Sporting Rants and Raves: October 10, 2009

Happy 35th birthday to Mr. Dale Earnhardt Jr. the professional race car driver and son of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. Although he has dropped off a tad since the early 2000s, Dale can still be a force with whom to be reckoned as evident in his 2 'Top Fives' this year.

Trivia of the Week
What American city serves as the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing's Headquarters? Extra Credit: In what year was the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing formed?

Answers to October 3's Trivia of the Week
Name the major championship Couples won. Extra Credit: Which university did Couples attend?
I defer to Uncle Mark for this week's response: Fred Couples won the 1992 Masters and he attended the University of Houston and roomed with the sports caster Jim Nantz.

MLB Playoffs
Punchless Red Sox on brink of elimination
They had their run, these men in sox of red. They made it to the playoffs this year on the coattails of the legacy they've written for themselves this past decade. And because the likes of Texas and Seattle among others couldn't find a way to win late in the season when it mattered. I won't believe it until I see the last out of the third LA win, but I do believe their time has passed...

La Russa shakes up lineup for Game 3
An odd predicament for these St. Louis Cardinals. Their 2 losses were rather unexpected, especially with such a strong team. They can come back - more so than I think the Red Sox can - but Torre is rather good as closing the door and nailing it shut with this kind of momentum. Usually...

Game 3 in Denver postponed, and Pedro Martinez out
At 1-1 the Rockies-Phils series seems the most interesting of the bunch. Snow has postponed tonight's game, but they'll be at it again after the zamboni has done its work in Denver. I think the Phils will take this in the end. But they better not look past these Rockies.

Teixeira & A-Rod power Yankees past Twins
Most of you know that I am a Yankees fan. Always have been and most likely always will be. And yet, I cannot in good conscience agree with the egregious call made that favored the Yanks last evening. The ball was clearly fair. And it more than likely affected the outcome of the game. That said, the Twins still left a lot of runs on the bases. More than the Yanks did. And they lost a squeaker because of it, when they could have won by quite a few. Based on that game, I think New York has this pretty much wrapped against Minnesota. Bring on the Angels...

Fleury says he was sexually abused by junior coach
This story sickens me for multiple reasons. First, an adult in whom a boy trusted took advantage of the trust and caused permanent harm. This unconscionable act is a blow to leaders of children everywhere. Second, this junior coach has caused problems for all gay men. As I heard some say in the seminary, homosexuality and pedophilia seem two sides of the same coin, and this story allows for the blurring of that line even more so for those many ignorant men and women who refuse to see the difference.

TD's NFL Picks - Week 5
A quarter of the season has passed. New Orleans, Indianapolis, Denver, Minnesota, and the New York Giants are 4-0. A few obvious surprises. Others, not so much...

Cincinnati @ Baltimore
Cincinnati's better than expected. At 3-1, they are tied with Baltimore for the AFC North. Nuevecuatro is playing well. Carson Palmer is on fire. Baltimore better not come in thinking this is an easy win. And I don't think they will. After a tough loss to New England, Harbaugh will have them ready. I think the Ravens D wins this one. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland @ Buffalo
Cleveland played Cincy tough last week. Probably because they replaced Quinn. And they got a few offensive things happening. Buffalo is a weird team that can't seem to get out of their own way, as is usual for them. So, I think this game will be closer than people might expect. I'll go with Cleveland in an upset to end their 10-game losing streak. Now, watch T.O. have a breakout performance. TD chooses: Cleveland Browns

Washington @ Carolina
Ugh. Who cares? Washington has beaten 2 winless teams. And they lost to Detroit. Carolina hasn't won at all. And they don't look like they're on track to win many. Yet, I think John Fox will prep them to win this one against a seemingly clueless Jim Zorn. TD chooses: Carolina Panthers

Pittsburgh @ Detroit
Pittsburgh at 2-2 sits a game behind the Bagels and Ravens. I'm certain Mike Tomlin isn't thrilled about that. And I think the Steelers know that. So, I say the Steelers will go into Detroit and wallop the Lions, especially since the Lions will most likely be missing their starting QB. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

Dallas @ Kansas City
I think Dallas will most likely win this game because Kansas City isn't very good. But not because Dallas is good. In an article I recently read, Cowboys LB Bradie James said, 'OK, where are we? What is our identity?' And interestingly enough, I think this is the Cowboys' problem at the moment. With their new palace in Dallas, they are the epitome of NFL royalty. But they have a down-home gun slinging kid leading their team. Whereas last year, they were the most hated team in the NFL with T.O., Pacman, and Tank, this year they have no thing to unite them. Instead, they're flailing and wondering who they are. I'll tell you who they are. A talented team with little chemistry and a coach who knows how to manage but not how to lead. TD nevertheless chooses: Dallas Cowboys

Oakland @ New York Giants
Oakland is just terrible. Jamarcus won't last much longer in this league. With a lesser coach than Coughlin, this could be a trap game. But I don't think it will be. Eli may even be able to take the 4th quarter off and rest his plantar fasciitis. TD chooses: New York Football Giants

Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia
Philly scares me a tad with their potential talent. Scares me only because the Jints still gotta play em. As for this week, I think they'll handle Tampa. Primarily because Tampa is bad. Maybe they should wear their throw back unis. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles

Minnesota @ St. Louis
Minnesota has a short week, but Favre's on fire. As well as the defense - see Jared Allen. St. Louis? Umm, yeah. TD chooses: Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta @ San Francisco
This has become an interesting matchup. With Gore out, Atlanta has an advantage as they have already allowed 312 rushing yards in 3 games. But San Fran has a defensive advantage overall with arguably the best LB in Willis. And given the Falcons' troubles with running the ball, it is altogether possible that San Fran will have been able to plan for the Ryan passing attack. At this point, Singletary's 49ers have shown me quite a bit. For that reason, TD chooses: San Francisco 49ers

Houston @ Arizona
Dunno. Plain and simple no idea. And it's because Arizona hasn't found their legs yet. It's almost as if they've forgotten how to play offense. Houston, meanwhile, has the ability to strike at any time. But they haven't been doing such a great job of it either. On the defensive front, Arizona is showing signs of life; Houston can show signs of life but hasn't. And so I'm back to the original dilemma. TD flips a coin and chooses: Houston Texans

New England @ Denver
Is it just me or does anyone else think it's really strange that Denver's 4-0? There's no doubt that Mike Nolan has done a great job with the defense. And that Orton is playing efficient football. But it still doesn't smell right. I personally think New England will come in a uncover that smell. Don't get me wrong, I think it could be a good game. But the master has what it takes to bring down the student. TD chooses: New England Patriots

Jacksonville @ Seattle
I will have the honor of watching this one in person tomorrow. And I'm pretty sure that Jacksonville will take it to them. Because they're hot, at the moment. Because Hasselbeck is still questionable. And because Seattle isn't altogether impressive this year. TD chooses: Jacksonville Jaguars

Indianapolis @ Tennessee
I know Indy is 4-0. I know Tennessee is 0-4. But something about this game makes me think that the unusual can happen. Perhaps the Titans won't win - Manning is playing unbelievably well - but they'll make a game of it on the national stage. Jeff Fisher isn't the longest tenured coach in the NFL for nothing. I'll bet on this outcome. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts

Miami @ New York Jets
The New York Jets lost rather convincingly to the Saints last week. The Bills did the same to the Dolphins. So, now we have an interesting matchup between 2 rivals on the national stage. Sanchez comes off his worst game as a pro, but also against a much better team than Miami. The Dolphins have lost their leader and are relying on Chad Henne against a defensive wiz in Rex Ryan. After all is said and done, I think it'll be NY. TD chooses: New York Jets

There you have another week of Sporting Rants and Raves. Until next I write, happy sporting...