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by Derek Felix

A Brotherly Love

October 18, 2008 in Shaolin Freestyle/Poetry 101

This is something I had in my mind the past couple of nights.

For Justin:

“A Brotherly Love”
by Derek Felix AKA D Flex

Everyday I see you so focused
Realizing what you’ve been through
Making me realize how tough you are
Overcoming a lot these past years
Reaching beyond and pushing on
Which is what makes you a true star

You’ve always had a way about ya
That much was something I understood
Despite all the superstitions and fears
Your demeanor never changed
Making you a winner who was good
Handling everything quite well

I can recall a time when you were lost
And I wondered if it’d ever improve
Always trying to help out so much
To make you understand I’d always be there
Can still remember that awful long day
Never felt so sad in my life

All the while wishing a brotherly love
Reaching out to show you
You’d always stood up and above
Wasn’t going to pick up and run away
Not with so much to accomplish and prove
Nothing could ever get in the way of a brotherly love

Lately I’ve witnessed so much good
Seeing you grow up and become a young man
Someone Dad and I are very proud of
With a winning personality and great sense of humor
Your confidence has grown to the point
Where you now express yourself

Making everyone laugh and appreciate who you’ve become
You’re a stronger and better person than I’ll ever be
So even keel and under control despite it all
With an infectious smile that makes it fun
There’s so much you haven’t had which makes me sad
But when I see how you handle it I couldn’t be prouder

Lately, it’s been the other way around
With our roles sorta reversed
Yet there you are watching over me
When I’m in trouble and not quite right
Returning the favor with the same kinda understanding
Proving yet again why our strong bond continues to grow

We’ll always have a brotherly love
That never shall die
As long as you’re around
I feel completely at peace
Cause you could never let me down
There for each other just like a brotherly love

Never forget that special day you arrived
Those big blue eyes and remarkable smile
Knew it then how much you really meant
Instantly becoming an integral part of my life
I always wanted the responsibility to teach you
Even if it’s been difficult ain’t going nowhere not for a while

I can still see us outside having fun
Shooting hoops, pucks or playing video games
Competing hard like most brothers do
Talking smack and clowning around
Which was always our specialty
Even if I didn’t always study I had a valid excuse

Nobody could ever come in between us
Even if things change I’ll never be far
You can always count on me being there
Being the same supportive brother throughout
With stronger belief in who you are now
That I can be sure there’s really no doubt

Like a firm grip it’s a brotherly love
That keeps us going everyday
No matter the obstacles which lie ahead
Let’s continue pushing to make things go our way
You’re the best person I could ever ask for
To think my wish rang true forever into a brotherly love

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by Derek Felix

October Edition: Phillies, Rays & Manny

October 15, 2008 in MLB Playoffs

I know many of us including myself were pulling for a Red Sox-Dodgers World Series just for the great storylines with Manny facing his former teammates and Joe Torre getting back to the Series after how the Yankees treated him but there’s something cool about a potential Rays-Phillies Series.

Sure. It might not have quite the appeal of Boston vs Los Angeles. But think about it. It would feature two teams which aren’t associated with winning. You have the Phillies who haven’t been to the WS in 15 years when Joe Carter was last seen circling the bases celebrating the only walkoff home run in Series history for the Jays’ repeat. It’s also a city associated with losing with nobody winning since the 1983 76ers. The Flyers lost three Stanley Cups and the Eagles lost in the Super Bowl. Plus the exasperation of Mitch Williams’ implosion during that 1993 Series which led to a six-game defeat with Carter winning it.

Then you got the Rays who before this year were always associated with losing becoming baseball’s laughingstock franchise. They won only 66 games last season giving no indication they could go from worst to first similarly to how the 1991 Twins did when they edged the Braves in another improbably yet riveting Series which went seven and had its own dramatics. Those two teams were last place clubs the year before who turned it around and gave us a memorable conclusion.

Now with both teams up 3-1 in winning positions, the reality could be here of a surprising Tampa Bay-Philadelphia series which probably would be excellent due to each ballclubs’ grit and perseverance. It wouldn’t be the ratings bonanza a Boston-LA series could bring.  But just maybe these are the best two teams and either way we’d see something we hadn’t in a while. A fresh champion.

Ain’t that better than watching the Red Sox win another Series? But their potential downfall ain’t got nothing to do without Manny Ramirez. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone that including a few choice local columnists who keep advising the Mets and Yanks not to go after the best righty slugging hitter in the game. I don’t care about all his baggage and don’t approve of how he got his way out of Massachusetts. However, even at 36 going on 37, he’s still a constant threat at the plate. Nobody’s figured out how to get him out since he became a Dodger. And this postseason, the guy’s been money.

For all the talk that teams shouldn’t commit three or four years to a player who doesn’t always give his best, were they saying that a few years ago when the Mets overcommitted for Pedro? Ramirez has a lot more left and while he might not be as great in say the final year, he can put a team that’s close over the top. Don’t you think Manny would look awfully nice batting cleanup behind David Wright with Carlos Delgado fifth and Carlos Beltran either second or sixth?

Correct me if I’m wrong here. But isn’t it about winning with the Amazin’s cause I’m not sure that’s the case anymore with the Yankee management team? Manny can win you a championship. Just look at the impact he had with a weak hitting Dodger club immediately making young emerging players like James Loney, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp better players. Before he arrived, they were under .500 despite a nice roster and were looking at missing October.

Then the slugger came and carried them with a huge September making up over six games on Arizona to win the NL West going away. With him such a factor, the Cubs never had a prayer despite owning the NL’s best record.

Understand this. For all the risks with an aging player of Manny’s caliber, there’s still no other hitter in baseball you’d want up in a key situation at this time of year. He certainly has done his part for the Dodgers who find themselves a game from elimination due to some mismanaging from Torre and a pen implosion.

Manny’s loose personality has been seen as uncaring and unmotivated. But if that were really the case, he wouldn’t have such a well disciplined approach at the plate taking his hacks. You know he’s either going to walk or hit the ball hard somewhere. It’s that same cool persona which allows him to swing free and easy because the guy doesn’t feel any pressure. He doesn’t care what’s written and is just going to let it hang all out there.

That approach works a lot better than a couple of third base sluggers’ recent track records in this area.

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by Derek Felix

Video(s) of Day: Oasis Live at Wembley Stadium

October 13, 2008 in Video of Day

Well, I wasn’t really sure what I was going to feature today but there on my YouTube page suggested a great live version of one of my favorite Oasis songs, “Wonderwall.”

While it’s true I’ve featured the awesome rocking British group before, they just have such a great rock n’ roll sound. So distinct is Liam Gallagher’s voice along with the musical instruments of electric guitars blaring solos with the perfect drums and piano blending for awe inspiring stuff.

You just can’t go wrong with them. No wonder I’m hoping to score tickets for an MSG show in mid-December. What a night that would be. I should say will cause I’d be willing to bet the ranch I’m there for it. Anytime you give me a good concert to go to, I’m game!

I’ll even take it over tonight’s Rangers vs Devils game we’re headed to later in our customary 411 seats. And believe me. Rangers-Devils is as good as it gets with hockey. I love my Blueshirts. So, hopefully they’ll make it five-for-five in 2008-09 against an improved New Jersey team hell bent on seeking revenge for last year’s first round ouster.

Unless it’s the Rangers playing for the Cup in a Game Seven scenario, most of the time I’m going to take the concert. There’s just something special about seeing an artist/band live. It’s got a whole different feel. And the best aspect is usually they don’t let their fans down like sports teams can breaking your heart. Just ask a Mets or Jets fan.

So, Oasis it is today on tap. Here’s a few which I hope to catch in a couple of months in what will be winter. Uh. Wow.

Oasis: “Wonderwall“-Live at Wembley

this is a truly great rendition where everything sounds tip top with Liam’s outstanding pipes even being helped out by the crowd during the familiar chorus. My favorite aspect is the last minute with the electric amping it up and the piano solo for the dramatic conclusion.

Oasis: “Supersonic“-Live at Wembley

I like this song as it’s very sweet sounding. But really the best part of this live version is the amazing venue at Wembley with a packed house rocking and rolling. God. There are some great shots giving you some perspective of what it’d be like to be there. It’s kinda inspiring. I also love the background color coordination. That’s an underrated aspect of live performances. Most of Weezer’s was a cool kind of blue with some red and green mixed in. You can’t get that in some studio cut. Part of the concert going experience.

Oasis: “Roll With It“-Live at Wembley

this has always been an underrated song which has grown on me recently. This one’s all about the banter between Liam and older brother Noel before they start it up referencing a British gal in the audience:

Noel: “What the f*** are you doing all the way down there? Hey listen! Now if she starts getting out of line, give her a – smack.”

Liam: “Better pass her over very nicely. Otherwise, you stare at the -“

Noel: “This one’s for all the posh birds down the front then. No! Not you. Not you, You’re not posh, you only act posh.“

Noel: “I bet you wish you weren’t down there now, do ya?!?!?!?!?!” :lol:

The end is classic too where Liam basically gets a cutie to take her shirt off exposing her breasts. This must’ve been some show to be at! :-) The dialogue is comical.

Oasis: “Morning Glory“-Live at Wembley

this sounds freaking phenomenal. Everything is tremendous from the Liam’s voice to the drumming, piano and moaning guitar which gives this such a cool sound. It’s just an absolute winner. Great up close shots too of the band performing.

Oasis: “Champagne Supernova“-Live at Wembley

This is their best song because it’s so utterly complete and trippy. Nice to see they worked in some cool effects much like the video. The lyrics are to die for and with such emotion behind them. I can tell. Everything is pure energy which is how it should be with a rock band. There’s something about the ending with the guitar almost echoing like seagulls which gives that extra burst. It don’t get much better.

Oasis: “Don’t Look Back In Anger“-Live at Wembley

it’s all about the beginning dedication. Haha.

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by Derek Felix

NFL Week Six Picks

October 12, 2008 in Articles, NFL

During this season, our Hard Hits shows have made NFL picks for a few weeks missing last week as well as this upcoming Week Six later today.

So, let’s take a look at Sunday’s match-ups and give our synopsis:

Chicago (3-2) at Atlanta (3-2), 1 ET: You have two surprising teams with the same record. The Falcons have a better offense but go up against a solid D. Figure the ground attack of both teams to decide this one featuring Michael Turner and rookie Matt Forte. Devin Hester tilts special teams in Chicago’s favor. I see it being decided by a late field goal.

The Pick: Falcons 23 Bears 20

Miami (2-2) vs Houston (0-4), 1 ET: The improved Dolphins look to make it three in a row off impressive wins over the Pats and Chargers while the winless Texans try to overcome Sage Rosenfels’ nightmarish final three series handing away their first win to the Colts. Matt Schaub returns as starter. This game could be tight but I like the way Miami’s D is playing and Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown are getting it done.

The Pick: Dolphins 24 Texans 16

Baltimore (2-2) vs Indianapolis (2-2), 1 ET: The Ravens are coming off their second tough loss in a row thanks to a late gift versus the Titans. Their D is playing superb keeping them in games. As long as rookie QB Joe Flacco doesn’t turn it over, they’ll have a chance. Especially against a poor Colt D which hasn’t been the same since run specialist Bob Sanders went down. Somehow, they’re still .500 and have Peyton Manning, who usually does just enough to beat Baltimore in these match-ups. They’re also 0-2 at new Lucas Oil Stadium. Can anyone really see them dropping three straight at home?

The Pick: Colts 24 Ravens 20

Detroit (0-4) at Minnesota (2-3), 1 ET: The Lions stink. What the heck is Roy Williams smoking? The NFL’s fifth worst offense won’t do much against the Vikings D. They saved their season with a win in New Orleans last week and can’t afford a letdown here. Figure Adrian Peterson to rip it up after an off week rushing for a career worst 32 yards as starter. This one could get ugly.

The Pick: Vikings 38 Lions 10

Oakland (1-3) at New Orleans (2-3), 1 ET: It’s the Raiders’ first game under new coach Tom Cable but it comes at a bad time with an angry Saints team which could’ve won last week against the Vikes. Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns tying an NFL record. He’s kicking it into high gear and so should Drew Brees even if the Raider D ain’t bad.

The Pick: Saints 31 Raiders 17

Cincinnati (0-5) at NY Jets (2-2), 1 ET: This is a dangerous spot for the Jets coming off a bye week after Brett Favre went for a career best six TDs in a shootout win over the Cardinals. Despite no wins, the Bengals haven’t played badly recently taking the Giants to OT, losing an ugly game to the Browns and giving the Cowboys all they can handle last Sunday. The good news for Gang Green is no Carson Palmer (elbow) with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick getting the start. Still, figure this to be close. The Jets must silence T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They should do just enough to win.

The Pick: Jets 23 Bengals 20

Carolina (4-1) at Tampa Bay (3-2), 1 ET: The Panthers are off to their best start in five years when they went to the Super Bowl before losing to the Patriots. Led by Julius Peppers, their D has gotten it done limiting the last four opponents to just five TDs ranking fourth best in the NFL. Rookie back DeAngelo Williams has taken pressure off Jake Delhomme. Meanwhile, the Bucs don’t even know who’s starting between Brian GrieseJeff Garcia. They don’t score a lot to begin with and will need big days from RB duo Ernest GrahamWarrick Dunn. I don’t see that happening. and and

The Pick: Panthers 27 Bucs 13

St. Louis (0-4) at Washington (4-1), 1 ET: One of the worst teams meets one of the hottest with the Skins having reeled off four in a row including big wins over the Cowboys and Eagles. They still haven’t turned the ball over under new coach Jim Zorn. Jason Campbell has progressed and Clinton Portis is running hard. It shouldn’t matter if Marc Bulger’s back in for the Rams. This shouldn’t be a contest.

Redskins 34 Rams 9

Jacksonville (2-3) at Denver (4-1), 4:05 ET: The league’s best offense features Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal back from a sprained ankle. The Broncos will try to air it out against a stingy Jags’ D. They need to score points because their D stinks. The Jags aren’t anything special with David Garrard but Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew can be dangerous if they get untracked. Matt Jones is an emerging target. They need the game and I see them pounding Denver on the ground and doing what they need to come out with a ‘W.’

The Pick: Jaguars 27 Broncos 24

Dallas (4-1) at Arizona (3-2), 4:15 ET: The NFC’s best scoring offenses square off in The Desert where there should be plenty of support for the ‘Boys. I’m still not overly impressed with Dallas due to their defense which took a hit losing corner Terrence Newman (abdomen) for at least a month. They’ll score a lot of points in what should be a shootout featuring QBs Tony Romo and Kurt Warner with potent weapons like the moody Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, Marion Barber and Edgerrin James. If you prefer high scoring offenses, this should be your type of game. I just like Dallas’ ground attack a little better with rookie Felix Jones also getting involved.

The Pick: Cowboys 38 Cardinals 35

Philadelphia (2-3) at San Francisco (2-3), 4:15 ET: Amazingly, these two teams have identical records which is why Donovan McNabb was so critical of his team’s play following a second straight defeat. Figure the veteran QB to elevate his level and have a huge day. Brian Westbrook does make a difference offensively. Who would you rather have though running your offense? McNabb or J.T. O’Sullivan? Enough said. Figure the Eagles who got destroyed by the Skins’ run game to key on Frank Gore forcing O’Sullivan to beat them.

The Pick: Eagles 28 49ers 15

Green Bay (2-3) at Seattle (1-3), 4:15 ET: The last 4:15 game has the desperate Packers looking to get back on track following a disappointing three-game slide after a good start to the Aaron Rodgers Era. This is a must have against former Super Bowl coach Mike Holmgren’s slumping Seahawks who got trounced by the Giants 44-6. I know Seattle isn’t an easy place to play due to the noise level but the Pack need this game and will get it.

The Pick: Packers 31 Seahawks 20

New England (3-1) at San Diego (2-3), 8:15 ET, NBC: The Chargers aren’t playing well having lost to the ‘Fins in ugly fashion last week. This is a make or break for them against a team that’s had their number and even danced on their logo. It’s no easy task anytime you go up against Bill Belichick no matter if it’s Matt Cassell at QB. There’s still Randy Moss and Wes Welker along with a rugged D who usually takes certain things way. Figure that to be LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles which Norv Turner shouldn’t mind with Phillip Rivers airing it out. He can’t afford any costly mistakes. It says here the Bolts find a way to get it done even though I’m not a big fan.

The Pick: Chargers 27 Patriots 23

NY Giants (4-0) at Cleveland (1-3), 8:30 ET, Mon: Nobody is playing better football than the defending SB champs. Tom Coughlin’s team has played with a chip on their shoulder getting great QBing from Eli Manning along with a balanced run attack featuring Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. Plaxico Burress is back after a week off due to his shenanigans. Amani Toomer continues to defy logic plus Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon are emerging. Did we mention the D which has Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and underappreciated Fred Robbins. They don’t give up much. With Kellen Winslow expected out due to a mysterious illness, it should be open season on Derek Anderson.

The Pick: Giants 38 Browns 17

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by Derek Felix

Video(s) of Day: Bruce Hornsby fea. 2Pac/England vs Kazakhstan

October 12, 2008 in Soccer, Video of Day

This is just a totally random edition. And the best aspect is each video has nothing to do with the other. One is actually highlights from England’s recent 5-1 win over Kazakhstan in soccer while the other is a classic retro 1980′s music selection which I’ve been in the mood for lately.

Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way It Is” was once prominently featured in 2Pac’s “Changes.” Only one of my faves. And hey. It combined my all-time favorite rapper with one of my fave 80′s songs. :-) The one I linked up actually combines both artist’s lyrics with the cool piano solo in the background. It actually sounds quite good.

As for the original track, It makes for a perfect combo because it actually works. And well, 2Pac always could make anything work. The great rappers often can.

Here’s Hornsby’s most popular song which can still be heard on the radio:

Bruce Hornsby: “The Way It Is”

I haven’t posted much about soccer since summer but I caught England’s win featured on YouTube and enjoyed watching the goals. God. Aren’t they so cool? Especially those headers setup off misdirection feeds. It so reminds me of a hockey goal where a player puts a slap pass in a spot for a cutting player to redirect in/deflect home.

I will always maintain that these two sports are very similar. Only differences are one’s played with a soccer ball on a field featuring two 45 minute halfs while the other’s played on ice with a stick and puck featuring three 20 minute periods. But you have offsides in both, penalties. Though soccer is usually even unless someone gets a red card. Hockey has power plays. Goalies have to be very good in both tho soccer netminders face a lot less shots on net but still need to cover more ground. And what about free kicks or corners? You don’t got that in hockey.

To me, they’re both similar emphasizing team oriented play, defense and unselfish passing. Global sports as well which are extremely popular in Europe. Though I doubt soccer is big in Canada. ;-)

And there’s also that common frustration where both along with tennis are disrespected here. And that’s even if tennis does get coverage for the four grand slams. It’s not on the same landscape as main sports like baseball, basketball and football.

So, here’s the cool highlights from England’s win with David Beckham getting in on the fun:

England vs Kazakhstan 5-1 Goal Highlights

love the team concept! :-D

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by Derek Felix

More HB: NLCS Thoughts

October 12, 2008 in MLB Playoffs, More HB

-Thus far, we’ve seen one team dominate the first two games with the Phillies sweeping the first pair from the Dodgers at Citizen’s Bank Park by scores of 3-2 and 8-5 by outslugging Joe Torre’s ballclub improving to 5-0 this postseason with the balance of the series hanging later tonight when it shifts to Hollywood for the next three. It’s pretty much imperative for the Dodgers to win Game 3 to have any realistic chance of coming back.

Memo to Manny Ramirez’ teammates: It’s time for you to step up. The ex-Red Sock left fielder slugger can’t do it alone though he’s tried going 3-for-8 with a homer and four of his team’s seven runs knocked in. They must better support their emotional leader when crafty 45 year-old veteran lefty Jamie Moyer takes the mound tonight versus Hiroki Kuroda tonight.

If they get a win, then maybe they can carry momentum forward for tomorrow’s Game 4.

-The Phillies have to feel pretty good about themselves as they’ve gotten plenty of contributions from role players like Shane Victorino (4 RBI’s in Game Two), Carlos Ruiz (3-for-7, 2 runs, RBI) and Greg Dobbs (2 hits, 2 runs in Game Two start). It’s hard to remember that they were shutdown by Derek Lowe through five innings trailing by two in the series opener before a Rafael Furcal throwing error opened the door for Chase Utley’s tying two-run blast and Pat Burrell’s game-winner.

They completely took apart Los Angeles 16-game winner Chad Billingsley roasting him for seven of their eight runs in two and a third with starter Brett Myers the unsung hero going a perfect three-for-three with three RBI’s and two runs scored while going five (5 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 6 K’s) to pickup the victory.

-One other Phillie note: They’ve won the first two games without a hit from NL MVP candidate Ryan Howard along with hardly any production from leadoff shortstop Jimmy Rollins (1-for-9, 4 K’s) and right fielder Jayson Werth (1-for-8, 2 K’s).

-One of the big differences thus far is that the Dodgers haven’t made a dent with Philly’s bullpen. In fact, they have only two hits in six innings while whiffing eight times. The trio of Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero and closer Brad Lidge have been instrumental in the first two games. Not that the Dodger pen has been bad having not allowed a run yet. The problem has been taking a lead into the late innings. They really need to get the jump in Game 3 and take some pressure off. A blowout would do the trick. But so would a three or four-run lead in the seventh or eighth. Especially with Torre able to mix and match with Jonathan Broxton waiting to finish it off.

We’ll find out what they’re made of later tonight.

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by Derek Felix

Voltron: Allura & Keith video

October 10, 2008 in Totally Random

Watching Voltron growing up even as a kid, I could tell the amazing chemistry Voltron force leader Keith and Princess Allura had. There was plenty of affection. So, why didn’t they make it part of the series? Maybe cause it was a different time.

To any viewer who was a fan of the show, it made complete sense for them to be with each other just based on the words and expressions in their body language.

Didn’t Allura, such a beautiful princess deserve her prince or knight in shining armor? And they helped team up with Hunk, Lance and Pidge to form Voltron. Defender of the Universe. Oh well. I can dream. At least I’m not alone in this thought process as great YouTuber Sabrina (sapphirestone99) has put together another winning video tribute to the Voltron couple.

It’s appropriately entitled, “What If…” The clips she chose were wonderful and it just might be her best Voltron work to date featuring Red’s “Pieces” as the music for over a six minute video.

Watch it and admire. Fall in love all over again with this great cartoon which shall always have a special place in my heart. Hey. The kid in ya never ever dies! ;-)

Besides. The day that happens is the day it’s over.

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by Derek Felix

Phillies go deep in comeback to draw first blood

October 10, 2008 in Articles, MLB Playoffs

For five innings, it didn’t look like the Phillies would solve Derek Lowe but trailing by a pair in the home sixth, fortunes turned their way when a Rafael Furcal throwing error allowed Shane Victorino to reach leading off. Chase Utley then followed by taking Lowe yard on the next pitch suddenly tying Game One of the NLCS.

Just like that, Joe Torre’s Dodger two-run lead was gone and so was Lowe’s rhythm as a couple of batters later, he fell behind 3-1 on Pat Burrell, who then deposited the next offering into the left field seats much to the sellout crowd’s (45,839) delight.

The three-run two-homer inning were enough to give them first blood in the NLCS as Phillie ace Cole Hamels settled in nicely to go the first seven allowing two earned on six hits while walking a couple and fanning eight to pickup the victory.

It didn’t start well for the southpaw who three batters in fell behind when sizzling left field slugger Manny Ramirez laced the second pitch he saw to the deepest part of the ballpark with only the high wall keeping a rocket from being a two-run home run. Instead, the former Red Sock World Series MVP wound up on second with an RBI double driving in Andre Ethier.

Following a two out James Loney walk and wild pitch, Hamels toughened up getting dangerous center fielder Matt Kemp to fly out harmlessly to right limiting the damage. That was huge for the Phillies psychologically who didn’t fall behind by too much.

With Lowe looking strong, rookie second baseman Blake Dewitt’s fourth inning sacrifice fly gave him a two-run lead to work with. The sinkerball righty responded by retiring the Phils in order K-ing his only two batters of the night. At one point, he retired nine straight keeping the ball down in the zone.

However, momentum’s a funny thing in baseball and it all changed when his shortstop Furcal threw too high to get Victorino in the Phils’ sixth starting the deciding rally. Before you knew it, Lowe had served up two long balls and was out of the game replaced by Chan Ho Park.

With their ace now throwing better, Hamels retired the Dodgers in order getting a couple swinging in his final inning before giving way to the bullpen. Including a pivotal 4-6-3 double play, he retired nine of the last 11 before setup man Ryan Madson replaced him for the eighth.

The setup man got the first two including Ramirez, who had a couple of hits but lined out to third. He then worked around a Russell Martin single by getting Loney to bounce out routinely to second ending the inning.

Following a quiet Phillie eighth versus Hong-Chih Kuo, out came closer Brad Lidge, who didn’t show any anxiety getting the side in order on a couple of fly balls and then made DeWitt chase a pitch in the dirt with catcher Carlos Ruiz tossing perfectly to Ryan Howard for the 2-3 putout. The former Houston closer is now a perfect three-of-three in save opportunities this postseason making him 44-for-44.

Not bad for a guy who seemed to have lost his way following that towering Albert Pujols drive which extended the 2005 NLCS seven before the Astros prevailed.

Most importantly, the solid finish allowed Hamels and the Phillies to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven NLCS with Game Two this afternoon where Brett Myers will oppose Dodger 16-game winner Chad Billingsley. First pitch is 4:35 at Citizen’s Bank Park on Fox as part of a Friday night doubleheader with the defending champion Red Sox and Rays getting underway later tonight.

A couple of quick thoughts on last night’s game:

-Very well pitched game which went quickly taking only two hours and thirty six minutes to play meaning it actually ended before 11 PM here on the East coast. Fan friendly. Imagine that!

-Veteran righty Greg Maddux came out of the Dodger pen tossing a scoreless seventh. Weird to see the former Cy Young future Hall of Famer in that role.

-The Dodgers left nine on base while the Phillies stranded seven.

-Ethier and Ramirez each led Los Angeles with a pair of hits while Philadelphia got multi-hit nights from the trio of Utley, Burrell and Ruiz.

-With his homer, that made it three in his last two games for Burrell who began the postseason 0-for-8 with a balky back before smashing a pair and knocking in four in the Phils’ elimination of Milwaukee. He’s 5-for-7 with three dingers, five RBI’s and three runs since.

-Games 3, 4 and 5 are at Chavez Ravine beginning Sunday night with an extra day off between Games 4 and 5.

-Red Sox will send out 18-game winner Dice-K Matsuzaka to the mound against 14-game Tampa winner James Shields tonight with Josh Beckett opposing Scott Kazmir in Game 2.

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by Derek Felix

Predicting the NHL

October 9, 2008 in NHL

Another NHL season is finally upon us. And while the Rangers, Lightning, Penguins and Senators kicked off 2008-09 overseas in Prague and Stockholm, the rest of the league gets going beginning tonight with eight teams in action including the defending champion Red Wings raising their banner in an Original Six match-up versus the Maple Leafs on Versus Network.

The Devils host the Islanders tomorrow night at The Prudential Center while the Rangers return to MSG for their home opener against Original Six Chicago where Chris Drury will officially be introduced as the 25th captain in franchise history. A game myself and the family will be at up in 411.

So, who looks to be the top Cup contenders this season? Can anyone stop Detroit with supreme addition Marian Hossa from repeating? Figure the talented Stars with Sean Avery to have plenty of say along with Pacific rivals San Jose and Anaheim in a loaded West.

The Flyers appear to be the class of the East but are in arguably the best division featuring the defending Conference champion Pens, bolstered Devils and revamped Rangers making it ultra competitive.

Who will come out on top and be there in the end next June? Please check out our season preview over at Battle of NY.

It should be an exciting season full of twists and turns. Find out where your club stacks up!

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Avatar of Derek Felix

by Derek Felix

Video(s) of Day: Puddle of Mudd

October 9, 2008 in Video of Day

With another day off before the championship series, sports is basically on hiatus with not much else happening until later tonight. There’s some tennis going on which I curiously follow due to my passion for the sport but it’s nothing really big until the end of season tournament Masters Cup.

And so, while admiring latest tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki, there’s not much really going on otherwise. There was some preseason hoops last night too with the new look Mike D’Antoni Knicks reminding fans that they still wouldn’t know the terms “defense” and “blockout” if it came and hit them. No wonder I can’t take Team Dumb and Dumber Clown Mgt 101 seriously even with a new coach and new GM Donnie Walsh in the fold.

Knicks fans can at least laugh at the pathetic first quarter Larry Brown’s new team the Bobcats displayed getting stormed 40-9 by Orlando in a 32-point humiliation. Path—etic!

Anyway, enough about that. I was watching some cool Puddle Of Mudd videos yesterday and discovered a couple of nice ones. So, I am gonna feature them in today’s fun filled video segment. I’ve always liked this group since big hits “Control,” “Blurry,” “She Hates Me,” and “Drift and Die” came out in the summer of 2001.

They’ve got some good stuff since which might’ve been overlooked. Well, let’s take a glance and give them their due:

Puddle of Mudd: “Famous”

the main track off their recent 2007 album has that classic Puddle of Mudd sound to it with Wes Scantlin’s fiery lyrics with guitars and drums creating the ultra cool grunge effect that made them so popular when they first hit it big. i like the energy in this one. it’s got that electricity and quick pace to it. emotion rocks! :-)

Some lyrics:

Hollywood hills
pocketful of shells
Sunset dragging
I haven’t even slept for days
Zone in
Somethin’s gotta give
might as well live it up
until fat lady sings
I just wanna be famous
be so fucking jaded
Cause all playboy bunnies take my money from me
Show up at the Oscars
Smoke out Dennis Hopper
The money is for nothing
and the chicks are for free
yeah I wanna be

Puddle of Mudd: “Spin You Around”

I really like this video from a few years ago. it’s got that nice throwback feel to it recreating scenes with a girl he grew up with. SI swimsuit model Marissa Miller is featured as the all grown up version. Now wouldn’t that be nice? ;-) He fights to get her back when he sees her working out with someone else. The ending is really cool. All in all, a great video captivating what’s said kinda reminding me of Blurry with his kid.

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