Open Thread: Indianapolis in the middle of winter?

Last year, RAB was excited to attend its first Winter Meetings. Not only is it the biggest off-season event in baseball, but it was also in Las Vegas. That meant plenty of off-hours entertainment. It didn’t work out too well for me — I got cleaned out playing Blackjack — but it was still fun to be out there with the people we normally cover from afar.

We’re headed to the Winter Meetings again this year, and by we I mean me. Big thanks to Kevin at YES for hooking this up. WeSource: River Avenue Blues RSS Feed

Drew Brees vs. Tom Brady: Two of the World’s Best QB’s Would Like You to Watch Them

Let’s diverge from Tiger Woods getting (or not getting) slapped around by his wife to focus on football for a few hours, shall we? We’ll resume our regularly-scheduled updates of Drivergate tomorrow. Now then, Monday Night Football:

Tom Brady. Drew Brees. One is a cleft-chinned, extended handoff to Wes Welker specialist. The other is a birthmarked shorty with prolific numbers, yet just one career playoff win. And tonight, if we’re lucky, they’ll pinball up and down the fieldSource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Fridays with Artie Lange

Artie Lange is one of our favorite comedians. He’s hilarious on the Howard Stern show, and even if you don’t have Sirius, then you’re probably familiar with his work on Letterman, Conan, Beer League, or, perhaps most famously, the Joe Buck Show. We spoke to him in August about an idea that would blend two of his great passions: Sports and picking games. So each Friday this season, he’ll pick three NFL locks.

Last week: 1-2 (mired in for 3-15 funk)
Season to date:Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Tiger Woods Releases Statement on His Website, Won’t Talk to Florida Highway Patrol

Tiger Woods denied the Florida Highway Patrol a request for an interview for the third straight day, but he did release a statement on his website. (We don’t believe a word of it.) Investigators are probably armed with a dozen questions about Tiger’s accident. But since this is only a traffic matter and didn’t involve any other parties, Tiger Woods isn’t obligated to speak to the police. Why would he? (This guy is clueless.) He’ll let this one blow over. And it will. Someone willSource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Tiger’s Alleged Mistress Speaks: ‘NO Relationship’

The NEW YORK DAILY NEWS and Ryan Ballengee of the golf blog WaggleRoom.com report Saturday morning that Rachel Uchitel (photos), the woman the NATIONAL ENQUIRER reported this week was having an extramarital affair with Tiger Woods, has denied any such connection to Woods.

(More photos of Rachel Uchitel, alleged mistress of Tiger Woods)

Uchitel in a Facebook message to the Daily News wrote, “There is NO relationship with tiger these girls quoted in the story are not beingSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Open Forum Friday: Who is the Most Fashionable Woman on the WTA Tour?

The United States celebrated Black Friday today as millions of shoppers descended upon stores to purchase the latest styles and fashions.

Who do you think is the most fashionable woman on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour? Tell us in this week’s edition of Open Forum Friday!

Which player has the best fashion sense? Is there a particular woman who manages to be the most stylish on and off the court? Leave your opinions in theSource: On the Baseline Tennis News RSS Feed

Mets inquire about Crawford...

NYBD reported just over a week ago that they had a source who informed them that Carl Crawford wasn't a happy camper in Tampa. According to their source Crawford was dissatisfied with the Rays failure to renegotiate a long term extension while picking up his 10MM option.
Joe Smith of Tampa Bay.com disputed the rumor with quotes from Crawford and his agent, Smith's response seemed unusually scathing towards NYBD.
Now Joe Smith in a section called trade winds is reporting anSource: Mets Fever RSS Feed

Happy Birthday Lord Cinco Ocho!

Happy 29th Birthday to one Mr. Jonathan Papelbon!

I know he isn't the most popular member of the Red Sox pitching staff during this off season, but he is still one of my absolute favs.  I adore me some Jonathan Papelbon, so I couldn't let the day go by without wishing him the happiest of all happy birthdays.

I hope the silly fella is dancing himself a jig on his birthday and in my own dirty mind, he might be doing it in his birthday suit. 

Happy BirthdaySource: Fenway West RSS Feed

Andrews Was Also Filmed Nude In Ohio, Milwaukee

TMZ.com reports today that Erin Andrews peephole video stalker, Michael Barrett, also filmed her in a Columbus hotel room in Jan., 2008 and Milwaukee in July and September, 2008.

The feds say Barrett then posted the videos on a Google video account calling the video, “Erin Andrews Naked Butt.”

TMZ also reports on a statement from Barrett’s attorney that sounds like he’s ready to initiate some sort of plea agreement. (more…)

Source: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Jeremy Shockey: LeBron Could Never Play in the NFL

Jeremy Shockey vs. LeBron James: The Saints tight end dropped a strange gauntlet on twitter last night. The uninformed Shockey must have had one too many energy drinks - James was an accomplished high school football player, is perhaps the most freakish physical specimen in NBA (sports?) history, and at 6-foot-8, 265 pounds, he’s taller, heavier, and presumably faster than any tight end in the league.

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Braden Looper Bought Out by Brewers

Starting pitcher Braden Looper was bought out by the Milwaukee Brewers for $1 million this weekend. The other option for the Brewers was to pay Looper $6.5 million next season — but Milwaukee decided against that idea.

The good news for Looper last season is that he led the Brewers in victories with a record of 14-7. The bad news is that he didn’t pitch very well. In fact, he led all of Major League Baseball in runs allowed (123) and home runs allowed (39). The 35-year-old started Source: Knuckle Curve RSS Feed

Terps and Gamecocks Salute Military With Camouflage Uniforms

Maryland is already underway at home against Virginia Tech and South Carolina gets ready to host Florida in a few minutes. Today, both teams are wearing camouflage uniforms to salute the military. In place of names on the back of their jerseys will be military values like “Duty,” “Honor,” and “Courage.”

If there were ever a long snapper to root for, it would be South Carolina junior Matt Grooms, who walked on last year after serving four years in the Marines. PrettySource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

NHL veteran Rene Corbet joins Frisk Asker Tigers of the Norwegian GET hockey league

RENE CORBET (RIGHT) JOINS NORWAY'S FRISK ASKER - PHOTO ESPEN HILDRUP

FRISK ASKER EARNED A 4-2 WIN OVER THE OILERS ON TUESDAY - PHOTO E.H.
Eight year NHL veteran Rene Corbet recently joined the Frisk Asker Tigers hockey club of the GET-League in Norway. An 8-year veteran of Quebec, Colorado, Calgary and Pittsburgh, Corbet registered 132 points in 362 games played from 1993-2001. The Quebec native also played 8 seasons for Adler Mannheim in the German DEL before joiningSource: Sharkspage RSS Feed

Joe Montana’s California Palace For Sale: $49 Million

Joe Montana, the legendary Hall of Fame QB, is selling his 9,700 square foot “Tuscan villa-style” mansion - which sits on nearly 500 acres in Calistoga, California - for $49 million. It contains an equestrian center with an indoor arena (pictured). The slideshow is impressive, as is the Montana family crest.  [WSJ]

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Tru Warier To Barkley : Vernon Maxwell Is A Role Model

TNT went flufftastic on the Lakers F Thursday night, and following clips of Artest hanging out in a recording studio, the TMZ offices and explaining his haircut, Charles Barkley suggested that perhaps the Aubernica brawler would be better served concentrating on hoops. Hours later, Artest took the fight to (where else) Twitter, as the Riverside Press-Enterprise’s Jeff Eisenberg recounts.

“He tried to turn the whole story around,” Artest said. “TNT was trying to make me lookSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Cubs Rumor Round-up: DeRosa, Harden and Johnson

- Buried in this Stltoday.com article is this nugget:

DeRosa, coming off wrist surgery, figures to field an offer from the Chicago Cubs, at the least. 

Seems like idle speculation than anything legit, but at least the Wrigley-ites would be cheering for the right team if it did happen. (Hat tip to Bleacher Nation for the find)

- Paul Sullivan says the Cubs are ready to let Rich Harden and Reed Johnson test free agency. 

But Harden's injury-plagued historySource: The Cub Reporter RSS Feed

Win FIFA 10 For Xbox or Nintendo Wii

For the past week, we’ve been giving away a copy of FIFA 10 – the new video game from EA as well as soccer books. I just took a look inside the treasure box and I still have several copies of FIFA 10 that I need to give away as well as Barney Ronay’s book, The Manager. So even if you don’t win today, be sure to keep on checking back each day for your chance to enter and win the contest.

By the way, last week’s winner of Motty, the book, was Matt Walsh.

We’ll beSource: EPL Talk RSS Feed

Video: Dwight Howard Drops F-Bomb On Live TV

Before you watch Dwight Howard’s exceedingly descriptive reaction to a foul call last night in Detroit, here’s what he wrote on his blog about the game:

I was on the floor for 16 minutes and fouled out!!! Let me say that again: 17 minutes and six fouls!!! How can that be, ya’ll? It was crazy. They called me for a charge on a flop, a push off when the defender was on me and two fouls on blocked shots.Man, 16 minutes is a lifetime low for me I think. I haven’t played that little Source: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Jelena Jankovic Captures Coveted Last Spot in Doha

Jelena Jankovic has added one last tournament to her calendar before taking a break during the off-season.

The former world number one has booked the final singles berth into the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The world’s top eight singles players and top four doubles teams from the 2009 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season will compete for the coveted Sony Ericsson Championships title and a share of the record $4.55 million prize money.

JankovicSource: On the Baseline Tennis News RSS Feed

Madoff Liquidator : Mets Profited From Bernie

For the better part of a year, it’s been widely reported Mets owner Fred Wilpon and team COO Jeff Wilpon had lost so much money in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme, the club wasn’t likely to be a player in the free agent market after Madoff’s indictment. One observer even claimed the Wilpons would soon be forced to sell the team, such was the extent of the fraud. Via trusty mouthpiece David Howard, ownership insisted things were a-ok. As it turns out, they might’ve been telling theSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Glazer: I Didn’t Write Deleted Shanahan Web Piece

Last Monday I noted a Jay Glazer-bylined story on the Foxsports.com website that had apparently been completely deleted.  The piece examined the scenario that could lead to Mike Shanahan taking over as Redskins Coach as soon as this season.

(Glazer Tweet: Web story was “dummy post” he didn’t write) 

At the time I was perplexed why the story was removed. But thanks to Glazer setting the record straight on Twitter this week, we now know what happened. (more…)

Source: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Helpful Advice From Maradona On How To Suck It

So Diego Maradona’s advice to all of his critics on Wednesday, specifically on how they “can suck it, and keep on sucking it,” seems to be sweeping the globe. One profane outburst to unite us all.

Argentina’s embattled national coach got his squad into the World Cup on Wednesday, with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. And afterward he had some choice comments for the assembled press, which has been critical of the FIFA co-Player of the Century ever since he took control of the team this Source: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

C.C. Sabathia Pitches Yankees Past Angels

The New York Yankees gave C.C. Sabathia a truck load of money to convince him to come to the Big Apple. On Friday, Sabathia showed the world why the Yankees wanted him so much as New York beat the Los Angeles Angels by a final count of 4-1.

In eight innings of work, Sabathia gave up four hits, one walk and one earned run while striking out seven. It was Sabathia second postseason win in two starts. Closer Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth inning to pick up the save.

To put runsSource: Knuckle Curve RSS Feed

ESPNer: NBA Will “Force (NBA) Kings To Move”

ESPN 710 host and Lakers broadcaster John Ireland said yesterday that “people close to the team” told him that it “isn’t in the cards” for the Kings to stay in Sacramento and that the team eventually is “going to be forced to move” by the NBA. Ireland made his comments on the Mason and Ireland Show before he broadcast the Kings-Lakers game in Vegas last night.

(NBA’s soon-to-be newest throwback line?)

Ireland on KSPN-AM in Los Angeles:

“The people I haveSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

The Roundup: Chris Bosh Defeats Cyber Squatter and Mike Sims-Walker’s Late-Night Rendezvous

Camilla Belle … be a Mad Man for Halloween … man points a gun at skateboarder, you have to see the rest … how is Zillow on this list? Been a great tool since 2007 … good way to get a book deal: Become an ‘abortion addict‘ … when deer attack … man steals seven cases of beer, goes back for four more … Mike Miller of the Wizards looks like a “transvestite zombie” in these photos …she stole beef jerky, the police showed up, so she got naked … disturbing story we’reSource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

The T.O.-To-Chicago-Bears Rumor That Won’t Die

And so Twitter’s takeover of the human race begins like this. It started as a simple comment by Adam Schefter on Tuesday morning, as he casually typed in ESPN’s Rumors Central section that, hey dude, wouldn’t it be cool if Terrell Owens were a Chicago Bear? Schefter was just pretty much thinking out loud, listing a few reasons why such a trade would make sense.

He may as well have been thinking that scientists could use fossil DNA to bring back dinosaurs to fight for us inSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

NFL Got It Wrong But Rush Got What He Deserved

Citing past “divisive“comments by Rush Limbaugh, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell effectively squashed the conservative talkshow host’s bid to buy the St. Louis Rams today.

(NFL: majority of you think Limbaugh is racist, Olbermann isn’t) 

Anyone outside of Limbaugh’s most devoted followers will allow that Goodell’s “divisive” was really a euphemism for “racist,” with the former employed in an attempt to avoid alienating Limbaugh’s millions ofSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

There's Always Next Year...

Alex Rodriguez has erased almost all notions of his unclutchness in October, as the New York Yankees swept the Minnesota Twins in their ALDS with a 4-1 Game 3 win on Sunday at the now-extinct Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
The Twins fought an incredible uphill battle to get to the postseason, winning 17 of their final 21 games to force and win a tiebreaker against the division rival Detroit Tigers. However, not even Metrodome magic could stop the Yankees in their quest for a World Source: Babes Love Baseball RSS Feed

Stafon Johnson’s First Recovery Photo Posted

Here’s the first photo I’ve seen of Stafon Johnson as he makes his recovery from a serious weightlifting accident.

(The barbell on Stafon’s shirt? Noted.)

David Wharton of the L.A. TIMES updates:

Johnson is up and moving around and no longer requires a feeding tube, Carroll said. However, he is limited to a liquid diet and has not spoken.

“They don’t even let him make a peep right now,” the coach said.

“They were beside themselves with theSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Lee Corso Stroke: Is It Affecting GameDay Show?

Michael David Smith today @ AOL Fanhouse: “Lee Corso suffered a stroke in May, and on Saturday’s College GameDay, it was obvious from hearing him speak that he hasn’t completely recovered from it. But I admire him for staying on the air, and I admire ESPN for allowing him to stay on the air.”

(Corso picks LSU today on GameDay while Herbstreit gives Gator chomp)

I actually think there hasn’t been much dropoff in Corso’s performance to this point. And I never thought Source: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

49ers Sign Crabtree With Help Of ’80s Hip Hop Star

Sometime early this morning in a San Francisco hotel suite, with FOX SPORTS’ Jay Glazer lurking outside behind a large potted plant, the 49ers and receiver Michael Crabtree finally came to terms. First a “Seinfield” reunion, and now this? What miracle will God next bestow?

First of all I’d like to thank the St. Louis Rams for making this all possible. Without your suckitude, the 49ers would not have scored a convincing 35-0 victory on Sunday, thus going to 3-1 and forcingSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

2009 Baseball Playoff Predictions

The 2009 baseball playoffs begin on Wednesday. The final spot was filled by the Minnesota Twins after they were able to beat the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central tiebreaker game.

Here are our 2009 baseball playoff predictions:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

New York Yankees over Minnesota Twins in 4
Los Angeles Angels over Boston Red Sox in 5

Los Angeles Angels over New York Yankees in 6

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Philadelphia Phillies over Colorado Rockies in 5
Source: Knuckle Curve RSS Feed

The Jets Will Be Fine and So Will Matthew Stafford. The St. Louis Rams? Not So Much

When the Saints surged ahead of the Jets 17-0, the sky appeared to be falling. All the equity from the unlikely 3-0 start had vanished in a noisy dome about 21 minutes. A blowout almost certainly was on the horizon. A funny thing happened on the way to the rout: New Orleans offensive mastermind Sean Payton couldn’t solve Rex Ryan’s defense, and the Saints offense sputtered the way our 1988 Subaru did for a year in high school. After the third interception by rookie Mark Sanchez, itSource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Early Game Ruminations: Titans Done, Raiders Wave White Flag, Signs of Life in Cleveland!

* The Titans are on their way to 0-4 and a QB controversy: Jacksonville surged to a 30-3 lead in the third quarter and there will be no comeback. The calls for Vince Young will come this week. Next up: unbeaten Indianapolis. Gulp.

* Eli Manning has been very good in Kansas City. His brother, Peyton Manning has better against the Seahawks. Both teams will remain unbeaten.

* Overvalued Cincinnati is struggling on the road against winless Cleveland. The Browns lead 17-14 early in Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Odom Proposed To ‘Starlet’ Days Before Khloe?

Just as I’d weaned myself off the made-for-TV fake marriage of Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian, I heard something that had me tapping my mainline again.

(Did Odom propose to this woman weeks before marrying Khloe?)

If you’ve driven around Los Angeles the past few years, you’ve probably seen billboards for the “Petros and Money Show“, a popular sports radio show on KLAC-AM and syndicated nationally on Fox Sports Radio. Petros Papadakis and Matt “Money” Smith haveSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Early Games Starring Michigan vs. Michigan State

Ah, another college football Saturday. I know most of you knuckleheads love this academic pursuit more than anything else so I won’t keep you. Feel free to discuss whatever game you’re watching until your little heart bursts and bleeds whatever colors your favorite school calls it’s own. But first - Michigan State tries to convince themselves that Michigan is disrespecting them.

Let’s this out of the way at the start - Michigan is 4-0 and Michigan State is 1-3. (Also, I’m aSource: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Dowbiggin ID’s The Media Equivalents Of Dave Semenko

Or more to the point, in the aftermath of Wayne Gretzky bailing on the Phoenix Coyotes last week — with the fiscally challenged franchise about to start the season — the Globe & Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin points out the Great One received a smidgeon of criticism (most notably from G&M colleague Paul Blair and caring-sharing clotheshorse Don Cherry), no. 99’s iconic status remained secure in several spots.

Gretzky has traditionally received the benefit of the doubt from the mediaSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Texas Rangers Officially Eliminated

The Texas Rangers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Early in the season, the Rangers surprised many with their quality play — especially considering the many young players on the roster. However, largely due to injuries and untimely slumps, the Rangers have sputtered to the finish line.

On Tuesday, they were officially eliminated after losing to the Los Angeles Angels by a final count of 5-2. Bobby Abreu homered in the first inning and the Angels never trailed Source: Knuckle Curve RSS Feed

Shocking: Lane Kiffin’s Family Likes Lane Kiffin

Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin currently sports a simple 1-1 career record as a college football head coach, but from everything that’s been written about the guy, it feels like he’s been around a lot longer than that. In his first offseason as coach, he got more than his fair share of headlines — mostly because he is kind of an idiot who can’t keep his mouth shut.

(ALL PRAISE BE TO EDSBS.)

He seems to operate on the premise that any publicity isSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

McKelvin Won’t Prosecute Penis-Drawing Vandals

I’m guessing that there isn’t a lot of serious crime to distract the police in Hamburg, NY, so the miscreants who defaced the front lawn of Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin didn’t stand much of a chance of getting away with it. After an intense investigation (someone called in a tip), the vandals are now in custody.

McKelvin, you may recall, committed a key fumble on a kick return that led the Patriots to a come-from-behind 25-24 win on Monday. Late thatSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Now Even Swimming Is Bad For Your Kids’ Health

A brief indulgence, if you please; we always wanted to be one of those irritating local news anchors who casually engage in blatant scare tactics and litter puns into their stories for no reason. Okay, here we go: Are swimming pools the greatest scourge to children’s safety in the history of the world? Swimming enthusiasts say that’s nonsense, but some experts agree that new data suggest swimming may leave you out to dry.

(Also, heaven forbid if black kids come toSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

The New Look Of Your Defending AL Champs

Tampa hurler David Price (above) is just one of the Rays rookies taking part in the club’s annual rookie hazing ritual — apparently, Price was forced to grow a beard and wear sunglasses. The Vanderbilt product’s ensemble is reportedly the handiwork of journeyman catcher Greg Zaun, the former Blue Jay having dropped $1500.00 of his own loot on a selection of dresses. Walkoff Walk’s Rob Ircane writes, “it’s quite obvious that Zaun ‘hung on to the stuff because ofSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Naughty Telestrator Pays Homage to Former Buckeye Santonio Holmes

More times than not, the big stage of Saturday night football can usually be counted on for a little something extra.

In last night’s case, it was an ominous yellow dong conveniently making a surprise appearance with Ohio State’s most famous exhibitionist, Santonio Holmes in the house.

Coincidence? Doubtful.

For those of you that were busy doing Guns ‘N Roses karaoke, USC won, 18-15.

[h/t: Mike @ 790 The Ticket]

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Urijah Faber Went To The Playboy Mansion

Urijah Faber is a big fan of Twitter. He’s also the former WEC Featherweight Champion of the world. Last night there was a fight night at the Playboy Mansion and “The California Kid” went to support one of his buddies. He took some Twitpics which of course meant some scantily-clad bunny-types. After the jump, there is one NSFW image. That NSFW image is due to body paint. You’ve been warned.

Finally, a beautiful tribute to Canada.

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

John Lackey Dominates as Angels Win

John Lackey has flown under the radar for a long time. The Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher has been very consistent over the years but doesn’t get an abundance of praise. On Thursday, the Seattle Mariners got a first-hand look at how well Lackey can pitch as he lead the Angels to a 3-0 victory.

Lackey went all nine innings for a five-hit shutout. The win was his tenth of the season and his ERA lowered to 3.53. Lackey now has at least ten victories in each of the last seven

Rain Out

The Rays-Sox game has been postponed and will be made up as part of a double-header on Sunday. The game had actually gotten underway, Lester had thrown 23 pitches and had loaded the bases with only 1 out. Since this was the Ray’s last trip up north, it was decided to try and get the game in, but when the skies opened up, the umpires halted play. After a 2 & ½ hour rain delay, the umpires, Red Sox, and MLB decided to restart the game on Sunday. Both starting pitchers will start the 2nd