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By Dave Consolazio, April 16, 2007 10:11 pm

The Team: San Francisco Giants

The Kid: Tim Lincecum

In 2006, Lincecum pitched in a few different places. Most notably was his college, Washington.

He started 17 games for the Huskies and pitched 125 and a third innings, ending the season with a 12 – 4 record. He also had a microscopic ERA of 1.94. He also had a nation-best and Pac-10 record 199 strikeouts.

Oh, and I almost forgot! He won the Golden Spikes Award, which honors the best amateur baseball player in the country.

On April 18th, Lincecum faced off against the UCLA Bruins, and won the game 5 – 0.

He struck out 18 batters that night.

Later in 2006, Lincecum joined the Single-A Salem Keizer Volcanoes. He only pitched in 2 games for them, and he only pitched 4 innings. He allowed only 1 hit, and didn’t walk anyone. 10 of his 12 outs were strikeouts.

He was soon promoted to the Single-A-Advanced San Jose Giants. He started 6 games for them, and pitched 27 and two thirds innings.

ERA: 1.95
WHIP: (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched): 0.90
Strike Outs: 48

Now it’s 2007, and he’s pitching in Triple A Fresno. In 2 games, he is 2 – 0 with a 0.00 ERA, and he has struck out 17 in his 12 innings pitched.

Have I mentioned yet that he has a filthy array of pitches, including a curveball to compliment his high 90’s (and sometimes low 100’s) fastball?

As soon as San Francisco suffers an injury to their pitching staff, or as soon as one of their starters falters a little too much, Lincecum will find his spot in the bigs, and be this year’s Liriano/Verlander/Weaver.

Tick tock, tick tock. The wait is killing me.

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/baseball-prospect-lookout-name-you.html)

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By Dave Consolazio, April 15, 2007 4:02 pm

I’m not going to blog on how great Jackie Robinson was, and about what a pioneer of the game he was, and how he changed the face of professional sports forever.

The reason for that is, plenty of established writers have done that for you today. Go to http://www.mlb.com, http://cbs.sportsline.com, http://www.espn.com, or pretty much any major sports site, and you can read pages upon pages about this guy, including interviews from former teammates, people who were there during the time, etc. I can’t hold a candle to that.

And you SHOULD go read those pages and pages. The man is a legend and a hero. His ability to keep a level head through all the seething hate he had to face… the word “admirable” doesn’t come close. He was a damn fine ball player and a damn fine human being, too. If you don’t know his story… do yourself a favor and go read it.

What I’m going to blog about is how upset I am with all these rain delays. In a day and age where high-tech luxurious domes are the norm, I can’t figure out how this year seems to have a disproportional amount of games postponed due to rain, snow, and “cold”.

I’ve been mad about this for the last two weeks, but today it really infuriated me; and not just because it screwed over my fantasy team.

Every park was going to commemorate Jackie Robinson today. Today was supposed to be the day that we payed homage to him in 15 of the league’s ballparks. Unfortunately, 33.33% of those ballparks couldn’t join in, because the rain was coming down a little too hard in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh.

Is it anyone’s fault that mother nature decided to throw a temper tantrum today? Some might blame the scheduling committee for putting games in rainy cities. Al Gore might blame global warming.

I’m not blaming anyone… but it still irritates the life out of me.

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/jackie-robinson-day-ppd.html)

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By Dave Consolazio, April 14, 2007 11:58 am

I won’t blog about basketball very often, because the honest truth is that it isn’t my strong point. It is not a favorite sport of mine, and I’m not extremely knowledgeable about it. I hope to improve in that regard; get to know the players and the teams better over the next few years – but for now, blogging on something I know very little about just isn’t good for anyone. It’ll make me look like a buffoon (like I need help), and it will give you lackluster reading material. As such, I’ll only blog about basketball when it is actually (in my opinion at least) somewhat interesting information that I have some legitimate input on.

Because as I was checking baseball and hockey scores, I accidentally skimmed through the NBA scores; and saw that the Lakers had lost to the Suns (not surprising), the Clippers had beaten the Trailblazers (not surprising), and the Warriors had beaten the Kings (not surprising).

What was a little surprising, though, was that all three went the way they should have. Because even if the Lakers had an 80% chance of losing and the Clippers and Warriors had an 80% chance of winning (I’m just making these numbers up here to make a point), the odds of all three happening would be .80 X .80 X .80; .512, about a coin flip.

SO, heads is interesting playoff race, tails is uninteresting playoff race. Flip. Heads.

It is a VERY real possibility that these teams end in a 3 way tie for the 7th, 8th, and 9th spots in the west. Unlikely, sure, but not out of the question.

The 40 – 40 Lakers face Seattle at home, then head to Sacramento to close out their regular season. The Lakers couldn’t lose to Seattle if they tried. As for Sacramento, the Lakers absolutely should win that game too. But it is a division rival on a division rival’s home court, and as Kansas City Chief’s Herm Edwards coined and my brother loves to repeat, “You don’t play just to play.” Sacramento will be playing their hardest, and upsetting the ice-cold Lakers would not be one of the craziest things in sports history.

The 39 – 40 Warriors have games left at home against Minnesota and Dallas, and on the road against Portland. Yes, Warriors fans, I’ve heard a million times that you “match up well against Dallas. Your still going to lose that game. Minnesota and Portland are winnable games though, and would put the Warriors to 41 – 41.

The 39 – 40 Clippers have Sacramento, @Phoenix, and the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets to end their season. Much like the Warriors, they should lose their game to the superior opponent and beat the two inferior opponents. Guess what record that leaves them with?

Or, perhaps the Mavs and Suns rest starters, seeing as they don’t need these games and are already focusing on the playoffs, and the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers all win out the season; and all end up 42 – 40.

Either way, a 3 way tie is not too far fetched.

So who would make it in? Drum roll, please!

Lakers VS. Warriors: LAKERS get the tiebreaker, as they won the season series between the two teams 4 – 0 (think the Warriors want a few of those games back?)

Lakers VS. Clippers: LAKERS get the tiebreaker, season series tied at 2 – 2 , so it comes down to conference record, which the Lakers have better.

Warriors VS. Clippers: WARRIORS get the tiebreaker, season series tied at 2 – 2, and the Warriors have fared better in-conference.

So a 3 way tie would send the Clippers home golfing.

Where, of course, the Lakers and Warriors would join them in a few weeks when they get crushed by Dallas and Phoenix in the postseason.

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/nba-western-playoff-race.html)

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By Dave Consolazio, April 12, 2007 6:16 pm

I was reading on www.letsgokings.com, the awesome Los Angeles Kings message board that I frequent, that someone was arguing that the NHL playoff overtime system should be modified somehow, because it effects the entire series, and it is too mentally and physically draining on the players. I wasn’t going to comment, because I figured this guy must be one in a million.

Then tonight, during my sports show Platforum, one of the guests on the show used his final word – a segment dedicated to voicing your opinion on something important to you in the world of sports – to make the same point that I’d read earlier this morning. Something needs to be done to change this playoff system.

If two people feel this way, it probably isn’t a freak thing; there are actually people that feel this way! And this needs to be addressed!

The mental and physical fatigue effects both teams equally, because they both play the same long drawn out game! It is the team that can persevere – that can find the energy and adrenaline from their personal deepest depths – that come out on top when its all said and done. Giving your all when you’ve got nothing left to give is the stuff that champions are made of!

Look at how un-fulfilling the end of the World Cup was between France and Italy. It came down to penalty kicks. PENALTY KICKS to decide who is the best team in the world! Bartez, who is a small goalie and is terrible in the PK, didn’t stand a chance; and the World Cup was decided.

Am I advocating non-stop sudden death in soccer? Probably not, simply because the nature of the game is so much more low scoring. But maybe giving both teams breaks – such as the period system in hockey – might keep the teams fresh enough to decide a winner. But that is a whole different sport and argument for a different day.

The point is this; nothing in the world of sports comes CLOSE to the intensity of NHL playoff overtime. Even considering making a change – to 4 on 4, or to a shootout, or any other silly option that anyone could come up with; would be absurd.

While we’re at it, lets cut extra innings in baseball and decide a winner by a home run contest instead. And instead of overtime in basketball, lets switch to a slam dunk contest.

As for sudden death in pro football? That actually does need some work.

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/no-more-multiple-overtimes-in-playoffs.html)

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By Dave Consolazio, April 12, 2007 5:12 am

Playoff hockey certainly didn’t take long to impress, did it? One game featured an excellent defensive battle between the Wild and the Ducks in which the Ducks prevailed. The other 3 games each had 9 goals scored; but with a unique twist on each one. Ottawa handled the Penguins 6 – 3 and looked very good in doing so. Meanwhile, the game that I thought would take the crown as the game of the night for sure, San Jose and Nashville took a 4 – 4 tie into double overtime, where the Sharks finally got the tally to take game one. Not to be outdone, though, Vancouver and Dallas also took a 4 – 4 tie into OT… except they took FOUR periods to decide theirs when Vancouver netted the game winner and sent the home fans home happy. You don’t have a pulse if you don’t love this stuff.

The main notes I have from today’s action regard Jonathan Cheechoo and Marty Turco. To Cheechoo, I hope the injury he sustained in the knee-to-knee cheap shot isn’t serious; I’m not a Sharks fan by any stretch of the imagination, but you hate to see a series potentially decided by an injury. Look back to last year’s finals when Dwayne Roloson got injured for Edmonton. Losing a key player and than losing a series always leaves the question “what if…?” and I’m hoping that isn’t the case in this series.

Let’s also give credit where it is due; Marty Turco did a hell of a job keeping his team in the game for over 3 shutout periods of hockey. Does this cure his playoff woes? Not necessarily. But guys notorious for being choke-artists in the post season usually don’t make 33 straight saves in overtime. That being said, one of the only things more impressive than 51 saves over 6 and change periods of hockey is 72 saves over that span of time. Wow. You’re the man Roberto… but this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Lastly, before I get into the rest of my playoff preview, hats off to Comcast for web casting some of the games for free. I brought my laptop to class and was able to watch the third period and both overtimes of the San Jose / Nashville game, and I loved every minute of it. Check that out here: http://www.comcast.net/sports/nhl/hockeylive/

And now; the last 4 series of the 1st round.

THE EAST

#1 Buffalo Sabres VS. #8 New York Islanders

The Islanders added Ryan Smyth at the trade deadline, which gave them that extra little push they needed to beat the pack for the final playoff spot in the east. The real reason for the Islanders success, though, won’t even be a factor in this series; and that is Rick DiPietro. Playing like a guy worthy of a 15-year contract, DiPietro’s 2.58 GAA and .919 SV% don’t even tell the full story of how many games this guy kept them in. With DiPietro out with a head injury, goaltending duties will be left to Wade Dubielewicz, who has filled in admirably down the stretch. Still, despite the fact that the Islanders certainly have some players that can beat you, Buffalo is just too deep and too talented for this Islanders team. I think with a different first round match-up and with a healthy DiPietro between the pipes, this could have been a decent sleeper pick of a team; but not this year. Buffalo outclasses the competition and cruises into the next round.

BUFFALO IN 4.

#2. New Jersey Devils VS. #7 Tampa Bay Lightning

The 100 point 1 – 2 punch of Lecavlier and St. Louis will strike fear into anyone – even the goaltender that broke Bernie Parent’s record for most wins in a season this year. Arguably (and I’m one of those arguing in favor) the greatest goaltender of all time, Martin Brodeur will look to the lead the Devils on yet another run to the cup. And he’ll definitely get by this round. Not to take anything away from the Lightning, who certainly have a solid team, but goaltending wins championships. The Holmqvist (2.85 GAA, .893 SV%) / Denis (3.19, .883) connection just doesn’t hold a candle to Brodeur, and neither one of them has playoff experience. This Lightning team might make it interesting, but I anticipate the Devils taking care of business.

NEW JERSEY IN 6.

#3 Atlanta Thrashers VS. #6 New York Rangers

I like this Thrashers team a lot, but their special teams makes them a very risky pick. Despite the fact that they’ve got plenty of goal scorers and playmakers on this team, I just can’t ignore the fact that they are 23rd on the power play and 26th in penalty killing, compared to the Rangers, who are 8th on the power play and 12th on the penalty kill. Those numbers speak for themselves, especially in the playoffs, where special teams become even more pivotal. It wont surprise me at all to see Lehtonen get hot and the Thrashers to win this series; but I’ve got to take the popular upset pick and go with the well-balanced Rangers in this one.

NEW YORK IN 6

THE WEST

#1 Detroit Red Wings VS. #8 Calgary Flames

This game epitomizes just how tough the West is. The Calgary Flames have one of the top 5 goalies in the league in Miikka Kiprusoff, a deceptively solid offense, and one of my favorite defensive corps in the league, including the likes of Dion Phaneuf, Roman Hamrlik, Brad Stuart, and Robin Regehr. And yet, this team is an 8th seed, and a decided underdog. And rightfully so – the once offensively insane Red Wings (think Yzerman, Shanahan, Federov) can still put pucks in the net; but all of a sudden they play an excellent defensive game, too. And last year’s weakness between the pipes has been taken care of, as the ageless legend that is Dominick Hasek now leads the way. I do like the Red Wings to win this series and end their recent post-season woes; but I think it takes them the maximum amount of games to do it.

DETROIT IN 7

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/hockey-playoff-preview-part-2.html)

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By Dave Consolazio, April 11, 2007 12:24 am

With the NHL playoffs starting tomorrow, what better place to start than right here? Playoff hockey, even when no one but hockey fans are watching, is in my opinion the best that sports gets. All of the intensity, passion, and grace of the sport increases tenfold in the playoffs, and a hundredfold come the Stanley Cup Finals.

I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about sudden death overtime in the playoffs, where games are extended by periods, where a single goal swings a series. Words just don’t do justice. At least, I can’t. Should… have brought… a poet…

I’ll make this playoff preview a two-parter. Tonight I’ll break down the 4 series getting underway on Wednesday, and tomorrow night I’ll break down the 4 series getting underway Thursday.

THE WEST

#2 Anaheim Ducks VS. #7 Minnesota Wild

It is hard to say that I’m not biased here. As a diehard Kings fan, I hate the Ducks. Furthermore, at the beginning of the season, I put $5 on the Wild to win the cup when they were going off at 50 to 1, which would result in a $250 payday. It is hard to pick against a team like the Ducks – they are the total package. Their offense is strong, and their defense features two of the best players in the game. But I’ve got a gut feeling – and if you were to argue that it isn’t a gut feeling and it is probably just wishful thinking, I’d agree with you – that the Wild are going to win this series. The Wild have such a strong defensive mindset, they don’t take penalties (something the Ducks do), and they simply aren’t going to let the Ducks get into their comfortable brand of fast break hockey. The Wild also have a better offense then they get credit for. Call me crazy, but I’m taking the Wild in a big upset.

MINNESOTA IN 6.

#3 Vancouver Canucks VS. #6 Dallas Stars

Plenty of series come down to goaltending, but this one takes the cake. All eyes are on Marty Turco; the man who has become well known for being one of the league’s best all season long, only to choke come playoff time. The fact of the matter is this; Dallas is a better team than Vancouver. They are. The Canucks are where they are all thanks to Roberto Luongo. Don’t want to take anything away from the rest of the team, but this guy has been an absolute powerhouse. I have no doubt that he will continue to do so in these playoffs. But in a 7 game series, the better team wins more often than not. And if Turco can just exorcise his demons – or Tippet can go with Smith if Turco reverts to old struggles – I think the Stars will put last year’s disappointing postseason behind them and take this series. Can Turco pull it off?

DALLAS IN 6.

#4 Nashville Predators VS. #5 San Jose Sharks

Rarely do you get a match-up featuring for #1 goaltenders, but you’ve got it here, as both of these teams have two goalies that would be starters on most teams in the league. Both teams don’t get any weaker when you leave the crease, both boasting impressive defensive corps and powerhouse offenses. It really should be an excellent series to watch. The question really comes down to what reigns supreme; speed (Nashville) or toughness (San Jose)? Not saying that Nashville doesn’t have toughness or San Jose doesn’t have speed, but these two teams each have their forte. New NHL be damned, come playoffs, I’ll take grit over finesse every time.

SAN JOSE IN 7.

THE EAST

#4 Ottawa Senators VS. #5 Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens are the team that everyone is pulling for this year – and why not? They are chock full of young talent from the top of the roster to the bottom, with young ultra-superstar Sidney Crosby leading the way. I like this team as much as anyone, and would be less then surprised to see them make a splash in these playoffs. But the fact of the matter is, Ottawa has been to the playoffs consistently for the last few years, and have plenty of players on their roster that have playoff experience. Lack of experience; especially for young Marc-Andre Fleury, will lead to the Pens losing this series. Next year? Well, next year will just be scary.

OTTAWA IN 6.

In a non-playoff note, congrats to the Blackhawks on winning the lottery and stealing the #1 pick, as well as bouncing the Kings back to the 4th overall pick instead of the third. No, it isn’t bad enough that the year the Kings go into full rebuild is the year of one of the NHL’s weakest draft classes in a while. No… they had to go get screwed by the lottery, too. Being a bitter fan may not be professional, but neither is lying. And I’m a bitter fan.

(http://vegasdavesdime.blogspot.com/2007/04/hockey-playoff-preview-part-1.html)