#16 Loyola downs Penn State

Loyola started its ECAC title defense in a successful way this afternoon with an 8-7 win against Penn State, in State College, Pennsylvania. Shane Koppens, playing in his first game of the season after being granted a 5th season by the NCAA, had a dominant debut as he and teammate Cooper MacDonnell each registered hat-tricks.

Starting in style has worked out pretty well for Loyola (2-1, 1-0) in their last two games. A week ago Loyola jumped out to a 4-0 lead in an 11-8 win over Towson, while today they attacked the Nittany Lions and All-American goalie Drew Adams with three unmatched first quarter goals. Koppens, a team captain for the second consecutive season got the Greyhounds on the board first, with MacDonnell, Loyola’s leading goal scorer from a year ago, tallying the latter pair.

The Greyhound defense, which was superb all afternoon, made the 3-0 score stand all the way until intermission.

Jimmy Daly’s 4th goal of the season with 5:12 left in the 3rd gave the ‘Hounds a 5-1 lead but then the Loyola would let momentum slip and Penn State went on to score 5 of the next 6 goals to get it to 7-6 with under 5 minutes left in the game.

They say big players step up in big moments… well when Koppens’ team needed a play he did just that and provided his 3rd goal of the afternoon just 40 seconds after Penn State came to within 1. The Nittany Lions would get one last ball by Hagelin with only 36 seconds remaining to put the 8-7 final in the books.

From central Pennsylvania, the ‘Hounds are back on the road and will be in Albany, New York to sleep this evening in anticipation for Tuesday afternoon’s game against Siena. The travel continues mid-week as Loyola will hop a flight to Durham, North Carolina to take on the Duke Blue Devils in a big match up next Saturday on WNST Radio.

Notes:

- Shane Koppens, an honorable mention All-American last season for the Greyhounds, looks like he could be back on his way to similar recognition if he plays the rest of the year like he did this afternoon. Not only is he the player who Coach Charlie Toomey trusts most at the X in a crucial offensive possessions, but Koppens value extends past that. He also makes his whole fellow attack unit much more dangerous with the attention he attracts from opposing defenses.

- It was especially encouraging to see MacDonnell’s trio of goals. The junior attackman had just one score in the Notre Dame and Towson games and it almost seemed like he, maybe more than anyone else, was hurt by Koppens’ absence.

- Aside from Koppens and MacDonnell’s 3, and Daly’s goal, Jake Wilcox added the only score for the Greyhounds. Taylor Ebsary and Matty Langan’s single assists were the only ones of Loyola’s 8 goals.

- Notably absent from the score sheet was Collin Finnerty, who had 10 points in Loyola’s first two games. He put 6 shots on net, but Drew Adams was able to see his shots from distance clearly and make stops on them all afternoon.

- Through the first three games of the season, goalie Jake Hagelin and face-off specialist John Schiavone have been consistently solid. Playing perhaps the two most important positions on the field, Hagelin stopped 10-17 shots on target by Penn State and Schiavone won 11-19 draws.

- Keeping an eye on the rest of the ECAC… Georgetown, who knocked off then #3 Maryland last weekend in College Park, got down 4-0 early and was stunningly upset by St. John’s 10-9. Also, in another surprise St. Joe’s knocked of Rutgers 10-7. The Scarlet Knight were picked third by ECAC Coaches in the preseason poll, but the state university of New Jersey is now 1-3 with losses against future Big East rival Villanova, #9 UMBC, and the previusly mentioned bad L against St. Joe’s.

Friday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

LaRussa wants O’s pitchers? Tony LaRussa, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, joking quipped yesterday that if Dave Trembley can’t find use for all 37 pitchers in Baltimore camp to send some over to him at Cards camp. In 1989, George Will called LaRussa a ‘genius’ in “Men at Work” and then in ‘05, Buzz Bissinger said so too, in “3 Nights in August.” If LaRussa were to actually ever see these pitchers who don’t make the opening day roster in Baltimore and still wanted them… I, Chris Bonetti, in ‘09 is saying Tony Larussa is not a genius.

More on Jeff Reed, stupid Steelers kicker. I realize nobody really needs even more evidence that the Steelers and their fans are morons, yet still I give you more. You all remember the original story - Drunken kicker, Sheetz bathroom, towel dispense. Yeah. The latest is that earlier that evening Reed was at a scheduled appearance, where Steeler fans paid an $8 cover to be at a bar with the kicker. Reports now are that Reed showed up to the event already drunk. The part about Pittsburgh fans paying $8 just to be around this nitwit is shocking… in a literal sense. The fact that Reed was already hammered is also shocking… but in a sarcastic way.

Babes writing books about baseball? Baseball books are big money… Tom Verducci, Jose Canseco, Kirk Radomski, and Selena Roberts’ book about A-Rod is shall I say, ‘highly’ anticipated. It’s simple, if you have an inside scoop you can make the New York times Bestsellers List. The next great baseball book is now on the horizon… ladies and gents, Alyssa Milano is authoring a piece with Joe Torre, “Safe at Home, Confessions of a Baseball Fanatic.” Oh goody, I can’t wait!

Scanning the Blogosphere

Ravens Insider has their latest notes on Ravens free agents: Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, and Jason Brown.

O’s on Deck has some quick hitters from the Orioles win over the Cardinals, including thumbs up for Justin Christian, Scott Moore, and Nolan Reimold, in Grapefruit League action yesterday.

Dempsey’s Army has their ‘five things’ to watch for in their spring training outlook.

Face Off has three things to watch in both games of the Face-Off Classic at M&T Bank Stadium tomorrow.

Recruiting Report has all you need to know about Baltimore Freedom Academy sophomore Kevin Smith, “Baltimore’s next great point guard.”

CMS Video of the Day

B-More Bird’s Nest might have nailed it right on the head, “The Ravens should draft Dave Neal.”

The Morning’s Final Thought

A job well done goes to Busted Coverage and their latest edition of “The Hottest girls on the BCS.” Today the site that has been ‘Wasting your time since 2007′ takes a look at the ACC.

The Terps come in with a very respectable ranking at #7. Florida State tops the list, which isn’t surprising, nor are Boston College and Duke finishing at the bottom. I’m pretty partial towards this pretty co-ed from Clemson.

This is definitely a link you should check out at somepoint over the weekend. Check you on Monday…

Loyola loses a heartbreaker on a controversial buzzer-beateing layup

It’s all very simple, it should have never come down to the last possession.

The Loyola College Greyhounds led Rider on Senior Night by 13 at the half and all was well. The home crowd was buzzing having just watched their team put on an offensive display that seemed almost shocking at the time. After all, Loyola putting up 47 points at halftime is a rather big, big deal.

However, Rider would answer and 9 minutes into the second half the lead was completely gone. The two teams played very evenly once Rider got back into the contest and it all came down to the last 41 seconds. Loyola had the ball and just called a timeout with 24 seconds on the shot clock. In the huddle, you know Coach Jimmy Patsos was telling his team to get a quick shot, so the ‘Hounds could get 2 possessions in the last 41 seconds, including the last.

The ball started in the hands of Marquis Sullivan on the left wing, he then fed a post-entry pass to Isaac Reid, and surprisingly Sullivan’s man, Harris Mansell, left the senior sharp-shooter to double the post. Reid then flipped the ball back to Sullivan and the jumper was in the air. Shot up…back rim, no good… long rebound… goes to Jamal Barney… Greyhound basketball, 20 seconds left, shot clock off — tie game.

As the crowd anxiously awaited on their feet, Loyola sophomore point guard Brian Rudolph waited for the clock to tick down, then made his move with about 6 second left… he drove hard down the left side of the lane… off-balance shot with his right hand… once again, no good… ball caroms of two would-be rebounders all the way back to the three-point line and into the hands of Rider… less than 2 seconds left… up-court pass to a streaking Ryan Thompson heading straight towards the rim… finger roll… off back iron… ball soars straight up in the air… and seconds later falls through the net. Rider’s players and coaches explode of the bench in excitement… but wait.

Was the shot out of Thompson’s hands when regulation had ended? Should the game be headed to OT? The refs conferred with one another for about 10 seconds before one referee signaled for a made field goal, and like that the game was over. The game was not televised, so there was no monitor for the officials to check to see if they had made the correct call. By a count of 77-75, Rider extended Loyola’s losing streak to 7 and spoiled what was a great Senior Night for Greyhounds fans .

But that was just the game. Afterward during the post-game handshakes, pushing and shoving between the two team ensued. Cooler heads would preview, but needless to say, it was an ugly and controversial way for this one to end.

However, the only one’s Loyola has to blame are themselves. On your own court, you can’t be outscored by 15 points in the second half and expect to come away with a win… it just doesn’t happen.

I’ll have more tomorrow… goodnight folks.

Tonight is Senior Night at Reitz Arena

Loyola (11-18, 6-10) will play in their final home of the ‘08-’09 men’s hoops season tonight at Reitz Arena when the Greyhounds will hit the court with Rider at 7pm. The program will honor Marquis Sullivan, Dan Ficke, and Brad Farrell, the team’s three players appearing for the final time in front of their home fans during a pre-game celebration on Senior Night.

Coming into the contest Rider stands alone in third place in the MAAC standings at 10-6, while Loyola is in a 7th place tie with St. Peter’s at 6-10, with both squads 1 game back of 7-9 Iona. The three all have two games remaining and are vying for the all-important 6th place seed in the MAAC Tournament. Teams seeded seventh through tenth have to play on the first night of tournament play in a quarter-final play-in game, making for a grueling task of needing four wins in four nights to make a miracle run to the big dance.

Looking at the schedules, Loyola is home tonight and ends the season at Iona. On Sunday, the Gaels will take on St. Peter’s tonight before hosting the ‘Hounds at home. St. Peter’s will play Manhattan Sunday afternoon to close their season. So, for the 6th seed, it all comes down to the last weekend with Iona holding a game game lead over Loyola and the Peacocks.

Needless to say, if Loyola fancies itself in a rematch with Rider in a #3 vs. #6 MAAC quarterfinal, it is imperative for them to close their up and down season on a high note with back-to-back W’s in their final two games. If they can’t pull it together at all… the harsh reality is that Loyola could, in a worst case scenario, finish 11-21 and on a 9 game losing streak.

Let’s hope for the wins.

As for Sullivan, Ficke, and Farrell playing in their last few games in Green and Gray, the one thing you can say about Farrell, who came into the program in ‘04 and Sullivan and Ficke in ‘05, is that they have seen it all. When they walked onto the Evergreen Campus, Loyola was in the wake of a 1-27 season, now, leaving the program they have seasons of 18 and 19 wins under their belts. That’s something to really be proud of for those guys.

Marquis Sullivan, a Westminster, MD native, is the only one of the three to play consistent minutes from the very start of his career. He will leave Loyola having enjoyed a distinguished career; Maqruis is the school’s all-time leader in 3’s made, will finish around with 1,250 points, and having been a recipient of the MAAC’s 6th Man of the Year Award in ‘07 when MAAC coaches recognized him as a 3rd Team All-Conference performer. Sullivan, who played his high school ball with Rudy Gay at Archbishop Spalding, was the first recruit to commit to Coach Patsos after his first season and has had a flair for the dramatic in his time in a Greyhound uniform. I’ve always said he’s got the best, most pure form, text-book release of a jump shot I’ve ever seen up-close. Throughout his entire career MAAC coaches knew that if their team allowed him an inch of a curl screen on the wing… it was all over… even if he was 4 feet behind the arc.

Thursday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

NO 1^st for Wieters. Before yesterday’s game O’s manager Dave Trembley was asked whether or not the team plans to try-out Matt Wieters at first base, because the toll on a catcher’s body can be so great. The manager said no way. The Sun’s Peter Schmuck reporting the story wrote in his blog, something along the lines of… ‘that’s something to Orioles can worry about in seven or eight years.’ Well, at the bottom of the same page in the comments section, a certain ‘mikepcfl’ wrote, “The Yankees can move Wieters to 1B to replace Teixeira in 8 years! Just kidding, I have a bad sense of humor.” Yes, yes you do, sir.

Terps Fans: A+. Of course, last night was certainly a tough loss for the Terps at Comcast to the Dukies. Just curious, when Kyle Singler stepped on Sean Mosely’s foot causing a brief injury timeout, did anyone else hear “F*ck you Single,” loud and clearly over the ESPN airwaves. Jay Bilas and Mike Patrick were completely silent at the time too, making it even more blatant. Maryland fans have proven to be a tough bunch… and quite funny too, last night’s Operation Scheyerface v2.0 and, man, this one gets me every single time I see it…

Even more Terp trash-talk. This from Deadspin, Maryland students got their hands on some of the hotel numbers of the Duke Basketball team and inundated the players with calls to their rooms. This is an example of some of the tomfoolery - golden stuff.

Caller: “Hello, this is ****** with the Washington Times, sorry to bother you at this hour Mr. Paulus, but we are running a small piece tomorrow and I was hoping to take 2 minutes and ask you a question?”

Greg Paulus: “Uhhh, sure”

Caller: “If you had to choose between Deron Washington, Danny Green, and Dwayne Collins, (three guys who have dunked directly on Paulus this season) whose nuts would you say tasted the best?”

Paulus: …Click

Scanning the Blogosphere

Pro Football America gives updates on Ray Lewis and Bart Scott and speculates the Vikings might be players for Jason Brown.

CBS Sports says it might be tough sledding trying to keep both Jason Brown and Bart Scott.

Baltimore Beat Down says Joe Flacco’s critics will have to change their song for next season.

Camden Chat: “Prop Projections for the 2009 Baltimore Orioles,” “37 comments for 37 pitchers in camp for the Orioles,” and “Mets beat O’s in proper spring opener.”

The Schmuck Stops Here has all the latest from Fort Lauderdale including all the news from the O’s-Mets game from yesterday including Brad Hennessey’s elbow soreness.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar has a ‘3 for 1′ as Dan talks Ray Lewis, the Orioles, and Maryland hoops.

SI’s J-Fro Sports Journalism and Lists ranks the O’s fifth overall in terms of outfield units.

Oriole Magic posted AOL’s Baltimore Orioles team preview.

SI has their top-225 Fantasy Baseball Preview, Brian Roberts is the first Oriole at #46. They also offer potential ‘sleeper’ picks, potential ‘bargain picks, and those whom you should stay away from.

Tracking the Terps has some final thoughts on the Maryland-Duke game from last night and some additional notes.

Terrapin Insider has their take on Dukes win over Maryland.

The Big Lead says the Terps are 1 of 23 teams on the tournament bubble for 10 remaining spots.

Recruiting Report has a story and video of Terp tight end signee Sean Fitzpatrick, a 2010 commitment for Coach Friedgen.

SI’s For the Record says, “Ovechkin, Crosby grow inseparable as rivals.” Duuuuh.

Ring Post Live author Kevin Eck was on with Ray and Casey yesterday and wishes a happy 60^th birthday to Ric Flair.

The CMS Video of the Day

Wait, what? Here’s a video of Sheriff Leon Lott, the man who represents the firm hand of the law in the Phelps ‘Bong-Gate.’

The Morning’s Final Thought

Former University of Georgia quarterback and potential first overall selection in this year’s NFL draft, Matthew Stafford has had quite the whirlwind past few months. He’s had a preseason #1 ranking in the nation, a tough season in the SEC, a difficult decision whether or not to turn pro or go back to Athens, a grueling combine training program, and the combine itself all to try and deal with. Makes me think he needs to blow off a little steam… actually, by the looks of it, he’s doing a pretty good job of that.

Wednesday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Welcome back Tiger! Today at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship the most famous and successful athlete in the world makes his triumphant return… Ladies and gentlemen, the great Tiger Woods will be back on the golf course! All players are ranked 1-64 and the tournament plays out like the NCAA Big Dance, and in this match up, well, as you may have guessed, the top ranked player in the world will be taking on the tournament’s #64 seed, in this case, Brendan Jones. Tiger says he feels better than ever, if that’s true… that’s super-awful bad news for Mr. Jones. How do you think Brendan felt when he first saw that draw? I’ll bet his face looked pretty funny.

Ladies Hockey Night in D.C. The Washington Capitals are doing their best job marketing towards women with their new “Capitals Scarlet” advertising campaign. Seems smart to me, put a bunch of chicks in the crowd… that would lead me to believe that, naturally, guys would then be even more enticed to come to games. More ladies, more guys, obviously more attendance, truly seems beneficial for everyone… yeah, you know Alex likes it too.

Scanning the Blogosphere

Ravens Insider explains what the potential re-signing of Bart Scott means for Ray Lewis.

Pro Football Talk: Is Ray “Burning Bridges in Baltimore?” “Fins to chase Jason Brown?” “Agent thinks Jason Brown or Bart Scott will leave the Ravens.”

The Schmuck Stops Here has the latest from Spring Training, the upcoming rotation, and the now necessary daily report on Matt Wieters.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks “Which Oriole will hurt his status with a poor spring?”

Tracking the Terps says rebounding will be crucial against Duke, and has some quotes from Gary and Greivis.

Face Off has the latest on this coming weekend’s Face-Off Classic and UMBC midfielder Peet Poillon, who was named this week’s America East Conference Player of the Week.

The Washington Post’s Baseball Insider gives a WBC Team that would be unbeatable.

CMS Video of the Day

Everyone always says Duke gets all the calls at home in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Well, it’s tough to argue otherwise when Duke guard Elliot Williams TAKES 12 STEPS WITHOUT A TRAVELING VIOLATION BEING CALLED!

Also, yesterday the CMS Staff gave you the video of Devin Harris’ half court buzzer-beater. Well, that was awesome, aaaand in a game, which is nice.

I guess Dwight Howard and Lebron James just wanted to show off a little before the game.

The Morning’s Final Thought

Serbian-born Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric could potentially be having the best year in the NBA by virtue of a single outstanding performance. As a point guard, he averages a meager 2 ppg and 1 apg, but off the court yesterday Marko made the biggest play of his otherwise irrelevant season. He proposed to long-time girlfriend Adriana Lima and is now engaged… jeez. That’s awesome, I’m pretty sure every post-pubescent guy grows up wishing he could marry a Victoria’s Secret model. Marko is just livin’ the dream.

Wednesday CMS Top-5

Welcome in for another edition of the Wednesday CMS Top-5.

Today’s lists are compilations of those guys who may have never on the cover of any magazines or had the big-time endorsements, but athletes who you just really admired and really appreciated the efforts they gave a team you rooted for. So, by no means at all is it a negative to be chosen as one of Drew or Glenn’s favorite ‘bad’ players.

These are the results…

Wonderboy:

5. Former Ravens Quarterback and Johnny U wannabe, Chris Redman

4. Pro Tennis Player, James Blake

3. Former Maryland Terp, Mike Grinnon, the only Maryland player to win a National title and ACC Tournament Title

2. Former O’s Super-Prospect, Jeffrey Hammonds

1. Former O’s outfielder Mike Devereaux, Glenn’s heart-throb.

As for Drew:

5. Notre Dame Walk-on Rudy

4. From Bull Durham - Durham Bull, Crash Davis

3. Ted Knight in Caddyshack

2. Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack

1. That Peanut himself, Charlie Brown

Tuesday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

The O’s vs. the Italians? That’s right… first game of Spring Training… against the WBC Italian team… with the O’s starting Justin Christian, Donnie Murphy, Scott Moore, Oscar Salazar, Craig Brazell, Lou Montanez, Nolan Reimold, and Justin Turner… yeeeeah. If Wieters and Brian Matusz weren’t going to be the battery, this could be the least anticipated 9 innings of baseball in the history of the world.

The A.L. East best division ever? Sports Illustrated and Inside Baseball’s Ted Keith offers his five bold predictions for the ‘09 season. The last of his calls is that “The A.L. East will have the best division race ever.” It’s a great piece, in total - 495 thrilling words about how teams will be playing big-series after big-series, jockeying for position all summer long before an exciting September race. Unfortunately for O’s fans, the home-team is not even mentioned one time throughout the entire entry! But hey, don’t worry Baltimore fans… Toronto didn’t get a line either.

Ex-O Benson signs with Texas. Kris Benson has inked a minor league contract with the Rangers. Quick bio here, the right-hander is now 34 and is coming off a minor league year in the Phillies organization. The last full season he played was here in Baltimore in ‘06 when he went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA. Back in 1996 Benson was made the #1 overall selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the MLB First Year Player Draft. He is also married, to wife Anna, shown below… she craves attention… clearly:

Scanning the Blogosphere

Ravens Insider offers a “Cautionary tale on Ravens’ Ray Lewis.”

SI’s Truth and Rumors says both the New York Giants and Jets will both be chasing Ravens FA LB Bart Scott once the free agent signing period begins.

The Schmuck Stops Here has the latest from O’s Spring Training on LF Felix Pie, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.

Fanhouse has some quotes from Cal on the Steroid Era in baseball.

Bugs and Cranks says if everyone played an even schedule in MLB, the O’s would have the 15th best record.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks, “Are the next few weeks make or break for Gary Williams?” And also, “Who will surprise in Orioles’ camp?”

Terrapins Insider: “Vasquez Named ACC Player of the Week.”

Tracking the Terps has “Notes leading up to Duke,” more on the Carolina game, and how letting Greivis be Greivis has worked out pretty well for Maryland.

ESPN’s Bracketology has Maryland as the last team making the tournament giving them a #12 seed and taking on Washington.

The Big Lead says Darrius Heyward-Bey was the most impressive prospect at the NFL Combine.

D.C. Sports Blog has comments from NBC’s Mike Mulberry about how much he loves the Great 8.

Fanhouse’s Kevin Blackistone says, “No Star Shines like Alexander the Great.”

Face Off tells us after registering 4 goals and an assists in each of Loyola first two games, Greyhounds attackman Collin Finnerty has been honored.

Rumors and Rants has something Hoya hating Terps fans might like to see, “Georgetown Can Pack its Bags for the NIT.”

CMS Video of the Day

Here’s a video from three dudes from Baltimore performing their ballad, “Boo Teixeira (We’re gonna boo Teixeira) song.”

Learn it. Love it. Sing it. March 6. Opening Day.

Also, if you haven’t seen Nets G Devin Harris’ game winning acrobatic half court prayer to beat Philly from last night, you definitely have to check it out.

Monday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Hansbrough = Beaker, the Muppet. The University of Maryland men’s hoops team kept their season alive with a thrilling hard fought home win over #3 North Carolina Saturday afternoon. After the final buzzer sounded in OT, fans rushed the floor, and somehow UNC All-American Tyler Hansbrough got lost in the shuffle and was right behind Gary during his post-game TV interview. Pretty funny.

Mush-Mon! Everyone needs a feel good story on a Monday morning to get a smile on your face and week off to a nice start. Well as you all know, first there was the Jamaican Bobsled Team that competed in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and was immortalized in the fabulous movie, “Cool Runnings.” Now, no lie, Newton Marshall, a resident of Jamaica, is currently competing in the 1,000 mile Yukon Quest Race… he is the first Jamaican Dog sledder! The ‘Mush-Mon’ jackets are too funny.

Emmitt’s time at ESPN is over! It came as a surprise to no one. ESPN has chosen not to renew the contract of the NFL’s All-Time leading rusher and the former Cowboy will no longer appear on the worldwide leader. Here’s a little compilation and an example of how Emmitt has made us all dumber. Apparently he’s really good at football and ‘dancing with the stars,’ but so bad at being a talking head on TV, that ESPN actually chose Keyshawn Johnson to stick around over him. For more, check out The Morning’s Final Thought.

Scanning the Blogosphere

The Schmuck Stops Here has all the latest from Orioles’ Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks “Was it smart to give Brian Roberts a four-year, $40 million extension?”

Camden Chat says O’s CF Adam Jones is a likely breakout candidate.

MLB Trade Rumors tells us “Technically Brian Roberts Could Be Traded.”

SI via RotoExperts.com identifies O’s relief pitcher Chris Ray as a ‘player on the verge of an explosive campaign.’

Pro Football Talk: “Ware says Ray wants to ‘Wear the Star’,” and “Jets Zeroing in on Ravens Linebackers.”

Ravens Insider has the inside scoop from Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, including former Terp Darius Heyward-Bey’s impressive performance.

Terrapins Insider: “Dealing with an ‘NBA Frontline’,” “Halftime decision propels Terps,” “Vasquez grows into triple-double.”

Tracking the Terps has notes from the big win over North Carolina and the Sun’s story on future Terp, Jordan Williams.

Recruiting Report has all the latest on potential signee Lance Stephenson via Adam Zagoria’s blog from New York, and Jordan Williams and James Padgett, two guys who have already committed to Gary for next season.

The Official Caps Site has all the Great 8’s comments after getting under the skin of Syd the Kid.

D.C. Sports Blog has more on the Ovechkin-Crosby tussle.

Faceoff has a “Postscript from Georgetown’s upset of Maryland,” on the lacrosse field.

Fan IQ shows us the 15 worst basketball uniforms ever worn, from college to the NBA to the always fashionable ABA.

CMS Video of the Day

You can always count on UConn head coach Jim Calhoun for an entertaining post-game press conference. Even when he isn’t the instigator he makes for a great clip every time.

The Morning’s Final Thought

Haha Emmitt Smith, hilarious — from Awful announcing… their Top-10 Emmittisms:

“Not only does he have the NFC East record for touchdowns, but also the team record.”
“Wes Worker is a possession receiver that make things happen.”
“The NFC West is probably one of the weakest conferences in the whole NFC.”
“The leadership definitely have to come from the leaders.”
“I think it’s his self-confidence in himself that make him so confident when it get down into the crunch time.”

10. “Last year there was a lot of things the Colts had to address. They couldn’t stop the run, and all those. That was one of the biggest things they had to address.”
9. “You have to have the personality to match up with the Patriots.”
8. “He’s giving them all the confidences they need. He giving them the confidence that he need.”
7. “They do a very good job of flying around the Football field and carousing the Football carrier.”
6. “Don’t worry about the game you just won or the team that we just blew out. Uhhh… blown. Blown out. Let’s think about what we need to do going forward, and they had blown out.”
5. “Eli Manning has been given the rites of patches.”
4. “This kind of inconsistency, against a team like New England, will get you completely blowed out.”
3. “You cannot change the stripes of a leopard.”
2. “Go to Arizona, sharp as a whistle, and do some finishing touches, so we can go down in the Super Bowl and play our best football of the whole entire season.”
1. “The strength of the Patriots, their offense, got debacled.”

Men's Lacrosse: Early surge enough for #16 'Hounds to thump Towson

On their home turf at Diane Geppi-Aikens Field Loyola outscored Towson 4-0 in the first quarter and never looked back as they defeated the Tigers 11-8 yesterday afternoon.

For the second consecutive game Jr. A Collin Finnerty was on top of his game and most importantly, on target, as he netted 4 goals and an assist leaving him with 10 points through Loyola’s first two contests. He has led a Greyhound offense that has really looked crisp in the young season, putting in 9 against Notre Dame last week and 9 in the first 3 quarters against Towson before putting it on cruise control in the 4th.

The best part about the offense’s precision is that they will regain their leader and most experienced attackman, Shane Koppens, when they commence ECAC play next weekend at Penn State. He led the team in points last season, but after being granted a fifth season by the NCAA, the same governing body ruled him ineligible to play in Loyola’s first two games this season.

In his absence it was very encouraging to see So A Matty Langan playing Koppens’ spot behind the net and flourishing. His exceptional quickness has kept outside poles on their heels in the first two games, and in the process picked up a pair of goals to go along with a pair of helpers.

Of course there’s a lot to be pleased with for Coach Toomey after a dominating performance in a Baltimore rivalry game… John Schiavone went 11-22 on faceoffs against the Tigers highly touted Mitchell Rosensweig, Jake Hagelin continued his stellar play in the pipes with 13 stops, and led by LSM P.T. Ricci and D-middie Taylor Ebsary’s 8 ground balls apiece, Loyola out-hustled Towson and grabbed 8 more loose balls.

In addition to Finnerty’s 4 goals, Langan had 2, Cooper MacDonnell 1, Mike Sawyer 1, Eric Lusby 1, Jimmy Daly 1, and Loyola was credited with a Team Goal after Towson G Rob Wheeler mishandled a ball and scored in his own net. Assists for the ‘Hounds were registered by Finnerty, Langan, MacDonnell, Sawyer, and Schiavone all picking up 1.

As mentioned above Loyola’s next game is at Penn State Saturday February, 21 at 1pm, WNST, will have the coverage as the Greyhounds will begin their ECAC title defense in Happy Valley. It’ll be the first of three road games for the 1-1 ‘Hounds. Next Tuesday they will take on Siena in Albany before a February 28th trip to Durham, NC to take on the Duke.

If Loyola can take care of business up north against the Nittany Lions and Saints, a nice 4-0 record would be a great full head of steam going in to take on the Blue Devils.

Friday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Vegas’ Baseball Numbers Are In. Now that spring training has begun and as we await action in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues baseball is officially back. And that, of course, also means there are new odds and numbers to gamble on in Vegas. The Orioles have odds of 50/1 for the A.L. East title, 75/1 for the A.L. pennant, and 150/1 to parade around the Harbor as World Series Champions . The Over/Under you wonder? It’s a modest 74.5. Vegas is going with the cautiously optimistic approach… I dig it, it’s cool, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves here.

He’s Baaaack. Tiger Woods announced his return to professional golf yesterday when he said he would enter next week’s field of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona. Was last year fun Padraig Harrington? Did you like being PGA Player of the Year? I’m sure you did, well, for you and everyone, it’s back to the way it was. Tiger must be feeling good to play now. My bet is that he was ready to play last week or maybe even several before that. Tiger is a very smart and shrewd guy; he would never take any risks on that surgically repaired knee knowing it wasn’t absolutely 100%. If his comments are true and if he will truly be the healthiest he’s been since high school… things could get ugly for all those trying to hunt down Tiger this season on tour.

Loyola Grads, not all geniuses. As my bio to the left clearly states, I am a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland. Interestingly enough so is this person who wrote this in an e-mail to SI’s College Hoops writer Seth Davis: “Love the “Skip Prosser Classic” thought, but I feel a little left out. How about two more teams? Skip took my alma mater, Loyola (Md.), to its first and last NCAA tournament. And for a fourth team, how about the high school where Skip got started? That would be fair competition for my lowly Greyhounds. Kevin Cusick, Philadelphia — Now c’mon, are you good man? …you’re an ass.

Scanning the Blogosphere

The Schmuck Stops Here has a video of Koji Uehara’s career highlights and the latest from Fort Lauderdale on Brian Roberts’ contract extension, Rich Hill working with Rick Kranitz, and Felix Pie’s absence from camp.

MLB Trade Rumors: “Brian Roberts confirms extension.”

Delaware Online says, “Future not quite here for Orioles.”

Bugs & Cranks says “4 more years: O’s sign Roberts.”

Fanhouse has a good Ravens read in their 2009 Off season Road maps segment: “Baltimore Ravens, What about Ray?”

Pro Football Talk reports Terrell Suggs is looking at the Dwight Freeney and Jared Allen contracts as comparable to the one he’s looking for.

Ravens Insides has updates from the combine: “Time to show and tell,” “Hear no evil,” “First impressions.”

SI’s Bucky Brooks takes a look at the “‘09 NFL Draft: Top 10 DB Prospects.” Could be that much more interesting with C-Mac out, Rolle on the chopping block, and the Raiders resigning Nnamdi Asomugha to a record breaking 3 year/$45.3M deal.

Tracking the Terps hopes the Terps can get back a sense of excitement and tells us Ralph has hired a “New special teams coach.”

SI’s Seth Davis gives his thoughts on the Yanda/Prisbell Washington Post article on Gary and the state of the Terps men’s hoops program.

Recruiting Report has quotes from newest Lady Terp recruit to be named a McDonald’s AA, Dara Taylor. Lance Stephenson, a potential Gary signee from New York City, was also selected.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks “What is your take on Ovechkin and the Capitals?”

From the Ice has an HD look at the Great 8’s off the wall, spin and slide goal two nights ago against the Canadians in D.C.

Re: Lax has Q&A with Coach Charlie Toomey of Loyola and Coach Tony Seaman of Towson, before the ‘Hounds and Tigers meet this Saturday.

Fanhouse has a rundown of all of the action before yesterday’s NBA Trade Deadline… in case you’re wondering, former Terp Chris Wilcox was traded from the Thunder to the Knicks.

Medium Well links to Talkers Magazine’s list of top-250 talk radio show hosts… CMS host Drew Forrester, clearly the biggest snub.

Rumors and Rants, get your ‘Be Like Mike’ Phelps t-shirt, available now.

CMS Video of the Day

Instead of a video, I’m going to give you a look from The Bleacher Report at how college hoops would look if everyone had to stay all four years, no leaving school early.

Men’s College Basketball Top 25: If All Players Had To Stay Four Years.

Thursday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Roberts to sign until 2013. The Sun’s O’s beat writer, Jeff Zrebiec, tells us that second basemen Brian Roberts will sign a new 4-year extension to stay here in Baltimore. Dictionary.com offers this for the definition of a “Masochist”: One who gains gratification from pain, deprivation, degradation, and humiliation. Yup I’d have to say that fits the 31 year old, 2-time All-Star. But it’s tough to feel too bad for Brian… he is married to one of Drew’s favorite sports trophies, Diana Chiafair.

MLB Power Rankings: Pre-season Edition. Fanhouse lends their opinion on where they think the Orioles stack up against the rest of Major League Baseball. On the list, the hometown team ranks #25 of 30, juuuust behind powerhouses such as the Reds, Marlins, Rockies, Royals, and even the Nats. Wow, pretty high expectations. Still ahead of the Pirates — Pittsburgh sucks, wahoo!

Chandler to OKC voided due to pending toe injury? Shortly after wrapping up the CMS yesterday, news broke that Tyson Chandler had been traded to Oklahoma City for a couple former Terps, Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, and some guys no one cares about. Now, the trade is off because after taking his physical with the Thunder team doctor, Dr. Carlan Yates, it was determined Chandler’s left big toe was too great a risk to be re-injured; Chandler did have surgery on said toe in April ‘07. Very interestingly, the crazy thing to Chandler and everyone else is that for 1. The toe is perfectly healthy right now and 2. Dr. Yates obviously doesn’t have confidence in his own work! It was none other than he who operated on Chandler while the Hornets sought refuse in Oklahoma City in post-Katrina New Orleans. Pretty awkward and funny stuff.

Scanning the Blogosphere

SI NFL writer, Ross Tucker, says, “Like it or not the Ravens should let Ray walk rather than overpay.”

Pro Football Talk: “Ravens want to stake a long-term claim to ‘Sizzle’,” “Could McAlister link up with the Jets?” Also that T.J. Houshmandzadeh will draw interest from the Ravens and speculates who might get ‘tagged’ next.

SI’s Bucky Brooks sizes up the Top 10 Linebacker Prospects in the coming NFL Draft… might be of interest just in case #52 isn’t back in Black and Purple.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks, “Where does Brian Roberts rank among major league second basemen?”

B-More Birds’ Nest gives their thoughts on Suggs, and Roberts staying in Baltimore.

Bugs & Cranks tells O’s DH/LF Luke Scott, “We heard you the first time, Luke.”

The Schmuck Stops Here: “Ray’s Rebound,” “Sherrill Sore,” “Montanez is ready to compete,” and some “Quick Hits.”

Roar from 34: A Baltimore Orioles Blog gives, “100 Words or less about… the O’s off-season.”

SI’s Jon Heyman said that in the O’s off-season moves makes them a ‘Non-winner in a tough economy.’

Tracking the Terps break downs down are they really “Still in the Running?”

TSN College Basketball analyst Mike DeCourcey says the Terps next opponent has too many guys who need the ball.

Face Off gives some local lacrosse news in “Hodge podge from Baltimore coaches.”

Awful Announcing has the MLB Network’s talent and schedule for the WBC.

Medium Well has the newest Sports Center anchor duo for their new L.A. show.

Fanhouse reports that Steelers WR and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes got fined $10K for his Super Bowl touchdown celebration.

Fan IQ tells fans what to expect and “Who’s going Where?” on today’s NBA Trade Deadline.

CMS Video of the Morning

Last night WNST staffers and listeners alike took a Puck-Bus down to D.C. to see the Caps and a certain ‘Great 8′ tear up Les Habitants. Here’s OV’s amazing goal from the Capitals shootout victory. He’s pretty good at putting the puck in the net.

The Morning’s Final Thought

The men’s basketball teams at Loyola and Towson each were dealt with severe blows on their home courts this week and it just may signify a change in seasons for both.

Monday night at Reitz Arena the Greyhounds couldn’t hold on to an 11 point lead with 7 minutes to play, and lost to Canisius, the last place team in thier conference, by a score of 69-67. Loyola and coach Jimmy Patsos are now 6-10 in MAAC play and are owners of a 5 game losing skid.

Last night in the Towson Center, a weak William and Mary team was able to dominate the Tigers in a 22 win for the Tribe, 76-54. Towson and Coach Pat Kennedy are just 4-12 in the CAA and have lost 5 of their last 6.

Even thought the weather will be a little chilly this Saturday, the Loyola-Towson lacrosse game is an event both athletic programs and fan bases are definitely looking forward to. Barring a miraculous conference tournament runs in the MAAC or CAA, which seem highly highly highly unlikely, it will very soon officially be lacrosse season for the Greyhounds and the Tigers.

Loyola, #16 in the national polls, will host Towson, who hold a 27-23 series lead, on Diane Geppi-Aikens Field at 1pm this Saturday afternoon.

Lacrosse won’t be the only sport Towson will have a local rivalry game in. If you still need to fill your hoops fix you can check out the Tigers as they will host Coach Todd Bozeman’s Morgan State Bears in a Bracket buster matchup at 4pm in the Towson Center.

Wednesday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Really Pittsburgh? If Bud Selig wants to rewrite the Major League Baseball record book by taking out players guilty of using performance enhancing drugs. Maybe the NFL and Roger Goodell should consider doing the same. This morning Sports by Brooks has a story asking the question, “Did Steelers Blood Dope Before the Super Bowl?” WR Hines Ward and S Troy Polamalu, public enemy’s #1 and #2 in Baltimore, received a controversial treatment knows as Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy. We all know the 70’s Stillers were the fathers of the sports ‘Steroid Era.’ Hmmm… sounds sketchy to this CMS Staffer.

Maryland’s Mt. Rushmore of Sports. SportsCenter is currently holding a competition of which individual United State has the best ‘Mt. Rushmore of Sports.’ They are going to announce a series of finalists and then the fans will have the final say, which gets this “prestigious” honor. Where will Maryland factor into the discussion? The Old Line State put up quite the fearsome foursome, Cal, Brooks, Johnny U, and Michael Phelps. You have to wonder, do you think George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, or Abe Lincoln were ever involved in a ‘Bong-Gate?’

Surprise, Surprise. This morning it is being widely reported that Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets will have season ending micro fracture surgery on his left knee. Since being an underrated budding star in Toronto with Vince Carter, he was supposed to revolutionize the NBA with Grant Hill in post-Shaq-Orlando, and be involved in the next ‘Big 3′ to make a title run with Yao and Artest in Houston. It might be really safe to say, McGrady might be the most overrated, way overhyped “super-star” in the entire post-Jordan era. Anyone who has played with that amount of talent over a decade should without a doubt be able to get to a conference semi-final, but as you’ll remember, the amount of playoff rounds T-Mac has ever won is 0. Bob Haynie, esteemed host of the Bob Haynie Show, had Houston-Boston in his NBA Finals… sorry Bob, not this year.

Scanning the Blogosphere

Pro Football Talk has a few words on Terrell Suggs potentially being ‘tagged.’

The Schmuck Stops Here has a thought on “Guthrie and the WBC.”

MLB Trade Rumors comments on Brian Roberts and the O’s possibly narrowing the gap on a long-term deal.

Ravens Insider asks is “Rolle next on the chopping block?”

Fanhouse: “Broncos cut Dre Bly,” could he be a potential FA signing for the Ravens?

Medium Well wonders if is “Maryland among ESPN’s Mt. Rushmore finalists?” The Old Line State has a pretty nice fearsome foursome with Cal, Brooks, Phelps, and Unitas. I wonder if anyone on the real Mt. Rushmore

Face off confirms that “Hagelin’s still the one at Loyola,” and ponders who is “UMBC’s next diamond in the rough.”

Recruiting Report looks at the life of ex-Terp basketball recruit Eteyen Edet.

Deadspin has a great human interest story, “Not all high school kids are punks”… Drew addressed the story this morning on the CMS.

CMS Video of the Day

With the NFL Draft approaching quickly potential draftees all over the country are trying to show GM’s all over the league that they should be selected. San Jose State 6′4 287lb Jarron Gilbert did something amazing while getting out of the pool after a workout… absolutely unreal for someone that size to be able to do that, put him on my team’s D-Line!

Tuesday Morning's Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Huge Media Turnout for Koji’s Bullpen Session. Peter Schmuck relayed the news back to Baltimore that an astounding 30 members of the media came out to see Koji Uehara’s first bullpen session as a member of the Baltimore Orioles in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. I checked with CMS host Drew Forrester and he said that unfortunately he was not present for the event; apparently the O’s only credential ‘real’ media members. As I’m sure at least 27 of those 30 reporters were from the Far East, Drew probably should have said he was working with the ‘Yomiuri Shimbun,’ Japan’s most circulated newspaper publication, when applying for his O’s Spring Training press pass.

Phelps smoked with Poker Star? No edition of ‘The Swinging Bunt’ would be complete without the latest from Bong-Gate. The interesting news coming out of South Carolina yesterday is that the owner of the bong in question is actually a millionaire online poker player! Shocking revelation, I know. Zachery “Carter” King, who has earned more than $2M in winnings from playing cards online, is the reigning champ of the 2008 Poker Stars World Championship of Online Poker Main Event. I have just one plea to King who obviously needs to internally reflect on his wrongdoings - Carter, using drugs is only a gamble with your life! Too corny, you say? I say, too true… Up with hope, down with dope!

After game, Patsos was Phoenix on Letterman-esque? Last night the Loyola Men’s Hoops Team lost an ugly 69-67 home game to MAAC cellar-dweller Canisius. It’s the ‘Hounds 5^th straight loss, dropping them to 6-10 in conference, and leaving their season hanging by a thread and on a respirator. Head coach, and former Gary assistant, Jimmy Patsos seemed a little delusional afterward during his post-game interview with Loyola’s radio crew. He didn’t address the embarrassing loss at all and instead chose to talk about: his team’s “good” effort, the fact that UVM Coach Mike Lonergan and Ravens OC Cam Cameron were both at the game and that he’s honored to have so many people at Reitz Arena watching his team. He added that he’s proud of the program and left with a promise that his team will continue to play hard before taking off his headset and walking away. Hellooo, Coach, what are you talking about!?!? You just lost to a 2-13 Canisius team that was trailing by 11 with 7 minutes to play. Coach P., now you have to know, the absolute last thing Greyhounds fans want to hear after a heartless effort is that you’re proud of your team!

Scanning the Blogosphere

Pro Football Talk has the comments from Chris McAlister shortly after his Baltimore career ended.

Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar asks Ravens fans, “How will you remember Chris McAlister’s Ravens career?”

Medium Well has a view on the Chris McAlister and Anita Marks BFF venting session, and not the drinking cold Coors Light kind.

Fanhouse quotes Terrell Suggs on an Arizona radio station saying to the Ravens front office, “If you want me on your team, prove it.” They also have what could be good news for the O’s in the A.L. East, “Roy Halladay Could Be Traded This Year.”

The Schmuck Stops Here has reasons why the O’s can’t rush Wieters, and notes Adam Jones has gotten considerably bigger.

The Hardball Times breaks down who is baseball’s #1 prospect, O’s catcher Matt Wieters or Rays P David Price?

O’s on Deck talks about “Which O’s pitching prospect makes the biggest impact?”

Tracking the Terps has there ‘observations’ to take note of before tonight’s game at Clemson.

Recruiting Report has all the latest on the Terps recruiting news including notes on potential basketball signee Lance Stephenson and the menace to backboards everywhere, Jordan Williams, in their “Weekend Wrap.”

With Leather has another interesting photo of a ‘stupid’ looking Dwyane Wade from All-Star Weekend, I gave my comments about what I thought about the fashion show yesterday.

CMS Video of the Day

There’s something about grown-ups dressed up as Presidents with giant heads running around baseball fields that really gets me going.

Do you think these people needed to send a resume and cover letter to get this audition?

Here’s a sample question from a potential interview…

“What prior experience in this field do you have, sir?

“Well, I have dressed up as a Brat and run all over Miller Park, this can’t be too different.

Gut-wrenching home loss to Canisius extends losing streak to 5

If the Loyola College men’s hoops team were a heavyweight boxer, they would be down on the mat with the referee just moments away from calling the fight over. A 69-67 loss at Reitz Arena to MAAC doormat Canisius after leading by 11 with 7:04 to play has left the Greyhounds staggering and their heads spinning badly.

Case in point, facing the prospects of a 5 game losing streak, 6-10 conference record, and a season in crisis-mode, Coach Jimmy Patsos seemed almost ‘Joaquin Phoenix’-esque delusional in his post-game interview.

The shell-shocked coach spoke about how proud he was of his players’ effort, singled out Jamal Barney for a great performance, identified Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron and Vermont head coach Mike Lonergan as being in the crowd, and how the team is always fighting to be better and will be the next time out, and did not take any questions. Very Strange, verrrry strange.

This game has three distinct phases. Canisius (8-18, 3-12) dominated a lifeless Loyola team throughout the entire first period and took an 42-34 lead into halftime. Then Loyola started the second half on a 10-0 run and then following another 13-2 run midway through the second had the ‘Hounds leading by the above mentioned 11 points. Afterward it would be all Golden Griffins, ending the game on a 19-6 run.

With a minute left and a 1-point lead a Loyola turnover turned into an hoop and a foul for Canisius forward Julius Coles, who would hit the free throw and put his squad up 2. After a Jamal Barney missed shot, and hit free throw by a Canisius, Tony Lewis would connect on a lay-up with 8 seconds left to cut the lead to 68-67. Barney was forced to foul Golden Griff’s PG Frank Turner and after he sank 1 of 2, the ‘Hounds would have one last six second possession for a chance to send the game to OT. Barney raced coast-to-coast but his jumper didn’t come close and the final buzzer sounded leaving the home team and fans feeling like they took a hard punch in the stomach.

Turner, the outstanding 5′11 Griff’s guard, finished with 23 points and five rebounds to pace Canisius, who will now head back to Buffalo with just their 3rd conference win. Barney, the Southwestern High School product and Loyola’s and the MAAC’s leading scorer, had a another tremendous game hitting for 30 points and controlling the boards grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds. No other Greyhound reached double figures as Loyola really looked tentative on offensive, while on D they were sleep walking at times and beaten down the floor for layups at crucial points of the game.

Loyola (11-17, 6-10) will be in Philadelphia this weekend to take on Drexel of the CAA in their ESPNU BracketBuster game. Tip time will be 5pm on Saturday afternoon from the Dragons’ Daskalakis Athletic Center. Your last chance to see the ‘08-’09 Greyhounds on the Evergreen Campus will be next Thursday February, 26 at 7pm.

Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Rotation Candidates? Orioles’ pitchers and catchers reported to Fort Lauderdale this weekend and all the buzz so far in camp is who will fill out Manager Dave Trembley’s and Pitching Coach Dave Kranitz’s rotation. The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec addressed this matter in his “10 Questions for the Orioles” and suggested that Jeremy Guthrie and Koji Uehara are assured spots and offered these possibilities for spots 3-5: Danys Baez, Brian Bass, Mark Hendrickson, Brad Hennessey, Radhames Liz, Troy Patton, John Parrish, Hayden Penn, David Pauley, Alfredo Simon and Chris Waters. None of these extremely marginal so-called “major league pitchers” get you going? Well, just in case CMS Producer Glenn Clark has volunteered his services for the upcoming season.

Baltimore’s watching… NBA pre-game? It’s a rough time of the year to get rating for sports in Baltimore this time of year. In between Ravens and Orioles season, the ESPN’s NBA Pre-game Show was the 6^th highest rated sports related TV program last week. Granted the Wizards-Nuggets game, which finished 5^th, was coming on directly afterwards but it got me thinking. If/when T-Sizzle resigns with the Ravens to a long-term deal, I will be pitching network exec’s a Terrell Suggs Reality Show for next year and for more family oriented programming, I’ll pitch joining Joe Flacco Wednesday evening’s for “Bowling with the Quarterback!”

Congratulations Matt Witt! Over the weekend this sophomore from the University of Maryland was crowned champion of the school’s qualifier for the USA Rock Paper Scissors College Championship. To avoid any controversy and to avoid any possible confusion the tournament was played using the official rules of the USA Rock Paper Scissor League. Witt will now compete in Panama City, Florida for the title of the ‘Best Rock, Paper, and Scissor Nerd in the entire Country.” Wahoo go Matt! Rock, paper, scissor, c’mon, really?

“The Bong-Gate Seven.” Courtesy the Smoking Gun, here are the mugshots of the menaces to society who infamously have been arrested in South Carolina for smoking weed with Michael Phelps. Instead of beating a dead horse and making another mediocre marijuana joke I will instead remind everyone of some of the best mugshots of all-time. Pee-Wee Herman. Rapper, DMX. Blue Chips’ Nick Nolte. King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The Hardest Working Man in Showbiz, and Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Shrek. And my nominee for the title of “Worst Celebrity Mugshot of All-Time” goes to the Brady Brunch’s BOBBY BRADY!?!?!?!?! Hey, wait a second… get out of there Shrek!

Scanning the Blogosphere

The Schmuck Stops Here talks the debuts of who the Orioles hope to be three future and present core rotation guys: Matusz, Uehara, and Rich Hill.

Baseball Prospectus, the Baseball Nerds, have their “Top 100 Prospects” list out. Orioles include, #1 C Matt Wieters, #16 P Chris Tillman, #19 P Brian Matusz, #52 P Jake Arietta, and #98 Brandon Erbe.

Camden Chat tells reports the Washington Post, after ending its Ravens coverage before last season, will not have a beat with the Orioles this season either.

D.C. Sports Blog has pictures of VT’s Jeff Allen giving the one-finer salute, Maryland Mohawks, and Ravens HC John Harbaugh openly “hearting” Coach Williams — and not caring who knows it,

Tracking the Terps wonders Did You Notice these things from the VA Tech game on Saturday and found out Gary really did recruit Jordan Williams himself.

The Sporting News’ and friend of WNST, Clifton Brown, says the “Ravens’ biggest obstacle now is free agency.”

SI’s Inside the NFL examines the upcoming ‘09’s drafts’ “Top WR Prospects.” Could any of these men be catching passes from Joe next season?

The Ravens Official Site points out “Fave Five: Best Ravens Pass Completions” in ‘08.

With Leather has Roberto Alomar at #2 in last week’s “Power Rankings: A Look at Whose Back on Top.”

SI’s For the Record says the ‘best pitcher of all-time’ is still out on the free agent market.

Fanhouse calls Mike Green of the Caps, “the hottest player in hockey right now.”

Yahoo!’s Big League Stew has the ‘eye brow rising’ story of the day, “Billy Joel and Elton John to rock the Musical Confines of Wrigley.”

Inside Lacrosse analyst Quint Kessnich has his “D-1 Top-20 Poll,” after Week 1: #3 Maryland, #7 John’s Hopkins, #11 UMBC, #15 Navy, #17 Loyola.

Deadspin tells us something we already know, Jeff Reed is a complete idiot.

CMS Video of the Day

The CMS Staff told you last week about Jordan Williams shattering a backboard at his high school game. Well thanks to You Tube, we can all see the Torrington, CT High School Senior and Terps recruit’s damage. Note, about the first 25 seconds of the video is all black, so don’t worry when the picture doesn’t immediately begin.

And as an Honorable Mention choice for CMS Video of the Morning, “Shaq Dancing with the Jabbawackeez.” Enough said.

The Morning’s Last Call

Right here at the start I want to point out and call a spade a spade… Calvin Klein, I am not. I don’t know anything about the latest “What’s Hot and/or What’s Not” of the fashion world, nor do I “speak Prada.” I barely shop for my own clothes at 23, I prefer Mom to take care of that. If by mistake I don’t go out in matching attire, I blame my ‘mysterious case of color blindness.’ And I have never spent more than $12 on a haircut in my life.

You get the point.

In any event, I couldn’t help but notice during this past NBA All-Star Weekend that many of today’s greatest basketball players on the planet could be the next in line to be this summer’s Athlete-Intern at Vogue Magazine.

In the Rookie v. Sophomores Game Friday evening, the NBA decided to put their youngsters in these high fashion uniforms. Dwyane Wade definitely had something to do with the selections.

Saturday evening was the NBA All-Star Skills Night, with fan favorites such as the 3 Point-Shootout and Slam Dunk Contest, and all of a sudden out of nowhere… a fashion show broke out!

Earlier in the day I found out that apparently corn rows are out. First, Carmelo Anthony took out his braids a little while ago, and on Saturday another Super-Star took a trip to the Barber Shop.

After over a decade, Allen Iverson decided to make the move. Who remembers this fresh-out-of-Georgetown youthful looking AI.

Lebron James, who said he was going to compete in next year’s dunk contest, did so wearing a stunning yellow sweater… which I’ve read is actually called a ‘cardigan.’

Even the Greatest Heavyweight Champion the world has ever seen, Muhammad Ali, was dressed sharply, sporting Oakley Sunglasses and a Tar Heeled-themed sweater.

And finally, Dunk Contest runner-up Dwight Howard, aka Super Man, emerged from a telephone booth in an extra tight jersey to go under his cape, while now two-time Dunk Champ Nate Robinson sported a ‘kryptonite’-inspired Knicks uniform.

ESPNU will be spending the night at Reitz Arena

Both the Loyola College men’s and women’s basketball teams will play home games on ESPNU tonight as the Evergreen Campus will be front and center on national TV. The ladies’ tip will be at 7pm and they will be taking Niagara, while the guys will square off with Iona, following the earlier game’s conclusion.

This will be the second time in six days the men’s team will play a team tied with them in the MAAC standings at Reitz Arena. Last Saturday Loyola was knocked off 72-65 against Manhattan, whom the Greyhounds had been tied with for 5th in the conference at 6-6. Now after also losing Monday night at Siena, the ‘Hounds will have to battle Iona. Both squads are now 6-8 in MAAC play, good enough for a tie for 6th place. Loyola will again be in action Monday night on the Evergreen Campus when Canisius makes the hike down to Baltimore from Buffalo.

Iona is dangerous because their play has been awfully inconsistent all season, usually playing to the level of their competition. On the other hand, Canisius has been just consistently awful. They were torched by Loyola by 26 on their home floor already this season and have a dreadful 2-13 MAAC mark. The ‘Hounds realistic expectation for the weekend should be to pick up a pair of W’s, which would move them back to .500 in the league.

Also, don’t forget that the Loyola men’s lacrosse team will get their season underway tomorrow in Atlanta Georgia as they will take on Notre Dame at 1:00pm.

Loyola is ranked second in the preseason ECAC Coaches’ Poll and #17 by the USILA Preaseaon Poll and the Nike/Inside Lacrosse Media Poll. The Irish are tied for ninth with Princeton in the USILA rankings and with UMBC for 10th in the eyes of the media. The Greyhounds were defeated by ND 7-6 on Diane Geppi-Aikens Field in last year’s season opener.

Crab Cakes and Light Beer

O’s President’s “State of the Team.” Your baseball team in Baltimore’s very own, Andy MacPhail, sat down with the Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec for a little Q and A. During their chat, the man running Baseball Operations with the Orioles said the team was, “on the right track.” Clearly the track he’s talking about is the one that leads to being utterly irrelevant by mid-July.

It always has to be all about Michael! Now this is ridiculous, what’s a kid have to do to get a little attention around here? The lawyer for 2 of the 8 ‘smoking dopes’ are saying that once his clients got into the interrogation room after their arrests in associated with “Bong-gate”, officials were only interested in asking questions about Phelps. “Oh my God, I love Michael Phelps, is he as hot in real life as he was on TV in the Olympics?” “Do you think he’ll ever come back to South Carolina to come hang out and burn with us, too?”

D.A.R.E. not to be like Mike! The AHL’s The Milwaukee Admirals next Thursday night will host “Don’t be like Mike Night.” The promotion promises $2 tickets for anyone who brings to the arena box office their D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Graduation Certificate. Also, anyone with the name Michael, Phelps, Mary Jane, Cheech, Chong, or Weed get in with the proposed discount. They will also be giving, as a contest prize, a brand new Weedwhacker! I don’t even need to attempt to make a smart ass joke; just summarizing the article was funny enough.

Scanning the Blogosphere

Pro Football Talk’s Pat Tillman Award goes to Polamalu over Reed.

Football’s Future has the Ravens taking Rutgers WR Kenny Britt in their mock draft.

The National Football Post tells Ravens fans, or anyone’s for that matter, not to hold their breathe on landing Cards WR Anquan Boldin.

Deadspin: “Alomar Denies Lawsuit’s Claim That He Has AIDS (Kind Of).”

The Examiner was wondering how does one make a mock draft, Mel Kiper shared his answer.

Sports By Brooks asks, “Alomar’s New GF Motivation Behind Old GF’s Suit?”

Tracking the Terps gives their “Quick Take on the 2009 Maryland Football Schedule.”

Busted Coverage has our I Hate the Steelers link of the day with “This is why Jeff Reed is so fat.”

Awful Announcing has ESPN’s released early college football schedule.

CMS Video of the Day

Everyone has an embarrassing moment in their past. Our job on Crab Cakes and Light Beer is to find those moments and make sure everyone knows about it. WNST Partner and former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick’s is that he was once a contestant on the old TV Game Show, “Match Game PM.” And here it is.

The Morning’s Last Call

I’ll be honest, I like the NBA All-Star Weekend for no other reason than that all those skills competitions like the Dunk Contest, H-O-R-S-E, and the 3-point Shootout, is that it provides phenomenal background viewing for pre-gaming. Think about it… relatively entertaining, don’t need to keep track of anything to know what’s going on, and there’s lots of “ooohs and ahhhhs.” The same goes for those NHL little gimmicky games too, hardest shot, fastest skater, etc…

On the other hand, the All-Star game itself doesn’t really do too much for me, but by no means is the NBA’s best players scrimmaging Sunday’s main draw.

The 2009 NASCAR Season gets kicked off tomorrow. I can’t even try to impress you with my knowledge of car racing, but I’ve picked up a few things from watching SportsCenter.

In short, this is the first race of the ‘09 season, Jimmy Johnson in the #48 car, he’s good, he’s won 3 straight points championships, Dale Jr. doesn’t drive the Budweiser mobile anymore, and there’s like an 18 year old in the field.

Side question, how can an 18 year old be racing in the Daytona 500? I thought you weren’t even allowed to have license until like 17.

Here’s a link for SI’s Tale of the Tape: NBA All Star Game vs. the Daytona 500.

Hey Bud You're A Hypocrite! My Letter to the Commissioner of Baseball

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167

Dear Commissioner Selig:

On Thursday February 12, 2009 I read your comments concerning Alex Rodriguez, your sport’s steroid problem, and what your intentions are to somehow rectify the situation. Amongst other things, you said through a prepared statement that you are, “saddened” and that A-Rod has, “shamed the game.” The game, you sir, have presided over as acting commissioner or commissioner since 1992.

Throughout the past 16 seasons baseball’s integrity has been questioned and its reputation badly stained, perhaps more than ever. What we have learned in the past several years of constant investigation is that during this time, drug use, specifically the use of steroids and human growth hormones, have been prevalent in all major league clubhouses in the era that we have come to know as the Steroid Era.

All the while, despite all that and a players’ strike that canceled the ‘94 World Series… your sport since ‘92 has consistently continued to register record gate attendance numbers, and with teams’ television contracts and apparel licensing, baseball is thriving financially even during this economy’s very real recession. It was even widely reported last week that your salary in 2007 was increased to near $17.5 million. Congratulations, that’s awesome.

In the above about baseball since the year 1992 I can identify 3 constants: performance enhancing drugs, money, and you, Bud.

Mr. Selig, the definition for a hypocrite reads, “one who acts in a manner contradictory to one’s expressed professed beliefs in order to conceal one’s real feelings or motive.”

Mr. Selig you are the best example of a hypocrite I can possibly think of.

The entire “Steroid Era” was able to exist because the pockets of you and your owner friends’ pockets were getting fat with the revenue of 500 ft. epic home runs sailing out of sold out stadiums hit by guys using. It all went on right under your nose.

You clearly sit right on the fence, going to whichever side is more convenient and beneficial for your bottom line. In the 90’s when “chicks dug the long-ball” and when McGwire and Sosa “brought baseball back” you were all smiles… especially when you sat with the Maris family in the old Busch Stadium the night Big Mac hit 62, as fire works went off in the cool St. Louis September air, everyone smiled for the TV cameras. Nowadays, since there is public out-roar about cleaning up baseball, you’re the first one on the soap box assigning “shame” and telling us how “saddened” you are.

If you had done a better job in negotiations with the Player Union during the labor grievances in 1994, we could have potentially averted this entire situation. If truth, integrity, and honesty had ever caused great foresight on your side, perhaps baseball could have had third party Olympic-style testing from that point on. You could have been leaders amongst your peers in the movement against cheating in sports. That would have been nipping the problem in the ‘bud.’ When it was still a small “taboo” it should have been addressed and outlawed, play and simple. Needless to say, even you would have saved yourself a lot of grief from an embarrassing appearance on Capitol Hill.

You would have proven to be baseball’s savior, before it knew it needed one. Instead, baseball is in steroid shambles just days before training camps all over Arizona and Florida get going. That’s a real shame.

One more thought for you Mr. Selig. Let me ask you, why feel compelled to single out Alex Rodriguez individually as baseball’s “shame” when somewhere there are 103 other positive steroid tests from 2003 still out there. What about those other guys? Do you feel A-Rod should have to where the scarlet letter, S, next to his interlocked NY all season for those guys too?

I’m no where near a holier than thou kind’ve guy. I think it’s equally as hypocritical for breast-beating fans to be outraged by players who take PED’s to enhance the entertainment value of the purchased ticket. In my opinion the fan has the final say and it comes from his or her wallet. He or she can spend whatever they want on whatever they want, as long as checks don’t bounce. And I agree, players who cheat set an awful example for kids and they should be reprimanded the 50 games if they fail a test. That said, if someone came to me saying this pill will make you a better sports talk show host and blog writer and that everyone’s doing it because its not against the rules… I would take the pill.

But that’s part of the point, the fact that in 2003 metabolic steroids weren’t illegal in your sport is mind-boggling!

Mr. Selig, Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Tejada, Rafael Palmeiro, and every other player who used steroids are in the wrong, they have let the fans down tremendously, no doubt.

But, you sir, are as responsible for the Steroid Era as much as anyone else, and because of it, you are just as much of a shame as anyone.

Sincerely,

“Cut the B.S.”

Crab Cakes and Light Beer

The Swinging Bunt

Viva Beer Pong! So let me get this straight, they announced this week there will be no more BYOB at The Preakness and now we find out officials tried to outlaw drinking games like beer pong and flip cup inside local watering holes? Thank the good Lord that Sen. George W. Della Jr.’s potential legislation was stopped by that “growing online lobbying effort.” OK, what we can infer from that is… that Sen. G.W. Della is a crotchety old guy and every fun loving young adult in the Baltimore area made his life a pain in the ass every time he tried to check in e-mail. Down with government! Whose on the table next?

The sincerity of a $1M Apology? Michael Phelps’ “regrettable behavior” has apparently annoyed people all over the world. In a public statement made yesterday the Olympic Golden Boy apologized to the segment of his followers whom reside in China. You have to wonder, was he saying sorry to the whole billion-plus population or only those who buy Mazdas?

Duke Fans Have Cooties! Without a doubt, Duke University is one of the Top 10 academic institutions in the entire United States of America, and a true model for all other institutions of higher learning to sculpt themselves after. Now I know the old adage is “Knowledge equals Power,” now I also know that after a meningitis outbreak in Krzyzewski-ville, “Knowledge does not equal a force field against icky gross bacterial diseases.”

Scanning the Blogosphere

Deadspin reports that Robbie Alomar’s accuser is a professional arm wrestler.

The Smoking Gun has obtained the full complaint against Alomar.

With Leather says Robbie has “Not just HIV, but full blown AIDS”.

SI.com’s “Tale of the Tape” looks at Michael Phelps v. Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Pro Football Talk has a lot of Ravens stuff, they say “T.O. is Campaigning for Lewis,” “Suggs is hopeful,” “Ed and Troy are in close race,” and “Jets could be looking at Ray Lewis’ Teammates.”

NFL.com has posted an interesting 7 minute video of an interview with T-Sizzle talking about the future in Baltimore.

Bro Bible posts their Top 10 Sports Cry Babies… No Ravens of course, but at #9 is, you guessed it, the teary-eyed Hines Ward. What a little girl.

Baseball Prospectus… translation The Nerds of Baseball, project the O’s at 2009 season at 74-88.

Orioles Hangout takes a look at what we can expect from Nick Markakis in ‘09.

Camden Chat is perplexed the O’s didn’t make a move for new Nationals OF Adam Dunn.

MLB Trade Rumors informs us that the career of the whiskey drinking/fun lovin’ Kevin Millar is over in Baltimore.

Tracking the Terps reports top Men’s Hoops recruit Jordan Williams shattered a backboard during his last game in the scholastic ranks in Connecticut.

Fanhouse tells us Caps owner Ted Leonsis committed a “Random Act of Kindness.”

Inside Lacrosse has revealed their Preseason High School Lacrosse Power Rankings.

CMS Video of the Day

It seems like such a long time ago doesn’t it? This commercial hit televisions before the 1994 season… Remember back then when the O’s had winning seasons and good community relations. Not strangely Baltimore was behind them selling out OPACY on a nightly basis in those days. I wonder if Palmeiro and/or Anderson had been juicing already?

The Morning’s Last Call

The Sporting News regularly does a very nice job in their ’short but meaningful’ analysis on most of the topics they cover. In the last edition of their magazine, the Week of February 15, they have their Off season Grade Report.

TSN gives the O’s a very middle of the road B- and adds, “Now hear this: ‘Uehara might have been dynamite on Japan and then come over here and not fare very well,’ says Mike Boddicker, the Orioles’ 1983 ALCS MVP. ‘The Royals signed a pitcher from Japan (Yasuhiko Yabuta) last season, and he struggled and ended up in triple-A. You don’t know - it’s a whole different thing, pitching in Japan and over here.’”

On their website they address each team’s most pressing Spring Training questions. TSN writer Gerry Fraley asks and answers…

“Is super-prospect Matt Wieters ready to take over at catcher”

“In a perfect world, the Orioles would have Wieters, 22, start the season with a dominating showing at Triple-A before starting his service-time clock with a jump to the majors. He could change that with a strong spring showing. The Orioles cleared the way by trading Ramon Hernandez, last season’s starter, in the off-season.”