Random Thoughts (April 29, 2008)

I know I promised an updated Mock Draft before Chris Berman and Mel Kiper Jr and Todd McShay and the rest of ESPN brought us 415 hours of draft coverage but I do have a valid excuse. I became engaged the previous weekend and the time to redo my mock never appeared. To be honest, I would have gone about 3-for-32 if I had attempted an update. Sadly, that would have been an upgrade over my 2-for-32 original mock draft (Jake Long to Miami and Darren McFadden to Oakland for those scoring at home). Anyways, I am happy with the selection of Jerod Mayo -- although I never doubt a Belichick/Pioli draft pick until proven to be a bust on the field, 3 Super Bowls and 4 AFC Championships give them the benefit of the doubt -- as well as third round pick Shawn Crable. It's funny how an 18-1 team -- that still should be considered a Top 10 team of all-time -- that lost only cornerback Asante Samuel is considered a question mark heading into 2008. I expect nothing less than a return to the Super Bowl with Tom Brady winning his fourth ring and third MVP trophy... No, I refuse to panic about the Celtics suddenly stunning turn for the worst in Atlanta. The Hawks -- starring Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Josh Childress -- remind me of the Dominique/Spud Webb/Kevin Willis Atlanta teams of the late 80s that were super athletic and scared C's fans everywhere until superior basketball ability put the Hawks inside the Gold Club a little earlier than they wanted. Doc Rivers knows how this story ends, C's in 6... Dirk Nowitzki for Carmelo Anthony and a future first round pick. This summer... Nice try Bruins, I'm not sold yet. Go get Marion Hossa and we'll talk... Top 5 for June's NBA Draft: Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, OJ Mayo and Eric Gordon... On the subject of panic, I refuse to get down on the Red Sox. The bullpen has been shaky and Big Papi still hasn't been Big Papi but this team has gone from the celebrations of October right on through a hellacious April. By June 1, the Sox should be rolling... Tampa Bay Rays, AL East Champions. 2011... Enjoy Lester v. Halladay tonight...