Beat the Streak 2011 MLB Contest ~ Don't pick Manny Ramirez

I'm not one to play fantasy sports, but I came across this "Beat the Streak" contest for the 2011 MLB season.  The object of the contest is simple.  For each "game day" pick a player who you think will get a hit.  Be the FIRST to beat the streak of 56 games with a correct pick, and you win $5,600,000.00  Yes, that number is typed correctly.  I double-checked it.  I don't know about you, but I could use $5.6 million.

Jason Heyward at bat v the Cubs
on April 8, 2010.  He went 0-4.

So far the longest streak is 8 games.  Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward was hitless last night against the Milwaukee Brewers and killed my streak of 4 games...  Ugh.  ****  Actualy, I just took a look at my photo files, and just last year I saw him against go hitless against the Chicago Cubs...  Great.

Good thing, I checked my upcoming picks today because I had selected Manny Ramirez for an upcoming game. With Manny's retirement announcement today, I doubt he'll be hitting again ~ period.  Don't get me wrong, I liked Manny. 

Manny Ramirez debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1993.  1993 was also my freshman year of college, in Northeast Ohio, so I spent many a night at Jacobs Field (i.e. now named Progressive Field).  Manny was loved in Cleveland.  1993-2002 were some great days for the Cleveland Indians.  Those were the days of David Justice, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez...  I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks, but you know what I'm talking about.

Come to think of it, my best friend (i.e. Chubs) had a picture of Manny Ramirez in his spare bedroom.  He loved that picture.  It may have even been autographed.  Oh well. 

Manny Ramirez at bat v Pirates, April 30, 2010

The last time I saw Manny Ramirez play was less than a year ago against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  In addition to it being my first time at Dodgers Stadium, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar threw out the ceremonial first pitch.  ****  Kareem's presence made the game extra special for me since I'm an "old school" Laker fan.

But I digress...  So, let's get back to this blog post's topic.

Play the Beat the Streak contest and test your luck.  Further, with ANOTHER announcement of an issue relating to baseball's drug policy, it's hard to love a cheater ~ especially a cheater who's calling it quits.  Therefore, if you have Manny in any of your fantasy baseball contests, replace him now.


THE WIRK

The Knicks fought off the Sixers 4th quarter push for the win

Last night I was at the Wells Fargo Center.  I have to say that because I felt like I was in New York.  I heard so many "Melo" chants and was surrounded by a bunch of fans that were wearing New York Knicks jerseys, that at times I felt like I was at Madison Square Garden. 

Knicks fans representing

If you like physical basketball, you should have been at the New York Knicks v Philadelphia 76ers game last night.  I decided at the last minute to go to the game and I don't regret it for one moment.  I have been wanting to go to the Wells Fargo Center for a Sixers home game for some time now, but lacked motivation.  ****  I'd been to the venue before, but not for a game and needed to check it off my list.

As I entered the arena, I took in the sights and noticed that there was an auction going on for Sixers' charities.  Fans could bid on baskets donated by the players and organization.  I saw Elton Brand's favorite things basket and decided to bid.  His basket included an iPad.  After bidding $900, I kept it moving and went to my seat.  ****  The basket sold for $2,000.

I have an interest in the Knicks for various reasons.  I mean, come on.  Instead of spending Christmas with my family, I went to watch the Chicago Bulls play the New York Knicks at The Garden.  However, I had yet to see Carmelo Anthony in a Knicks uniform though and I needed to see the "new look" Knicks for myself.

As I watched the Knicks dominate the Sixers for 3.5 quarters, I was already thinking about the next step of my night.  Suddenly, the Sixers started playing and Andre Igoudala found his game.  Elton Brand was playing solidly as well.  Next thing you knew (i.e. with Chauncey Billups out of the game with a bruised thigh) and Carmelo in foul trouble, the Sixers were cutting the lead.  

The cutest, little Sixers fan
capturing the action



With about 2:40 minutes left in the game (i.e. and Carmelo Anthony in foul trouble), the Sixers took the lead and their fans were off their feet.  The score was 88-87, and the Sixers hadn't led since the score was 13-12.  How do I know?  I re-watched the game on TV.  Yeah.  You heard me.  I re-watched the game on TV.

It's no secret that Doug Collins has been coaching his tail off with the Sixers.  It's also no secret that the Knicks aren't known for their defense.  However, Ronny Turiaf came up with some great defensive plays and played a huge role in the win.  He may not be an offensive weapon (i.e. 0 points, and 1 blocked shot), but he brought it on defense.

Ronny Turiaf's one blocked shot of the game

At the end of the day, the Knicks escaped the 4th quarter surge of the Sixers and won the game. 

In the losing effort, Thaddeus Young had 25, points and Elton contributed 24 points.  Andre Igoudala ended with 15 points, and most of them were later in the game.

The Knicks ready to finish off the Sixers

For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 31 points and 11 boards.  Amare Stoudemire put in work for 18 points.

What a game!  It was well worth the trip to the Wells Fargo Center...  Cross it off the list.

Oh and, I even made it on TV...  See me in the lower left-hand corner?  My cousins recognized me and called me during the game.  Too funny!

THE WIRK

I watch Champions... Who are you calling Jinxsee?!?!

I've been noticing something.  If I watch a team live during the season, chances are they win a championship.  Cases in point:  UConn, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Green Bay Packers. 

Interesting.  Who wants to give me a ticket to watch their favorite team play?  I'm lucky!

That's right...  Who are you calling, Jinxsee?!?!  :-P


THE WIRK

Sabonis named to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ~ Sveikiname!

Guy wearing a Sabas jersey,
NBA Summer League
Vegas 2010

Many years ago when I was in Cleveland, the Portland Trail Blazers came to town.  This event is not that exciting for most, but for one guy it was like Christmas.  For many Lithuanian basketball players, Arvydas Sabonis is/was a childhood idol.  For many Lithuanians period, Sabonis is/was a hero. 

I was told, "If Sabonis calls, come and get me.  I don't care where I am or what I'm doing."  I'll give you one guess as to where he was and what he was doing, when Sabas called.  Yep.  You're right.

Sabas called and I picked up the phone.  This is special, because we NEVER picked up the phone when we didn't recognize the number.  Caller ID was our friend.  When I heard the accent on the other end of the phone, I knew who was on the phone.  It was Sabas on the line, and even I was a little excited because I knew my "housemate" would be thrilled.

The two of them went out that night.  A man and his childhood hero.  The following day, both would have very different plans.  The Trail Blazers played the Cavaliers the following day, and my "housemate" left for a doctor's appointment in California to have his foot examined.  They were out ALL NIGHT.  I'm not talking about coming in at 2, 3, or 4.  I'm not even talking about 5, 6, or 7 AM.  I passed my housemate on the stairs as I left to go to work.

"I don't want to talk about it," was all he said. 
"I didn't say anthing, but you know you have a flight to catch in 2 hours", I replied.
He just smiled and said, "I know, but that idiot has shoot around in 40 minutes."

You could tell that he was exhausted but had one of the best nights of his life.  How could I be mad?  How often does anyone get to go out with his/her childhood hero?

How did the story end?  It was January 22, 2001.  My housemate made his flight.  Sabonis shot 1-10 and ended the game with 3 points.  The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 84-58.

Congratulations Arvydas Sabonis on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  Sveikiname, Sabas!


THE WIRK

Butler v UConn tonight for the 2011 NCAA Championship

UConn celebrating Butler's win over Pitt

I've seen more than enough of UConn and Butler, since I went to the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2011 NCAA Tournament in Washington, DC.  I was at the Verizon Center for all the sessions and was fortunate to have a seat near the tunnel where UConn came in and out.  I watched UConn cheer and celebrate when Pitt was defeated by the Butler Bulldogs.  They obviously knew felt that their road to a 2011 NCAA Championship would be smoother if Pitt was eliminated.

It should be a good match-up tonight.  Even though I've seen these two teams play "live" enough to last me a lifetime, I will watch.

I think Vegas has UConn as a 3-4 point favorite.  I'm not a huge fan of Jim Calhoun, but I do like Kemba Walker.  I didn't know that much about him, until I watched him play "live", but you can tell that he definitely enjoys playing the game.  It's also apparent that he and Coach Calhoun have a great relationship.  I watched them smile and discuss the game on the sidelines and you can tell there's mutual respect there.

I'd put my money on UConn, but have to admit that I'm impressed with Brad Stevens and his team's poise and "fight".  Plus, it goes without saying (i.e. but I'll do it anyway) that it's quite an accomplishment to make it to the Championship game, in back-to-back years!

Hmm, maybe I'm a little more interested in the game than I thought...  Oh, well.  I'm still content with not making the trip to Houston.

Based on the reaction in the tunnels, UConn wanted to see Butler defeat Pitt and had to know that they "might" see the Bulldogs at the end of the road.  To quote the Pussycat Dolls, "Be careful what you wish for, 'cuz you just might get it."  Ok, Huskies ~ let's see what you got!

THE WIRK

I spied Alex Ovechkin when I ran out to meet a friend on Sunday

I went out for a little bit on Sunday to meet a friend, and guess who I saw having lunch.  Alex Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals.  I've seen numerous Caps players when I'm out and about, but I've never been that close to Ovie.  He walked by my friends and I.  I said, "What's up, Ovie."  He smiled.  He frequents the same place I go to, because of the close proximity to the Kettler Capitals Iceplex.  Plus, no one really bothers him when he comes in.

Incidentally, he's a hockey player, but I expected him to be bigger.  He's not much taller than me, and I'm 5'7"-5'8".

If you want a picture of the two of us, too bad.  I don't bother people when they're eating, and when he left, he didn't want to take a picture.  

All good though ~ I've seen him play a number of times and at a bunch of basketball games, so I'm sure I'll run into him again, eventually...

I think this is a sign that I need to start keeping up with hockey again... 

Go Caps!

THE WIRK

Cavs v Wizards ~ Andray Blatche had a career night, Wizards get the "W"

Yesterday, I was flipped a last minute ticket to the Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards game at the Verizon Center.  I wasn't overly excited about going to the game, but I thought it'd be a good chance to see an old friend and watch two under-performing squads battle.  I didn't expect much from last night's match-up, especially since John Wall was serving a suspension (i.e. he had scuffled with the Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas on Wednesday night).

*****  I'd be lying if the chance to eat Dippin' Dots again didn't factor into the equation also.  I have new found love for those treats.  You'd think they were new, but I've re-discovered my love for the ice cream.  Incidentally, at the Verizon Center, the serving size is smaller than the larger size at the Quicken Loans Arena, but the Verizon Center charges more (i.e. $5).  Beggers can't be choosers, though so I spent the money.  Oh, it's cash only at the Verizon Center so be prepared.

The story of the game was Andray Blatche's performance to lead the Washington Wizards to victory.  That's right, boys and girls, the Wizards won the game.  Blatche had 36 points and 19 rebounds. 16 of Blatche's rebounds were offensive.  JaVale McGee added 25 points, and Jordan Crawford notched a triple-double (i.e. 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

In the losing effort for the Cavaliers Ramon Sessions led the team by dropping 26 points.  ****  I remember when he "played" for the Minnesota Timberwolves...

Another thing that was interesting was seeing Baron Davis is a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform.  I actually wonder if he's gotten used to seeing himself in the uniform as well.



The Cavs look very different this season



The Wizards, without Wall, take the court



I may not be familiar with the roster of Byron Scott's Cleveland Cavaliers, but since Ohio will always be "home" I do feel connected to them.  It was great to see Max Benton, the trainer, on the bench still.  Veteran, Strength and Conditioning coach, Stan Kellers, was there also, sitting behind the bench.  It must be strange for them to be a part of and remember the Cavs' glory days and now be a part of the organization...

At least things can only get better for the Cavs franchise...  Right?!?!

Wizards won: 115-107.

THE WIRK