Weekly Nickel 3-12-2012

Photo courtesy of Mr. Eddie Trost and Mrs. Jayne Robertson, Event Directors of the Babolat World Tennis Classic. Francesca Schiavone (pictured above) is one of many players looking to make some noise at Indian Wells this week.

By Josh Kramer

The greatest weekend in sports is just ahead.  It is time for some March Madness and there is only one way to describe it.  “It’s totally awesome baby with a capital A!”  I know Championship Week was fun.  But the first few days of the NCAA Basketball tournament are the most exciting in sports.  Utilize your sick days or your vacation days.   Thursday and Friday will not be days that you will want to be stuck at your desk.  Also, despite popular belief, other sports have been going on over the past week and will continue to despite the lack of attention given.  Last week was great.  But this week will be ever better.  Here are the events to keep an eye on.

5.  Indian Wells is still doing swell.  All eyes in the tennis world are focused in California.  Sadly, at least in the US, many potential eyes have been and will continue to be focused on March Madness.  But for all of my die-hard fans out there, it is a great time to be an American tennis fan.  First Indian Wells, and then the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami next week?  It doesn’t get much better.

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Who Knows Li Na?

Photo courtesy of sporterinfo.blogspot.com.

By Josh Kramer

For those of you who don’t know Li Na, get to know her.  Li Na is a 29-year-old professional women’s tennis player out of China who has been around the block to say the least.  She is defying all logic at this point in her career though.  Most players get worse with age, to a certain degree.  By your late 20s in tennis, especially on the women’s side, you become a dinosaur.  An extinct presence of sorts. 

“Weekly Nickel”

Courtesy of ABC News.

By Josh Kramer

Another great week of sports is in the books.  And now we look ahead to the next big thing.  What are the things you should be keeping an eye out for this week?  Lets get to it.

Here is this week’s top 5.

5.  So what if the entire CBA situation is a big joke.  I am right there with the rest of you.  I really am not too fascinated by the labor talks.  Until there is an agreement, please hold the applause.  Without games on Sunday’s come September, bad things could happen.  Just ask Ray Lewis.  But in reality, many entertaining things are still occurring.  Players have entirely too much time on their hands.  They are trying out for soccer teams, riding bulls, waiting tables, and debating  on wrangling snakes.  Publicity stunts can be entertaining 

“French Open: The Tennis Version of March Madness?”

The 39th ranked player in the world John Isner (pictured above) pushed Clay Court King Rafael Nadal to the brink of elimination today. It would have been an upset for the ages.

Earlier today, Rafael Nadal, the uncrowned King of Roland Garros, was pushed to 5 sets in his first round match by American, John Isner.  Nadal has won the French in five of his six appearances at the Grand Slam Event.  He has turned Roland Garros into his 2nd home.   Court Philippe Chatrier has become his playground of sorts.  They may as well give Nadal a throne to sit on during changeovers.

In his quest toward tying Bjorn Borg for the most French Open titles ever at six, he was pushed to the brink in his first round match.  Surprising yes.  Shocking?  No.  The French Open, year in and year out, is the most unpredictable of the year’s 4 Grand Slam Tournaments for a reason.  Clay court tennis is grueling.  It is highly unpredictable.  And it is highly entertaining.

“Weekly Nickel”

Chris Bosh (pictured above) was masterful for Miami in Game 3. I fully expect Miami's Big Three to continue to conquer the East on their way to an appearance in the NBA Finals.

This past weekend was a wild one.  Great playoff action.  The start of Interleague Play.  More horse racing.  And of course the ongoing NFL disputes.  Have no fear, next week is here.  Lets take a look at what the big events for the upcoming week are.

5.  Ray Lewis says that crime will rise if the season is lost.  Look for more players to come out and speak their minds as the week continues.  Though it is not actual NFL action, it is the best we can get during this unfortunate strike.

4.  In the MLB, the first section of Interleague Play is complete.  It was fun to watch the Subway Series pick back up, the Battle of Ohio, and watching the Cubs head to Fenway.  Today we get back to reality.  Normal Intraleague Play.  There are many primetime matchups.  But there is one series that has really caught my eye.