The Sports Truth

Okay, so we were 1-3 in our Division Series predictions. It happens to the best of them… and also to the Sports Truth staff. Here, the “experts” take a look inside the upcoming Championship Series matchups.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

DETROIT TIGERS (95-67, 3-1) vs. OAKLAND ATHLETICS (93-69, 3-0)

Why the Tigers will win: Because their pitching staff is lights out — even more so than Oakland’s — and their lineup is far superior. Detroit’s #4 starter, Nate Robertson, is a guy who can outperform Oakland’s Barry Zito. With Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman ready for Games 3 and 4 at Comerica Park, the Tigers can be confident in every pitching matchup. The Tiger ‘pen could start resembling the White Sox relief corps last year. Bored. This is certainly possible with everyone from Curtis Granderson to Carlos Guillen to Craig Monroe to Marcus Thames catching fire at some point.
Why the A’s will win: Because they have no business getting this far as it is, everyone counts them out, and they’re not intimidated by the odds. If you know anything about Oakland, you know what they think of conventional wisdom. Their seemingly rag-tag lineup gets big hits when they’re needed and their formidable pitching staff carries the load. Do you really count them out at this point after what they did to the Twins?
Key factors: Second basemen and catchers. Why? Other Tigers grab headlines, but Placido Polanco is a “glue” player. A solid hitter in the two-hole, one who hits .396 with RISP, and a terrific defender, the Dominican is often overlooked, but a guy that does all the little things and one this team can’t win without. When he was injured, they struggled. On the flip side, Oakland second baseman Mark Ellis is injured, leaving DeAngelo Jiminez to pick up the slack. Not good. Behind the plate, Ivan Rodriguez has led the Tigers’ resurgence ever since he signed a four-year, $40M deal after the 2003 season. A future Hall of Famer and veteran playoff performer, he’s dangerous in every at-bat and even more valuable than Oakland’s Jason Kendall, who’s indispensable in his own right.
Predicted outcome: What 19-31 skid to end the season? As much as the press loves to heap criticism on Alex Rodriguez and his Yankee teammates, the Division Series beating put on them by the Tigers is a testament to how solid Detroit is, not New York’s futility. Oakland has had a tremendous year and Billy Beane has been vindicated in every sense upon reaching his first ALCS. But Detroit is simply a superior team, top to bottom. Tigers 4, A’s 1.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (83-78, 3-1) vs. NEW YORK METS (97-65, 3-0)

Why the Cardinals will win: Um, Albert Pujols? There’s no reason St. Louis should be able to pull this series out, but with Phat Albert in the lineup, you can never be so sure. No other player in this series, or probably the major leagues, could have that said about him. For the Cards to prevail, a torrid Pujols would have to be accompanied by Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds and David Eckstein all playing — and playing extremely well. That could be a tall order, but it’s a necessary one, because they’re not going to shut the Mets’ offense down.
Why the Mets will win: Pedro who? The New York pitching staff held up fine in the NLDS against Los Angeles. These guys made the Dodgers look terrible with power, speed, timely hitting, serviceable stars and solid relief work. Hard to ask for more than that in a playoff series, but the Mets may have provided it. This is a club that plays with heart, emotion and has a darn good time — amazing for a team with so many high-priced veterans. Carlos Beltran is living up to his potential, Jose Reyes has given credence to all of the “most exciting player in baseball” hype, and Tom Glavine is still a gamer despite his inability to hit 90 on the radar gun.
Key factor: Chris Carpenter. He’s the Cardinals’ most effective pitcher by far, and how Tony LaRussa manages his starts (as well as how many he can get in) will influence how long St. Louis hangs in this thing. Also, don’t overlook the impact of broadcasters Joe Buck and Tim McCarver pulling hard for their beloved Cardinals.
Predicted outcome: The Sports Truth doubted the Mets once and won’t make that mistake again… at least not against a Cardinal team that we’re not sure should be in the NLCS. Give Tony LaRussa & Co. credit for toughing out the ALDS with San Diego, but they’re overmatched in this one, big time. Mets 4, Cardinals 1.

[Home team in CAPS. Spreads accurate as of Friday, 4:30 EST]

LAST WEEK: 7-7 SEASON: 29-29-2

INDIANAPOLIS (-18.5) over Tennessee
Remember our lesson from last week? Don’t be afraid of the big spread. Okay, so Indy didn’t cover last week, but our other big spreads were Dallas and Philly, who covered with ease. It’s also officially safe to call the Jets frisky or dangerous (at least to bettors). The same can’t be said of the Titans. Dallas put up 45 on them last week and would have covered an 18.5 spread. You can bet the house that Indy will.

N.Y. GIANTS (-4.5) over Washington
Sources close to the Giants say that their defense is absolutely porous, especially against the run, a specialty in Washington. But, a 4.5-point spread means Vegas doesn’t have a good feeling about this game, and our next lesson is that Vegas always knows what they’re talking about (even if, ironically, they’re admitting they don’t know — that means you don’t know either). When Vegas doesn’t know, go with the home team.

MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Detroit
Minnesota may have disappointed us last week, but anyone who’s been there knows that Buffalo is not a fun place to play, even in September. The Norsemen are back home in the dome of Minneapolis and should have no problem beating an inferior Lions team by a touchdown.

NEW ORLEANS (-6.5) over Tampa Bay
Do not over think this game. Just don’t. Yes, it’s New Orleans. Yes, they let a staggering Panthers team beat them last week. But, they’re not gonna keep the hapless Bucos in this game. Team Katrina is back home for Katrina Bowl II and coming off of a bad loss to Carolina. Don’t think “hey, New Orleans is giving a touchdown, what is Vegas thinking?” Vegas doesn’t see New Orleans, they see a good 3-1 team with a solid run defense. They also see a putrid Tampa Bay team that can’t throw it in the ocean (even from New Orleans).

GREEN BAY (+3) over St. Louis
Hardest game on the board. The days of “don’t bet against Brett Favre” are over, but does anyone want to bet against Brett Favre at home? Sure, the Eagles pounded the Packers last week, but they’re a good team. Are the Rams a good team? No one is sure yet (mostly ’cause of that loss to the 49ers). When in doubt, go with the home team getting points, especially in Lambeau Field.

(more…)

No pulsating intro music or pyrotechnics are necessary when the Sports Truth’s Starting Five takes the floor. Primarily because our budget won’t allot for such things. That would be so cool, though!

Every Friday, our panel of experts takes a current sports topic and sounds off on it — five times over. These guys have been researching constantly, poring over endless data and bouncing ideas off each other in preparation for this feature. Prepare to be amused, perplexed, enraged and maybe a little awed by their collective brilliance.

This Week’s Topic: NBA PRESEASON REPORT

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Which offseason transaction will have the greatest impact?

EVAN CHRISTOPHER: Obvious Answer: Ben Wallace to the Bulls. Right Answer: Charlie Villanueva (right) being traded to the Bucks. Watch out for Milwaukee to be the Bulls of two years ago — young, talented and hungry.

MICHAEL BRIAN: The Pacers re-acquiring Al Harrington is the first step in a multi-step program that has my favorite teams getting back people they never should have let go. Next up, Liriano returns to the Giants, followed by George Michael returning to team hetero. That guy could pull tons.

LEVI MATTHEWS: Isiah Thomas being named coach of the Knicks. Collective suicide by eight million New Yorkers is pretty significant impact, no?

LUCAS DWYER: It was just a re-signing and happened so long ago, most of us forget it, but LeBron staying with the Cavs created quite a few ripples. Not only was the deal monumental for the Cavs simply because they retained LeBron, but the structure of the contract actually changed Dwyane Wade’s deal. After hearing the smaller nature of LeBron’s contract, Wade changed his tune with Miami and asked for a similar deal. How many players can say that about their contract?

MICHAEL STEPHENS: How about the deals not signed by high school prospects at this year’s draft! That will solve the NBA’s problems right there. Not. Another great trade of late involved bullets from Stephen Jackson’s gun in exchange for the Pacers guard being smashed by a moving car. Great for the league’s image makeover.

2. How does the NBA changing its official ball rank in terms of stupidity compared to last season’s dress code implementation, and how will the new rock affect the quality of play?

LEVI MATTHEWS: It’s even more biased against African-Americans.

MICHAEL STEPHENS: They changed the ball? Unless the circumference is now smaller, enabling members of the New York Knicks to actually coax it through the basket, I don’t see this making much of a difference.

(more…)

[Cue The Pundit’s Patented Loud, Booming Voice, Pulsating Intro Music and Pyrotechnics]

4-0 this week! 15-5 for the year! To quote those Guinness commercials, “Brilliant!” The Pundit’s record stands for itself.

All you Pundit fans may now drink a Guinness in honor of thine omnipotence. All the nay-sayers can stick to the Beast Ice — including the creators of this third-class technological abomination (the Pundit’s unnecessary big word usage counter is still missing… the Pundit swears this site is designed by f@&%ing chimps).

[Cue the drum roll]

THE PUNDIT’S POWER FIVE

1. Ohio State. The Hawkeyes got plucked by Ohio State, 38-17, and again the Pundit looks like the man for getting the score pretty close. Sign of a trend this week?
Next week’s opponent: Bowling Green
Prediction: This game was scheduled to give the Buckeyes a break in the Big 10 grind. The Falcons might have had a shot with the QB they had this year, but the Buckeyes will leave another opponent featherless in Week 6. Ohio State by 28.

2. Auburn. Okay… This game came down to the final play, but realistically Auburn controlled it throughout, except for a few big plays. The Gamecocks get an A for effort, but are one season away from winning a game like this. It’s coming though, mark the Pundit’s words.
Next week’s Opponent: Arkansas
Prediction: The Razorbacks are 3-1, but have barely beaten a down ‘Bama, a traditional lightweight in Vanderbilt, and winless Utah State. Only a miracle effort by Arkansas wonder boy Mitch Mustaine will give them a chance. The Pundit expects Tommy Tuberville (pictured) and his Tigers to make a fine southern BBQ out of the Razorbacks. Tigers by 21.

3. West Virginia. The Mountaineers were idle last week. YAWN!
Next week’s opponent: Mississippi State
Prediction: The only chance that the bite-less Bulldogs have is that it is a home game and that they catch the Mountaineers sleeping after a bye week. One word describes Mississippi State this year: horrendous. The Pundit predicts 200 yards and 4 TDs for Steve Slaton of WVU.

(more…)

We live for this! Actually, we don’t, with the Red Sox out of it. But there are still four Division Series matchups taking place this week, and two of the Sports Truth’s venerable scribes are here to break them down for you.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

MINNESOTA TWINS (96-66) vs. OAKLAND ATHLETICS (93-69)

Why the Twins will win: During the majority of the ‘06 campaign for the Domers, they were carried by five superstars. They’ll have to make due with just four of those heroes in the postseason — Santana, Nathan, Mauer, and Morneau. However, those are arguably the game’s best players at their positions. Can anyone on the A’s make that claim? And let’s not discredit fine seasons put together by third baseman Michael Cuddyer and infielder Nick Punto, as well as the work their bullpen has done in front of Nathan. And veteran Torii Hunter is still roaming centerfield, like a cheetah.
Why the A’s will win: Whether it’s because MLB finally banned amphetamines along with steriods, or because the game is simply evolving, it’s quickly becoming a young players’ game and the A’s are loaded with them. Barry Zito might not put up the gawdy numbers of Santana, but if the A’s can escape Game 1 with a win, you have to like the A’s stable of young arms — Danny Haren, Joe Blanton, and Rich Harden — vs. Boof Bonzer, Brad Radke & Co. in Games 2-4.
Key factor: Whichever team hits better will win the series. It seems like common sense, but considering how solid each team’s pitching is, it may only take 1-2 runs to win a game. Think about it. If Zito goes 7 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 ER and the Twins win 1-0, it’s hard to blame Barry for losing that game for the A’s. In a series where every run counts, the team that can hit more HRs is going to win. The edge here goes to Oakland’s Frank Thomas (above), the biggest HR threat on either side.
Predicted outcome: If the Twins want to have a shot at winning, they’ve got to come away with Game 1. Otherwise, Thomas and the A’s take the series in five games.

NEW YORK YANKEES (97-65) vs. DETROIT TIGERS (95-67)

Why the Yankees will win: No matter what their fans tell you, besides Chien Ming-Wang (right), this Yankees team is going to win with offense, so they’ve got to hit to win. Against the young Tigers pitching staff, this shouldn’t be a problem for the veteran Yankees — even A-Rod. All Mussina, Wright, and Lidle have to do is not get annihilated; even 4 ER in 6 IP will do. The Yankees should easily out-hit that kind of offense from the Tigers.
Why the Tigers will win: Ever since 2000, the Yankees direction has been offense, offense, offense. World Championships? Zero. Call it the curse of the Giambino or whatever you want, but the Yankees are doing their best to prove that the 1996-2000 teams won with pitching by having a more talented offensive roster and NOT winning. The Tigers were the most superior pitching team in the AL this year by almost a half-run. The old adage is that young pitchers break down by October, so the Tigers must avoid that with Verlander and Bonderman. Kenny Rogers also must reverse his horrible post season pedigree (0-3, ERA 8.00+).
Key factor: Pitching supposedly wins championships, but the Sports Truth doesn’t see much pitching out of either side. The Yankees can’t pitch and we don’t see the Tigers being effective enough. Each game in the series will be a four-hour slugfest, so if either team gets even a mediocre outing from out of a starter, that should propel them to victory.
Predicted outcome: The Yankees get a solid Chien Ming-Wang start (7 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 3E R — he’s patented that pitching line) while Verlander gets rocked and the Tigers have to go to the bullpen early, affecting them for the rest of this short series. Yankees sweep.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SAN DIEGO PADRES (88-74) vs. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (83-78)

Why the Padres will win: Pitching. The Cards can potentially finagle two starts out of Chris Carpenter, but San Diego has four solid starters in Woody Williams, Chris Young, suddenly-surging staff ace Jake Peavy, and (I can’t believe I’m writing this) David Wells. With Cla Meredith and Trevor Hoffman anchoring the back of the bullpen, the Padres find ways to close out the close ones, which is obviously key in October.
Why the Cardinals will win: Albert Pujols. He alters games as much as one hitter can. I can see a 6-12, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB series line here. Veterans Scott Rolen and Jim “Listed as Questionable” Edmonds (pictured) must produce as well.
Key factor: Defense. An odd choice, but I have a gut feeling. This Cardinal team been real shaky down the stretch in all facets of the game, basically imploding in September on the road. The red-hot Padres field the ball as well as anybody. One or two key mistakes in the field can spell doom in the playoffs, and St. Louis is more likely to make them.
Predicted outcome: The Padres lack offensive punch, but their depth will win out over an underachieving St. Louis club that backed its way into the postseason. San Diego, 3-2.

NEW YORK METS (97-65) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (88-74)

Why the Mets will win: Nomar Garciaparra led L.A. in home runs and batting average, despite missing 40 games with phantom injuries. That tells you a lot about the Dodgers offense. New York has a far superior lineup. Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran are electric, Carlos Delgado is still nasty and future Hall of Famer David Wright is not someone you want to face. Ever.
Why the Dodgers will win: Pitching depth. No matter what Met fans say about how Pedro Martinez wasn’t great this season anyway, his loss kills them. At half strength, he’s a better option for them than some of the alternatives. L.A. has 16-game winners Derek Lowe and Brad Penny, a still-formidable Greg Maddux, rookie Chad Billingsley, and closer Takashi Saito (right), who’s been brilliant. That’s a good enough group to topple the Mets in a short series.
Key factor: Shea Stadium. Having been in control of the NL East since mid-April, the Mets will need their home field edge in suddenly pressure-packed games. Also, from a managerial standpoint, you have to give Willie Randolph the nod over Grady Little, and I refuse to get into why.
Predicted outcome: This goes against conventional wisdom, but I see L.A. stealing one of the first two in Shea, then having Maddux and Penny slam the door on the Mets in Games 3-4. The Dodgers went 9-1 down the home stretch to get here, while the Mets have been on cruise control and bring highly questionable starting pitching into the series. Steve Trachsel. Need I say more? L.A., 3-1.

Former major leaguer Jason Grimsley outed Roger Clemens and a number of Baltimore Orioles players, including shortstop Miguel Tejada (right), as steroid users in a sworn affidavit, the Los Angeles Times reports.

In June, federal agents searched Grimsley’s home after the pitcher admitted using human growth hormone, steroids and amphetamines. Grimsley was later released by the Arizona Diamondbacks and suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball.

In a 20-page affidavit signed by IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky, the Times reports, Grimsley identified other players who had used drugs. Those names were blacked out when the document was first released.

The agent for Clemens and Andy Pettitte, who was also named by Grimsley, denied the accusations. Grimsley reportedly told investigators Clemens and Pettitte “used athletic performance-enhancing drugs.”

Also on Jason’s new list were a trio of Baltimore Orioles — Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons (below). An Orioles spokeswoman said the club had not seen the report and had no comment. Two of the players implicated in the sworn testimony promptly shot back.

“What can I do? I spent one morning last year with Grimsley,” Tejada told the Baltimore Sun prior to the Orioles’ game against the Boston Red Sox. “I mean, I already got thrown under the bus with [Rafael Palmeiro]. No, I don’t worry about that… I know that I’ve never had a problem. I know that I’ve never used that and I know I am clean.”

Gibbons denied the claims and told The Sun he has passed every test administered by baseball.

“And I am not going to dignify these claims and accusations with any further response,” he said.

Grimsley has complained to friends, the Times said, that federal agents attributed statements to him that he did not make.

“I’m told he has denied saying all of this,” Randy Hendricks, Clemens’ and Pettitte’s agent, told The Associated Press on Saturday night. “It’s an agent’s recollection about a conversation he had about conjecture.”

Without hard evidence, i.e., failed tests, we may never know exactly who’s guilty of what. But if these accusations are accurate, Roger Maris is looking better by the day — and Baltimore is quickly emerging as baseball’s unofficial steroids hub.

Accusations already dogged Palmeiro, a likely Hall of Famer before last year’s positive test, as well as former All-Stars Brady Anderson (right, he of the dubious 50-homer season in ‘96) and Sammy “conveniently can’t speak English when under oath” Sosa.

Now Tejada, Roberts (he of the torrid ‘05 spring) and Gibbons (now ugly in more ways than one) are in the mix? Yikes. Does Peter Angelos throw free HGH injections into his contracts? Who’s next, Bruce Chen? Boo on you, Birds. Boo on you.

For the first time since 2002, the Boston Red Sox played the final days of the regular season as lame ducks. There’s no buzz, no playoff atmosphere at Fenway, only an air of resignation and apathy.

In ‘03 and ‘04, Boston closed out the year with the Wild Card all sewn up. A year ago, the Sox began the season-ending weekend with a chance at the AL East, the Wild Card, or losing out on both.

While Boston ended up losing the East to New York, despite the first-inning heroics of Manny Ramirez (right) and earning a third straight Wild Card berth after Cleveland imploded, a regular season weekend doesn’t get any more exciting than that.

Fast forward to this year’s meaningless finale against the Orioles. A list of injuries and weaknesses crippled Boston’s title hopes following the All-Star break, with a five-game sweep at the hands of New York serving as the coup de gras. Pride is all that’s left to play for.

This must be what it’s like to be a Pirates fan, although it’s the first time Boston has seen this in four years — as opposed to every year. It’s impossible not to feel down, but this year’s collapse has also given us perspective. Sox fans were remarkably fortunate from 2003-2005, and the team will likely contend again in 2007-2008. That’s more than most franchises could dream of. We’re spoiled.

I’ve long since stopped caring, but there was an exciting race in the B League… sorry, the National League. While it’s no comfort to to Boston fans, one can’t help but be amused at how many former Sox earned playoff spots yesterday in the NL West (also known as Red Sox West).

(more…)

The Sports Truth is proud to bring you The Weigh-In, in which we break down prospective matchups within the world of sports (and sometimes pop culture) that you may never have considered. Because they are pointless, and above all, not real.

Our latest edition is a showdown of stars past and present. One stars in the NBA. The other used to star on NBC. Who will emerge victorious when Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade squares off against Dwayne Wayne from the classic ’80s sitcom A Different World? Let’s take a look:

1. EDUCATION

Dwyane Wade: Attended Marquette, but sat out one season due to academic problems, then bolted early for the NBA Draft
Dwayne Wayne: Received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hillman College, went on to become Professor of Mathematics at the school
Edge: D-Wayne

2. NICKNAMES

Dwyane Wade: Flash, D-Wade
Dwayne Wayne: Um, Kadeem Hardison?
Edge: D-Wade

3. SIGNATURE LOOK

Dwyane Wade: Calm expression, custom converse sneaks named simply “The Wade”
Dwayne Wayne: Flip-up sunglasses, flat top ‘fro
Edge: D-Wayne

4. CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dwyane Wade: Led Marquette to Final Four, won NBA title and MVP honors with Miami Heat, all by age 24
Dwayne Wayne: Undetermined
Edge: D-Wade

5. DUBIOUS DISTINCTIONS

Dwyane Wade: In 2006, voted NBA’s Most Humble Player
Dwayne Wayne: In college, voted Most Likely to Be Stood Up
Edge: Even

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Dwyane Wade: Failed to win Gold at Olympics, World Championships
Dwayne Wayne: Only got one date with Denise Huxtable
Edge: D-Wayne

7. STREET CRED

Dwyane Wade: Guy can ball, sure, but he’s far too reserved and nice for thugs outside Miami-Dade County to rock his #3 (which he chose because it represents the Holy Trinity) en masse
Dwayne Wayne: Was surprisingly cool in his heyday (1987-1993)
Edge: Even

8. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dwyane Wade: Tithes 10 percent of his earnings to a church in Chicago
Dwayne Wayne: Was always a great friend, husband and mentor
Edge: D-Wade

9. MEMORABLE QUOTES

Dwyane Wade: [on Pat Riley's mentoring] “Coach put a challenge out there to be more active on defense, to be more aware. I know I’m a good defender, but at times, I take a rest. He challenged me not to take a rest.”
Dwayne Wayne: [on why women have it easy] “A butt pinch hurts a lot less then a bullet wound.”
Edge: D-Wayne

10. INFLUENCES

Dwyane Wade: His wife, Siohvaughn Funches; His daughter, Zaire Blessing; The literary classic, Pride and Prejudice. All of which, he says, helped him overcome obstacles, get out of his own way, appreciate life, and let love rule.
Dwayne Wayne: Col. Taylor, Whitley Gilbert, the cultural impact of the 1992 L.A. riots
Edge: D-Wade

THE VERDICT: For the first time in Weigh-In history… a tie! The action never waned (sorry) as D & D fought to an intense 5-5 draw. Alas, neither competitor joins Charles Barkley and Lawrence Taylor in the elite group of Weigh-In winners. But congrats to both of you guys on a great effort.

[Home team in CAPS. Spreads accurate as of Friday, 4:30 EST]

Indianapolis (-9) over N.Y. JETS
The Colts have been a gambling godsend over the past 2-3 years and anytime the spread is below two scores, you have to consider it. Even with the loss of Edge, this team can still score with ease (see 21 points vs. a very good Jacksonville defense) and they’re going up against a defense that gave up 150+ rushing yards to Willis McGahee. Joseph Addai certainly can’t wear McGahee’s shoes, but even he can amass 70 yards on the ground against the Jets defense which will keep them honest and allow Peyton Manning (right) to explode.

Minnesota (+1) over BUFFALO
A match up of seemingly similar teams — mediocre offense, good defense, little that’s special. Buffalo has the edge at RB, Minnesota the edge at QB. Which is more important? I think last week’s awful loss by the Bills gives us an indication.

San Diego (-2.5) over BALTIMORE
I’m not sold that San Diego is as good as everyone is hyping them up to be — if Marty tried his offensive strategy of not letting Rivers throw, ever, against a good team, they’d get whalloped. But when you need a miracle to defeat the Browns, you’re not beating the Chargers. This spread should definitely be over three points and the fact that this line has stood all week stuns me. Load up on S.D.

Dallas (-9.5) over TENNESSEE
Don’t be afraid of big spreads just because Vegas is. The gut reaction is to jump on the points thinking “T.O.’s a mess, how are the Cowboys gonna score?” Never forget that the Titans are awful. Awful. Is 21-10 out of the question? No way. I’m not sure the Titans will score 10 points.

SAN FRANCISCO (+7) over Kansas City
Probably the hardest game on the board to call. Herman Edwards and the Chiefs have shown nothing so far. The Niners, meanwhile, have discovered a running game and have life to them. The one thing you can count on in the NFL is that no team will be atrocious for more than 2-3 years (well, except the Matt Millen-led Lions). I think we’re looking at a 7-9 or 8-8 Niners team that you never want to bet against. I see them keeping this close, especially if they ever get the lead.

(more…)

No pulsating intro music or pyrotechnics are necessary when the Sports Truth’s Starting Five takes the floor. Primarily because our budget won’t allot for such things. That would be so cool, though!

Every Friday, our panel of experts takes a current sports topic and sounds off on it — five times over. These guys have been researching constantly, poring over endless data and bouncing ideas off each other in preparation for this feature. Prepare to be amused, perplexed, enraged and maybe a little awed by their collective brilliance.

This Week’s Topic: THE UPCOMING NHL SEASON

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. More ridiculous signing: Rick DiPietro for 15 years, or Terrell Owens for any period?

EVAN CHRISTOPHER: As I wrote earlier this month, signing Rick DiPietro for 15 years is like trying to commit suicide for more attention. Just stupid.

MICHAEL BRIAN: DiPietro, as his signing assumes that the NHL will last for 15 more years.

LEVI MATTHEWS: DiPietro. At least T.O. elicits controversy and puts fans in the seats. DiPetro elicits wasted space on SportsCenter for hockey news and puts his pants on one leg at a time.

JOEY BARGUY: Rick DiPietro. Because in five years the “Generation Y” kids will start entering the NHL — they’ll be dominate and replace the current flock. Just think, these kids have never experienced a world with the Soviet Union! Their short attention spans and sense of entitlement are perfect for goaltending.

LUCAS DWYER: As much as it “pains” me to not say Terrell Owens, the Islanders giving DiPietro a 15-year contract is organizational “suicide.” What if we discover DiPietro has a “drug” problem and “overdoses” on his narcotic of choice after this season and spends the next 14 years in rehab? Sure, it’s completely irrational, but when you sign a guy to a 15-year contract, you have to consider things like the player “lying” to you about particulars like that amongst a litany of other potential problems.

MICHAEL STEPHENS: T.O. While a 15-year deal is asinine, remember that an organization once chose to deactivate Owens, effectively placing him on paid leave rather than letting him suit up. If you’re going to do that, you might as well not sign him to begin with. Also, this week he may or may not have tried to kill himself. Dallas needs to take out a life insurance policy on this dude, pronto.

1a. [Bonus Trivia Question] What is the NHL salary cap for the 2006-07 season?

EVAN CHRISTOPHER: I refuse to look it up but I’ll guess $38M. Am I close?

MICHAEL BRIAN: This answer is easy to figure out. Take the NHL’s salary cap for the 2006-2007 season, cut it in half… and then double it.

JOEY BARGUY: $2.57/gallon.

(more…)