Bye Bye, Kaberle

On the day defenseman Tomas Kaberle got a three-year deal from the Carolina Hurricanes, the Boston Bruins acquired defenseman Joe Corvo from those same Hurricanes in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft.

Kaberle’s deal averages $4.25 million per season, according to the Canes. Corvo stands to make $2.5 million this season (with a cap hit of $2.25 million) in the final year of a two-year deal.

The 34-year-old Corvo appeared in all 82 games for Carolina last season, registering 40 points on 29 assists and 11 goals.

The 33-year-old Kaberle had 47 points in 82 games last season, 9 of those points coming with the Bruins after being traded to Boston in February. 


- ESPNBoston.com


So the first signs of life after the Bruins Stanley Cup Championship are among us.  Tomas Kaberle is no longer a Boston Bruin.  It's a bit sad, yes.  But this is what happens to every team after it wins a championship.  It's what happens to every team after it doesn't win a championship.  Moves are made.  Players are lost and players are added.


Kaberle was a late addition to the Bruins this past year and he played his role quietly, yet effectively.  Must be nice to be traded to a team at the trading deadline, during the regular season, only to have that team end up winning it all.  Show up for a few months, play hard, leave with your name forever engraved on Lord Stanley's Cup.  


It sounds like Corvo will be a good addition to this team.  He's a rugged player who can play many minutes and play hard for those minutes.  He'll fit in with the "Big, Bad Bruins" mentality.  


We hope you enjoyed your time here in Boston, Tomas.  How could you not have?  Good luck in Carolina.  But better luck is wished to our newest addition to the pack, Joe Corvo.   

Nathan's "In"-Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

I'm confused by Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  Who are the real winners?  Does this Joey Chestnut guy, who recently won his 5th straight contest, go home feeling good about himself?  15,000 calories and 5 bottles of Extra Strength TUMS later, is Chestnut a happier man?  He gets his face and name all over ESPN the next day...that's kind of cool.  I'll give him that.  But on the other hand, the entire country just saw footage of him stuffing overwhelming amounts of processed meat into his mouth.  Not exactly a good reputation-builder.  He gets a trophy at the end.  Hey Joe, have fun explaining that one to your house guests when they ask what it is. "Oh...that's my trophy for being the most disgusting person to ever eat a hot dog."

Maybe I'm being too critical.  But I just don't think Chestnut understands the true spirit of the event.  The guy competing to the right of him had some sort of face paint mask going on.  The guy to the left of Chestnut was sporting a mohawk and a bandanna.  It's like these other guys are trying to entertain the crowd, but Chestnut is just in it for the glory.

Someone needs to tell him to relax.  I'd personally love to see him come back next year, pull out a fork and knife, tuck a napkin into his collar, and just start eating the hot dogs in a slow and polite manner.  The crowd would be stunned.  I'd think it was hilarious.  He already has 5 titles.  Everyone knows he's unstoppable with a hot dog and a glass of milk.  He needs to do something no one's expecting...that's how you become a legend.  That's how he gets his spot in the Nathan's Hall of Fame.

Mix It Up With Some World Cup Action

Besides the random MLS games that are on every once in a while, there is not much soccer to be found on television these days.  It makes sense, considering soccer is one of the less popular sports in the U.S.

But it's the world's most-played sport for a reason.  If you learn the rules of the game, the strategies, the dynamics, then soccer can be a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch.

My recommendation: take advantage of the Women's World Cup that is currently on ESPN for the next couple of weeks.  Watch a few games.  Try to learn how the game is played.  I know... there isn't a lot of scoring.  But there is constant action.  After some time, you'll start to appreciate the game and the emotion. 

The U.S. Women's team even has some Boston pride associated with it.  Five players - Kelley O'Hara, Amy LePeilbet, Lauren Cheney, Stephanie Cox, and Rachel Buehler - have played for the hometown  team, the Boston Breakers.  So support the country, support BeanTown, and support the under-appreciated sport of soccer.

A Defining Series

The Sox take on the Phillies this week in a series that will decide which team is truly the best in Major League baseball so far this season.  The Phils still maintain the best record in baseball at 50-30.  The Sox are right behind them at 45-53.

The Red Sox have been praised for their potent offensive attack, led by Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz. On the other hand, the Phillies have been successful through their overwhelmingly strong pitching staff that includes Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Cole Hamels. Baseball analysts have argued all season about which team is the ultimate power in the league.  The series this week will help answer some of those questions.

Unfortunately the Sox dropped the first meeting last night, 5-0.  Cliff Lee bedazzled the Sox by only allowing two hits on his way to a complete-game shutout.  But no fear...the Sox will be back with a vengeance tonight.  They understand what's at stake in this series.  Yes, it's only the mid-point of the season.  Yes, it's only inter-league play.  Yes, this series will mean nothing for either team after they've finished 162 games.  But right now, when reputations are on the line, it's very meaningful.

Lackey's on the mound tonight, and we need him to be AWESOME.  He could use a good game to win back the allegiance of many of his doubting fans. Fingers crossed.

Boston All Over The ESPYS - VOTE!

ESPN is holding the 2011 ESPY Awards on July 13th this year and Boston is very well represented in the nominations.  

Here's what's at stake for Boston:

- Tim Thomas has been nominated for BEST Championship Performance and BEST NHL PLayer. Is there even the slightest chance he doesn't win both?  I don't even need to hear the other nominations.  He's a shoo in.

- Ray Allen has been nominated for BEST Record-Breaking Performance.  I remember the game when Ray hit the threes to break the all-time record.  His reaction was priceless. I've only seen him more happy after winning his ring in 2008.  He deserves some recognition for that sweet stroke of his.   

- The Boston Bruins have been nominated for BEST Team.  With all of the momentum that the Stanley Cup Final brought to fans, it's going to hard for a team to beat the Bruins right now.  Especially since they're a team with no real stars or phenoms.  The Bruins define team.  

- Tom Brady has been nominated for BEST NFL Player.  He already won the MVP, right?  This decision has already been made.  Just give Brady the crown now, no one was better this year.  

The link to vote can be found HERE. 

Vote and support our favorite Boston teams and players!!

Say Hello To JaJuan Johnson

Take a good look at the Boston Celtics' first round draft pick, JaJuan Johnson.  Johnson is a 6' 10" forward/center from the Purdue Boilermakers.  I heard of this guy while watching March Madness this past year, but never realized how much of a force he was in the paint.

It's clear from this highlight video that Johnson has a lot of potential.  He reminds me of KG, hitting fade away shots in the paint with ease over his defenders, but also having the ability to hit the near-three point shot too.

I don't think it's possible for this kid to not become a great player with the likes of KG himself as a mentor during his rookie season, telling him all the tricks to succeed in the NBA.

Watch for great things next season - assuming he even gets a chance in a regular season game. Only time will tell...

Watch Out: Here Comes Rory

LONDON -- U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy is confident he can handle the pressure that comes with being considered the heir apparent to Tiger Woods.

Comparisons were made between McIlroy and Woods after the 22-year-old Northern Irishman swept to his first major victory in record-breaking style at Congressional on Sunday.

His status will undoubtedly soar as a result, but McIlroy said he'll try to stay grounded.

-From ESPN.com

Can you even imagine being Rory McIlroy right now? You wake up, roll out of bed, flip on SportsCenter, and hear John Anderson and Hannah Storm comparing you to one of the best golfers to ever hit the links.  

There's no denying Rory has talent; that is clear.  But what's clearer is his confidence.  This kid knows he's got enough talent to become the next face of the golf kingdom.  And there's nothing wrong with that! A little bit of confidence is refreshing in a sport that urges overwhelming humbleness (complimenting opponents on their shots and giving pointers at every free moment.)

It's part of why we love(d) Tiger. The fist pumps, the high fives with Stevie, and the raw emotion he brought to every round of golf he played was a significant movement for the sport.  It made golf more popular.  It made golf "cool."  It made it okay for middle-aged men to use animal driver headcovers.  

But are we ready for Rory yet?  Is the sport of golf ready to forget about Tiger and accept Rory as its new golf idol? I'm not so sure.  

I think we're going to see many epic battles between Tiger and Rory in the upcoming years. Mentor v. Apprentice style. Obi Wan v. Anakin.  Eventually Rory will come out on top, but not after earning it.

May the birdies be with you, Rory.