Random Thoughts (May 12, 2009)

The Cavaliers have been so impressive in advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals -- in sweeping the Pistons and Hawks they have won every game by double-digits -- that it is hard to imagine any team stopping them from winning the Larry O'Briwn trophy. I have said it many times but it looks like 2009 is going to be the "Year of LeBron." The man is unstoppable when he decides it is time to score but what makes him so tough to defend is his unselfishness. LeBron is so trusting of his teammates that he very rarely forces his own offense at the expense of an open man. Let's hope for the sake of professional sports in Cleveland that a championship (or two) before his free agency in 2010 will keep LeBron a Cavalier for life... The NHL is going to look very foolish if Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward can't play because of a fractured orbital bone and Hurricanes forward Scott Walker is allowed to play after sucker punching Ward. Ward was fined $2,500 by the NHL for the punch yesterday but it makes no sense that he will be allowed to play after throwing an unnecessary punch. The NHL suspended Rangers coach for one game in their first round series against the Capitals for an offensive remark towards the fans. The league also suspended Bruins forward Milan Lucic for one game in their opening round series against the Canadiens for a cross-check to the face of Maxim Lapierre. The NHL is being inconsistent with its discipline. I just hope that the Bruins are more concerned with beating the Hurricanes in Game 6 tonight than with exacting revenge on Walker... When Kevin Garnett's season ended, it was obvious that their would be no repeat of last year's championship for the Celtics. That doesn't mean that these playoffs have been any less exciting or that they have lacked importance to the franchise. The first round series with the Bulls was legendary, involving a record four overtime games and it went the distance to a seventh game. The Magic series is also looking like it will go to the full seven. These playoffs have also been a showcase for Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis. Rondo has emerged as a top level point guard, on par with the likes of Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Davis has also proved that he is a bona fide NBA player, someone who is capable of contributing to a championship team. With a healthy Garnett returning next fall to go along with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, and Davis, expect the C's to be right back in the hunt for Banner #18... I am excited for the beginning of the Daniel Bard era in the Red Sox bullpen. Bard is a flamethrowing righty who struck out half (29-of-58) the batters he faced in Triple-A this spring. Bard gives the Sox a power arm who can set-up or close on nights when Jonathan Papelbon isn't available. When John Smoltz eventually joins the rotation (hopefully by next month), the Sox will be able to return Justin Masterson to the bullpen, making it the biggest weapon in Terry Francona's arsenal... Enjoy Michael Ryder tonight...