Precious Roy

I really favor the Astros here, not to be chic, but when I look at everything I just see an Astros win. Obviously there's a 50-50 chance I'm wrong, but that's my gut. I think tonights game will decide the series

I'm thinking Orton as well, with Orton v. Batista at Mania. I know people still talk about how the WWE has "lost faith" in Orton over the whole face turn thing, based on some stupid internet rumour that HHH was down on him, but I don't see it at all, he's clearly positioned as a major star for years to come, and personally I think he's been one of the 2 or 3 most entertaining guys in the company since he went heel again in the buildup to Wrestlemania. The face turn was an unfortunate blip on the radar, but he's been back on track for some time.

I think you hit the nail on the head with both

Agreed. The "who ran down Austin" angle really killed it for me.

If they're not giving the job to Joey Styles then JR should keep it. It's probably his choice to leave anyway, as you can only sugarcoat Vince's product so long before it kills your soul (some would say this happened to JR long ago), but as much as we rag on the guy THEY DON'T HAVE ANYONE AS GOOD AS HIM. Sad, but true. I liked what Joey Matthews did on Velocity, but I don't think he's a good fit on RAW. I'd rather he replace Cole on SD.

No. TNN was just switching from being "The Nashville Network" and trying to get onto more cable providers at the time, they had a lot less potential homes than USA, and absolutely no built in audience (as they'd just completely alienated the Nashville crowd, people like my grandfather). I know I was in college at the time, and we had a sizable group of guys who watched wrestling in the dorm, but our school got USA and didn't get TNN, so when the switch started we all just stopped watching RAW, had no choice. And if I were Vince, and I got a 4.4 rating for THAT show, I'd be depressed. He unloaded the barrels, and IMO put on a damn fine 3 hour show, and the best they could do was tie the first night of the draft lottery. Also, the media blitz was HUGE, commercials on every 18-35 channel, ads on all kinds of websites (really strong on Yahoo! for example), print ads, billboards in major citys...the whole works. All that for a 4.4....fuck depressed...I'd be violently angry. But hey, Vince was silly to blow his nuts on this show when we all knew that this would happen and it would just hurt his other money making ventures, but Vince wanted an opportunity to show his cock to the world.....and hey....it's a 4.4

Shelton was C eligible in fantasy, but did he ever actually play it?

I was wrong about Contreras. He pitched a great game.

He's looked the same for 20 years.... And wow, I was shocked to see he's going to manage THE TIGERS, when Al said ESPN had him up I just assumed it was for the Pirates job. I take back my dis on the Trammell firing, this is clearly a major upgrade.

Sanders GRAND SALAMI nice knowin ya Padres

good trade for Houston. I guess Toronto is hoping Alvin Williams can come back and give them something, because Mike James shouldn't be a full-time player

.8 is a good rating, and it's almost exactly what I predicted (.7-1.0 range) Interested to see how the replay did

Berkman has been great, Ensberg had a good year, Tavares causes problems when he gets on base, Jason Lane had an underrated year, and Biggio is a playoff vet. Whatever they get from Bagwell is gravy. Nothing spectacular about their offense, but I think, with their pitching, it's enough to get it done in close games.

Padres are in deep shit already

Indeed. I was reading an article about the 2006 free agent class, outside of Peja Stojakovic and Ben Wallace it isn't too promising, and I can't see the Pistons not locking up Ben Wallace soon. Nene is a restricted FA, and he might be an interesting fit on Chicago.

Didn't know he had a trade clause. Yeah, I could see Anaheim or Texas as possible destinations. If I were him I would try and direct myself to the AL where I could DH half the time. Rangers will not resign Kenny Rogers, there's your pitcher Al!

The Sweetney-Curry swap is an even one given that Curry's health is a concern, but the key is that both do different things. Sweetney is a rebounder by trade, he can score on the inside, he's not a post presence that you can run an offense through like Curry, but he will dominate the boards. Curry isn't a great rebounder, but the offense makes up for it, and the Knicks have other guys who can board. I think Brown is going to start Curry-Rose-Richardson on the front line, and for 2/3 being undersized they should hold their. Marbury is a good rebounder for a PG, though he doesn't always show it. From what I've read Paxson was holding out for Ariza or David Lee to be included, but Isiah wouldn't budge, and as the Bulls had no other takers on Curry were forced to make the deal. Tim Thomas will get no run for Scott Skiles as he doesn't play much defense and has to battle Deng and Nocioni for time.

He had a 2.14 era in August. The POINT is that he's been their most consistent pitcher late in the season which is why Guillen is going with him in game 1, but I question that logic given his struggles with Boston.

I said DOWN THE STRETCH, learn to read. He went 6-0 with a 1.99 era in Sept, while Garland, Buehrle and Garcia collectively shit the bed.

I would think Detroit could be a possible destination for Thome. Or maybe Tampa if Philly is willing to eat most (like 2/3) of the contract. Until Philly adds another impact starter to the mix I don't see them contending. Would they make a play for Burnett?

Sox OWNED Contreras when he was pitching for NY. I know he's been their best pitcher down the stretch, but I question the wisdom of starting him in game 1.

Awesome The "primal scream" was him mimicking Zeppelin's "the Immigrant Song" (ahhh ahhh ahhhh, ahhhhhhhhhhh), I assume because he and TNA are immigrants to Spike TV. See, just like with Warrior there's a method to the madness

BOOOOOOOO to trading Sweetney Curry is a legit offensive low post presence, dude can score, so for that I'm happy. I do wonder how he'll react to Brown's coaching style though. Glad to see Tim Thomas hit the road, he brought nothing to the table for the Knicks. Q-Rich will be a better small forward, and Ariza gets more minutes, win-win there. On paper the team is improved by this move, no doubt, but it's a little bittersweet losing Sweetney, when it looked like he finally had his chance to play a bigger role. He'll be a good pairing with Chandler, absolute fiend on the boards.

I can tell you that the list includes Jason Terry, Andre Miller Gary Payton and Sam Cassell