A bit of everything

It's been an exciting last couple of days and the reason I haven't blogged is because I was in Morgantown with no access to the Internet. I was there to make a big purchase. I can't say I made the purchase on my own because it's a joint effort and it's that kind of cooperation that makes me and Trista's relationship work so well. But stay tuned for more information.

I have a few other things on my mind though, and I'll just list them in stream of consciousness style.

I'm watching the DII semifinals right now and this Xaiver Omon for Northwest Missouri State is a really nice player. He just went 98 yards for his fourth TD of the game. I'm happy to say that I called this upset. I'm cheering hard against Grand Valley, which doesn't make much sense considering the Lakers play in the same conference as my current employer, Mercyhurst. But in our conference, Grand Valley wins everything and I'm sick of it. Time for someone new. I really wish that someone new would have been California (Pa.). It's an old PSAC West rival of Shippensburg (where I spent the last two years) and I am friendly with their sports information director. Mercyhurst is moving into the PSAC next year, so it would have been nice to have the defending national champ not only in our conference but in the division. Unfortunately, Cal was bumped out by a Valdosta State rally. I love college football playoffs. Hint, hint.

The Celtics are 17-2 and I'm absolutely giddy about it. I knew this team would be good but I was thinking like 50-32 good. But if they stay on pace, the C's could possibly be 73-9 at season's end. Now, they aren't going to do that. But 60 wins would be amazing to me after winning all of 23 games a year ago. Kevin Garnett's stats aren't what they used to be but he's such a great leader. Just his presence on the team has made this team what it is. Also, Paul Pierce has been under appreciated for a long time. Without any help, he's gone to the conference finals and to several playoffs. Now, with some help, he looks like an MVP. The great thing, though, about this team is that Pierce, like tonight, can have an off night and they can still win easily. Rondo is really coming on as a player. He just needs the confidence to keep shooting.

I love the baseball hot stove league. I'm on mlbtraderumors.com all the time to see if my Reds are going to make any moves. So far, it's been pretty quiet other than a huge closer signing. I'm not a huge fan of four years to Mr. Cordero but if he improves the team by 10-12 wins for the next four years, which I think he can, it'll be worth it. I heard the Reds were in the running for Dontrelle Willis. I'm really glad they didn't land him. He's really overrated as a pitcher and isn't nearly as effective as he was his first couple of years in the league. I also like that the Reds are getting involved in talks for Erik Bedard. He's 28 years old, entering his prime and has had an ERA down around 3.00 for the last couple of years. With Bedard, Harang and Arroyo at the top, look out. I've also heard the names of Brett Tomko, David Wells and Jon Leiber tossed about. David Wells? This isn't 1995. Tomko and Leiber I can deal with ONLY if the team lands Bedard.

What really disturbs me about the Reds' offseason is the talk of moving Josh Hamilton. He's really been shopped around. This is a guy, while being very injury plagued, showed tremendous ability at the plate and was easily the team's best outfielder. Not only that, but he was a great story and great PR for the Reds when they really needed great PR. I'm afraid trading him, unless it was in a package for Bedard, would cause fans to riot. The ONLY way I would consider trading Hamilton is if I knew that he was not going to ever put together a full season because of injury problems, or if Jay Bruce was going to be the opening day starter in right field. That's it. The only way. As for moving Homer Bailey and Joey Votto...I'm not crazy about it. It's been so long since Cincinnati has had legit prospects come up through the minors, you'd like to see a lineup of Norris Hopper, Jeff Keppinger, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Hamilton and then fill in the blanks. It would be rewarding for the organization to see all the homegrown talent.

The package I heard for Bedard was Bailey, Votto and Johnny Cueto. There's no chance I move both pitchers. After watching Bailey last year, I think Cueto has a shot to be better. At his best, Bailey can probably be as good as Bedard and Votto probably won't be an all-star but he'll be very good. Two can go, but not all three.

Really, though. Hamilton has to stay. A 2009 outfield of Dunn, Hamilton and Bruce (can I dream of not having Dunn?) would make me giggle like a school girl.