- Greg Oden, the number one pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, underwent surgery yesterday. Apparently, the surgery was to clean up debris in his left knee when the doctor found more damage and Oden underwent his third microfracture surgery. He hasn't played since the 2009-2010 season and since the 2008-2009 season has played in exactly 82 games. This guy was supposed to be the best big man in the NBA since David Robertson, or some such nonsense. Instead, he has made the Blazers pine for the days of Sam Bowie. You can't help but feel bad for the guy. Here was a man who was supposed to be the next big thing and the only thing he has done is break everything. The drafting track record of the Portland Trailblazers is unique in the sports landscape. In 1972, they chose LaRue Martin #1 overall. Martin played just 4 seasons before retiring and never averaged more than 5.3 points per game or 4.6 rebounds per game. Who did they pass on? Bob McAdoo, Paul Westphal, or some guy named Julius Erving. Then, in 1978 they drafted Mychal Thompson from the Bahamas #1 overall. Thompson wasn't awful but the Blazers could have had Larry Bird who was drafted #6 overall by the Celtics.Then, we all know about the 1984 draft where the Blazers had the #2 overall pick and chose Sam Bowie instead of some dude named Michael Jordan. Now, add Greg Oden to the list of failures. The guy chosen right after Oden? Kevin Durant. Talk about wanting to kick yourself. Had the Blazers picked right We could have seen Michael Jordan and Larry Bird play together. The lineage of going from Dr. J to Larry to Michael to Durant. Wow. If only Portland had competent people at the helm at any point in their franchises history and we could be talking about the greatest franchise in history here.
- As compensation for Theo Epstein, the Red Sox received Chris Carpenter, a hard throwing pitcher who can't find the strike zone as often as needed to be what scouts would call successful in the Major Leagues. Carpenter was once drafted by the Yankees but didn't sign. He now joins Daniel Bard, who was also drafted by the Yankees but didn't sign, and Yankee castoffs Alfredo Aceves, and Mark Melancon in the Red Sox bullpen. Should be an interesting year in Fenway and Yankee Stadium.
- The rumors surrounding Rick Nash and the New York Rangers are becoming a bit overplayed. Nash is a very good player but if I'm the Rangers I don't give up Brandon Dubinsky or Michael Del Zotto, or Ryan McDonaugh with Chris Krieder or a first rounder. I would trade Dubinsky and a second rounder for Nash but I don't think the Blue Jackets would bite. The best thing that can happen to the Rangers is Dubinsky finds his scoring touch and Brad Richards finds his as well. Then, there is no need for Nash. I wouldn't complain about having Nash on the team, it would just have to be at the right price and I'm not giving up Krieder.
- Manny Ramirez signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A's. I am still angry at Major League Baseball for reducing his suspension from 100 to 50 games. Manny chose to retire instead of face his suspension. That was his choice. His retirement should not count as time served at all. Here is a guy who has failed two drug tests in the past couple of years and also technically failed the "secret" drug test that led to MLB's current testing policy. It is a sham. Manny is a sham. He has been a joke in this game for years, from his antics to his performance enhancing drug use. He has spit in the face of MLB, it's fans, and the history of the game. I am shocked any team would take a flyer on him. I have the over/under for his next suspension at 40 games...if he makes the A's.
- The Yankees signed Raul Ibanez to a 1-year contract. What, was Andre Dawson too busy? Ibanez will be 40 years-old on June 2nd. His on-base percentage was .289 last season. This should be interesting.
- Mariano Rivera hinted at retirement yesterday but didn't come out and say he would directly. I am going to pretend I didn't hear that. Every time I hear Mariano and retirement I am just going to stick my fingers in my ears and yell, "La-la-la, I can't hear you, la-la-la." Maybe if we ignore Mo he will be forced to rethink his decision and stay for a few more decades. I don't ever want to see Mo leave the mound.
- Last night Deron Williams proved he was the best point guard in the New York area by splashing 38 points down on the Knicks. Jeremy Lin played well, as he has done almost every night since getting the starting job. He should be a fixture on this Knicks team for a few years. Carmelo Anthony looked rusty and lost and Tyson Chandler's wrist needs rest. Still, despite that injury, Chandler played his usual game and played nice interior defense and played hard all night. The Knicks lucked out when they got Chandler. If this team can stay healthy and develop an offensive flow and play a little defense they might have a shot at making the NBA Finals.
- Coming soon will be my outrageous 2012 MLB predictions. Stay tuned.
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