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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Time is stretching thin for the Boston Red Sox to make a real comeback of any sort in the final six weeks of the season, but being the optimistic nut job who didn't count the Celtics out at the end of the regular season this past year, I am weighing in as an ardent supporter of the Sox making a final run here in the last weeks.There are a number of things that make me believe that this is possible. Here are five of them.
1.) Pedey is back. While one player a team does not make, Dustin Pedroia is the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox and even though in his absence they still were respectably above 500, with him back in the lineup you just get a sense that there is more fight in them then you've seen since his injury.
2.) Starting pitching is strong. Starting pitching on this team hasn't been on point all season, with injuries and some rocky outings from John Lackey and Dice-K, but the rotation seems to have gelled here in the last month or so and appears to be primed to make a run at it. Now if we could get the bullpen in order, we might be talking a ring.
3.) The bullpen. Wait...what...you just said if we can get the bullpen in order we would be in better shape, now you're telling me they are going to help us get to October? Here is where my optimism comes in. First of all, I don't envision Jonathon Papelbon having any more implosions like he did in Toronto. I think he will steady the ship and he will be ready to go for a final run. The rest of the bullpen has been mediocre at best, but traditionally they pitch better when Pap is on his game. This is a shaky one, but I am erring on the side of positivity here.
4.) The Rays will falter. You know the Tampa Bay Rays are going to stumble down the stretch, they have to. They have been teetering on the edge for a while now, salvaging wins here and there and getting some lucky breaks from the Red Sox. If the Red Sox can put a string of wins together the Rays luck is bound to run out.
5.) Don't underestimate the power of the fans to power our local nine into the playoffs just so we can make some noise for the New York Yankees. There is something to be said about a team and it's fan base that can comeback from 0-3 down against their most hated rivals. I know, it was a different team, but it wasn't a different city. The fan support the Red Sox will see down the stretch should be unprecedented and when they feel it, it will lift them past the Rays and into the playoffs.
You can choose to be negative, but I am looking on the bright side and betting that I'll be right just like I was with the Celtics!!
Labels: Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Dustin Pedroia, John lackey, Jonathon Papelbon, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
It's official Shaquille O'Neal is a member of the 2010-2011 Boston Celtics team. When I first heard rumors about this signing I didn't know how to feel. On one hand, I love Shaq I think he is GREAT for the game of basketball. He's a guy who loves to play the game, reaches across all demographics and is a great ambassador for the sport. On the other hand, rumors have flown that he was one of the causes of the demise of the Lakers teams he was a part of and he was also the demise more recently of the Cleveland Cavaliers team that the Celtics decimated in the playoffs last year.
So...I was on the fence.
Now I am securely over the fence and excited to see Shaq Diesel (or as I like to call him the ORIGINAL SUPERMAN) in a white and green uniform.
From a basketball perspective it will be nice to have a big man who can score other than Kevin Garnett. It will be nice for Rajon Rondo to have someone to dish the ball to who can literally just throw it down. Imagine a front court of Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis with Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal coming off the bench...it will be magical.
So, Miami, you can have your LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh pairings all day. I will take my rag tag bunch of aging superstars to the bank every time. I still love Ray Ray from downtown. Pierce off the dribble (although slightly less often then he used.) Garnett with the fade away J. Shaq with the power moves on the block. Jermaine O'Neal with...whatever Jermaine O'Neal does. Compliment that with the BEST point guard in the league and the best backup big man in the game (Glen Davis) and you've got a team that can compete.
Don't get me wrong, the road to the finals will go through Miami and it will be a tough road, but powered by a little Diesel I like our chances...let's just hope Doc can keep the mega-star mentality under control.
Labels: Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, glen davis, Kevin Garnett, Lebron James, miami heat, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Shaquille O'Neal
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Bruins could take a lesson or four. The Red Sox could certainly benefit from a few pointers as well. The Celtics are holding court (pardon the pun) and all of the Boston teams, yes even the Patriots should be taking notes. Win, on the road, with old players, with rookies and teamwork. Adam and Rubba Shoes are off this week. So Timmy and Scotty Dukes have the honor of bitching about everyone except the Celtics. Thanks for listening and have a great week. Go Celtics!theshow@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: adam, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, rubba shoes, Scotty Dukes, timmy
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday May 1st, the stars seemed to have aligned on this day to give us potentially one of the great sports day/nights that I can remember. Lets break down the schedule shall we.
First you have the resurgent Boston Bruins at 12:30 against their outdoor rival Philadelphia Flyers in Boston to kick off their best of seven series in the second round of the NHL playoffs. GO B's
Once this has ended you have a breather for about an hour, this is where you need to either stock up, check the "honey do" list and get that prioritized to what you may be able to get accomplished in that time frame, because at around 5:25 the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby will be happening on NBC. Before being in a smoke filled room with people yelling at the hundreds of screens that show these great horses going for history, I would probably would have missed this and not even cared. Not anymore, make sure your around for the very few minutes it takes for them to go around this track as it is always exciting to watch. As an FYI they are calling for rain over in Churchill Downs so there may be a slight delay, plan accordingly.
Once the Derby is over, again there is a slight breather, check your list and make sure you are ready to entertain guests or just yourself for the next 5-6 hours of sports. Starting at 7:05 with Red Sox vs O's in Baltimore with Dice-K's first start of the season. I don't care that it is April baseball, the Sox will need Dice-K to return to form if they are going to have any shot in catching the NY Yankmees or the Rays. One start may not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but it will be fun to watch no matter what. This of course hinders on him not tweaking his back in warm-ups...what I'm just saying.
Now 25 minutes later at 7:30 Nascars Sprint Cup at Richmond kicks off. Now the only reason I know this is my father will be over the house enjoying the festivities of this glorious evening and has already designated my bedroom big screen as his "race watching screen". It's all him.
Then we move to 8 when the Celtics tip off their second round game one with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland where apparently they are witnesses. I could write a blog about this game by itself but I will refrain from doing so right now since the games importance should speak for itself. GO GREEN!
Finally we move to 9 where the under cards of what should be the fight of the year and may set up the fight of the decade. Mayweather vs Moseley. If Mayweather wins will that finally make our dreams come true and force him to fight Manny Pacquio? God let's hope so.
In closing this Sat. evening there will be a lot of hitting the last button and going back and forth between games, I am sure that the batteries will hold up but I say again. There may not be enough alcohol for this night of great sports, regardless enjoy them with some friends and family.
-Scotty Dukes
Once the Derby is over, again there is a slight breather, check your list and make sure you are ready to entertain guests or just yourself for the next 5-6 hours of sports. Starting at 7:05 with Red Sox vs O's in Baltimore with Dice-K's first start of the season. I don't care that it is April baseball, the Sox will need Dice-K to return to form if they are going to have any shot in catching the NY Yankmees or the Rays. One start may not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but it will be fun to watch no matter what. This of course hinders on him not tweaking his back in warm-ups...what I'm just saying.
Now 25 minutes later at 7:30 Nascars Sprint Cup at Richmond kicks off. Now the only reason I know this is my father will be over the house enjoying the festivities of this glorious evening and has already designated my bedroom big screen as his "race watching screen". It's all him.
Then we move to 8 when the Celtics tip off their second round game one with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland where apparently they are witnesses. I could write a blog about this game by itself but I will refrain from doing so right now since the games importance should speak for itself. GO GREEN!
Finally we move to 9 where the under cards of what should be the fight of the year and may set up the fight of the decade. Mayweather vs Moseley. If Mayweather wins will that finally make our dreams come true and force him to fight Manny Pacquio? God let's hope so.
In closing this Sat. evening there will be a lot of hitting the last button and going back and forth between games, I am sure that the batteries will hold up but I say again. There may not be enough alcohol for this night of great sports, regardless enjoy them with some friends and family.
-Scotty Dukes
Labels: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
It hasn't happened yet this spring, but it finally did yesterday, all the Boston sports teams were in a good place. The Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins were both on their way to the second round of the playoffs and the Boston Red Sox had won back to back games. The Patriots were idol, but who's counting.
Rubba Shoes and Adam got together to chat all things Boston sports including a little vino like Chardon-K and ZinfandEllsbury, the new charity wines from the Red Sox for this season. On that note, Rubba Shoes is making his way to the kick off party for the wines with Josh Beckett and Jacoby Ellsbury in a few weeks, we'll have all the details coming soon.
So, on this great day for Boston sports the boys ponder what is next. Who will make it through the 2nd round of the playoffs? The Bruins? The Celtics? Both? Have the Red Sox turned a corner? Will the pitching come around?
All these questions are answered and more on this week's episode of the Wicked Pissa Dude Podcast. Thanks for checking out the show.
What's on your mind? Ask away, e-mail theshow@wickedpissadude.com or give us a call on the "Wicked Hot" Line at (339)368-3223.
Labels: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Chardon-K, Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Beckett, ZinfandEllsbury
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I won't pretend to know how Bruins fans feel this morning, after a disappointing post-season last year and a nearly disastrous season this year, I won't pretend to know how great it feels to finish off the Sabres in six.
I won't pretend to know how many goals the Bruins scored.
I won't pretend to know who plays goalie for the Bruins.
I won't pretend to know, really anything about the Bruins.
What I do know, is that last night's win was a big win for Bruins fans everywhere who have waited far too long to watch their B's skate to victory in a playoff series.
So, I say, congratulations to the Boston Bruins for what I have heard was a tremendous series. I won't pretend I am excited for round two, but I know a whole lot of people that are.
I won't pretend to know why Josh Beckett is struggling to find his mojo.I won't pretend to know why the Red Sox seem to have all the fire power they need, but can't find an arm in the bullpen to hold a lead.
I won't pretend to know why Papi continues to struggle...ok well maybe that one's the roids.
I won't pretend to know if the Red Sox will ever snap out of this funk.
What I do know is that they battled back yesterday. Yes, it was against the lowly Blue Jays, but there is fight in them. This is good news for Red Sox nation who have watched this team stumble out of the gates. The good news with this team is they are hitting, so maybe Dice-K's appearance this Saturday will be the shot in the arm the pitching staff needs to get the Boston Red Sox back in the winning frame of mind.
So, I say to the Boston Red Sox, keep plugging away boys, eventually this will all work itself out. I refuse to believe that the second highest payroll in baseball has produced basement dwellers.
I won't pretend to know why Adalius Thomas didn't work out with the New England Patriots.I won't pretend to know why he didn't fit in with an organization that usually brings players in and slides them nicely into place without a hint of a problem.
I won't pretend to know why he went from a Humble Pie eating Patriot to a defector in 2009.
I won't pretend to know why Coach Belichick seemed to treat him differently then some of the other guys on the roster.
What I do know is that we do NOT want him heading to Gang Green. The Jets are already stacked as it is and the last thing we need is another guy lined up across from Tom Brady that has a score to settle. We should've traded him by any means necessary AWAY from the New York Jets.
So, I say to the New England Patriots who have had a mediocre at best off season, GOOD LUCK fellas, you're going to need it. When the New York Jets come into town, I am not 100% it's going to be pretty. In fact I am quite sure it's going to be UGLY.
I won't pretend to know how Paul Pierce and the rest of the big three are feeling after letting a series sweep slip through their hands on Sunday against the Miami Heat.I won't pretend to know if their aging legs are still holding up under the pressure of a long NBA season and the start of the grueling playoffs.
I won't pretend to know if Glen Davis will show up as he did in Game 2 or look like he's stuck in mud like he did in Game 4.
I won't pretend to know if Dwayne Wade can legitimately put up another set of 46 on the Celtics tonight at the Garden.
What I do know is that the Celtics have been must see TV for the last four games and nothing has changed tonight. The Garden will be rocking and the Boston Celtics need to deliver for their fans, but also for their bodies as an extra days rest before they head to the Q (let's be real, they'll be playing the Cavs) is a MUST.
So, I say to you Boston Celtics, get out there and get the job done tonight. We're counting on you to keep this positive Boston vibe going tonight.
Labels: Adalius Thomas, Bill Belichick, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Dice-K, Dwayne Wade, Josh Beckett, New England Patriots, ny jets, Paul Pierce, Toronto Blue Jays
Sunday, April 25, 2010
It could've been worse, we could live in Kansas City and have started this weekend with literally nothing to look forward to. We might've been stuck going to see the movie the Losers rather than watching our teams become the losers in a couple of good games this afternoon.
From the opening tip, it wasn't meant to be a sweep. It certainly would've been nice to see the Celtics get an extra day of rest before they had to inevitably take on the Cavs after they dispose of the Chicago Bulls. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. Dwayne Wade's 46 points was just a little bit too much for the C's to handle.
Let's be real, the Celtics just weren't "there" today from the start, the reason it felt like it was a game is that the Heat are just so over matched that even a mediocre performance from the Celtics keeps them in a game. Don't get me wrong, the Celtics had glimpses of solid play and they probably should've won the game, but Dwayne Wade was way too much for a lackluster performance to overcome.
Early foul trouble took Paul Pierce and Ray Allen out of the game and they never really found their rhythm. Kevin Garnett had a solid offensive game, but he uncharacteristically missed some assignments on the defensive end. There was no fire in the belly of Glen Davis off the bench and Rasheed Wallace took quite a few ill advised shots in big spots. Even Nate Robinson got a shot to shine and he blew his opportunity to make an impact with Rondo on the bench.
Even with the lackluster play the Celtics had a shot to close out the series down the stretch, but they went 2-8 from the free throw line (including a VERY uncharacteristic 1-4 from Ray Allen.) It just wasn't meant to be.
Now the Celtics will have to close it out on the parquet at the Garden in front of a home town crowd, good for the wallets of the ownership, but not so great for the legs of the big three.
Oh ya, then there're the Red Sox who continue to stumble, even when we expected so much from them coming into the weekend against the lowly Baltimore Orioles. Pretty soon we'll be talking about the basement dwelling Red Sox. It's not looking good for our local nine. I am not one to count them out after only 19 games, but losing to the Orioles in extra innings does not really give one optimism for the upcoming summer.
Is it too harsh to call our teams Losers? Of course it is, but lose they did this weekend, but at least we had competitive sports to watch. It could be worse, we might've had to go see this this weekend...
adam@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Garnett, miami heat, Nate Robinson, Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace, Ray Allen
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Adam and Timmy are back in the studio sans Rubba Shoes, he is actually back at the firehouse. He also made the bold proclamation that he will be joining Timmy at the 2011 Boston Marathon. Keep track of Rubba's training regimen and Timmy's summer race schedule via their blogs on the links page. Never mind those two, the Celtics and Bruins are in the midst of the playoffs and the Patriots have the draft coming up. Meanwhile the Red Sox might have the hottest prospect on their hands since (yup we're gonna say it) Sam Horn! Sit back and soak it all in - it's the 2010 spring playoff season and everyone is hot right now. Enjoy the show and have a great week.Labels: adam, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, rubba shoes, sam horn, Scotty Dukes, timmy, uncle dukes
All day Tuesday I was saying to myself "Doc needs to start Davis he just has too" though the reasoning was a bit flawed, I was telling myself this for the fact that everyone can remember who the "Ticket Stub" is and we have not seen him in awhile. It was about time to unearth Davis' alter ego. Unearth he did, 23 points 8 boards and a fire that showed the Garden faithful why they loved the "Ticket Stub" and why we needed to see him again.KG out because of an elbow, to a guy we all would love to elbow anyway, had to sit in the clubhouse and watch what at one time was thought to be his protege start the game and go gang busters all over the Miami Heat. The game got so out of hand that I switched over to the Sox game cause a game at the Fens in APRIL was more exciting to watch than the beating the C's were doling out.
KG I am sure was smiling and maybe you will see him take Davis under his wing like he was two seasons ago. After showing that he has the talent and that playoff run last season was not as big as a fluke as most thought it was. Here is my only gripe with Davis and the "Ticket Stub". Why not bring it out all the time? Do you have to start the game to show what you are made of? Makes no sense to me, whether you are starting or coming off the bench the "Stub" should always be a part of his game.
Overall the C's got exactly what they needed out of Davis and whether we see the "Ticket Stub" on Friday in Miami when KG comes back or just the "Stub" Glen Davis was a HUGE (pun intended) reason the C's are not sitting at 2-0.
scotty@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: Big Baby, Boston Celtics, Boston Garden, Doc Rivers, garden, glen davis, Kevin Garnett, KG, miami heat, td garden, ticket stub
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Adam, Timmy, Rubba Shoes and Uncle Dukes all on the show on the same night? It's true, they are all here, for once. The crew get together to talk playoffs, the priesthood and baseball.Rev. William Ventura got caught soliciting a prostitute in Nashua, NH, can the boys forgive him?
Big Papi got caught without the ability to hit the fastball, can the boys forgive him?
Rubba Shoes hasn't gotten caught yet...but he spills the beans on his "bad habit" so the cat's out of the bag.
The boys make their predictions for the Celtics and Bruins playoffs...just the first round my friends.
The Red Sox are out of the gates and swinging the bats well, but what's with the pitching?
Also there's a fantasy round-up on the horizon and Timmy gives Adam a lesson in Fantasy baseball because Adam is thoroughly confused.
Finally the song of the night is from hometown boy, Sammy Adams and is called Driving Me Crazy. If you want to find out more about Sammy Adams visit the Links page.
Enjoy the show!!
Labels: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Dallas Mavericks, miami heat, milwaukee bucks
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
So Adam quit the show. Actually he is house shopping with the Mrs. tonight. The Celtics are getting better with every game, just kidding again. Big Papi is horrible and washed up, Timmy is not kidding, although he is actually more concerned with another member of the Sox. He and Rubba Shoes run the gamut from BC hockey predictions to what color Tiger's balls are...really! Again, not necessarily true. The final moments of fantasy hockey and hoops are analyzed by Uncle Dukes as he discusses with Timmy if Rubba Shoes and Coach K are already cheating at baseball. Thanks for listening and enjoy the week.Labels: adam, bc hockey, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, coach k, rubba shoes, tiger woods, timmy, uncle dukes
Monday, April 5, 2010
Who knows what the history books will say about the 2010 Boston Celtics. Who knows what late summer has in store for the 2010 Boston Red Sox. One thing we do know though is that this past weekend felt like the City of Champions was back. If just for one warm night in early April, Boston was abuzz with the glory of a city poised to do something special.The day started out as a pretty ordinary day. The Celtics were at the Garden hosting the toast of the league, Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers. For the past few years the Cavs have been the team to beat in the East and every year, they have been beaten. This year, though, will be different, according to all of the analysts. This will be the year of King James' coronation. But, that's not how it shook out yesterday.
The Celtics surged to a 22 point lead late in the third quarter only to stave off a fourth quarter surge by Lebron James and win 117-113. It was the Celtics, the team who had been around the block a few times, the team who had hung a banner or two in the rafters, the team with the most recent ring that would hang a big game on Lebron and his Cavs, serving notice that the Celtics were not going to quietly ride off into the sunset in 2010.
The win by the Celtics alone would've been enough to satisfy the appetite of a Boston sports fan that is dying for some good news these days, but the day was barely half over when a click of the remote flipped on pre-game chatter for Opening Day at Fenway Park.
The most storied rivalry in all of sports. The dreaded, New York Yankees, who came into the historic Fenway Park as World Champions, were in town to kick of the 2010 season. Many analysts have the Yankees repeating and some place the Boston Red Sox in third place so on paper, this might not have been much of a match-up, but paper means nothing when these two teams collide.
Josh Beckett on the mound vs. CC Sabathia was bound to be a pitchers duel and through three it was pretty close to that, but it all started to unravel as the Yankees jumped out to a 3-1 lead on back to back jacks off of Beckett and it looked like the pundits were right, this year the Red Sox would continue to not be a match for the Evil Empire.
But then, a resurgence. The Boston Red Sox, trailing 5-2 at the end of five innings, rallied with back to back 3 run innings to surge past the Yankees 9-7 in an Opening Day shot across the bow that served as a warning to the league that this Red Sox team would not be pushed around.
Neither win carried all that much weight in the grand scheme of the season. The greatest importance either game held was that the Celtics were jockeying for the three seed in the playoffs, but it was the spectacle of the day. A beautiful day in Boston. The sun was shining. The duck boats were out (not on parade just yet) and our beloved sports teams were winning.
It's that magical time of year between April and June or September and October when two of our most beloved teams, (the Celtics and Red Sox or the Red Sox and the Patriots) are playing on the same afternoon and the results are positive on both fields of play. It's a great feeling to have and something that very few cities ever have the opportunity to experience.
So, no matter what happens in the Celtics playoff push or the season series with the Yankees, we'll always have April 4th, 2010 as one of those special days in Boston sports where two of our teams knocked off two of "their" teams to bring home W's to our beloved city.
Labels: Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron James, New England Patriots, New York Yankees
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Despite what this picture might suggest, this is not a blog JUST about Rasheed Wallace, although he will have a role to play in it.
The Boston Celtics avoided another embarrassing fourth quarter collapse by holding off Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to win 117-113. This was a game the Celtics really needed and one that the Cavs probably could have cared less about and for three quarters it showed.
The Celtics put up 98 points through three quarters of play and with about 5 minutes to go in the fourth had only added 5 more points to the total. It looked like what has become an all too familiar scene for the Celtics this year was about to play out. They were about to blow a 22 point lead and drop another winnable game to a team they will NEED to beat come playoff time.
Lebron James did his King James thing and turned it on in the fourth battling to bring the Cavs back and put them up one, but the Celtics held him off and were able to pull out a much needed win.
This game though, had an under current that I, for one, did not like. It's no surprise that Kevin Garnett is a talker, but today he was jawing with Lebron James to a whole new level. The two went back and forth and clearly got under each others skin (KG got at Lebron more then the other way around.) Lebron was distracted at the free throw line and missed a handful of key free throws that could've broken the Celtics' back. He missed them and the Celtics won.
It was more then the talking between players that gets to me, it's also the constant complaining to the officials. This game saw Cleveland pick up four technicals and Mike Brown get chucked. On the Celtics' side of the ball, they received two technicals, one from Rajon Rondo and one from Rasheed Wallace who is dangerously close to getting a one game suspension.
There was even more talking then that. Rasheed Wallace started mouthing off to Doc Rivers during one stage of the game, which caught him some pine, rightfully so.
Rasheed Wallace, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Lebron James, Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce...I implore you, take a cue from Ray Allen who had 33 points for the Celtics this afternoon. Ray Ray goes out and gets the job done. He keeps his mouth shut, for the most part and doesn't blame anybody else on the court for his struggles. Everyone in the league should take a cue from this guy.
The more NBA games I watch, the more I am disgusted by the attitudes of the players and how nothing seems to be their fault. They all do it and leading the charge are the superstars, Lebron, Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, they all do it and it is a detriment to the game.
I am not saying to never complain about a call or talk a little trash, but the extent to which the players in today's NBA talk distracts from the game and quite frankly it is entirely less effective then if you have a legitimate gripe with a call or a "real" beef with a competitor. When you're constantly complaining it loses a little luster.
Labels: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wednesday night was a night 7 years in the making. I took my 7 year old son Tyler, to his first professional sporting event. We saw the Celtics vs. the Thunder. What a night. The only thing that could have made it better was if the Celtics had won. To start the day off, I was offered tickets by one of my friends, and thought that it might be a good idea to bring my son to his first Celtic's game. I called home and asked if he wanted to go. I got the twenty questions, how long would it be, would I have fun, and so on. He couldn't make up his mind, so, because I was given these only hours before game time, I needed to move quick, in order to get someone to go with me. So, I called Timmy to let him know that I wasn't going to be able to do the podcast, and to see if he would be able to go. While I was talking to him, my wife called me back and said he was crying and really wanted to go. It was set, he was going with me.We headed into the game, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. A calm ride in, parked under the Garden, so we didn't have to carry our jackets. Took the elevator up paid for parking, then into the pro shop. I had to keep steering him away from the Bruins gear, and kept saying,"We are going to see the Celtic's not the Bruins." That game may come next year. I asked him what player shirt he wanted, he was locked on Ray Allen. He didn't even mention anyone else. I guess this is when I should mention that he has never watched a game on TV and only knows the players, because I point them out in highlights on TV. He seemed to have Ray as his favorite. So, a shirt, hat, foam finger and key chain later, we headed into the building and to our seats.
Still, everything was calm and quiet, the focus was on getting nachos. We enjoyed nachos and a diet coke, before the game started. We stood for the national anthem, then it was time for tip off. This is when the fun began. He was bouncing out of his seat for the whole game. At halftime when a bunch of people were leaving there seats, he said, should we be leaving now. I explained that is was halftime and that we would leave after the third quarter and I would be happy he made it that far. Well, the third quarter ended and he asked if we had to leave, I asked him why, he said I think I want to stay to the end. I couldn't have been a prouder Dad at that moment. Now, I was worried they would lose and blow the whole night. He was yelling, "DEFENSE" when on defense, and telling them to get a basket on offense. With less than a minute to go and they are down, four. It's going to be close. They just couldn't shut the Thunder down, and eventually lost 109 - 104. He accepted the defeat, and said,"The other team played really good and deserved to win." He was able to enjoy the game, cheer and root, like it was game seven of the NBA finals, and go home happy and so glad that he went.
It was a night I will cherish forever. Oh yeah, there was another kid I was impressed with, Kevin Durant. He scored so effortlessly. Ray Allen was on him most of the night, Pierce covered him the last five minutes or so, but the Celtics didn't have an answer for him. Even though the Celtics lost, it was the best game I have ever been too. Looking forward to doing this with the other majors sports, but for now I will have a big smile on my face, every time I talk about Tyler's first Celtic's game.
rubbashoes@wickedpisadude.com
Labels: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Garden, diet coke, kevin durant, NBA, NBA Finals, oklahoma city thunder, Paul Pierce, podcast, Ray Allen, rubba shoes, timmy, tyler corey
Thursday, April 1, 2010
When the final horn went off the score was 109-104 Thunder. The C's have lost their second straight game on this season long six game home stand, but not all was lost. Eight games remain before the playoffs tip off April 17th. Four at home, and four on the road. Big games in there as well Cleveland, Toronto, Chicago and Milwaukee (twice) which will give us the final look at whether the Celtics team will be able to make that playoff push none of us think they have in them. With all that being said losing to the Thunder you saw some positives,
1. Rasheed Wallace had his best night in 6 weeks, and I don't mean just the scoring I mean on D and leadership with smart decisions on offense. Things from Sheed we have not seen in awhile.
2. The fight they had, now we have seen the C's with a little extra fight over the past 5-6 games (except for that San Antonio game that was ugly) which means to me that they are getting more and more prepared to make that veteran push in the post season.
3. The bench play, getting more fluid every game. The Finley deal we all made fun of may actually be working out, he is hitting the open J, playing solid (not great) defense and has I think brought a veteran presence on the floor that was needed for this bench to be successful. Finally -
4. KG, he looks to be more and more ready for the post season. Each game this guy is throwing it all out there and doing it without that thought of "will my knee hold up if I go up for this alley-oop" I have loved what I have seen from Garnett on both sides of the floor these last couple of nights.
With the long home stand about to end for the C's they can help themselves out with finishing strong not only in the standings, remember they are still tied for that 3rd spot with Atlanta, but with the confidence of a championship team getting ready to make that big push in the playoffs. That is of course as long as they see themselves as a championship team, and if you ask any of THEM (not us) they will say "YES".
2. The fight they had, now we have seen the C's with a little extra fight over the past 5-6 games (except for that San Antonio game that was ugly) which means to me that they are getting more and more prepared to make that veteran push in the post season.
3. The bench play, getting more fluid every game. The Finley deal we all made fun of may actually be working out, he is hitting the open J, playing solid (not great) defense and has I think brought a veteran presence on the floor that was needed for this bench to be successful. Finally -
4. KG, he looks to be more and more ready for the post season. Each game this guy is throwing it all out there and doing it without that thought of "will my knee hold up if I go up for this alley-oop" I have loved what I have seen from Garnett on both sides of the floor these last couple of nights.
With the long home stand about to end for the C's they can help themselves out with finishing strong not only in the standings, remember they are still tied for that 3rd spot with Atlanta, but with the confidence of a championship team getting ready to make that big push in the playoffs. That is of course as long as they see themselves as a championship team, and if you ask any of THEM (not us) they will say "YES".
scotty@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, kevin durant, Kevin Garnett, michael finley, milwaukee bucks, oklahoma city thunder, Rasheed Wallace, toronto raptors
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Today, I begin a campaign to encourage Doc Rivers to bench Rasheed Wallace for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Now before you get all...he has experience, he's a big body to bang around on the blocks, he'll come around...hear me out.To most (not me) Rasheed Wallace looked like a good pick up at the start of the year. He was a bit old, but he had the skills that the Celtics needed and gave them a good veteran presence off the bench to spell Kendrick Perkins. In an ideal world, he would've come into the rotation and fit right in, but he just didn't do that. He just doesn't fit.
'Sheed is averaging 9ppg and 4.1 boards per game. These aren't bad numbers for a guy off the bench, but they are not Rasheed Wallace numbers. In fact, they are more then 33% off his career averages.
But, he's old.
Well, that's true, he is old and as you get older your numbers start to dwindle, look at the Big Three. However, the downside to Rasheed Wallace goes beyond the numbers. Here's a guy who comes down the floor and will jack a three at the most inopportune time. When you're looking for a guy to post up and get to the rim, he's standing behind the arc and throwing up bricks. This is not the kind of center the Celtics need in the playoffs.
Also, his effort on the defensive end is severely lacking. Rasheed Wallace is the guy on the playground who will scream and yell for the ball on the offensive end, but never once own up to missing an assignment on the defensive end. On this Celtics team, a lackluster effort on the defensive end is just not going to cut it.
I said it on the show this week and I am not the only one to say it, when the Celtics are playing solid defense they are winning. Rasheed detracts from their solid effort on the defensive end and that just won't cut it.
So, Doc, I implore you, give the younger guys a chance. Let them gel. Don't gum up the gears with a has been that nobody wanted on the team in the first place. Ok, maybe it was just me that didn't want him on the team, but who's laughing now?
Labels: Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace
Monday, March 29, 2010
Adam and Timmy are back for the FINAL weekend wrap-up. What?!?!?!? The FINAL weekend wrap-up? Fear not, we're just consolidating, you know the whole less is more thing, after all, we are in a recession. No, it has nothing to do with money, just the fact that we thought we could bring you more of the information you want in one solid weekly show, rather then stretching it out to two days a week. Soooooo...listen up as Adam and Timmy spell out the changes for you and then talk about Coach K's encounter with the Boston Celtics Dancers (Shamrockettes was passed on by Wyc.)
The fellas also touch on a former family feud over at Gillette that was recently exposed between Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels and whether or not the Patriots "Franchise" is going to get a new deal before the start of the season. They also discuss what the Red Sox are going to do with Josh Beckett and whether or not he's still considered the ace of the staff or if there even is one at this point.
The Celtics are streaking (I said the Celtics, NOT the Celtics dancers, sorry boys) and the Bruins are still reeling from some hard hitting.
The shock of the night goes to Adam who is positioned as a possible front runner in the Wicked Pissa Dude March Madness bracket. If the Mountaineers of West Virginia can win one more game, Coach K might get knocked off the mountain. And a check of the Fantasy leagues continues to be kind to the Branco family.
In "almost" professional sports, Scotty Dukes and the WickedPissaDude.com Men's League basketball team won their first game of the season 69-62. GOOOOOOOOOO TEAM!!!
Don't forget, starting Wednesday night, the whole gang will be in the building for the show that is ONE DAY a week.
For that show, we want to hear from you. We'll be introducing a segment with questions from you. So, if you want to ask any member of the staff a question about ANYTHING shoot us an e-mail @ theshow@wickedpissadude.com , leave the question on our Facebook wall or give us a call and leave the question on the "Wicked Hot" Line (339)368-6223.
Have a great week.
Labels: Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston College Eagles, Boston Red Sox, fantasy sports, Josh Beckett, josh mcdaniels, New England Patriots, Tom Brady, west virginia mountaineers
Thursday, March 25, 2010
So once again the Statler & Waldorf of the staff have ailments and therapy to discuss. Rubba Shoes and his bad wing square off against Timmy and his bad wheel. Once the geriatrics get their sportscreme applied they might actually talk sports. Tiger is coming back for The Masters and the guys can't wait. Now there is even a press conference to kick off the festivities. Frozen Four updates are all part of the hockey talk as the NHL skates closer to the second season. Scotty Dukes checks in with his broken bracket and the latest on "Team Green." Will Tommy ca$h in on his new Patriots contract or leave some money on the table for Coach to get some other groceries? Who is the odd man out on the Sox rotation? All this and an arbitrary song selection from Rubba Shoes to wrap up the fantasy round up. Thanks for listening and have a great weekend.theshow@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Coach Belichick, fantasy sports, frozen four, New England Patriots, NHL, rubba shoes, Scotty Dukes, statler and waldorf, the masters, tiger woods, timmy, Tom Brady
Monday, March 22, 2010
In a shocking development, as the U.S. Congress prepared to cast their votes for the most influential and controversial piece of legislation in the countries history, the guys discussed gardening tips. Actually, pretty close to that. Timmy argued that our elected officials were sowing the seeds of a single payer system. Adam spent most of the opening segment trying to convince Timmy that he was not going to be goose stepping in knee boots any time soon. Did Timmy buy it? We'll see. Hey guess what - some sports got shoehorned in as well. The Sox have some new bottles to pop in the clubhouse come October and a new member of the team to pop the with as well. The Celtics are starting to mesh a little bit as a team on the mend. Is it too late to get the mojo going before the playoffs? Timmy talks hockey - both Bruins and BC by himself (Adam takes a nap). While the biggest story of the weekend is the collapse of the Jayhawks. The Final Four takes on a whole new look - we're not in Kansas anymore. All this and a wrap on the "first half" scores from fantasy hockey and basketball. Oh, Coach K has finally produced the hardware that everyone has been waiting to see. Big news, right here on the Weekend Wrap Up. Thanks for listening and have a great week.theshow@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: adam, bc eagles, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, final four, kansas jayhawks, legislation, timmy, u.s. congress
Monday, March 15, 2010
Here in New England we love our sports and we love our drinks. As of late the cocktini consumption has been to dull the pain rather than enhance the enjoyment. The Celtics are inconsistent. The Bruins are deplorable and the Patriots are laying in wait. The Red Sox get a pass for now, at least until opening night against the Yankees. Well the guys wrap up the St. Patrick's Day Weekend with a visit from Uncle Dukes fresh off the selection show for March Madness. Adam was the oldest person at the parade and Timmy and his family drank Irish Milkshakes and ate corn beef. It is all here along with the fantasy round up as we head into the playoffs. Thanks for listening and have a great week.theshow@wickedpissadude.com
Labels: adam, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, guinness, irish, march madness, milkshakes, new england, New England Patriots, New York Yankees, st. patrick's day, timmy, uncle dukes
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