Must See Sports – First Weekend of June 2011

Thursday, June 2

2011 NBA Finals – Game 2
Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat

Game 2 is always a high pressure game for any team in any playoff series. Someone could fall behind 0-2, making the chances of winning 4 of the next 5 games for the trailing team slim. Someone could either lose home court advantage or risk dropping their first two games at home, almost always too large of a hole to crawl out of. The series could be tied. Game 2 is always critical.

The Miami Heat earned a solid victory at home in Game 1 on Tuesday. In that game, Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavericks suffered a finger injury on his non-shooting hand. Nowitzki likes to go left, however, so this injury is likely to have some degree of influence on how he plays. The question of how much influence remains.

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade both played the role of “closer by committee” with a run of fourth quarter scores. The defense of the Heat was enough to contain Nowitzki and the Mavericks, although he was not stopped, having scored 27 points. While Nowitzki got his points, other players were held in check, for the most part.

For Dallas to win tonight, they will need to reduce the already low number of mistakes made in Game 1. Nowitzki absolutely must get some help on the perimeter. Mavericks reserve players JJ Berea, Brendan Haywood, and Peja Stojakovic have to combine for more than 5 points. Finally, the Mavericks need to force the Heat into making some mistakes, as they will not shut down all of Miami’s “big three” of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Miami has not lost at home in the 2011 playoffs. While I expect Dallas to be competitive and to push back at the Heat, I do not expect the end result to be any different for the Mavericks. While I think Miami will win, I also think, with the series returning to Dallas for three games, that this series is far from over and that the NBA champion will be crowned in South Beach in a Game 6 or Game 7.

Advantages – Game: Heat, Series: Heat

The King is in hot pursuit of more jewels. 1

Friday, June 3

MLB
Texas Rangers at Cleveland Indians
Alexi Ogando (5-0, 2.33 ERA) – Rangers vs Justin Masterson (5-3, 3.07 ERA) – Indians

The resurgent Cleveland Indians, with the best record in the Majors host the first place, defending American League champion Texas Rangers. Alexi Ogando will continue what has been an extremely impressive first full season as a starter in Major League Baseball. He is still undefeated this year, in spite of a rough outing (no decision) in his last start against the Kansas City Royals, following a complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox on May 23.

Ogando is going to provide a challenge to the Indians, especially if Rangers DH Michael Young (.335, 3 HR, 36 RBI) and 3B Adrian Beltre (.252, 11 HR, 43 RBI) continue to swing their bats as well as they have this year. If Josh Hamilton (.291, 1 HR, 13 RBI) can return to form, after recently coming back from his leg injury, the top of the Rangers’ order can be an extremely difficult out to get.

The Indians will start Justin Masterson. The 26 year old got off to an extremely hot start to the 2011 season, but has cooled off since. Masterson has lost his last three straight decisions and did not record a win in the month of May. He was rocked on Sunday as the Indians lost, 7-0, to the Tampa Bay Rays. Masterson must reverse the recent trend if he expects to earn a victory tomorrow night.

Indians shortstop Astrubal Cabrera (.306, 10 HR, 39 RBI) has been a one man wrecking crew for the Tribe. He has been the team’s best hitter this year. From the shortstop position, that contribution is invaluable and is a major factor in the Indians early season dominance of the American League.

Right now the Rangers are hot. The Indians are not really hot (5-7 in their last 12 games). Ogando has yet to hit any big speed bumps while Masterson is digging out of a funk. In spite of being on the road, the Rangers have the edge in the second game of this four game series.

Advantages – Game: Rangers, Series: Rangers

Indians shortstop Astrubal Cabrera's name is on my short list for American League MVP candidates. 2

Saturday, June 4

NHL

Stanley Cup Finals – Game 2
Boston Bruins at Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver won Game 1 in dramatic fashion, with Raffi Torres scoring the game’s only goal in the final 20 seconds of the game. Game 1 was hard fought, physical, and intense, including a Mike Tyson-esque biting incident during a fight. Hockey fans can only hope that Game 2 offers similar excitement. Vancouver was the best team in the regular season and, after surviving a near historic choke against the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, Vancouver has been the best team in the playoffs. While the Bruins have overcome a number of challenges to reach the finals, I think the better team wins this game, in Vancouver, and this series.

Advantages – Game: Canucks, Series: Canucks

Alex Burrows of the Canucks (right) gave a different meaning to "jaw-dropping action" while reinforcing the "keep your hands to yourself" principle to Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins. 3

Sunday, June 5

2011 NBA Finals – Game 3
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks

Tonight’s Game 2 will be able to more accurately calibrate expectations for the series as it returns to Dallas for games 3, 4, and 5 (if necessary). Still, I expect the Mavericks to elevate their game back at home and I do not expect Dallas to fall into a 3-0 hole (which could happen if the Mavs drop Game 2, which I expect).

Advantages – Game: Mavericks, Series: Heat


Monday, June 6

MLB

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies
Ted Lilly (4-4, 4.22 ERA) – Dodgers vs Cliff Lee (4-5, 3.94 ERA)

The Dodgers, in spite of a host of off-the-field issues, are not hopelessly behind in the NL West, trailing the streaking Arizona Diamondbacks by 6 games. Its on the field issues, like having a bottom of the batting order that completely bottoms out, are giving Dodgers fans little cause for optimism, though.

Other than Andre Ethier (.325, 5 HR, 26 RBI) and Matt Kemp (.306, 13 HR, 40 RBI, broke up with Rihanna) there is very little pop in the Dodgers’ bats. There are far too many players in the Dodgers’ lineup hitting below .250 to give the Dodgers’ pitching the support it needs to win consistently. Dodgers starting pitchers, generally, have given a solid number of innings, but have been otherwise average. Lilly fits the team profile.

The Phillies just keep on rolling, with the best record in the National League. Lee was rocked in his last start against the Washington Nationals yesterday, giving up 6 earned runs in a 10-2 loss. While he has not been as dominant in 2011 as he has been in the past, he has otherwise been consistent, giving the Phillies enough innings of work and keeping the opponents’ score low enough for the Phillies to be able to win. He has also mowed down enough batters, already at 90 strikeouts, to escape any jam he gets into.

Advantages – Game: Phillies, Series: Phillies

I wonder what is worse for Matt Kemp: toiling with monster numbers to no avail for the struggling Dodgers this year or knowing that he won't be able to put his hands all over Rihanna anymore. Actually, if I am on the Dodgers' payroll, I am probably more concerned about my paycheck bouncing than anything else. 4

Tuesday, June 7

2011 NBA Finals – Game 4
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks

Without the aid of a crystal ball, this game is hard to call. Realistically, I expect the Heat to take one of the three games in Dallas. Absent any other information, it is difficult to project where that victory will come. I think that Miami will win the series and Game 5 (if necessary) is often the most pivotal in any best of seven series, regardless of the location or participants. My best guess is that Game 5 will offer the Heat its best opportunity for a road win en route to a series victory. If only I had that crystal ball….

Advantages – Game: Mavericks, Series: Heat


Wednesday, June 8

MLB

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
Clay Buchholz (4-3, 3.41) – Red Sox vs A.J. Burnett (6-3, 3.86) – Yankees

The fiercest rivalry in baseball is set for another series. Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays continue their threesome of musical chairs with first place in the American League East, with 2½ games separating the (for) now first place Yankees from the third place Rays. A series winner could yield a new division leader.

The Yankees were swept in 3 games during their last series meeting with the Red Sox. Since then, the Yankees have let their bats do the talking. Alex Rodriguez (.292, 9 HR, 31 RBI) has since been on a tear, reaching base in the last 15 consecutive games and Curtis Granderson (.278, 17 HR, 41 RBI) continues to prime the Yankees powerful offensive pump. They should supply ample run support for Burnett, who will be making his first start against the Red Sox this year.

Buchholz has a string of four consecutive quality starts, but with only one decision, a win, in those starts. Perhaps he has just been a victim of bad timing as the Red Sox have swung their bats well for most of the season. Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (.329, 10 HR, 46 RBI) continues to be as good as advertised and designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz (.313, 13 HR, 38 RBI) is off to one of his better starts to a season, batting .342 in the month of May and only 23 strikeouts on the season, putting him on pace for less than half of his strikeout total from last season.

The Yankees are riding a modest hot streak and are back home. I think they are due to repay the favor of the Red Sox sweep of them from the last series.

Advatages – Game: Yankees, Series: push

A-Rod is another example of how talent, performance, and success can help a person overcome anything, even THIS! 5

Don’t forget to vote in the fan polls!


To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

1) Image from tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com
2) Image from zimbio.com
3) Image from vancouversun.com
4) image from okmagazine.com
5) Image from bumpshack.com

Sports State of the Union

Tonight, President Barack Obama will deliver the State of the Union address. Issues like the economy, health care, terrorism, foreign policy, and global trade continue to challenge us as Americans. While I could spout off my opinions on these topics as much as the day is long, The Daily Hat Trick is dedicated to bringing you everything you could want to know about sports.
As I often say, sports fascinate many of us because so many facets of our favorite games parallel real life. Here at the Hat Trick, I have worked tirelessly through my sources (the Internet and a vivid imagination) to bring you the State of the Union addresses by the chiefs of the four major professional team sports and the NCAA. These transcripts are top secret and 100% authentic. And by 100% authentic, I mean I thought of this all by myself!

National Hockey League
delivered by Commissioner Gary Bettman

Bettman: Good evening fellow owners. Our sport has more teams than ever. We played yet another outdoor classic. We have coverage on more cable networks than ever, like Versus, and the NHL Network and, um, who's this?...RDS...who is that?...and NBC hasn't dropped us yet! Oh who am I kidding? We're pretty irrelevant, guys. People in Canada still watch. Fortunately there are enough dudes without girlfriends to watch this stuff and buy enough beer to keep our sponsors happy. As long as we have Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin we can keep our 1.0 rating and pay the light bills. Good night!

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: Just living the dream! 2

Major League Baseball
delivered by Commissioner Bud Selig

(sounds of tacit, polite applause)

Selig: Thank you fellow owners. America's Pastime is the best that it has ever been! We sold more tickets to more games than ever before, even though we gave a few million away for the nose bleed sections in the middle of the week. Our revenue sharing has ensured that every team will have an opportunity to survive.

What would Major League Baseball be like without a perennial whipping boy like the Pittsburgh Pirates to help get more important teams, like the Cardinals, out of a slump? And the Pirates ownership couldn't be happier, stuffing its pockets with the television money and paying a bunch of scrubs a tick over the MLB minimum. Why jam pack a gorgeous stadium like PNC Park? You'll have to renovate it in 10 years. With the creative maintenance strategies like those of the Pirates, our state of the art, newer facilities can last for generations!

Selig: "I hear ya, baseball fans, loud and clear! You want...WHAT? A salary 'crap'? Huh? WHAT? Expansion of instant WHAT? 'Breakfast'? HUH?" 3

Our television ratings continue to grow. Local affiliates continue to bid tens of millions of dollars annually for local broadcast rights, and will continue to until the generation of retirees, who are home all day and have little else to do, whither away and die off.  This World Series was one of the better ratings draws in its time slot, when there was no football on television. We came close to having a Phillies-Yankees World Series repeat, but fortunately, with the deep pockets of our larger market teams and their ability to completely squeeze smaller markets out of the marquee free agent market, the odds are stacked so heavily in their favor that I am confident in our innovative approach to maximize playoff ratings by pacifying the mega markets. Salary cap? "Schmalary" cap!

MLB does not want safety to detract from fan interaction. 4

Our game is technologically sound. Our ballparks are the newest and most state-of-the-art parks in all of the sporting world. Our radar guns can clock pitches to the first decimal place. Our maple bats may explode and deliver head trauma to ladies sitting behind the dugout, but that is part of the history and tradition of the game. No way do we want to clutter it with low angle trajectory safety nets!

MLB: Keeping constant contact with the customer. 5

We have arrived in the 21st century with instant replay. The one time in every month in which a home run is hit that is so close to being a foul ball or actually ricochets into the field of play from behind the outfield wall...we will be ready to correct any potential errors in that situation. Other situations are those that the fans want left up to the "human element", one of the proudest traditions in baseball. Think of how much publicity we have gotten since Jim Joyce bungled a routine out at first base, costing Armondo Gallaraga a perfect game. We were at the top of the sports headlines for days!

It is a great time to be a Major Leaguer!!!!

(sound of crickets chirping and two guys at the Milwaukee Brewers table applauding)

SAFE!!!! The "human element" is what fans love most about the game. 6

National Colligiate Athletic Association
delivered by Mark Emmert, President of the NCAA

College athletics are as popular, competitive, pure, and untainted as ever before. The men's basketball tournament is one of the best draws on television. The College World Series is increasing in popularity every year, after being an obscure niche event for decades. Women's sports continue to enjoy a steady growth in following, with stories like that of the University of Connecticut Women's Basketball team sparking greater interest on that side of the gender aisle.

Any questions?

Reporter: Um...gee, Mark. That was kind of..."short"? What about football?

Emmert: Football continues to be profitable.

Reporter: Yeah but don't you think you should go into some more depth on football, with all of the controversy....(interrupted)

Emmert: I invited a special guest to deliver the segment on football, former NFL coach, Jim Mora, Sr. (quickly walks away from the podium)

The elephant in the room.... 7

(murmuring among the reporters followed by silence)

Mora: Good evening. College football is at the height of its popularity. I don't care...who you play. The Orange Bowl, the Rose Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, the Sugar Bowl...let alone the BCS Championship Game...all had stronger ticket sales and television ratings than ever before.

Reporter: Coach can you tell us about the possibility.... (interrupted by a second reporter)

Reporter #2: (under his breath in an "uh oh" cadence) Care-ful! You don't want his going on an "ant-ray" about the "ayoffs-play". We'll never get him back on topic!

Reporter: ...can you tell us about, um, future plans for the postseason.

Mora: The NCAA is looking into...(piece of paper unfolds)...the possibility of working with the BCS to add the Cotton Bowl to the series.

(sounds of groans)

Reporter: But, Coach, as you know, there is an increasing demand from fans, coaches and players for a....different...ah...an alternative way to conclude the season. Does the NCAA plan on looking into those options?

Mora: I'm afraid I don't follow you. Which options?

Reporter: You know..."options"? Like a tournament?

Mora: Like March Madness?

Emmert: (quickly interjects) Alright that is all the time we have for today. Thank you!

(Mora, Emmert walk backstage; 30 seconds later an echo is heard, becoming gradually clearer)

Mora: (in the distance) Are you kidding me?

Go ahead! Make my day! 1

National Football League
delivered by Commissioner Roger Goodell

Good afternoon, fellow owners. I would like to touch on a few issues affecting our league right now. Much like our country, the NFL is dealing with critical issues in our economy, health care, and international diplomacy.

The Economy

The economy of the NFL is stronger than ever. We continued to break previously held records for ticket sales and television viewership, with regular season games drawing stronger ratings than World Series games. Merchandise sales are at an all time high. Fans, television networks, sponsors, and advertisers are just begging for us to take their money to be affiliated with us.

(owner in the back of the room)

Owner: "I'm riiiiich, bitch!"

8

Goodell: We sure are! And that is why it is important that we iron out our differences with the Players Association in a quick, cooperative manner. It is imperative that we do what is best for the players, the fans, and the league. It is imperative that we ram an 18 game schedule down everyone's throats, whether they like it or not, so that we may continue to grow our economy.

Health Care

The health of our players is the health of our game and the health of our game is paramount. For this reason, it is imperative that we make our players play 18 regular season games. The NFL's fine doctors have been pioneers in sports medicine. Thirty years ago, a blown out knee would mean the end of a running back's career. Dozens of ruined careers later, the doctors and surgeons who have worked on our players can reconstruct knee ligaments that are stronger than the originals!

Player safety is paramount! Two more games will keep players healthier in the long run. 9

By making our players play 18 games, we will have more injuries and be able to involve more brilliant doctors in the innovative healing process. In order to help our players get healthier, we have to make sure that more players get hurt! And, of course, it will benefit the health of our television revenues, as networks will have to pay for two more weeks of regular season action and fans will buy more concessions during the regular season games that replace the preseason games which, of course, nobody really wants to watch.

Foreign Policy

The NFL had had tremendous success, playing exhibition and regular season games outside of our borders. We will have teams in Europe if it is the last thing I do...er, uh...we do! Fans in Toronto cannot wait for (Buffalo Bills Owner) Ralph Wilson to drop dead so that the team can race to Canada faster than the Bills most famous player, O.J. Simpson, should have. (Wilson interrupts, "I'm sitting here and I can HEAR you!") Fans in London cannot wait for our "jolly good show" to be over there year round! Players will just have to learn new languages and adjust to travel. The playbooks already read like Sanskrit, so they clearly have the inherent skills necessary to survive in Germany or Spain in the fall.

First America...THEN THE WORLD!!!

(Owners rise and roar in applause; player representatives and coaches stare at one another, silent and slack jawed.)

This Roger Goodell is a man after my own heart! 10

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick or to submit guest columns, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info .


1) Image from 13shadesofgrey.wordpress.com
2) Image from faniq.com
3) Image from blog.ticketchest.com
4) Image from wods.radio.com
5) Image from sportige.com
6) Image from waitingfornextyear.com
7) Image from swifteconomics.com
8) Image from cafepress.com
9) Image from iill.net
10) Image from blogs.ajc.com