Weekly Nickel 2-20-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. The New York Rangers currently possess the best record in the Eastern Conference. Much of the team's success is due in large part to goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (pictured above).

By Josh Kramer

The Garden was simply “Linsane” yesterday as Jeremy Lin led the Knicks to a huge home victory over the defending champion Dallas Mavericks.  Michigan finally exacted some revenge on their bitter rival, Ohio State, handling Sullinger and Co. in Ann Arbor for the first time in a long time (previously had lost 7 straight to the Buckeyes).  And pitchers and catchers began reporting to warm and beautiful cities across the country.  This past week was absolutely wild, but the current week should be some fun too.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Is it 1994 all over again?  For the first time in a long time, both the Rangers and Knicks are contenders at the same time (granted the Knicks are only 500, but winners of 8 of 9).  The Rangers currently possess the best record in the East, while the Red Wings have been simply unbeatable as of late, winning six straight games, and 23 straight at home.  This week my attention is focused on a marquee matchup in Pittsburgh tomorrow night.

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Food for Thought 1-3-2012

Photo courtesy of bostonherald.com. Rex Ryan (pictured above) is not the happiest of people as we begin 2012. Has he learned any lessons over the course of the past year?

By Josh Kramer

2012 has already begun with a bang.  Football, football, and more football.  Plus some hoops and hockey among other things sprinkled in.  Who else is in BCS Heaven and hyped for the NFL playoffs?  Here are the items that have caught my attention

Rethink your priorities Rex

–Rex Ryan has admitted to possibly not having the “pulse” of his team this season.  Maybe he should have thought about this type of thing before running his mouth.  Rex Ryan has quickly become one of the most villainous figures in football.  If you are not a fan of the New York Jets, you are not a fan of Rex Ryan.  There are not too many people who are neutral towards Rex Ryan.  Every sports fan has a pretty definitive stance regarding the New York football coach.

Muscle weighs more than fat

Photo courtesy of thesportsbank.net.

By Josh Kramer

Have you ever heard the saying, “Muscle weighs more than fat?”  I am not sure if it is actually true, but I have always been under the impression that it was.  Anyways, we appear to be in for what may be an epic season in NCAA Hoops.  Finally we will get to see some truly dominant teams battle it out in March for the title.  Granted, it may be the only basketball that we get to witness this year.

One of the college games biggest stars has been making some headlines lately.  And not necessarily for his on-court conquests or for any off-the-court indiscretions.  Ohio State’s golden boy, Jared Sullinger, has trimmed down.  Sullinger apparently has been killing himself to lose some of the extra weight this offseason that rests on his 6 9, 280 pound frame.  Sullinger took the college basketball stratosphere by storm last year and did it via old school fundamental post-up basketball.

“Is This the End of the Laker Dynasty?”

The Kobe and Phil Laker Era appears to be coming to a close. Will it be a happy ending?

The door is almost shut, but it is not entirely closed yet. Anybody who says they saw this coming is full of it.  I realize that Charles Barkley makes his outrageous and obnoxious picks, and makes sure you know it.  But outside of Sir Charles, who I struggle to give credit for predicting this, I do not know anybody who saw this coming.  Things were not supposed to end like this.  This was supposed to be the epic finale to Phil Jackson’s illustrious coaching career.  It was supposed to be Kobe’s time to tie the greatest player of all time with his 6th Championship ring and to start the arguments of whose the greatest.  Everyone knew the LA Dynasty was heading down the home stretch.  But nobody foresaw it ending before June.

“Food for Thought 4-5-11”

The reigning National League MVP and Red's star 1st Baseman Joey Votto (pictured above) appears determined to lead Cincinnati back to the playoffs. And this time he appears to be playing for keeps.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s “Weekly Nickel,” this is an absolutely wild week in sports.  Here are a few things that have been on my mind over the past 24 hours though.

Reds Look Determined to go Wire to Wire

“Madness Highlights Thus Far”

UConn star Kemba Walker made a name for himself in Maui. He continued his great play throughout the regular season and wowed New York in the Big East Tournament. Now he looks to take his team to the Final Four.

As if there is anything else going on in the wide world of sports that is on the same wave length as the NCAA Tournament right now.  Sure there is the Roger Goodell versus Kevin Burnett bickering, Spring Training, and NBA Action.  But none of these things compare to the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament.  And yes I said the first Thursday, because it is no longer the first round technically.  It is the start of Round 2.  Whatever it is the start of, you got to love it.

No predictions today.  I will let my bracket play out a little.  But I wanted to check in and let you know my initial thoughts of this year’s edition of March Madness.

“Weekly Nickel”

Charles Barkley has found his way into helping out with calling some of the March Madness Games. Strap in for the greatest tournament we have in American sports.

It is the Monday following the one and only “Selection Sunday.”  What a week we have ahead in sports.  It is arguably the best sporting week we have all year.    The 1^st, 2^nd, and now 3^rd rounds of the NCAA’s March Madness will take place.  Do your best to remain focused at work.  But make sure to utilize your mobile devices and dual monitors to keep in the loop on the day games if it is permitted at your respective offices.  You will not want to miss these early round games.

Now I will admit, everything else in sports kind of takes a backseat for the next few weeks.  The event of March Madness captures the entire country’s attention and really holds on for the better part of 3 weeks.  Will my bracket outdo yours?  Do I have a shot at winning my office pool?  Now is the time to show off your knowledge.  But as is the tradition on Monday’s, we will discuss the weekly top five.  Contrary to popular belief, the other sports do not go into actual hibernation during March Madness.

“NCAA March Madness Preview Part 1”

The brackets are out. Let the journey to Houston begin!

The Brackets are finally officially set.  No more speculation.  No more bracketology.  I will admit that what ESPN Bracketology specialist Joe Lunardi does is pretty remarkable.  But it is made out as if his bracket is more important than the real thing some times.  I will take the bracket presented by the CBS Selection Show every day of the week over Lunardi’s.  Anyways, after watching the Selection Show this evening, here are a few initial items that really jumped out at me:

“Food for Thought 1-25-11”

Could any of you see the Yankee Captain Derek Jeter (pictured above) playing anywhere but shortstop? Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman does.

It is another Momentous Tuesday in the wide world of sports and you all know what that means.  It is time for my weekly “Food for Thought.”  So lets jump right into some of the major headlines.