It Has Been TOO DAMN LONG Since I've Reported; Time To Get Back On Track!!!

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It's been over a month since I last wrote an article for Pat's Sports Journal and I am rather disappointed that I haven't been able to report on any of the great happenings this baseball season. I thoroughly apologize for the long delay, here is a brief rundown of how my summer is going...

#1- Unfortunately things at Southcoast Sports Jam on 1480 WSAR-AM in Somerset, MA didn't work out. Things were going rather well with the program, and I was really starting to get a feel of what it takes to be an on-air personality. However, due to increased living costs I could no longer volunteer at the station and assist Mike 'The Hurricane' Herren. There really isn't any single person to blame for not being able to be hired part-time, so don't think I am throwing anyone under the bus. I do greatly appreciate the experience Mike allowed me to gain while working at the station, however nowadays it is IMPOSSIBLE to work for free. And unfortunately, WSAR could not afford to hire me on a part-time basis. So that is that.

#2- I am no longer a co-host for Southcoast Sports Jam however, I am looking into jumpstarting my OWN sports radio program at 99.1 WUMD-FM, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth radio station. This September I will be taking a special training class to become certified in operating a switchboard for the UMD radio station. Stay tuned for more information as development is still in its infancy stages. However, please feel free to e-mail me any suggestions for the show, as they are greatly appreciated.

#3- I recently started a new part-time job at the Cardoza's Wine,Spirits & Food Emporium on State Road in N. Dartmouth, MA. So far after roughly a month of working there, I am enjoying the job thoroughly. The friendly work atmosphere is great, but what is even greater is the excellent customer service we have to offer to our appreciative customers. If you are looking for a quick one-stop, liquor & food shop, then Cardoza's is the place to go.

#4- The 2008 Fantasy Baseball Season is in full-swing and I am currently placed 4th in the league that I am in, where my top-performing players include: Outfielder's Grady Sizemore, Willy Taveras & Jason Bay; First Basemen Adrian Gonzalez & Albert Pujols; and Pitchers Mariano Rivera, Rich Harden & Aaron Cook. With 4 weeks left in the fantasy baseball season, playoff spots are still up for grabs as the top 6 teams will advance to the playoffs.

#5- The MLB Trade Deadline is a little over 48 hours away and there have been lots of discussions lately involving Red Sox LF Manny Ramirez. Let's get one thing straight, Manny isn't going ANYWHERE. No single team in baseball is willing to take on his contract, or his clubhouse antics for that matter. Teams that can afford his contract are quoting his antics as the biggest reason why they will not take the risk on the slugger.

However, I do agree with what John Kruk said yesterday morning on ESPN's Baseball Today. Kruk believes the Red Sox should look into acquiring Phillies OF Pat Burrell in exchange for Manny. Burrell is a former #1 pick and a five-tool-player who can swing a big bat. In my own opinion Burrell is very comparable to Yankees OF Bobby Abreu (a former Phillie). Burrell could deliver a similar jump-start that the Yankees received when acquiring Abreu before the trade deadline in 2006, in addition he would also give the Red Sox a solid 3-hole batter to protect DH David Ortiz, in the absence of Manny.


Well that's all for now, keep checking back for more updates!
(THIS TIME I MEAN IT =P )

NBA Finals Game 1 Predictions: Lakers @ Celtics 9:00pm (ABC)

So here we are less than 2 hours from the tip-off of Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals, and the historic rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers is about to open up a new chapter. Tonight we will bear witness to a long anticipated NBA Finals match-up between these two teams and it should make for some exciting basketball.

The last time these two teams were pitted against each other in an NBA Final I was about to be born, a long 21 years ago this upcoming June 11th. The old 80s player rivalries of Bird vs. Magic, McHale vs. Rambis and Parrish vs. Jabaar when I was born, have been re-made for the 2000s in the form of Garnett vs. Gasol, Pierce vs. Radmanovic and Bryant vs. Allen. These new rivalries will hopefully live up to those of Celtics/Lakers past.

There is, of course, another rivalry brewing in this series which involves former Celtics coach Red Auerbach and current Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Jackson is on the verge of surpassing Auerbach's current coaching record of 9 NBA Championships (Auerbach was however, the "architect" of all 16 of the Celtics championships.) Jackson had 6 NBA Championships while coaching the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and has 3 NBA Championships coaching the Lakers.

As you may know, Auerbach recently died just before this season began and the Celtics dedicated the 2008 season in his memory. I am sure the Celtics players are aware of what Jackson could accomplish by winning a 10th championship, and I am positive they will not let Jackson win that 10th championship...at least this year against THIS team.

The Lakers and Celtics have combined for 30 NBA Championships (16 for the Celtics/14 for the Lakers.) The Celtics currently hold the NBA record for most championships however the Lakers are not far behind. This series is not only the start of a new chapter in the history of the historic franchise but it is also a last shot for the Celtics to re-establish themselves as the best franchise in NBA history of all time. You can argue however you want, but the Celtics have the most rings and numbers don't lie.

I believe tonight the Celtics will dominate the Lakers, not just as a fan but as an analyst. They have such tremendous energy playing on their home court that they are nearly invincible, as we have witnessed throughout the 2008 playoffs. The Celtics are going to outright outphysical the Lakers to every loose ball, which will eventually pave the way to Game 1 victory.

GAME PREDICTIONS
Halftime score: 46-42 Celtics by 4
Final Score: 93-88 Celtics by 5
Vegas Odds Celtics -2.5;Lakers +2.5 (+/- 192)

Check back Sunday for my NBA Finals Game 2 Predictions right here @ Pat's Sports Journal!

'Big 3' too much for the Cavs, win Game 2 89-73

The Boston Celtics annihilated the Cleveland Cavaliers last night 89-73, to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics limited Cavaliers superstar LeBron James to 21 points,(He shot 6-24 from the field!). And the 'Big 3' did their part to give the Celtics the early 2 game lead in the series, combining for 48 points in the victory (Pierce- 19,Garnett-13,Allen-16.)

The Celtics defense has kept LeBron in check the entire series, although he has attempted 42 shots in the series thus far, he's only hit 8 shots! He is shooting a dismal 19% from the field in the series and has been ineffective in his play thus far.

The Celtics know that LeBron can eventually break-out, Celtics G/F Paul Pierce made the following comments about LeBron's inability to hit shots:

"I'm a little shocked that he's 8-for-42, but this is what we work on. We work on trying to contain him, LeBron is what makes them go. And if we can somehow control him, we control their team. And with the help of the guys around me, we've been able to do that."

Boston is well aware of how LeBron took over last years Eastern Conference Finals series against the Detroit Pistons, which the Cavaliers eventually won 4-2, despite being down 0-2 early in the series. In Game 4 of that series, LeBron scored 42 points and was unstoppable.

When asked about the situation LeBron said: "We've been in this situation before. I've got to let them (his teammates) know I'm not frustrated."

LeBron's frustrations however, appear evident considering he is such a great athlete and that he is the key to the Cavaliers recent success. Considering he puts so much on his shoulders for the organization, for LeBron to say he is not frustrated is a flat-out LIE!

The Boston crowd taunted LeBron with chants of "OVER-RATED!", throughout the game. And so far this series that appears to be the truth. However, let's not speak too soon WE ALL KNOW WHAT LEBRON IS CAPABLE OF.

Yes, that is Tyler Hansborough Jumping Off a Building!

This image of Tyler Hansborough leaping off the second floor balcony of a frat house in Chapel Hill, NC (aka University of North Carolina, surfaced earlier this week. UNC's reigning Player of the Year took the dive along with Tar Heels point guard Bobby Frasor. As you can see this was your typical college party, equipped with "onlookers" chugging beers and taking photographs of their star forward taking a career risking leap.

This might bring concerns to Hansborough's offseason conduct, especially if he intends on entering the NBA Draft next season. Hansborough is highly touted because of the amount of energy and emotion he plays with. He is by far one of the most athletic people in the NCAA.

Could you honestly blame the star forward for acting in such fashion? Obviously it is the offseason, but then again HE IS JUMPING OFF A GODDAMN 2-STORY BUILDING! On top of it all the pool does not appear to be deep enough to hold the 6'9" frame of UNC's acclaimed "Psycho T".

Obviously if he were merely enjoying himself at the party, let's say drinking some beers while surrounded by hot college babes, and not jumping off balcony's, I am sure the media would still be criticizing this young man for his conduct.

The way I see it, he didn't get hurt (or arrested for that matter), than why worry? I am sure after seeing the amount of attention he is getting, he will smarten up and stop risking career-ending injuries. We could "what if?" all day about the injuries he could have sustained , but Hansborough is still in good health and enjoying the offseason like a typical college athlete should.

Being a college student myself, I am well aware of the amount of pressure he has been under the past few weeks. Obviously my recent college workload can't compare to Hansborough's.

For example, he just got blown away in the 2008 Final Four by Kansas, who went on to win the championship. Then he had to return home for classes, make-up whatever work he missed then prepare for final exams! If the man wants to take a wild dip in the pool let 'em! He's not even getting paid...yet ;)

What a Great Time to be a New England Sports Fan

Nothing is better than playoff basketball, playoff hockey and the MLB season getting underway here in the sports "hub" of the country.

As I sit here and watch the Celtics play their first playoff game with the "Big 3" I think of all the smiling faces I saw today. All the loyal Bruins and Celtics fans dawning their gear in hopes of each time winning their respective championship. If in fact the Celtics and Bruins do win their respective championships, they would make Boston the Undisputed Heavyweight Sports Capital of the World.

What other city can say they have swept the 4 major sports championships in a single year? (Major Sports - hockey,baseball,football,basketball) Or 3 for that matter? Considering, the Patriots blew the Super Bowl, and the chances of a sweep.

However, I cannot recall a city that has even won 3 of the major sports championships in a single season, and the Boston Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox have a chance to do just that. IF in fact it does happen, the people of Boston are sure to go crazy. Imagine the scene, a dual Bruins/Celtics Championship parade!?

The Bruins seem unstoppable offensively, their young forwards will not be denied scoring opportunities, even against the Montreal Canadiens stingy defense and sensational rookie goaltender. After last night's crucial Game 6 victory at the TD Banknorth Garden, the Bruins have all the momentum heading into tomorrow night's Game 7 showdown in Montreal. It's win or go home, with a victory the Bruins would advance in the playoffs for the first time since the 1998-199 season.

The Bruins avoided elimination for the second straight game behind Phil Kessel's offensive burst, he scored two key goals in the game. His second goal was a great set-up by Marco Sturm, he lifted the puck beautifully over Canadiens G Carey Price's right shoulder to put the Bruins ahead 4-3 late in the 3rd period. Although the Bruins would eventually forfeit the lead :11 seconds later

Kessel split the defense and deked out Price wonderfully for his first goal. He popped another quick snapshot over Price's left shoulder to tie the game 1-1.
After a rather quiet 1st period Kessel's first goal gave the Bruins hope for a Game 7.

As for the Boston Celtics, what more can you say? They are clearly the best team in the NBA. They have proven they can take on all-comers, and can handle the Western Conference biggest threats, the L.A. Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns. As I am reporting the Celtics are currently manhandling the Atlanta Hawks in the 3rd quarter of Game 1 71-55, and there appears to be no chance in hell for the Hawks to come up with a victory. The Celtics are simply too much for the young, inexperienced Hawks roster. The Celtics seem to be well on there way to the next round of the NBA Finals.

Hope of Sports Championship Glory still floats in Boston. It all comes down to that crucial Game 7 tomorrow night for the Boston Bruins against that all too familiar foe Montreal Canadien squad.

Point to Ponder:After finishing the season 0-12 against the Canadiens the Bruins only victories against the Canadiens since January 2007 have been during this playoff series.

BIG CHANGES

Big changes here on my website, I hope everyone likes the new color scheme.As you all know I am working with Mike "the Hurricane" Herren host Southcoast Sports Jam weeknights from 6:30-9pm on Southern New Englands #1 Sports Radio Station 1480 WSAR! Within the next week or so I hope to get everything rearranged so I can incorporate the show's daily topics and other antics of the day. I really enjoy your patience over this LONG hiatus from writing. Once everything gets together I promise it will be worth while! :)

As for the nickname, it was a close battle but "Patman" legged it out by a hair. Thanks to all who voted. For the record, this nickname was not submitted by anyone particularly so therefore no prize will be given out! Boy am I glad to save some $$! :P

Keep in mind there is a possibility that this site's contents could be moved soon. I am considering registering a .us domain so I can create and edit multiple webpages using software I have become familiar with over the past few months. The entire address of the website would therefore change, the new site could be strictly for Southcoast Sports Jam, I would try to develop personal webpages, external links, contact information and other neat things.

Currently, to my knowledge, blogger does not allow users to edit their "FTP" accounts, therefore the software I have been trying to use to edit my webpage has failed.

For a great sample of a website that I am looking to "re-create" you can visit www.harrisoncenter.us, this was a website designed by my professor for my web design class. (I plan on using a lot more graphics than my professor did for his website but you get the idea of multiple pages)

Anyhow thanks again and please keep updated!

Kudos!
Patrick Viveiros

VOTE PROLONGED UNTIL SATURDAY!

Yes that is right because of the fact that I did not receive my "quota" of 100 votes for my nickname poll I have decided to keep the polls open until this Saturday at midnight.

I am SHOCKED that 347 people have visited my blog since I began this poll, yet only 47 of them voted! Come on people that is ABSURD!

I know I have not been blogging lately but I have my excuses, I am hoping to get everything straightened out at the radio station so I can re-start my blogging, I am sure you all miss me! Anyhow I hope to be back soon!

UNTIL THEN YOU CAN CATCH ME ON AIR MONDAY-FRIDAY @ 6:30pm ON AM-1480 WSAR's "SOUTHCOAST SPORTS JAM" w/ Mike "the Hurricane" Herren and yours truly Patrick "the ???" Viveiros


THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Patrick Viveiros