Dineen Interviewed for #BlueJackets Job Yesterday

According to the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline, Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen interviewed for the Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching job on Tuesday. More on this as it develops.

The Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson declined comment.

Directv May Want to Reconsider Their Choice of MLB Player

I saw this in my email inbox this morning. Now, perhaps if they added "Like David Ortiz misses fastballs", they could be onto something.

D-Bag In Philly Costs Hamels a Complete Game, Announces it on Twitter

1 night after a 17-year old got the Taser at Citizen's Bank Park, a moron announces on Twitter that he is about to go on the field.

Thomas Betz, a 32 year old "musician" (let's use that term loosely), made that tweet at 9:17 PM. A few moments later, he interrupted the flow of Cole Hamels, who clearly became rattled at the incident (keep in mind a stiff gust of wind knocks him off his game). He gave up back-to-back doubles to lead off the inning, and the Cards tied the game at one.

According to friend of the CMSB @M_OMalley from Chicks Dig the Long Ball, Betz was the guy (twitpic enclosed).

Here are links to his MySpace and Facebook pages.

From his Facebook Page:

"What's up everyone? So good to see u! if u wanna holla, hit me up @ wild215child@yahoo.com or http://twitter.com/THETHOROBRED and 4 dj bookings call (215) 421-4*9*"

Although we aren't condoning harassment (or flaming bags of poop on his doorstep), I am sure he'll be busy. Luckily, the Phillies won the game in extra innings, which means Mr. Betz won't have to go into a Steve Bartman-like existance.

According to a report on ESPN, Bentz, who is from Warminster, was charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and narcotics possession. (shocker!)

Chicks Dig the Long Ball have more stuff here.

Dineen to be Interviewed This Week

According to the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline, Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen is expected to interview for the vacant Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching gig this week, perhaps as early as today. Scott Arniel, the head coach of the Manitoba Moose, was interviewed yesterday. Other candidates include Hamilton Bulldogs coach Guy Boucher, Red Wings assistant coach Paul Maclean, and Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel. The team went 10-8-6 after Noel took over for the fired Ken Hitchcock, who is rumored to be the front-runner for the New Jersey Devils coaching job.

Dineen has been the head coach of the Pirates since 2005.

Learning from History: Is Pierce to Rondo like Bird to Lewis?

I still remember the 1992 NBA Playoffs. I remember it like it happened yesterday. It was the year the late Reggie Lewis stepped up and looked like the next great Celtic. It was the final year Larry Bird played in the NBA. It ended in the second round against perennial bridesmaid Cleveland. It was supposed to be the torch passing from Bird to Lewis, from the 80's to the 90's, and it would be remembered as such if Lewis hadn't died a little over a year later. The thing I remember from that series was how good Reggie Lewis was, and how mad I was that Lewis never got the ball in the game 7 loss in Cleveland. I felt at the time Bird was trying to get that one last signature game, and with miss after miss, it was evident that his moment had passed. Later on, as I actually gained basketball knowledge, I re-watched the game and realized that Cleveland's game plan was to let Bird do whatever he wanted, because...

1. He couldn't move.
2. He wasn't hitting his shots.

The only way the Celtics were winning that game was if Reggie Lewis took the ball and took over, and that wasn't going to happen with Bird on the court. It wasn't his team yet, and Chris Ford certainly wasn't going to be the one to give it to him.

Fast forward to Saturday night. Rajon Rondo is lighting it up. No one on Cleveland can guard him. This morning, all I heard was that Rondo needs to be more assertive, more selfish, blah, blah, blah. Here's the problem kiddos, and this is something I have been railing on all season. The reason the Celtics are awful in the second half is because the ball shifts from the hands of Rajon Rondo to Paul Pierce more often than not. Some of this is because of Rondo's shooting woes, most I believe is due to a comfort factor with Doc of putting the ball in Pierce's hands. As a caller this morning astutely pointed out, the Celtics had mismatches all over the floor Saturday night, yet in the second half, when the game was coming right down to it, they gave the ball to Pierce against Lebron, basically one of only two match-ups Cleveland could claim they had an advantage. (When Pierce was on the court, Boston was outscored by 14 points -- the worst plus/minus of any player in the game) I didn't find it to be a case of Rondo pulling off, I found it to be a case of Piercebeing the second half QB for years now, and NOW you want to let Rondo do it? This team is Rajon Rondo's team. Not Pierce's. Not KG's. The point guard is the one who runs the show, and this show only gets good reviews when Rondo is the featured player. Doc can call Rondo out in the media all he would like ("We were winning because we were attacking. [The Cavaliers] won the game because they attacked in the second half"), but his history of taking the ball out of  Rondo's hands in the second half of games this entire year is coming back to bite him now. If it's his team, let him have the ball and make decisions he sees fit. Oh, and lock Rasheed Wallace in a closet somewhere. The fact is, the time for torch-passing is once again upon us, and unlike 1992, there are a few games left to get it right. Here's your chance to let Rondo lead the team, Doc. Are you going to let him do it, or fall back into comfortable habits?

Kentucky Derby and Scarborough Downs Picks

Here we go, Derby week. Let's do this thing!

Scarborough Downs
Saturday Pick:
3rd Race Horse 4, Naughty Narcissist

Sunday Pick:
4th Race Horse 1 Western Hope

Kentucky Derby
Boxed Exacta
4-6-10-15

Good luck to all of you this weekend, and get to the track!

Is Lars Anderson Being Bumped to Pawtucket Too Soon?

Lars Anderson speaks with Matty on Media day(Jeff Schools CMSB Photo)

Lars Anderson, who 2 years ago was the top prospect in the Red Sox organization, has parlayed a super hot start at the plate into a promotion to Pawtucket. In 17 games so for this season, he has 5 homeruns, a .355 BA and an OPS of 1.086. His attitude was different coming into camp, and it showed in his start to the season. The question is, is he being sent to Pawtucket too soon?

On the surface, this move seems premature. Anderson struggled for most of 2009, and if they didn't send him to Salem or Lowell 17 games into last season, I don't quite understand the logic here. Is he going to start every day at Pawtucket? Aaron Bates has been playing first for the PawSox all season, and although he is far from crushing the ball (.250 BA, .760 OPS, 2 HR's), he was called up to the big club last season and did alright. I'm all for rewarding prospects with promotions when they do well, but I worry that the groove Lars has found in Pawtucket is going to be undone if he ends up splitting playing time with Bates, or if he starts to slump after the promotion.

With the memories of Craig Hansen dancing in our heads, Red Sox Nation has a right to look at this move with trepidation. Perhaps the organization thinks Lars has finally figured it out, and wants to get him back on track to play in Boston if need be. Maybe they want to see how he handles hitting at the next level and deals with possible frustration in a new place. No matter the scenario, I hope Lars succeeds. He's a good kid who came into Portland this year with a brand new attitude, and it's always good to see good people do well. I just hope he doesn't end up back in Portland if he has a bad stretch of 17 games in Pawtucket.

Matty on the PM Jab Today at 5:45, Oh and Some Guy Named Roenick?

Matty will be on the PM Jab today with Chris Sedenka and Javier Gorritti at 5:45 for his weekly "Tuesdays with Matty" segment. Oh and Jeremy Roenick will be on at 5:00, if you're into professional athletes and stuff. You can catch it live on 96.3 The Big Jab, or if you miss it, I will let you know when the audio from both is posted and put the links below...

Update: Roenick audio is right here. he did not hint at his future in the NHL yet, but did say he is "Right in the middle of the decision-making process".

Matty audio is right here

"Tuesdays With Matty" 5/12/09

Matty stops by the PM Jab to talk Celtics, Bruins, and a touch of Red Sox with Chris Sedenka.

Matty on The PM Jab 3/31/2009

Matty once again joined Chris Sedenka on WJAB on a Tuesday afternoon to talk about football, make sarcastic comments, and just be an overall pain in the ass. What the Lions will do with the #1 overall pick, the ascension of Andrew Downey on draft boards, and al-time Patriots are just a few of the topics broached. You can listen at the link below. Please Hammer, don't hurt 'em.




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Danks and Matty's Mock Draft Episode III

Chris starts it off with the Pats at 23. Remember, Danks does the odd, I do the even. It must be because of my OCD...

23. Patriots select Clay Matthews Jr, OLB, USC
A natural at the position, he would fill in right away for the departed Mike Vrabel (Editors note: plus there is the Clay Matthews-Hoodie connection)

24. Falcons select Brian Cushing, LB USC
The release of Keith Brooking gives the Falcons and excuse to draft the long haired LB from USC. Yes, Mike Peterson was signed, but they need some youth that side of the ball, too.

25. Dolphins select Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake
Miami needs more corner help, especially with the tremendous WR depth in the AFC East. Smith should bring some help to the secondary.

26. Ravens select James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio St
In hind sight coming out into the draft last season might have been a good idea for Laurainitis. The Ravens however need a LB to fill the big shoes of the departed Bart Scott, and with all that talents around Laurinaitis should be able to contribute right away. At the very least his dad could show up to football games with purple spiked pads and the Ravens logo on them, that could be marketing gold...

27. Colts select Evander Hood, DT, Mizzou
A rising prospect on the D-Line, should give added value to a Colts team looking to get tougher against the run. (Editors note:Especially in a division that runs the ball so well)

28. Eagles select William Beatty, OT, UConn
The Eagles have a lot of holes to fill (DB, WR, OL), but protecting Donovan McNabb should probably be a priority. Maybe they can use some money to re-sign Brian Dawkins? Oh wait, never mind...

29. Giants select Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
New York could use a wideout, but a good pass catching TE could also work wonders. Pettigrew is the best of the class

30. Titans select Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose ST
Gilbert's stock is rising at just the right time, and the Titans love to draft defense in the first round.

31. Cardinals select Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St
They need more depth at the RB position. Wells could fall into their laps. (Editors Note:JJ Arrington is gone, Edgerrin James will be gone (as soon as the Cardinals want to get done putting the screws to him) and Tim Hightower cannot do it himself. Another Ohio St player who should have come out last year)

32. Steelers select Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
What is with players with the last name of Johnson going to GA Tech? Anyways, many think Johnson is lazy, but he is a very good athlete who creates havoc on game day. Another solid defensive pick for the Steelers, who always seem to find the right players late in the draft.

Danks and Matty's Mock Draft-Part 2

It is the second day of Danks and Matty's 2009 NFL Mock draft, pick 11-22. You can read it at the sister site, which we would like to see become your one stop shop for NFL Draft news. Scott Wright from NFL Draft Countdown joins Matty tomorrow in the podcast, which will be given a special title tomorrow.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Chris Sedenka from WJAB and Matty sit down and hash out a mock draft. Picks 1-10 today, Chris takes the odd, Matt takes the even.

1st pick: Detroit Lions: Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA

Outstanding tackle, who could be someone to build around for years. We all know that Detroit will take Stafford though.

2nd Pick: St Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT Baylor
After releasing Orlando Pace and neglecting the offensive line in last year's draft, the Rams look to lock up the wunderkid from Baylor.

3rd pick: Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB Wake
For a team that is rebuilding what is better than an impact Linebacker from Day 1

4th pick: Seattle Seahawks: Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio ST
In a division that has the high flying Arizona Cardinals offense, the Seahawks need to beef up their defensive backfield to compete. Jenkins should be a good addition.

5th Pick: Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB Texas
This team desperately needs speed on the outside. Orakpo can step right in with his athleticism and give Eric Mangini the type of player he had hoped Vernon Gholston would be.

6th Pick: Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
TJ Houshmanzadeh has left the building, Chris Henry could show up on a police blotter any second, and Chad Johnson is dying to leave. What better way to re-stock Carson Palmer's arsenal than with the Red Raider wideout.

7th Pick: Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Mizzou
This team desperately needs a game breaker. Maclin has great open-field speed and will progress as a wideout.

8th Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars: Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia
A projected number one overall pick falls in the Jags lap, and if last year proved anything it was that David Garrard was not that good.

9th Pick: Green Bay Packers: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
The new 3-4 defense needs an anchor. Raji is that anchor. He impressed at the combine and should be a starter right away.

10th Pick: San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Do the 49ers finally admit Alex Smith is not going to pan out? Is Shaun Hill the answer? Have I sued too many question marks? Sanchez is a California guy, and the 49ers would love to keep that connection as they attempt to work out a new stadium deal.

Matty on the PM Jab 031009

Here is your Sox Fan EIC on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 1

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 2

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 3

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 4

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 5

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 031009 PART 6

Your EIC....SOX FAN!!!!

See I knew it all along!!!

Matty on The PM Jab 2/24/09

Did you miss Matty on the PM Jab today? Don't be sad, you can listen to it here! He talks a whole lot of football, NFL Combine and more.

Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka 012809

Matty on the PM Jab 1/8/2009

Matty, the E-I-C, joined Chris Sedenka on the PM Jab to talk College Football on the night of the BCS Title game and to pick this weekend's playoff games.

CMSB in the Media New Years Eve

Here is Matty on the PM Jab with Chris Sedenka on New Year's Eve

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

Matty on the PM Jab

The EIC, Matty, was on the PM Jab today talking UMaine football and the BCS. Listen below.