Three 2 End It

Final thoughts on February 1st....

1.  Manny and Damon officially introduced as Tampa Bay Rays.  I love these moves.  They traded away guys and lets guys walk in Free Agency.  But they have a lot of good prospects and something like 12 of the first 70 picks in next years draft.  Now they get two potential Hall of Famers to fill the seats and resurrect their careers.  People forget that the Rays are defending AL East Champs.  I don't think they will repeat but it is hard to fathom them being totally out of it.  I see Manny having a big year, and it'll be a fun big year.

2.  Games like this Wisconsin Purdue game are the reasons I can't wait to go to Vegas.  Spread was Wisconsin by five.  They were up eight at half, then Purdue goes up seven in the second half.  Wisconsin grabs a 6 point lead with about 3 to play.  Anyway, with about 35 seconds to go Wisconsin is up by one, Purdue misses, Wisconsin makes both free throws to go up by 3.  So now the Wisconsin bettors think they have a chance.  Purdue misses, Wisconsin makes one free throw to go up four with about 20 seconds to go.  Purdue misses again and Wisconsin again makes a free throw to go up five with about 15 seconds to go.  Purdue again misses and Wisconsin goes to the line with 8 seconds to go, they knock down both to go up 7.  Purdue runs down the court and heaves up a three, in and out.  That three would have moved it to four and busted the spread back to Purdue to cover.  Being at Ceasars Palace in March to watch that game would have been insane.

3.  Can't wait for baseball season.  15 days until pitchers and catchers report.  58 days until Opening Day.  Who do you think will be in the Opening Day starting lineup?  Here is my first take on it.....

1. Lewis, LF
2. Phillips, 2B
3. Votto, 1B
4. Rolen, 3B
5. Bruce, RF
6. Stubbs, CF
7. Hernandez, C
8. Janish, SS
9. Arroyo, P

Starting rotation of Arroyo, Cueto, Volquez, Wood, and Bailey.

Curt