Valentine Not a Popular Choice in Boston

The Boston Red Sox hired former Mets manager Bobby Valentine as their next head coach on Tuesday and already the Red Sox players are complaining.  Its now Wednesday, the day after.  Some players supposedly were told the team would not hire Valentine, but they did anyway.  One reason for the uproar is most likely due to the fact that Valentine is quite the contrast of coachs compared to Terry Francona (fired at the end of the season).  Francona was know to be a "players coach" and never really disiplined his players too much.  Valentine on the other hand is a hard nosed tell it how it is kind of coach.  In the past, he has used the media to call out multiple players.  I think this was a good hire, the Red Sox could use a little disipline especially after the beer drinking and chicken eating during a game incident that occured this season.  I'm just not so sure how much the players will like it.

The Assault on the NHL Begins

Sidney Crosby scores his first goal of the season Monday night just over 5 minutes into the game.  The Pens won 5-0.

Sidney Crosby made his return to NHL action in a big way monday night in Pittsburgh against the New York Islanders.  After not playing a game since January 5th because of a concussion, Crosby didn't miss a beat.  He recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in just over 15 minutes of ice time.  On his first shift he set up linemate Chris Kunitz for a backhander off the crossbar.  Not soon after, he scored his first goal of the season just over 5 minutes into the game.  He blew by a New York defender and roofed a sweet backhand shot over the glove hand of the goalie.  Crosby was noticable on every shift of the game, making things happen for himself and his teamates.  He even set up Brooks Orpik for a goal, only his third in 76 games.  Overall, the Pens looked awesome last night en route to their 5-0 victory.  With Jordan Staal emerging as an offensive threat this season, Evgeni Malkin playing like his old self, and Crosby coming back, the offense looks to be nearly unstoppable.  Along with the stars you have an outstanding supporting cast of role players such as Pascal Dupuis (17 points on the season), Matt Cooke, and Tyler Kennedy.  Couple the offense with a solid group of defensemen headed by Kris Letang, you have the makings of a Stanley Cup contender.  Oh ya and Marc-Andre Fleury posted his 21st career shutout last night too, good luck NHL.  

Falcons Risky Call Doesn't Pay Off

To call the Atlanta Falcon's 4th down call on Sunday risky would be an understatement.  Atlanta head coach Mike Smith elected to go for the first down on 4th down in overtime while they were on their own 30 yard line.  Granted, they only needed a few inches to get the first and have one of the biggest power running backs in the league; yet if you don't convert the other team (New Orleans Saint) just have to kick a field goal to win the game.  That's exactly what they did too!  Michael Turner could not convert the first down and the Falcons turned the ball over on downs.  A couple run plays later, the Saints won the game on a short field goal.  Game over.  The call was (and still is) being criticized by all the experts on ESPN.  While Coach Smith is known for his aggressive play, this may have crossed the line into stupidity. 

Atlanta running back Michael Turner gets stopped on 4th down on Sunday's game against the Saints.

Penn State Students Rowdy in Protest

In response to Penn State's firing of coaching legend Joe Paterno, students acted out in strong disagreement.  Bottles were thrown, vehicles were flipped, and policemen with pepper spray and riot shields were used.  I can understand some disagreement with the executive boards decision to fire the infamous coach of 45+ years, but come on people.  The man did not do all in his power (ethically) in response to one of his former collegues sex abuse allegations.  It's not like nobody in the world would have fired they guy, he is linked to a tremendous scandle and simply paid the price.  And hey, it was probably his last year anyways right?

Early Season Pens Report

While some NHL teams have yet to play their 10th game of the season, the Penguins have been busy playing 13 games in 23 days.  They have been by far the league's busiest team, playing as many as four games more than some teams.  This may be one of the reasons they sit on top the overall standings, but it is not the only reason.  The team has gotten off to a great start with eight wins and recieving 18 out of a possible 26 points (8-3-2).  They are doing all this with many injuries to key players such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Tyler Kennedy, Zbynek Michalek, and Brooks Orpik.  This is a tribute to general manager Ray Shero and his staff for putting together a team with phenomenal depth.  The team has gotten good offensive production from James Neal and Jordan Staal.  Neal has 9 goals, good for second in the league while Staal is on pace for career highs in both goals and points.  He seems to finally be developing his offensive game.  Evgeni Malkin has looked more like the player he was back in 2009 when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff mvp) but it remains to be seen how his sore knee will hold up.  Marc-Andre Fleury is playing very well and the defense led by Kris Letang is playing solid in front of him.  Couple this with good play from role players such as Pascal Dupuis, Matt Cooke, and Joe Vitale the Pens look like serious Cup contenders once again this year.  Now lets just get Sid back. 

 

Chris Johnson's Struggles Agravating More Than Just Titans

Former NFL rushing leader Chris Johnson is having a bad year.  Maybe bad year is an understatement.  He is having an excruciating season to date.  As of this week, Johnson is averaging a career worst 3.0 yards per carry and has only scored one touchdown.  This is not only making his real life owners (Tennessee Titans) angry but is is also infuriating his fantasy league owners (ME!).  How can a guy run like he does, with such little heart and so little effort.  He looks like a guy that is scared to have the ball in his hands anymore.  He hits the line with absolutely no speed whatsoever; speed was supposed to be his greatest attribute!  Last week against the Bengals, he turned in his best performance of the season.  This included a total of just over 100 yards from scrimmage (only 64 rushing) and no touchdowns.  I can't decide whether or not to sit him, start him, trade him, or drop him.  It is extremely frustrating as a fantasy league owner and I can't even imagine how the Tenessee Titans are feeling after awarding him with a huge guaranteed contract in the offseason.  Then again, maybe thats why he doesn't seem like he cares anymore.