Durzblog

yes I am still sucking at the ole blog, sorry for that (and deal):

here is what I am watching and thinking of late.

French
Please let this be the year for Roger -- on this surface it would be a big surprise if it happens for the best tennis player of all time. Will he feel that pain of Pete Sampras forever? For world no. 2 Rafael Nadal it has been a nearly flawless clay-court season leading up to Roland Garros. If Nadal slips up Fed and Novak Djokovic will be chomping at the bit. Paris will say good bye to one of their favorites this week as Guga Kuerten, the three time champion, will bid fairwell. On the women's side keep your eye out for American Ashley Harkleroad...


Nats
Big couple of weeks for the Red, White and Blue as they prepare for South Africa 2010 qualifying. The schedule for the USMNT over the next few weeks offers the toughest series of friendlies in US history. The Yanks get things going this afternoon as they square off with a powerful English squad at Wembley, a tilt against Spain in Santander will follow on June 4, with a home game against Argentina on June 8, all this leading up to the World Cup qualifying series against Barbados one week later. Despite what someone like Ives Galarcep (Lando and Beasley playing for England! outrageous) has to stay, the US are in over their heads talent wise with clubs like England and Spain and will need to remain organized and poised to compete. Onyewu and Cherundolo will be the keys for the Americans over the next few weeks.

Association
The NBA games are getting better and more watchable, but I am just making a stand here. I don't know what I will do if its the Lakers and Celts, thats a no win situation. I am passionate about my Celtic hatred (not for the current crop of guys, but my feeling for the likes of Heinsohn and McKale will never die) and Kobe Bryant is just a total jerk. Even though I am hoping Detroit makes the final, the better watch would be Boston/LA.

Diamond
So the leaders in the East are Florida and Tampa, payrolls combined for both teams is less than Santana and A-Rod combined. I'm just saying. My heartburn boys, the Phils are hitting their way into both the NL East and WC battles. They love to just hang around the .5 to 2 games out mark, yes they do. Good to see Omar get a grip and say Willie is safe, even if its just for a week or so. Hopefully the distractions will cease so that poor Carlos Beltran can go back to earning his 17 mil per year salary. Poor guy. Joba looks to be getting the nod very soon for the desperate for pitching pinstripes -- let the second guessing begin.

Burnt ends
Good to see the Big Easy decide to play at the Memorial this weekend; with Tiger already out, Vijay now hurt and Adam Scott simply not playing, it is good to see 7 of the world's top 10 pay Jack the respect of playing in his tournament...In case you all have somehow missed it, the Stanley Cup playoffs are coming to an end, Detroit looks about ready to put and end to the Penguins Cup run (or dive) -- sadly its getting about as much fanfare as the WNBA...Can my v-ball team (Alpha Kenny Buddy) maintain its perch atop the Long Beach Volleyball circuit and remain the talk of the town? -- we'll find out tomorrow night...Lastly there is little going on in Huskyville, but Ater's LOI is in...Borges at the NH Reg has a few more items as well, its a good spot if you are really jonesing for some news out of Storrs...

Late