The Metsies Blog - Pinch Yo Anus (& The J.I.C. Isles Round 2 Preview)

Photo Credit-Howard Simmons (NY Daily News)/Filter-NYMWS

In the seventh inning of last night's game TC sent Dickie to find Yo Anus, and thankfully he did as the pinch-hitting Cespedes blasted a dinger to tie the game at three. The Grandyman and the Captain took over from there, and the Metsies earned their first come-from-behind win of the season, while extending their current winning streak to five games.

The momentum off of this most recent victory is hopefully just what the Mets leader in losses, needs to finally turn in a Harvey-esque performance on the bump tonight. If The Dark Knight struggles, hopefully Logan 'All I Do Is Win' Verrett is available out of the pen tonight to bail him out. The Mets are rolling right now, and ya gotta believe Harvey wants in on the action, so expect a night off for Verrett as Harvey makes "Harvey Day" happy again.

METS(-220) 4 - Reds 1  

Normally the Metsies blog ends there, but not today. There is another "Blue & Orange" professional squad in NY that needs some NYMWS lovin'. My better half Clayton is supposed to handle the Isles playoff blogging, but he's a little tied up on the "Left Coast" right now. He seems to be busy riding hot air balloons, hitting various vineyards, and having lunch with famous comedians, so allow me to toss you a little J.I.C. (just in case) Isles Round 2 Preview just in case Clay doesn't have time.

The series kicks off tonight for the visiting Islanders in the Sunshine State once again. A tiny bit of panic began to creep in yesterday when Stamkos was on the ice, skating for the first time, but both Steveo and the Bolts are claiming that he's not ready for game action yet. Stamkos' absence didn't slow Tampa down from making quick work of the Red Wings, so the Stamkos-less Lightning aren't an opponent to take lightly. Ben Bishop is a giant, and he does a nice job between the pipes. Nikita Kucherov is a stud winger, and he's been getting some help from Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn offensively. They have Cally and a few other ex-Rags who also contribute. We'll have to see if the questionable Anton Stralman is able to suit up. The Bolts were the runners-up to the JT sweepstakes in 2009, so some of the story will be about that year's number two overall pick, defenseman Victor Headman, trying to slow down our captain. Although Headman had a great first series, I'll tell you how that story ends, the Lightning will be wondering what could have been as Tavares lights them up as he does everyone else. 

The winning formula will continue to be JT, Greiss, and the Isles outworking their opponent. Any hope of riding our momentum against their time-off will have to come tonight, because after this the next three games of the series will be over a nine day span. The schedule is probably more of an annoyance to us fans than it is to the players, so don't expect it to derail the Isles. This team is up for anything. Look for the Isles to get the first win tonight, and the final win of the series in game six. 

Islanders(+135) 2 - Lightning 1

-Fitzgerald

p.s. Play them both individually, but also get your "Blue & Orange" parlay in folks! 

MJ Out Here Just Trying To Win The Next Nassau

You have to respect him, and I always have. Michael Jordan is a savage. He is the greatest competitor ever, and his latest contribution to Wright Thompson's 'The Secret History of Tiger Woods' piece just let us all know that he hasn't lost a step. 

While his kicks are still keeping this blogger's shoe game on point, and his crying face is dominating the internet, MJ's main focus is currently lining the vulnerable T-Dubs up to win this weekend's money match. With all due respect to Wright's piece, because it is one of the best I have read in a minute, what two-three is really doing here is trying to get into Tiger's head. After Tiger reading about MJ telling him....while saying that he can't tell him...that he's not going to be great again, you have to believe that the match is already set up for a smooth $500,000/$500,000/$1,000,000 Nassau. MJ's got TW right where he wants him. GOAT!

-Fitzgerald 

The Offseason - I Want it PAXT Way

Photo Credit - Bleacher Report/BET Filter- NYMWS

I try to leave the NFL Draft breakdown to my peers Kiper and McShay, but my attention was immediately grabbed to the subject today when I saw this draft prospect on The ESPN...

My immediate reaction was..."OMG..What is this?! Where is his suit? What is that dopey chain! What a buffoon!" But all that changed when my main man Louis Riddick tweeted out his mock...

THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK!

You will have to forgive me folks. I've been living in my "the Fitz deal gets done at some point world", so much so that I've completely dismissed alternative quarterback options. But now I got my eye on Marshawn's baby cousin Paxton. Apparently he's real raw, and also there is a real shot now that he's gone before the 20th overall pick, so the logic in my head is screaming for me not to fall too fast. But I can't help myself, hearing him having some fun talking about his BSB look on 'Russillo and Kanell' has me feeling some type of way. 

Paxton, allow me to serenade you...

I don't know what other NFL teams do to make you cry

But I'll be there to make you smile

I don't have a fancy high pick

To get to you I'd wait 19 boring picks

I don't care if they buy you nice things

Does their gifts include B Marsh, Forte & The Deckers

But if you were my QB

I'd make it so we'd never be apart (after you grow behind Fitz)

But the 20th pick is all I have to give

Without you I don't have a QB of the future

I wish I could move up and draft you

But I don't want to be the Eagles and mortgage my future

See you at 20, hopefully. 

-Fitzgerald

The Offseason - The Jets' Schedule...WOOF!

Photo Credit - Bleacher Report/BET Filter- NYMWS

It's that time of the year. The NFL released/leaked the 2016 regular-season schedule, and all of us fans are taken back to our summer-recess days. You're sitting at home enjoying the time off, and your dog starts going nuts. You peak out the window to see his mortal enemy, the mail carrier (mail "carrier"..so PC of me!) sliding the mail into the mailbox. After you sought through your parents' past-due bills and toss those in the trash, you find that your class schedule for the upcoming year has been delivered. You rip that envelope open, and your summer-time high gets sobered immediately. Your chem teacher gives a buttload of homework, and that periodic table of mixology poster hanging in your room won't be of any help to you. You have to take calculus this year, and the only thing you know about calculus is that "U+ME=US." Your english teacher is the meanest bitch in the building, and you can't even read good. You have 4th period lunch, which is at brunch time, and you're not basic enough to enjoy brunch yet. And worst of all, one of your annual two classes with your heavy-set ex-girlfriend caps off your schedule...once again.  

Now before we start to werrie about what looks like a tough slate, let's remember that a lot can happen between now and the actual 2016 season. Moves are yet to be made, injuries are bound to happen, and the chick sitting in front of you in chem might have a sexy-ass-thong hanging out of her jeans that leaves you walking in the hallway with your books over your boner when the bell rings. Let's revisit this when the season gets closer.

  

-Fitzgerald

The Kings of Kings County - Isles Playoff Edition

It's the most wonderful timeeee of the yearrrrrr!!!  After the unbearable 82 game, 6+ month regular season, playoff hockey is FINALLY upon us.  The 2 months of playoffs in the NHL is some of the most exciting stuff you can watch.  Unfortunately for Islanders fans like myself, the past 23 years of not winning a playoff series has been the pits, and that 2 months of excitement is never the same. These 2015-16 Brooklyn New York Islanders hit that magical 100 point mark for the 2nd season in a row, and yet they're the Rodney Dangerfield of the NHL going into this first round matchup with the Florida Panthers.

Let's talk about the elephant in the room before we go any further. Did the Islanders "tank" to play the Panthers rather than the Penguins?  No, no they didn't.  And if you want to talk shit like Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, then I guess Jack Cappy will have to come out of no where and lay the smack down on you just like he did to AV.  I am so hot and cold with Cappy, but after this epic performance by him, I'm throwing my name in the ring to be the President of his fan club.

Now that's settled let's get after the task at hand: The Atlantic Division Champion Florida Panthers.  The Panthers have been on a crazy shopping spree since last season by trading for the likes of Jaromir Jágr, Roberto Luongo, Jiri Hudler, and Teddy Purcell to name a few.  These vets have added some much needed experience to the Panthers core of youngin's like Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck.  All around solid team, weird team, but solid team.

The Panthers also share similar playoff futility with the Isles, as they haven't won a playoff series since their 1996 miracle run to the Stanley Cup Final, only to get swept by that juggernaut Colorado Avalanche team.  

Florida's starting goalie was drafted 4th overall in the 1997 draft by the Islanders and if the Panthers are going to win their first series in 20 seasons they will have to do it on the back of Bobby Lu.

On the flip side, the Islanders' goalies are a mess.  What else is new.  Hell the Isles goalie situation has been a mess ever since they traded Bobby Lu in 2000.  Jaro Halak has been sidelined since early March after ripping up his groin. Can't really see Halak coming back anytime soon so they will have to rely on Thomas Greiss. Greiss has been shaky, to say the least, since taking over the reigns, but has shown flashes of greatness at times.  Hopefully with the recent amazing news that his beautiful wife is cancer free, Thomas will ride that happiness throughout his run as the starter.  

The best thing the Islanders have going for them is that Cappy finally found JT a couple of wingers. New daddy Kyle Okposo is a familiar face on The Captain's right side, and now Frans Nielsen is flanking his left side. Frans may be the 2nd best center on the team, but he has brought some life to the top line that hasn't been there in years. The 4th line is still The Best In The World like NYMWS has been telling you for 2 years and will bring physicality that some of these Panthers haven't witnessed before.

The other 6 Islanders forwards will be mixed and matched, and hopefully short shifted, because if losers like Josh Bailey and Shane Prince play any significant minutes the Isles are doomed.

There's no doubt in my mind that this will be one of long, torturous series that will cause all of us Islander fans nothing but agita, but the difference in these games will be special teams.  Killing penalties and scoring with the man advantage has been something the Islanders have excelled at all year.  The loss of Anders Lee will hurt the power play, but it's our client's time.  Look for a MONSTER series out of BROOOOOOCKKKKKKKKK NNNNNNNEEEELLLLLLLSSSSSOOOOONNNNNN!  

Islanders in 6; punching their ticket the the 2nd round at the Barclays Center because, in the words of Brooklyn's own Fabolous: Guess who's time it is? Ma ma my Isles time!

Now cue that mother fucking music

-Clayton

PS

I really wish the Coliseum was still alive.  Watching this video made my dick rock hard.  #RockTheBarn

Let's Go Rags - Yeah We Said It

It is almost time to drop the puck at the Igloo, and you better believe the NY Morning Wood Sports Tag Team Champions of the Worlddddd are rocking with the Blue Shirts in this first round matchup. It's not so much that we hate Syd and the Pens, because we definitely hate the King and his crew just as much, but we need (don't want - need) this hockey subway series in the Eastern Conference Finals. We are a long two-series away from that happening,  so get comfy in the Craig Carton spin-off church folks....ISLES FANS FOR RANGERS!    

Rags in 7. 

-Fitzgerald

p.s. We are all in on the Rangers...because we're also rooting for Mess to take this shit-licker de Blasio down in court. 

The Metsies Blog - Thor Drops The Mjölnir On The Mute Button

Photo Credit-Howard Simmons (NY Daily News)/Filter-NYMWS

For the second consecutive Tuesday, Thor is taking the bump in a "must-win" game. And for the second consecutive Tuesday, I'm here, with help from Aaron Rodgers Noah, to tell us Mets fans to R-E-L-A-X. This six-game sample size is way too small for it to result in the massive amount of negative chatter it has received. Disappointment is a feeling that this franchise has allowed us to know all too well, so the shift back to what feels familiar is understandable. But let's hold off on the "this team sucks" chatter for a minute. Expect the bats to do just enough against the ace of the Fish tonight, to allow Thor to hit the mute button on all the negative chatter.        

Photo Credit-Perfect Pitch/Shutterstock-Abel Tumik

METS(-128) 2 - Marlins 0  

-Fitzgerald

The Metsies Blog - Head to Flushing With Fitz

Photo Credit-Howard Simmons (NY Daily News)/Filter-NYMWS

Finally, the Mets have come back to.....FLUSHINGGGGG. Sing it with me folks..."Oh, the butcher and the baker and Fitzy, where did they go? TO MEET THE METS!" We're back at Citi Field for the Metsies to play their home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, and the good news is the Phils have picked up right where they left off last year...

Photo credit - Google

No need to go and find those videos to watch, I'll break it down for you. Ryan Howard still makes a buttload of cash, but he doesn't play everyday anymore. John and Julio's nephew Maikel Franco is thier only glimmer of hope in the lineup as the year kicks off. Also, their bullpen makes the Mets' pen look like the Yanks' pen as they bring their 12.91 ERA to Queens with them. The Mets shouldn't have much to worry about on the field during the next three days. 

Off the field there's still plenty of hoopla surrounding the team... 

'You people' apparently can't get enough of the Mets already, as everyone is moaning about the two day layoff like it has been two months since Thor laid the smackdown on the Royals. As Curtis Granderson said on Boomer and Carton this morning, the two days were nice for the guys to unpack and get settled before the home opener. I have to agree with the Grandyman on that one, unpacking is miserable.

The other important information that CC and the Booms got out of Curtis was music related. We have now learned that the locker room weekly music lineup is legit AF. I don't care how much money Murph got from the Nats, you know he had to be pissed to not be back in the Mets' room for "White People Wednesdays." Tomorrow's the day we'll also find out what song won the walk up song voting for the Mets' leadoff hitter. You have to be in the KFC camp that's hoping Tolo's recommendation is blaring through the speakers during the bottom of the first inning. Get ready for it..."now batting - bah gawd King that's Tolo's recommendation!"

If the closer comes into the game, we'll also be hearing some new music, as Jeurys has gone the Cespedes route with a custom made track. I'm pretty sure Clay and I put the maloik on "Danza Kuduro" by opening our Mets Preview Podcast with it. Our mistake, we apologize (Jerry Recco Voice). I'll miss hearing Don Omar at Citi.

If we do hear Jeurys' new tune, it may or may not be the scheduled Jacob deGrom that he is closing out a win for. If Mrs. deGrom goes into labor, Tolo's ready to roll out to the mound make the start. This situation, as whacky as it seems, is exactly why bringing Colon back was a huuuuggeee (not a weight joke, a Trump joke) move by Sandy. The veteran hurler is ready whenever called upon.

The Mets will be heavy favorites for the home opener regardless of who's on the hill. Lay the wood with the home team as they open Citi Field's most anticipated season in winning fashion. LGM!  

METS(-223) 5 - Phillies 2        

-Fitzgerald

The Masters Minaj - Gold Jacket, Green Jacket, Who Gives A Shit?

The Masters Minaj, 'a tradition unlike any other'...mostly because this is the first time we're doing it. Inspired by our always entertaining, and rarely helpful, Fantasy Football Minaj, we bring to you, our first ever edition of 'The Masters Minaj A Trois - Gold Jacket, Green Jacket, Who Gives A Shit?'

Gold Jacket Guys

You can win some gold with one of these guys...

Danny Willet 50/1...The 28-year-old Englishman and his putter are about to put us all on notice at this year's Masters. This new daddy is making his second appearance at the year's first major, and his 12th place ranking in the World Golf Rankings is real AF. He owns two T3 finishes in WGC events this year, and his strong showing at last year's British Open Championship should have him ready to compete well into the weekend.  

Rafael Cabrera Bello 90/1...Up until recently, RCB was best known for his work over on the European tour. His impressive seven under round this past Sunday earned him a 4th place finish at the Shell Houston, and now has him at Augusta National ranked 33rd in the world. It's tough to pick a first timer not named Fuzzy, but this 31-year-old Spaniard is too hot to ignore at 90/1.

Justin Thomas 110/1...Speaking of not picking first timers, JT is another exception to the rule. This young buck is already a PGA Tour winner and he currently sits at 6th in the FedEx Cup standings. With the local knowledge that he has been picking up from a member, you can't hate Spieth's broski as a value play. I also don't hate him out there making aces and bro-hugging Rickie during the Par 3 contest. 

Bill Haas 110/1...Hi, my name is Bill Haas and I'm here to make the cut. You can't ignore the fact that he's made the cut in all six of his appearances at Augusta, especially if you're in any of these Masters' pools. He's improved each year too, and worked out a respectable T12 finish last year. I'd feel better about him if he closed at the Valspar in March, but beggars can't be choosers  at 110/1. 

Fitzy's Gold Jackey Guy - Sergio Garcia 50/1...We all know how he feels about mud balls, so I'd feel better about this one if the forecast wasn't calling for rain, but I have to do it. I'd much rather go with Willet or JT in this spot, but I'm the president/only member of the El Nino fan club. What's the definition of insanity again? 

Green Jacket Guys

These guys are our safer plays to slide on the green jacket this weekend... 

Jason Day 13/2...The red hot Aussie obviously has to be included in this conversation. He has finished in the "place and show" positions before at Augusta, and the world number one is the favorite to take the only place left on the board that he hasn't occupied yet. Don't be scared off by the flu-like symptoms you've read about. Dr. Fitz thinks that won't be a factor. 

Jordan Spieth 17/2...He missed a cut in February, he hasn't been hitting it great, blah, blah, blah. In order for someone to be the man at Augusta, they're going to have to beat the man. Spieth's average finish at the Masters is 1.5. The defending champ could definitely be going back to back (Drake Voice).

Adam Scott 12/1...His golf swing is too sweet to ever count him out, and he's been better than expected with his non-anchored flat stick.

Rickie Fowler 15/1...The Masters folks might not want to see the Green Jacket rocked with joggers and high-tops, but they might not have a choice. He played well on Sunday last year, and he looked good last week at the Shell Houston Open. He is winning a major this year.

Fitzy's Green Jacket Guy - Dustin Johnson 15/1...The 'best golfer to never win a major' argument will be losing a candidate after this weekend. DJ's overpowering game is the real deal, and with his three-eagle-record-setting round last year, there is no questioning his ability to play this golf course. His past weekend major woes force everyone to question his ability to get over the hump, but the only question we'll be asking after his victory this weekend will be..."who rocks the green jacket when him and The Great One hump?"

Who Gives A Shit Guys?

NYMWS doesn't give a shit about these guys, avoid them this weekend...

Bubba Watson 12/1...I get why this lefty has won twice at Augusta. The place suits his game. But don't buy into Bubba throwing a third green jacket in his closet this year. I feel like as a professional golfer you need to be a little messed up in the head to compete, but Bubba is the kind of dude who's a little too messed up in the head for Fitzy to back at 12/1. You can find better options in the Green Jacket Guys. 

Patrick Reed 45/1...He's been playing okayyyyyy lately so I understand that chatter. The chatter I can't understand is the whole "he went to Augusta State stuff." You know where else Patrick went? Toolbag State and D-Bag U. Nothing personal, but I'm not playing Reed at Augusta. 

Phil Mickelson 15/1...It's tough to shy away from 'Lefty', and what would be a real feel good story at the Masters, but I'm not interested at 15/1. The experience is obviously there for the three-time champ, and his putting has been better in 2016, but he doesn't have me believing that it's green jacket good again. 

Cue the music...

-Fitzy Woods

p.s. since we mentioned The Great One...

Photo credit - GolfDigest

The Metsies Blog - Happy Thor Day

Photo Credit-Howard Simmons (NY Daily News)/Filter-NYMWS

It's finally time to put the nonsense of Opening Day behind us. We're done confirming that Yoenis is the same life-form as you and me (unless aliens read this blog, and you're an alien). We're done hearing about how Ned would have rather had his little party with a different team in the visiting dugout. We're done with all of it, because it's #THORDAY folks.

Noah Syndergaard will once again be 60'6" away from Alcides Escobar today, and he's exactly the man the Mets need on the mound to get everybody to R-E-L-A-X. As Keith Hernandez said on the Pope's show yesterday, "he's no-nonsense," and that's just what you need to silence this current nonsense. Pitching for the Royals today will be our old pal Chris Young. As it's pointed out in ESPN's Mets-Royals Preview, Chris has fared well against Wright and Cespedes in his career, but that shouldn't leave us werried about the Mets' bats today. They'll be able to put enough runs on the board to allow Syndergaard to spoil today's ring ceremony. Happy #THORDAY!  

Mets(-110) 4 - ROYALS 1

-Fitzgerald

Rough Start to the Year For Clay's Viagra Play

Our resident fantasy baseball playa's "Viagra Play", Zack Greinke, took the bump yesterday on Opening Day at Chase Field. 

Credit - MLB.com

Is this poor outing just a one-off for the ace of Clay's fantasy staff? Or has the time come already for the mouthpiece to get involved in the roster decisions for Clay's squad?

-Fitzgerald 

Full Podcast

WrestleMania Preview Podcast

Fitz welcomes the 'marks and milfs' to a special edition of the NYMWS podcast show. The marks should definitely tune out of this one because the NYMWS Tag Team Champions of the World don't know all that much about the current product. The most insightful preview came from a clip the guys played from Paul Scheer's How Did This Get Made Podcast? Paul's all over the Shane vs Taker bout and he's got the idea of the century for the match. 

This one could leave the listeners asking, "was this a passion project for Clay and Fitz?" 

Break Down the Blog Podcast 4.3.16

The NYMWS Tag Team Champions of the World got to work today to break down this week's blogs. 

Things start off with the Mets and Yanks, as they discuss The Metsies Blog (and Pod) and The Boogie Down Blog (and Pod). Some talk of the Bonds and ARod Are the Best BFFs Ever is included, and Fitzy also throws a pitch outside by asking Clay for the first ever fantasy baseball "Fantasy Minaj A Trois". Fitzy is also named the mouthpiece of Clay's fantasy baseball team on today's podcast. Clay's league mates have to be pumped for that. 

From there the talk shifts over to the ice for some Isles talk, where the partners in podcasting break down Fitzy's What About the Isles? blog. 

The dog chat continues with a breakdown of What About My Dog Buddy? and What About Them Orange Dogs?. The blogging broskis also make their picks for tomorrow night's championship game on the pod. 

With the losing plays that have Tommy breathing down Clay's neck out of the way, the other blogs were broken down (Swaggy the Victim, Coach Fitzy helps the Cavaliers, and You Have to Hate Male Gynos) to cap off the pod. 

What About Them Orange Dogs?

Photo Credit - lehighvalleylive.com / Filter - NYMWS

Being that upstate New York is technically apart of New York and the fact that both of New York's professional basketball teams blow, there's only one local option on the hardWOOD that provides an entertaining and successful product, the Syracuse Orange.  Do I find it strange that I've hung out with folks that live and die with Syracuse bball?  Hell yea.  Did it werry me when my psycho roommate in college used to wake me up on Saturday mornings by chanting "LET'S GO ORANGE" throughout the house?  Yes sir.  I mean...I'm a pro sports guy, but I always add a little Orange to the wardrobe this time of year to support New York's team.

Hell, does nothing exemplify New York more then Jim Boeheim and his basketball program?  Old guard that's bigger than the program, that does whatever they want, and can outlast most large scandals. Jim Boeheim is so untouchable he can even piss his pants and no one cares.  He just needs to make sure that he doesn't pull a Sheldon Silver, and Boeheim will be the head coach until he dies.

No one expected Syracuse to be in the tournament, let alone be in the Final Four, so there is nothing sweeter for the Central New York faithful than this run that they're on.  If anyone wants to go after the Orange and their success, just make sure you don't put it on Titter. Those Orange faithful will completely embarrass you on twitter, just ask Doug Gottlieb.  And no, unlike Roy Williams, Boeheim doesn't let losers like Gottlieb get under his skin. 

The 'Cuse are cumming into this situation exactly the way you'd want them to if you're a fan.  Facing the vaunted Tar Heels, who are heavy favorites, and who have already beat the Orange twice this season. That all just means there is zero pressure on Syracuse tonight.  Maybe even negative pressure.  Roy Williams is a head case that hasn't done his best work in recent years and this year will continue that trend.  

The 'Cuse will be lose tonight in H-Town.  Give me my cheating coach over yours, suck it Fitzy!  LET'S GO ORANGE!  


Syracuse(+9.5)-71 North Carolina-68

-Clayton

What About My Dog Buddy?

Photo Credit - lehighvalleylive.com / Filter - NYMWS

I'm no college basketball savant. Heck, I'm not even really a fan. But like your average poser, I'm a big March Madness guy. I had Oklahoma and Nova both making the final four, and it wasn't because I sat around breaking it down. It's because I followed the "Fitz's Guide to Bracketology" book.  So I know what you're asking, how does the "Fitz's Guide to Bracketology" get Nova and Oklahoma into the Final Four? 

I liked Nova because the Pope has Coach Wright on his show quite frequently. Jay sounds like a good coach, and a better man. I also know that he wears some dope ass suits, and I can ride with that because I'm the fashion guy around the NYMWS parts (aka I don't rock the cargos). Following the "Fitz's Guide to Bracketology", that was all good enough for Nova to earn a final four appearance. 

Another key chapter in "Fitz's Guide to Bracketology" is the chapter titled "The Melo Rule". In this chapter I preach that you should always look for a guy who can take ish over like Melo did in 2003. This year our guy was Buddy Hield. I loved the on the court highlights this year, and I also loved the story behind the Boomer Sooner senior. I'm pretty sure this chapter hasn't produced success since the 2003 creation, but I'm persistent in following my guide. So here we are, 13 years later, and I have a new Buddy. (Haha LOL...get it?) 

Ok seriously, I know what you're asking now, who the heck advances based on your book Fizty? While good spots on Big Mike's show and a strong suit game can take you far following my guide, it won't be enough to get you past the "The Melo Rule". Give me my dog Buddy.

Oklahoma (+2.5) 77 – Villanova 76

-Fitzgerald

twitter / gmail 

Bonds and ARod Are The Best BFFs Ever

The Great thing about friendship is others opinions do not matter. Love you buddy and it was so great to spend time with you and your family. Give your daughters a big hug again from me. @arod #friendship #family

A photo posted by Barry L Bonds (@blbonds25) on Apr 2, 2016 at 7:38am PDT

On the eve of the 2016 MLB Opening Day, Barry Bonds dropped some explosive news on his Instagram and it's great news for all Yankees fans out there.  The fact that ARod is friends and #family with the Home Run King means one thing, ARod is poised for yet another monster year at the plate.  The fact that Barry has ARod's ear at all times is a scary thing for the pitchers around the league.  I don't care what anyone says, steroids or not, Bonds was the most intimidating force that our generation has ever seen, so if he wants to teach my clean up hitter a thing or two in his old age I'm all for it.  Hell, I'm all for Lord Barry joining King Alex in the Bombers lineup, who's with me?!?

-Clayton

PS
Could you imagine what was going on at that party they were both at??  Must have been a shit load of impromptu staged Facebook and Instagram pics with all of the steroids well out of view of the camera.  Bonds and ARod are sneaky candidates to be on the Mount Rushmore of social media must-follows, just non-stop entertaining stuff outta these two legends.

What About the Isles?

Photo Credit - lehighvalleylive.com / Filter - NYMWS

The Isles have six games remaining in their push to taste playoff pooten, and besides a one-off where they host the #SabresMafia, they'll be facing some of the Eastern Conference's most competitive teams. The puck will be dropping in Brooklyn shortly, as the Isles kick their six game April-push off with a matchup against Sydney Crosby and the Penguins. 

Starting today, and continuing for the next five, the Isles will have to fill the hole left by Hamonic's lower body injury. Zidlicky's no Hammer, but he's a veteran tool who has the experience that Cappy likes in this spot. The entire defense will have to step up as Syd and the Pens have hung five spots on their past two opponents. Berube's getting the nod between the pipes, and you have to like the call as he held the Pens to just one goal in the last meeting. JT and the boys didn't put the support on the board for Berube at the Igloo, but that changes today in Brooklyn. Look for the Isles to pick up a big two points, and a whole lot of steam for their playoff push today.  

ISLANDERS (+105) 3 – Penguins 2

-Fitzgerald

twitter / gmail