Sports Update

...so Djokovic won the men's title in Melbourne...

...the Raptors had a tremendous comeback in the final seconds of regulation vs. Washington tonight, reminiscent of Mo Pete/Michael Ruffin last year...but except this time, TO choked in OT...

...the Minnesota Timberwolves would've completed a jaw dropping victory over the over-rated Celtics the other night, had it not been for former team member Kevin Garnett's arrogant steal in the dying seconds...

...the NHL All-Star Game was boring...

...Met's land Johan Santana...more details to come...

...Orioles refuse to give away Canadian ace Erik Bedard for Seattle prospect Adam Jones...

...Harry and I are doing our show tomorrow at 6:30 as usual, we'll be covering the NHL All-Star weekend and wrapping up an Aussie Open that flabbergasted many...

...it's 10:56 PM and I better get to bed...

-D

Gasp...08 Aussie Open Shocks Pundits

What is happening in Melbourne??!!

No Williams Sisters in finals, no Bryan Brothers, no Justine Henin, no Nadal...and most jaw-dropping of all...where’s the unbeatable, untouchable, out of this world ROGER FEDERER?

After 13 days of extraordinary upsets and some intense matches, the finalists have been decided for the 2008 Australian Open. First on the women’s circuit, it will be an alluring Russia v. Serbia match between No.5 seed Maria Sharapova and No.4 seed Ana Ivanovic. That’s right, a certain Belgian didn’t make it; in fact, she got “owned” by Sharapova in the quarterfinal round, nor could that American defending champion from the 07 slam make in second in a row.

If you expected some repeats in the less watched doubles tennis, I’ve got stunning news too. The female pair that won it all this year? Not those Chinese, nor were they Cara Black and Liezel Huber, this year...a pair of unseeded Ukrainian sister, Alyona and Kateryna Bondarenko, took home the title. We’re just getting started on this chain of surprises.

So what about the men’s side then? The news in that camp were even more astonishing. In what is one of the most pleasant Cinderella stories in recent tennis history, a Muhammed Ali look-alike, who entered the tournament as an underdog, a long shot, an unseeded kid has plowed his way through the early rounds knocking off several “big boys” with that same Ali audacity and fearlessness. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France has been the story of late around Melbourne Park. The number 38 ranked 22 year old has improbably earned himself a place on the court in Rod Laver Arena in this year’s men’s finals.

Alright then, the underdog story’s always nice…but he can’t stand a chance against “one of the game’s greatest of all time” in a skilled Swiss, can he? Wait…he won’t be facing that “skilled Swiss” ‘cause someone already delivered the knockout blow to that guy. What? Yes...Roger Federer, a finalist in the last 10 consecutive Grand Slams, has failed to advance to the AO championship match. This time, a blossoming star in a man they call “the Djoker” managed to oust the Fed Express!

The predictability of tennis has gotten so out of shape...which is a good thing by the way...that I’ve vowed, along with my co-host for HD Sports to never forecast the result of these tournees again. I love sports for its sheer ambiguity and no where else is this unpredictability more evident than at the 2008 Australian Open!

We’ve just been drilled with a hard to forget reminder that even the strongest will weaken at times and that perhaps is a sign that we should never indulge ourselves in blatantly expecting the obvious. The Bryan Brothers, the most well-known pair in doubles tennis were the No. 1 seeds who looked to have had this tournament locked up as well. What happened? Let’s just say they had to book their return flight a little bit earlier than expected. So as a shocked yet excited tennis world gets ready to witness some unlikely duels and strange combinations of opponents, no one knows what’s drama will unfold on Rod Laver, Vodafone and Margaret Court Arenas.

Hey, anything could happen...and whatever happens, this tournament will be fondly remembered for its weird turn of events. On second thought, the surprises pertinently complete a remarkable tournament which set records for remarkable attendance and remarkable time.

Like the Aussies would exclaim: “What a bloody awesome tournament it was!”

-D

**UPDATE: It’s just become official that Maria Sharapova has won the 2008 Australian Open Women’s Singles title. Looks like I missed the deadline by 5 minutes. Oops...if I were a real writer, I’d be at risk for being fired right now. Good thing I’m not. Anyway, entertaining match with Maria and Ana! Congrats to the former!!

Aussie Open Update

In about 5 minutes time, Day 8 of action of the 08 Australian Open will begin in Melbourne.

World number 1, the "Fed Express" tries to regain his dominance on this Plexicushion after a 5-set, 4 hour thriller in Round 3. Lleyton Hewitt is rested after dueling with Marcos Baghdatis a herculean match that took 4 hours and 42 minutes to decide the winner. By the time that was over on Sunday morning, it was 4:30 AM in Austrlia. Lleyton, the only hometown hero remaining in the tournee will look to defeat 3rd seed Novak Djokovic.

Also on tap today in Melbourne: Battle of the Spaniards as Juan Carlos Ferrero go head to head with his good friend David Ferrer. Venus Williams will look to join his sister in the QFs, looking for a win in Rod Laver against Polishwoman Marta Domachowska. American James Blake will be in action as well at the MCA.

Again, a reminder that our radio show will be on air next Wednesday at 6:30 PM EST, talking up the Aussie Open matches. Hope you can join me and Harry!

It for now, time for tennis!

-D

Crunch Time!

September, October, November, December and now January, it's time for...

EXAMS!

Now that the tiringly stressful culminating activities have been dealt with, it's studying time!

Well...I'm not too worried about these end of semester tests 'cause I've been good at remembering stuff I learned. I'll just touch on a few details.

In the world of sports, the Aussie Open is still splashing the headlines.

Boy have there been major surprises!

How many times have we seen Federer go head to head with an unseeded player and almost losing? That's just what we saw last night in Rod Laver Arena as Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia put on a fight, though losing 7-6(5), 6-7(1), 7-5, 1-6, 8-10.

Women's number 2 seed Svetlana Kutzenova has been eliminated (in straight sets may I suggest), so has America's best chance Andy Roddick.

Some of the positives. The Williams sisters are charging deep into this tournament. Justin Henin has quietly made quick work of her opponents. My favourite Lleyton Hewitt has cruised into Round 4 of action.

On tap later today: Nalbanian v. JC Ferrero, Nadal v. PH Mathieu, Serena v. Vaidisova, Justin Henin v. S-W Hsieh, Davydenko v. Youzhny, Bryan Brothers in action as well.

Tune into our next radio show as we get you updated on all the tennis action from Melbourne. Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 PM at www.blogtalkradio.com/hdsports.

Raptors played great defense yesterday beating Atlanta, tonight, they're in Philly to take on Andre Iguodala and the 76ers.

-D

Raptors Win! Raptors Win! Raptors Win!

Boy, what a game!!

116-109, Raptors down the Trailblazers!

In double OT!

What a game it was! The indefatigable Calderon, Bosh and Parker dynamically beat the deft Brandon Roy and his Trailblazers. It wasn't easy, but it goes to show what excitement basketball brings!

A few things I noticed during the game:

1. Portland's core group of guys are young and they will be scary when these kids stick together during their prime!

2. Rasho Nesterovic isn't very agile.

3. Calderon is deceptively good at shooting the three ball.

4. Atta boy, Roy! He's an amazing athlete, clutch, speedy and tough as steel!

5. Bargnani's having a tough time nailing shots.

Alright, it for now, lookin' forward to game vs. Chauncey Billups and the gang in Detroit on Tuesday!

-D

Australian Open 2008

The Aussie Grand Slam Open will begin in one day.

There are a lot of seeded no names in this tournament. The field's pretty interesting and I think we have to get ready for some upsets.

I don't want to write too much about this topic cause on Harry and I's show, we're going to cover the Australian Open on Wednesday, January 16th at 6:30 PM!! Again, the link is: www.blogtalkradio.com/hdsports! Hope you can tune in.

My picks for this year: Roger Federer and Justin Henin.

-D

Class of 2008

During every annual holiday rush, baseball writers across the continent hold the power in lifting the drawbridge into the hallowed castle of baseball legends. In more realistic terms, they get to fill in the year-in, year-out, always controversial, uniquely exciting, rarely predictable Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ballot.

Unlike the 2007 Ballot on which there were 2 classy and incomparable candidates who were shoo-ins, guarantees and assurances are things that cannot be promised for the ‘08 HOF election. Writers have to think about it extra hard this time around.

At this point in the game’s history, a shameful steroid crisis is occurring and needless to say, makes even the most veteran writers dubious when it comes to checking off debatable names. As one voting member puts it: “For me, the ballot is a year-round brain-buster; the drug questions turn it into a migraine.” He’s right. At what point in time and to what level of certainty can you differ right from wrong when it comes to the “drug question”? Baseball might have seen a record year in revenue, attendance and milestones but sadly, the bar of integrity and passion in the game have been slapped down so hard and so low, it has almost disappeared.

I don’t consider a man like Mark McGwire cheaters because technically, he broke zero rules and zero laws. I’m not going to make judgments solely based on a third-party report. However, the fact he didn’t do anything illegal doesn’t mean his actions were exemplary. Then again, even before the “steroid issue” entered the baseball dictionary, Mark McGwire was already one of the most feared sluggers in the game. On the contrary of that, he lacks the role model character that also plays a part in determining electability. This dilemma is going to give me nightmares!

Fortunately, the ballot does not consist entirely of names like Mark McGwire. Last year, I checked 10 names on the facile ballot. Now, more arduously, here are my pondered picks for the toilsome 2008 ballot:

1. Bert Blyleven-Hands down, Blyleven belongs in the Hall. The man is fifth all time in strikeouts (3701), had 22 years of domination under his belt with his knee-buckling curveball, a career total of 13 wins short of 300, and a dazzling postseason ERA of 2.47. His induction is long overdue!

2. Harold Baines-I’m checking off this respected name because he was incredibly consistent, having logged 8 seasons batting above .300 and not to mention coming up big when it was crucial (.324 in playoff). He was one of the prime batters of the 80’s and early 90’s. Anyway, how can you not enshrine a man whose 1628 RBIs is 10th in AL history?

3. Mark McGwire-The affirmative side won in this self-debate of “Big Mac Enshrinement”. I don’t see why McGwire should be held back from being enshrined when technically, no rules were broken by him in the process of an illustrious career. It was Major League Baseball who lacked action. It was Big Mac who touched a fan base that went beyond the Missouri stateline. He clobbered 583 homers (most not on roids if he even did them), and was a good sport. This is not an integrity argument, but an obligation to send Big Mac to Cooperstown because of all he’s done for the game.

4. Rich Gossage-Just 21 votes shy last year, “Goose” deserves a plaque in the hall as he was one of the pioneer dominating closers in baseball, having garnered 310 saves in his career which is tremendous for his era. Of course, that seemingly supersonic fastball adds to the impressive resume. Bruce Sutter’s in, Eck’s in, Fingers’ in, it’s time the writers showed some appreciation for Gossage as well.

5. Jim Rice-No reason to be pessimistic about the charitable #14. This may be his 14th year on the ballot but I can see him at the induction ceremony at the end of July. One of the best all-around hitters on the 70’s and 80’s, Rice also excelled with the leather and his defensive stats are comparable to that of the great Ted Williams. Only 9 other players rank above him in terms of both lifetime home runs and batting average, and all 9 are in Cooperstown. That stat alone should be enough to book him a ticket there this summer.

6. Andre Dawson-I think “the Hawk” is worthy of a vote. Why? Well, look at the 2774 hits, the 438 home runs (29th all time), the 1591 RBIs (28th all time), the 8 all-star berths, the 8 gold gloves, the Rookie of the Year and the MVP year (for a last place team). Dawson had a cannon for an arm and was one of the hardest workers in the entire league.

7. Chuck Finley-A southpaw with 200 wins, 2610 K’s, 5 all-start trips, and a devastating forkball, perhaps one of the best in the 90’s. Extraordinarily, Finley struck out 4 batters in one inning more than once. Finley accomplished this feat thrice! He deserves some appreciation for his workhorse career.

8. Lee Smith-I think 478 saves is enough to justify his deserving plaque. There aren’t many closers who are 7 time all stars. He re-defined the term closer in baseball with his sheer dominance and it is only fit that he is recognized for the new path Smith carved out for the generation of specialized closers that followed.

Tim Raines was left off the list because I just don’t see him as a first-ballot candidate. I like his numbers and probably will vote for him in the future. Raines was one of the most talented base stealers in the game, but that alone is short of first ballot material.

With the aid of this negatively political Mitchell Report, Hall of Fame voting has gotten to a point of complexity never before witnessed in baseball history and as far as I know, it is perhaps the most contentious in sports history. It is no longer just making the distinction between the heroes and the legends. It is no longer picking the great out of the good. It has gotten to a point so disputable we may have to build another wing in the Hall just for the “Steroid Era”.

-D

*****At 2 PM this afternoon, Baseball Hall of Fame President Dale Petrosky announced that on this ballot, Goose Gossage and Gossage's name only, will be inscripted into one of the plaques at Cooperstown later this summer. Having garnered 85.8 % of the 543 ballots cast, this looks like a repeat of the 2006 HOF Elections when closer Bruce Sutter and Sutter only, was let in to the hallowed castle.

Here's a video highlight of Goose Gossage from MLB.com: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?video=200612261767733

Later tonight or tomorrow, I will post up a detailed chart of how the voting panned out and some more thoughts on this election! (Talking about elections, New Hampshire primaries are today.)

-D

Ten Predictions of 2008

As a sports journalist, my inner crystal ball is telling me that there are 10 things on the verge of happening in 2008:

1. Roger Federer will be the victor of all 4 Grand Slam titles. Aussie, French, Wimbledon and US! Move over Pete Sampras, Federer is the King of Tennis!
2. Italy will capture the EuroCup 2008, proving to us once again, that Italy is now the envy of the soccer world!
3. Michael Phelps will win 8 gold in Beijing and become the poster boy of every magazine in the United States!
4. Canada, our home and native land, I sense, will bring home at least 20 medals from the 08 Olympics!
5. The Vancouver Canucks will take home the Stanley Cup! Finally, a Canadian team!
6. The San Antonio Spurs will for the second straight year be able to say: "We are the Champions!"
7. Writers and fans go mad in March as Florida State will repeat as NCAA Champions!
8. My idol sprinter, Jeremy Wariner, will break the Men's 400 M World Record (43".18 by Michael Johnson). Do I dare say in Beijing?
9. World Series? World Surprise! My guess: Houston Astros!
10. Canada will win gold at the 2008 World Men's Curling Championships! Who says no body watches curling?

I just want to state clearly that I have absolutely no control over any of the predictions I made. Time will tell how accurate my gut feelings are. Hey, if I go 10 for 10, maybe I should become a seer or something?

-D