Random Thoughts (April 16, 2009)

The world of sports broadcasting has taken some major blows in the past few days. Harry Kalas, the legendary voice of the the Philadelphia Phillies and NFL Films, passed away at age 73 on Monday. John Madden, the Hall of Fame Coach of the Oakland Raiders and NFL analyst, retired this morning. I wonder if Madden may replace Kalas as the voice of NFL Films. Madden's voice is so well known from his broadcasting and also for being the name and sound behind the popular "Madden NFL Football" video game series that he could almost seamlessly fill the void left behind by Kalas... The Japanese national baseball team should be picking up at least a part of Daisuke Matsuzaka's salary this year. The Red Sox pitcher was the MVP of the World Baseball Classic for his homeland but because he pitched so many stressful innings in March -- a time when most pitchers are just beginning to get into game shape -- his arm is already tired. The Red Sox were forced to place Matsuzaka on the disabled list yesterday with fatigue in his pitching arm. I wonder how much money the Japanese team made from winning their second straight WBC title. I bet it's plenty to repay the Red Sox a little bit for the loss on their investment... My ability to assess and comment on the NHL is akin to W's failure to lead the United States (lack of information cripples us both in our stated goal) but here are my predictions for the NHL playoffs: EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND (1) Bruins over (8) Canadiens; (4) Penguins over (5) Flyers; (3) Devils over (6) Hurricanes; (7) Rangers over (2) Capitals SECOND ROUND (1) Bruins over (4) Penguins; (3) Devils over (7) Rangers FINALS (3) Devils over (1) Bruins WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND (8) Ducks over (1) Sharks; (5) Flames over (4) Blackhawks; (3) Canucks over (6) Blues; (2) Red Wings over (7) Blue Jackets SECOND ROUND (5) Flames over (8) Ducks; (2) Red Wings over (3) Canucks FINALS (2) Red Wings over (5) Flames STANLEY CUP FINALS Red Wings over Devils If you are a betting man, don't take this into consideration... Enjoy Milan Lucic tonight...