

The New Orleans Saints, fresh off of a Super Bowl, have traded Pro Bowl Offensive Tackle Jamaal Brown to the Washington Redskins. Stipulations of the trade are pretty confusing, and ESPN has already laid them out, so you can read them here.

Brown has only one year remaining on his current contract. While the 'Skins have yet to come to terms with something long term, they do plan on locking him up soon.

Referee to Undergo FIFA Review

Koman Coulibaly, the Malian referee who oversaw the US-Slovenia game on Friday, will be subject to an expedited review process coordinated by FIFA and may not referee another match in the 2010 World Cup.

All referees go through this review, however, it's supposed to come at the very end of the tournament. Due to the disgraceful circumstances, FIFA will take action immediately.

A Visual Representation of Potential USA World Cup Scenarios

College World Series Field Set

For 60 years the historic Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium was home to the College World Series in Omaha. After this season's national champion is crowned, the CWS will move to the new TD Ameritrade Park. In the mean time, the following 8 teams will attempt to make their last memory of Rosenblatt a memorable one.

1. Arizona State Sun Devils (52-8) - The Sun Devils arrive in Omaha as the tournament's #1 overall seed, and as the only returning team from last year's field. ASU started the season off with a bang by winning their first 25 games before finally dropping one. ASU has yet to lose to a non-conference opponent all season, and look to continue that trend in Omaha.

• Key Players - 1B Riccio Torrez (.399, 10 HRs, 53 RBI, 20SBs, 25 game hitting streak), RF Kole Calhoun (.327, 17 HRs, 59 RBI), 2B Zack MacPhee (.394, 9 HRs, 64 RBI, 19 SBs, Pac-10 Player of the Year), SP Seth Blair (3.35 ERA, 12-0, 104 Ks), SP Merrill Kelly (3.57 10-2)


• Path to Omaha - def. Milwaukee 6-2, def. Hawaii 12-1, def. Hawaii 8-4 to win Regional, def. Arkansas 7-6 12 inn., def Arkansas 7-5 12 inn. to win Super Regional

2. TCU Horned Frogs (51-12) - TCU finally got over the hump and beat Texas in the Super Regionals. Oh yeah, and made it to Omaha for the first time. Some might think the Horned Frogs are playing with house money after knocking the nation's #2 overall seed, but they disagree. The Horny Toads are looking to make their first trip to the CWS a memorable one.

• Key Players - LF Jason Coats (.373, 13 HRs, 66 RBI), 1B Matt Curry (.346, 17 HRs, 60 RBI), SP Matt Purke (3.23, 14-0, 133 Ks), SP Kyle Winkler (2.84, 12-1), SP Steven Maxwell (2.41, 11-2)


• Road to Omaha - def. Lamar 16-3, def. Arizona 11-5, def. Baylor 9-0 to win Regional, def. Texas 3-1, lost Texas 1-14, def. Texas 4-1 to win Super Regional
  

3. Florida Gators (47-15) - For the 3rd straight year, the SEC regular season champ is in Omaha. The question is, will the Gators have the same success as '08 runner up Georgia and '09 National Champion LSU? Well Florida has yet to lose in the '10 NCAA Tournament and don't plan on losing in Omaha.

• Key Players - CF Matt den Dekker (.358, 13 HRs, 49 RBI, 23 SBs), 1B Preston Tucker (.339, 11 HRs, 46 RBI), Austin Maddox (.333, 17 HRs, 71 RBI), SP Alex Panteliodis (3.26, 11-2), SP Hudson Randall (2.95 8-3)


• Road to Omaha - def. Bethune-Cookman 7-3, def. Oregon St. 10-2, def. Florida Atlantic 15-0 to win Regional, def. Miami (FLA) 7-2, def. Miami (FLA) 4-3 in 10 inn. to win Super Regional

4. South Carolina Gamecocks (48-15) - After a promising regular season in Columbia, the Gamecocks began postseason play with high expectations in Hoover, AL at the SEC Tournament. Unfortunately for USC East fans, those high expectations translated to bowing out unceremoniously after not winning a game. After coasting through the Regionals and Super Regionals without a loss, will the CWS provide the same fate for the 'Cocks?

• Key Players - CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (.371, 11 HRs, 51 RBI), RF Whit Merrifeild (.327, 12 HRs, 38 RBI), SP Blake Cooper (2.81, 12-1, 105 Ks), CL Matt Price (2.54, 3-1, 10 SVs, 68 Ks)


• Road to Omaha - def. Bucknell 9-5, def. The Citadel 9-4, def. Virginia Tech 10-2 to win Regional, def. Coastal Carolina 4-3, def. Coastal Carolina 10-9 to win Super Regional
  

5. Oklahoma Sooners (48-16) - It's safe to say that the past week has been absolutely hectic week for the University of Oklahoma athletic department. First they were in the Big 12. Then they were joining the Pac-10. Then they were offered to join the SEC. Then they were still in the Pac-10. And now they're staying in the Big 12...which only has 10 teams. Honestly, I'm pretty sure the Sooners' baseball team isn't too worried about it at the moment. If they win a national title in 2 weeks they won't care what conference it's affiliated with.

• Key Players - 3B Garrett Buechelle (.371, 16 HRs, 64 RBI), 1B Cameron Seitzer (.311, 15 HRs, 52 RBI), CF Chris Ellison (.335, 23 SBs), SP Bobby Shore (3.86 10-4)


• Road to Omaha - def. Oral Roberts 7-6 in 10 inn., def. North Carolina 7-6 in 10 inn., def. North Carolina 3-2 to win Regional, lost to Virginia 2-3, def. Virginia 10-7, def. Virginia 11-0 to win Super Regional
  

6. UCLA Bruins (48-14) - Much like their conference foe Arizona State, UCLA began their 2010 season on a tremendous winning streak. But unlike Arizona State, UCLA has spent most of the season out of the spotlight. Their best season since '97, when they were last seen in Omaha, has been overshadowed by the Sun Devils. Nothing would put the Bruins in the national spotlight more than winning a national title.

• Key Players - 1B Dean Espy (.353, 8 HRs, 48 RBI), 2B Tyler Rahmatulla (.328, 7 HRs, 45 RBI), SP Rob Rasmussen (2.73, 11-2, 117 Ks), SP Gerrit Cole (3.25, 10-3, 138 Ks), SP Trevor Bauer (3.02, 10-3, 141 Ks)


• Road to Omaha - def. Kent St. 15-1, def. LSU 6-3. def. UC-Irvine 6-2 to win Regional, lost to Cal St. Fullerton 3-4, def. Cal St. Fullerton 11-7 in 10 inn., def. Cal St. Fullerton 8-1 to win Super Regional
  

7. Florida State Seminoles (47-18) - The Seminoles have a knack for employing coaches that go on to have legendary careers in Tallahassee. We all know about the Bobby Bowden saga that just ended on the gridiron, but Mike Martin has been coaching the baseball team on the Florida panhandle since 1980. Since then he's led FSU to 14 CWS appearances with a whopping 0 titles to show for it. Is it time Martin and the 'Noles finally breakthrough?

• Key Players - CF Tyler Holt (.352, 12 HRs, 46 RBI, 30 SBs), LF/CL Mike McGee (.328, 15 HRs, 68 RBI/1.37, 4-0, 12 SVs), SP Sean Gilmartin (4.89, 9-7, 107 Ks)


• Road to Omaha - def. Cen. Conn. St. 11-3, def. Oregon 6-4, def. Oregon 5-3 to win Regional, def. Vanderbilt 9-8, lost to Vanderbilt 2-6, def. Vanderbilt 7-6 to win Super Regional
  

8. Clemson Tigers (43-23) - This year marks the 4th time the Tigers have been to Omaha since 2000, and it's been their most improbable run to Omaha in that time. Every other of those teams won over 50 games during their regular season and had team ERAs lower than this year's 4.72. It will be hard for the other 7 teams in Omaha to cool off the Tiger bats though. Clemson outscored Alabama 27-11 with their backs against the wall in the Supers after losing Game 1. Can the Tigers slug their way to the program's first national title?

• Key Players - RF Kyle Parker (.353, 20 HRs, 64 RBI), 3B John Hinson (.345, 17 HRs, 72 RBI, 23 SBs), LF Jeff Schaus (.328, 15 HRs, 85 RBI), SP Casey Harman (3.73, 7-3, 95 Ks)


• Road to Omaha - def. Southern Miss 10-1, def. Auburn 5-2, lost to Auburn 10-11, def. Auburn 13-7 to win Regional, lost to Alabama 4-5, def. Alabama 19-5, def. Alabama 8-6 to win Super Regional

Games start Saturday and the CWS will be televised in its entirety on ESPN. For a complete bracket and schedule of games click here.

Marshall's World Cup Predictions

Please keep in mind that I did in fact come up with this before watching any of the games. Also please keep in mind that it is absolutely impossible for me to be objective in matches that involve USA. This is how its going to happen:

Group A

1. France

2. Mexico

3. South Africa

4. Uruguay

Group B

1. Argentina

2. Greece

3. South Korea

4. Nigeria

Group C

1. England

2. USA

3. Slovenia

4. Algeria

Group D

1. Germany

2. Serbia

3. Ghana

4. Australia

Group E

1. Netherlands

2. Denmark

3. Cameroon

4. Japan

Group F

1. Paraguay

2. Italy

3. Slovakia

4. New Zealand

Group G

1. Brazil

2. Portugal

3. Ivory Coast

4. Kim Jong Il

Group H

1. Spain

2. Chile

3. Honduras

4. Switzerland

Round of 16

France

Greece

England

Serbia

Netherlands

Italy

Brazil

Chile

Germany

USA

Argentina

Mexico

Paraguay

Denmark

Spain

Portugal

Quarterfinals

France

England

Netherlands

Brazil

USA

Mexico

Paraguay

Spain

Semifinals

England

Brazil

USA

Spain

Third Place Match

England

Spain

Finals

Brazil

USA

It becomes a re-match of the Confederations Cup, only this time Michael Bradley will be on the field. You heard it here first.

The World Cup Is Here!

In honor of the greatest spectacle in sports, I will be posting my predictions this morning, and Marshall will be later. So without further ado...

Group Stage

Group A (In order of finish)

Mexico

France

Uruguay

South Africa

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C
England
United States
Slovenia
Algeria

Group D
Serbia
Germany
Ghana
Australia

Group E
Netherlands
Cameroon
Denmark
Japan

Group F
Italy
Paraguay
Slovakia
New Zealand

Group G
Portugal
Brazil
Ivory Coast
North Korea

Group H
Spain
Chile
Honduras
Switzerland

Round of 16

Mexico
Nigeria

England
Germany

Netherlands
Paraguay

Portugal
Chile

Argentina
France

Serbia
United States

Italy
Cameroon

Spain
Brazil

Quarterfinals

Nigeria
England

Netherlands
Portugal

France
United States

Italy
Spain

Semifinals

England
Netherlands

United States
Spain

Third Place Game

England
United States

Finals

Netherlands
Spain

The Fall of Troy?

The USC Trojans football program has been placed on a 2 year postseason ban by NCAA, and if any of you feel the least bit sorry for them I'll punch you in the mouth.

The allegations which led to the ban were brought upon by improper payments to former Trojan standout Reggie Bush. *cough*surprise, surprise*cough* According to the NCAA findings, Bush and his family accepted illegal payments from sports marketers and other shady businessmen.

The findings also resulted in 30 lost scholarships over the next 3 seasons, 4 years probation, and USC must vacate all wins from the 2004 season. Bush may also have to forfeit his Heisman Trophy.

What angers me is that the current Trojans are paying dearly for the sins of those who came before them. Guys that were recruited after Reggie Bush was into his NFL career are missing out on the chance to play in Pasadena, Glendale, or San Francisco because Bush made some dumb choices. Innocent people are being punished, while no one guilty is.

Right. Right. One guilty party is paying dearly. Back when the violations were committed in 2004, Lane Kiffin was Offensive and Recruiting Coordinator for one of the best offenses of our generation that included Matt Leinart, LenDale White, Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, and the aforementioned Reggie Bush. They were dynamic. They were sexy. They were SoCal. And so was Kiffin. He was the son of NFL defensive guru Monte Kiffin, and at the top of most Athletic Director's lists with head coaching vacancies...aannnnddd one NFL owner's.

Kiffin, to no one's surprise, was hired as a head coach in early 2007. Kiffin, to everyone's surprise, was hired by the Oakland Raiders. Kiffin spent a little over one full season in Oakland before Al Davis fired him 4 games into his second season. A few months later Kiffin was hired on as the replacement to Tennessee legend Philip Fulmer. Kiffin spent a full year in Tennessee before shafting them a month before National Signing Day and resigning to replace his former boss, Trojan head coach Pete Carroll, who bolted to the Seattle Seahawks amid the NCAA investigations.

So we've come full circle. And in Kiffin's first few years at the helm he'll be paying for his sins of years ago. Go ahead and laugh Vol fans, because I'm laughing with you.

Nebraska Contemplating Big 10 Move

If you're wondering why we here at NMV had yet to talk about possible conference realignment, it's because I honestly didn't feel as if anything was goint to happen. Frankly, I felt like there was a lot of smoke being blown, but it looks like I may be wrong.

Nebraska and Mizzou have been given a Friday deadline to commit to the Big 12, otherwise they have to leave. And it seems as if Nebraska is leaning towards leaving. If, in fact, a university, such as Nebraska, bolts from one BCS Conference to another we'll begin a breakdown of possible scenarios. But until then, you get nothing. I'm a busy man.

I Bet You Won't Call Me Crissy Again

While this may not be as entertaining as this, it still makes me giggle. In today's world of political correctness, for some reason it's wrong to replace a hockey player's legs with those of a woman figure skater's in a dress.

For this I applaud the Chicago Tribune:

Stephen Strasburg Is A Man

And he's nowhere near the age of 40 yet.

Strasburg made his MLB debut Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and looked every bit as dominating as he had in 11 starts in the Minors. Except this time it was for real. Strasburg only threw 94 pitches through 7 innings while striking out 14 and walking 0. Strasburg only gave up 2 runs on a misplaced 90 mph changeup to Pirates' RF Delwyn Young who then replaced it in the right field bleachers. However, other than that Strasburg was magnificent.

Welcome to the Bigs, Mr. Strasburg.

Bryce Harper: Bust or Bust?

Expectations haven't been this high for the first overall pick in the MLB draft since...last year.

Well expectations haven't been this high for the Washington Nationals' first overall pick since...well, last year.

Stephen Strasburg was the most hyped MLB draft pick last year since Alex Rodriguez in '93, and now Bryce Harper is the most hyped since his potential future teammate on the Nationals, Stephen Strasburg, was taken in last season's draft. Bryce Harper has been in the national spotlight since he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated a year ago and coined "Baseball's LeBron" by SI's Tom Verducci.

Looking back on the 45 years of MLB draft history, no 2 first overall picks in back-to-back years have ever been this highly touted. Why is that exactly? Is it because the MLB draft is finally being covered on national TV, thanks to the debut of the MLB Network, and getting actually media attention? Is it because of the ridiculous stats Strasburg and Harper put up the year before they were drafted? I think it's a little of both.

Last year was the first year the MLB draft was actually televised, and even so it was only the first round. The MLB draft has never been as sexy as the NBA and NFL's draft, and frankly, it never will be. It's not a television spectacle, nor does it try to be. Often the average fans don't know many of the top prospects, much less anyone expected to go after rounds 1 or 2. And you can't honestly count on people grinding out all 50 rounds on their couch. Rounds 4-7 of the NFL draft are hard enough, and college football is thousands of times more popular than college or high school baseball.

As a Junior, Strasburg wowed scouts and fans alike with his fastball that normally hit triple digits on the radar gun at San Diego State University. In '09 Strasburg went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA and 195 Ks in 109 innings pitched. He also only allowed 59 hits and only walked 19. He showed not only superb stuff, but incredible control of the strike zone. This season's # 1 overall pick in Bryce Harper put up just as amazing stats before his selection.

In 66 games for the College of Southern Nevada, Harper hit .443 with 31 HRs and 98 RBI. OK. OK. OK. I know. The College of Southern Nevada? In the Scenic West Athletic Conference? You mean, the bad SWAC? Why not Arizona St.? Or LSU? Or Texas? Well that's simple. Because Harper decided that after his Sophomore year of high school last year, he would get his GED and enroll in Junior College in order to be eligible for the MLB draft this year. That puts Mr. Harper at age 17. That's right folks, 17. Not to mention that in conference play the bad SWAC uses wooden bats, unlike the aluminum bats of major collegiate baseball. And don't think he's just a dumb jock who can just mash and doesn't know the game of baseball. Harper, who was a catcher growing up, but will play OF for the Nationals, was calling his own game for his pitchers at the age of 11.

So here's the question: Bust or bust? Will Bryce Harper be the next great Hall of Famer with his bust enshrined in Cooperstown? Or will he be the next "sure thing" to fizzle out and never be heard from again?

On paper, all things point to the former. I mean, that's why he was the #1 overall pick, right? If you look at every #1 overall pick in the history of the MLB draft, which dates back to 1965, only 2 players have retired and never made it to the Majors.

In 1966, catcher Steve Wilcott was drafted by the New York Mets and made it as far as Triple A before being released due to injuries. The #2 pick in that very same draft? Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. Then in 1991 the New York Yankees selected Brien Taylor, a pitcher out of high school. Taylor had a fastball that consistently hovered around 98 or 99 mph. Taylor quickly ascended through the Yankees' farm system, but he tore his labrum and dislocated his shoulder while helping his brother in a fight. Taylor's surgery helped him pitch again, but he lost 8-10 mph of velocity and never had a shot at the Majors again.

The flipside of this is that 17 players that have been selected first overall have gone on to be All-Stars, and two more actually won Rookie of the Year. Among those All-Stars are future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey, Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones, and Joe Mauer.

Only time and maturity will tell for Bryce Harper. Many think 17 is too young to put all of this pressure on a player, but I disagree. Harper has been in the spotlight for years now and continued to thrive. He's only going to get bigger, stronger, and faster as he gets older and he has unlimited potential.

While Bryce Harper had his day yesterday, Strasburg will take the mound tonight for the Nationals against the Pittsburgh Pirates in front of the biggest crowd they've had in DC since they opened the stadium Opening Day '09. And I'll tell you what, expectations haven't been this high since...well, yesterday.

Philly Fans Are Awesome

And now a collection of stories, all from this past year, about wonderful Philadelphia Phillies fans:

1. Woman Offers Sex For World Series Tickets
2. Fan Charged With Purposely Vomiting On Small Girl At Game
3. Fan Tasered After Running Onto Field
4. Telecast Shows Small Child Sipping From Beer Bottle

You stay classy Philadelphia.

New Orleans Saints Step Up In Wake of Oil Spill

http://www.wwltv.com/sports/Saints-will-raffle-off-Super-Bowl-ring-to-raise-money-for-oil-leak-struggle-95875029.html

More soccer news!!

Jozy Altidore Back in Training
In another bit of positive news for the Americans, Hull City-based Jozy Altidore has returned to training with the team since suffering what was referred to as a 'mid ankle sprain'. According to espnsoccernet.com Jozy's ankle was neither taped nor wrapped and was moving without tentativeness, and actually finished the training session by participating in sprints.

Obviously this is great news as Jozy is currently the most experienced forward on the USA squad. His absence would be putting a lot of pressure on the ripe trio of young forwards we have in Buddle, Gomez, and Findley. Let's hope Jozy can continue to recover for the big match this Saturday against the English, who have some injury concerns of their own.

Fans Stampede Gates Prior to Nigeria/North Korea Match

On a continent where this type of thing happens on a normal basis for mere club matches, often resulting in multiple deaths, is anyone really surprised by this? I am hoping FIFA will show some kind of concern and take measures to ensure the safety of the players and fans as the World Cup begins this weekend. Otherwise this World Cup has the potential to be a major black eye for the image of South Africa, and the world's greatest sport.

Final preparations before the World Cup

In their last tune-up before the World Cup, United States took care of business in defeating Australia 3-1. As in all games there were good things, bad things and a little bit of luck.

Scoring two goals, Edson Buddle was the hero of the match.

Starting in place of the injured Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle made the most of his first opportunity overseas in a senior-level USA jersey by scoring two goals. The first came from a takeaway from an Aussie defender (4'), and the second from a wonderful cross from Steve Cherundolo (31'). Late in the second half it was sub Herculez Gomez who found perfect placement from a masterful pass from Landon Donovan in dangerous territory (90'). The lone goal US would surrender came from Tim Cahill who went unmarked on the far post to squeeze in a corner-fed goal (19'). There was simply nothing Tim Howard could do to prevent it.

A huge impression was made by the forward trio of Buddle, Gomez, and Findley. While Buddle and Gomez were eating up space in the box and scoring goals, Findley was using his speed in making several runs at Australian defenders. Although he had plenty of chances, Findley failed numerous times to put the ball away. At one point he had defeated the defense and the goalkeeper, but sent a point-blank shot wide. Nevertheless, like we saw against the Czechs, he has proven to be quite a handful for opposing defenders. This news is most welcome as the South African injury bug has hit none other than Jozy Altidore - more on this later.

Other observations:
Jay DeMerit - looked flat out bad on several challenges. There were times where he would pass the ball straight to an Australian attacker, or just failed to clear the ball. But this was okay because...
Jonothan Bornsten - actually played well as a sub. He has been the our whipping boy as our fans continue to bash him (and for good reason), but today after entering the game for Carlos Bocanegra (who's health we need to preserve), he performed well. Successful challenges, good passes, and no own goals! Its like he and DeMerit switched roles for a day.
Ricardo Clark - While he is not my first choice to be Bradley's counterpart in the middle of the field, he played very well in the first half. Later on in the second half we kind of lost control of the middle of the field, and I do believe Clark is to blame there. I would have liked to see Bob Bradley pull him out as a sub for Maurice Edu or José Torres.
Gooch - Is getting better. I am still concerned about how many minutes we will see of him against England. In my opinion he must start, and he must go at least 45' if not more.
Clint Dempsey - was about to kill an Aussie. All day they were coming in at him with some reckless challenges. Just days before the World Cup, the last thing you want to see is one of your playmakers get hurt.

Overall it was a good game. It wasn't great, but we get the win. In the end that is all you can ask for. With this, the US will now begin to focus in on the opponent we have been waiting for. Exactly one week from today we will be taking on England in what we hope will be a repeat of what we did back in 1950. Unlike these warmup friendlies, this one counts.

South Africa Injury Update

Out:
Rio Ferdinand (England) - knee ligament damage

Réne Adler (Germany) - ribs
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria) - ankle
Michael Essien (Ghana) - knee
Michael Ballack (Germany) - ankle
Carlo Costly (Honduras) - foot
José Bosingwa (Portugal) - knee
Charlie Davies - automobile accident last October
Salvador Cabañas (Paraguay) - Was shot in the head in Mexico in January. He is recovering.

Who the hell knows:
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) - broken arm
Arjen Robben (Netherlands) - hamstring

Day-To-Day:
Jozy Altidore (USA) - ankle sprain
Michel Bastos (Brazil) - something with his leg
Diego Milito (Argentina) - ankle sprain
Humberto Suazo (Chile) - hamstring. likely to miss the first match vs Honduras.
Andrea Pirlo (Italy) - calf
Gareth Barry (England) - ankle
Fernando Torres (Spain) - knee
Júlio César (Brazil) - back

Orioles Fire Dave Trembley

The Baltimore Orioles have fired their manager Dave Trembley. The Orioles have the worst record in all of Major League Baseball at 15-40.

Trembley's only managing experience has been with Baltimore where he got his first crack in midseason of '07. That was also the best finish for the Orioles under Trembley as they finished 4th in the AL East. Every other season Baltimore has finished in last place of the division.

Overall Trembley is 187-283 as a manager.

Cleveland's Purge Continues

I feel dirty posting an NBA article that is in no relation to the Finals when I haven't even mentioned the Finals, but this is totally happening.

Cleveland Cavaliers' GM Danny Ferry has resigned after another disappointing exit from the playoffs. At least that's what everyone is telling us. Ironically this comes a mere two weeks after head coach Mike Brown's dismissal, and a month before LeBron is set to become a free agent.

P.S. Lakers in 5. That's all you're going to get until they're over.

North Korea Is Already Off to a Rough Start

This is either hilarious or potentionally dangerous for the rest of the world.

Armando Galarraga Loses Perfect Game On Botched Call

I sincerely hope you've seen, or at least heard about this story. But if not, I'm happy to pass on the news.

The short of it is, pitcher Armando Galarraga had a perfect with 2 outs in the 9th when Jason Donald of the Indians hit a ground ball to 1B Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera fielded it cleanly, tossed the ball perfectly to Galarraga, who was covering the bag, and Galarraga stepped on first a good step before Donald. Except not in the eyes of umpire Jim Joyce who called Donald safe ruining Galarraga's perfect game AND no hitter.

The one saving grace from this story is how both men acted after the game. Joyce was audibly and visibly upset when he saw the replay in the locker room, and he went straight to Galarraga and apologized. Recognizing Joyce's sincerity, Galarraga forgave him and they hugged each other. What a display of class shown by both men.

This photo of Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera basically sums it up:

MLB Quarterly Report - NL Central

1. Cincinnati Reds (31-23)

- Biggest Surprise

Jonny Gomes was widely considered a disappointment during his tenure in Tampa Bay. Cincinnati has been a different story. Gomes was brought in last season as primarily a back-up and pinch hitter and it paid off when he hit 20 HRs in only 281 at-bats. During Spring Training Gomes won the starting job in LF and is blowing away his previous skeptics, hitting .307 with 7 HRs and 35 RBI. Also, last year at this time Mike Leake was preparing to pitch in a regional as his Arizona St. Sun Devils were a national seed and about to make a run to semifinals of the College World Series. This year? He's only 4-0 with only a 2.45 ERA after skipping the Minors altogether.

- Biggest Disappointment

There haven't been many disappointments on this Reds team so far this season. They're surprising most people and leading the NL Central division. Mike Leake was one of my surprises for the Reds, but he wasn't scripted to be the young pitcher to step up this season. That was supposed to be Homer Bailey. Bailey has been in the Reds' farm system his entire career, but finally got a chance to start all season in '09 when we went 8-5 with a 4.53 ERA. In '10 Homer is living up to his name, allowing almost 1 HR a start and is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA.

2. St. Louis Cardinals (31-23)

- Biggest Surprise

The road to the Majors has been long and tough for Jaime Garcia. He was first selected as in the 22nd round of the '05 draft out of Mexico. Then after plowing through the Minors, Garcia made 10 appearances, including one start, in '08 as a mid-season call up, only to need Tommy John surgery 2 months later. Garcia then missed almost all of '09 before making the Cardinals' 2010 Opening Day rotation. So far this season Garcia is 5-2 with a dazzling 1.32 ERA.

- Biggest Disappointment

Brendan Ryan was quite the breath of fresh air for Cardinals fans last season when he put a foot in the revolving door that had been the St. Louis shortstop position. Ryan hit .292 accompanied by some sparkling defense up the middle. This season it's as if Ryan's foot slipped from the door and he is trying not to be pushed out the door completely. Ryan is hitting a depressing .200 with 8 errors which is the exact number he had all of last year.

3. Chicago Cubs (24-29)

- Biggest Surprise

When the Cubs signed the emotional disaster that is Milton Bradley before the '09 season, as a HUGE Cubs fan I was quite pissed. Everyone who thought they knew anything said the Cubs needed a left handed bat in the middle of the order so the Cubs' front office panicked and got one. Bust. Who saw that coming? Well after Bradley was sent home and told not to return with 10 games left, the Cubs began shopping him and his inflated salary. Luckily the Seattle Mariners were also looking to ship off an emotional wreck of their own: Carlos Silva. In two injury plagued seasons in the Great Northwest Silva compiled a 5-18 record with an ERA hovering around 6.50. In his first 10 starts for the Cubbies Silva is 7-0 with a 3.12 ERA and producing so much more than that psycho the Cubs traded for him.

- Biggest Disappointment

Aramis Ramirez is a guy that the Cubs have been able to pencil in for about 30 HRs and 100 RBI with a batting average somewhere around .300. Not this year. Ramirez was hampered by a separated shoulder last season while only playing in 82 games, but still hitting .317 with 15 HRs and 65 RBI in the half season. Ramirez has absolutely no excuse, to the public's knowledge, for his lack of production this season that has translated to a .162 average with only 4 HRs and 20 RBI.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates (22-31)

- Biggest Surprise

If a setup man is chosen as a team's "Biggest Surprise" it's for one of two reasons: 1. Said set-up man is having that good of a year. OR 2. Said team is having that bad of a year. In Evan Meek and his Pittsburgh Pirates' case, it's a little of both. It's not surprise that the Pirates are scuffling again, but no one saw Meek posting a 0.89 ERA out of the bullpen into June.

- Biggest Disappointment

You would think that after a major professional sports franchise record 17 straight losing seasons, and 17 straight high draft picks, a ball club could accumulate some pitching talent. In all fairness, the Pirates have, just not enough to find someone else to take Charlie Morton's spot in the rotation. Morton is 1-9 with a 9.35 ERA. That simply means that for every inning Morton has pitched, he's given up at least one run. Yikes. It gets better. Opponents are batting a bloated .342 off of him, and he's given up 12 HRs in only 10 starts.

5. Milwaukee Brewers (22-31)

- Biggest Surprise

The Milwaukee Brewers had hoped that Mat Gamel was going to step up in '09 and claim the starting 3B job as his own. Instead, it was Casey McGehee. Despite only playing 71 games at 3B during the season, McGehee impressed the Brewers enough to award him the starting job for '10. Sorry Mat Gamel, but you lost your shot. McGehee is hitting .299 with 9 HRs and a league leading 41 RBI.

- Biggest Disappointment

In hindsight maybe the Brewers should've known that they couldn't put the 9th inning squarely onto the 42 year old shoulders of the all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. However, last season for the Brew Crew Hoffman converted 37 out of 41 possible save opportunities with a dazzling 1.83 ERA, which happened to be the 2nd lowest of his career. That's all changed in '10 though. Hoffman has already blown 5 saves, which is one more than he blew in all of '09, has an ERA of 11.65, has 4 losses which is over halfway to his career high of 7, and actually looks his age.

6. Houston Astros (19-34)

- Biggest Surprise

For Astros fans it's nice to see Roy Oswalt back in his old form after posting a not very Oswalt-esque '09. Do not be fooled by his 3-7 record on the mound as his ERA is a stifling 2.78 on the year. To accompany Oswalt at the top of the rotation, the Astros brought in former Philadelphia Phillie Brett Myers who is coming off a rough few years of his own. The change of scenery seems to be doing Myers well. He is currently posting a 3.04 ERA with a 3-3 record in 11 starts.

- Biggest Disappointment

This paragraph could get out of hand real quick if I let it. There have been plenty of disappointments on this Houston team so far in the '10 campaign. It took Carlos Lee more than 2 weeks to record his first RBI and a full month to hit his first HR of the season. Lee is still only hitting .206 as well. Lance Berkman started the year on the DL due to knee problems and is batting an anemic .241. Free agent acquisition Pedro Feliz is batting .222 with only 2 HRs and 17 RBI. Starting shortstop Tommy Manzella is hitting .206. *sigh* I'll stop while I'm still ahead.

Junior Is Hanging Them Up

Seattle Mariners' manager Dan Wakamatsu has stated that future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. will retire. We'll have more details later.

Trindon Holliday Struggling

This is honestly not a surprise to me. I was very surprised when Holliday actually got drafted. Yeah, he's fast, but this is the NFL. Everyone runs a 4.4, Trindon Holliday.

Hornets Becoming Impatient With Thibodeau

Last week it was reported that the New Orleans Hornets had offered their head coaching position to Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau. Well apparently Thibodeau is taking his dear, sweet time in making a decision, and New Orleans isn't happy. In fact, they have put a deadline on Thibodeau. Thibodeau has until Thursday night's Game 1 of the NBA Finals to accept the position or it is off the table.

So what exactly is taking Thibodeau so long to decide? Well, it's partly due to the fact that the Celtics are advancing further in the playoffs than most thought, but the other reason this decision is being held up is because Thibodeau wants to fully gauge the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets interest in him as a serious candidate for their respective head coach openings.

This is a sobering moment for Hornets' fans. Two years ago Chris Paul was one of the top 5 players in the NBA and had just led the Hornets to a #2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs in their first full season back in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The next season they kept the same core together, while signing Finals veteran James Posey to be the 6th man, and were unceremoniously bounced in the first round as a #7 seed in 5 games. And lost by 58 AT HOME with a chance to even the series at 2. Then this past season they fired head coach Byron Scott, CP3 had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and missed 28 games, finished 8 games under .500, and missed the playoffs.

And now #1 head coaching candidate has stated he's waiting to take the job because he's gauging the interest of the most unloyal franchise in the NBA (Chicago Bulls) and a team that was in danger of setting the league's futility mark in the final month of the season (New Jersey Nets).

It does make sense though. Thibodeau is a New England guy. He went to college in Massachusetts, coached at Harvard, and has spent the past 3 seasons in Boston. That would explain his serious interest in New Jersey. Chicago? Well who wouldn't want to coach Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and a potential max free agent?

A Moment of Silence...

...for the loss of Caroline Wozniacki, in the French Open. Now for some pictures!

A treat for all US Soccer fans

Every single touch José Francisco Torres had against Turkey last Saturday. Folks, he's good.