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.

Friday Februray, 27

A a little discussion on the first bit of NFL free agency and then a very special pick 'em edition of Sports With Isiah.



The Redskins and DT Albert Haynesworth signed a 7 year/$100 million deal early Friday morning, soon after the start of free agency. Haynesworth will give the Skins a much needed boost in the defensive line, where the were extremely weak last year. The Redskins also signed with the defensive approach when they re-signed DeAngelo Hall, for 6 year/$54 million contract. I guess they thought offense wasn't their biggest concern. I think both of these are wonderful moves for the franchise, but it wouldn't have hurt to sign an offensive player to maybe help out the 19th ranked O in the land. Maybe like the Bucs did when they traded undisclosed draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to help stabilize an offense that CLEANED HOUSE, cutting several veteran players. Winslow missed most of his career in Cleveland after sustaining a knee injury when he wrecked his motorcycle. If he can just stay healthy he could be a big part of the Buccaneer offense. One more trade happened when the Vikings traded a 4th round draft pick for Houston Texans QB Sage Rosenfels. He will be expected to compete for the starting job with Tavaris Jackson.

Why doesn't anybody listen to me? The Boston Celtics signed Stephon Marbury, who hasn't played a game in over a year. The point guard is expected to be in uniform for tonight's game vs. the Indiana Pacers. More than likely come of the bench and run the second team offense. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he will come to Boston and be a great player and person. Haha. Haha. We'll just have to see.

Ok, (drumroll please) on with the first edition of Pick 'Em with Isiah!

First I'll start with the MLB division pick and players to watch, in that division.
Division-Pick-Player to watch
AL East-NY Yankees-Alex Rodriguez
AL Central-Minnesota Twins-Joe Mauer
AL West-Angels-Michael Young
NL East-Braves-Jeff Francouer
NL Central-Cubs-Roy Oswalt
NL West-Dodgers-Manny Ramirez

Please keep reading, leaving comments, and telling your opinion about the topics I talk about.. Spread the word about me. Thanks.

Tuesday February, 24

Short one today. Firstly I would like to congratulate the GFMS Lady Blue Demons on their regular season volleyball championship!

1. Michael Phelps will make his return to swimming in nearby Charlotte N.C. I will try to get tickets to this event on May 14-17. Looks like they took my advise and let him back in. I think that he has learned his lesson and will be more careful with his decisions now. By the way, at the match, I'm picking Phelps to win.
2. Michael Crabtree could not workout in front of NFL scouts at all. He is 50-50 on his decision to have surgery on his foot. If I was him I would go ahead and do it. Regardless of workouts or not we all know he will be a first rounder. Not working out may push him down a few spots but that may actually be better for him because he would go to a better team.
3. The Knicks released Stephon Marbury Tuesday which leaves the door open for the Boston Celtics to sign him. Which in my opinion is a total mistake. Why would a championship caliber team like the Celtics want to sign a flashy, arrogant, selfish player like Marbury when the chemistry in locker room. It's not like they really need him. The current lineup is producing fine. I were owner of the Celtics i would never sign him.
4. Farewell Marvin Harrison. He was released by Indianapolis earlier today. In my mind he will always be a Colt. He is eligible to play anywhere he wants in the upcoming season. The move was made because Harrison's price tag was too expensive. The organization had to do what it had to do. I'm sad to see it happen but, I can't complain. In my mind if Harrison were to retire right now, he should go to the Hall of Fame.

Thanks for reading and keep commenting!

Monday February, 23

Here we go.

1. Phil Mickelson nearly blew the biggest lead of his career, then had to scramble for par to avoid a playoff. When his roller-coast week at Riviera ended Sunday, the Northern Trust Open turned out to be one of his more satisfying victories. Some say that this was statement win from Lefty to Tiger. I agree with the fact that it was a statement win but, it had very little to do with Mr.Woods. He is proving to the world (and maybe himself) that even though a short while ago he was missing cuts, he is still one of the best golfers in the world. OK maybe is was a little towards Tiger.








2. In the last Penguins v. Capitals game, stars Sydney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, got a little chippy with each other. I think its great to see two of the best in the league prove that they can hold their own in places other than scoring goals. I'm really anxious to see what will happen next between these two. Even though in my opinion The Kid won the head-to-head rivalry, Ovechkin's Capitals are 3-0 against the Penguins this year.







3. When asked about his salary at a post-game press-conference, University of Connecticut Head Basketball coach, Jim Calhoun got, o what's the word, colorful, shall we say. The reason he was asked is UConn is a state funded school. A state that is 2 million dollars in debt. The reporter who asked the question is a total rat. If you have a tough question to ask someone you pull them over to the side after they've gotten out of in front of the cameras and ask him. Maybe Calhoun got a little over excited but he had every right to be angry.






4. Scouts at the NFL combine say they are "confused" by the spread style offense college kids run because they can't "evaluate their NFL offense ability". What? Isn't that their job? To evaluate NFL talent. What that says is that they can't do their job because its getting to hard. GET BETTER.





5. With a 101-91 win over Wake Forest Sunday Duke makes a statement that even though they hit a slight bump in the road they are still one of the best teams in the country. With two starter with there career highs, this was arguably there best game of the year. But my main point (other than wait till Sunday Heels) is Coach K showed more emotion before the game than I had ever seen him show. His jumping up and down and fist pumping and cheering and chest bumping was one of the best things I've seen all year. From a coach who normally is relatively mild-mannered, trying to pump up his team who has dropped 4 of 6 this was the best thing in the world.




6. Blake Griffin is out tonight in Norman for the Sooners showdown with number 15 Kansas. After sustaining a concussion after catching a heavy elbow in the face, doctors in Norman gave him a concussion test today and said he should sit tonight. If the Sooners were to lose Griffin for a long period of time it could be bad news. But, according to team doctors he will be able to play in their next game Saturday. His status is improving and will be given the concussion test daily.



7. Was Dwight Howard's half court shot in warm ups luck or skill? Skill. If you went to a normal NBA practice you would be shocked by the shots the players make. They practice these shots, not for the games, but for fun and to show off. Players literally stay after the normal practice has concluded to practice taking half court shot. Or in the case of Kevin Love last year, 90 footers. I will say some players would get 4 out of 10.


8. Donovann McNabb is pinning his contract extension on the improvement of the skill positions, namely the wide receivers. At age 32 this will probably be his last big contract signing. In my opinion to satisfy McNabb the Eagles should consider signing a free agent wide out or drafting for UF, Percy Harvin.

Lastly Happy Birthday Fred Bilitnekoff! Ok thank you for reading and continue to comment and tell everyone about me.

Saturday Februrary, 21

OK, by request just one topic on today's edition of Sports With Isiah.

Julius Peppers, and the Carolina Panthers. As a die-hard fan of the Panthers, I was in shock when I found out he wanted out of Carolina. I completely agree with the decision to slap the franchise tag on the franchises all-time sacks leader, with 70.5 in his career. They couldn't afford to lose the emotional and physical leader of a defense that went from ranking near the top in total defense to one that ranked near the lower third of the league in total defense in 2008. Also i don't completely understand the standpoint of Julius Peppers int the matter. I do understand maybe wanting to go to a team that won't choke in the playoffs, but his reason is he wants out of the 4-3 the Panthers run to a 3-4. Why try and fix what isn't broken? If the system got you a career high 14.5 sacks and a trip to Hawaii, your only risking losing those numbers in a different style defense. And why anyone would want to go TO Dallas right now is beyond me. But overall i think (and hope) this will work out for both sides, with the Panthers keeping a great player, and Julius Peppers realizing he is in a great system, organization, and city.

Thanks for reading, and keep commenting and telling everyone about me.

Friday February, 20

Back again so let's go.

1. Glavine signs a one year contract with my Braves. I was praying for it and I'm glad it happened. But, after trading away a veteran pitcher, Smoltz, who led a relatively weak pitching staff, it still isn't looking like it'll be a good year on the bump for the Bravos. Unless they sign either one big name or a couple decent ones the year in Atlanta will be based mostly on hitting.



2. Texas Tech and Mike Leach have finally agreed on a contract extension. FINALLY. 5 years and 12.5 million dollars with bonuses for various accomplishments. Leach says he's "thrilled to death" to stay in Lubbock. IF HE WAS THAT THRILLED HE SHOULD HAVE SIGNED IT 2 MONTHS AGO. I'm done on this topic.



3. Danica Patrick says she is not interested in racing Formula 1. I'm glad. She said this was her dream and now that she has reached it she's sticking with despite more money from different circuits. But if she did go to F-1 people might actually watch it.



4. Greg Oden is out for at least 2 more home games and could stay in Portland for the team's next road trip because of a knee injury. After missing all of last year and several games this year with a foot injury the question is why can't he stay healthy? A good strong man like his self should be able to bounce back from an injury. It's because everyone (including himself) is convinced that he has to do everything for the Trail Blazers. After being the next big thing coming out of college and going to a team with basically nothing he is expected to. You can't have one person carry your team and expect him to stay healthy.



5. Michael Phelps. Just another GREAT athlete who did something in front of some guy with a camera. But, really he should get the benefit of the doubt, and a second chance. Besides he owes it to the nation's youth to be a role model. With a heartfelt apology and no charges filed he'll be back in the pool in no time. On about the shortest leash you can imagine might i add.


6. Last issue, Amare Stoudemire. Yea, good call on the no trade Suns. Out at least 8 weeks means he will miss any kind of playoff run the Suns can put together. And if they do get in more than likely the first 2 rounds. Steve Nash took the words out of my mouth. Just got to keep there heads up.

Well this wraps another edition of Sports With Isiah. As far as the NBA trade deadline, I told you so. Haha well thanks for reading and be sure to leave me lots of comments. Thanks and seeyah soon.

Wednesday, February 18 2009

OK, no baseball tryouts today because of rain. Well I'll get on with the sports. OK first topic, A-Rod. Firstly, I love A-Rod as a player just like we all do (minus Red Sox Nation). Just like he said he just made a simple mistake in his younger years. All he has done is put the blame on himself, taken like a man, and apologized. I just wish people would shut up about it let the man baseball.

Texas Tech, and Mike Leach. First of all I don't understand why Mike Leach would even want to leave Lubbock. Of course without Crabtree it may take a year or two to get another championship caliber team. But if he is going to leave he should just break it and sign with some school. At least give Tech a while to find another quality coach.

Zach Randolph, of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been suspended 2 games by the league for punching Louis Amundson, of the Phoenix Suns in the face Tuesday Night. First I'd like to say it was a great left hook. A great left hook that should get him thrown out of the league for the rest of the year. Harsh? Maybe, but he would never do it again. That was so uncalled for, I mean Amundson was just retaliating from a hard foul. If i was Coach of the Clippers I would not have Randolph on the floor with my uniform on.

Dwight Howard put up 45 on my Bobcats, which made me wonder. Could Dwight Howard win MVP of the NBA. Of course you have Chris Paul, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, but if Howard continues to put up numbers like this he will have a legit chance for the reward.

Rockets and Trail Blazers are looking at Vince Carter but I just don't see a deal getting done before the deadline. It would probably be better for Carter who is still very talented but is stuck with a team that will go nowhere. I would love to see Vince win a championship and the best place for him to would be Houston.

Brad Van Pelt, a five-time Pro Bowl player with the New York Giants who helped form one of the NFL's best line backing corps in the early 1980s, has died. He was 57. First I want to send my condolences to his family. He was a great man in all areas of his life, much past football. All his teammates said he was a great teammate and friend.

OK, thanks for reading people. I'll make another post as soon as possible. Tell everyone about my blog. PLease leave me comments. Thanks and see you all soon.