No one received them with roses. They were received with bombs, shoes, and bullets.

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is no longer on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, as he mercifully allowed me my one phone call.)

Hello. As this is my last post as a YAYsports substitute, I must admit there is no easy way to say good-bye. Today ... today ... today ... I consider myself the luckiest blogger on the face of the earth ... earth ... earth. We laughed, we cried, we discovered the true meaning of Lakers and Clippers.

Years ago, I received a correspondence from Miami Herald writer Leonard Pitts. In his email, Mr. Pitts quoted an old saying, "Writing is not fun. Having written is". Since I started here, I have put in many nights where I was up until 3AM, only to wake up at 6:30AM to get ready for work. But what drove me was imagining the smiles on your lovely faces as you opened up this site like a present on Christmas morning and rejoiced that I had updated with my own blend of elegant prose. You motivated me to write and write some more. And with the joy of that in mind, I will ride into the sunset like a cowboy in a spaghetti western.

But before I go, a little update on the happenings of the evening.

Game 3 is the phrase of the night. Often the first venture in a new environment, Game 3s have a way of cementing advantages or swinging momentum. Battles are fought and hopes rekindled or crushed in Game 3s. Game 3s brings the term "must-win" to the forefront, for to the survivors go the spoils.

Detroit 93, Orlando 77. For the Orlando Magic, down 2-0, there would be no celebration. Once again the Pistons proved too much for the young Magic squad, despite 27 points from Jameer Nelson. With game four in Orlando Saturday afternoon, the Magic can only play to protect their house, although I would expect the Pistons bring their brooms.

Utah 81, Houston 67. Unlike the Magic, the Jazz re-established themselves as playoff-worthy, beating back the invading Rockets and holding the Houston offense to an anemic 32.8% from the floor. Only four Rockets scored all game. Four. Two, as you would probably guess, were Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. The other two were Shane Battier and Rafer Alston. That's all I can say about that.

Los Angeles vs. Phoenix. As I write, the Mamba is strangling the Suns with a little assistance from Kwame and Lamar Odom. Never underestimate the power of The Mamba.

Once again, I am Jordi Scrubbings from The Serious Tip. I want to thank you for being here and thank the Cavalier for giving me the opportunity to do my thing at YAYsports. Please remember to be good to the hard-working people behind the bar and they will be good to you. And a Coke on the house to the first person who can identify the source of the title quote. I'm out. Peace.

Fines, Fines, Everywhere are Fines

This post originally appeared on Yaysports!.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although if he lived in Eastern Europe it would be Friday already.)

Before we wager on whether or not Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis will face disciplinary actions for their conduct unbecoming Wednesday night, I'd like to take a moment and discuss an earlier ill-conceived action by an NBA player. I am talking of course, about Kirk Hinrich's fatal flying mouthpiece.

Hinrich's flying mouthpiece cost him $25,000. 25Ks for something 1/1,000 of the price. Wow.

I know Kirk Hinrich probably makes a lot of money, but can you imagine getting fined the price of a decent new car? That would honestly take me several years to pay back. Which makes me wonder, does anyone know how NBA fines are assessed? Do players have to pay the league in lump sum? Is there a payment plan? What if the player says, "I am not playing anymore" and retires? Does he still have to pay the league? Can the team pay the fine for the player if the player doesn't have the funds immediately available?

We assume because athletes make mad cash that a fine is chump change. Perhaps it is. Perhaps, however, like most of us, they too have bills, payments, and other financial commitments. How do you squeeze out $25,000 in unexpected payments? I am sure the Missus (if Hinrich is married) was not happy. There goes Junior's birthday present.

I am not saying NBA fines are too harsh. No way. In the overall scheme of things, $25,000 out of a few million is a drop in the bucket. But it might be tough to pay it all in full. So if anyone knows the NBA's payment plan, let me know. I am curious.

There is no clapping in basketball

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he may write something of his own in the next 24 hours.)

Hola. Today is the last Thursday in April, I am Jordi Scrubbings, and hopefully no one pulls the plug on me early as you wait in joyful hope for the return of the Cavalier.

Let's start the day with a quick recap: 3 games. 3 winners. 3 losers. 3 teams scored more than their opponents. And Baron Davis likes to clap.

And now a slightly more in-depth Wednesday night recap:

Cleveland 109, Washington 102. I was surprised this game was as close as it was. Cleveland seems to be playing in second gear, although they can afford to with Arenas and Butler out. LeBron hasn't need to take over at all, and I wonder if this might actually hurt him in the next round. Will they be able to turn it up a notch against the Nets/Raptors winner? Cleveland coasting has been the talk around here and around the rest of the internets pretty much all season. Too much coasting may lead to complacency. My co-substitute Ben once again has some fresh hot insight from an actual Cavs' fan on his site.

San Antonio 97, Denver 88. In the heavyweight bout of the night (and in my opinion, the best game of the night), the Spurs tied their series with the Nuggets one game a piece. Although the Nuggets nearly cameback after being down by 14 going into the 4th quarter, and by 17 at one point, the Spurs proved to be too strong of a foe. After the game, the Spurs invited the Nuggets and all the fans in the arena into their locker room to celebrate Tim Duncan's birthday with a big cake (CAKE!). Kwame Brown was not invited.

Dallas 112, Golden State 99. So the meek will not inherit the West, at least not without a fight. Led by the well-balanced trio of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard, the Mavericks cruised to a relatively easy win over the Warriors, tying the series at one a piece. Although down most of the game, the Warriors chances completely flew the coup when guard (and best player) Baron Davis was ejected for clapping (clapping!). To add insult to ejection, several minutes later forward Stephen Jackson was also sent to the showers for being Stephen Jackson. With his penchant for verbosity, I was hoping to see a full-blown EXPLOSION of Stephen Jackson-ness, but alas, the loving arm of Matt Barnes guided the misguided Jackson to the cool, collected clubhouse locker room, where he could no longer be a nuisance to law, order, and the David Stern way. Darn.

Well, that wraps up a beautiful, exciting, action-packed, intense, wild and wooly Wednesday in the NBA. Again, I am Jordi Scrubbings, and I will be back later with more observations and insight. In the meantime, check out my site, The Serious Tip. Peace.

Monta Ellis gets an "A" for effort

This post was originally featured on Yaysports!.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he is almost done with his 40 day sabbatical.)

Every year, I stick with the same New Year's Resolution: to be better than I was the year before. It could be better financially, academically, physically, or to get one less speeding ticket. Whatever. It gets people off my back and makes for a decent resolution.

Apparently, Golden State Warrior guard Monta Ellis had a similar goal going into this season. And out of all the players in the NBA, Ellis improved the most, winning the NBA's vaunted Most Improved Player Award. Despite his improved-ness, Monta is not yet the ultimate Warrior and still needs his teammates Clappin' Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson to not get thrown out of games if Golden State is to continue their threat against the heralded Dallas Mavericks.

Big Kuba - Future Seminole?

Normally, I don't get into high school recruiting or speculating on college prospects. I hate it. It's obsessive and a blemish on whatever purity amateur sports has left. That said, I read something recently about a 17-year old prospect that caught my interest.

Last week Henry Abbott of ESPN's True Hoop updated his readers on the training of Jakub Kusmieruk, a 7'4" 17-year old Polish import currently playing for The John Carroll School in Bel Air, Maryland.

Why do I care about Kusmieruk, besides the fact that once he stops growing he may just be the tallest person on the planet? Well, here is what Jakub's high school coach wrote to Henry Abbott:

He is receiving recruiting interest from all over the United States, including Georgetown (picturing the next Roy Hibbert?), Central Florida, Stanford, St. John's, Florida State, and many, many more.

Florida State, huh? Although there are four other schools mentioned, and many inferred, I like the mention of FSU. Why? Because if Duke, UNC, Ohio State, or any other traditional powerhouse schools were in contact with Jakub's coach, they would have probably stuck in his mind more so than Florida State, admittedly less of a college basketball juggernaut. The fact that Florida State is mentioned with Georgetown, Stanford, and St. John's speaks well for Coach Hamilton's recruiting program.

From what little I know of FSU's recruiting, however, I don't think they need Kumieruk. Especially since we have fellow 7-footer and current high school player Solomon Alabi soon to take the court for the Seminoles. The Knicks on the other hand ...


For videos on Jakub Kumieruk and his quest to be a future NBA prospect, check out his coach's YouTube site.



- Jordi

Go home, Yankee, go home! And other observations from a night at the ol' sports bar

Monday night I had a chance to go to Tropicana Field, root for the Devil Rays, annoy the New York snowbirds who flock to Tampa until mid-spring, and hang out with Erin Andrews. Unfortunately, I failed to seize the opportunity. Non carpe contestium. Or something like that.

So instead of a night at the Trop, I am dragging you along to a night at the local sports bar. There was quite the buffet of sports entrees Monday night and I am going to try to keep my head on a swivel and comment whenever possible.

On tonight's menu of viewing entertainment we have: the aforementioned Devil Rays vs. Yankees, the Orlando Magic versus the Detroit Pistons, the Florida Marlins versus the Atlanta Braves, the Dallas Stars versus the Vancouver Canucks, WWE Raw, and some UFC event on Spike TV.

Ok, we are starting the diary a little late, but here goes ...

9:23 -- Bottom of the 6th - Devil Rays 7, Yankees 6. Good to see. Delmon Young at the plate, with a chance to put some more on the board. Ground out. Inning over. By the way, let me be the first to say Young looks a little like Bubba from Forrest Gump. I know that is mean, but it's true.

9:36 -- Detroit 91, Orlando 83, 53.5 seconds left. Looks like my darkhorse pick over at YAYsports is going to be down two games to none. Not that the Magic had that much of a chance anyway. Detroit has too much firepower, too much experience, and too much depth. Rasheed Wallace and the collective shells of what is left of Chris Webber and Antonio McDyess equal more than Dwight Howard.

9:40 -- Wow. Erin Andrews looks hot. Hey, 2nd and 3rd Devil Rays after a double by Elijah Dukes.

9:40 -- How does Dwight Howard only have 7 points? As much as I dislike Vince Carter, he might not be a bad pick up for the Magic in the offseason. Somebody has to score on that team. J.J. Redick The Second Coming of Trajan Langdon is not the answer.

9:45 -- WWE update - We have Carlito, a short Hispanic guy with a huge Ben Wallace-like 'fro taking on The Giant Khali, a 9 foot tall mute mound of muscle. Needless to say this was over quick. Carlito should have just kicked Khali in the jewels. You gotta do something, right?

9:49 -- Back to the D-Rays - B.J. Upton with a 3-run base-clearing double. Take that, obnoxious ex-New Yorkers. As a Floridian, nothing is more annoying than some of the New Yorkers who move down and refuse to assimilate. Not all, but most of them should turn right back around and go back where they came from. True story, some ex-New Yorker was bitching to me one day about how it was so expensive to live in Tampa and how it was the same cost-wise as living in New York. I politely told him to look at North Florida, where the cost of living is lower than it is in Central Florida. His response, "Is it built up there? Because I don't want to live in the middle of a desert." A desert. In Florida. You can see my frustration.

9:57 -- After the Magic lost 98-90, the Utah Jazz began their quest to even their series with the Houston Rockets. The Jazz started hot.

10:00 -- By the way, the Marlins won 8-7 over the Braves. Hopefully, the Mets are up on the Rockies. Jason Voohrees The Braves must be buried early in the season.

10:02 -- Ok, when I sat down there were maybe 10 people in the whole place. In the last few minutes I have been surrounded by what has to be the biggest gathering of Utah Jazz fans in Florida. Seriously, one of them even has a red Utah 50 jersey. Not sure who or what that is. Might have to look that up.

10:04 -- WWE update - Rapping commando John Cena is taking on ageless wonder Shawn Michaels. If only Brett Michaels's career had the staying power of his wrestling namesake. Then he might have given me something to believe in.

10:11 -- With 15 points in the first quarter, Carlos Boozer on pace for a 60 point night. And one of the gentlemen near me mentioned WWE was popular on his mission. Bigger shock, that what he said might be true, or the fact that these people were really from Utah?

10:17 -- Well, what do you know, the Devil Rays bullpen actually showed up to work tonight. After blowing nearly every game so far this season, one of the Rays relievers just struck out Johnny Damon with the bases loaded. Rays up 10-6 going into the bottom of the 8th.

10:23 -- Uh oh, it suddenly got quiet in here. Skip 2 My Lou just nailed a three, making it 28-24 Utah. There goes that fast start.

10:29 -- The Devil Rays' Al Reyes just struck out Derek Jeter looking to start the ninth. Nice. I'm happy. Two more outs and I'll be ecstatic. By the way, I wonder if Devil Rays superfan (sans cape) Jenn Sterger was at the Trop tonight? (Yes, that was a shameless plug and a cheap excuse to post her picture.)

10:34 -- A-Rod just homered for the second time tonight. He is on a pace for 128 homers. That might break Bonds's record. Devil Rays still up by two.

10:36 -- WWE update - Cena and Michaels are still tossing each other around in what may be the longest match in WWE Raw history.

10:37 -- Devil Rays win! Devil Rays win! A-Rod: 4 for 5, 2 home runs, and a bunch of RBIs in a losing effort. I hope he has a great season, wins the MVP, the New York fans fawn over him, then he gives them a big middle finger and opts out of his contract.

10:41 -- Wow, who is the girl in the RGX bodyspray commercials? If anyone knows, clue me in. She is gorgeous.

10:45 -- Utah-Houston tied at 39. The Utahites Utahians Utahers people from Utah are not happy. Has there ever been a Mormon riot outside of Utah? If it happens tonight, I will be here to bring it to you live.

10:49 -- Cena-Michaels are still going at it. This is rather impressive. Maybe the other wrestlers didn't show up tonight, forcing Cena and Michaels to do the whole show themselves. These guys are really beating the hell out of each other.

11:00 -- Almost forgot. We have hockey on. Stars 1, Canucks 1 beginning of the 3rd period. And that may be the first time I have ever mentioned a hockey score on The Serious Tip.

11:01 -- Ummm ... er ... uh ... the TV next to the hockey game has on the Best Damn Sports Show on location at a Hooters Swimsuit Pageant. Lisa Dergan, Brooke Burke, and dozens and dozens of other women I wouldn't mind in my harem. I wonder how religious the gang of Jazz fans are. Would they object to me asking the bartender to put the bikini contest on the projector screen?

11:14 -- Vancouver 2, Dallas 1. Someone scored I guess. Sorry, there were Hooters on the other TV. Apparently, my previous question was answered when one of the girls of the Jazz fan gang disapproved of a guy in their group watching the Hooters. She called him "an idiot" for oogling lustfully.

11:17 -- SportsCenter is on one of the projection screens now. Am I the only one who thinks John Clayton looks like a grown-up version of the old Nintendo mascot Nester? Maybe it's his odd shaped head.

11:20 -- Swimsuit competition time on the Hooters channel. For the love of all that is holy. If it lasts for more than four hours, I might have to call a doctor.

11:24 -- Good one in Houston. 58-58 with 4:30 left in the third quarter. The Jazz fans look deflated.

11:29 -- Beverly Mullins. Representing Tampa to the fullest. Do your thing, girl.

11:33 -- There is actually a contestant representing the first Hooters restaurant wearing a sash that says "Miss Original Hooters". Sorry to disappoint, but there are few, if any, "original hooters" in this contest.

11:37 -- Houston 67. Jazz 62. End of the 3rd quarter. Vancouver 2, Dallas 1. Three minutes left.

11:42 -- Mehmet Okur of the Jazz just scored his first basket of the game two minutes into the fourth quarter. If they lose they should blame him. He is now 1 for 8 from the field. I thought he was an all-star or something.

11:48 -- Game over in the NHL. Vancouver over Dallas 4-1 in the first Game 7 of the 2007 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Meanwhile, the Rockets have a 10 point lead now over the Jazz with 8 minutes left.

Midnight -- Congratulations, Miss Anna Burns. You have won the Hooters Swimsuit Pageant. Needless to say, when Anna Burns wins, we all win.

12:01 -- Down goes Williams. Down goes Williams. The Jazz fans are not happy. If Deron Williams does get up before a 10 count the Jazz might as well throw in the towel for this series. (I know, the boxing reference are lame. It's late. I apologize.)

12:07 -- 84-80 Rockets, with 3:13 left in the fourth. Houston, we have a game.

12:10 -- Back to a 10 point lead with 2:11 left and the fine people from Utah have all but given up on their Jazz. Too much McGrady.

12:16 -- 94-88 Houston. 14.5 left on the clock and T-Mac on the line. 95-88. It is now a three possession game. Yeah, it is over.

12:22 -- 98-90. We have a final. Finally. I am going home.



- Jordi

Little Internet Nuggets of Knowledge (L.I.N.K.s)

Welcome to The Serious Tip's 100th post. Today I am going to share some Internet love and give you some places to go and things to read.

-- Thanks to a link provided by one of his readers, Bill Simmons clued us in to WWE's "Where are they now?" site. Well, several of these WWE legends will be in action in Melbourne, Florida on May 12th in Mayhem in Melbourne II, also featuring The Serious Tip favorite Bryan Manson.

-- One of my favorite non-sports Blogs to read at work is the White Dade. Totally agree with him on his view on women and baseball.

-- By and large, I stayed quiet on the Don Imus fiasco of a few weeks back, but political rapper Paris didn't, writing a pretty stinging piece linking Imus's comments to social laziness by the recording industry.

-- A little international knowledge for you: Pakistan's largest gun market - you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villiany. But people gotta make a livin' somehow, right?

-- So what do Jon Matlack, Amos Otis, John Stearns, Pat Zachary, Frank Tanana, Hubie Brooks, and Howard Johnson have in common? Besides playing integral roles in Mets' history, they are all members of One More Dying Quail's Bizarro Hall of Fame, a place where players who received no votes on their Cooperstown Hall of Fame ballots are revered and celebrated.

-- The wisen philosophs over at Thunder Matt's Saloon want your opinion on the greatest first baseman of the 1990s. What, no Rico Brogna or David Segui?

-- And on a final note, I am still writing over at YAYsports, at least until the Cavalier gets back.


That is all.



- Jordi

Welcome to the second season

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he has already written his Oscar acceptance speech for Best Director.)

The regular season is over and the playoffs will soon be upon us. Happy are those who worship at court of the hardwood.

Who's in?

The Heat, the Suns, the Wizards, the Magic, the Bulls, the Spurs, the Nuggets, the Nets, the Warriors, the Cavs, the Mavs, the Jazz, the Lakers, the Pistons, the Rockets, and the Raptors.

Who's out? Everyone else.

My favorites in the East: the Heat and the Cavaliers.

My favorites in the West: the Spurs, the Suns, and the Mavericks.

My darkhorse for an upset: the Orlando Magic. Why? Well, because I live in Tampa and they are the closest thing to a local team I have and I have followed them since the days of Greg Kite.

My least favorite series: Heat-Bulls. I am Knicks fan, remember? I still haven't forgiven Pat Riley nor P.J. Brown. If neither team won, I wouldn't care in the least.

The series I am not going to miss: Warriors-Mavericks. My feelings for this series would be best expressed by a melodramatic monologue from the movie Star Wars:

Avery Johnson: I've been waiting for you, Don Nelson. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I met you I was but the learner. Now, I am the master.

Don Nelson: Only a master of defense, Avery.

(Offenses clash.)

Before you ask why I haven't broken down each series, please remember, mine is not the place to be selfish. If I did all the thorough insightful analysis, what would my proceeding collegues have to discuss? (For the first of such keen analysis, see the mighty Jack Cobra's Eastern Conference preview in the previous post.)

Before I go for the evening, I would like to ask, and I know this is an old picture, but don't Malone, Stockton, and Hornacek look awfully happy all hugging like that? They must be glad the Jazz made the second season.

The Cavalier is Joyous

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he misses us greatly and wishes we were with him as he waits in line for playoff tickets.)

Greetings once again. It is once again Thursday and I am once again Jordi Scrubbings from The Serious Tip.

I must apologize first and foremost, for I am not an artist nor am I skilled in the art of Photoshop. The joyous cavalier you see to your left was done in Paint. Hence the oversized caption and the third-grade attempt to blend the Cleveland Cavaliers' logo on the cavalier. However, if I may be forgiven and may say so, I do hope my art brings back memories of our fearless cinema-ing leader. I try.

Of course my art also begs the question, why is this cavalier and many other cavaliers rather joyous this fine morning?

Is it because the Cavaliers of Cleveland won their 50th game of the season?

Quite the accomplishment, but no.

Is it because said team set a new franchise record for average home attendance?

Another stellar accomplishment, and something to be proud of, but that does not make a cavalier joyous.

How about the fact that LeBron James finished the season with over 27 points, over 6 rebounds, and over 6 assists, being the only player not named Oscar Robertson to post such stats three years in row?

That would amuse a cavalier, but alas, would not make him joyous.

So why is our cavalier and many other cavaliers expressing unbridled joyousness this morning?

Allow my co-substitute Ben to explain:

"Everything that the Cavaliers needed to go right, went right. They won (would it have shocked anyone if they blew that game?), Chicago lost (they've looked great lately) and somehow Washington held on and pulled it out. They started out the day slated to see Shaq, Wade and the Heat and now they'll be facing an Arenas and Butler-less Wizards team."

This makes a cavalier joyous.

Fear not, I will be back later today to further discuss the conclusion of this year's NBA season: who's in, who's not, and who will be facing who in the sure-to-be-exciting, Joey Crawford-less playoffs.

The Serious Tip Mourns The Fallen

Like many throughout the nation and across the world, I would like to extend my prayers and condolences to the victims and families of those affected by Monday's horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech.

During my time as a college columnist, I once wrote a piece expressing my personal sorrow over the deaths of a student and a professor, both of whom were taken too soon before the summer semester five years ago. As both men affected my time in academia, it was without a doubt a very difficult piece to write. Possibly the most difficult of my writing career. So as a show of support to those who struggle to put to words the feelings of an entire campus, here are links to the most recent columns of the Virginia Tech student newspaper.

The Culture of Violence - Brett Morris

Focus on the victims, not the recriminations - Tim Edson

What I want Virginia Tech to be remembered for - Devin Stone

Virginia Tech Faces Aftermath of Tragedy - Collegiate Times Editorial Board

Also take a moment to read some of the writings at Planet Blacksburg: the unofficial student-run news website of the Virginia Tech Hokies. Especially Caroline Epley's Viewed From Afar, Tech Has Stood Tall.

More insight by Nick Dallamora, Virginia Tech student and co-blogger at The Dugout and AOL Fanhouse:

The Virginia Tech Massacre Through Hokie Eyes

Through Hokie Eyes: The Day After at Virginia Tech

Through Hokie Eyes: Convocation and Vigil

Through Hokie Eyes: Paying Respects

In closing, I would like to give kudos to the Washington Nationals for their touching on-field tribute to Virginia Tech. Good job, gentlemen.


- Jordi

The Walker Brothers: The Forgotten Pioneers of Baseball

There is no doubt as to the importance of April 15th, 1947 in both the world of sports and American society. The day Jackie Robinson first took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers changed not only baseball but every aspect of life in America. In my opinion, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s started with Jackie Robinson.

Although Jackie Robinson might have been the most famous pioneer in baseball, and perhaps the most important, he was not first. As baseball and America turns its thoughts to Robinson's noble crusade, and rightfully so, The Serious Tip would like to take a moment to honor two men who more than 50 years before Robinson faced the hate of racism and were among the first to feel the barrier of bigotry.

Moses Fleetwood Walker

Born in Ohio in 1856, Moses Fleetwood Walker was taught how to play baseball by his local Civil War veterans. Walker took to the sport quickly and was on Oberlin College's first baseball team. After two years at Oberlin, Walker transferred to the University of Michigan with his brother Welday Wilberforce Walker. After a year at Michigan, Moses Walker floated from minor league team to minor league team before finally getting a shot with the Toledo Blue Stockings of the Northwestern League in 1883. After a successful '83 season, the Blue Stockings changed affiliations to the American Association, one of the two major league competitors to the National League. By joining the American Association, Toledo made Moses Fleetwood Walker the first African-American to play baseball in a major league.

Hated by both the opposition and his own teammates, Moses Walker took punishment after punishment throughout the season and often played hurt. Although he hit 23 points over the league average in 1884, Walker was released by Toledo, who had opted to follow the new American Association rule of minority exclusion. With the National League already banning people of color from employment, Moses Fleetwood Walker was exiled from major league baseball.

Still wanting to play baseball, however, Walker joined teams in the Western League, the Eastern League, and the International League, occasionally competing against and even besting major league competition. After his baseball career ended, Walker published Our Home Colony, a call for African-Americans to return to Africa as a solution for American prejudice.

Although once a professional baseball player and a published author, Walker became an alcoholic towards the end of his life and died May 11, 1924. He is remembered in Union Cemetery in Steubenville, Ohio.

Welday Wilberforce Walker

Brother of Moses Fleetwood Walker, Welday Walker followed his more famous sibling on many teams, from Oberlin College to the Toledo Blue Stockings. According to The Forgotten Leagues.com, "when the Toledo team of the American Association found itself shorthanded in the outfield due to injuries, (Welday Walker) joined (Moses Fleetwood Walker) on the ballclub, making him the second black player ever with a major-league team."

Welday Walker would only appear in five games for Toledo in 1884, batting .222 with two runs batted in. Like Moses, Welday would become a baseball vagabond after the American Association instituted its "color barrier." Walker would eventually play for Akron of the Ohio State League and Cleveland of the Western League before finishing his career in 1887 with the Pittsburgh Keystones, one of the eight original teams of the League of Colored Baseball Clubs.

After he and his brother were excluded, Welday Walker never again saw an African-American play major league baseball. He died November 23, 1937, barely 10 years before Jackie Robinson would make his Brooklyn Dodgers debut.


For more on the Walker brothers and the many other great ballplayers who never reached the pinnacle of their profession due to the ignorance of racism, see A Complete History of the Negro Leagues: 1884 to 1955 by Mark Ribowsky. Other quality books that touch on the struggle of African-Americans in baseball include Great Time Coming: The Life of Jackie Robinson from Baseball to Birmingham by David Falkner and I Was Right On Time by Buck O'Neil.



- Jordi

Flip the Script Friday: An Interview with Adult Model/Pornstar Kayden Kross

Welcome to another "Flip the Script Friday". Although The Serious Tip has been primarily a sports-related blog since its inception, on any given Friday I "flip the script" and blog about whatever I so desire. Today I present an interview I had the pleasure of doing with the beautiful Kayden Kross of Vivid Video.

An Interview with Adult Model/Pornstar Kayden Kross

Relatively new to the porn scene, new Vivid Video adult star Kayden Kross began as a dancer in Rancho Cordova, California, and has since graced the pages of dozens of magazines to include Penthouse, Hustler, Club, and Swank. She recently finished filming her first film "Kayden's First Time", which should be in stores near you soon, depending on the laws of your area, of course.

Kayden is also among a growing group of pornstars who are working to destroy the "bimbo" stereotype. A published poet, she plans on finishing her degree in psychology in the fall.

The Serious Tip: So Kayden, how have you been?

Kayden Kross: Awesome, thanks. How are you?

TST: Not bad at all. I read on your myspace page that you recently moved to San Diego, how did the move go? Are you enjoying it so far?

KK: The move went really well but took a long time. I love San Diego. There is no place like it.

TST: Why did you move?

KK: I moved down here because the weather is great year round, which gives me more days to play with my horses and is generally just convenient. One of my good friends lives down here too.

TST: So what do you consider your job title to be? What do you write on your taxes? Actress? Model? Adult performer? Pornstar?

KK: I'm very vague on my taxes. This is the first year I can claim to be a pornstar, but last year when I did the nude modeling rounds I just said I was a model....

TST: Do you enjoy what you do? Why? What is the best thing about it?

KK: I absolutely love what I do. The best part of the job is the b/g (ed note: boy/ girl) scenes. I really look forward to work.

TST: What, if any, are the biggest inconveniences of being in your profession? Can you still live a "normal" life? For example, can you still go grocery shopping? Still go to the mall? Or do people recognize you and try to say hello, get your autograph, etc?

KK: I haven't been recognized too many times. That's never been a problem and I don't think it ever will be. The biggest inconvenience is living in one city and working in the other.

TST: How is the social life of someone in the adult industry different from a "normal" person? Do folks in the industry keep to themselves socially?

KK: People in the industry are generally very close and supportive of one another. That was one thing that really drew me to it. It's not like a strip club where the girls are catty or downright evil. I think the only thing that's different is the amount of people we end up meeting and interacting with.

TST: Do you date? Has your dating life changed since you started in adult entertainment? Are you more cautious? More inhibited?

KK: I date casually. The only thing I have to do is be sure that the person I'm dating is comfortable with what I do. I think I'm less inhibited every day.

TST: What type of guy piques your interest?

KK: I have a soft spot for intelligence. I like business men mostly. I love a guy in a suit.

TST: Has your opinion of the male species as a whole changed since you started in the adult business?

KK: I have a much better opinion of guys now than I had when I danced.

TST: Is there anything a guy absolutely must have for you to be in a relationship with him?

KK: He must be self-disciplined and self-sufficient.

TST: If I am not mistaken, you were at some point at an exotic dancer. So what is so exotic about an exotic dancer? That never made much sense to me.

KK: Just boobs. Boobs are exotic when they are hanging in your face.

TST: Funniest thing that ever happened to you on stage?

KK: I realized I couldn't lick my own nipple on stage. I tried it because some guy asked me to and almost fell over. I still can't lick my own nipples. I don't know what that says about me.

TST: Top five songs to dance to.

KK: Anything by Tool, Perfect circle, NIN, Nirvana, or Marilyn Manson.

TST: A guy walks into a strip club by himself. Do you ever ask yourself why is he there by himself? Is that considered weird at all? (Not that I have ever done that. Nope. Never.)

KK: I prefer guys by themselves. In fact, I would never approach guys in groups because they are all showing off for each other and it's much harder to get them away from their friends for long periods of time.

TST: So is the goal to make Kayden Kross as recognizable as Jenna Jameson?

KK: If that happens I'll be thrilled.

TST: Do you have role models in the industry? Who?

KK: I really like Savannah Samson, obviously Jenna Jameson, Sunny Leone... they seem to have their lives together and I think they approach the industry like a business. but honestly I'm impressed with every one of the vivid girls I've met. They are not your typical pornstars.

TST: In our correspondence leading up to this interview, you were very adamant about not being portrayed as a bimbo. I read you are in college. In the business you are in, one might think that to be an anomaly. Why is maintaining your intellect so important to you?

KK: Porn and intelligence should not be an either/or relationship. It's possible to have both. I think a lot of the reason pornstars get a bad rap is because they are percieved as lacking any real-world sense or ability. I refuse to let myself be portrayed that way because it's not the case for myself or most of the girls in the industry. I am in porn because I choose to be and not because a had no other options. I see porn as a very practical choice because I can make a lot of money at a young age with very little investment (and really really enjoy doing it).

TST: One could make the argument the basis of porn is the male dominating fantasy. Here are these willing beautiful women, just waiting to be taken by a guy. Do you think the idea of an "intellectual pornstar" might in someway intimidate some men? For example, if a woman is smart, might she no longer be viewed as mindlessly willing? She might actually think, and therefore refuse some advances. What do you think?

KK: I think not being a bimbo will definitely shut me out from some of the market, but on the other hand I'm picking up a different corner of the market because there are guys who are really turned on by intelligence. When I worked in the strip club I made most of my money off of it.

TST: A few quick lighthearted questions before I wrap up:

TST: Favorite '80s cartoons?

KK: The Jetsons

TST: Five people you would want at a dinner discussion (past or present)?

KK: Ayn Rand. Four more people at the table ... I would want one of my old philosophy professors, Allen Ginsberg, Toni Morrison, and Pascal. I think the conversation would be interesting.

TST: Worst movie you ever paid to see in the theater?

KK: Six days Seven nights

TST: TV shows you cannot miss?

KK: I don't watch tv

TST: Where was the best place you have ever visited?

KK: Cancun

TST: If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

KK: Angelina Jolie

TST: Personal item (clothes, car, etc) you can't live without.

KK: I really like my car. I drive a bmw z4.

TST: Type of food you can't live without.

KK: Sushi

-------------------------------------------

I'd like to thank Kayden for taking the time to do this interview. And Kayden, if you are ever in Tampa, perhaps for the Nightmoves Adult Entertainment Awards in October, let me know, sushi lunch is on me.



- Jordi

Playoff positioning is like unravelling a giant sweater that someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting ...

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he does use similar words when writing his own posts.)

Once again, Thursday evening brings us a limited NBA schedule. However, like last week, we once again have two games with monumental playoff implications. In our opening matchup, we have the Royal King James and his valiant Cavaliers taking on the Nets of the Kingdom of New Jersey. The night closes with the Large Sailboats of Los Angeles once again taking on the Boats Used Primarily For Shipping, also of Los Angeles.

Without stepping into the domain of the Friday master of ceremonies, let me quickly foreshadow the result of our opening act by saying there was a large disturbance in the Force as our faithful webmaster's favorite Global Icon lashed out with an energy not felt in many, many moons. Men and women stood in awe as the conquering King James played like no mere mortal - dominating and obliterating all in his path. Alas, now the Kingdom of New Jersey must regroup and assault its next opponent with heightened vigor and pep if it hopes to continue play in the tournament of champions.

As for me, it has once again been a pleasure to be here. I am Jordi Scrubbings from The Serious Tip and don't forget: be good to your bartenders and they will be good to you. Peace.

(Oh yeah, giant living basketball image courtesy of the Bubby Gram Living Tables web site.)

Give me the rock, Roy

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he does enforce a David Stern dress code for the substitutes.)

I know I said I would like to go to Iceland and try out for a basketball team overseas, but that is going to have to wait. There is a team a lot closer that needs my services.

According to their web site, the independent Brevard Blue Ducks are holding tryouts on April 28th only two and a half hours from my house. I'm going to try and be a Blue Duck.

The best thing about playing for the Blue Ducks wouldn't be wearing the snazzy uniforms or playing the Central Florida All-Stars, however. If I made the team I would be sharing the court with boxing legend Roy Jones, Jr. How cool is that?

Me and Roy Jones, Jr. hanging out. Yo, Roy, pass me the rock.

This must be Thursday. I could never get the hang of Thursdays.

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he denies accusations that he is tanking the site to better his chances of Kevin Durant guest-blogging.)

Wow. Is it Thursday already? I guess it is.

Hello, again. I'm Jordi Scrubbings from The Serious Tip sitting in for The Cavalier, who I believe is on location in Central Africa shooting the Mamba vs. Mokele-Mbembe scenes.

As I sit here and listen to some Django Reinhardt, I am feeling a little philosophical, so let's start with a few questions before we go into the nightly rundown.

- If I was a Knicks fan visiting Chicago the other night and the Bulls had scored 100, would I have graciously gotten my free Big Mac or would I have turned it down, upset the Bulls possibly ran up the score? Especially if I didn't eat before the game, you bet I would rooting for free food.

- If I was Chris Webber, why would I be interested in going to the Knicks? And why would the Knicks be interested in me?

- Does Kevin Garnett's injury mean he has played his last game for the Timberwolves? If you were a NBA general manager, would you trade a top draft pick or two for proven commodity in KG?

- Has anyone else ever considered leaving their job and travelling to a country like Iceland and trying out for a foreign professional basketball league? I know I am far from the best player in the world, but I would love to take a week off of work and go to a try-out. If I make it, then I call the boss and tell him I won't be back for a while. If I don't, it is at least an interesting vacation.

Ok, enough philosophical jibber-jabber, here is some of what happened last night:

Pistons clinch 1st seed in defeating Magic - I have to agree with the hubbub out of Orlando. Whether or not Brian Hill gets fired, they have to give Dwight Howard the ball more often. How is he not averaging at least 20 a game?

The Nuggets are rolling and the Jazz are flat - Carmelo scored 32 and Iverson dropped 22 and had 12 dimes as the Nuggets are starting to click. Denver would be my darkhorse favorite to pull a first round upset in the playoffs if they didn't have to play San Antonio. They'll still make it interesting.

Heat too much for star-less Wizards - The Shaq-less Heat defeated the Arenas and Butler-less Wizards to win the Southeast Division title. Although there is no good news for the Wizards, there is for the Heat: superstar Michael Doleac had 9 points and 6 rebounds Dwyane Wade had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, albeit with 6 turnovers.

Well, as been my routine, I hope to give you something interesting during the day and then preview the night's contests before I hand over the mic to Friday's guest M.C. Until then, be excellent to each other.

One day my No-No will come

Remember June 29th, 1990? That was the day Dave Stewart of the A's and Fernando Valenzuela of the Dodgers both threw no-hitters.

I remember tuning in to ESPN to watch the end of Stewart's no-hitter and then watching the first inning of the Dodgers-Cardinals game. Not counting ESPN jumping to a local feed to bring us history, the Valenzuela game was the closest I have ever come to watching a live no-hitter.

Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners definitely tempted the fates for me tonight against the Boston Red Sox. On a night were all eyes were on Daisuke Matsuzaka, King Felix threw a one-hitter, with J.D. Drew (former Seminole!) connecting for the only Red Sox offense.

One day I am sure I will see a no-hitter in its entirety. Would you believe I have never seen an inside-the-park-home run either? In over twenty years of watching baseball, I've seen neither.

Maybe it is destined to be this way. Perhaps my first witnessed no-hitter will also be the first no-hitter in Mets' history. Isn't it supposed to be more special when it's the first time for both?

(Oh yeah, in case you needed a reminder: I'll be at Yaysports! NBA all day Thursday. So swing on by.)



- Jordi

Topics de Tuesday

-- Kevin Durant did the expected and is going pro. Totally blindsided me. I'm shocked. Personally, I spent four years in the military and six years in college before I felt I was ready to enter the "real world". More power to him, but by leaving early he will be missing out on a lot. Namely beer pong, flip cup, sorority parties (although I bet the NBA groupie scene is 10x better), the art of falling asleep in class and still having an answer when called on, and keg stands. The good news for Durant, however, is that his days of drinking cheap beer are long over. Adios Natty Light.

-- Interesting mention of the hometown Devil Rays in Bill Simmons's latest column. Simmons writes:

Enjoying the Devil Rays for selfish reasons (Rocco Baldelli and Elijah Dukes on my fantasy team) and legitimate reasons (they have the greatest collection of young athletes I've ever seen on a baseball field). Seriously. If MLB ever staged some sort of offseason "Superstars"-like decathlon where teams had to send 10 representatives to compete in touch football, basketball, bowling, golf drives, the 100-yard dash and so on, the Rays would legitimately destroy everyone else. It's absurd.

No argument here. Good to see people jumping on the Rays bandwagon. I've watched most of the Devil Rays's games this year and they are extremely talented and athletic. Unfortunately, championships aren't won on athleticism alone. If pure athletes won championships, being a general manager would be much easier (paging Mr. Isiah Thomas). I really think eventually the Devil Rays are going to have to part ways with one of these super-athletes (Rocco Baldelli?) to get some pitching help. The bullpen is looking rough.

-- Lastly, I'd like to mention a very cool post by Flyers Fieldhouse about one of my favorite video games of all-time: NBA Jam. I used to play this game until the buttons on my Game Gear nearly fell off. Give me John Starks and Patrick Ewing over anybody. Of course, the Knicks were more likely to win it all in NBA Jam than in real life - due to a contract/licensing issue, there was no Michael Jordan.

Like I said, this is a post-packed week for me. We will see how long this lasts.

(Oh yeah, the ship - that's the USS Durant. It "went pro" on 16 November 1943.)


- Jordi

Travellin' Mark Redman

So this weekend as I watched the Mets play the Braves I saw a familiar face. Pitching for the Braves was former Florida Marlin Mark Redman.

Who?

Mark Redman.

Again, who?

Admittedly, my knowledge of former Marlins is second in minutiae to my buddy Zheke Snow, but if you didn't know, Mark Redman pitched for the Marlins during their 2003 World Championship season. Now he toils for the Braves. As a fourth starter.

In an era where baseball owners "make it rain" for mediocrity and pitchers like Gil Meche and Kris Benson get nearly 10 million or more a year for being sadly average, why is Mark Redman being signed as a minor league free agent and making less than a million?

Let's compare Redman to Benson:

Benson's career record: 68-73. 2007 salary: $7,977,889.
Redman's career record: 64-77. 2007 salary: $750,000.

And Mark Redman doesn't come attached to the annoyance that is Anna Benson.

How does this make sense? How is Redman making 1/10 of Benson's salary? How has he been on seven teams in the last seven years? (Since 2000, Redman has pitched for the Twins, Tigers, Marlins, A's, Pirates, Royals, and now the Braves.)

I'll admit I have a soft spot for junk balling lefties (I was one myself in little league), but how can a left-handed starter who has averaged 30 or more starts a year not find a steady home?

I think Mark Redman needs a better agent.


- Jordi

Have you seen this blog?

Only one post last week. I am a bad blog host. You come here for enjoyment, entertainment, and variety, and what do I give you? One measely little post. A biased, off-based, quickly thrown together one at that. I apologize. I have focused so much of my time on my Yaysports! NBA substitute teacher program I have neglected you.

You deserve better. That's why I am taking a week off from the gym and am going to post everyday. For you. So be on the look out for some good stuff this week, to include a Flip the Script Friday interview that will definitely get your attention.

But for now, I'm going to warm things up with a few Miscellaneous Morphemes.

- First and foremost, it's good to see The Big Lead back and kudos to the new ESPN Ombudsman. If for some reason you spent the last few days eating with friends and rising from the dead and don't know what happened, check here. To paraphrase the great Chuck D: I calling for no assassination, but tell me, who listens to that a**hole of ESPN Nation?

- A little bit of reiteration, as I wrote about this on Yaysports!: Forget global warming, terrorism, or even Area 51: Shaquille O'Neal's 1990s video game is the most evil entity on the planet. Thank goodness for the Shaqfu Liberation Front.

- Why can't the Mets kill the Braves? The Jason Voorhees of the NL East took two out of three from the Mets this weekend. After scoring 1,254 runs in their first four games, the Mets' bats were stymied by John Smoltz and Kyle Davies. Oliver Perez got the only win for the Mets. The Cy Young march begins.

- I know it's early, but 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA is not a good start when your team is paying you over 100 million dollars. I don't care if Barry Bonds hits 755 home runs this year, I still say the Giants are finishing in last place.

- This from Friday: Miami Heat coach Pat Riley, who I usually can't say anything good about, has created a genius defensive scoring metric for his team. When they reach a certain level in the metric, they win. Kinda like, we win when the game ends and we have more points than our opponent.

- Bought three new CDs released last week: new Clutch, new Sevendust, and new Redman. To summarize, Clutch continues the southern preacher, heavy rock jam vibe; Sevendust has picked up the pace after two semi-soft melodious albums, they are back to hard metal that will knock d**ks in the dirt; and Redman's album isn't bad, although his constant shout-outs to his Gillahouse crew does get annoying.

Well, that's all for now. Like I said, a brief re-introduction of sorts before I go on a mad posting spree this week. Later.


- Jordi

No Filler, All Killer

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he would probably be too upset to write coherently right now anyway.)

Let's see if I have this right. There were only two games on the NBA slate Thursday night. In our first game we had Cleveland, the second seed in the East, versus Miami, the forth seed; and in game two we had Phoenix, the second seed in the West, versus San Antonio, the third seed. Heavyweight match-ups, indeed.

Tonight was like going to a rock concert and not having to sit through a local opening act. There were no bottom-feeders, no lottery position battles, no all-star DNPs, no fake injuries, no talks about what college star would fit best where, no tanking, no first-round playoff chum, no excuses, no ifs, no ands, and no buts. Tonight was pre-playoff playoff basketball. You either brought the noise, or you lost and watched your seeding slip. And for the fans, tonight was can't miss programming. I bet even Boney watched.

Well, I'm going to leave the recaps and analysis to Jack Cobra, who will be following me as Friday's Yaysports! NBA master of ceremonies du jour, but I will leave you with this picture of an not-quite-upset-more-like-slightly-perturbed Coach Mike to assist you in your own conclusions. Oh, the potential if I only knew Photoshop.

As always, it was a pleasure to serve you this Thursday. Parting is indeed such sweet sorrow. See you next a week from now, same bat-time, same bat-web site. Peace.

If what you say is true, the Shaq Fu could be dangerous

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he does claim to have written the Dead Sea Scrolls.)

Has it really been 13 years in since Shaq dominated the Earth? Growing up in Central Florida, I remember having a Shaq Orlando Magic jersey and a Shaq 32 hat. Supercalifragelistic, Shaq was alidocious. Was that really thirteen years ago? Wow, I am gettin' old.

Anyway, tonight, as Shaq and his Miami Heat battle the Cleveland Cavaliers on the court, there works an underground movement determined to minimize Shaq's decade of mega multi-media influence off the court. This movement, named the Shaq Fu Liberation Front, has set its objective on ridding the world of Shaq's 1994 "Shaq Fu" video game. As we speak, these dedicated warriors are scouring the land one used video game store at a time buying one game at a time in an attempt to eliminate Shaq Fu from our social conscience.

Besides the fact that Shaq Fu is ranked as one of the worst video games of all-time, the soldiers of the Shaq Fu Liberation Front believe the game is inherently evil and only through its elimination can the world finally be at peace. Throughout their web site they display the proper techniques and methods needed to help in the struggle against Shaq Fu. For these distinguished warriors of commitment, the battle will not end until the physical presence and memory of Shaq Fu is destroyed.

Should we believe them? Can we afford not to?

My favorite Hibachi, it's broke. Weep, Weep, Boo-hoo.

This post originally appeared on Yaysports.

(The Cavalier is on an extended leave of absence. The following was not written by him, although he did recently find a word that rhymes with "orange".)

Howdy, y'all. Remember me? I'm Jordi Scrubbings, soul brother number one over at The Serious Tip. Once again, it's Thursday and that means it's my day in the sun here at YAYsports! NBA.

Before I get into any pro news, I just want to say I refuse to recognize the Florida Gators as college basketball National Champions. There are much more deserving teams, such as the Iona College Gaels. Not sure what a Gael is, but with the worst record in college basketball, they are my national champs.

Also, some quick housekeeping notes:

I know Jack Cobra already mentioned it, but I would like to give my own big shout-out to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2007, which includes Phil Jackson and North Carolina Coach Roy Williams. Although personally I don't think coaches should be admitted into the Hall of Fame until they are done coaching, I did read Phil Jackson's book Sacred Hoops a few years ago and it was really good.

Also a big congratulations to Lindsey Harding, the first pick of yesterday's WNBA draft. Go ahead, amaze your friends with that tidbit of knowledge.

Finally, in case you follow such news, former Knick, Warrior, and New Jersey Net Micheal Ray Richardson is now unemployed due to his lackluster impersonation of Mel Gibson.

Ok, on to the games of yesternight:

Agent Zero wounded as Bobcats maul Wizards - Gilbert Arenas suffered a possible season-ending injury to his knee-bone late in the first quarter of the Wizards' loss to Charlotte. Bloggers worldwide await first-person commentary from Gilbert via his personal blog.

Darko Milicic ejected and Dwight Howard dejected in loss to extinct dinosaur mascots - The Magic blew a 15-point lead and the Raptors won. Hedo Turkoglu(!) had 37 points.

Big man with Afro no go for Chicago - Ben Wallace had a sinus infection and did not play against his former team as the Bulls defeated the Pistons in Detroit. Detroit faithful asked for a refund as they came not to watch their Pistons, but to boo Wallace.

Los Angeles Boats defeat Los Angeles Bodies of Water in Los Angeles - The Clippers continued being a sneaky bunch, having now won seven of their last eight games. Their latest victims: the Kwame-less Lakers. Jellybean Bryant, Jr. led all scorers with 29 points.

Vertically challenged athlete stands tall in tank battle - The Battle of Kursk it was not, but the Milwaukee Bucks needed all of Earl Boykins's 65 inches and 32 points to defeat the Boston Celtics in a game neither team really wanted to win.

Well folks, I'll be back a few more times today with some other posts, so come on back now, ya hear.

The Serious Tip's Fuzzy Math College Basketball Champions: The Iona College Gaels?

Once again, as a Florida State fan and alumnus I cannot allow the University of Florida to wallow in their victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes and proclaim themselves National Champions.

Yes, on the surface, the Florida Gators again appear to be National Champions. They pummeled Ohio State and won the NCAA Tournament. Sounds fair, right? The best 64 teams enter, the last one standing earns the right to be called champion.

But are the Gators really National Champs?

Not so fast. They aren't even the best team in their state. Hey, Gator fans, remember the third of December? Titletown, Florida, my left foot.

So who should be National Champions?

Well, as we did at the conclusion of college football season, The Serious Tip decided to let fuzzy math determine who is the true national champion.

Who's the best team in the land?

Florida? They beat Ohio State and won the NCAA tournament, but they lost to Florida State. Better luck next year.

Florida State? Well, they did win the "Battle for Florida" by beating Florida and The University of Miami (twice), but they lost to Mississippi State in the NIT Tournament. Sorry Seminoles.

Mississippi State? The Bulldogs lost to George Mason. Nope.

George Mason? They might have been everyone's favorite Cinderella team last year, but this year they lost to William & Mary. Nada.

William & Mary? Lost to Hofstra. Nyet.

Hofstra, then? Don't get your hopes up Pride, you lost to Delaware. Hi, I'm in Delaware.

So ipso facto Delaware should be National Champions, right?

Alas, on February 17th, Delaware lost to Iona.

And with their 2-28 record, and a chain of victories leading past the Florida Gators, the Iona College Gaels are The Serious Tip's 2006-2007 Men's College Basketball National Champions.

Congratulations Iona Gaels.


- Jordi

The Serious Tip's MLB Outlook 1.0 (Part 2 - The American League)

See The Serious Tip's National League Preview here.

Ok, as promised here is Part 2 of The Serious Tip's MLB Outlook 1.0. I hoped to get this done before this evening's Mets-Cardinals game but real life, some phone calls, and dinner intruded. So here it is.

(By the way, I am utterly disappointed. I thought I was thinking out of the box with my surprise pick in the NL Central (Milwaukee), but I recently found out not only did The Big Lead pick the Brewers, but so did half of ESPN's baseball analysts. I should have just picked the freakin' Pirates. I guess if there are 57,000 analysts, someone is going to pick the 16 seed to win it all.)

Well, I don't have any surprise picks in the American League. With the Tigers breaking out last year, this is pretty much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get league, although I am not buying the Red Sox pitching hype.

AL East

New York Yankees - Like the Mets, the Yankees' offense will overcome their pitching woes during the season. This might be a good time for me to push an idea I have had for years: if the Yankees pitching falters and a new stadium is approved for Miami, why not send Alex Rodriguez back home to the Marlins for some young arms?

Toronto Blue Jays - They finished ahead of the Red Sox last year and I think they will do so again this year. Look for either Alex Rios or Reed Johnson to finally put it together as The Big Hurt easily meshes with Overbay and Glaus and provides protection for Vernon Wells. By the way, does anyone else see Thomas becoming like Don Baylor towards the end of his career? Moving around the American League like a mercenary, providing that one more big bat that pushes teams into contention? Games behind: 4-7.

Boston Red Sox - Yes, I watched Dice-K pitch in the World Baseball Classic. Yes, he has 24 different pitches. However, he seems like a Japanese David Cone at best. He won't be as good as advertised and I don't believe the gyroball exists. Besides that, the Red Sox have two offensive weapons, that's it. Oh, and major homer alert: Tim Wakefield also went to my high school. Games behind: 5-9.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - I'll admit, they are the home town team and I am partial. But besides the fact that I'm going to try to go to their home opener, their offense should be interesting if Joe Madden can find enough at-bats for their young hitters. If they could only find a few legitimate big league pitchers to go with Scott Kazmir. Games behind: 15-20.

Baltimore Orioles - This pick really depends on how good those young pitchers are. If Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, and Adam Loewen are the next Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, and Dave Cuellar, the Orioles could threaten the Red Sox for 3rd. If they are the next Ben McDonald, Bob Milacki, and Pete Harnish, the Orioles are in trouble. Games behind: 17-22.

AL Central

Cleveland Indians - The Indians will finally put it together this year. Travis Hafner will win MVP as the Indians have the offense and the pitching to win the division. Although they really need to find a decent closer.

Detroit Tigers - Added Gary Sheffield and only lost Jamie Walker. Hmmm ... not bad. The only reason I am not picking them to win the division is the Kenny Rogers injury, although they are my wild card pick. Games behind: 2-4.

Chicago White Sox - Tough to put the White Sox so low, but this is a tough division. No doubt they will be good, but I don't think good enough. Games behind: 3-5.

Minnesota Twins - Another tough prediction. The injury to Liriano kills them. If he was healthy, the Twins would be first or second in the division. Instead, they need career years from too many spare parts to repeat as division champs. Not happening. Games behind: 5-8.

Kansas City Royals - The only team I could have predicted for a legitimate surprise. Even I am not that dumb. Watch out though, they did sign Gil Meche. Apparently Alex Gordon is penciled in to win rookie of the year already. Good for him. Games behind: 25-30.

AL West

Los Angeles Angels - Wow, I didn't realize when I first thought this pick that Colon and Weaver are hurt to start the season. I still think this is the team to beat in the AL West.

Oakland Athletics - The Athletics could have had a dynasty by now if not for that pesky baseball economic structure. Now they have four good pitchers, but no ace; a geriatric recycling DH position; and a totally underachieving leftside of the infield. Not impressed. Games behind: 6-9.

Texas Rangers - As much as I like the C.J. Wilson blog, the Rangers are going to need more than a few "rally turtles" to win the division. Look for Hank Blalock to return to form, however. Oh yeah, and a Ranger will have a game-winning hit in the All-Star game again. I'm guessing Sammy Sosa. Games behind: 9-12.

Seattle Mariners - Jeff Weaver is not the answer. Isn't this supposed to be the year Felix Hernandez turns into Dwight Gooden pre-coke problem? Let me know if that happens. I kid. Hernandez's numbers should be a lot better and Beltre and Sexton should have good seasons, but that's not enough. Question of the year: will anyone try and trade for Ichiro, or will he be resigned? Games behind: 15-20.

ALCS:
Tigers vs. Indians

AL Champ:
Tigers

Like I said, not too many surprises. The AL Central is going to be a mess, but the other divisions should be cut and dry by August.

Well, that wraps up The Serious Tip's MLB Outlook 2007. Feel free to tell me how wrong I'll be, because you know I'll be the first to brag about how right I was come October.



- Jordi

Grapefruit League Tour Stop 5: New York Mets vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Welcome back to the final edition of The Serious Tip's Tour de Grapefruit League 2007. So far we have gone to Clearwater, Viera, and Lakeland, and today we conclude at Tropicana Field in beautiful St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, you can't tell how beautiful it is outside, because the Devil Rays play in a ridiculous dome. Needless to say, I am not a fan of dome baseball. The geography of the Tampa-St. Pete area is screaming for a retro-retractable dome stadium. If you build it, more than old people will come.

Anyway, today the Devil Rays took on the New York Mets. For the sake of convenience and brevity, today's tour notes will be in bullet form and not in lengthy article format.

- Today's game featured most of the starters from both teams, and the Mets took advantage of the American League rules to bat both Shawn Green and Lastings Milledge with Green filling the DH role. Likewise, the Devil Rays used their DH spot to give top prospect Elijah Dukes some more at-bats. My only wish is after the season starts, the Mets keep Milledge in RF and find somewhere far away for Green. Perhaps across the street to help build CitiField?

- I didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed at the incessant ringing of cowbells by Devil Rays fans. I am glad the fans care enough to be louder than the overwhelming amount of visiting fans, but cowbells make my ears bleed. I gotta have less cowbell. Can we try kazoos?

- Good to see the Tropicana Field powers that be had the scoreboard working. All it said was "Coming April 6th, 2007". Sure, that's the home opener, but how could you not have it working sooner? Is it asking too much to have some way of keeping the fans informed (i.e. the score, the lineup, etc.)?

- New Devil Rays player Akinori Iwamura looks stockier than the usual Japanese import. Think more Toyota Tundra than Honda Civic.

- Mets prospect Mike Pelfrey was not very impressive, allowing 8 runs in 4 innings. Either he won't live up to hype or the Devil Rays lineup might not be that bad. Think about this: if Crawford hits .300, Delmon Young hits near .300 with 20-30 home runs, Dukes hits 20-25 homers, Upton hits 20 home runs or so, and the Wiggingtons, Navarros, and other miscellaneous spare parts hold their weight, the Devil Rays could cause some problems. I'm not saying they will compete in the AL East, but they should be fun to watch.

- Speaking of, can't we put the Yankees and Red Sox in their own division? Or at least re-align the teams by maximum economic potential? Put the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, etc. in one division, the mid-market teams in other divisions, and the small market, economically struggling teams in their own division? This might increase interest in teams that are currently struggling and feel they have no shot. Maybe I am just babbling.

- Does anyone else have the feeling the Mets are one Jose Reyes hamstring injury from being completely one-dimensional and totally unmotivated?

- The Mets are also the first team I can remember in a long time that could easily act out Major League 2. David Wright would be "Ex-Wild Thing" Vaughn, with the commercial appeal and interests off the field; Jose Reyes is so ready to think of himself as a power hitter; and let's hope Carlos Delgado doesn't start wearing a robe and chanting to Buddha. As a Mets fan, this scares me.

- Speaking of Met worries, in the bottom of the second inning, the inevitable happened. D-Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist hit a flyball to left, Moises Alou took two steps and did an ill-fated half-dive and the ball bounced past Alou and rolled all the way to the wall. Alou has the mobility of the Rock of Gilbaltor. If he doesn't hit 20-30 home runs and drive in close to 100, he could be the worst signing of the offseason. In an offseason that saw ridiculous contracts to Gary Matthews, Jr. and Gil Meche, that's saying something.

- Call me biased and sexist, sexist, or just biased, but I've noticed women look really good in Devil Rays colors. Not all team color schemes can boast that. I've never seen a hot woman in Rangers blue or red or Marlins teal or (all apologies to Barbara Streisand) Yankee pinstripes. But Devil Rays green ... yeah.

Anyway, the Devil Rays beat the Mets 8-3. I'm smelling World Series preview.

On the other hand, given the current shape of the Mets' pitching rotation, maybe not.

Well, that wraps up The Serious Tip's Tour de Grapefruit League 2007. Hope you had as much reading as I had basking in the springtime Florida sunshine watching baseball.


- Jordi