Day One Thoughts

                                                                                    Best Pick of Round One:

Patrick Peterson CB LSU--Cardinals #5 Overall
-This in my mind is the best player in this draft. Athletically, no one has his size and speed...when you combine his ball-hawking skills and his ability to be a return-man on top of it...the uses for Peterson are endless. The Cardinals now have Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Patrick Peterson at Corner...Hey NFC Quarterbacks...turn around and hand the ball off.


Worst Pick of Round One:
                                                                                   Jonathan Baldwin WR Pittsburgh--Chiefs #26 Overall
-The Chiefs passed up a bigger need at O-line to take an extremely overrated receiver. He's tall, and fast for his size, but is an awful route runner. He has average hands at best, and from watching film you can see him giving up on numerous plays. I had Baldwin as a 3rd-4th round pick at best and am disappointed the Chiefs decided to reach as high as they did.

Runner-Up
James Carpenter OL Alabama--Seahawks #25 Overall
-I can't count this as worse because honestly my judging of offensive lineman is not near other positions. But I do know that all James Carpenter did during the Senior Bowl was get beat like he stole something. He does have some versatility, he played both tackle and guard, but as an overall package he's very stiff as an athlete and doesn't seem to be anywhere near a 1st round lineman.

How the hell is he still there?
Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

-Bowers is the best pass rusher to come out of college since Mario Williams. Some had him as the #1 overall pick prior to the combine...but there it appeared his knee injury is hampering him more than previously thought. He tore his meniscus...something that as I learned in my athletic training class can be fixed and healed after a few months. So you're telling me a guy that was the best defensive end in college football (by far), played with a bad meniscus, is now falling because of this injury? If NFL medical teams can't solve this injury (and essentially have an even better player) then maybe your doctors need to go back to med school. He is STILL my 2nd best defensive player in this entire draft and teams will look back in regret.

Hilarious Analysis of Yesterday:
I love Jon Gruden as much as anyone else. But his analysis on Jake Locker is downright hilarious. He called Jake Locker a "winner". Let's review Jake Locker's record at Washington...Senior Year (7-6)--Junior (5-7)--Sophomore (0-12)--Frosh(4-9). That would be ONE bowl appearance. Does that really look like a winner to you? Not to mention Locker couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat with his awful accuracy and robotic mechanics. Although if you get him the right coach he's got the arm and athleticism to be a solid project.

What I'm looking for tonight...

• Where is Ryan Mallett going to go? He's the most NFL-ready QB in this draft.
• Will the Broncos FINALLY address the defensive line?
• What will the Patriots do with their plethora of picks?
• Who's going to snag Da'Quan?
• What team is going to take the next step? Every year, because of the draft a new good team emerges in the NFL.

Stare, Squint, Nod (FINAL)

Note: The selections are based not on need, not on who I think WILL be taken...but who SHOULD be taken. Hence Ryan Mallet so high...he is in my opinion the best QB in this draft.

1.     Carolina- Cam Newton QB Auburn
2.      Denver- Patrick Peterson CB LSU
3.      Buffalo- Marcell Dareus DL Alabama
4.      Cincinnati- A.J. Green WR Georgia
5.       Arizona- Von Miller DE/OLB Texas A&M
6.       Cleveland- Da’Quan Bowers DL Clemson
7.       San Francisco- Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
8.       Tennessee- Nick Fairley DT Auburn
9.       Dallas- Tyron Smith OL USC
10.   Washington- Julio Jones WR Alabama
11.   Houston- Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska
12.   Minnesota- Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
13.   Detroit- Akeem Ayers LB UCLA
14.   St. Louis- Anthony Castonzo OL Boston College
15.   Miami- Jake Locker QB Washington
16.   Jacksonville- Robert Quinn DL North Carolina
17.   New England- Corey Liuget DL Illinois
18.   San Diego- Ryan Kerrigan DL Purdue
19.   NY Giants- Nate Solder OL Colorado
20.   Tampa Bay- J.J. Watt DL Wisconsin
21.   Kansas City- Aldon Smith DE/OLB Missouri
22.   Indianapolis- Stephen Paea DT Oregon State
23.   Philadelphia- Gabe Carimi OL Wisconsin
24.   New Orleans- Danny Watkins OL Baylor
25.   Seattle- Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa
26.   Baltimore- Brandon Harris CB Miami (FL)
27.   Atlanta- Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois
28.   New England- Mark Ingram RB Alabama
29.   Chicago- Mike Pouncey OL Florida
30.   NY Jets- Muhammed Wilkerson DL Temple
31.   Pittsburgh- Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
32.   Green Bay- Drake Nevis DL LSU

Don't Call It A Comeback

The west coast road trip seemed to invigorate the Sox. They won 5 of the 6 games on the left coast including their first four-game sweep on the road over the Angels since 1980 (I was -9 years old). The pitching has been stellar, and at times the offense showed signs of breaking out. The offense isn't there yet but there has been improvement.

The batting average has jumped up to .239 (still not very good). They have climbed the ladder (now in top 15 in runs scored) because of the at-bats they are putting together. The Sox (led by Youk) are tied with the Mariners as the best in baseball at drawing walks. This is giving them plenty of chances to drive in runs.

The pitching...simply amazing. You can't expect this current streak to continue, but their ERA has lowered from 6.77 to 4.50. A SIGNIFICANT improvement. The starters are going deep into games and the bullpen has been very well rested. Also, Jonathan Papelbon is looking a lot more like the guy of old...and not the one from the last 2 seasons (ironic that it happens in a contract year). Buchholz has really been the only guy that still appears to be laboring out there...but don't expect Dice-K to keep this up. Lackey on the other hand seems to have a nastiness on the mound to him as of late...and Beckett went into a hot-tub time machine to 2007.

The Sox will have three in Baltimore against the Birds and three back at the fens against Seattle. Let's take a look at how they stack up...

The Orioles (8-12 5th AL East) are the worst pitching staff that the Sox will have faced so far this season. Although, the Sox will see their 2 best, including young lefty Zach Britton who could give them fits as well as the consistent Jeremy Guthrie. Later on in the game, the O's turn to Koji Uehara and Mike Gonzalez (lefty) to set up for Kevin Gregg. This is a bullpen that can be smacked around. The Sox should really look to work counts and get guys like Britton and Guthrie out ASAP.

Their offense is also nothing to write home about. A .230 team batting average. They are in the top 10 in home runs but are dead last in both walks and stolen bases, which are very good indicators for the Red Sox. Their best hitter, average wise is Brian Roberts (hitting just .279), he also leads them with 15 RBI. And at the plate the power is more diverse than usual. Adam Jones is their leader with 4 big flies, but don't forget about Vlad Guerrero and Mark Reynolds (who either strikes out or hits it out it seems).

The Mariners (8-15 4th in AL West) are the worst offensive team in the American League...it seems they always are. They are not a threat for the long ball, and their main weapon is getting on base via the walk, tied as best in the bigs with the Sox. They do run often, good enough for top 10 in baseball, led by Ichiro (8 steals) and they also have Chone Figgins. Ichiro is also far and away their best hitter (.309) but watch out for 1B Justin Smoak who is swinging the bat a lot better. No one on the team has more than 3 HRs.

The pitching is more formidable. The Sox will see the reigning AL Cy Young Winner Felix Hernandez, who is off to a somewhat slow start but always seems to raise his game against the Red Sox. Fans should be disappointed they don't get the treat of seeing M's stud rookie Michael Pineda who has electric stuff. The M's staff has done a nice job keeping the ball in the yard (although that could be attributed to the park they play in). The bullpen is also an adventure for Seattle. Closer Brandon League (Sox fans may remember from Toronto) is a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances, but other than that who knows. The veteran Jamey Wright, Chris Ray, and lefty Aaron Laffey will be seen near the end.

The Sched:

 at Orioles (3 games)
Tues: RHP Clay Buchholz (1-2 5.31 ERA) vs. LHP Zach Britton (3-1 3.16 ERA)
Wed: RHP Josh Beckett (2-1 1.93 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (1-3 3.12 ERA)
Thur: LHP Jon Lester (2-1 2.59 ERA) vs. RHP Brad Bergeson (0-3 5.40 ERA)

vs. Mariners (3 games)
Fri: LHP Jason Vargas (0-2 5.53 ERA) vs. RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-2 4.09 ERA)
Sat: RHP Doug Fister (1-3 3.19 ERA) vs. RHP John Lackey (2-2 6.35 ERA)
Sun: RHP Felix Hernandez (2-2 3.38 ERA) vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (1-2 5.31 ERA)

Forecast: 4-2 Week.
2 out of 3 vs. O's
2 out of 3 vs. M's

Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark

 In my best Harry Doyle voice, "Good news fans! The Red Sox are showing signs of life for the first time this season." This week, we will see not one, but two John Lackey starts! As the A's and Angels try to hit against him next. And why not? Judging by his 15.58 ERA everyone else in the league does! Okay, Doyle impression over.

The Sox needed a spark, like the Bruce Springsteen song, "you can't start a fire without a spark". And Mr. Jed Lowrie may have done that. After a tough loss on Friday night, the sox ripped off three straight over the turf birds. Even Daisuke imagined he was pitching in the World Baseball Classic for a day!

Back to Lowrie, he is showing that he has much to offer the sox from the right-side of the plate. I am not sure if this is warranting him starting every day at SS, but certainly should be in the lineup everyday against left-handed pitchers--which the Sox will see two VERY good ones in Oakland the next two days. Lowrie still does not offer a steady hand defensively, but he definitely provided that spark they needed. Last year, it was Darnell McDonald, this year maybe Lowrie is that guy.

In addition, the pitching the last three days has been very encouraging. Beckett was very good again, Lester was good not great, and Dice-K was the anti-hiroshima. They have gotten at least 6 innings the last three days from their starters. That has lightened the load on the bullpen, and ever since the Jenks blow up on Friday the bullpen allowed only a garbage time run to the Jays today.

This road trip is going to be a tough one. Oakland is a very solid team with pitching that keep them in every game. They sit at 8-8 for 3rd place in the west. Offensively, they do not have many guys that are going to frighten you with power, which is a welcome relief after facing the powerful Jays. The A's are hitting .236 on the season, bad enough for 23rd in baseball! They are also among the majors worst with just 7 home runs (matching Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies),

However...we get to the pitching. And that ERA of 2.59 is the best in baseball as of the moment. They pound the strike zone and they miss bats. In addition the Sox will see two of their best starters. In the pen, closer Andrew Bailey is injured. Those duties have been turned over to the always shaky Brian Fuentes, and in front of him is the Sox former buddy from the Rays Grant Balfour. Conor Jackson is leading the A's with a .296 average and overall their biggest run producer has been Josh Willingham with his 3 HRs and 10 RBI. But nothing too scary.

Then our good friends from the OC will host the Sox. As of today, they are tied in first place in the west with a 10-5 record. Although that will change for the better or worse depending on how they do in Texas before the Sox come to town. They have a team average of .265 (not bad), 10th in baseball. Also, they are among the leaders in baseball with the longball--yet surprisingly don't run as much as past Mike Scoscia teams--which I believe bodes well for the Sox.

The Sox go from the team with the best ERA in baseball, to the team with the 2nd best! Although, the Sox do get a break, they will miss Jered Weaver's turn in the rotation. Haren has shut down stuff, so does Santana (who also has blow-up stuff). Matt Palmer, the Game 4 starter is making his first start of the season and should be a battering ram. At the dish, Torii Hunter and Howie Kendrick are off to a good start producing runs, and Maicier Izturis and Erick Aybar are doing a nice job setting the table. The Sox need to keep the speedsters mentioned above and Peter Bourjos off the bases this series.

Looking ahead, I forecast the Sox going 3-3 during this west coast trip. I think they will lose both in Oakland, then take 3 of 4 from the Halos.

Le Schedule...

at Oakland (2 games)
Tue: RHP John Lackey (1-1 15.58 ERA) vs. LHP Brett Anderson (0-1 2.29 ERA) 10:05PM
Wed: RHP Clay Buchholz (0-2 6.60 ERA) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (2-0 0.47 ERA) 3:35PM

at LA Angels (4 games)
Thur: RHP Josh Beckett (2-1 1.80 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Chatwood (1-1 3.75 ERA) 10:05PM
Fri: LHP Jon Lester (1-1 3.20 ERA) vs. RHP Dan Haren (4-0 1.16 ERA) 10:05PM
Sat: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-2 6.43 ERA) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (0-1 3.74 ERA) 9:05PM
Sun: RHP John Lackey (1-1 15.58 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Palmer (0-0 7.71 ERA) 3:35PM

Sox Report

I'm going to try and get a weekly/bi-weekly sox report going. Everyone is unhappy with the 2-9 start but really when you look at the numbers it's not surprising. Yes, players are underachieving, but when you watch the Sox play, right now, they look like a 2-9 team!

They are hitting .230 as a team (among the worst in baseball) with Youk (.182), Crawford (.152), Ellsbury (.189), and Scutaro hitting a robust (.172). The only guys you can say have done a solid job are Pedroia (.366 and putting on a laser show) and J.D. Drew, who still looks lost against left-handers with a breaking ball; but has really been consistent so far for Boston.

They have a team ERA of 6.77 (almost a full run worse than ANYONE else in baseball). Leading that charge is good ole John Lackey (15.58--its never a good sign when your ERA is about as much as the millions of dollars you are making this year) and he somehow is leading Dice K (12.86). Overall leading the team is Rhode Island's own Dan Wheeler (loving the 18.90 out of the pen) and one of the biggest disappointments is how bad Daniel Bard has been (9.64 with 2 losses already).

If this continues some changes are going to have to be made, a fire is going to have to be lit under this team. I think that the Sox should seriously look at calling up one or both of OF Ryan Kalish (gave them a big boost last season) and SS Jose Iglesias from Pawtucket. Ellsbury isn't doing ANYTHING and Kalish gives you a little more pop, meanwhile Iglesias' bat is only getting better and his glove is already better than anything the sox have right now.

For pitching, Dice K needs to be designated for assignment or flat-out released, and I would like to see one of Felix Doubrount, Rich Hill, or Michael Bowden get a shot at the fifth spot.

Now a look ahead to the weekend--4 with the Turf Birds...

The Blue Jays are managed by former Redsox pitching coach John Farrell (in his first season). They are 6-6 on the season. Last year they led the majors in home runs (including 54 from Jose Bautista). So far this season, they are 10th in MLB with a .266 BA, are not quite on the same pace of HRs as they were last season but still boast power potential but are a bet for some strikeouts as they do not walk very much. Early on their biggest threat at the plate has been Jose Bautista, but watch out for Edwin Encarnacion (1b/3b) and J.P. Arencibia (C) who could make the monster their personal playground.

The team ERA is 3.07, good enough for 6th in the majors and at the end of the game they turn it over to Right handers Jon Rauch (closer) and Jason Frasor (set-up man). 

Friday-Brett Cecil LHP 0-1 (7.20 ERA) vs. Clay Buchholz RHP 0-2 (7.20 ERA) 7PM
Saturday- Jo-Jo Reyes LHP 0-1 (5.23 ERA) vs. Josh Beckett RHP 1-1 (2.08 ERA) 1PM
Sunday- Jesse Litsch RHP 1-0 (2.38 ERA) vs. Jon Lester LHP 0-1 (3.72 ERA) 1:30PM
Monday- Ricky Romero LHP 1-1 (1.62 ERA) vs. Hiroshima Matsuzaka RHP 0-2 (12.86 ERA) 11AM

I will say the sox split the series.

NBA Playoffs (Western Conference)

Now to the West...

Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio Spurs
-The Grizzlies would have matched up a little better with the Lakers, they really screwed themselves by resting players and not pushing for the 7 spot but here they are...in the playoffs! The Spurs are soooo old. Are they pulling a Boston and taking it easy until the playoffs? Well, they are here and they are taking on an extremely athletic team that is going to try and get up and down. Had Rudy Gay been healthy I might have seriously contemplated picking the upset. But it will still be a good series.

Spurs in 7

Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
-I am biased. I like the Nuggets, or as my friend Jordan says, the "Knuggets". There are so many options on this team to score that it's tough to defend...but there isn't that one guy that you know is going to get it done in the clutch (not that I think Melo was that guy either). OKC is everyone's darling right now, some thinking they are good enough to come out of the west...I don't think they are ready for that and will be in a dog fight in this series. But they can match Denver athletically, and have the best player (actually two best) in the series.

Thunder in 7

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
-There's a reason everyone in the playoffs wanted the Mavericks in the first round. They are very vulnerable. Portland has seen LaMarcus Aldridge emerge as a star and someone that can compliment Brandon Roy very well. On the other side, Dallas has Dirk. Can Dirk carry the Mavs through this series? He's going to have too, but I think Portland will be able to steal one in Dallas and close it out.

Blazers in 6

New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
-Don't worry about the Lakers, they simply got bored at the end of the year. The Hornets are without David West and haven't been the same kind of team since he left. The Lakers have an overwhelming advantage inside and some guy named Kobe. I think that the Lakers will try to feature Gasol, Bynum, and Odom and try to conserve Kobe for future rounds when they will need him more. Chris Paul will steal a game though.

Lakers in 5

NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference)

It's time for those NBA playoff predictions. Everyone's got their predictions, this is mine. Last season I picked the Mavericks to play the Magic for the title, if that's any indication--the Lakers and Celtics are in trouble.

Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
-The Pacers have the worst record of any team in the playoffs. They have been better since firing Jim O'Brien earlier in the year so they deserve credit for that. But the buck stops here. All everyone is talking about is that this Bulls team has never won a playoff series. It's not much of a big deal when you play a team like Indiana...Bulls will overwhelm.

Bulls in 4

Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
-The Hawks had the opportunity during the offseason to let Joe Johnson go and not may him a max contract. They failed...and wouldn't ya know it he's having his worst season as a Hawk. The Magic are somewhat flying under the radar and are more like the team two years ago than last season. I'll say this is another sweep.

Magic in 4

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
-Haven't we seen this before? The Celtics look like crap at the end of the year, resting players. Oh, no, they are too old. Yet this team is better than last year. I know Perkins is gone, but that didn't seem to stop them at the start of the year. Last year the questions were about Garnett and Pierce's health and the bench was horrendous. This year the question is Shaq. The bench (with Jeff Green, Glen Davis, Delonte West, and Jermaine O'Neal) is much more formidable. The Knicks don't play defense. Melo will shoot like 7-for-25 a night and they will be gone.

Celtics in 5

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
-I'm not going to lie. I haven't seen a single 76ers game all year. Everyone says they are a poor man's Miami, with great athleticism and little down low to take advantage of the Heat's weakness. I don't think there is enough to stay with Miami for a series, but you know a Doug Collins team is going to be very tough. This will be the first look at the super friends in the playoffs and it will be fun to see how they will share the ball in a close game, because the Miami Heat look too much to me like the Cleveland Cavaliers of years past.

Heat in 5

Top 15 Sports Moments of My Lifetime (5-1)

If this is the first one you are seeing and would like suspense...quick close your eyes and scroll on down to the part 1.

5. 2001 World Series Game 7 Yankees-Diamondbacks
Date: November 7th, 2001

-The World Series, pushed back into November because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was one of the best ever. It touched those who were most closely affected by the tragedies in New York and gave anyone with a pulse chills. The Yankees and Diamondbacks were tied at 3 games a piece for a Game 7 in the desert. Two legends...Curt Schilling vs. Roger Clemens on the mound...a dynasty (New York) and an upstart (Arizona). After the game was even through seven innings at 2...young Alfonso Soriano launched a shot into the Arizona night and into the left field stands to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

The dynasty looked like it would continue. It was going to be their 4th straight World Series. Mariano Rivera was coming in for a two-inning save, "fuggetaboutit". Then in the Bottom of the Ninth something funny happened. Rivera got hit. And he threw the ball away. And he hit a batter. After a Tony Womack single tied the game and Craig Counsell was plunked to load the bases...Luis Gonzalez stepped up to the plate. With the infield in, Gonzalez got jammed by the famed Rivera cutter and lifted it just barely onto the outfield grass plating the winning run and ending the Yankees run.

4. Mark McGwire Breaks Maris' Record
Date: September 8, 1998

-More Baseball. We talked about how Ripken's streak helped bring baseball back...well the summer of '98 and the Sosa-McGwire home run chase did the rest. It was a frantic time of checking Sportscenter every morning to see what McGwire and Sosa did the night before...how close were they getting to the record. On a fox special a tuesday night game between the Cubs and the Cardinals was televised from St. Louis. McGwire was on 61 home runs...tying him with Maris.

As flash bulbs went off for every single pitch he faced...finally in his second at-bat in the 4th inning, McGwire made contact. While most of his HRs were moonshots, this was a low line drive heading into the left field corner. It just cleared the top of the wall. And Joe Buck yelled, "62!". As the Maris family was there to greet him, players on both teams, including Sosa (who would also surpass Maris) congratulated McGwire on the amazing accomplishment. While today, this is no longer the record (Bonds has it) and drug allegations have tarnished what happened, this moment will never change for those who witnessed it. The feeling in that moment was that you witnessed something truly great.

3. Gum on the Helmet- Super Bowl XLII
Date: February 3rd, 2008

-The New England Patriots finished an undefeated regular season. They were playing the New York Giants in the Super Bowl (a team they had beaten about a month earlier) in Glendale, Arizona. They were 12 point favorites and were poised to finish off the best season in NFL history. But the Giants played with tenacity and grit that the Patriots hadn't dealt with all season. They smacked Brady and the record-breaking offense around.

Despite this, the Patriots held the lead late in the fourth quarter as Eli Manning attempted to lead the Giants on a winning drive. With 2:39 left on their own 14, it looked unlikely to happen. On a 3rd and 5 from their 44 yard line, Manning got pressure that he somehow broke free of, he floated the ball in the air for what seemed like minutes. Leaping up about 30 yards down field was little-used WR David Tyree. He reached up and caught the ball with one hand and his helmet while Rodney Harrison committed everything short of rape on the receiver trying to get the ball away. He held on. Three plays later, Manning found Plaxico Burress in the left corner of the endzone for the touchdown to win the game and end the Patriots dream. It most likely does not happen without a catch that could only be described as an act of God.

2. Michael Jordan's (Real) Last Shot
Date: June 14, 1998

-The most legendary athlete of my lifetime is without question Michael Jordan. Basketball was good, but he made it great. He made the big shots, won the big games, and had a competitiveness and will to win that no one has surpassed. A player is not considered great until he does what Jordan did. Make the clutch shots. Jordan did that better than anyone, and there's not one (during my lifetime) that stands out more than his final shot as a Chicago Bull.

Already having five championship rings, the Bulls were looking to win their third straight title and complete their second "three-peat" of the decade. In their way was the gritty Utah Jazz at the Delta Center. With the Bulls up 3-2 in the series the Jazz looked like they had the game wrapped up and were in good position to force a Game 7. With less than thirty seconds left, Karl Malone had the ball down low looking to ice the game away, when Jordan crashed down on the double team and stripped the Mailman of the ball. Michael dribbled up court. Took a look at the clock, ran it down and ran isolation against Byron Russell of Utah. Jordan drove right, crossed back over to his left and stopped on a dime...pulled up and buried the open jumper with five seconds left as he stood and hung his perfect follow-through.

1. "Redsox fans have longed to hear it..."
Date: Late October, 2004

-There was no team more tortured, no fan base more hurt than the Boston Redsox. They were cursed, they could never win another World Series because of the "Curse of the Bambino". Chants of "1918" would consistently ring out at Yankee Stadium...and after the epic collapse of 2003 in the playoffs...it seemed as though there might be some truth to the whole thing. Then 2004 happened. The curse was reversed.

The Redsox rallied from a three games to none deficit (the first team ever to do so) in the 2004 ALCS to conquer their rivals and "daddy" New York Yankees. It was a Game 4 stolen base by Dave Roberts and base hit by Bill Mueller to tie it. Then a David Ortiz home run into the bullpen to force a Game 5. Then it was Ortiz again with a key home run to tie the game and a jam-shot base hit to center field to send the series back to New York. It was the bloody sock in Game 6 by Curt Schilling that will long live as legend in Boston. Then it was the Game 7 shalacking in the House That Ruth Built by a bunch of "idiots" that completed the greatest comeback ever.

The actual World Series? Pretty anti-climatic. A sweep of the Cardinals.

"Back to Foulke...Redsox fans have longed to hear it...the Boston Redsox...are World Champions". Just typing those words give me chills to this day. I witnessed it. Something many of my family members who were Redsox fans never got to see. They did it. And there is almost definitely no moment that can happen in the world of sports that will EVER pass this. And most Redsox fans feel the same.

Cheers.

Top 15 Sports Moments of My Lifetime (10-6)

10. Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig's Iron Man Streak
Date: September 6, 1995

-This along with another moment later in the countdown helped bring baseball back. Cal Ripken went 2,632 straight games without sitting out. It stretched from 1982-1998. He played SS and 3B, played for 8 different managers in that span!

What made the streak so memorable and respected was that Cal was just your ordinary human being. He was like any other person, going to work every day. He played hurt, he played sick. He played in big games, games that didn't matter, games that were memorable. But what he always did, everyday for almost 16 years was go out there and play.

9. Syracuse and UConn Play Six Overtimes
Date: March 12, 2009

-It was just a ho-hum night during championship week. A pretty good game looked to be on in the Big East tourney between 6-seed Syracuse and 3-seed Connecticut. 3 Hours and 46 Minutes later it would end as maybe the most memorable college basketball game of my life. The final score was Syracuse 127 Connecticut 117...in SIX overtimes. The final whistle would blow at 1:22 AM. Orange Guard Johnny Flynn played 67 minutes (about two full games for most college starters)

Flynn finished with 34 points, Paul Harris scored 29 and grabbed 22 rebounds. For UConn, A.J. Price scored 33 and the Huskies blocked a total of 16 shots. At the end of regulation, as the buzzer went off in a tied game, Orange Senior Eric Devendorf appeared to win the game with a fadeaway three. However, the play was reviewed and overturned as he just barely did not get it off before the red light went on. It would take six overtime periods to decide the longest game in Big East history.

8. 2003 League Chokes Series'
Date: October 14-16, 2003

-It looked like everyone's dream world series was going to happen. No way. The Redsox and Cubs...in the world series?! Too good to be true it sounded...well...it was. The Cubs led the series against the Marlins 3-2 and jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 8th inning of Game 6 with their ace Mark Prior as sharp as could be. Then Steve Bartman interfered with a ball that Moises Alou had a 10% chance of catching and caused Alou and the rest of the Cubs to lose their cool. The Marlins scored 8 runs in the eighth inning...and overcame ANOTHER 2-run deficit in Game 7 to shock Wrigley and the Cubs...curses.

Oh but we are not done. October 16th was the night. A night that will haunt my dreams forever. Redsox leading 5-2 in the Bottom of the 8th at Yankee Stadium. A leadoff pop-out...the sox were 5 outs away from going to the world series. Then all hell broke lose. After the Yankees cut the lead to two, Redsox manager Grady Little gave Pedro Martinez the old pat on the back. Posada hit a bloop shot that scored two, as Yankee Stadium literally shook and tears flowed down my face. I knew it was over. But Aaron Boone punctuated it with a home run off a Tim Wakefield knuckler.

7. Texas-USC Rose Bowl/National Championship
Date: January 4th, 2006

-Number one defending champion USC battled number two Texas in the Rose Bowl for all the marbles. It was not only a fantastic game but the last one ever called by the legendary Keitrh Jackson. Arguably the three best players in college football at the time, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush (USC) and Vince Young (Texas) squared off on the most sacred ground. The game started off a little slow but from about the middle of the Second Quarter on...there was no better game.

Back and forth the two teams went. Big players making big plays. USC went for the jugular on 4th and 2 just past midfield. They had success running all night. Not this time. Texas got inside penetration and stopped RB LenDale White just shy of the first down marker and turned the ball over to Texas. Trailing 38-33 Vince Young led a masterful drive with his arm and legs with just 2:13 remaining. The 4th and 5 from the 9 yard line with less than 20 seconds left play found the ball in Young's hands...he looked, saw no one open, and dashed for the corner of the endzone...and scored capping what was an incredible game.

6. John Elway Gets the Monkey Off His Back
Date: January 25, 1998

-It was the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers for the Super Bowl in San Diego, CA. The Broncos had lost their previous four super bowls by a combined 163-50. They were decided underdogs against Favre and the juggernaut Packers. But the night would be fortuitous for the Broncos. Denver led by three at the half but were facing questions after star running back Terrell Davis left with a migraine headache.

He returned in the second half. During a key 2nd half, 92 yard drive John Elway of 37 years young dove for the first-down. He was hit so hard, sandwiched between two Packers he flipped and looked much like a Helicopter. This was the defining moment of the game and maybe of Elway's brilliant career. Behind Davis' 157 yards and 3 TDs the Broncos pulled the upset 31-24. In the postgame, Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen held up the trophy and shouted into the microphone, "This one's for John!".

Top 5 upcoming....

Top 15 Sports Moments of My Lifetime (15-11)

These are sports moments that have happened in my lifetime that I can remember watching. If it happened in 1989 (year I was born) through 1992, chances are I do not remember watching it (so Laettner shot is out).

Here's the list...

15. Brett Favre on Monday Night Football
Date: December 22, 2003

-Normally I can't stand the man but this is worth mentioning. His father had died over the weekend and leading up to the game there was question would he play? Should he play? He did play. And it was maybe the most impressive of his illustrious career. Favre went into Oakland on a Monday Night in front of the whole country and looked fantastic. Favre threw for 399 yards and 4 TDs in a 41-7 shalacking of the Raiders. He was perfect.

14. Boise State-Oklahoma 2007 Fiesta Bowl
Date: January 1, 2007

-It was the little guy vs. the big bully. David vs. Goliath. And boy it was amazing. After Boise State jumped out quick to an early lead, Oklahoma made a frantic comeback in the 2nd half and after a pick-six with 1:02 left to give Oklahoma a touchdown lead it looked like it was over. But then on a fourth down and long Boise State pulled out a hook...and then a ladder...and receiver Jerard Rabb rumbled down the sideline 36 yards and dove into the endzone to tie the game with 7 seconds remaining.

After OU scored at the start of overtime, another fourth down, and more trickery! A running back pass into the endzone put the Broncos within 1. They knew they couldn't keep playing with the Sooners. So they went for the win. They faked a WR screen they ran earlier in the season on a two-point conversion and QB Zabransky handed it off behind his back to RB Ian Johnson. The Statue of Liberty worked, and they shocked the world as Johnson ran in for two...and proceeded to propose to his cheerleader girlfriend.

13. Dale Earnhardt Dies
Date: February 18, 2001

-Racing wouldn't be something that would be on this list you would think. But the death of a legend, on his playing field (or track) is of note. On the final lap on the Daytona 500 Earnhardt was trying to protect his two teammates (Michael Waltrip and Dale Jr.) who were in 1st and 2nd respectively, but around a turn he was clipped between Sterling Marlin and Ken Schraeder. His car abruptly slammed into the wall which did not look like too bad of a crash.

However, hours later it was announced that NASCAR had lost Dale Earnhardt. Maybe the most tragic moment in sports of my lifetime.

12. Appalachian State upsets Michigan
Date: September 1, 2007

-It was the opening week of the 2007 season. Michigan was a top-5 team preseason and they had a cupcake coming in to get them warmed up...or so they thought. Div-1aa (or FCS) team Appalachian State arrived at the Big House with bad intentions. They jumped all over Michigan early, led by QB Armanti Edwards (now a Carolina Panthers WR) but the Wolverines clawed back into it. With 110,000 looking on, Michigan had a relatively short field goal attempt coming up for the win. It was going to be the last play of the game.

Trailing 34-32 the snap was good, the hold good, the kick...BLOCKED. It was blocked by the Mountaineers (not the West Virginia ones) and it concluded the greatest upset in the history of college football. A loss that the Michigan program is still yet to overcome.

11. Mike Tyson goes nomnomnom on Holyfield
Date: June 28, 1997

- Mike Tyson told us he would eat the opposing Boxer's children. He told a reporter he wanted to throw down his kid and stomp on his testicles. He even said that if Jesus were here he would fight him too. Well, it seems as though he wasn't kidding after this.

In their previous bout, Holyfield had defeated Tyson and taken his belt away. In the rematch, Holyfield was again frustrating Tyson and this time Tyson couldn't hold himself back. In the middle of the third round while locked up, Tyson bit a small chunk out of Holyfield's ear and spit it out on the ring floor. Either too shocked or in denial what had just occurred, Miles Lane allowed the fight to continue after a delay. The next time they got locked up...Tyson bit the man again...on his other ear! This was the last straw, the match was ended, Tyson disqualified and the fall from grace continued.

More to come!