Food for Thought 5-15-2012

Photo courtesy of clippers.topbuzz.com. Chris Paul (left) and Blake Griffin (right) are two of the main reasons why the Clippers currently find themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals. Can they advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history?

By Josh Kramer

The opening round brought the city of Los Angeles to a fever pitch.  Round two will bring heartbreak.  In a little over a week, people will be referring to Los Angeles as “Heartbreak City,” rather than “Basketball Central.”  Even if you are not a fan of the Lakers or the Clippers, you have to admit that an all LA Western Conference Finals showdown would be special.  “Lob City” versus the Kobe Bryant Show.  What could be better than that?

Unfortunately, I am going to go out on a limb and say that it isn’t going to happen.  This is not the same Lakers team that made three consecutive finals appearances from 2008 to 2010.  They are full of flaws, lacking the effort and determination to lay it all on the line every night. The Clippers are not only tired and injury riddled, they are overmatched against a very experienced and well coached San Antonio team.  Gregg Popovich is arguably the best in the business for a reason.

Kobe Bryant will have to play out of this world for LA to stretch this series more than five games.  The Nuggets made the Lakers look like they were standing still at times during the opening round.  What do you think the Thunder are going to do?  Not to mention the Thunder are much bigger inside than the Nuggets with Ibaka and a now healthy Perkins.  I tip my hat to the Clippers on taking down a very good Grizzlies team.  But the Spurs are even better than Memphis.  Plus, both of the star players on the Clippers are currently struggling with various injuries.

It has been a great year for Los Angeles in terms of NBA basketball.  As a consolation prize though, the Kings appear unstoppable in terms of the NHL and the Dodgers currently boast the best record in the National League.  In terms of basketball though, Los Angeles should start thinking about the 2012/2013 season.

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Food for Thought 2-28-2012

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. How many of you knew who Jeremy Evans (pictured above) was before Saturday night? At least he has a cool nickname (The Human Pogo Stick).

By Josh Kramer

Saturday Night Bust

NBA All-Star Saturday Night was one for the ages this year.  And not in a good way.  Your three-winners of the main competitions were Tony Parker, Kevin Love, and Jeremy Evans.  Though the vast majority are well aware of whom Parker and Love are, how many of you actually knew who the guy that “some” people call the “Human Pogo Stick” was before Saturday?

Weekly Nickel 10-10-2011

Photo courtesy of throughthefencebaseball.com. Ryan Braun (left) and Prince Fielder (right) are doing all they can to lead Milwaukee to the World Series in what may be their last year as teammates.

By Josh Kramer

It is blatantly obvious to anyone not living under a rock that the sporting world is absolutely rocking right now.  The MLB Playoffs are in full swing.  The pigskin is getting tossed around at all levels.  NBA labor negotiations are finally heating up.  And even the NHL is back in action.

Here are the events you should keep an eye on this week.

Weekly Nickel 8-1-2011

Photo courtesy of prorumors.com. Ryan Braun (pictured above) and the Milwaukee Brewers have a huge series against division rival St. Louis this week at Miller Park.

By Josh Kramer

Just like the rest of you, I am trying to recover from arguably the wildest week transactions wise in sports that I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.  The NFL returned.  Then the MLB Trade Deadline came like a world wind.  Plus there was big time soccer in the US and the X Games.  So after catching your breath, take a look at what is in store for this week.

5.  Following the always exciting Brickyard 400, NASCAR heads to Pocono on Sunday.  Jimmie Johnson is right in the hunt as usual, but has not won a race since his victory on April 17th at Talladega.  Winning in Pennsylvania could go a long way in helping Jimmie Johnson accomplish an amazing six-peat, as Sprint Cup Series champion.  In each of his previous five Sprint Cup Series titles, Johnson took home at least five first place finishes.  He only has one thus far this year.

Weekly Nickel 7-25-2011

Photo courtesy of turnonthejets.com. Bart Scott (pictured above) is one of many people that "Can't Wait" for the NFL to return.

By Josh Kramer

In the words of Jay-Z, “On to the next one.”  Last week was great, but this week has a whole lot of promise as well.  What should you be on the lookout for?

Here is the top five.

5.  Did you know that the Women’s World Cup of Softball is going on?  Well if you didn’t, now you do.  I cannot get over how poorly publicized this event has been.  But it is not too late to tune in and enjoy the fun.  Plus, the US exacted some revenge on Japan Saturday for the heartbreaking loss in soccer last weekend.  Sure Jennie Finch is no more, but the US women are still very good.  Try to tune in to the championship game tonight as the US women look to secure a 5th straight World Cup title.

“Weekly Nickel”

This is the big week for ESPN NFL Draft gurus Mel Kiper (left) and Todd McShay (right). You will be hearing these two go at it all week and into the weekend.

It is another Monday in the wide world of sports.  We have a stellar week ahead full of exciting action across the board.  Lets take a look at what the key events of the upcoming week will be.

“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