Sunday March, 1

Today I'll be talking about college hoops, Santana's elbow, and the Celtics.

But, first my biggest winners and losers so far in NFL free agency and trading. So far the biggest winner in my opinion is the NY Jets. They signed 2 versatile players in Bart Scott, through free agency, and Lito Sheppard, through a trade with the Eagles. Scott, who helped lead a dominant defense to an AFC Championship Game, can play inside or outside linebacker giving the Jets a little more depth at a relatively weak position for them. He will also be right at home because the defense ran in East Rutherford will be the same he has been in his entire career with the Ravens, because he will have the same defensive coordinator in Rex Ryan. Sheppard can also play left or right, and inside or outside corner. They will both contribute to a Jets defense that needed help at both positions and will fit right in to the organization and community. Kansas City has also done pretty good on their trade with New England when they received QB Matt Cassel and veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round draft pick. I don't know why that as all it took for NE to give up a franchise QB and a veteran, but I'm sure Chiefs fans are happy about it. My biggest loser up to this point has got to be New England. I just don't understand their move. The Broncos made a good decision in signing Safety Brian Dawkins who led a 2nd ranked defense in 2008.

Johan Santana described his MRI as "precautionary". After throwing 31 pitches in a bullpen session he said he felt fine. It was the first time that he had thrown in 4 days, due to a sore elbow. The elbow could keep him out of his start on opening day, even though it is unlikely. The Mets should be glad this isn't a more serious injury. They should continue to rest him and maybe not put him in an actual spring game.

Stephon Marbury's debut with the Celtics went flawlessly. But, for this to continue Marbury will have to accept a role where he is a very limited part of the action. For a player of his caliber this can be the toughest part of playing. The thing that causes this is Rajon Rando's superb season. He is the heart of the defense, and Doc would be wrong to diminish his playing time to accommodate Marbury, and I don't think he will.

I now admire Blake Griffin. Even after suffering from a concussion he played a very physical game again TTU. The best part was his dive over the scorer's table to save a ball, where he took out a laptop. That's what I love to see. Playing hard no matter the effects on your body. That's what make Blake Griffin the probable Player of the Year.

The Bulls organizaton lost two great personalities. Johnny "Red" Kerr, the former Chicago Bulls coach who spent more than three decades as a broadcaster for the team, died Thursday. He was 76. Also, Norm Van Lier, one of the most popular players in Chicago Bulls history and one of the NBA's top defensive players in the 1970s, was found dead in his home just blocks away from the team's arena Thursday. He was 61. Both men contributed so much to the organization and the city. I send my thoughts and prayers to their families.

OK I've noticed that alot more people have been reading my blog lately so thank you. And please feel free to comment. I love to hear my readers opinions. Thanks you all for reading.