Roger Clemens returns to the Astros.
Man, I’m surprised.
Almost as surprised as I was when Barry Bonds turned soft and cuddly during his ESPN interview with Jim Grey.
And as surprised as I was when people sent more cards and letters to Barbaro than they would ever consider sending to the troops in Iraq.
And just as surprised as I was when the Portland Trail Blazers couldn’t win with their latest collection of goons.
Or as surprised as I was when Reggie Bush decided that maybe he wasn’t going to give as much money from his T-shirt to the Katrina victims.
And just as shocked as I was when the Knicks waited exactly one season to decide they were pretty close to giving Larry Brown nine billion dollars to not coach, while somehow Isiah Thomas continues to skate.
Or as surprised as I was when Terrell Owens forced his way out of Philly and got a new contract elsewhere.
Or as shocked as when I heard that Brett Ratner screwed up with the X-Men franchise.
And almost as surprised as I was when Angelina Jolie chose Brad Pitt over me.
The Miami Heat really have conquered the playoffs. If/when they get past the Pistons, does that make them a prohibitive favorite against anyone coming from the West?
Jeff Dye, BoDog.com: Wow, they sure have. Not only have they made quick work of their other playoff foes this spring, but they’re also putting the boot in Detroit. With Shaq, D-Wade and a host of other superstars on this team, Miami could easily be the favorite against any of the West teams, especially if that series goes to six or seven and Miami can close out theirs in five. However, if Dallas can keep up the momentum it gained in Game 3 against the Suns and end that series early, we’ll have a big battle on our hands.
Do you expect Albert Pujols to break the single-season home run record?
JD, BoDog.com: Since I don’t know Albert Pujols personally, this is a tough question to answer, but it sure is nice to hear a home run story in the media that doesn’t surround Barry Bonds and steroids. Pujols appears to be one of the hardest working guys in baseball and appears to be on his way to becoming one of the best hitters ever in this game.
It is becoming an interesting time for men’s tennis, with Rafael Nadal rising to challenge Roger Federer. The books like Nadal at the French Open?
JD, BoDog.com: Nadal definitely opened up as the favorite for the French Open. Neither player really “crossed” their first round match this week, but it’s likely these two will meet in the final. It will be interesting to see if Federer can finally use the fact that he has to be the underdog in this rivalry, losing five of six in his career against Nadal, to motivate himself to win his first French Open.
With Barbaro’s unexpected departure, is there a lot of action at the Belmont? Who likes books? Do you see someone else interesting that our readers might consider?
JD, BoDog.com: Right now we’re not seeing the same type of action at Belmont that we are at the Derby or the Preakness, but it’s still early days. He is slowly starting to focus more on the next race as the competition heats up. Bluegrass Cat, who finished second in the Derby, and Steppenwolfer, who finished third, will race after five weeks off. A second-place finisher in the Preakness, Sweetnorthernsaint is likely to race, and is always a horse to watch. There may not be a chance of a Triple Crown winner, but the final leg may be the closest finish we’ve seen this season, as the field is packed with talent and no clear favorite has turned up yet.
